EP4341028A1 - Portable powered agricultural tool, such as chainsaw or the like - Google Patents

Portable powered agricultural tool, such as chainsaw or the like

Info

Publication number
EP4341028A1
EP4341028A1 EP21743287.1A EP21743287A EP4341028A1 EP 4341028 A1 EP4341028 A1 EP 4341028A1 EP 21743287 A EP21743287 A EP 21743287A EP 4341028 A1 EP4341028 A1 EP 4341028A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
motor
cutting tool
value
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21743287.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Roberto Cifarelli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cifarelli SpA
Original Assignee
Cifarelli SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cifarelli SpA filed Critical Cifarelli SpA
Publication of EP4341028A1 publication Critical patent/EP4341028A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
    • B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • B27B17/00—Chain saws; Equipment therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23D59/00—Accessories specially designed for sawing machines or sawing devices
    • B23D59/001—Measuring or control devices, e.g. for automatic control of work feed pressure on band saw blade
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
    • B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • B27B17/00—Chain saws; Equipment therefor
    • B27B17/12—Lubricating devices specially designed for chain saws

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like.
  • a powered agricultural tool of a type known in the technical field of relevance of the present invention essentially comprises a machine body, a cutting tool jutting out of the machine body, and a motor connected to the machine body and the cutting tool and configured to generate a drive torque suitable to operate the cutting tool.
  • the motors that can be used in such agricultural tools can be “combustion” units (and typically piston engines driven by suitable fuel) or, as it is becoming popular in this technical field, electric units.
  • the electric motors currently used in portable agricultural tools are suitably sized and powered to generate the necessary power and torque, and these two parameters, in particular, are linked through a relationship of direct proportionality to the current intensity supplied by the electric power storage battery to the motor: it follows that, depending on the operating conditions of the cut and the variation of the required torque, the current intensity fluctuates, leading the tool to operate sometimes in conditions of poor efficiency which risks damaging the equipment itself or irreversibly reducing the battery life.
  • these conditions of low efficiency and risk of damage cannot be monitored directly by the operator during normal operations.
  • a further problem of well-known powered agricultural tools concerns the lubrication state of the cutting tool.
  • the tools are equipped with a lubricating fluid reservoir, typically oil, and a dispensing pump designed to dispense this lubricating fluid near the cutting tool: the purpose of this lubricating fluid is essentially to lubricate and protect the cutting tool.
  • the cutting tool may not be effectively lubricated.
  • the technical task of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a portable agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which does not present the same drawbacks inherent in the currently known art.
  • the purpose of this invention is to provide a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which is able to guarantee the operator a real-time monitoring of the operation of the tool itself during normal operations.
  • the purpose of this invention is to provide a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which allows the operator the ability to use the same tool in operating conditions of high efficiency and such as to prevent possible failures and premature wear.
  • This invention provides a portable agricultural tool comprising a machine body, a cutting tool, a motor, a control unit and a display device.
  • the cutting tool juts out of the machine body.
  • the motor connected to the machine body and the cutting tool, has been designed to generate a drive torque suitable to move the cutting tool.
  • the tool may further comprise a lubricating fluid reservoir and a dispensing pump for dispensing such lubricating fluid to the cutting tool.
  • the control unit is configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the motor and/or cutting tool, and to generate a performance signal representative of the at least one operating parameter, and identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of the motor and/or cutting tool.
  • the display device connected to the control unit and operatively arranged on the machine body, is configured to display a visual representation of the performance signal.
  • control unit may include a storage unit on which a trend of the operating state of the motor and/or cutting tool is recorded as a function of the value of a respective operating parameter of the motor and/or cutting tool.
  • a plurality of degrees of efficiency associated with the respective operating states of the motor and/or cutting tool is also recorded on the storage unit: the control unit is configured to generate the performance signal according to the efficiency value associated with the operating state identified by the detected operating parameter.
  • the motor is an electric motor and the tool comprises an electric energy storage battery, connected to the motor and configured for an electric power supply to the motor.
  • the motor can be a spark ignition motor.
