GB2514878A

GB2514878A - Hand machine tool actuator for a jig saw and saber saw

Info

Publication number: GB2514878A
Application number: GB1403922.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marcel Fankhauser; Michael Uebelhart; Miguel Da Costa; Aldo Di Nicolantonio; Andre Hoffmann
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2013-02-06
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2014-12-10
Also published as: GB201403922D0

Abstract

A reciprocating saw 10 (e.g. fret saw, jigsaw, hacksaw), has a rod-shaped handgrip 16, and a hand-held power tool actuating element 26 for providing switching-on and switching-off function for a drive unit, where the drive unit drives a tool 22 (preferably a saw blade). The actuating switch adjusts a tool speed/stroke rate, of the saw based on movement (preferably deflection, rotation, swivelling, swiping or pivoting) of the actuating element by an operators fingers or thumb. The actuating trigger may be directly or indirectly connected with an electrical switching unit, such as a potentiometer, and directly coupled with a motor brake. The actuating element may be lockable by snapping into place or clamping. Preferably a second actuating element (27, figure 6) is partially integrated into the first actuating element.

Description

Description Title

Hand-held power tool actuating element for a jigsaw, as well as a jigsaw The invention proceeds from a device and/cr a method according tc the preamble cf the independent claims.

Background art

From PD 10 2004 042 025 Al a device having a hand-held power tool actuating element for a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle is already known, which actuating element is provided for at least indirectly providing a switch-on and switch-off function for the drive unit of the power tool that drives at least one tool.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention proceeds from a hand-held power tool actuating element for a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle, which actuating element is provided for at least indirectly providing a switch-on and switch-off function for the drive unit of the power tool that drives at least one tool. It is proposed that by means of the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element a tool speed, in particular a tool stroke rate, is adjustable.

Generally, by the hand-held power tool actuating element is meant a man-machine interface for cperator control of the jigsaw. However in a preferred manner by the hand-held power tool actuating element is meant an element that may be actuated typically by a finger or hand of a user of the jigsaw for adjustment purposes. It preferably has a haptically and/or ergonomically particularly preferred surface and/or structure that is easy to operate with a human finger. It may be a sensory element, preferentially a touch display, and/or a slide, a momentary-contact control switch, a lever or a rotary wheel. In a particularly preferred manner it is an actuating element that is at least partially rotatable about a point of rotation, or linearly movable, being in particular guided in its rotation or motion. In a quite particularly preferred manner this actuating element may at least upon actuation be partially recessed in its holder or socket, in particular a jigsaw machine housing. This actuating element moreover acts at least indirectly upon at least one electric switching means, in particular a potentiometer and hence forms in its function part of a switch. The holder of the actuating element is situated typically at least partially on, or at least partially in, the housing of the power tool.

According to the invention by means of the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element it is possible to control both a switch-on and switch-off function and a tool speed, in particular a tool stroke rate. Here, by a tool stroke rate is meant in particular the stroke rate of the jigsaw blade or an oscillating frequency or reciprocating frequency or speed of motion of the saw blade. By controllable is meant in particular variably adjustable.

Typically an initial, preferably minimal actuation of the hand-held power tool actuating element from a starting position or zero position effects a switching-on of the jigsaw and consequently a continuous motion of the reciprocating unit of the jigsaw, at least so long as the hand-held power tool actuating element is not moved back into the starting position. A backward shift of the actuating element, in particular into the starting position, preferably leads to a decelerating or stopping of the reciprocating motion of the jigsaw and finally to switching-off of the jigsaw. If the hand-held power tool actuating element is shifted, in particular pressed, pulled, slid or rotated, to a greater extent, this typically leads to a further increase and/or further decrease of the tool speed. In a maximum deflection and/or shift of the hand-held power tool actuating element typically a maximum tool speed is reached. Alternatively, this adjustment function may be taken over by an independent, so-called autonomous control of the power tool and/or by an autonomous tool speed assistant. This typically acguires both the workpiece properties and the tool-and jigsaw properties for example by means of an optical sensor, a force sensor or an acceleration sensor and automatically adjusts the tool speed.

In an advantageous manner the adjustability according to the invention, in particular the variable adjustability and/or controllability, of the tool speed of the jigsaw by means of the one hand-held power tool actuating element, which combines the switch-on and switch-off function with the adjustment of the tool speed, offers a user of the jigsaw a simple means of control over the tool, in particular over the saw blade. Thus, for example at the start and/or end of a process of sawing a workpiece the tool speed may be easily reduced. This typically increases the safety of operation of the jigsaw. Furthermore, the application-and/or workplace-dependent operator control is facilitated for the user. By virtue of the hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention it is moreover possible to increase the sawing quality, in particular by virtue of the tool speed being easily and single-handedly adaptable to the situation. The tool speed correlates in dependence upon the workpiece properties with a vibrational input, in particular into or upon the workpiece, which is easily controllable as a result of the easy adjustability of the tool speed by means of the hand-held power tool actuating element. Furthermore, the vibrations that the user of the jigsaw perceives, particularly in his hand, are easily controllable and occasionally facilitate use of the jigsaw by the user. A particularly advantageous effect is obtained from the adjustability according to the invention of the tool speed, for example in the event of an unstable work stance of the user and/or an unstable position of the jigsaw on a workpiece to be machined, for the reasons stated above.

