EP3572188B1 - Manual forceps tool - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

• Kabelschuhe nach DIN 4623,
• Aluminiumverbinder nach DIN 46329
• Aluminium-Presskabelschuhe nach DIN 48201
• Quetschkabelschuhe nach DIN 46234,
• Stiftkabelschuhe nach DIN 46230 oder
• Verbinder, Stecker oder Kabelschuhe für eine Verbindung mit einem Kabel oder Leiter, wie diese in dem Produktkatalog der WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik "Werkzeuge für die professionelle Anwendung" mit der Veröffentlichungs-Nr. 10/11 beschrieben sind,

vercrimpt werden.The invention relates to a manual pliers tool in which the force of the pliers is generated at least partially and preferably completely by hand force. The pliers tool is, in particular, crimping pliers. Crimping pliers can be used to manually operate hand levers to press or crimp a workpiece. Here, crimping pliers are used in particular to establish a permanent mechanical connection and electrical contact. This is preferably done by crimping a plug with a cable or an electrical conductor of any type. Depending on the die profile used, different crimping processes can be carried out with the crimping pliers. For example, it can be a closed crimp, in which the conductor is inserted into a closed crimping zone of a plug or into a closed sleeve and is crimped by plastic deformation of the crimping zone or the sleeve. It is also possible, however, to produce an open crimp in which the plug has an open crimp zone into which the conductor can be inserted from above. To name just a few examples that do not limit the invention, the crimping tool relevant here

• Cable lugs according to DIN 4623,
• Aluminum connector according to DIN 46329
• Aluminum compression cable lugs according to DIN 48201
• Crimp cable lugs according to DIN 46234,
• Pin cable lugs according to DIN 46230 or
• Connectors, plugs or cable lugs for a connection with a cable or conductor, like those in the product catalog of WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik "Tools for professional use" with the publication no. 10/11 are described,

be crimped.

The crimp produced for a closed crimp can be, for example, a hexagonal or hexagonal crimp, a square crimp, a B crimp, a trapezoid crimp, a modified trapezoid crimp, an oval crimp, a mandrel crimp or a two-mandrel crimp. An open crimp can be designed, for example, as a V crimp or B crimp, as a roll crimp or as a double roll crimp.

• zur Ausgestaltung einer gattungsgemäßen Crimpzange,
• zu möglichen Einsatzbereichen der gattungsgemäßen Crimpzange und/oder
• zu unterschiedlichen möglichen Typen von Crimpverbindungen, welche mittels der gattungsgemäßen Crimpzange hergestellt werden können, wird auf das Werk
• " Crimptechnik, Herstellung prozesssicherer Verbindungen von elektrischen Leitern und Steckern" der WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik, Die Bibliothek der Technik 342, Verlag Moderne Industrie, ISBN 978-3-68236-027-7

verwiesen.In addition to establishing the electrical connection between the cable or conductor and plug, a mechanical connection can be established by means of a so-called insulation crimp. A closed insulation crimp or an open insulation crimp (in particular V crimp or B crimp, O crimp or OV crimp) can be used here. For more information

• to design a generic crimping tool,
• on possible areas of application of the generic crimping tool and / or
• to different possible types of crimp connections, which can be produced by means of the generic crimping pliers, is on the work
• " Crimping technology, production of reliable connections of electrical conductors and plugs "of WEZAG GmbH tool factory, Die Bibliothek der Technik 342, Verlag Moderne Industrie, ISBN 978-3-68236-027-7

referenced.

In recent years, manual pliers tools have increasingly been equipped with electronic units, by means of which additional functions (such as monitoring of a pliers or crimping force, a working stroke of pliers jaws or an evaluation of the execution of a work process with the pliers tool) are to be provided.

The invention also includes a pliers tool in which an actuating force applied by a hand of a user to the hand lever is supported or reinforced by a drive, in particular an electric drive, so that the pliers or crimping force is increased from the sum of the actuating force and the force of a drive (possibly with a translation of the actuating force and / or the force of the drive by a drive mechanism). In this case, the amount of the pliers or crimping force and / or the force of the drive is controlled by the actuating force applied by the user.

STATE OF THE ART

The website www.rennsteig.com offers four-pin crimping pliers labeled "MicroCrimp", which are used to crimp turned pin or socket contacts. Infeed of the crimping mandrels can be set in steps of 0.01 mm. The basic setting can be checked using a plug gauge. A variant of these four-pin crimping pliers is offered under the designation "DigiCrimp". This variant has an electronic unit which enables electronic wear monitoring with a warning function and the calling up of various setting functions. In order to enable the electrical and electronic components of the electronic assembly to be accommodated between the cover plates of a fixed pliers part of the four-pin crimping pliers, the cover plates are on the side of the mandrels and facing away from the hand levers compared to the variant of the four-pin crimping pliers marked with the "MicroCrimp" label the holder for the workpiece extended. In the area of the extension, a cover plate has a window-like recess in which a digital display is arranged. A corresponding embodiment is in the patent EP 2 313 235 B1 described.

US 2013/0233043 A1 discloses a crimping pliers which is equipped with a counting device for counting the crimping strokes passed through by the crimping pliers. The counting device is designed as a reed switch that is switched by the relative movement of a hand lever with respect to a fixed pliers part, whereby other contactless or contact-based switches can also be used. For one embodiment, a battery and counting circuit are located inside the fixed tong member. In addition, a module for wireless transmission of the counter result can also be integrated here. An LED can also be used to indicate to the user when a predetermined number of crimp strokes has been performed. For another embodiment, the counting circuit and the module for wireless transmission can be held in one block on the outside of the fixed tong part.

US 2017/0165813 A1 discloses clamping and cutting pliers with scissors-like drive kinematics, which are also known colloquially as "combination pliers". A space which is open to the outside and in which an insert is received is formed between the two pliers parts of the combination pliers. The insert has two shell-like housing parts that accommodate an electrical circuit with a lamp, connecting lines, a switch and a battery. The light can be used to illuminate the area between the clamping and cutting jaws and thus a workpiece processed with the combination pliers.

CN 203 804 813 U discloses a pair of pliers which, in addition to cutting and clamping a workpiece, also enables a screw to be turned, since an end region of a pliers jaw is designed as a functional tip for turning a screw. In the area of a hand lever of the pliers with scissors-like actuation kinematics, an optical or acoustic signaling device is arranged, by means of which the user is informed when an electrical voltage is applied to the pliers, in particular in the area of the functional tip.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

• der Ausgestaltung sowie Integration einer Elektronik-Baueinheit und/oder
• der Ausgestaltung sowie Integration von Komponenten der Elektronik-Baueinheit und/oder
• der Herstellung und/oder Montage und/oder
• der Ermöglichung eines Arbeitens mit dem Zangenwerkzeug in beengten Bauraumverhältnissen und/oder
• einer Integration von Funktionen

verbessert ist.The present invention is based on the object of proposing a manual pliers tool, which in terms of

• the design and integration of an electronic unit and / or
• the design and integration of components of the electronic unit and / or
• the manufacture and / or assembly and / or
• making it possible to work with the pliers tool in confined spaces and / or
• an integration of functions

is improved.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent patent claim. Further preferred embodiments according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a manual pliers tool which can be actuated by a user by applying manual hand forces. The manual pliers tool has a mechanical pliers part, by means of which the mechanical functions of the pliers tool are provided. The mechanical pliers part has two pivotable hand levers and two pliers jaws that can be moved relative to one another (in particular pivotable or translationally movable with respect to one another). The hand levers and the pliers jaws are coupled to one another via a drive mechanism, which can also have a gear ratio and is based, for example, on a toggle lever drive. Thus, by pivoting the hand lever caused by the user, the tong jaws can be moved over a working stroke. The workpiece is then machined in the working stroke. For the design of the pliers tool as crimping pliers, the workpiece is crimped via the working stroke, which is done by means of dies formed or supported by the pliers jaws. The use of the invention is not limited to a specific drive mechanism with regard to the specific design of the mechanical pliers part. To name only a few non-limiting examples of the invention, the drive mechanism can according to the non-prepublished European patent application EP 18 166 739.5 or according to the publications DE 10 2008 005 472 B3 , DE 40 23 337 C1 , DE 40 26 332 C2 , DE 197 13 580 C2 , DE 197 53 436 C2 , DE 198 07 737 C2 , DE 10 2005 003 615 B3 , DE 20 2008 003 703 U1 can be designed, in which case the degrees of freedom of the pliers jaws can be designed according to these embodiments and the arrangement of the pliers jaws and hand levers can be relative to each other and, in the case of the design of the pliers tool as multi-mandrel crimping pliers as a "pliers jaw", actuating rings or actuating discs rotated relative to one another can be viewed.

The invention initially proposes that the electronic assembly is designed independently of the mechanical pliers part. This means that the mechanical function of the pliers tool can also be provided when the electronic component is not available. This has the consequence, for example, that it is possible for a pliers tool to be produced in two variants, one variant of the pliers tool being equipped without an electronic component, while the other variant is equipped with an electronic component. The same mechanical pliers part can then be used for both variants.