  • the operating parameter includes an intensity value of electric current supplied from the battery to the motor: the control unit may include a current intensity sensor designed to measure the current intensity supplied to the motor.
  • the operating state may be one or more of the following:
  • the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool.
  • control unit comprises a temperature sensor operatively installed near the cutting tool and designed to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
  • the operating state may be a movement speed value of the cutting tool.
  • the operating state may be one or more of the following:
  • the display device may comprise at least one optoelectronic device and/or a display designed to display the aforementioned performance signal.
  • said display device ensures that the operator can easily see the operating state and degree of operational efficiency of the tool during operations.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention.
  • ⁇ refers to a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, usable in gardening or agricultural applications.
  • Such tool 1 essentially comprises a machine body 2, a cutting tool 3, a motor 4, a control unit “U” and a display device 5.
  • the machine body 2 defines a volume suitable for at least partial containment of the motor 4, the control unit “U”, the display device 5 and the cutting tool 3.
  • the machine body 2 also has a shape that can be handled by an operator: the machine body 2 has graspable and ergonomic portions.
  • the cutting tool 3, jutting out of the machine body 2 is designed to exert a cutting action on branches, trees, leaves and similar objects.
  • the motor 4 is connected to the machine body 2 and the cutting tool 3 and is designed to generate a drive torque suitable to move the cutting tool 3.
  • the tool 1 may further comprise a lubricating fluid reservoir 9 for the cutting tool 3 and a dispensing pump, connected to the reservoir 9 and designed to dispense lubricating fluid to the cutting tool 3.
  • the control unit “U” is designed to detect at least one operating parameter of the motor 4 and/or cutting tool 3, and to generate a performance signal representative of at least one operating parameter and identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of the motor 4 and/or cutting tool 3.
  • operating state is intended to mean an operating condition of the tool and, in particular, the operating condition of a particular component of the tool 1 , such as the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3.
  • This operating state is related to the respective operating parameter (detected by the control unit) by a proportionality report, as will be further clarified below in this document.
  • degree of efficiency is intended to mean an evaluation of the operational performance of the aforementioned operating state: such degree of efficiency can be expressed by a scalar system of discrete values (or, alternatively, the degree of efficiency can be expressed by a binary system: the degree of efficiency can simply be “positive” or “negative”).
  • the display device 5 connected to the control unit “U” and operatively installed on the machine body 2, is designed to display a visual representation of the performance signal: in other words, the display device 5 is designed to show the operator the aforementioned performance signal with the device in use, identifying the degree of efficiency of the relative operating state of the tool 1.
  • the operator is able to monitor the functional status of the tool 1 and, therefore, ensure its optimal and efficient operation.
  • control unit “U” may comprise a storage unit “M”: a trend of the operating state of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3 is recorded on this storage unit “M” as a function of the value of a respective operating parameter of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3, as well as a plurality of degrees of efficiency associated with the respective operating states of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3.
  • a plurality of nominal values of the operating state related to a respective plurality of values of the operating parameter (to which the operating state is linked by a proportional relationship) is recorded on the storage unit “M”, so as to describe the trend as a function of said respective operating parameter.
  • each value of the plurality of nominal values of the operating state is associated with a respective value concerning the aforementioned degree of efficiency.
  • control unit “U” is designed to generate the performance signal that identifies the degree of efficiency corresponding to the value of the determined operating state.
  • control unit “U” determines the value of the respective operating state by the trend recorded on the storage unit “M” and, consequently, also the degree of efficiency related to that operating state.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the tool 1.
  • the motor 4 is an electric motor.
  • This motor 4 comprises a driver.
  • the tool 1 comprises an electric energy storage battery 6, connected to the motor 4 and designed to supply electric power to the motor 4.
  • the operating parameter comprises an electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4.
  • control unit “U” comprises a current intensity sensor 7: the current intensity sensor 7 is operatively installed near the motor 4 and/or the battery 6, and designed to measure the aforementioned electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4.
  • the current intensity sensor 7 can be operatively installed on one or more phases between the driver and the motor 4.
  • the reference status may be at least one of the following:
  • Each of these operating states has a direct proportional relationship with respect to the current intensity supplied to the motor 4.
