Patent Publication Number: US-2015059186-A1

Title: Hand-held power tool information device

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to patent application no. DE 10 2013 217 290.7 filed on Aug. 29, 2013 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A hand-held power tool information device for a plunge circular saw, said device comprising a least one detection unit, is already known from DE 10 2009 050 551 A1. The detection unit is provided for the purpose of detecting at least one processing distance that has been covered by a cutting edge of a processing tool on a workpiece that is being processed. A guide rail comprising a magnetic tape is provided for the purpose of detecting the processing distance covered. The magnetic strip is magnetized in regular portions with a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole. It is possible by way of a magneto-resistive sensor to detect a processing distance covered. An actual saw cutting length is detected by way of a computer unit from the processing distance covered, a saw blade diameter and a plunge depth of the processing tool. The saw cutting length can be read out by way of a display. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure relates to a hand-held power tool information device comprising at least one detection unit that is provided for detecting at least one processing distance that has been covered by a cutting edge of a processing tool on a workpiece that is being processed. 
     It is proposed that the at least one detection unit is provided for the purpose of detecting in a manner that is independent of guide rails the at least one processing distance that has been covered by the cutting edge of a processing tool. In an advantageous manner, the at least one detection unit is provided for detecting in a manner that is independent of guide rails the at least one processing distance that has been covered by the cutting edge of the processing tool in dependence upon at least one processing tool parameter. 
     The term “detection unit” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a unit that is provided for the purpose of acquiring a value, in particular detecting an actual processing distance of a processing tool. The value can be acquired directly, by way of example by means of a camera and/or my means of a special sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor. However, it is preferred that the value is acquired by means of calculating different values and/or processing tool parameters. The term “processing distance” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a length of an area on a workpiece surface of the workpiece that has been processed by the processing tool. The workpiece surface corresponds to a processing plane on which the hand-held power tool information device is moved at least in part in a processing direction. It is preferred that the processing distance corresponds to a cut length of a cut in the workpiece. It is particularly preferred that the processing distance extends at least essentially parallel to a cutting plane of the processing tool. The term “essentially parallel” is to be understood in this case to mean in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular a plane, wherein the direction deviates with respect to the reference direction in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Cutting edges of the cutting teeth of the processing tool extend preferably at least essentially in a transverse manner with respect to the cutting plane of the processing tool. The term “at least essentially in a transverse manner” is to be understood in this case to mean in particular an orientation of a plane and/or of a direction relative to a further plane and/or a further direction that preferably deviates from a parallel orientation of the plane and/or from the direction relative to the further plane and/or to the further direction. The processing tool can be embodied as a milling tool. It is preferred that the processing tool is embodied as a planing tool. It is particularly preferred that the processing tool is embodied as a circular saw blade. Consequently, the processing tool exerts a rotating movement for the purpose of introducing a cut into the workpiece, preferably in the cutting plane of the processing tool. For the purpose of introducing a cut into the workpiece, the cutting plane extends preferably at least essentially in a transverse manner with respect to the workpiece surface of the workpiece that is being processed. The cutting edge extends in particular at least essentially parallel to the cutting edges of the cutting teeth of the processing tool. A feed direction extends preferably at least essentially parallel to the cutting plane of the processing tool. The term “in a manner that is independent of a guide rail” is understood in this context to mean in particular in a manner that is not dependent upon a guide rail. The term “processing tool parameter” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a parameter that comprises a plunge depth value and/or a processing tool dimension, preferably a processing tool diameter. The term “provided” is to be understood to mean in particular especially programmed, designed and/or embodied. It is possible by means of the design in accordance with the disclosure of the hand-held power information device to detect in a manner that is independent of a guide rail a cutting length of a cut. As a consequence, the hand-held power information device can be used to cover a particularly varied range of applications. As a consequence, it is advantageously possible in a simple manner to be more precise when processing a workpiece. 