Under certain circumstances, the design of the electronic assembly separate from the mechanical pliers part also simplifies production and / or assembly, since the mechanical pliers part on the one hand and the electronic assembly can be manufactured at different manufacturing sites and, under certain circumstances, can also be preassembled and / or from different materials can be made.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the electronic assembly be arranged in a special area of the pliers tool: According to the invention, the electronic assembly is arranged in a pliers head part of the mechanical pliers part. This pliers head part is the part of the pliers head that is arranged between the hand levers and the pliers jaws. In the area of this pliers head part there is possibly at least a part of the drive mechanism with drive elements such as a toggle lever drive. If the pliers head part has a housing or cover plates, the housing or the cover plates are suitable for fastening the electronic assembly to the pliers head part and thus to the pliers tool.

The design according to the invention thus uses the pliers head part that is already present, which results in a compact design of the pliers tool. On the other hand, the embodiment according to the invention is based on the knowledge that an extension of the pliers head beyond the receptacle for the workpiece and the pliers jaws, as is done for the product "DigiCrimp" explained at the beginning, is disadvantageous not only with regard to the size of the pliers tool Arrangement of the electronic component, the pliers head of the pliers tool is enlarged, which makes it difficult or even impossible to insert the pliers tool into confined spaces, in the area in which, for example, a conductor crimp is required.

In the context of the invention, the electronic assembly is attached directly to the pliers head part, which can be achieved by any fastening options, in particular screwing, gluing, latching, locking and the like. Ä. Can take place.

Assuming that the mechanical pliers part in the pliers head part, in which the electronic assembly is arranged, has a rectangular cross section, it is possible for the electronic assembly to have subunits which are arranged in the area of one side of the rectangular cross section or are attached to this cross section in the area of different sides of the rectangular cross section. According to the invention, the electronics assembly extends on two opposite sides of the pliers head part, these opposite sides being the longer sides of the rectangle in the previously explained rectangular cross-section of the mechanical pliers part, which can be formed by the cover plates of the mechanical pliers part. This embodiment according to the invention has the advantage that, on the one hand, good fastening of the electronic component, in particular on the cover plates of the pliers head mentioned, is ensured. On the other hand, the pliers head part has an enlarged extension in the area of these opposite sides, so that a larger number of components of the electronic assembly or even larger such components can be arranged in the area of these sides.

According to the invention, the electronic assembly has a continuous, edge-closed recess. The mechanical pliers part then extends through the edge-closed recess. In other words, the electronic assembly for this embodiment extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the mechanical pliers part. It is possible, for example, for the electronic component to be designed as a type of ring for this embodiment. As a result of the continuous edge-closed recess, the electronic assembly has a front opening and a rear opening. In the area of the front opening, the pliers jaws extend out of the electronics assembly, while the hand levers extend out of the rear opening of the edge-closed recess of the electronics assembly. However, it is also possible for the pliers jaws or the hand levers to be arranged upstream or downstream of the associated opening, in which case a drive element of the drive mechanism or a housing of the pliers head can extend out of the opening.

In the context of the invention, the electronic assembly can be equipped with any electrical and electronic components, cf. also electronic components according to the prior art. For a further embodiment of the pliers tool according to the invention, the electronic assembly has an electronic control unit, which can also be understood as a plurality of sub-control units networked with one another. To name only one example that does not limit the invention, the control unit can be a CPU of the type "NXP Kinetis KW41Z, ARM Cortex-MO +, 48MHz", the CPU also having a memory (in particular with up to 512 kB Flash and up to 128 kB SRAM) can be allocated. Alternatively or additionally it is possible that the electronic assembly has an input element. There are various possibilities for the design of such an input element. The input element can thus be used for direct input of a request or signal from the user. In this case, the input element can be, for example, a switch, a rotary knob or even a keyboard. However, it is also possible for an input element for communication with neighboring components to be present in the electronic component. For example, the input element can be a wired interface (for example USB interface) or a wireless interface (for example WLAN or Bluetooth). Correspondingly, a wireless or wired output element can be present, via which (wireless or wired) the electronic component with an external device for the transmission of manual specifications by the user and / or for the output of operating variables, measured variables or other signals by the electronic Unit can communicate. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible for the electronic assembly to have a display element, in particular a (single-line or multi-line) display. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the electronic unit has a light that can be used, for example, as a display for an operating state, as an indication of an improper operation, as a signaling device for the charge state of a battery or the like. Such a lamp can be, for example, an LED in any color or an RBG LED. However, it is also possible that the lamp is used to illuminate a component of the pliers tool, in particular a locator or the receptacle for the workpiece and / or the area around the pliers tool in the manner of a flashlight. Finally, it is also possible for the lamp to provide basic lighting for the pliers tool to make this visually visible, for example in darkened rooms or a tool box and / or to signal the operational readiness of the pliers tool or the electronic component via the lamp. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the electronic assembly to have an acoustic output element. The acoustic output element can communicate with the Users take place in order, for example, to signal readiness for operation, to signal the complete completion of a working stroke with the reaching of the end position of the tong jaws, to signal a signal with regard to an evaluation of measured tong force curves and / or measured deflections of the tong jaws and / or of courses thereof. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible for the electronic assembly to have a sensor. Such a sensor can be an acceleration sensor, for example. To name only one example that does not limit the invention, the acceleration sensor can be an "MMA8652FC" sensor from NXP. Such an acceleration sensor can be used to distinguish whether the pliers tool is deposited or is being moved in the hand of a user. If the acceleration sensor detects that the pliers tool is picked up by an acceleration that is detected after a long period of rest, the electronic assembly can be "woken up" by changing from a standby state optimized with regard to power consumption to a standby mode. In order to name only further, non-limiting examples of the design of a sensor, the sensor can be a force sensor, via which a pliers force or crimping force is measured, or a displacement sensor which measures the working stroke of the pliers jaws or any other Drive element of the drive mechanism detected. It is possible that a radio technology 2.4 GHz according to the standard IEEE 802.15.4 is used for wireless communication with the pliers tool, whereby a technology “Bluetooths Low Energy 4.2” can also be used. It is possible that the sensor is a counter which can in particular be designed as an IR proximity sensor, which is sold under the designation “AMS TCS 73327”. An OLED display, for example, can be used as the display element, here for example a product which is sold under the label “VGM 096064 A5W01 and has a white monochrome resolution of 96x64 pixels.

There are various possibilities within the scope of the invention for the choice of the material for the housing of the electronic assembly and for the configuration thereof. For example, the housing can be made with any number of housing parts made of plastic. For one proposal of the invention, the housing of the electronic assembly has two half-shell-like housing parts. The two half-shell-like housing parts are closed in the circumferential direction in an assembled state, so that they form a type of ring. The two housing parts then extend around the mechanical pliers part in the assembled state around. The mechanical pliers part is then arranged on the inside of these two half-shell-like housing parts, so that an interior space of the electronic assembly, in which the components of the electronic assembly are accommodated, is delimited on the outside by the two half-shell-like housing parts, while this interior space is then inside by the mechanical Pliers part, in particular with cover plates, is limited. The two half-shell-like housing parts preferably adjoin the mechanical pliers part closely on the inside and, under certain circumstances, even with a seal. The connection of the two housing parts can be made as desired within the scope of the invention with one another and / or with the mechanical pliers part. For example, it is possible for the two housing parts to be clipped, glued, latched, locked, pressed and / or screwed to one another and / or to the mechanical pliers part.

It is also possible for the housing of the electronic component to have a housing part which forms an end face of the electronic component facing the pliers jaws. For a special proposal of the invention, the housing of the electronic assembly is designed in three parts with the two aforementioned half-shell-like housing parts and a further housing part which forms the end face of the electronic assembly facing the pliers jaws.

For a further development of this last-mentioned embodiment, the two half-shell-like housing parts form a form fit with one another, which is produced with a joining direction that is oriented vertically to a longitudinal axis of the pliers tool. In principle, the half-shell-like housing parts joined to one another in this way could be released if forces are applied to them against the joining direction vertically to the longitudinal axis of the pliers tool. The further housing part, which forms an end face of the electronics assembly facing the pliers jaws, can in this case form a form fit with the half-shell-like housing parts, a joining direction being used for this form fit which is oriented in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the pliers tool. Such a positive connection of the further housing part with the two half-shell-like housing parts assembled together ensures that loosening the two half-shell-like housing parts is at least made more difficult, since this requires a movement of the half-shell-like housing parts vertically to the longitudinal axis of the pliers tool, which is prevented by the further housing part .

There are various possibilities within the scope of the invention for the basic geometry of the housing of the electronic assembly. For a proposal of the invention, the housing of the electronic unit is V-shaped in a plan view of a pliers head plane on the end face facing the hand levers, the connecting area of the two legs of the V also being rounded or flattened. In this case, the hand levers emerge from one leg of the V out of the housing. This results in a particularly compact design in which the connecting area of the legs of the V can extend into the space formed between the two hand levers.