  • the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states is recorded on the storage unit “M” as a function of nominal values of the current intensity supplied from the battery 6 to the motor 4.
  • the current intensity sensor 7 measures the actual value of the current intensity supplied to the motor 4, and the control unit “U”, on the basis of this measurement and the trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related to it.
  • the display device 5 is designed for a visual representation of each of the performance signals generated by the control unit “U”.
  • the correct operation of the tool 1 can be determined by monitoring one or more of the aforementioned operating states.
  • the control unit “U” would send to the display device the performance signal identifying a low degree of efficiency. This performance signal would be immediately visible to the operator thanks to the display device 5, allowing the operator to change the operating state of the tool 1 so that the latter can operate in an optimal condition.
  • FIG. 1 A further embodiment of the tool 1 is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the motor 4 may independently be an electrical unit or a “combustion” unit.
  • the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool: the control unit “U” comprises a temperature sensor 8 operatively arranged near the cutting tool 3 and designed to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
  • the operating state can be at least one of the following:
  • Each of these operating states has a direct proportional relationship with respect to the temperature of the cutting tool 3.
  • the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states is recorded on the storage unit “M” as a function of nominal values of the temperature reached near the cutting tool 3 and measured by the temperature sensor 8-
  • the temperature sensor 8 measures the actual value of the temperature in the proximity of the cutting tool 3, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the respective trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related to it.
  • the display device 5 is designed for a visual representation of each of the performance signals generated by the control unit “U”.
  • the correct operation of the tool 1 can be determined by monitoring one or more of the aforementioned operating states.
  • the temperature of the latter would increase due to the friction generated between the cutting tool 3 and the machine body 2.
  • the control unit “U” would send to the display device 5 the performance signal identifying a low degree of efficiency. This performance signal would be immediately visible to the operator thanks to the display device 5, allowing the operator to change the operating state of the tool 1 so that the latter can operate in an optimal condition.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an additional embodiment of the tool 1.
  • the motor 4 is an electric motor.
  • the tool 1 comprises the battery 6 for storing electric power, connected to the motor 4 and designed to supply electric power to the motor 4.
  • the operating parameter comprises an electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4:
  • the control unit “U” comprises a current intensity sensor 7 configured to measure the aforementioned electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4.
  • the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool 3: the control unit “U” comprises the temperature sensor 8 operatively arranged near the cutting tool 3 and configured to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
  • the reference state related to the current intensity value can be at least one of the following:
  • the reference state related to the temperature value may be at least one of the following:
  • the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states as a function of the respective related operating parameter is recorded on the storage unit “M”.
  • the current intensity sensor 7 measures the actual value of the current intensity supplied to the motor 4, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the respective trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related thereto, while the temperature sensor 8 measures the actual value of the temperature near the cutting tool 3, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related thereto.
  • control unit “U” is designed to generate a first performance signal relative to the degree of efficiency of the state relative to the current intensity, and to generate a second performance signal relative to the efficiency degree of the operating state relative to the temperature of the tool.
  • the display device 5 is designed to display a visual representation of such first and second performance signals.
  • the display device 5 may comprise at least one optoelectronic device and/or at least one display configured for the aforementioned visual representation of the performance signal.
  • the display device 5 may include one or more light-emitting diodes. Functionally, the display device 5 may be configured to assume a plurality of distinct colour configurations, each colour configuration being associated with a respective performance signal value. Alternatively, the display device 5 may be designed to assume a plurality of distinct power-up configurations, each power-up configuration being associated with a respective performance signal value.
  • the display device 5 may further include a display designed for the visual representation of the performance signal by one or more respective images, logos, alphanumeric characters and/or special characters.
  • the display device 5 may include an organic diode type display (OLED).
  • OLED organic diode type display
  • the tool 1 may further comprise an electroacoustic transducer, connected to the control unit “U”, and designed to output an acoustic signal representative of the performance signal.
  • such an electroacoustic transducer can emit a signal only in the case where the control unit “U” detects a degree of efficiency considered not optimal.
