U.S. patent application number 13/969981 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-27 for tool unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to Josef Breitenmoser, Stephan Fritsch, Adrian Schoch.
Application Number | 20140057539 13/969981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49780059 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140057539 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breitenmoser; Josef ; et
al. |
February 27, 2014 |
TOOL UNIT
Abstract
A tool unit includes at least one basic body and at least one
information element. The at least one basic body includes at least
one fastening region configured, at least partially, to couple to a
tool receiver of at least one hand-held power tool. The at least
one basic body also includes at least one working region
configured, at least partially, to work at least one workpiece when
in an operating state. The at least one information element
includes, at least partially, a material relief in the basic
body.
Inventors: |
Breitenmoser; Josef;
(Silenen, CH) ; Schoch; Adrian; (Warth, CH)
; Fritsch; Stephan; (Frauenfeld, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robert Bosch GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Robert Bosch GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
49780059 |
Appl. No.: |
13/969981 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/527 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 23/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/527 |
International
Class: |
B24B 23/02 20060101
B24B023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 22, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 214 915.5 |
Claims
1. A tool unit, comprising: at least one basic body, including: at
least one fastening region configured, at least partially, to
couple to a tool receiver of at least one hand-held power tool; and
at least one working region configured, at least partially, to work
at least one workpiece when in an operating state; and at least one
information element, wherein the at least one information element
includes, at least partially, a material relief in the at least one
basic body.
2. The tool unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
information element includes, at least partially, at least one
material opening through the at least one basic body.
3. The tool unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
information element is made in the at least one basic body, at
least partially, by a laser cutting operation.
4. The tool unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
information element is made in the at least one basic body, at
least partially, by a stamping operation.
5. The tool unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one suction element configured to be at least partially integral
with the at least one information element.
6. The tool unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
information element includes at least one of at least one letter
and at least one numeral.
7. The tool unit according to claim 2, wherein: the at least one
material opening includes at least two material openings, and a
disposition of the at least two material openings constitutes the
information element, at least partially.
8. The tool unit according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
information element is constituted, at least partially, by a shape
of the at least one material opening.
9. A method for producing a tool unit, comprising: forming at least
one information element that, at least partially, comprises at
least one material relief, in a basic body of the tool unit,
wherein the basic body includes at least one fastening region
configured, at least partially to couple to a tool receiver, and
wherein the basic body includes at least one working region
configured, at least partially, to work at least one workpiece when
in an operating state.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the at least
one information element includes laser cutting.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the at least
one information element includes stamping.
12. A system, comprising: at least one hand-held power tool; and at
least one tool unit, including: at least one basic body, including:
at least one fastening region configured, at least partially, to
couple to a tool receiver of at least one hand-held power tool; and
at least one working region configured, at least partially, to work
at least one workpiece when in an operating state; and at least one
information element, wherein the at least one information element
includes, at least partially, a material relief in the basic
body.
13. The tool unit of claim 1, wherein the tool unit is an
insert-tool unit.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to patent application no. DE 10 2012 214 915.5, filed on Aug. 22,
2012 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tool units have already been proposed.
SUMMARY
[0003] The disclosure is based on a tool unit, in particular an
insert-tool unit, having at least one basic body, which comprises
at least one fastening region provided, at least partially, for
coupling to a tool receiver of at least one hand-held power tool,
and at least one working region provided, at least partially, for
working at least one workpiece when in an operating state, and
having at least one information element.
[0004] It is proposed that the at least one information element
comprise, at least partially, a material relief in the basic body.
"Provided" is to be understood to mean, in particular, as specially
configured and/or equipped. The tool unit is preferably realized as
an abrasive pad, which is provided for coupling to a tool receiver,
in particular a backing plate, of at least one hand-held power
tool. An "abrasive pad" in this context is to be understood to
mean, in particular, an insert tool realized, at least partially,
so as to be flexibly formable and/or bendable, in particular
flexible, in at least one direction. Moreover, it is also
conceivable, however, for the tool unit to be realized as another
element considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such
as, for example, a backing plate. The basic body is preferably
composed, at least partially, of a paper, card, foil, film, woven
fabric, mesh, fiber and/or other material considered appropriate by
persons skilled in the art.
[0005] An "information element" in this context is to be understood
to mean, in particular, an element provided, at least partially,
preferably at least almost entirely, to indicate to a user at least
one aspect, in particular at least one parameter, of the tool unit,
and/or to provide a user with relevant information, in particular
for use of the tool unit. The information element is preferably
provided to be visually identified, at least partially, by the
operator. It is also conceivable, however, for the information
element to be realized, at least partially, such that it can be
identified haptically and/or acoustically. Alternatively or
additionally, the at least one information element can be provided,
at least partially, to be used for, in particular, at least
partially automated identification. In a particularly preferred
exemplary embodiment, the information element is composed, at least
partially, of at least one numeral, at least one sequence of
numerals, at least one letter, at least one sequence of letters,
i.e. at least one word, at least one symbol, or of another
configuration considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art.