In the context of the invention, the electronic assembly can have at least one circuit board that carries the electrical and electronic components of the electronic assembly and / or an electronic control unit. For a proposal of the invention, a circuit board is arranged in each case on one side of the pliers head part. It is possible here for the circuit boards to be screwed to the housing parts so that they do not have to be connected to the mechanical pliers part. In the simplest case, all the components of the electronic assembly are attached to the housing, which in turn is attached to the mechanical pliers part.

For the use of two circuit boards arranged on opposite sides of the pliers head part, the two circuit boards can be connected to one another via a cable. It is possible here for the cable to extend through a recess in the mechanical pliers part. For a further proposal of the invention, however, the two circuit boards are connected to one another via a cable which extends in the circumferential direction around the mechanical pliers part from one circuit board to the other circuit board. For the aforementioned example, according to which the mechanical pliers part has a rectangular cross-section in the area of the electronic assembly, the longer sides of which are formed by cover plates, the two circuit boards are each arranged in the area of an outside of a cover plate and the cable then extends from these longer sides of the rectangular cross-section around the corners of the rectangle and along a shorter side of the rectangular cross-section from one board to the other board. The cable can be, for example, a flexible flat ribbon cable. In this case, the cable extends in an annular interior space which is delimited on the inside by the mechanical pliers part and on the outside by a housing of the electronic component.

For an embodiment of the pliers tool according to the invention, the housing of the electronic assembly has a partial area which is transparent or partially transparent to light. For example, this partial area can be formed by the further housing part, which forms the end face of the electronic assembly facing the pliers jaws. For this refinement, a lamp is arranged inside the housing of the electronic assembly. This luminaire is arranged and aligned in such a way that light emitted by the luminaire impinges on the transparent or partially transparent partial area. If the partial area is permeable, the light can be used to illuminate the area surrounding the electronic component, that is, for example, a locator of a crimping tool or a receptacle for the workpiece. It is also possible for the light from the lamp to pass through the permeable partial area and to enable use in the manner of a flashlight function, via which the surroundings of the pliers tool can be illuminated. If, on the other hand, the light emitted by the luminaire hits a partially transparent sub-area in which a reflection also takes place, the sub-area can be backlit, with which, for example, a type of colored ring can be generated on the electronic component. Different operating states of the electronic assembly can be made visible via this backlit partial area depending on the lighting. For example, a flashing partial area can be used to signal that contact is being attempted via a wireless connection, while permanent backlighting can be used to signal that contact has been made via the wireless connection. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible that the backlighting of the partial area, possibly with a different color, signals that the electronic component is ready for operation. With regard to further possibilities of using the light emitted by the lamp, the alignment of the lamp and the integration into the pliers tool, reference is made to the publications by way of example US 2011/0235312 A1 as EP 3 312 949 A1 referenced.

It is entirely possible for the electronic unit to be supplied with electrical energy via a cable that can be connected to the pliers tool. However, the electronic assembly is preferably supplied with electrical energy via a battery or an accumulator. A battery or an accumulator, in particular a button cell, can, for example, be integrated into the electronic component. For another proposal of the invention, the battery or the accumulator is integrated into a hand lever, so that the battery or the accumulator is designed and arranged separately from the electronic component and is connected to it via an electrical supply cable. This embodiment of the invention uses the installation space that is already available in the area of the hand lever.

For a special embodiment, the hand lever has a metallic hand lever strut. A plastic handle extends around this metal hand lever strut. In this case, an intermediate space is formed between the handle and the hand lever strut and the battery or accumulator is arranged in the intermediate space. A receptacle for the battery or the accumulator can be held on the hand lever strut, for example.

Another proposal of the invention is dedicated to the detection of a movement of the drive mechanism and thus the movement of the tong jaws. It is proposed that the drive mechanism have a drive element which is arranged lying on the mechanical pliers part. To name only one example that does not limit the invention, it can be a pressure lever of a pliers tool, which according to the European patent application, which was not previously published EP 18 166 739.5 is formed and in which the pressure lever is arranged on the outside of the cover plates of the pliers head. This drive element is moved (possibly at a small distance) relative to a sensor of the electronic assembly. The sensor can then detect the movement of the drive element and thus of the drive mechanism and the gripper jaws. The sensor can detect a path here. It is also possible, however, for the sensor to only signal a switchover for reaching a specified partial stroke of the working stroke, for example, exceeding 15% of the working stroke or reaching the closed position. For example, a sensor of the "IR proximity sensor" type with a counter can be used for this purpose (cf. the commercially sold product AMS TCS 73327 ").

If the mechanical pliers part has cover plates in the area of the pliers head, between which pliers jaws and / or drive elements of the drive mechanism are arranged, the space formed between the cover plates can be open to the outside, which cannot be visually appealing and also allows objects or contaminants to enter Can result. It is also possible that access to the electronic component can be created via this gap, which is open to the outside, which can be undesirable. In order to avoid this, the invention proposes that the mechanical pliers part have a cover element in the area of the pliers head. The cover element closes a gap formed between the cover plates to the outside at least over a partial circumference of the pliers head, which is preferably the case in the circumferential area adjacent to the electronic component and / or in the interior of the electronic component. To just one the invention To name a non-limiting example, the cover element can have a T-shaped cross section. The length of the upper transverse leg of the T corresponds to the distance between the cover plates. The upper transverse leg of the T thus rests against the end faces of the cover plates and closes the gap. The vertical limb of the T can enter the space and, for example, be pressed or clipped into the space or the cover plates delimiting the space, for example in a form-fitting and / or frictional manner.

