Handheld Electric Tool and System having a Handheld Electric Tool

Abstract

A handheld electric tool has a housing having a receptacle for arranging a replaceable battery pack. The battery pack includes an insertion section and a grip section and can be inserted along an insertion axis into the receptacle. The receptacle includes an insertion receiving region formed to be compatible with the insertion section of the battery pack and a grip section receiving region. The insertion section of the battery pack when inserted into the receptacle is arranged within an outer wall of the housing. The grip section of the battery pack when inserted into the receptacle is arranged outside the outer wall of the housing. The outer wall delimits the grip section receiving region in a first section and in a second section in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis. A system includes a handheld electric tool and a battery pack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of German patent application no. 10 2022 116 975.8, filed Jul. 7, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a handheld electric tool and a system including a handheld electric tool and a battery pack.

BACKGROUND

From the prior art US 2018/0133818 and US 2022/0297211, a handheld electric tool the housing of which has a receptacle for arranging a replaceable, elongate battery pack is already known.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to a handheld electric tool, in particular garden electric tool, having a housing, having a receptacle for arranging a replaceable, in particular elongate battery pack, wherein the battery pack includes an insertion section and a grip section and can be inserted into the receptacle along an insertion axis, wherein the receptacle has an insertion receiving region which is shaped to be in particular mechanically and electrically compatible with the insertion section of the battery pack and a grip section receiving region, wherein the insertion section of the battery pack in the state inserted into the receptacle is arranged within an outer wall of the housing and wherein the grip section of the battery pack in the state inserted into the receptacle is arranged outside the outer wall of the housing. According to the disclosure, the outer wall of the housing is formed in such a manner that it delimits the grip section receiving region in a first section and a second section in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis.

The disclosure further relates to a system including a handheld electric tool and an in particular elongate battery pack having an insertion section and a grip section, wherein the battery pack can be inserted along the insertion axis into the receptacle of the electric tool, and wherein the battery pack has an insertion section which is formed to be compatible with the insertion receiving region of the receptacle and a grip section.

A handheld electric tool is intended to be understood to be different embodiments of a battery-operated electric tool, in particular electric garden tool, for example, a brushcutter, a pole-mounted power pruner, a hedge cutter, hedge shears, a chain saw or other embodiment of an electric tool which appears advantageous to the person skilled in the art for use in the house and garden.

The electric tool has a housing having an outer wall, which delimits a device interior with respect to an environment of the electric tool. The outer wall of the housing forms in particular the surface of the housing. Inner sides of the outer wall are not visible externally. Outer sides of the outer wall are visible externally.

The term receptacle refers to the space in which a battery pack is located in the state arranged on the electric tool. The receptacle is composed of at least two receiving regions, of which one is arranged inside and one outside the housing. The insertion receiving region of the receptacle is located inside the housing, that is, inside inner sides of the outer wall of the housing. The grip section receiving region is located outside the housing. The grip section receiving region is delimited at least at two sections of the outer wall of the housing, in particular by outer sides of the outer wall, in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis. The insertion receiving region of the receptacle has in particular a base which delimits the receptacle in the insertion direction. A base of a battery pack which is arranged on the electric tool faces the base of the receptacle. The base of the receptacle and the base of the battery pack are in particular at least partially in abutment with each other. In particular in the insertion receiving region, in particular on or adjacent to the base of the insertion receiving region, contacts for electrically contacting the battery pack, in particular the insertion section, are provided. The insertion receiving region has in particular an insertion opening through which the battery pack is inserted into the electric tool. The insertion opening is formed in particular in the outer wall of the housing. The insertion receiving region is in particular constructed to be closed at the periphery and/or base thereof towards the external environment of the electric tool. The term “closed” in this context means that no opening and/or aperture extends from the external environment into the insertion receiving region. The insertion section of the battery pack which is arranged in the insertion receiving region is accordingly not visible from the outer side in the arranged state of the battery pack. A contamination of the insertion section and the insertion receiving region and the contacts during the operation of the electric tool is thereby advantageously prevented.

The direction of the insertion or the removal of the battery pack defines the insertion axis. The insertion axis is located coaxially with respect to an insertion direction in which the battery pack is inserted into the receptacle. The removal of the battery pack from the receptacle is carried out along the insertion axis and in particular counter to the insertion direction. In one embodiment, the insertion axis may coincide with a center axis of the battery pack which is inserted into the receptacle, in particular the longitudinal center axis of the battery pack.