Also in the case of an insecure clamping situation of the workpiece easy adjustability of the stroke rate is advantageous in order in particular to be able to control an excitation of vibrations in the workpiece. This has a typically positive effect on the cutting quality and hence on the sawing results. It moreover increases control of the user over the tool and for example avoids the risk of an uncontrolled start of cut and/or uncontrolled restoring forces acting upon the user. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner comfort and safety during use of the jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle are enhanced. Furthermore the user may, in particular purposefully, influence and/or reduce the appliance vibrations and/or vibration excitation of a workpiece through variable adjustment of the tool speed. This has a particularly advantageous effect during a sawing operation at critical points, at sharp changes of direction, in the event of obstacles, final saw positions that have to be precisely observed and/or in the event of unexpected occurrences.

Advantageous developments of the hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention emerge from the features of the dependent claims.

It is proposed that in an advantageous embodiment the hand-held power tool actuating element is provided for varying, in particular raising or lowering, the tool speed of the jigsaw at least in dependence upon a movement, in particular a deflection or rotation or swivelling or swiping of the hand-held power tool actuating element. By "provided" is meant in particular specially designed or equipped. By a hand-held power tool actuating element being provided for a specific function is meant in particular that the element and/or the unit fulfils or carries out this specific function in at least one state of use and/or operation. By "movement" is meant typically a change of location and/or position in relation to a starting position and/or previous position.

The movement is effected typically by one hand, in particular one finger of the user. In this case the hand-held power tool actuating element shifts typically linearly or in a rotational direction preferably about a point of rotation. In a particularly preferred manner the hand-held power tool actuating element is accommodated, guided, surrounded or delimited by a supporting-, positioning-or retaining structure. Alternatively the hand-held power tool actuating element may be an electronic or an optoelectronic actuating element. This is actuated for example by a swiping action, comparable to a smartphone display user application. Also conceivable however is an acoustic actuation by specifying a sound, term or number, in particular a number corresponding to the tool stroke

rate specification.

In an advantageous manner this allows easy and intuitive setting of a required tool speed. What is more, in dependence upon the application a stroke rate may be rapidly adapted or the machine may be rapidly switched on or off.

It is further proposed that the hand-held power tool actuating element is workingly connected directly or indirectly to an electric switching means, in particular to a resistor that is variable by operator control, for example a potentiometer. By "directly" is meant in particular directly connected or directly coupled. In a preferred manner the electric switching means is even integrated in or directly linked-up with the hand-held power tool actuating element. By "indirectly" is meant in particular deflected via further mechanical, electronic and/or optical elements, but workingly connected to one another. Tn a preferred manner by indirect setting is meant workingly connected by at least one bolt element, wire, cable pull, deflection pulley. In a particularly preferred manner workingly connected by a hand-held power tool actuating element that is disposed on an underside of the rod-shaped handle. This actuating element is disposed for example in a transition region of a first and second housing part of the jigsaw and is pivotable about a point of rotation. The hand-held power tool actuating element in this case acts upon a switch element, in particular presses or pulls on this switch element. The switching element in turn actuates at least one electric switching means, in particular by means of a restoring spring. In a quite particularly advantageous manner a hand-held power tool actuating element that is pivotable about a point of rotation acts upon a cable pull that is guided typically in the housing. This cable pull may be deflected in particular via a preferably eccentric deflection element.

The eccentric deflection element may enable an adjustment and/or tensioning of the cable pull, for example by means of an in particular discretely adjustable rotation of the element. The hand-held power tool actuating element may moreover act at least indirectly upon a link element, which in turn typically acts upon and actuates a potentiometer connected to a switching element. By "workingly connected" is meant a hand-held power tool actuating element, which upon actuation switches, controls or adjusts an electric switching means. Alternatively the hand-held power tool actuating element may be connected by a hydraulic coupling system to the electric switching means.

A direct working connection may be particularly advantageous beoause of the few oomponents that are to be moved. A direct working connection is preferably less susceptible to faults and at times more reliable than an indirect working connection. Furthermore, By virtue of a high level of integration of the electric switching means in the hand-held power tool actuating element it is for example possible to form an assembly group that may be easily applied to a jigsaw. On the other hand, for example in the case of confined spatial conditions an indirect working connection may be preferable to the direct one. In a particularly preferred manner this also allows further hand-held power tool actuating elements, which are in particular workingiy connected and/or coupled to the first hand-held power tool actuating element, to act upon a common electric switching means.

It is further proposed that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element in one embodiment is lockable, wherein the locking is realized in particular mechanically and/or electronically, in a preferred manner by snapping into place or clamping. In the present case the hand-held power tool actuating element preferably as a result of latching-and/or clamping surfaces formed at least partially in its receiver may be moved only with a partially increased and/or reduced expenditure of force.

The hand-held power tool actuating element may comprise one or preferably more locking devices, in particular segment-forming locking devices arranged at regular intervals.

Alternatively the locking devices may be provided by components that are workingly connected to the hand-held power tool actuating element. In a preferred manner locking points are displayed to the user and in particular are provided, for example inscribed, with user-relevant information.

This advantageously allows the hand-held power tool actuating element to be fixed and/or set, given a desired tool stroke rate that is in particular displayed to the user and/or tuned to a workpiece that is to be machined.

Thus, when the hand-held power tool actuating element is switched on and locked the user gains more freedom of support and/or motion.

It is further proposed that at least one further actuating element is at least partially integrated into the hand-held power tool actuating element. The further actuating element may be a rotating-or sliding element. It may be round or angular, in particular barrel-shaped, square or rectangular. It may possess a haptic effective area, for example as a result of corrugating or roughening of its surface. Tt may differ in terms of material from the hand-held power tool actuating element. It may moreover appear, and/or become actuable, for example only after a specific actuating travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element.