  • the powered agricultural tool 1 makes it possible to obtain an effective monitoring of the operating state of the tool, and, in particular, of the operating state of the motor and/or the cutting tool, so that the tool can constantly operate at an optimal status.
  • control unit “U” and the display device 5 allow the operator to avoid possible damage and limit and delay the wear of the equipment.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)

Abstract

A powered agricultural tool comprises a machine body, a cutting tool jutting out of the machine body, an engine suitable to operate the cutting tool and a control unit configured to detect an operating parameter of the motor and/or cutting tool, and to generate a performance signal representative of said operating parameter, as well as identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of the motor and/or tool; the tool further comprises a display device for displaying a visual representation of the performance signal.

Description

DESCRIPTION
PORTABLE POWERED AGRICULTURAL TOOL, SUCH AS CHAINSAW
OR THE LIKE
The present invention relates to a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like.
Usually, such tools are used for the care of gardens, fields, and/or forests. From a constitutive point of view, a powered agricultural tool of a type known in the technical field of relevance of the present invention essentially comprises a machine body, a cutting tool jutting out of the machine body, and a motor connected to the machine body and the cutting tool and configured to generate a drive torque suitable to operate the cutting tool. The motors that can be used in such agricultural tools can be “combustion” units (and typically piston engines driven by suitable fuel) or, as it is becoming popular in this technical field, electric units.
Nevertheless, the tools of known type, even in their most modern implementations with “electric” motorization still have some disadvantages of structural, operational and economic/production nature, despite having eliminated or significantly reduced some disadvantages typical of “thermal”-type motorisations (noise, consumption, pollutant emissions, vibrations transmitted to the user, and so on). Firstly, the electric motors currently used in portable agricultural tools, such as chainsaws or the like, are suitably sized and powered to generate the necessary power and torque, and these two parameters, in particular, are linked through a relationship of direct proportionality to the current intensity supplied by the electric power storage battery to the motor: it follows that, depending on the operating conditions of the cut and the variation of the required torque, the current intensity fluctuates, leading the tool to operate sometimes in conditions of poor efficiency which risks damaging the equipment itself or irreversibly reducing the battery life. However, these conditions of low efficiency and risk of damage cannot be monitored directly by the operator during normal operations.
Secondly, irrespective of the use of an electric unit or a “combustion” unit, a further problem of well-known powered agricultural tools, such as chainsaws or the like, concerns the lubrication state of the cutting tool. Generally, the tools are equipped with a lubricating fluid reservoir, typically oil, and a dispensing pump designed to dispense this lubricating fluid near the cutting tool: the purpose of this lubricating fluid is essentially to lubricate and protect the cutting tool.
In typical operating conditions, in fact, the operator cannot monitor directly and in real time the filling status of the reservoir and/or the operating condition of the components related to the supply of the lubricating fluid.
It follows that, in the event of exhaustion of the lubricating fluid during operations and/or of faults in the components used to supply the lubricating fluid, the cutting tool may not be effectively lubricated.
This condition would result in greater energy absorption due to the friction between the cutting tool and the machine body, and, therefore, lower operating efficiency and greater wear of the cutting tool.
In this context, the technical task of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a portable agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which does not present the same drawbacks inherent in the currently known art. However, the purpose of this invention is to provide a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which is able to guarantee the operator a real-time monitoring of the operation of the tool itself during normal operations.
Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, which allows the operator the ability to use the same tool in operating conditions of high efficiency and such as to prevent possible failures and premature wear.
The specified technical task and the specified purpose are fully achieved by a portable agricultural tool object of this invention, as detailed in the contents of claims below.
This invention provides a portable agricultural tool comprising a machine body, a cutting tool, a motor, a control unit and a display device.
The cutting tool juts out of the machine body. The motor, connected to the machine body and the cutting tool, has been designed to generate a drive torque suitable to move the cutting tool.
The tool may further comprise a lubricating fluid reservoir and a dispensing pump for dispensing such lubricating fluid to the cutting tool.
The control unit is configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the motor and/or cutting tool, and to generate a performance signal representative of the at least one operating parameter, and identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of the motor and/or cutting tool. The display device, connected to the control unit and operatively arranged on the machine body, is configured to display a visual representation of the performance signal.