A battery pack is intended to be understood to be an accumulator bundle which includes in particular a plurality of electrochemical accumulator cells and which forms a secondary battery and, for example, in a state connected to a charging device, can be recharged. For the operation of the electric tool, the battery pack is inserted into the receptacle of the electric tool. In order to charge the battery pack, it can be removed from the receptacle. However, there may also be provision for the battery pack to be charged in the state inserted in the receptacle. The battery pack has in particular a lithium or lithium ion cell chemistry. The battery pack typically becomes heated during charging and during operation (discharging). The nominal voltage of the battery pack is in particular a maximum of 18V, in particular a maximum of 12V. The capacitance established in accordance with IEC 61960 is in particular below 5 Ah. The energy content is in particular less than 150 Wh, in particular less than 100 Wh. The weight of the battery pack is in particular less than 500 g, in particular less than 300 g, in particular less than 250 g. As a result of the low mass of the battery pack, the electric tool can also be held in the hand for a relatively long period of time without fatigue and be safely guided, but in conjunction with a lower energy content of the battery pack, it has to be recharged more often. For example, the running time with an energy content of 30 Wh for hedge shears is approximately 100 minutes, a wood cutter approximately 25 minutes and a brushcutter with plastics blades approximately 10 minutes (indications vary in accordance with the application and cutting quality). To this end, the battery pack is retained in the receptacle so as to be able to be changed. The battery can be removed from the receptacle or inserted therein without any tools.

The battery pack has an elongate shape. The length of the battery pack measured in the longitudinal detection of the battery pack is in particular at least 1.5 times, in particular at least 2 times the width of the battery pack. The battery pack is delimited radially with respect to the longitudinal center axis by a covering face and in the longitudinal direction by a base or an upper side. The battery pack has in particular a configuration which differs from the parallelepipedal shape. A cross section with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the battery pack has in particular a circular triangular shape.

The longitudinal center axis of the battery pack coincides in particular with the insertion axis of the receptacle. The battery pack has in the direction of the elongate extent thereof an insertion section and a grip section. The insertion section is in this instance the (longitudinal) section of the battery pack which is inserted into the insertion receiving region of the receptacle of the electric tool. The grip section is the (longitudinal) section of the battery pack which in the arranged state is arranged in the grip section receiving region of the receptacle. On the insertion section, in particular on the base of the battery pack, contacts are formed for electrical connection to the electric tool. At the grip section, an operator grips the battery pack in order to insert it into the electric tool and/or to remove it. The grip section of the battery is accessible for the operator when the battery pack is inserted in the receptacle. The insertion section is not accessible for the operator when the battery pack is inserted in the receptacle.

The outer wall of the housing is formed according to the disclosure in such a manner that it delimits the grip section receiving region in a first section and a second section in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis. The grip section receiving region is delimited by two sections of the outer wall radially with respect to the insertion axis. In this manner, the grip section of the battery which is arranged in the receptacle is located in a protected manner between outer sides of the outer wall of the housing. Consequently, a grip section, which is arranged in the grip section receiving region, of the battery pack—and consequently also the battery pack—is protected by the first and second section of the outer wall of the housing from the actions of forces from at least two radial directions relative to the insertion axis. The risk of damage to the battery pack is reduced. Other sections of the outer wall can also be provided in order to protect the grip section receiving region in other radial directions with respect to the insertion axis.

The first and second sections of the outer wall are separated from each other in a peripheral direction with respect to the insertion axis via free spaces. By the periphery of the grip section of the battery pack which is inserted into the receptacle being partially exposed, ambient air can flow freely around the surface thereof. The battery pack is consequently cooled more effectively. This contributes to an improved temperature control of the battery pack during the operation of the electrical device, whereby the service-life of the battery can be increased. In particular, the first and second sections are opposite each other with respect to the insertion axis.

As a result of the fact that the outer wall of the housing delimits the grip section receiving region at two sides radially with respect to the insertion axis, the battery pack is, on the one hand, protected from impacts by the housing and can, on the other hand, nonetheless be effectively flowed against by air, in particular flowed around, and consequently cooled. By only the insertion section of the battery pack as required for electrical contacting being received in the housing, the housing can be configured in a more compact, in particular slimmer manner and consequently be produced in a more cost-effective manner.