     It is proposed in a further embodiment of the disclosure that the at least one detection unit comprises a distance sensor unit that is provided for the purpose of detecting in a manner that is independent of a guide rail at least one distance value, in particular a hand-held tool reference point, as a consequence of which it is possible to detect the cutting length in a particularly precise manner. The term “distance sensor unit” is to be understood in this context to mean a unit that comprises at least one distance sensor. It is preferred that the distance sensor unit is provided for the purpose of detecting an absolute distance. It is particularly preferred that the distance sensor unit is provided for the purpose of detecting a distance covered. The distance sensor unit comprises in an advantageous manner an incremental distance sensor. The term “distance value” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a value regarding a covered distance of a hand-held tool reference point and/or a distance of the hand-held tool reference point with respect to another reference point, in particular with respect to a target point. The term “hand-held tool reference point” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a reference point of a hand-held power tool that comprises a fixed position with respect to a contact unit and/or with respect to a power tool housing of the hand-held power tool. It is preferred that the hand-held tool reference point has a fixed position with respect to a plunge pivot axis. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one detection unit comprises a computer unit that is provided for the purpose of calculating the processing distance of the cutting edge of the processing tool on the workpiece that is being processed in dependence upon the at least one processing tool parameter and at least one distance value. The term “computer unit” is to be understood in particular to mean a unit comprising an information input, an information processing unit and an information output. In an advantageous manner, the computer unit comprises at least one processor, a storage medium, input and output means, further electrical components, an operating program, regulating routines, control routines and/or calculating routines. It is preferred that the components of the computer unit are arranged on a common printed circuit board and/or are arranged in an advantageous manner in a common housing. As a consequence, the processing distance can be detected in a simple and cost-effective manner. In an advantageous manner, the computer unit is provided for the purpose of calculating a remaining processing distance. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one detection unit comprises at least one plunge depth sensor unit that is provided for the purpose of acquiring the current plunge depth value of the processing tool, as a consequence of which it is possible to calculate a cutting depth in a particularly comfortable and precise manner. The term “plunge depth sensor unit” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a unit that is provided for the purpose of detecting a plunge depth angle of a processing tool about a plunge pivot axis. The term “plunge depth value” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a value that comprises at least a plunge depth angle and/or at least a plunge depth. The plunge depth sensor unit is provided for the purpose of transmitting the current plunge depth value to the computer unit. The plunge depth sensor unit is connected for this purpose in an electric manner to the computer unit. 
     Moreover, it is proposed that the computer unit is provided for the purpose of detecting the processing distance in dependence upon the current plunge depth value, as a consequence of which the comfort of the operator can be increased in an advantageous manner. Furthermore, a processing distance can be detected in a particularly precise manner in dependence upon the current plunge depth value. The computer unit is preferably provided for the purpose of calculating the processing distance in dependence upon real time from the plunge depth value. 
     If the hand-held power tool information device comprises an input unit by way of which it is possible to input at least one operating value, the at least one detection unit can be adapted in a flexible manner to suit different operating parameters. The term “input unit” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a unit that comprises at least one input element that is provided for the purpose of transmitting a user input to the at least one detection unit. The term “operating value” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a processing tool parameter, a guide rail parameter, a total cutting length and/or a processing distance covered. The term “guide rail parameter” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a value regarding the presence of a guide rail. 
     In an advantageous manner, the input unit comprises at least one touch screen, as a consequence of which a particularly intuitive user input can be achieved. In addition, it is proposed that the input unit is formed by a mobile telephone. Accordingly, the touch screen can also be part of the mobile telephone. 
     In a further embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed that the distance sensor unit comprises at least one distance sensor element that is provided for the purpose of acquiring the at least one distance value in an optical manner, as a consequence of which it is possible in a particularly simple manner to measure the distance in a manner that is independent of a guide rail. In addition or as an alternative thereto, it is proposed that the distance sensor unit comprises at least one distance sensor element that is provided for the purpose of acquiring in an acoustic and/or electromagnetic manner the at least one value relating to the distance covered. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the hand-held power tool information device comprises at least one hand-held tool reference point and the distance between said reference point and the cutting edge of the processing tool can be stored and/or calculated in the computer unit. As a consequence, it is possible to establish a particularly simple definition of a starting point and termination point of a processing distance. 
     If the hand-held power tool information device comprises an output unit that is provided at least for the purpose of outputting the at least one processing distance, a value, in particular regarding the processing distance, can be output in a particularly user-friendly manner. The term “output unit” is understood to mean in this context in particular a unit that is provided for the purpose of outputting an optical, acoustic and/or haptic signal for a user. In an advantageous manner, the output unit comprises at least one optical output means. It is preferred that the optical output means is embodied by a light diode, a segment display and/or in a particularly preferred manner from a display, in particular a liquid crystal display. 
     Furthermore, a system is proposed that comprises a hand-held power tool, in particular a circular saw, and comprises a hand-held power tool information device in accordance with the disclosure. The term “hand-held power tool” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular a power tool that can be transported by an operator without the use of a transportation machine. The hand-held power tool comprises in particular a mass that is less than 40 kg, preferably less than 10 kg and particularly preferred less than 5 kg. It is particularly preferred that the hand-held power tool is embodied as a plunge circular saw. However, it is also feasible that the hand-held power tool has a different embodiment that appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as in particular an embodiment as a router. It is preferred that the hand-held power tool information device is integrated in the hand-held power tool. In addition, it is proposed that the hand-held power tool information device is embodied in such a manner that it can be detached from the hand-held power tool. Moreover, it is proposed that the hand-held power tool information device is embodied separately in an operating state from the hand-held power tool. 