Advantageously, in this way, during normal operations, the operator is guaranteed the possibility of instantaneously monitoring the operation of the tool and the efficiency of its operating condition.
In particular, the control unit may include a storage unit on which a trend of the operating state of the motor and/or cutting tool is recorded as a function of the value of a respective operating parameter of the motor and/or cutting tool.
A plurality of degrees of efficiency associated with the respective operating states of the motor and/or cutting tool is also recorded on the storage unit: the control unit is configured to generate the performance signal according to the efficiency value associated with the operating state identified by the detected operating parameter.
In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor and the tool comprises an electric energy storage battery, connected to the motor and configured for an electric power supply to the motor.
In further embodiments, the motor can be a spark ignition motor. In the embodiment where the motor is an electric motor, the operating parameter includes an intensity value of electric current supplied from the battery to the motor: the control unit may include a current intensity sensor designed to measure the current intensity supplied to the motor.
The operating state may be one or more of the following:
- a drive torque value of the motor;
- a rotation speed value of a motor shaft;
- a movement speed value of the cutting tool; and/or
- an instantaneous consumption value of the battery.
In a further embodiment, regardless of whether the motor is an electric unit or a “combustion” unit, and regardless of whether the operating parameter may comprise a current intensity value, the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool.
In such an embodiment, the control unit comprises a temperature sensor operatively installed near the cutting tool and designed to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
Alternatively, the operating state may be a movement speed value of the cutting tool.
The operating state may be one or more of the following:
- a movement speed value of the cutting tool;
- a filling value of said lubricating fluid reservoir; and/or
- a flow rate supplied by the above lubricating fluid dispensing pump. According to an additional aspect of this invention, regardless of the type of motor employed and the operating parameters detected, the display device may comprise at least one optoelectronic device and/or a display designed to display the aforementioned performance signal. Advantageously, said display device ensures that the operator can easily see the operating state and degree of operational efficiency of the tool during operations.
Additional characteristics and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a portable agricultural tool according to this invention.
Such a description will be set out hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings given only for illustrative and, therefore, non limiting purpose, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention;
- Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention;
- Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment (as example but not limited to) of the powered agricultural tool in accordance with this invention.
With reference to the figures attached hereto, Ί” refers to a powered agricultural tool, such as a chainsaw or the like, usable in gardening or agricultural applications.
Such tool 1 essentially comprises a machine body 2, a cutting tool 3, a motor 4, a control unit “U” and a display device 5.
Structurally, the machine body 2 defines a volume suitable for at least partial containment of the motor 4, the control unit “U”, the display device 5 and the cutting tool 3.
The machine body 2 also has a shape that can be handled by an operator: the machine body 2 has graspable and ergonomic portions.
The cutting tool 3, jutting out of the machine body 2, is designed to exert a cutting action on branches, trees, leaves and similar objects.
The motor 4 is connected to the machine body 2 and the cutting tool 3 and is designed to generate a drive torque suitable to move the cutting tool 3. The tool 1 may further comprise a lubricating fluid reservoir 9 for the cutting tool 3 and a dispensing pump, connected to the reservoir 9 and designed to dispense lubricating fluid to the cutting tool 3. The control unit “U” is designed to detect at least one operating parameter of the motor 4 and/or cutting tool 3, and to generate a performance signal representative of at least one operating parameter and identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of the motor 4 and/or cutting tool 3.
In the present description, the term “operating state” is intended to mean an operating condition of the tool and, in particular, the operating condition of a particular component of the tool 1 , such as the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3.
This operating state is related to the respective operating parameter (detected by the control unit) by a proportionality report, as will be further clarified below in this document.
Furthermore, the expression “degree of efficiency” is intended to mean an evaluation of the operational performance of the aforementioned operating state: such degree of efficiency can be expressed by a scalar system of discrete values (or, alternatively, the degree of efficiency can be expressed by a binary system: the degree of efficiency can simply be “positive” or “negative”).
The display device 5, connected to the control unit “U” and operatively installed on the machine body 2, is designed to display a visual representation of the performance signal: in other words, the display device 5 is designed to show the operator the aforementioned performance signal with the device in use, identifying the degree of efficiency of the relative operating state of the tool 1.