In one embodiment, the first section of the outer wall is arranged at a side of the receptacle facing a tool of the electric tool and the second section of the outer wall is arranged at a side of the receptacle facing away from the tool of the electric tool. The battery pack which is inserted into the receptacle is accordingly not surrounded over the entire length thereof completely at all sides of the periphery thereof, that is, at the covering surface thereof, by the outer wall of the housing, but instead only at a first side, in particular facing the tool, and a second side, in particular facing away from the tool. Such an orientation of the sections of the outer wall with respect to the battery pack enables a further improvement of the impact protection. The first section of the outer wall which is located between the battery pack and tool prevents cutting material which interacts with the tool from striking the battery pack. Furthermore, as a result of this arrangement, a slim configuration of the electric tool can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the first section of the outer wall delimits the grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle of from 60° to 180°, in particular from 60° to 150°, very particularly from 60° to 100° with respect to the insertion axis in a radial direction and the second section of the outer wall delimits the grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle of from 30° to 150°, in particular from 40° to 100°, very particularly from 60° to 80° with respect to the insertion axis in a radial direction. The free spaces which are arranged between the first and second section in a peripheral direction with respect to the insertion axis have an extent measured in a peripheral direction with respect to the insertion axis of at least 30° in each case, in particular at least 60°, very particularly at least 90°, very particularly at least 120°. The battery pack which is inserted in the electric tool is thereby particularly easily accessible at two peripheral sections radially with respect to the insertion axis and can thereby be readily inserted by an operator and/or removed. In particular, the first and second sections of the outer wall have over the entire length of the grip section receiving region an angular spacing of at least 30° with respect to each other. The length of the grip section receiving region is the axial extent thereof with respect to the insertion axis. In this manner, it is ensured that the operator can reach and grip the grip section of the arranged battery pack over the entire length thereof. This is particularly advantageous with battery packs with an unlocking element at the end of the grip section facing the insertion section. Conversely, a minimum extent of the first and second section of the outer wall, that is, a minimal peripheral angle, is also required in order to protect the grip section of the battery pack from the direct action of force, such as, for example, an impact of the electrical device on the ground. The first and second sections of the outer wall form in particular a fall protection cage for the battery pack. By the first and second sections of the outer wall being arranged at in particular opposing sides of the receptacle, and in particular extending over a minimum peripheral angle, a particularly effective fall protection cage is formed with at the same time good operability and ventilation/air flushing.

In one embodiment, the receptacle has an overall height measured in the direction of the insertion axis and the insertion receiving region has a maximum insertion height, measured in the direction of the insertion axis, which is a maximum of 80%, in particular a maximum of 70%, very particularly a maximum of 60% of the overall height. The overall height is in this instance measured in the direction of the insertion axis from the base of the receptacle up to the upper edge of the first and/or second section of the outer wall. The upper edge of the outer wall of the first or second section is defined by the points of the outer wall which are closest to the upper side of a battery pack which is arranged in the receptacle and which at the same time have a tangent which intersects the upper side. The insertion height is measured in the direction of the insertion axis from the base of the receptacle up to the insertion opening.

In one embodiment, in which the upper side of the battery pack which is inserted in the receptacle is located flush with the upper edge of the outer wall, the battery pack is accordingly exposed over at least 20%, in particular at least 30%, very particularly at least 40% of the entire length thereof when it is arranged in the receptacle. The term “exposed” in this instance means being externally visible, in particular being able to be flowed against or around by air.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer wall of the housing protrudes over an exposed upper side of the battery pack which is inserted in the receptacle in the direction of the insertion axis. In particular, the upper edge protrudes over the upper side of the battery pack over a maximum of 10% of the battery length so that the battery pack is located in a state protected from impacts in the receptacle and at the same time is exposed over up to 20%, in particular at least 30%, very particularly at least 40% of the entire length thereof, minus the projection of the upper edge. The overall length of the receptacle (that is, from the base up to the upper edge) is in this embodiment greater than the length of the battery pack. The difference corresponds to the projection. The length of the battery pack is composed in particular of the length of the insertion section and the length of the grip section. In one embodiment, there may also be provision for both sections not to directly adjoin each other.

In particular, the first section of the outer wall and the second section of the outer wall have a substantially identical extent in the direction of the insertion axis. That is, a notional connection line between an upper edge of the first section and an upper edge of the second section has with respect to an upper side of a battery pack which is inserted into the receptacle a parallel path or encloses therewith an angle of a maximum of 10°, in particular a maximum of 5°. In particular, both the first section of the outer wall and the second section of the outer wall protrude over the battery pack in the direction of the insertion axis counter to the insertion direction. That is, the connection line does not intersect the battery pack.