Functionally by means of the further actuating element it s possible to realize for example a blocking function of the hand-held power tool actuating element in the maximum deflection thereof. Equally conceivable is a so-called starting lock-out of the reciprocating saw by means of at least indirect blocking of the hand-held power tool actuating element in its starting position. Thus, in an advantageous manner an actuation of the hand-held power tool actuating element becomes possible only after actuation of the actuating element in order to prevent inadvertent starting of the reciprocating saw.

The actuating element may moreover also at least indirectly influence the mode of operation of the reciprocating saw.

In this case the actuating element acts preferably upon the reciprocating saw control unit. For example, by means of the actuating element a maximum stroke rate of the reciprocating saw may be preset, which the reciprocating saw may not exceed in the event of maximum deflection of the hand-held power tool actuating element. Tt is equally conceivable to define by means of the actuating element the tool speed characteristic of the reciprocating saw that corresponds to the actuator travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element. For example between a linear and non-linear response of the actuator travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element to the corresponding tool speed. By linear in this context is meant that a doubling of the actuator travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element brings about a doubling of the tool speed and/or the stroke rate of the reciprocating saw. Non-linear, on the other hand, is to characterize a for example exponential response. It is therefore possible to enable for example a precision, delayed stroke rate run-up during the initial actuation cf the hand-held power tcol actuating element.

It is moreover conceivable for the actuating element to be used at least indirectly to define two modes of operation of the reciprocating saw and/or of the hand-held power tool actuating element. On the one hand, the conventional On/Off use of the rod-shaped reciprocating saw by means of actuation of the hand-held power tool actuating element, as is known from the background art. Alternatively, a mode of operation, in which in dependence upon the actuation and/or in dependence upon the actuator travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element the tool speed is variably adjustable. In an advantageous manner the user may therefore select whether he would like to use the rod-shaped reciprocating saw in the ON/OFF mode of operation, which is familiar to him, or in the variable mode.

In a further embodiment the hand-held power tool actuating element is coupled at least indirectly to a motor brake.

The motor brake brakes for example the drive unit. In a preferred manner the motor brake acts in dependence upon the actuating speed, in particular during release of the hand-held power tool actuating element. For example, the motor brake in particular upon a rapid release or sliding-back of the hand-held power tool actuating element brakes the reciprocating saw drive and hence rapidly reduces the tool speed. Advantageously this allows typical work involving reciprocating saws, such as for example notched recesses, to be produced in a simplified and more precise manner. This work entails frequent starts, short periods of sawing and stops of the reciprocating saw. The user safety of the reciprocating saw is moreover increased since there is quasi integration of an emergency stop function.

The invention further proceeds from a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle and a hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention. Jigsaws with a rod-shaped handle because of their ergonomic nature basically offer the user the possibility of adopting two or more mutually different orientations of the jigsaw during the working process. In a first typical application of the jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle, the jigsaw rests, In particular via its foot plate, "from above" on the workpiece. In this case the tool, in particular a saw blade, typically points away from a viewing direction of the user. Jigsaw and workpiece obscure the user's view of the free end of the tool. The weight of the jigsaw is borne, particularly in the case of a totally flat surface of the workpiece, by the workpiece. In this case the user observes the cutting point wfrom above", looking at least onto the jigsaw and/or the workpiece. A first hand of the user typically grasps the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw from above; optionally a second hand of the user supports or presses upon a housing comprising at least one stroke unit, likewise from above. At least one hand-held power tool actuating element is additionally disposed on a housing of the jigsaw. In particular the hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention is disposed on the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw or in a transition region between rod-shaped handle and at least one second housing part accommodating the stroke unit or on at least one transition of the housing into a foot part. Alternatively a hand-held power tool actuating element disposed in a foot region or the foot plate of the jigsaw Is however also conceivable.

In a second typical application the jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle is operated in an "inverse" orientation and/or working position to the first application. In this case the jigsaw is guided, instead of "from above", "from below" on the workpiece. A free tool end points "upwards" typically towards a user and/or the viewing direction or head thereof. During sawing the user, in particular one hand of the user, bears the weight of the reoiprooating saw and guides it simultaneously. He sees and/or follows only the free part of the saw blade that projects through the For optimum handling of the jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle, therefore, both handling "from above" and, inversely thereto, "from below" is to be easily and safely possible. Meanwhile a change of grip of the user in order to achieve these two handling alignments during machining or during breaks In machining is typical. Accordingly, as far as both right-and left-handed handling and the position of the hand and/or fingers on the hand-held power tool actuating element is concerned, it is important as far as possible to design the hand-held power tool actuating element such that it is operable safely, reliably and clearly. According to an object of the invention the user is additionally afforded the possibility of variably controlling or adjusting a stroke rate. This and the advantageous arrangement of the hand-held power tool actuating element provide the user with the advantages of a more direct control over the tool speed. Furthermore, this may be adapted to the local conditions, in particular to the workpiece material to be machined, the accessibility of the workpiece, the thickness of the workpiece and further properties of the workpiece. In addition, the machining quality and the operating comfort, such as for example at the start and end of sawing of the workpiece, as well as the operating safety, especially given an unstable stance of the operator, may be increased. Appliance vibrations and/or the excitation of vibrations of the workpiece by the jigsaw may moreover be adapted adequately for the situation and easily and/or influenced by the user, for example in the event of a thin or insecurely clamped workpiece.

Moreover, in an advantageous manner during the sawing operation the stroke rate for example at critical points, in particular at sharp changes of direction, in the event of the ocourrence of obstacles and/or final positions that have to be precisely observed, may be adapted by the user easily, in particular without interrupting the sawing operation.