Advantageously, in this way, with the device in use, the operator is able to monitor the functional status of the tool 1 and, therefore, ensure its optimal and efficient operation.
This results are less risk of damage and less wear-and-tear over time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit “U” may comprise a storage unit “M”: a trend of the operating state of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3 is recorded on this storage unit “M” as a function of the value of a respective operating parameter of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3, as well as a plurality of degrees of efficiency associated with the respective operating states of the motor 4 and/or the cutting tool 3.
In other words, a plurality of nominal values of the operating state related to a respective plurality of values of the operating parameter (to which the operating state is linked by a proportional relationship) is recorded on the storage unit “M”, so as to describe the trend as a function of said respective operating parameter.
Furthermore, each value of the plurality of nominal values of the operating state is associated with a respective value concerning the aforementioned degree of efficiency.
Therefore, the control unit “U” is designed to generate the performance signal that identifies the degree of efficiency corresponding to the value of the determined operating state.
In other words, while in use, once the operating parameter has been detected, the control unit “U” determines the value of the respective operating state by the trend recorded on the storage unit “M” and, consequently, also the degree of efficiency related to that operating state. Three preferred embodiments will be described in detail below by way of example.
Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the tool 1.
In such an embodiment, the motor 4 is an electric motor.
This motor 4 comprises a driver.
The tool 1 comprises an electric energy storage battery 6, connected to the motor 4 and designed to supply electric power to the motor 4.
In such an embodiment, the operating parameter comprises an electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4.
In particular, the control unit “U” comprises a current intensity sensor 7: the current intensity sensor 7 is operatively installed near the motor 4 and/or the battery 6, and designed to measure the aforementioned electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4. In particular, the current intensity sensor 7 can be operatively installed on one or more phases between the driver and the motor 4.
In such an embodiment, the reference status may be at least one of the following:
- a drive torque value of the motor 4;
- a rotation speed value of a motor shaft 4;
- a movement speed value of cutting tool 3; and/or
- an instantaneous consumption value of the battery 6.
Each of these operating states has a direct proportional relationship with respect to the current intensity supplied to the motor 4.
At the functional level, the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states is recorded on the storage unit “M” as a function of nominal values of the current intensity supplied from the battery 6 to the motor 4.
The current intensity sensor 7 measures the actual value of the current intensity supplied to the motor 4, and the control unit “U”, on the basis of this measurement and the trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related to it.
In the event that the controller “U” is designed to generate multiple performance signals, each referring to the degree of efficiency of a particular operating state, the display device 5, in turn, is designed for a visual representation of each of the performance signals generated by the control unit “U”.
Advantageously, in this way, the correct operation of the tool 1 can be determined by monitoring one or more of the aforementioned operating states.
For example, in the event that the current intensity should increase excessively (due to a greater resistant torque), thus leading the motor 4 to operate in low-efficiency conditions, the control unit “U” would send to the display device the performance signal identifying a low degree of efficiency. This performance signal would be immediately visible to the operator thanks to the display device 5, allowing the operator to change the operating state of the tool 1 so that the latter can operate in an optimal condition.
A further embodiment of the tool 1 is illustrated in Figure 2.
In such an embodiment, the motor 4 may independently be an electrical unit or a “combustion” unit.
The operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool: the control unit “U” comprises a temperature sensor 8 operatively arranged near the cutting tool 3 and designed to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
In such an embodiment, the operating state can be at least one of the following:
- a movement speed value of said cutting tool 3;
- a filling value of said reservoir 9 of the lubricating fluid; and/or
- a flow rate supplied by the above lubricating fluid dispensing pump.
Each of these operating states has a direct proportional relationship with respect to the temperature of the cutting tool 3.
At the functional level, the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states is recorded on the storage unit “M” as a function of nominal values of the temperature reached near the cutting tool 3 and measured by the temperature sensor 8-
The temperature sensor 8 measures the actual value of the temperature in the proximity of the cutting tool 3, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the respective trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related to it.