In one embodiment, the first section of the outer wall and the second section of the outer wall are arranged in such a manner that the outer wall forms two freely accessible free spaces for gripping the battery pack, wherein the free spaces are located in each case at different sides of a longitudinal plane which is defined by the longitudinal direction of the electric tool and the insertion axis. An arrangement of the free spaces at opposing sides of the longitudinal plane contributes to a balanced electric tool. The free spaces enable an operator to comfortably insert and remove the battery pack. The operator can grip the battery pack with thumbs and index or middle finger on the grip section and introduce it into or remove it from the receptacle. By the grip section receiving region not being completely closed all the way round, the battery pack can be securely held until it has reached the base of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the battery pack has mechanical unlocking elements which in the arranged state of the battery pack are located in the free spaces so that they can be activated in a particularly comfortable manner—even with gloves. In particular, the grip section of the battery pack has a plurality of unlocking elements, wherein they are located when the battery pack is inserted in the receptacle in particular at different sides of the longitudinal plane. An unintentional unlocking of the battery pack can thereby be safely prevented.

In one embodiment, the receptacle, the first section of the outer wall and the second section of the outer wall are arranged between a rear handle which is arranged at a side facing away from the tool of the electric tool and a front handle which is arranged at a side facing the tool of the electric tool. As a result of the central arrangement of the battery pack between the handles, the battery pack is in contrast to a conventional arrangement in the prior art not concealed at the end of the handle by extremities of the operator. In this manner, when the battery pack is inserted in the receptacle, ambient air can flow unimpeded around the grip section of the battery. Furthermore, heating of a handle as a result of operation-related heating of the battery pack is excluded. By the battery pack not being exposed at the end of the electric tool, but instead being arranged centrally between the handles thereof, the handling of the electric tool can be improved and the robustness can also be increased. The free spaces which are present at both sides of the longitudinal plane form a housing narrowing in the region of the grip section receiving region which increases the capability for resilient deformation of the rear handle so that it can better absorb an impact on the ground.

In one embodiment, the rear handle extends along a handle longitudinal axis, wherein the handle longitudinal axis is arranged in an angled manner, in particular at an angle of from 70° to 120°, in particular from 80° to 110°, very particularly from to 100°, with respect to the insertion axis. The receptacle for the in particular elongate battery pack is accordingly not orientated parallel with a handle longitudinal axis, but instead (substantially) transversely. As a result of the angled arrangement of the receptacle and battery pack and handle longitudinal axis, a compact construction can be achieved. In one embodiment, there is provision for the upper side of the battery pack to include a display for the operator. With an angled arrangement of the insertion axis with respect to the handle longitudinal axis, the upper side of the battery pack, in particular a display, can comfortably be seen by the operator in a normal working position of the electric tool and is in particular not concealed by extremities of the operator.

In one embodiment, the handle longitudinal axis intersects the receptacle, in particular exclusively the grip section receiving region of the receptacle. The insertion receiving region is accordingly not located in the continuation of the handle longitudinal axis of the electric tool.

The surface, which is exposed radially with respect to the insertion axis or laterally with respect to the environment, of the battery pack which is inserted in the receptacle can be further increased by the cross section of the battery pack being configured differently from the rectangular shape. The cross sectional shape may in one embodiment be constructed to be in the form of a circular triangle so that a circular triangular side is opposite the first or second section of the outer wall and the other two circular triangular sides are each associated with a free space. This is substantiated in that with the same transverse extent of the battery pack the surface of the circular triangular side is greater than the surface located parallel with the longitudinal plane.

Particularly between the first and/or second section of the outer wall and the grip section, a radial gap with respect to the insertion axis is provided, whereby the cooling action can be even further improved. As a result of the sections of the outer wall which delimit the grip section receiving region radially with respect to the insertion axis, in particular a pre-positioning of the battery pack during insertion can be achieved, whereby the insertion is facilitated. The effect of the pre-positioning can be amplified when the radial gap with respect to the insertion axis between the grip section of the battery pack and outer wall of the housing particularly does not exceed a value of 1 cm, in particular 0.5 cm and/or decreases in the insertion direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a brushcutter with a battery pack arranged in the receptacle;

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 1 transversely relative to the longitudinal plane with a battery pack arranged in the receptacle;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 1 transversely relative to the longitudinal plane and the battery pack orientated in the insertion direction prior to introduction into the receptacle;