In an advantageous embodiment the invention proceeds from a jigsaw with a housing, wherein the housing is formed at least from a first housing part, which receives at least one stroke unit of the jigsaw, and a second housing part, which is disposed at least substantially at right angles to the stroke unit and forms a rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw. Here the term "housing part" is used also synonymously with the term "housing area" or "housing portion". The housing may be an integral, single-or multi-part housing. It may be constructed from half-shells and/or at least with a pot housing. The housing part that receives the stroke unit of the jigsaw typically also comprises the gear unit of the jigsaw and may therefore be alternatively referred to as the gear unit housing part.

It is further proposed that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element is disposed on the housing of the jigsaw, in particular on the housing part that at least receives the stroke unit of the jigsaw. In a preferred manner this is an area that for the purpose of supporting and/or guiding the jigsaw is intuitively gripped by the user, in particular in dependence upon the accessibility and machining task. In a particularly preferred manner the arrangement of the hand-held power tool actuating element directly adjoins the holding area, typically a head area of the second housing part or a side of the second housing part facing the rod-shaped handle. The user grips the head area typically with the inner surface of his hand, the transition area typically both with the inner surface of the hand and with a hand area extending between index finger and thumb. The hand-held power tool actuating element is accordingly disposed preferably within reach of the fingers. Thus, in an advantageous manner the jigsaw may be guided safely and conveniently and the stroke rate may be variably adapted to the described conditions during operation.

It is further proposed that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element may be disposed on an underside or upper side of the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw. In a preferred manner it is disposed centrally on the underside or upper side. The hand-held power tool actuating element is therefore egually accessible during right-and left-handed machining and therefore facilitates comprehensive actuation for the user by means of a haptically familiar feeling of recognition. In a particularly preferred manner in one construction the hand-held power tool actuating element is disposed in front of a transition area of the first housing part forming the handle to the second housing part receiving the stroke unit. The hand-held power tool actuating element is therefore disposed in particular close to the centre of gravity of the jigsaw. In a preferred manner it is a rotationally or linearly movable hand-held power tool actuating element that is arranged so as to be at least partially recessable. In particular it is disposed centrally at least on the housing underside, in or close to a transition area, to a foot part. Alternatively it may be disposed preferably also centrally on the upper side of the rod-shaped handle.

It is further proposed that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element is disposed in the transition area of the first and second housing part or in the transition area to a foot part. Typically the jigsaw may be preferably guided in this area as the user may transfer both a contact pressure onto the workpiece and a feedrate force in sawing direction, particularly preferably close to the centre of gravity of the jigsaw, onto the jigsaw. In a preferred manner the hand-held power tool actuating element is fastened to the housing, embedded and/or supported therein in a linearly displaceable or rotationally pivotable manner. Capable of displacement is to define in particular a guided displacement from a position of the hand-held power tool actuating element that is for example reset by a spring in a starting position, or an intermediate-or final position differing therefrom in particular in a rotational and or linear manner. In this case for example the hand-held power tool actuating element may be actuated via a simple lever mechanism, in particular acted upon by a force and/or a displacement. This may be realized for example via a cable pull, which is fastened to a lever and is preferably workingly connected to a potentiometer. This advantageously makes it possible to realize a compact style of construction as the electric switching means is disposed for example in a rear area out of sight of the housing part bearing the stroke unit.

It is additionally proposed that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element in an advantageous errbodiment is disposed on the side -facing or remote from the rod-shaped handle -of the housing part receiving at least the stroke unit of the jigsaw. This position is advantageous particularly in the case of a guiding and/or applying of thrust in a direction of machining that is typical of the jigsaw. Thus, without changing grip and in a user-friendly manner the jigsaw may be actuated via the hand-held power tool actuating element.

Furthermore a jigsaw, having a foot part, in particular a foot plate, that extends substantially parallel to the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw, is proposed, wherein the foot part may have a recess in the area of projection of the hand-held power tool actuating element onto the foot part.

Here, by the term "projection" is meant lying opposite the hand-held power tool actuating element. The "projection" of the hand-held power tool actuating element disposed on the underside of the rod-shaped handle is the surface of the foot plate facing the rod-shaped handle. The said recess may advantageously increase a clear height between foot plate and handle and may therefore improve the range of motion for the hand of a user, in particular for actuating the hand-held power tool actuating element. In addition, for the user and/or operator of the jigsaw it may be made possible for the hand-held power tool actuating element to be reached and actuated in a readily accessible, in particular easily touchable manner. Conseguently in a preferred manner actuation may occur even wearing user protection means, In a particularly preferred manner wearing user hand protection, in particular work gloves. A supporting foot may moreover be displaced in relation to the stroke axis of the jigsaw and in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the stroke axis, in particular eccentrically. Ihe supporting foot may moreover be made shorter in its longitudinal extent compared to supporting feet of the prior art. Particularly preferably the supporting foot overlaps less than three quarters of the foot plate, particularly preferably around half of the foot plate and quite particularly preferably the supporting foot is in this case displaced more than 50%, in particular 60-90% onto the side of the foot plate facing towards the stroke axis. As a result the point of application of the hand of a user on the tool shifts in the direction of the stroke unit and/or in the direction of the sawing tool.

For the user this leads advantageously to an improved, perceptibly more direct sawing sensation, which facilitates the practical handling, in particular the guiding when cutting curves, and supporting of the jigsaw in inverse position and in particular the handling of the hand-held power tool actuating element.

In a particularly preferred manner an embodiment is proposed, in which between the hand-held power tool actuating element and the foot part there is a clear height of at least 15 mm, preferably 25-60 mm and particularly preferably 30-50 mm. For different users with in particular hands of differing size this advantageously enables an ergonomically comfortable use of the jigsaw according to the invention, in particular actuation of the hand-held power tool element according to the invention.