In the event that the controller “U” is designed to generate multiple performance signals, each referring to the degree of efficiency of a particular operating state, the display device 5, in turn, is designed for a visual representation of each of the performance signals generated by the control unit “U”.
Advantageously, in this way, the correct operation of the tool 1 can be determined by monitoring one or more of the aforementioned operating states. In fact, for example, in the event that the reservoir 9 of the lubricating fluid were to empty, thereby stopping, or, in any case, greatly decreasing the supply of lubricating fluid to the cutting tool 3, the temperature of the latter would increase due to the friction generated between the cutting tool 3 and the machine body 2. The control unit “U” would send to the display device 5 the performance signal identifying a low degree of efficiency. This performance signal would be immediately visible to the operator thanks to the display device 5, allowing the operator to change the operating state of the tool 1 so that the latter can operate in an optimal condition. Figure 3 illustrates an additional embodiment of the tool 1.
In such an embodiment, the motor 4 is an electric motor.
The tool 1 comprises the battery 6 for storing electric power, connected to the motor 4 and designed to supply electric power to the motor 4.
In such an embodiment, the operating parameter comprises an electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4: the control unit “U” comprises a current intensity sensor 7 configured to measure the aforementioned electric current intensity value supplied to the motor 4.
In addition, the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of the cutting tool 3: the control unit “U” comprises the temperature sensor 8 operatively arranged near the cutting tool 3 and configured to measure the aforementioned temperature value.
In such an embodiment, the reference state related to the current intensity value can be at least one of the following:
- a drive torque value of said motor; - a rotation speed value of a motor shaft;
- a movement speed value of the cutting tool; and/or - an instantaneous consumption value of said battery.
In addition, the reference state related to the temperature value may be at least one of the following:
- a movement speed value of said cutting tool;
- a filling value of said lubricating fluid reservoir; and/or
- a flow rate supplied by the above lubricating fluid dispensing pump.
At the functional level, the trend of one or more of the aforementioned operating states as a function of the respective related operating parameter is recorded on the storage unit “M”.
The current intensity sensor 7 measures the actual value of the current intensity supplied to the motor 4, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the respective trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related thereto, while the temperature sensor 8 measures the actual value of the temperature near the cutting tool 3, and the control unit “U”, based on this measurement and the trend recorded on the storage unit “M”, defines the value of the particular operating state and the degree of efficiency related thereto.
In other words, the control unit “U” is designed to generate a first performance signal relative to the degree of efficiency of the state relative to the current intensity, and to generate a second performance signal relative to the efficiency degree of the operating state relative to the temperature of the tool. The display device 5, in turn, is designed to display a visual representation of such first and second performance signals.
According to an additional aspect of this invention, regardless of the sensors, operating parameters and operating states used, the display device 5 may comprise at least one optoelectronic device and/or at least one display configured for the aforementioned visual representation of the performance signal.
In particular, in embodiments that include at least one optoelectronic device, the display device 5 may include one or more light-emitting diodes. Functionally, the display device 5 may be configured to assume a plurality of distinct colour configurations, each colour configuration being associated with a respective performance signal value. Alternatively, the display device 5 may be designed to assume a plurality of distinct power-up configurations, each power-up configuration being associated with a respective performance signal value.
Regardless of at least one optoelectronic device, the display device 5 may further include a display designed for the visual representation of the performance signal by one or more respective images, logos, alphanumeric characters and/or special characters.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the display device 5 may include an organic diode type display (OLED).
Regardless of the structure of the display device 5, furthermore, the tool 1 may further comprise an electroacoustic transducer, connected to the control unit “U”, and designed to output an acoustic signal representative of the performance signal.
At a functional level, for example, such an electroacoustic transducer can emit a signal only in the case where the control unit “U” detects a degree of efficiency considered not optimal.
This invention achieves its intended purposes, eliminating the drawbacks inherent in the previous art: in this regard, it should first be noted that the powered agricultural tool 1 , as described and/or claimed, makes it possible to obtain an effective monitoring of the operating state of the tool, and, in particular, of the operating state of the motor and/or the cutting tool, so that the tool can constantly operate at an optimal status.