FIG. 3A shows a plan view along the insertion axis towards the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B shows a plan view along the insertion axis towards the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3C shows a schematic illustration of a plan view along the insertion axis towards the rear section of an alternative embodiment of an electric tool with reduced free spaces;

FIG. 3D shows a side view of the schematic illustration from FIG. 3C transversely relative to the longitudinal plane;

FIG. 4A shows a partially sectioned illustration of the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 2A according to the arrows IV-IV in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B shows a sectioned illustration of the rear section of the brushcutter from FIG. 2B according to the arrows IV-IV in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective illustration of a set of hedge shears with the battery pack arranged in the receptacle;

FIG. 5B shows a perspective illustration of the hedge shears from FIG. 5A without a battery pack arranged in the receptacle;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view along the insertion axis of the hedge shears from FIG.

FIG. 7A shows a sectioned illustration of a section of the hedge shears from FIG. 5A along the arrows VII-VII in FIG. 6; and,

FIG. 7B shows a sectioned illustration of a section of the hedge shears from FIG. along the arrows VII-VII in FIG. 6 without a battery pack arranged in the receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows as an embodiment of a handheld electric tool 10, in particular garden electric tool, a brushcutter 10a. The electric tool 10 has an elongate form. In the longitudinal direction 15 of the electric tool 10, at a first front end 2 of the electric tool 10, a tool unit 20 and at a second rear end 4 of the electric tool 10, a handle unit 40 is arranged. In the embodiment, the tool unit 20 is connected via an elongate guiding pipe 3 to the handle unit 40. In alternative embodiments, there may also be provision for the handle unit 40 to directly adjoin the tool unit 20, consequently no separately constructed guiding pipe 3 is provided. The tool unit 20 includes at least one tool 22 which in the embodiment is in the form of a mower head 24 having at least one cutting blade. There may also be provision in place of the cutting blade to provide a cutting line. In place of the mower head 24, a different tool 22, such as, for example, a brush arrangement may also be used. In the embodiment, the drive motor 28, which is illustrated with dashed lines, for driving the tool 22 is also located at the front end 2 of the electric tool 10 in the tool unit 20. In an alternative embodiment, it may be advantageous for the drive motor 28 to be arranged in the handle unit 40. The drive motor 28 is in the form of an electric motor. On the electric tool 10 there is arranged a battery pack 100 which in the embodiment is in the form of a Li ion battery with a nominal voltage less than 18 V. The weight of the battery pack 100 is below 250 g, the energy content is below 100 Wh.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, the handle unit 40 includes in the embodiment a housing 42 having a receptacle 44 for the battery pack 100, a rear handle 6 which is constructed in particular integrally with the housing 42, and a front handle 7 which is constructed in particular separately from the housing 42 and is pivotably secured to the housing 42. The battery pack 100 is replaceably arranged in the receptacle 44. The receptacle 44 for the battery pack 100 is arranged between the rear handle 6 and the front handle 7. On the housing 42 and/or the rear handle 6, operating elements 8 for controlling and/or releasing the drive motor 28 are arranged. The housing 42 has an outer wall 60 which delimits a device interior 58 (cf. FIGS. 4A and 4B) with respect to an environment 70 of the electric tool 10. The outer wall 60 of the housing 42 forms the surface of the housing 42. Inner sides 61 of the outer wall 60 cannot be seen externally. Outer sides 62 of the outer wall 60 can be seen externally.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the same electric tool 10, wherein FIG. 2A depicts a system 200 including an electric tool 10 and battery pack 100. In FIG. 2A, the battery pack 100 is inserted along an insertion axis 11 in the insertion direction 12 into the receptacle 44 of the electric tool 10. The insertion axis 11 coincides in the embodiment with the longitudinal center axis 111 of the battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44. The longitudinal center axis 111 of the battery pack 100 which in the embodiment differs from the parallelepipedal form corresponds to the center axis of a cylinder 113 which is delimited by the covering surface 152 of the battery pack (FIGS. 3B, C).

The receptacle 44 includes a grip section receiving region 46 which is located outside the housing 42 and which is delimited by an outer wall 60 of the housing 42 and an insertion receiving region 48 which is illustrated with broken lines and which is located inside the housing 42. In the state inserted in the receptacle 44, the insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 is arranged inside an outer wall 60 of the housing 42 and the grip section 146 of the battery pack 100 is arranged outside the outer wall 60 of the housing 42 in the state inserted into the receptacle 44.