In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the information
element is provided, at least partially, to provide an operator
with information relating to a grain size of the abrasive facing, a
production batch, an article or serial number, an article or serial
designation, in particular customer-related advertising
information, seasonal or regional information, instructions
relating to safety and/or use, or another parameter considered
appropriate by persons skilled in the art.
[0006] A "material relief" in this context is to be understood to
mean, in particular, a reduction of a material thickness of the
basic body, in particular that can be achieved by abrasion and/or
by removal of material, in particular by at least 5%, preferably by
at least 10%, and particularly preferably by at least 15%. The
material thickness of the basic body is, in particular, less than
10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and particularly preferably less
than 3 mm. Preferably, the material relief can be made in the basic
body by means of a laser cutting operation, in which a depth of cut
is, in particular, less than the material thickness of the basic
body. Alternatively or additionally, the material relief can be
made in the basic body, in particular in the fastening region, in
particular having a pile fabric, by means of a stamping operation,
in particular with a reduced stamping force and/or with use of a
heated stamping tool.
[0007] The configuration of the tool unit according to the
disclosure makes it possible for an identification of the tool unit
that is advantageously easily identifiable and robust to be
achieved in a structurally simple manner. Further, preferably, it
makes it possible to dispense with a printing operation for
application of the information element, and consequently the tool
unit can be produced in an advantageously time-saving and
cost-saving manner.
[0008] In addition, it is proposed that the at least one
information element comprise, at least partially, a material
opening through the basic body. A "material opening" in this
context is to be understood to mean, in particular, a reduction of
the material thickness of the basic body, in particular by
abrasion, by, in particular 100%, and/or a severance, in particular
a complete severance, of the material thickness of the basic body.
It is thereby possible to achieve a structurally simple
configuration and advantageously clear visibility of the at least
one information element, preferably from both sides of the tool
unit, when fastened on the tool receiver of the hand-held power
tool, without the necessity of detaching the tool unit from the
tool receiver. Furthermore, advantageously, this reliably prevents
the at least one information element from becoming clogged, soiled
and/or rubbed off, and achieves preferably prolonged and clear
identifiablity of the at least one information element.
Consequently, it is advantageously possible to reduce the risk of
use of an incorrect tool unit, for example an abrasive pad of
incorrect grain size.
[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one
information element be made in the basic body, at least partially,
by means of a laser cutting operation. It is thereby possible to
achieve an advantageously precise and preferably inexpensive
configuration of the tool unit and information element, in
particular since, preferably, it is advantageously possible to
economize on tool costs and/or setting-up work.
[0010] Further, it is proposed that the at least one information
element be made in the basic body, at least partially, by means of
a stamping operation. This enables the tool unit to be produced in
an advantageously simple manner and, in particular, already
existing installations can continue to be used to produce the tool
unit. A preferably inexpensive configuration of the tool unit can
be achieved as a result.
[0011] Additionally, it is proposed that the tool unit comprise at
least one suction element, realized so as to be at least partially
integral with the at least one information element. A "suction
element" in this context is to be understood to mean, in
particular, an element having at least one inner surface that, in
at least one plane, encloses, at least partially, preferably
completely, at least one free space. Preferably, the suction
element is realized so as to be open, as viewed perpendicularly in
relation to the at least one plane enclosed by the inner surface.
Preferably, the at least one suction element is provided, at least
partially, to carry away dust, in particular produced when the tool
unit is in an operating state, in particular from a working region
of the tool unit. "Integral with" is to be understood to mean, in
particular, connected at least in a materially bonded manner, for
example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection
process, a stamping operation, a laser cutting operation and/or
another process considered appropriate by persons skilled in the
art, and/or, advantageously, formed in one piece such as, for
example, by being produced from a casting and/or by being produced
in a single or multi-component injection process and,
advantageously, from a single blank. This makes it possible to
achieve an advantageously simple, compact and preferably
inexpensive configuration of the tool unit. Moreover,
advantageously, additional weakening of the basic body and a
further reduction of a working region, caused by making additional
openings in the material, can be prevented.
[0012] Further, it is proposed that the at least one information
element constitute at least one letter and/or at least one numeral.
In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the information
element is constituted, at least partially, by at least one
sequence of numerals, i.e. at least one number and/or at least one
sequence of letters, i.e. at least one word. Particularly
advantageously, the information element, alternatively or
additionally, can comprise at least one symbol or another
configuration considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art.
As a result, information can be represented by the information
element in an advantageously easily comprehensible and precise
manner.
[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the tool unit comprise at
least two material openings, the disposition of which constitutes
the information element, at least partially. Preferably, the
information element is constituted, at least partially, by
adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, material openings.