What is more, this also enables the use of means of protection for the user's hands. The sawing sensation therefore still remains highly perceptible and direct. An excessive torgue introduction about a transverse axis of the jigsaw -which might lead to frontal lifting-off of the foot plate -is thereby prevented.

It is further proposed that the hand-held power tool actuating element is operable in particular with a single hand in a first position at least with the index-or middle finger and in a second position, which is rotated in particular through 180° relative to the first position in particular about the centre line of the rod-shaped housing part, at least with the thumb. In the former case, the jigsaw rests with its foot plate wfrom above" on the workpiece. Meanwhile the jigsaw is guided and actuated by a user hand. The eye and/or view of the user is directed typically both towards the jigsaw and towards the workpiece and in particular the sawing area. Typically the jigsaw and the workpiece however obscure the view of the free end of the tool, in particular the free end of the jigsaw blade. The hand-held power tool element is in this case actuated typically at least with the index-or middle finger.

Compared to this, in a second application the jigsaw is guided, instead of "from above", "from below" over the workpiece. In relation to a workpiece the jigsaw is at least guided and in particular also pressed from below by the foot plate against the workpiece. The free tool end points "upwards" in the direction at least substantially of the view of the user. In this case during a machining operation the user typically guides the jigsaw with one hand and simultaneously bears the weight of the jigsaw. He sees and/or follows only the free part of the saw blade that projects through the workpiece. When using the jigsaw "from below" the hand-held power tool element is actuated typically with the thumb. Ihus, in an advantageous manner the at least two most freguently occurring modes of work handling and/or -orientation and/or -support of the jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle may be controlled and/or operated safely and with a variable stroke rate.

It is moreover proposed that at least one further hand-held power tool actuating element may be provided, which allows the user in particular adjustably to limit a maximum or minimum tool speed, in particular stroke rate, which may be achieved through actuation of the first hand-held power tool actuating element. By provided" is meant disposed in particular on the jigsaw, preferably on the housing, particularly preferably in the region of a top side of the housing bearing the stroke unit, quite particularly preferably on a rear side that is remote from the housing of the stroke unit but substantially parallel to the stroke axis. By virtue of such a second hand-held power tool actuating element it is advantageously possible to preset a maximum speed of the tool and/or maximum speed of the drive unit in accordance with the workpiece and/or the properties thereof. As a result, despite a full deflection of the first hand-held power tool actuating element a maximum tool speed preset by means of the second hand-held power tool aotuating element oannot be exoeeded. Mi adjustability of the tool speed is however maintained up to this maximum speed in a variably adjustable and/or controllable manner by means of the function of the first hand-held power tool actuating element.

It is further proposed that haptic effective surfaces, in particular soft grip surfaces, are disposed in the region of, or surrounding, the hand-held power tool actuating elements. These advantageously assist the user in an intuitive operator control. The user is moreover provided with better grip for guiding and/or actuating the jigsaw and the actuating elements thereof. Vibrations emanating at least from the power tool, in particular vibrations acting upon the hand of the user are moreover consequently reduced.

The invention further relates to a method of operating a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle and at least one hand-held power tool actuating element for switching-on and switching-off of the jigsaw, in particular a jigsaw, in which a hand-held power tool actuating element may moreover control a tool speed, in particular the stroke rate of the saw blade, in particular also in the switched-on state.

Consequently, in an advantageous manner during operation of the jigsaw the user is afforded the facility of direct speed control over the tool, in particular the saw blade.

With this hand-held power tool actuating element the operation of the jigsaw as well as a variable tool speed may be easily adjusted. Particularly at the start of, during or at the end of an operation of sawing a workpiece this offers advantages for the user and moreover enhances the ease and safety of operation of the jigsaw. It also affords the user the option of controlling vibrations, in particular the input of vibrations into the workpiece. The sawing quality may therefore be improved particularly at the start and end of sawing operations, when working in confined spatial conditions, and/or when machining thick and/or unevenly hard workpieces.

A method is further proposed, whereby the hand-held power tool actuating element, particularly in the case of one-handed machining of a workpiece, is operated in a first position at least with the index-or middle finger and in a second position, which is rotated in particular through 1800 thereto, at least with the thumb. This enables in particular a one-handed operation of the jigsaw with rod-shaped handle at least in the two preferred modes of handling during use. Particularly in the case of inverse, one-handed sawing, the user may variably control the tool speed. This involves for example a gentle start-up after a cut inspection pause, wherein meanwhile the tool preferably remains in the cutting position without forward feed motion and tool stroke.

A method is further proposed, whereby at least one further hand-held power tool actuating element is provided, which makes it possible to limit, in particular adjustably limit a maximum or minimum tool speed, in particular stroke rate, which may be reached through actuation of the first hand-held power tool actuating element. Tn a preferred manner this further hand-held power tool actuating element is disposed likewise on the housing, in a particularly preferred manner on the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw, in a quite particularly preferred manner on a rear side of the rod-shaped handle of the jigsaw that is remote from the stroke unit. In a preferred manner this is a hand-held power tool actuating element in the form of a rotary wheel, in particular an inscribed rotary wheel, which is workingly connected to at least one potentiometer. In an advantageous manner this allows at least a maximum stroke rate to be set in advance at least in dependence upon the material to be sawn, the properties of said material, the cutting reguirements, in particular the cutting guality, the local conditions, in particular a stable or non-stable position and/or view of the user. It is therefore possible to avoid for example an overheating of the workpiece as a result of the machining, in particular as a result of too high a tool speed. What is more, the cutting quality may be improved by pre-selecting the maximum or ideal tool speed that may be reached upon maximum actuation of the first hand-held power tool actuating element. For example the user may pre-select modes, in particular maximum tool speed modes and/or stroke rate modes, in dependence upon the workpiece material. A further user-friendly feature is that even in the case of maximum actuation of the first hand-held power tool actilating element it is possible reliably to prevent at least a maximum tool speed from being exceeded, particularly in dependence upon the workpiece and/or material to be sawn.