The grip section receiving region 46 is in the embodiment delimited by a first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and a second section 64 of the outer wall 60 in a radial direction 17 with respect to the insertion axis 11 of the battery pack 100. In the embodiment, the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 are opposite each other with respect to the insertion axis 11. The first section 63 of the outer wall 60 is located at the side of the receptacle 44 facing the tool 22 and consequently also of a battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44. The second section 64 of the outer wall 60 is located at the side of the receptacle 44 facing away from the tool 22 and consequently of a battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44. The outer wall 60 of the housing 42 is constructed in the region of the grip section receiving region 46 of the receptacle 44 in a U-shaped manner, wherein the sections 63, 64 of the outer wall 60 form the legs of the U and a section 68, which connects the two sections 63, 64, of the outer wall forms a base of the U. The grip section receiving region 46 is delimited in a radial direction 17 with respect to the insertion axis 11 by the first section 63 and the second section 64 and in the insertion direction by the connecting section 68. An insertion opening 49 is arranged in the connecting section 68.

As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in the peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11, a first free space 73 and a second free space 74 are formed between the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the opposing second section 64 of the outer wall 60. The first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 are arranged in such a manner that the outer wall 60 has two freely accessible free spaces 73, 74 for gripping the battery pack 100. The first free space 73 and the second free space 74 are located at different sides of the longitudinal plane 13 of the electric tool 10.

The first section 63 of the outer wall 60 extends in the peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 in the embodiment though a peripheral angle α of approximately 65°. The second section 64 of the outer wall 60 extends in a peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 in the embodiment through a peripheral angle β of approximately 70°. A fall protection cage is formed for the battery pack 100 by the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60. Furthermore, the first section 63 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 form a protective wall for the battery pack 100 against colliding branches and cutting material. In order to increase the action of the protective wall, in an alternative embodiment (FIGS. 3C, 3D) the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 may have a greater extent in a peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 than the second section 64 of the outer wall 60, that is, angle α is greater than angle β, in particular a is greater than 90°, very particularly greater than 120°.

The first free space 73 extends in the peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 in the embodiment through a peripheral angle γ of approximately 110°. The second free space 74 extends in the peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 in the embodiment through a peripheral angle δ of approximately 110°. As a result of the free spaces 73, 74, the battery pack 100 can be readily flowed around by ambient air and consequently temperature-controlled, in particular cooled. The free spaces 73, 74 which are provided at both sides of the longitudinal plane 13 form a narrowed housing section 43 (FIG. 2B) in the region of the receptacle 44 which increases the capability for resilient deformation of the handle unit 40 so that it can better absorb the actions of force, for example, as a result of an impact on underling ground.

In an alternative embodiment, it is further conceivable for three or more sections 63, 64 of the outer wall 60 to be provided, wherein in a peripheral direction 18 with respect to the insertion axis 11 free spaces 73, 74 are provided in each case between the sections 63, 64. The sum of the peripheral angles α, β, γ, δ of all sections 63, 64 of the outer wall 60 and the free spaces 73, 74 is 360°.

As can clearly be seen in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, between the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the grip section 146 of the battery pack 100 and between the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 and the grip section 146 there is formed in each case a gap 76 through which ambient air 72 can flow. The grip section 146 of the battery pack 100 can accordingly be cooled all the way around the covering face 152 via ambient air 72. A heating of the battery pack 100, as generally occurs during operation, can be reliably counteracted and the durability of the battery pack 100 can thus be increased. The gap 76 is in the embodiment configured in a conical manner, that is, the spacing between the outer wall 60, specifically the first section 63 and second section 64 thereof, and battery pack 100 decreases in the insertion direction 12. At the insertion opening 49, the spacing of the first section 63 with respect to the second section 64 is the smallest. In this manner, the battery pack 100 can be readily inserted into the receptacle 44 and centered before the insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 is introduced through the insertion opening 49 into the insertion receiving region 48. In the embodiment, the free spaces 73, 74 extend in the direction of the insertion axis 11 over the entire length L₁₄₆ of the grip section 146 of the battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44. Unlocking elements 156, which are arranged on the grip section 146, of the battery pack 100 which is inserted in the receptacle 44 are in this manner easily freely accessible for the user. The grip section 146 of the battery pack 100 has a maximum width b₁₄₆ measured transversely relative to the insertion axis 11, in particular transversely relative to the longitudinal plane 13. The maximum width b₁₄₆ is in particular between 50% and 75% of the maximum width b₄₂ of the housing as measured in the same direction and in the same cross section, in the embodiment the ratio is approximately 60%. The insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 has a maximum width b 148 measured transversely relative to the insertion axis 11, in particular transversely relative to the longitudinal plane 13, which substantially corresponds to the maximum width b 49 of the insertion opening 49 as measured in the same direction and in the same cross section. When the battery pack 100 is introduced in the insertion direction 12, the insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 is accordingly guided tightly by the insertion opening. The insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 is introduced through the insertion opening 49 into the insertion receiving region 48 of the receptacle 44 when the battery pack 100 is arranged on the electric tool 10. On the base 50 of the insertion receiving region 48 contacts 51 which cooperate with contacts 151 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the battery pack 100 are provided. In the embodiment, adjacent to the insertion opening 49, blocking contours 56 which cooperate with the unlocking elements 156 of the battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44 and which secure the battery pack 100 to the electric tool 10 are formed. The insertion receiving region 48 is constructed to be compatible, in particular mechanically and electrically compatible, with the insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100.