• Möglich ist, dass mittels der Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Auswertung eines Ladezustands einer Batterie oder eines Akkumulators erfolgt. Möglich ist bspw., dass bei Erkennung eines niedrigen Ladezustands eine Anzeige über eine LED oder ein Display erfolgt. Möglich ist auch, dass bei Unterschreitung eines Schwellwerts eines Ladezustands der Batterie ein Energiesparmodus aktiviert wird, bei welchem bspw. eine Leuchte oder ein Display gedimmt wird oder sogar deaktiviert wird.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine von einem Sensor ermittelte Zangenbackenkraft oder einen Zangenbackenweg (bzw. eines damit korrelierenden Wegs einer Komponente des Antriebsmechanismus) auswertet, was unter Berücksichtigung eines Kalibrierfaktors, einer Speicherung für eine spätere weitere Verarbeitung, einen Vergleich mit einem Schwellwert, einen Vergleich mit einer Sollkurve u. ä erfolgen kann.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit die Zahl von durchlaufenden Arbeitshüben ermittelt, wobei es sich bspw. um insgesamt von dem Zangenwerkzeug seit der Herstellung oder einer letzten Wartung durchlaufende Arbeitshübe oder die an einem Tag oder innerhalb einer vorbestimmten Periode durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe handeln kann. Möglich ist, dass die Zahl der durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe mit einem Schwellwert verglichen wird, wobei dann mit Überschreiten des Schwellwerts dem Benutzer signalisiert werden kann, dass das Zangenwerkzeug unmittelbar oder nach einer gewissen Zahl von weiteren Arbeitshüben gewartet werden muss oder sogar unbrauchbar wird. Denkbar ist auch, dass mit Überschreiten einer Vorgabe für die maximal durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe eine Deaktivierung des Zangenwerkzeugs von der elektronischen Steuereinheit herbeigeführt wird, was bspw. mittels einer Verriegelung der bewegten Teile des Zangenwerkzeugs erfolgen kann oder dem Lösen einer in den Antriebsmechanismus integrierten Kupplung. Hinsichtlich weiterer Details zur Ermittlung und Auswertung einer Zahl von durchlaufenden Arbeitshüben wird beispielhaft auf die europäische Patentanmeldung EP 2 995 424 A1 verwiesen.
• Möglich ist auch, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Bewertung eines mit dem Zangenwerkzeug durchgeführten Bearbeitungsvorgangs vornimmt. Diese Bewertung kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass eine erfasste Zangenkraft (bspw. ein Maximum der Crimpkraft oder die Crimpkraft für das Erreichen eines vorgegebenen Teilhubs des Arbeitshubs) innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Bereichs der Zangenkraft liegt oder ein Verlauf der Zangenkraft innerhalb vorgegebener Toleranzen für einen idealen Verlauf der Zangenkraft liegt.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Speicherung von Daten vornimmt, insbesondere die Zahl der durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe, diskrete Werte oder Verläufe der Zangenkraft und/oder des Weges der Zangenbacken u. ä. Die derart gespeicherten Daten können dann später ausgelesen werden und zur Dokumentation des mit dem Zangenwerkzeug erzeugten Arbeitsergebnisses verwendet werden.
• Die Erfindung umfasst auch Ausführungsformen, bei welcher Daten gespeichert werden wie bspw. die Zahl der durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe, wobei ein Auslesen der derart gespeicherten Daten aber lediglich durch den Hersteller erfolgen kann, womit der Hersteller auf Grundlage dieser Daten dann eine Beurteilung eines etwaigen Versagens des Zangenwerkzeugs vornehmen kann.
• Möglich ist, dass durch die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit ein Energiemanagement derart erfolgt, dass vermieden wird, dass die Elektronik-Baueinheit zu viel elektrische Energie verbraucht, wenn das Zangenwerkzeug überhaupt nicht genutzt wird und bspw. in einer Werkzeugkiste oder auf einem Tisch ruht. Für diese Ausgestaltung nimmt das Zangenwerkzeug grundsätzlich einen Standby-Modus ein, in welchem die elektrische Leistungsaufnahme minimiert wird. In diesem Fall wird dennoch in dem Standby-Modus ein Signal eines Beschleunigungssensors derart ausgewertet, dass eine Bewegung des Zangenwerkzeugs erkannt wird insbesondere durch eine auftretende gemessene Beschleunigung. Wird eine derartige Bewegung des Zangenwerkzeugs durch die Aufnahme des Zangenwerkzeugs durch den Benutzer erkannt, aktiviert die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit einen Bereitschaftsmodus, so dass der Standby-Modus verlassen wird. In dem Bereitschaftsmodus kann dann eine erweiterte Funktionalität der Elektronik-Baueinheit gewährleistet werden, so dass die Elektronik-Baueinheit "aufgeweckt" wird. Für eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird in dem Bereitschaftsmodus bspw. über einen Sensor erfasst, ob eine Betätigung des Zangenwerkzeugs erfolgt. Der Sensor kann bspw. erfassen, ob ein Durchlaufen des Arbeitshubs erfolgt, was über einen Wegsensor oder einen Endlagenschalter erfolgen kann. Eine derartige Überwachung, ob eine Betätigung des Zangenwerkzeugs erfolgt, kann bspw. für einen vorgegebenen Zeitraum (insbesondere 10 Sekunden) nach dem Wechsel in den Bereitschaftsmodus erfolgen. Erfolgt innerhalb dieses Zeitraums keine Betätigung des Zangenwerkzeugs, erfolgt eine automatische Rückkehr in den Standby-Modus. Auch möglich ist, dass eine Rückkehr in den Standby-Modus durch die Steuerlogik herbeigeführt wird, wenn nach Aktivierung des Bereitschaftsmodus über den Beschleunigungssensor erkannt wird, dass sich das Zangenwerkzeug für eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne in einem Ruhezustand ohne auftretende Bewegung befindet.
• Möglich ist, dass für den Fall, dass (ggf. nach einem Wechsel von dem Standby-Modus in den Bereitschaftsmodus wie zuvor erläutert) eine Betätigung des Zangenwerkzeugs über einen Sensor erfasst wird, mittels der Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit ein Display und/oder eine Leuchte aktiviert wird. Für die Leuchte kann bspw. dem Benutzer die Betriebsbereitschaft des Zangenwerkzeugs signalisiert werden. Des Weiteren kann mittels der Aktivierung des Displays die Anzeige der für den Benutzer relevanten Informationen an dem Display initiiert werden.
• Wird mittels der Steuerlogik erfasst, dass für eine vorgegebene erste Zeitspanne keine Betätigung des Zangenwerkzeugs erfolgt ist oder aber für eine vorgegebene zweite Zeitspanne keine Bewegung des Zangenwerkzeugs erfolgt ist, kann ein Display und/oder eine Leuchte deaktiviert werden. Für diese Ausgestaltung ist vorzugsweise die erste Zeitspanne länger als die zweite Zeitspanne.
• Die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit kann zuständig sein für das Betreiben einer drahtlosen Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung. Über die Empfangseinrichtung kann bspw. eine Konfiguration des Zangenwerkzeugs und/oder der Elektronik-Baueinheit erfolgen. Hingegen kann über die drahtlose Sendeeinrichtung bspw. ein Übertragen von Daten hinsichtlich des durchgeführten Arbeitsprozesses an eine externe Auswerteeinrichtung erfolgen.

• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Ansteuerung mindestens einer Leuchte (bspw. einer LED) vornimmt. Diese Ansteuerung kann in dem Aktivieren und Deaktivieren der Leuchte, der Veränderung der Farbe der Leuchte, dem Wechsel von einem permanenten zu einem blinkenden Betrieb der Leuchte u. ä. bestehen.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Leuchte oder eine Anzeige dimmt, wenn erkannt wird, dass ein Ladezustand einer Batterie oder eines Akkumulators einen Schwellwert unterschreitet, wodurch der Energieverbrauch des Zangenwerkzeugs reduziert wird.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit die Vorgabe eines Tasters, der von einem Benutzer betätigt werden kann, auswertet, indem bei einem Betätigen des Tasters für eine erste Zeitspanne eine Leuchte aktiviert wird, während bei einem Betätigen des Tasters für eine zweite Zeitspanne eine drahtlose Verbindung aktiviert wird. So kann bspw. bei einem Betätigen des Tasters für die erste Zeitspanne die Leuchte aktiviert werden, um die Beleuchtung der Umgebung des Zangenwerkzeugs, also eine Funktion ähnlich einer Taschenlampe, zu aktivieren, während für die Betätigung des Tasters für die zweite Zeitspanne ein Verbindungsaufbau (bspw. über Bluetooths) ermöglicht wird.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik eine (Um-Konfiguration) des Zangenwerkzeugs ermöglicht, was mittels einer drahtlosen oder kabelgebundenen Kommunikation erfolgen kann oder sogar durch direkte Eingabe an einem Eingabefeld des Zangenwerkzeugs. Um lediglich einige die Erfindung nicht beschränkende Beispiele zu nennen, kann die Konfiguration darin bestehen, dass ein Name des Benutzers oder des Unternehmens, in welchem das Zangenwerkzeug verwendet wird, oder ein Name oder eine Kennzeichnung des Herstellers auf das Zangenwerkzeug "aufgespielt" wird. Möglich ist aber auch, dass die Konfiguration darin besteht, dass Kalibrierfaktoren für in dem Zangenwerkzeug eingesetzte Sensoren übermittelt werden oder auch dem Zangenwerkzeug zur Kenntnis gebracht wird, welche Art von Werkstück mit dem Zangenwerkzeug bearbeitet werden soll, wobei dann unter Umständen auch unterschiedliche Betriebsweisen des Zangenwerkzeugs von der Steuerlogik ausgesteuert werden können.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik erfasst, ob eine Schließstellung des Handhebels erreicht worden ist. Dies kann durch Auswertung des Signals eines einen kontinuierlichen Weg erfassenden Sensors oder auch eines Endlagenschalters erfolgen. Dies kann einerseits genutzt werden für ein Zählen der Arbeitshübe des Zangenwerkzeugs und andererseits für die Auswertung, ob der Arbeitshub des Zangenwerkzeugs ordnungsgemäß durchlaufen worden ist.
• Möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine Ortungsfunktion steuert, über welche eine Ortung des Zangenwerkzeugs möglich ist. Alternativ oder zusätzlich möglich ist, dass die Steuerlogik eine Diebstahlsicherung des Zangenwerkzeugs steuert. Verfügt bspw. das Zangenwerkzeug über ein GPS und eine Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung, bspw. mit einer Mobilkarte, kann bei der Suche nach dem Zangenwerkzeug bspw. an ein Smartphone eine aktuelle Position des Zangenwerkzeugs übertragen werden. Möglich ist aber auch, dass die Ortungsfunktion lediglich darin besteht, dass über ein externes Gerät wie ein Smartphone aktiviert wird, dass das Zangenwerkzeug Licht aussendet oder auch ein akustisches Signal aussendet, auf Grundlage dessen das Auffinden des Zangenwerkzeugs vereinfacht ist. Möglich ist des Weiteren, dass für eine Diebstahlsicherung ein Signal für die Aktivierung der Diebstahlsicherung an das Zangenwerkzeug übertragen wird, womit dann das Zangenwerkzeug durch eine durch einen Aktuator gesteuerte Verriegelung blockiert werden kann oder eine Kupplung des Antriebsmechanismus in einen geöffneten Zustand überführt wird.
• Möglich ist des Weiteren, dass die Steuerlogik der elektronischen Steuereinheit eine elektronische Einlegekontrolle gewährleistet, über die eine Kontrolle erfolgt, ob ein bestimmungsgemäßes Einlegen eines Werkstücks in die Zangenbacken erfolgt ist. Dies kann bspw. durch einen Kontakt im Bereich der Aufnahme des Zangenwerkzeugs für das Werkstück erfolgen. Je nach Kontaktkraft oder Betätigen des Kontakts kann dann mittels der Steuerlogik darauf geschlossen werden, ob das Werkstück korrekt in die Aufnahme eingelegt worden ist oder nicht.
• Des Weiteren kann die Steuerlogik zuständig sein für die Steuerung einer Anzeige, die bspw. einen Namen oder eine Kennzeichnung eines Herstellers, eines Besitzers oder eines Benutzers, einen Ladezustand einer Batterie oder eines Akkumulators, eine gemessene Zangenbackenkraft oder einen gemessenen Zangenbackenweg oder einen Verlauf derselben, eine Zahl der durchlaufenden Arbeitshübe oder eine Zahl der noch verbleibenden Arbeitshübe, das Ergebnis einer Bewertung eines mit dem Zangenwerkzeug durchgeführten Bearbeitungsvorgangs, das Ergebnis eines Vergleichs einer ermittelten Zahl von durchlaufenden Arbeitshüben mit einem Schwellwert und/oder einen Hinweis hinsichtlich einer erforderlichen Wartung des Zangenwerkzeugs anzeigt.