Drawings Embodiments of the invention are represented in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features also individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

The drawings show in: Figure 1 a jigsaw according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation, Figure 2 a detail of the jigsaw according to the invention with a hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation, Figure 3 an enlarged detail of the jigsaw according to the invention in an alternative embodiment of the hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation, Figure 4 a further alternative embodiment of the hand-held power tool actuating element according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation, Figure 5 the two tical modes of work handling and/or -orientation and/or -support of a jigsaw with rod-shaped handle in a diagrammatic representation.

Embodiments of the invention Figure 1 shows a jigsaw 10 with a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed at least from two housing parts 14, 18. A first housing part 14 is formed by a rod-shaped handle 16 that preferably accommodates a driving machine (not represented in detail here) , in particular an electric motor. A second housing part 18 receives at least one stroke unit 20, typically a gear unit (not represented in detail here) . By the two housing parts 14, 18 a physically separate construction is not necessarily implied. The housing parts may egually be configured in one piece, in a plurality of pieces, as a pot housing, as half-shells individually or in combination. The important point is to differentiate the two housing parts 14, 18 in order to define at least two housing areas that are typical of a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle.

The driving machine drives a tool 22 at least via the stroke unit 20. The tool 22 of the jigsaw 10 is in particular a saw blade 23, which is set in oscillation at least in the direction of a stroke axis 24. By actuating a hand-held power tool actuating element 26 the jigsaw may be switched on and off. Furthermore, according to the invention by actuating this hand-held power tool actuating element 26 a tool speed v, in particular a stroke rate H, may be adjusted or controlled. Adjustment and/or control of the tool speed and/or stroke rate is effected typically continuously over a specific actuating travel b (not represented in detail here) of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26. In a preferred manner this occurs proportionally to the actuating travel b. Alternatively the tool speed may however in dependence upon the actuating travel b of the hand-held power tool element also follow a function f, in particular an exponential or logarithmic function, in particular also in a programmable manner.

What is more, adjustment of the tool speed or stroke rate may also be effected and/or set digitally and/or in discrete increments. The hand-held power tool actuating element 26 may have for this purpose a mechanical and/or electronic latching function (not represented in detail here) , wherein each latching step corresponds in particular to a discrete tool speed. A mechanical latching system has for example steps, in particular between zero to ten steps, preferably five steps, which subdivide the kinematic actuating travel.

The rod-shaped handle 16 of the jigsaw moreover has an underside 28 and an upper side 30. The housing part 18 that receives the stroke unit 20 has a side 32 facing the rod-shaped handle, a side 34 remote from the rod-shaped housing, and a top side 36. For improved handling soft grip points 38 are applied to various areas of the housing 12, at which the jigsaw 10 Is typically held and/or guided.

The soft grip points 38 may extend preferably also over a housing transition area 39 of the first and second housing part 14 and 18 respectively. The housing 12 is moreover connected to a foot plate 40, which supports the jigsaw 10 relative to a workpiece (not represented in detail here) The hand-held power tool actuating element 26 may be disposed basically anywhere on the jigsaw 10, in particular on the housing 12 thereof. In a preferred manner however the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 is disposed at typical supporting-and/or guiding positions of the jigsaw, such as for example in the transition area 39 of the first and second housing part 14 and/or 18, or laterally below the top side 36. In a particularly preferred manner the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 is disposed, as shown in Figure 1, on the underside 28 of the rod-shaped handle 16 close to an area area of transition to the second housing part 18. It may however also be disposed so as to emanate from the underside or upper side 28, 30 and verge into the second housing part 18, preferably in the transition area of the side 32 facing the rod-shaped handle 16. In a particularly preferred manner the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 is surrounded by soft grip surfaces 38. Also conceivable however is the arrangement of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 in the foot plate 40 or an area of transition to a supporting foot 46.

The arrangement of the rod-shaped handle 16 is substantially at right angles to the stroke unit 20, in particular to the stroke axis 24 of the stroke unit 20.

The arrangement of the foot plate 40 of the jigsaw 10 is disposed likewise substantially at right angles to the stroke unit 20 and extends in longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped handle 16. The foot plate 40 therefore extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis 25. Typically the foot plate 40 and the longitudinal axis 25 of the rod-shaped handle 16 are disposed substantially parallel to one another.

Between a foot plate upper side 42 and the underside 28 of the rod-shaped handle 16 there is a clear height 44 and/or a geometric clearance. This clear height 44 enables the user and/or operator of the jigsaw 10 to reach and operate the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 in a readily accessible manner. The range of movement for the hand of the user may therefore be ensured and preferably also allows handling wearing gloves for example. Disposed between the housing 12 of the jigsaw 10 and the foot plate is the supporting foot 46 of the jigsaw 10. This supporting foot 46 is disposed, in relation to the foot plate 40, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 25 relative to the stroke axis 24, in particular eccentrically. As a result the point of application of the hand of the user on the tool shifts in the direction of the stroke unit 20 and/or in the direction of the sawing tool 22. For the user this makes a sawing sensation perceptibly more direct, which facilitates the practical handling, in particular the guiding and supporting of the jigsaw. A foot plate area 48 moreover arises at the side of the supporting foot 46 remote from the stroke axis 24.