The insertion receiving region 48 is not visible externally when the battery pack 100 is arranged in the receptacle 44. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a sectioned illustration in which the insertion receiving region 48 with the insertion section 148 of the battery pack 100 arranged therein is visible. The receptacle 44 has a maximum overall height L₄₄ measured in the direction of the insertion axis and the insertion receiving region 48 has a maximum insertion height L₄₈ measured in the direction of the insertion axis 11 which in the embodiment is approximately 50% of the overall height L₄₄. The insertion height L₄₈ measured in the direction of the insertion axis 11 from the base 50 of the receptacle 44 up to the insertion opening 49 which is illustrated with dashed lines. The overall height L₄₄ is in this instance measured in the direction of the insertion axis 11 from the base 50 of the receptacle 44 up to the upper edge 65 of the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and/or the upper edge 66 of the second section 64 of the outer wall 60. The upper edge 65, 66 is defined by the points of the outer wall 60 which are located closest to the upper side 154 of a battery pack 100 which is arranged in the receptacle 44 and at the same time have a tangent which intersects the upper side 154. A notional connection line 67 extends between the upper edge 65 of the first section 63 and the upper edge 66 of the second section 64. The grip section receiving region 46 of the receptacle 44 has a gripping height L₄₆, measured in the direction of the insertion axis 11, which is measured from the insertion opening 49 in the outer wall 60 up to the connection line 67. In order to form a particularly effective fall protection cage, the gripping height L₄₆ is always greater than the associated length of the grip section 146 of the arranged battery pack 100, that is, the length measured in the same cross section and in the same direction.

In the present embodiment, the outer wall 60 with the upper edge 66 protrudes over the upper side 154 of the battery pack 100 which is inserted in the receptacle 44 in the direction of the insertion axis 11 by approximately 8% of the battery length L₁₀₀. The battery pack 100 is arranged in a well-protected state in the receptacle 44. The overall height L₄₄ of the receptacle 44 (that is, from the base 50 up to the upper edge 65/66) is in this embodiment greater than the length L₁₀₀ of the battery pack 100. The insertion section 148 and grip section 146 directly adjoin each other in the embodiment so that the length L₁₀₀ of the battery pack 100 is also derived from the sum of the lengths L₁₄₈ of the insertion section 148 and L₁₄₆ of the grip section 146.

The first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 have a substantially identical extent in the direction of the insertion axis 11. The connection line 67 encloses with the upper side 154 of a battery pack 100 which is inserted in the receptacle 44 an angle E of approximately 4°. Both the first section 63 of the outer wall 60 and the second section 64 of the outer wall 60 protrude over the battery pack 100 in the direction of the insertion axis 11 counter to the insertion direction 12 so that the connection line 67 does not intersect the battery pack 100. The rear handle 6 extends along a handle longitudinal axis 14 which in the embodiment has an angle of approximately 85° with respect to the insertion axis 11. The handle longitudinal axis 14 intersects the receptacle 44 in the grip section receiving region 46, but not in the insertion receiving region 48.

FIGS. 5A to 7B show an embodiment of an electric tool 10 which is in the form of a set of hedge shears 10b, in particular a garden electric tool. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4B, the tool unit 20 is connected directly to the handle unit 40. The tool 22 is in the form of at least one reciprocating blade 26, in particular cutting bar. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 5A to 7B, the peripheral angle α is approximately 60°, peripheral angle β is approximately 90°, peripheral angle γ and δ are approximately 105°, angle E is approximately 5° and angle ζ is approximately 105° and the ratio b₁₄₆ to b₄₂ is approximately 55%. All the additional statements set out with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4B for the electric tool 10 which is in the form of a brushcutter 10a also relate to the electric tool 10 which is in the form of a set of hedge shears 10b. In order to avoid duplication, reference may be made to the corresponding passages of the description of the figures. Elements which are identical are given the same reference numerals.