A further embodiment of the invention has as its object the guarantee of further functions by a control logic of the electronic control unit:

• It is possible for the charge state of a battery or an accumulator to be evaluated using the control logic of the electronic control unit. It is possible, for example, that when a low charge level is detected, an indication is given via an LED or a display. It is also possible that when the charge state of the battery falls below a threshold value, an energy-saving mode is activated, in which, for example, a lamp or a display is dimmed or even deactivated.
• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit evaluates a pincer jaw force determined by a sensor or a pincer jaw path (or a path of a component of the drive mechanism that is correlated with it), which, taking into account a calibration factor, a storage for later further processing, a comparison with a Threshold value, a comparison with a target curve and the like. can be done.
• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit determines the number of continuous work strokes, which can be, for example, the total work strokes carried out by the pliers tool since manufacture or a last maintenance or the work strokes carried out on one day or within a predetermined period. It is possible that the number of continuous work strokes is compared with a threshold value, in which case, when the threshold value is exceeded, the user can be signaled that the pliers tool needs to be serviced immediately or after a certain number of further work strokes or is even unusable. It is also conceivable that when a specification for the maximum number of working strokes is exceeded, the pliers tool is deactivated by the electronic Control unit is brought about, which can be done, for example, by locking the moving parts of the pliers tool or by releasing a clutch integrated into the drive mechanism. For further details on the determination and evaluation of a number of continuous work strokes, reference is made to the European patent application as an example EP 2 995 424 A1 referenced.
• It is also possible for the control logic of the electronic control unit to evaluate a machining process carried out with the pliers tool. This evaluation can be carried out, for example, by the fact that a recorded pliers force (e.g. a maximum of the crimping force or the crimping force for reaching a specified partial stroke of the working stroke) lies within a specified range of the pliers force or a course of the pliers force within specified tolerances for an ideal course of the Force of the forceps.
• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit stores data, in particular the number of work strokes passed through, discrete values or curves of the forceps and / or the path of the jaws and the like. The data stored in this way can then be read out later and used to document the work result generated with the pliers tool.
• The invention also includes embodiments in which data is stored, such as the number of continuous work strokes, but the data stored in this way can only be read out by the manufacturer, with which the manufacturer then assesses a possible failure of the pliers tool on the basis of this data can make.
• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit carries out energy management in such a way that the electronic component does not consume too much electrical energy when the pliers tool is not used at all and, for example, rests in a tool box or on a table. For this refinement, the pliers tool basically assumes a standby mode in which the electrical power consumption is minimized. In this case, however, a signal from an acceleration sensor is evaluated in the standby mode in such a way that a movement of the pliers tool is recognized, in particular by an occurring movement measured acceleration. If such a movement of the pliers tool is recognized by the user picking up the pliers tool, the control logic of the electronic control unit activates a standby mode so that the standby mode is exited. In the standby mode, an expanded functionality of the electronic component can then be guaranteed, so that the electronic component is "woken up". For one embodiment of the invention, in the standby mode, for example, a sensor is used to detect whether the pliers tool is actuated. The sensor can, for example, detect whether the working stroke is being passed through, which can be done via a travel sensor or a limit switch. Such a monitoring as to whether the pliers tool is actuated can take place, for example, for a predetermined period of time (in particular 10 seconds) after the change to the standby mode. If the pliers tool is not operated within this period, an automatic return to standby mode occurs. It is also possible that a return to the standby mode is brought about by the control logic if, after activation of the standby mode, the acceleration sensor detects that the pliers tool is in a state of rest for a predetermined period of time without any movement occurring.
• It is possible that in the event that (possibly after a change from the standby mode to the standby mode as explained above) an actuation of the pliers tool is detected via a sensor, a display and / or a light is provided by means of the control logic of the electronic control unit is activated. The operational readiness of the pliers tool can be signaled to the user for the lamp, for example. Furthermore, by activating the display, the information relevant to the user can be initiated on the display.
• If the control logic detects that the pliers tool has not been actuated for a predefined first period of time or that the pliers tool has not moved for a predefined second period of time, a display and / or a lamp can be deactivated. For this refinement, the first time period is preferably longer than the second time period.
• The control logic of the electronic control unit can be responsible for operating a wireless transmitting and / or receiving device. Via the receiving device For example, the pliers tool and / or the electronic assembly can be configured. In contrast, the wireless transmission device can be used, for example, to transmit data relating to the work process carried out to an external evaluation device.

• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit actuates at least one light (for example an LED). This control can include activating and deactivating the lamp, changing the color of the lamp, changing from permanent to flashing operation of the lamp and the like. exist.
• It is possible for the control logic of the electronic control unit to dim a lamp or a display when it is recognized that the charge level of a battery or accumulator falls below a threshold value, as a result of which the energy consumption of the pliers tool is reduced.
• It is possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit evaluates the specification of a button that can be actuated by a user by activating a light for a first period of time when the button is pressed, while a light is activated for a second period of time when the button is pressed wireless connection is activated. For example, when the button is pressed for the first period of time, the light can be activated in order to activate the lighting around the pliers tool, i.e. a function similar to a flashlight, while a connection is established for the second period of time when the button is pressed (e.g. . via bluetooth).
• It is possible that the control logic enables a (reconfiguration) of the pliers tool, which can take place by means of wireless or wired communication or even by direct input on an input field of the pliers tool. To name only a few non-limiting examples of the invention, the configuration can consist in the fact that a name of the user or the company in which the pliers tool is used, or a name or an identifier of the manufacturer, is "played" on the pliers tool. But it is also possible that the The configuration consists in the fact that calibration factors for sensors used in the pliers tool are transmitted or the pliers tool is also made aware of which type of workpiece is to be machined with the pliers tool, in which case different operating modes of the pliers tool can then also be controlled by the control logic.
• It is possible that the control logic detects whether a closed position of the hand lever has been reached. This can be done by evaluating the signal of a sensor that detects a continuous path or also of a limit switch. This can be used, on the one hand, for counting the working strokes of the pliers tool and, on the other hand, for evaluating whether the working stroke of the pliers tool has been passed through properly.
• It is possible for the control logic of the electronic control unit to control a location function by means of which the pliers tool can be located. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the control logic to control an anti-theft device for the pliers tool. If, for example, the pliers tool has a GPS and a transmitting and / or receiving device, for example with a mobile card, a current position of the pliers tool can be transmitted to a smartphone when searching for the pliers tool. It is also possible, however, that the locating function merely consists in activating an external device such as a smartphone so that the pliers tool emits light or also emits an acoustic signal, on the basis of which it is easier to find the pliers tool. It is also possible for an anti-theft device to transmit a signal for activating the anti-theft device to the pliers tool, with which the pliers tool can then be blocked by a lock controlled by an actuator or a clutch of the drive mechanism is transferred to an open state.
• It is also possible that the control logic of the electronic control unit ensures an electronic insertion control, which is used to check whether a workpiece has been inserted into the jaws as intended. This can take place, for example, through a contact in the area of the receptacle of the pliers tool for the workpiece. Depending on the contact force or actuation of the contact, you can then use the control logic to determine whether the workpiece has been correctly inserted into the receptacle or not.
• Furthermore, the control logic can be responsible for the control of a display, which shows, for example, a name or an identification of a manufacturer, an owner or a user, a state of charge of a battery or an accumulator, a measured jaw force or a measured jaw travel or a course thereof, indicates a number of continuous working strokes or a number of remaining working strokes, the result of an evaluation of a machining operation carried out with the pliers tool, the result of a comparison of a determined number of continuous working strokes with a threshold value and / or an indication of a required maintenance of the pliers tool.

Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the description are only exemplary and can come into effect alternatively or cumulatively without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Without changing the subject matter of the attached claims, the following applies to the disclosure content of the original application documents and the patent: Further features can be found in the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another and their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the selected back-references of the patent claims, and is hereby suggested. This also applies to features that are shown in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims. Features listed in the patent claims for further embodiments of the invention can also be omitted.

The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood in such a way that precisely this number or a greater number than the stated number is present without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least". So if, for example, from a light, a circuit board or a control unit the This is to be understood in such a way that there is exactly one lamp, one circuit board or one control device, two lamps, circuit boards or control devices or more lamps, circuit boards or control devices. These characteristics can be supplemented by other characteristics or be the only characteristics that make up the product in question.

The reference signs contained in the claims do not represent a restriction of the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims. They only serve the purpose of making the claims easier to understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

zeigt in einer räumlichen Ansicht ein als Crimpzange ausgebildetes Zangenwerkzeug.