Preferably a plurality of material openings are provided, the
disposition of which constitutes the information element, at least
partially. This makes it possible to achieve a preferably simple
configuration of the information element. Further, a uniform shape
of the material openings can be used, such that, in particular, a
multiplicity of variants of tools, in particular in the case of a
stamping operation, and an elaborate method of producing the tool
unit can preferably be avoided.
[0014] In addition, it is proposed that the at least one
information element be constituted, at least partially, by a shape
of the at least one material opening. An advantageously simple and
clearly comprehensible configuration of the information element can
be achieved as a result.
[0015] The tool unit according to the disclosure in this case is
not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment
described above. In particular, the tool unit according to the
disclosure, for the purpose of implementing a mode of operation
described herein, can have a number of individual elements,
components and units that differs from a number stated herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Further advantages are given by the following description of
the drawing. The drawing shows two exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure. The drawing and the description contain numerous
features in combination. Persons skilled in the art will also
expediently consider the features individually and combine them to
create appropriate further combinations.
[0017] In the drawing:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a hand-held power tool having a tool unit
according to the disclosure, in a perspective view,
[0019] FIG. 2a shows the tool unit according to the disclosure, in
a plan view, and
[0020] FIG. 2b shows an alternatively configured tool unit, in a
plan view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Represented in FIG. 1 is a hand-held power tool 14,
constituted by an orbital sander. The hand-held power tool 14 has a
housing 24, which encloses a drive unit, constituted by an electric
motor, not represented in greater detail. When in an operating
state, the drive unit is supplied with electrical energy by means
of an electric power cable 26, which is disposed at one end of the
housing 24. A switching element 28, mounted displaceably in the
housing 24, is provided for the purpose of activating the drive
unit. The switching element 28 is constituted by a slide switch.
The housing 24 constitutes a first handle region 30, which is
disposed at the end facing toward the electric power cable 26. The
first handle region 30 is constituted by a cylindrical region of
the housing 24. Also provided is a further handle region 32, which
is disposed at an end of the housing 24 that faces away from the
electric power cable 26. The further handle region 32 is realized
in the form of a dome. The first handle region 30 and the further
handle region 32 are provided to be grasped by an operator's hand
and to guide the hand-held power tool 14 when in an operating
state. A tool receiver 12 is disposed at the end of the hand-held
power tool 14 that faces away from the electric power cable 26. The
tool receiver 12 adjoins the housing 24. The tool receiver 12
comprises a backing plate. The tool receiver 12 is provided to
receive a tool unit. The tool unit is comprises an insert tool
unit. The tool unit and the hand-held power tool 14 together
constitute a system.
[0022] The tool unit is represented in FIG. 2, and constitutes an
insert tool. The tool unit constitutes an abrasive disc, which is
provided to be detachably connected to the tool receiver 12 of the
hand-held power tool 14. It is also conceivable, however, for the
tool unit to constitute an abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, an
abrasive strip, or another form of made item considered appropriate
by persons skilled in the art. The tool unit comprises a basic body
10. The basic body 10 is made of a paper or card.
[0023] The basic body 10 of the tool unit comprises a working
region 16, which is provided for working a workpiece when in an
operating state. The working region 16 of the basic body 10 has an
abrasive facing 34. The abrasive facing 34 comprises abrasive
grains and a binder, which binds the abrasive grains and the paper
or card to each other in a materially bonded manner. The abrasive
facing 34 constitutes an abrasive surface. The basic body 10 has a
round surface of main extent. The abrasive surface extends
parallelwise in relation to the surface of main extent. The basic
body 10 of the tool unit is realized in the form of a disc.
[0024] The basic body 10 comprises a fastening region, not
represented in greater detail, which is provided for coupling to
the tool receiver 12 of the hand-held power tool 14. The fastening
region that is not represented is disposed on a side of the basic
body 10 that is opposite the abrasive facing 34. The fastening
region comprises a hook/loop element, which is provided to
correspond to a hook/loop element of the tool receiver. The
hook/loop element is composed of a pile fabric. The hook/loop
element is fixedly connected to the basic body 10 of the tool unit
and extends parallelwise in relation to the surface of main extent
of the basic body 10.
[0025] The basic body 10 additionally has a plurality of suction
elements 22. The suction elements 22 are provided to carry away
dust, produced when the tool unit is in an operating state, from a
working region of the tool unit. The suction elements 22 are made
in the basic body 10 by means of a laser cutting operation. It is
also conceivable, however, for the suction elements 22 to be made
in the basic body 10 by means of a stamping operation, or in
another manner considered appropriate by persons skilled in the
art. The suction elements 22 extend through an entire material
thickness of the basic body 10. The suction elements 22 have a
round cross section. Also conceivable, however, are other
cross-sectional forms of the suction elements 22, considered
appropriate by persons skilled in the art. The suction elements 22
are made in the basic body 10 of the tool unit such that they are
parallel to each other.