It should also be noted that the control unit “U” and the display device 5 allow the operator to avoid possible damage and limit and delay the wear of the equipment.

Claims

1. A powered agricultural tool (1), such as chainsaw or the like, comprising:
- a machine body (2);
- a cutting tool (3) jutting out of said machine body (2);
- a motor (4) connected to said machine body (2) and said cutting tool (3) and designed to generate a drive torque adapted to move said cutting tool (3); characterised in that it comprises:
- a control unit (U) configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the motor (4) and/or the cutting tool (3) and to generate a performance signal representative of said at least one operating parameter and identifying a degree of efficiency of an operating state of said motor (4) and/or said cutting tool (3);
- a display device (5), connected to said control unit (U) and operatively arranged on said machine body (2), configured to display a visual representation of said performance signal.
2. Tool (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said control unit (U) comprises a storage unit (M) on which a trend of said operating state of said motor (4) and/or said cutting tool (3) is recorded as a function of the value of a respective operating parameter of said motor (4) and/or said cutting tool (3); and on which a plurality of degrees of efficiency associated with respective operating states of said motor (4) and/or said cutting tool (3) is recorded; said control unit (U) being configured to generate the performance signal according to the efficiency value associated with the operating state identified by the detected operating parameter.
3. Tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein said motor (4) is an electric motor and wherein said tool (1) comprises a battery (6) for accumulating electric power, connected to said motor (4) and configured for supplying electric power to said motor (4); said operating parameter comprising an electric current intensity value supplied to said motor (4).
4. Tool (1) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (U) comprises a current intensity sensor (7) operatively arranged in the vicinity of said motor (4) and/or said battery and configured to measure said current intensity value of electric current supplied to said motor (4).
5. Tool (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said operating state being a value of said drive torque of said motor (4), a rotation speed value of a shaft of said motor (4), a movement speed value of said cutting tool (3) and/or an instantaneous consumption value of said battery (6).
6. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the operating parameter comprises a temperature value of said cutting tool.
7. Tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (U) comprises a temperature sensor (8) operatively arranged near said cutting tool (3) configured to measure said temperature value.
8. A tool (1) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a reservoir (9) of lubricating fluid for the cutting tool (3) and a dispensing pump, connected to said reservoir (9), and configured for dispensing the lubricating fluid to the cutting tool (3); wherein said operating state being a movement speed value of said cutting tool (3), a filling value of said lubricating fluid reservoir (9) and/or a flow rate value supplied by said lubricant fluid dispensing pump.
9. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said display device (5) comprises at least one optoelectronic device, preferably said display device comprising one or more light-emitting diodes.
10. Tool (1) according to claim 9, wherein said display device (5) is configured to assume a plurality of distinct colour configurations, each colour configuration being associated with a respective value of said performance signal.
11. Tool (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said display device (5) is configured to assume a plurality of distinct power-up configurations, each power-up configuration being associated with a respective value of said performance signal.
12. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said display device (5) comprises a display configured for said visual representation of said performance signal by one or more respective images, logos, alphanumeric characters and/or special characters; preferably said display device comprising a display of the organic diode (OLED) type.
EP21743287.1A 2021-05-20 2021-05-20 Portable powered agricultural tool, such as chainsaw or the like Pending EP4341028A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2021/000024 WO2022244023A1 (en) 2021-05-20 2021-05-20 Portable powered agricultural tool, such as chainsaw or the like

Publications (1)

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EP4341028A1 true EP4341028A1 (en) 2024-03-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21743287.1A Pending EP4341028A1 (en) 2021-05-20 2021-05-20 Portable powered agricultural tool, such as chainsaw or the like

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WO (1) WO2022244023A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012122136A2 (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-13 Blount, Inc. Battery operated tool
JP2014073566A (en) * 2012-10-05 2014-04-24 Makita Corp Power tool
SE1751356A1 (en) * 2017-11-01 2019-04-16 Husqvarna Ab Lubrication monitoring arrangement, hand-held cutting tool and method
DE102019211894A1 (en) * 2019-08-08 2021-02-11 Robert Bosch Gmbh Braking device of a chainsaw and method for protecting an operator

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