Fig. 2

zeigt das Zangenwerkzeug gemäß Fig. 1, wobei hier das Zangenwerkzeug teildemontiert ist.

Fig. 3

zeigt das Zangenwerkzeug gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 in weiter demontiertem Zustand.

Fig. 4

zeigt Griffe von Handhebeln des Zangenwerkzeugs gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3 in einer räumlichen Darstellung.

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Elektronik-Baueinheit eines Zangenwerkzeugs gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3 mit demontiertem Deckel und Verbindung über ein Kabel mit einer Halterung für eine Batterie oder einen Akkumulator.

Fig. 6

zeigt in einer räumlichen Darstellung den von der Elektronik-Baueinheit gemäß Fig. 5 demontierten Deckel.

Fig. 7

zeigt halbschalenartige Gehäuseteile der Elektronik-Baueinheit mit darin angeordneten Platinen, die über ein Kabel miteinander verbunden sind, und eine Verbindung der Elektronik-Baueinheit über ein Kabel mit einer Batterie oder einem Akkumulator.

Fig. 8

zeigt die Bauelemente der Elektronik-Baueinheit gemäß Fig. 7 in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

Fig. 9

zeigt ein Zangenwerkzeug gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3 in einer räumlichen Explosionsdarstellung.

Fig. 10

zeigt exemplarisch ein Verfahren, welches mittels Steuerlogik einer elektronischen Steuereinheit einer Elektronik-Baueinheit 6 eines Zangenwerkzeugs 1 ausgeführt werden kann.

In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1

shows a three-dimensional view of a pliers tool designed as a crimping tool.

Fig. 2

shows the pliers tool according to Fig. 1 , the pliers tool is partially dismantled here.

Fig. 3

shows the pliers tool according to Fig. 1 and 2 in further dismantled condition.

Fig. 4

shows handles of hand levers of the pliers tool according to FIG Figs. 1 to 3 in a spatial representation.

Fig. 5

shows an electronics assembly of a pliers tool according to Figs. 1 to 3 with the cover removed and connection via a cable with a holder for a battery or an accumulator.

Fig. 6

shows in a three-dimensional representation that of the electronic assembly according to FIG Fig. 5 dismantled cover.

Fig. 7

shows half-shell-like housing parts of the electronic assembly with circuit boards arranged therein, which are connected to one another via a cable, and a connection of the electronic assembly via a cable to a battery or an accumulator.

Fig. 8

shows the components of the electronic assembly according to Fig. 7 in an exploded view.

Fig. 9

shows a pliers tool according to Figs. 1 to 3 in a spatial exploded view.

Fig. 10

shows an example of a method which can be carried out by means of control logic of an electronic control unit of an electronic component 6 of a pliers tool 1.

FIGURE DESCRIPTION

While Fig. 1 shows a pliers tool 1, here crimping pliers 2 in a closed position in the fully assembled state Fig. 2 and 3 the crimping pliers 2 in different partially dismantled states. According to Fig. 3 only a mechanical pliers part 3 remains as a result of the disassembly (although the mechanical pliers part 3 differs from Fig. 3 also about the in Fig. 3 dismantled handles 4, 5). The mechanical pliers part 3 represents a fully functional pliers tool 1 ', by means of which the desired machining of the workpiece can take place. The further components dismantled from the mechanical pliers part 3, in particular an electronic component 6, merely provide further functions which are not involved in the actual mechanical processing of the workpiece.

The mechanical pliers part 3 has a pliers head 7 as well as hand levers 8, 9 (which with the in Fig. 3 handles 4, 5 (not shown) can be formed). The pliers head 7 extends parallel to a pliers head plane 10. The pliers head plane 10 is at a very small acute angle with respect to the plane of the drawing according to FIG Figs. 1 to 3 inclined.

The hand levers 8, 9 and pliers jaws 11, 12 move over the working stroke of the crimping pliers 2 in the pliers head plane 10, which is due to the illustrated embodiment Pivoting takes place about a pivot axis which is oriented vertically to the pliers head plane 10. The crimping pliers 2 has a longitudinal axis 13, which corresponds to the main direction of extent of the crimping pliers 2 and corresponds to the bisector of the hand levers 8, 9 or is oriented parallel to a fixed hand lever 8 and / or parallel to a fixed pliers jaw 11.

The tong head 7 has a first tong head part 14 in which the tong jaws 11, 12 are arranged, and a second tong head part 15 which is arranged between the first tong head part 14 and the hand levers 8, 9.

In the area of the pliers head part 15, the crimping pliers 2 have a housing 16 that is not moved over the working stroke. For the exemplary embodiment shown, the crimping pliers 2 is manufactured in a plate construction. In this case, the housing 16 is formed with cover plates 17, 18.

For the illustrated embodiment, the housing 16 or the cover plates 17, 18 are firmly connected to a fixed hand lever 8 and a fixed pliers jaw 11, so that the pliers jaw 11 does not move relative to the hand lever 8 over the working stroke of the crimping pliers 2. These firmly interconnected components form a fixed pliers part 21. In the area of the pliers head part 15, the hand levers 8, 9 are coupled to the pliers jaws 11, 12 via a drive mechanism 19, although this only applies to the coupling of the movable hand lever 9 for the illustrated embodiment the movable jaws apply. Any drive mechanism 19 can be used here, this preferably having a toggle lever drive with a pressure lever 20. The drive elements of the drive mechanism 19 can be arranged between the cover plates 17, 18 and / or on the outside of these.

In Fig. 3 it can be seen that the pressure lever 20 of the drive mechanism 19 is located on the outside of a cover plate 17. A relative movement of the pressure lever 20 with respect to the fixed pliers part 21, which is formed with the hand lever 8, the housing 16, here the cover plates 17, 18 and the fixed pliers jaw 11, takes place via the working stroke.

With regard to the further design of the drive mechanism 19, the drive elements used here, the coupling of the drive elements with each other and with the hand levers 8, 9 and the tong jaws 11, 12 and the design of the drive elements and the pivot bearings for the drive elements, the hand levers 8, 9 and the Tong jaws 11, 12 is not on the pre-published European patent application EP 18 166 739.5 referenced. Within the scope of the invention, any other pliers tool can also be used in which, for example, the pliers jaws are not pivoted relative to one another, but a translational movement of the pliers jaws to one another and / or the hand levers are coupled to the pliers jaws via another drive mechanism, cf. also the embodiments of pliers tools according to the prior art mentioned at the beginning. Rather, it is decisive that the pliers tool has a pliers head part 15 which has a housing 16 and is arranged between the pliers jaws 11, 12 and the hand levers 8, 9.

The hand levers 8, 9 each have plate-shaped hand lever struts 22, 23, onto which the handles 4, 5 can be pushed from the end area facing away from the pliers head 7 and attached thereto, which can be done, for example, by a press connection and / or gluing. A holder 24 for a battery or an accumulator 25 is attached to the hand lever strut 22, which is part of the fixed pliers part 21.

The electronic assembly 6 has a housing 26. The housing 26 has two half-shell-like housing parts 27, 28 and a further housing part 29, which forms a type of cover 30.

Fig. 5 shows the assembly of the two housing parts 27, 28 together while Fig. 6 the lid 30 shows. The housing parts 27, 28 are joined to one another in a joining direction 31 which is oriented vertically to a parting plane of the housing parts 27, 28 (which here corresponds to the pliers head plane 10). For this purpose, pins or projections of a housing part 27, 28 or pins formed separately from the housing parts 27, 28 (cf. the connecting pin 55) enter the joining direction 31 into corresponding recesses in the housing parts 27, 28, which is preferably done with the formation of a press connection.

The two housing parts 27, 28 form a through recess 32 oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis with a front opening 33 facing the pliers head part 14 and a rear opening 34 facing the hand levers 8, 9.

For complete assembly of the housing 26, the cover 30 is in a joining direction 35, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 13, in connection with the assembled housing parts 27, 28 brought. The cover 30 has pins 36 which protrude in the joining direction 35 and which enter, in particular with a press fit, in recesses or bores 37 in the housing parts 27, 28.

The housing 26 is approximately V-shaped when viewed vertically to the pliers head plane 10 in the area of the end face facing the hand levers 8, 9 with legs 38, 39 of the V. In the area of the legs 38, 39 the hand levers 8, 9 out of the housing 26 of the electronic assembly 6.

In the interior of the housing 16, the electrical and electronic components of the electronic assembly 6 are arranged, namely in an interior which is delimited on the outside by the housing parts 27, 28, 29 and internally by the housing 16 of the mechanical pliers part 3, here the Cover plates 17, 18, is limited.