It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handheld electric tool comprising:

a housing having an outer wall;

a receptacle for arranging a replaceable battery pack;

the replaceable battery pack including an insertion section and a grip section;

the replaceable battery pack being configured to be inserted along an insertion axis into said receptacle;

said receptacle including an insertion receiving region formed to be compatible with the insertion section of the replaceable battery pack and a grip section receiving region;

the insertion section of the replaceable battery pack when inserted into said receptacle being arranged within said outer wall of said housing;

the grip section of the replaceable battery pack when inserted into said receptacle being arranged outside said outer wall of said housing; and,

said outer wall of said housing being formed such that said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region in a first section and in a second section in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis.

2. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein the replaceable battery pack is formed in an elongate manner.

3. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall is arranged at a side of said receptacle facing a tool of the handheld electric tool and said second section of said outer wall is arranged at a side of said receptacle facing away from said tool.

4. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle α of 60° to 180° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction and said second section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle β of 30° to 150° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction.

5. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle α of 60° to 150° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction and said second section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle β of 40° to 100° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction.

6. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle α of 60° to 100° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction and said second section of said outer wall delimits said grip section receiving region over a peripheral angle β of 60° to 80° with respect to the insertion axis in the radial direction.

7. The handheld electric tool of claim 1 further comprising:

a tool;

a rear handle arranged at a side facing away from said tool;

a front handle arranged at a side facing said tool; and,

said receptacle, said first section of said outer wall and said second section of said outer wall being arranged between said rear handle and said front handle.

8. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall and said second section of said outer wall have an identical extent in a direction of the insertion axis.

9. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said receptacle has an overall height measured in a direction of the insertion axis and said insertion receiving region has a maximum insertion height measured in the direction of the insertion axis; and, said maximum insertion height is a maximum of 80% of said overall height.

10. The handheld electric tool of claim 9, wherein said maximum insertion height is a maximum of 70% of said overall height.

11. The handheld electric tool of claim 9, wherein said maximum insertion height is a maximum of 60% of said overall height.

12. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein said first section of said outer wall and said second section of said outer wall are arranged such that said outer wall forms two freely accessible free spaces for gripping said replaceable battery pack; and, said two freely accessible free spaces are located at different sides of a longitudinal plane defined by a longitudinal direction of the handheld electric tool and the insertion axis.

13. The handheld electric tool of claim 1 further comprising a rear handle extending along a handle longitudinal axis and the handle longitudinal axis being arranged at an angle with respect to the insertion axis.

14. The handheld electric tool of claim 13, wherein the handle longitudinal axis is arranged at an angle of 70° to 120° with respect to the insertion axis.

15. The handheld electric tool of claim 13, wherein the handle longitudinal axis is arranged at an angle of 80° to 110° with respect to the insertion axis.

16. The handheld electric tool of claim 13, wherein the handle longitudinal axis is arranged at an angle of 80° to 100° with respect to the insertion axis.

17. The handheld electric tool of claim 13, wherein the handle longitudinal axis intersects said receptacle.

18. The handheld electric tool of claim 17, wherein the handle longitudinal axis exclusively intersects said grip section receiving region of said receptacle.

19. The handheld electric tool of claim 1, wherein the electric tool is a garden electric tool.

20. A system comprising:

a replaceable battery pack;

a handheld electric tool having a housing and a receptacle for arranging said replaceable battery pack;

said battery pack including an insertion section and a grip section and being configured to be inserted along an insertion axis into said receptacle;

said receptacle including an insertion receiving region formed to be compatible with said insertion section of said battery pack and a grip section receiving region;

said battery pack has an insertion section formed to be compatible with said insertion receiving region of said receptacle and a grip section;

said housing having an outer wall;

said insertion section of said battery pack when inserted into said receptacle being arranged within said outer wall of said housing;

said grip section of said battery pack when inserted into said receptacle being arranged outside said outer wall of said housing; and,

said outer wall of said housing being formed such that it delimits said grip section receiving region in a first section and in a second section in a radial direction with respect to the insertion axis.