According to the invention this foot plate area 48 has at the foot plate upper side 42 in particular a recess 50.

The recess 50 increases in particular the clear height 44 and hence likewise improves the range of movement for the hand of the user, in particular for actuating the hand-held power tool element 26.

Figure 2 shows a detail 52 of the jigsaw 10 according to the invention with the exemplary hand-held power tool actuating element 26 according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation. In the present case an electric switching means 54 is actuated at least indirectly via a lever mechanism 56. The hand-held power tool actuating element 26 executes a rotary movement 60 about a swivelling point 62. The lever 56 is conseguently pressed in a rotary manner onto a linearly movable switching element 58. The electric switching means 54, which here is disposed by way of example in the foot plate 40 of the jigsaw 10 and designed by way of example as a potentiometer, is acted upon via the lever mechanism 56 and/or the switching element 58 by a displacement 64 and/or a force 66. The force 66 acts on the switching element 58 at least counter to the restoring force of a spring 86. In dependence upon the selected displacement 64, via a contact surface 65 a resistance of the potentiometer, which is represented by way of example as electric switching means 54, alters, as a result of which the driving machine is driven. In this case a first incremental movement of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 starting from the initial position of the switch typically brings about an On-connection operation. Preferably as a result of a further and/or greater movement of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 in the direction of the rod-shaped handle 16 the drive unit is accelerated further. In a position of maximum deflection the drive unit finally reaches a maximum rotational speed and/or the tool reaches a maximum speed. The deflection travel of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 accordingly corresponds preferably to a trigger signal for the drive unit of the jigsaw 10, which in turn corresponds to the tool speed.

Thus, in dependence upon the deflection travel the tool speed is adjusted. In a particularly preferred manner a maximum speed of the tool 22 and/or maximum speed of the drive unit may be set via a further hand-held power tool actuating element 67 (see in this respect Figure 1) , which is disposed additionally, in particular at the rear, on the rcd-shaped handle 16.

An alternative possibility, instead of the lever mechanism 56, is also a direct control of the electric switching means 54, in particular by means of a linear movement 68 and/or actuation of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26, for example with an integrated electric switching means 54, in particular an integrated capacitive sensor. Alternatively the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 may be configured in the form of a direct linear-and/or rotary slide, in particular a potentiometer (not represented in detail here) . Typically the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 is reset and/or pressed into its starting position by means of a restoring spring (not represented in detail here) , selectively disposed in or below the hand-held power tool actuating element 26, in or on the electric switching means 54 or mechanical elements thereof or at some other location deemed meaningful by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail 70 of the jigsaw 10 according to the invention in an alternative embodiment of the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation. In a preferred manner the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 is at least wcrkingly connected by means of a cable pull 72 to the electric switching means 54. The hand-held power tool actuating element 26 executes a rotary movement 60 about the swivelling point 62. In this case it is preferably disposed in the housing 12 of the jigsaw 10 o as to be displaceable at least partially in a countersunk recess 71. In this case it actuates via a lever arm 73 a traction rope 74 and/or tension/compression bar 76, which at another end is connected to a link element 78. Tn this case the traction rope 74 is deflected via a deflection point 80, in particular an eccentric element, which may also be used to tension the traction rope 74. The link element 78 introduces a for example linear movement 68 into the electric switching means 54 workingly connected to it, in particular by means of the switching element 56. Tn this way it is possible for example spatially to separate the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 and an electric switching means 54 at least workingly connected thereto. This may be necessary in particular to bridge a greater distance between hand-held power tool actuating element 26 and the electric switching means 54.

Alternatively the hand-held power tool actuating element 26 and electric switching means 54 may in this way also be disposed in different directions of movement and/or triggering. Furthermore, for this purpose a purely linearly or linearly/rotationally movable hand-held power tool actuating element 26 and/or electric switching means 54 may be provided.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a hand-held power tool actuating element 82 according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation. The hand-held power tool actuating element 82 is preferably formed from an actuating element 84, which in a particularly preferred manner is set by restoring springs 86 into a starting position 88.

connected preferably on both sides to the actuating element 84 are in particular resilient slide elements 90. These are in turn connected to a bow-type slide 92 that connects the two slide elements 90. coupled to the bow-type slide 92 is the electric switching means 54. The hand-held power tool actuating element 82 is typically disposed so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped handle 84, or about the longitudinal axis 94 of the rod-shaped handle 16.

Typically it is integrated into a housing of the jigsaw (not represented in detail here) , preferably into the underside 28 of the rod-shaped handle 16. The starting position 88 arises preferably when the actuating element 84 is aligned centrally, in particular centrally relative to the longitudinal axis 94 of the rod-shaped handle 26. The actuating element 84 may be deflected by a user in particular in two directions 96, 98. A deflection in a first direction 96 in this case preferably gives rise to the same switching reaction and/or triggering of the jigsaw as a deflection of the actuating element 84 in a second direction 98. The actuating element 84 is preferably at least workingly connected to the electric switching means 54. In a particularly preferred manner the actuating element 84 deflects the slide element(s) 90 and the bow-type slide element 92 connected thereto, which preferably executes a linear movement 68 at right angles to the longitudinal axis 94 and hence triggers the electric switching means 54. In a preferred manner the deflection travel is dependent only upon the deflection angle and/or deflection travel 100 of the actuating element 84. When the user lets go of the actuating element 84, it is returned into the starting position 88 by the restoring springs 86. In a particularly preferred manner the jigsaw 10 may therefore be actuated identically with both right-and left-handed actuation.