The electronic assembly 6 has two circuit boards 40, 41. The circuit board 41 is supplied with electrical energy via a cable 42 from the battery or the accumulator 25. The circuit boards 40, 41 are connected to one another via a flexible cable 43. On the one hand, the cable 43 ensures that the circuit board 40 is supplied with energy by the circuit board 41 (and thus by the battery or the accumulator 25). On the other hand, data is exchanged between the two circuit boards 40, 41 via the cable 43. The circuit boards are each screwed to an associated housing part 27, 28 via screws 44. If the electronic assembly 6 is mounted on the mechanical pliers part 3, the circuit boards 40, 41 extend externally from the housing 16, here the cover plates 17, 18, each on an outer side of the housing 16 or the cover plates 17, 18, preferably no electrical contact is made between the housing 16 and the boards 40, 41. In this assembled state, the cable 43 extends in a cross section of the mechanical pliers part 3 in a U-shape around an end face 45 of the mechanical pliers part 3 from a front side of the mechanical pliers part 3 to a rear side of the mechanical pliers part 3 (see FIG Fig. 2 ).

An input element 46, which is a button 47 here, is arranged in the area of the circuit board 40. A display 48 is arranged in the area of the board 41. The circuit board 40 is used to process the input made by the user via the input element 46, while the circuit board 41 is used to control the display 48.

The housing part 48 has a tongue-like gate under which the button 47 is arranged. If the user exerts pressure forces on the tongue-like portion 49 of the housing part 28 with his finger, the pushbutton 47 can be actuated.

The housing part 27 has a window-like cutout 50. In and behind the cutout 50 there is a cover disk 51 which protects the display 48 arranged behind it. As in particular in Fig. 8 As can be seen, the circuit board 40 has a recess 52 formed here by an elongated hole. A connecting cable 53 is led through the recess 52 from the display 48 to the other side of the circuit board 40, where the connecting cable 53 is connected to an electrical connecting element 54 , via which the circuit board 40 controls the display 48.

In the exploded view according to Fig. 9 is that the cover 30 is U-shaped. The base leg of the U rests on the upper side of the mechanical pliers part 3 on the end face 45, which takes place in the area of the fixed pliers part 21. In contrast, the side legs of the U extend along the housing 16, here along the cover plates 17, 18. The cover 30 is open on the side of the movable pliers jaw 12 and the movable hand lever 9, so that, under certain circumstances, large opening angles of the pliers jaws 11, 12 the movable tong jaw 12 can emerge downward from the cover 30. Under certain circumstances, the housing parts 27, 28 also have a corresponding slot on the underside, which allows a large opening angle of the movable pliers jaw 12.

In Fig. 3 and 9 a connecting pin 55 can also be seen, which enters in the joining direction 31 into the recesses or bores 56 of the housing parts 27, 28.

Luminaires 58, 59 are controlled via circuit boards 40, 41. For example, luminaires 58 are white LEDs, while luminaires 59 are RGB LEDs. For the illustrated embodiment, the circuit boards 40, 41 each have a lamp 58a, 58b and a lamp 59a, 59b.

The housing parts 27, 28 are not transparent to light. In contrast, the housing part 29 is completely or partially or completely transparent or translucent in an area assigned to the lights 58, 59. The housing part 29 is preferably transparent in the area of a white light 58, so that an area is created by means of the light imitated by the light 58 can be illuminated outside of the electronic assembly 6. On the other hand, an RGB light 59 can be arranged in a partially transparent or light diffusely scattering sub-area 74 of the housing part 29, so that this sub-area is backlit by the RGB light 59, so that a colored stripe or a colored stripe appears to the outside in the area of the cover 30 colored ring can be generated with suitable control of the RGB lamp 59.

At least one circuit board 40, 41 has an electronic control unit 57, and the two circuit boards 40, 41 can also jointly form a control unit 57. The control unit 57 has control logic which in particular includes parts or all of the items listed below and in Fig. 10 can carry out the procedural steps shown:

In a method step 60, the electronic assembly 6 is connected by an external device such as a PC, a smartphone and the like. Ä., This connection can be wired or wireless. In the event that a wireless connection is to be established (for example via Bluetooth), in a method step 61 the button 47 is actuated for a longer period of time, in particular at least 5 seconds. If the control unit 57 recognizes on the basis of this longer actuation of the button 47 that a connection is to be established, the control unit 57 controls the RGB light 59 in a suitable color in a method step 62 so that it flashes. The user can thus see from the flashing backlighting of the cover 30 that the connection setup function is activated. In a method step 63, the connection routine of the control unit 57 is started and the connection to the external device is established. If a device is found, a message appears on this device, such as "Couple pliers tool no. Xx? Yes / no". A connection can then only be established after a corresponding acknowledgment by the user. An established connection can be terminated automatically, e.g. after 120 seconds, if the connection is not used within this period of time. Once the connection has been established, the control of the light 59 is changed in a method step 64 by deactivating it or generating a constant lighting effect, which means that the user can also see that a connection has been established. After the connection has been established in this way, programming of the electronic component 6 or data transmission to it can take place in a method step 65. For example, the established connection can be used to transfer a name or an identifier of a manufacturer of the pliers tool 1, an owner of the pliers tool or the company in which it is used, or a name of the user or craftsman be transmitted. It is also possible that, in method step 65, calibration factors for sensors used in the electronic assembly 6 are transmitted to the control unit 57. It is also possible for the operation of the pliers tool 1 to be individualized, in which, for example, the user can specify colors in which the lights 58, 59 should emit light, or threshold values for an evaluation of the measurement signals recorded by the sensors can be specified will.

If, on the other hand, no device for coupling is found during the attempt to establish a connection within a predetermined period of time, in particular 60 seconds, the connection establishment is automatically terminated and the RGB lamp 59 is deactivated again. If, on the other hand, a coupling with a device is successfully completed, the RGB lamp 59 can light up permanently for a predetermined period of time, in particular 5 seconds, and then be deactivated again.

If the pliers tool 1 has been prepared for its use as explained above, the actual operation of the same can take place. First of all, in a method step 66, the pliers tool 1 is in a state of rest so that it is not moved. In method step 66, the pliers tool 1 is in a standby mode, in which the electrical power consumption of the electronic assembly 6 is minimized. The electronic assembly 6 monitors, however, whether an acceleration sensor, which can also be integrated in the electronic assembly 6, detects an existing acceleration, whereby it is recognized that the pliers tool 1 is being picked up by a user. To this end, the control unit 57 preferably compares the signal from the acceleration sensor with a threshold value. If a movement of the pliers tool 1 is detected, the electronic assembly 6 changes in a method step 67 from a standby mode to a standby mode, in which an extended range of functions is guaranteed and a higher power consumption occurs than in the standby mode. In the standby mode, a method step 68 checks whether the pliers tool 1 is being actuated. This can be done, for example, by checking whether the hand levers are being contacted or whether a component of the pliers tool 1 is moving or a force is acting on the hand levers, the drive mechanism or the pliers jaws. During this test and in the standby mode, the lights 58, 59 can still be deactivated and the display 48 can still be deactivated. If in the standby mode within a specified period of time, For example, 60 seconds, no actuation of the pliers tool 1, an automatic return to the standby mode can take place in a method step 69. If, on the other hand, the pliers tool 1 is actuated, the display 48 and at least one lamp 58, 59 are activated in a method step 70. The desired display can then be generated on the display 48, whereby it shows, for example, the number of continuous work strokes, a charge status of the battery or the accumulator 25 (preferably in percent or by means of a bar), a name or a manufacturer's identification, Owner or operator and a possible indication that service of the pliers tool 1 is required, since a number of continuous working strokes is greater than a threshold value. After running through the working stroke, in a method step 71, the result of an evaluation, for example of the tong force profile, can then also take place on the display 48. In a method step 72, the electronic assembly 6 can automatically return to the standby mode if it is recognized via the acceleration sensor that the pliers tool 1 has not moved for more than, for example, 5 seconds.

If a preferably white light 58 is to be switched on to illuminate the surroundings of the electronic component 6, this can be done by briefly pressing the button 47, while a further brief actuation of the button 47 deactivates the light 58 or the light 58 automatically when a Time lapse or is deactivated when the pliers tool 1 is detected by the acceleration sensor. The button 47 is therefore multifunctional, in which, depending on the type of actuation, here the duration of the actuation, the connection can be initiated via the button or the lamp 58 can be activated.

In particular, the display has two or more lines of text, which can each have more than 10 characters, for example. The character set can be an 8-bit ASCII character set so that it can contain alphanumeric characters as well as accents and umlauts.

If the control unit 57 detects that the state of charge of the battery or the accumulator 25 is insufficient, the lights 58, 59 and / or the display 48 can be automatically dimmed by the control unit 57 or even deactivated.

A so-called IR proximity sensor can be used as a sensor for detecting a movement of a component of the pliers tool 1, in particular of the pressure lever 20 which in this case can fulfill two functions. The sensor can detect whether components of the pliers tool 1 are moving, which means that the working stroke has been completed and thus that the pliers tool 1 has been actuated. On the other hand, the sensor can be used to count the number of working strokes. If the pliers tool is opened and closed, a counter is increased by the number 1. When changing from the standby mode to the standby mode, the IR proximity sensor is activated.