[0026] The tool unit additionally has at least one information
element 18. It is also conceivable for the tool unit to have a
plurality of information elements 18. The information element 18
comprises a material relief in the basic body 10. The information
element 18 comprises a material opening 20 through the basic body
10. The material opening 20 extends through the entire thickness of
the material of the basic body 10. The information element 18
constitutes at least one numeral. The information element 18
constitutes a total of three numerals. The information element 18
constitutes a sequence of numerals, i.e. a number. It is also
conceivable, however, for the information element 18 to constitute
at least one letter, a sequence of letters, i.e. a word, a symbol,
or another configuration considered appropriate by persons skilled
in the art. The information element 18 is provided to provide an
operator of the tool unit with information relating to a grain size
or another parameter of the tool unit. The information element 18
is constituted by a number, comprising three numerals, that denotes
the grain size.
[0027] The tool unit comprises at least two material openings 20.
The tool unit comprises a plurality of material openings 20, the
disposition of which constitutes the information element 18, i.e.
the number defining the grain size. In this exemplary embodiment,
the information element 18 is constituted by the numeral sequence
"180".
[0028] The information element 18 is realized so as to be integral
with a suction element 22 or a plurality of suction elements 22.
When the tool unit is in a mounted state on the hand-held power
tool 14, and the hand-held power tool 14 is in an operating state,
the information element 18 can serve as a suction element 22.
[0029] The tool unit is produced by means of a method that
comprises a step in which the information element 18 is made in the
basic body 10 of the tool unit. The step of the method comprises a
laser cutting operation, by means of which the information element
18 is made in the basic body 10. It is also conceivable, however,
for the step of the method to comprise a stamping operation, or
another operation, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the
art, by means of which the information element 18 is made in the
basic body 10. The step is further provided to make in the basic
body 10 of the tool unit suction elements 22 that do not serve as
an information element 18, and consequently the tool unit can be
produced in a particularly simple, time-saving and inexpensive
manner.
[0030] FIG. 2b shows a further exemplary embodiment of the
disclosure. The following description and the drawing are limited
substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments
and, in principle, reference may be made to the drawings and/or to
the description of the other exemplary embodiment in respect of
components denoted in like manner, in particular in respect of
components having the same reference numerals, in particular to
FIG. 2a. To differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the reference
numerals of the further exemplary embodiment are prefixed by the
numeral 1.
[0031] FIG. 2b shows an alternatively configured tool unit. The
tool unit is realized as an insert tool unit. The tool unit
constitutes an abrasive disc, which is provided to be detachably
connected to a tool receiver 12 of a hand-held power tool 14. It is
also conceivable, however, for the tool unit to constitute an
abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, an abrasive strip, or another
form of made item considered appropriate by persons skilled in the
art. The tool unit comprises a basic body 10. The basic body 10
corresponds to the basic body 10, already described, of the tool
unit represented in FIG. 2a.
[0032] The tool unit has at least one information element 118. It
is also conceivable for the tool unit to have a plurality of
information elements 118. The information element 118 comprises a
material relief in the basic body 10. The information element 118
comprises a material opening 120 through the basic body 10. The
material opening 120 extends through the entire thickness of the
material of the basic body 10. The information element 118
constitutes at least one numeral. The information element 118
constitutes a total of three numerals. The information element 118
constitutes a sequence of numerals, i.e. a number. It is also
conceivable, however, for the information element 118 to constitute
at least one letter, a sequence of letters, i.e. a word, a symbol,
or another configuration considered appropriate by persons skilled
in the art. The information element 118 is provided to provide an
operator of the tool unit with information relating to a grain size
or another parameter of the tool unit. The information element 118
is constituted by a number, comprising three numerals, that denotes
the grain size.
[0033] A plurality of material openings 120 are provided. A shape
or contour of the material openings 120 constitutes the information
element 118, i.e., for example, the number defining the grain size.
In this exemplary embodiment, the information element 118 is
constituted by the numeral sequence "180". The shape of the
material openings 120 corresponds to a contour of the information
of the information element 118 that is to be represented. In this
case, the shape of one of the material openings 120 constitutes,
respectively, a part of a numeral. The material openings 120 are
separated from each other by webs 136. The material openings 120
are realized as a bridge structure.
[0034] When the tool unit is in a mounted state on the hand-held
power tool 14, and the hand-held power tool 14 is in an operating
state, the information element 118 can serve as a suction element
122. The information element 118 is realized so as to be integral
with a suction element 122 or a plurality of suction elements
122.
[0035] The tool unit is produced by means of a method that
corresponds to the method already described.
* * * * *