Figure 5 shows the two typical modes of work handling and/or -orientation and/or -support of a jigsaw with a rod-shaped handle 16. In the first position I the jigsaw rests with its foot plate 40 "from above" on the workpiece 106.

The jigsaw 10 in this case is guided and actuated by a user hand 108. The eye 110 of the user typically looks both at the jigsaw 10 and at the workpiece 106 and in particular the sawing area. The jigsaw 10 and the workpiece 106 however typically obscure the view of the free end 112 of the tool 22, in particular the free end of the jigsaw blade 23. When using the jigsaw 10 "from above", the hand-held power tool element 26 is actuated typically with the index-or middle finger. In contrast to this, the second position II shows the inverted work handling and/or -orientation and/or -support. In this case the jigsaw 10 is guided, instead of "from above", "from below" over the workpiece 106. The free tool end 112 points "up" towards the user.

During a machining operation the user typically guides the jigsaw 10 with one hand and in so doing bears the weight G of the jigsaw 10. He sees and/or follows only the free part 112 of the saw blade 10 that projects through the workpiece. When using the jigsaw 10 "from below", the hand-held power tool element 26 is actuated typically with the thumb 116 of the hand 108 of the user.

Claims

Claims 1. Reciprocating saw with a rod-shaped handle (16) and a hand-held power tool actuating element (26) , which is provided for at least indirectly providing a switch-on and switch-off function for a drive unit of the reciprocating saw that drives at least one tool (22), characterized in that by means of the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) a tool speed (v) , in partidillar a tool stroke rate (H) , is variablyadjustable.
2. Reciprocating saw according to claim 1, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is provided for varying, in particular raising and/or lowering, the tool speed (v) of the reciprocating saw at least in dependence upon a movement (60, 68), in partidillar a deflection or rotation or swivelling or swiping of the hand-held power tool actuating element.
3. Reciprocating saw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is workingly connected directly and/or indirectly to an electric switching means (54), in particular a potentiometer.
4. Reciprocating saw at least according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is lockable, wherein the locking is realized, in particular mechanically and/or electronically, preferably by snapping into place or clamping.
5. Reciprocating saw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) at least one further actuating element (27) is at least partially integrated.
6. Reciprocating saw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is coupled at least indirectly to a motor brake.
7. Jigsaw (10) with a rod-shaped handle (16) and a hand-held power tool actuating element (26) according to one of the preceding claims.
8. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 7, having a housing (12), wherein the housing (12) is formed at least from a first housing part (14), which receives at least a stroke unit (20) of the jigsaw (10), and a second housing part (18), which is disposed substantially at right angles to the stroke unit (20) and forms a rod-shaped handle (16) of the jigsaw (10)
9. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is disposed on the housing (12) of the jigsaw (10), in particular on the first housing part (14) that receives at least the stroke unit (20) of the jigsaw (10)
10. Jigsaw (10) according tc claim 8, characterized in that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is disposed on an underside or upper side (28, 30) of the rod-shaped handle (16) of the jigsaw (10)
11. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is disposed in a transition area of the first and second housing part (14, 18)
12. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is disposed on the side (32, 34) -facing or remote from the rod-shaped handle (16) -of the housing part (14) that receives at least the stroke unit (20) of the jigsaw (10)
13. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 10 or 11, having a foot part (41), in particular foot plate (40), that extends substantially parallel to the rod-shaped handle (16) of the jigsaw (10) , characterized in that the foot part (41) has a recess (50) in the area of the projection of the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) onto the foot part (41)
14. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that between the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) and the foot part (41) there is a clear height (44) of at least 15 mm, preferably 26-60 rim and particularly preferably 30-50 mm.
15. Jigsaw (10) according tc one of the preceding claims 7- 14, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) is operable, in particular with one hand, in a first position (102) at least with the index-and/or middle finger (114) of a user and in a second position (104) , which is rotated in particular about a centre line of the rod-shaped housing part (18) through 1800 relative to the first position (102), at least with the thunib (116) of the user.
16. Jigsaw (10) according to claim 7-15, characterized in that at least a further hand-held power tool actuating element (82) is provided, which allows limits, in particular adjustably limits a maximum and/or minimum tool speed, in particular stroke rate (H) , which may be reached through actuation of the first hand-held power tool actuating element (26)
17. Jigsaw (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the haptio effective surfaces, in particular soft grip surfaces (38) are disposed in the region of the hand-held power tool actuating elements (26, 82) , in particular in the region of and/or surrounding the first hand-held power tool actuating element (26)
18. Method of operating a jigsaw (10) with a rod-shaped handle (16) and at least one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) for switching-on and/or switching-off of the jigsaw (10), in particular a jigsaw (10) according to one of the preceding claims 5-15, characterized in that the one hand-held power tool actuating element (26) may moreover control a tool speed (v), in particular the stroke rate (H) of the saw blade (23), in particular alsc in the switched-on state.
19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the hand-held power tool actuating element (26) , in particular during one-handed machining of a workpiece, is operated in a first position (102) at least with the index-and/or middle finger (114) and in a second position (104), which is rotated through 180° thereto, at least with the thumb (116)
20. Method at least according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that at least one further hand-held power tool actuating element (82) is provided, which allows limits, in particular adjustably limits a maximum and/or minimum tool speed (v) , in particular stroke rate (H) , which may be reached through actuation of the first hand-held power tcol actuating element (26)
21. A hacksaw substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
22. A jigsaw substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
23. A method as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.