No manual activation of the electronic component via a switch or button before the pliers tool 1 is actuated is required for the embodiment explained. For the embodiment shown, the pressure lever 20 has a nose 73 which is moved along the IR proximity sensor so that the IR proximity sensor can detect the relative movement of the nose 73.

Between the cover plates 17, 18, in the area of the pliers head 7, an outwardly open space is formed. This gap is closed at least over part of the circumference of the pliers head 7 and in particular inside the electronics assembly 6 and adjacent to it by a cover element 75. The cover element 75 has a T-shaped cross section. The vertical leg of the T is inserted into the space between the cover plates 17, 18 and fastened there, which can be done by clipping or frictional connection with the cover plates 17, 18 or otherwise fastening. The horizontal leg of the T covers the space between the cover plates 17, 18 on the outside, the horizontal leg of the T resting against the end faces of the cover plates 17, 18. The cover element 75 is preferably made of plastic. It is possible here for the vertical limb of the T to be continuous, so that it forms a type of rib that enables the connection to the cover plates 17, 18. It is also possible, however, for the vertical leg of the T to be formed only in partial circumferential areas of the pliers head 7, so that the cover element 75 is then fastened to the cover plates 17, 18 only in these partial circumferential areas.

REFERENCE LIST

1

Pliers tool

2

Crimping tool

3

mechanical pliers part

4th

Handle

5

Handle

6th

Electronics assembly

7th

Pliers head

8th

Hand lever (fixed)

9

Hand lever

10

Pliers head level

11

Pliers jaw (fixed)

12

Pincer jaw

13

Longitudinal axis

14th

Pliers head part

15th

Pliers head part

16

Housing (pliers head part)

17th

Cover plate

18th

Cover plate

19th

Drive mechanism

20th

Pressure lever

21st

fixed pliers part

22nd

Hand lever strut

23

Hand lever strut

24

bracket

25th

Battery, accumulator

26th

Housing (electronic assembly)

27

half-shell-like housing part

28

half-shell-like housing part

29

further housing part

30th

cover

31

Joining direction

32

Recess

33

front opening

34

rear opening

35

Joining direction

36

Cones

37

Recess, bore

38

leg

39

leg

40

circuit board

41

circuit board

42

electric wire

43

electric wire

44

screw

45

Face

46

Input element

47

Button

48

Display, display

49

Bleed

50

Cutout

51

Cover panel

52

Recess

53

connection cable

54

Connecting element

55

Connecting pin

56

Recess, bore

57

electronic control unit

58

lamp

59

lamp

60

Process step

61

Process step

62

Process step

63

Process step

64

Process step

65

Process step

66

Process step

67

Process step

68

Process step

69

Process step

70

Process step

71

Process step

72

Process step

73

nose

74

Section

75

Cover element

Claims (15)

1. Manual pliers tool (1) comprising a mechanical pliers part (3) with

   a) two pivotable hand levers (8, 9),

   b) two pliers jaws (11, 12) which can be moved relatively to each other,

   c) a drive mechanism (19) coupling the pliers jaws (11, 12) to the hand levers (8, 9) in a way such that a pivoting movement of the hand levers (8, 9) induces a movement of the pliers jaws (11, 12) over a working stroke,

   d) an electronic constructional unit (6) being provided which

   da) is embodied separately from the mechanical pliers part (3),

   db) is arranged at a pliers head part (15) of the mechanical pliers part (3) which is located between the hand levers (8, 9) and the pliers jaws (11, 12) and

   dc) is fixed to the pliers head part (15),

   e) the electronic constructional unit (6) extending on two opposite sides of the pliers head part (15),
   characterised in that

   f) the electronic constructional unit (6) comprises a continuous recess (32) having a closed edge through which the mechanical pliers part (3) extends.
2. Pliers tool (1) of claim 1, characterised in that the electronic constructional unit comprises

   a) an electronic control unit (57) and/or

   b) an input element (46) and/or

   c) an output element and/or

   d) a display element (48) and/or

   e) a light (58, 59) and/or

   f) an acoustic output element and/or

   g) a sensor.
3. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a housing (26) of the electronic constructional unit (6) comprises two half-shell-like housing parts (27, 28) which in the assembled state extend over the whole circumference around the mechanical pliers part (3).
4. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a or the housing (26) of the electronic constructional unit (6) comprises a housing part (29) which forms a front face of the electronic constructional unit (6) facing towards the pliers jaws (11, 12).
5. Pliers tool (1) of claim 4 when referring back to claim 3, characterised in that the housing part (29) which forms the front face of the electronic constructional unit (6) facing towards the pliers jaws (11, 12) is positively engaged with the half-shell-like housing parts (27, 28) with an assembly direction (35) along a longitudinal axis (13) of the pliers tool (1) whereas the half-shell-like housing parts (27, 28) are positively engaged with each other with an assembly direction (31) having an orientation vertical to the longitudinal axis (13) of the pliers tool (1).
6. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in a top view onto the pliers head plane (10) a or the housing (26) has a V-shape at the front side facing towards the hand levers (8, 9), the hand levers (8, 9) each exiting from one leg (38, 39) of the V out of the housing (26).
7. Pliers tool (1) of one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a circuit board (40, 41) is arranged on each side of the pliers head part (15).
8. Pliers tool (1) of claim 7, characterised in that the two circuit boards (40, 41) are connected to each other by a cable (43) which extends in circumferential direction around the mechanical pliers part (3).
9. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the or a housing (26) of the electronic constructional unit (6) comprises a section (74) being completely transparent or partly transparent or translucent and a light (58, 59) is arranged in the interior of the housing (26), the light (58, 59) being arranged and oriented such that light emitted by the light (58, 59) biases the partly or completely transparent or translucent section (74).
10. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronic constructional unit (6) is supplied with electric power by a battery or by an accumulator (25).
11. Pliers tool (1) of claim 10, characterised in that the battery or accumulator (25) is integrated into a hand lever (8, 9).
12. Pliers tool (1) of claim 11, characterised in that the hand lever (8, 9) comprises a metallic hand lever strut (22, 23) and a handle (4, 5) made of plastic and the battery or accumulator (25) is arranged in an interspace formed between the hand lever strut (22, 23) and the handle (4, 5).
13. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive mechanism (19) comprises a drive element which is arranged on the outside of the mechanical pliers part (3) and which moves relatively to a sensor of the electronic constructional unit (6), the sensor sensing the movement of the drive mechanism by sensing the movement of the drive element relative to the sensor.
14. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the region of the pliers head (7) the mechanical pliers part (3) comprises a covering element (75) which at least over a part of the circumference of the pliers head (7) closes an interspace formed between covering plates (17, 18) against the outside.
15. Pliers tool (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a or the electronic control unit (57) comprises control logic which

    a) analyses a loading state of a battery or accumulator (25) and/or

    b) analyses a pliers jaw force determined by a sensor and/or a pliers jaw displacement and/or

    c) counts or analyses the number of passed working strokes and/or

    d) compares the determined number of passed working strokes and a threshold and/or

    e) analyses or evaluates a working process executed by the pliers tool and/or

    f) provides a storage of data and/or

    g) in a standby-mode when detecting a movement of the pliers tool (1) by an acceleration sensor activates a ready-for-use-mode wherein a sensor senses an actuation of the pliers tool (1) and/or activates a standby-mode when detecting a resting state of the pliers tool (1) over a given time span on the basis of an acceleration sensor and/or

    h) activates a display (48) and/or a light (58, 59) when sensing an actuation of the pliers tool (1) by a sensor and/or

    i) deactivates a display (48) and/or a light (58, 59) when detecting that for a given first time span there has not been an actuation of the pliers tool (1) or for a given second time span there has not been a movement of the pliers tool (1), preferably the first time span being longer than the second time span and/or

    j) operates a wireless transmitting and/or receiving device and/or

    k) controls at least one light (58, 59) and/or

    l) dims a light (58, 59) when detecting that a loading state of a battery or of an accumulator (25) falls below a threshold and/or

    m) analyses an input of a button such that when actuating the button (47) for a first time span a light (58, 59) is activated whereas when actuating the button (47) for a second time span a wireless connection is activated and/or

    n) allows a configuration of the pliers tool (1) and/or

    o) detects an arrival at a closed position of the hand levers (8, 9) and/or

    p) controls a locating function for locating the pliers tool (1) and/or

    q) controls an anti-theft securing of the pliers tool (1) and/or

    r) controls an acoustic output of the pliers tool (1) and/or

    s) executes an electronic insertion control for controlling that the work piece has been inserted into the pliers jaws (11, 12) according to the specifications and/or

    t) produces an output (48) at an output or display (48) which is or correlates with

    - a name or a label of a manufacturer, an owner or a user and/or

    - a loading state of a battery or accumulator (25) and/or

    - a measured pliers jaw force or a measured pliers jaw displacement or a curve of the same and/or

    - a number of the passed working strokes and/or

    - the result of an evaluation of a working process executed with the pliers tool (1) and/or

    - the result of a comparison of a determined number of executed working strokes with a threshold and/or

    - an indication with respect to a required maintenance of the pliers tool (1).

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