     The hand-held power tool in accordance with the disclosure and/or the system in accordance with the disclosure is/are not to be limited to the above described application and embodiment. In particular, the hand-held power tool information device in accordance with the disclosure and/or the system in accordance with the disclosure can comprise a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number mentioned herein for the purpose of fulfilling a method of functioning described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages are evident in the following description of the drawing. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims disclose numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also consider in a purposeful manner the features individually and combine said features to form expedient further combinations. 
       In the drawing: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held power tool that comprises a hand-held power tool information device in accordance with the disclosure, 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic illustration of the hand-held power tool information device according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic structure of the hand-held power tool information device according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held power tool and a hand-held power tool information device in an alternative embodiment, 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held power tool and a hand-held power tool information device in an alternative embodiment, 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a further hand-held power tool that comprises a hand-held power tool information device, and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a further hand-held power tool that comprises a hand-held power tool information device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a system comprising a hand-held power tool  26   a  and a hand-held power tool information device. The hand-held power tool  26   a  is embodied as a plunge circular saw. The hand-held power tool  26   a  comprises at least one cutting depth adjusting unit  28   a . The cutting depth adjusting unit  28   a  is provided for the purpose of adjusting a cutting depth  50   a  of a processing tool  12   a . It is possible by adjusting a position of a cutting depth adjusting element  30   a  to adjust the cutting depth  50   a  of the processing tool  12   a  in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The processing tool  12   a  is connected to a tool receiving device (not illustrated in detail in this figure) of the hand-held power tool  26   a . The processing tool  12   a  is embodied as a circular saw blade. The hand-held power tool  26   a  comprises furthermore a hand-held power tool housing  32   a . The hand-held power tool housing  32   a  is provided for the purpose of encompassing a drive unit  34   a  of the hand-held power tool  26   a . The drive unit  34   a  comprises a drive shaft (not illustrated in detail in this figure) that is provided in a manner already known to the person skilled in the art for the purpose of driving the processing tool  12   a  that can be coupled to the tool receiving device. 
     Furthermore, the hand-held power tool  26   a  comprises a contact unit  36   a . The contact unit  36   a  is embodied as a base plate or as a sliding piece. During processing work on a workpiece  38   a , the contact unit  36   a  lies on a workpiece surface  40   a  of the workpiece  38   a . In other words, the contact unit  36   a  slides on the workpiece surface  40   a  during a movement of introducing a cut into the workpiece  38   a . As an alternative thereto, the contact unit  36   a  lies on a surface of a guide rail (not illustrated in this figure) during processing work on a workpiece  38   a . The contact unit  36   a  can in this case be coupled to the guide rail in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. 
     In addition, a protection unit  42   a  of the hand-held power tool  26   a  is arranged on the contact unit  36   a  and said protection unit protects an operator from being injured during processing work on the workpiece  38   a . The protection unit  42   a  is embodied as a protection hood. The protection unit  42   a  encompasses the processing tool  12   a  in an assembled state along a direction of rotation of the drive shaft by more than 160°. The protection unit  42   a  further comprises a suction coupling element  82   a . The suction coupling element  82   a  can be connected to a suction unit (not illustrated in detail in this figure) for the purpose of extracting any particles of workpiece that have been abraded during processing work on the workpiece  38   a.    
     The hand-held power tool housing  32   a  is mounted on the protection unit  42   a  in such a manner as to be able to a pivot relative to the contact unit  36   a . The hand-held power tool housing  32   a  is mounted on the protection unit  42   a  in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art in such a manner as to be able to pivot about a plunge pivot axis  44   a  relative to the contact unit  36   a . Furthermore, the hand-held power tool housing  32   a  is mounted together with the protection unit  42   a  on the contact unit  36   a  in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art in such a manner as to be able to pivot about a tilt pivot axis  46   a  relative to the contact unit  36   a . The plunge pivot axis  44   a  extends at least essentially in a perpendicular manner relative to the tilt pivot axis  46   a . In addition, the cutting depth adjusting unit  28   a  is arranged on a face of the protection unit  42   a  that is facing the hand-held power tool housing  32   a.    
     The hand-held power tool information device is fixedly arranged on the hand-held power tool  26   a . The hand-held power tool information device comprises a detection unit  10   a . The detection unit  10   a  is provided for the purpose of detecting a processing distance covered by a cutting edge  48   a  of the processing tool  12   a  on the workpiece  38   a  that is being processed. The detection unit  10   a  is provided for the purpose of detecting in a manner that is independent of a guide rail in dependence upon at least one processing tool parameter the processing distance covered by the cutting edge  48   a  of the processing tool  12   a  on the workpiece  38   a  that is being processed. The processing distance is a length of the processed cut that has been provided in the workpiece surface  40   a  by the processing tool  12   a.    
     A processing tool parameter comprises the cutting depth  50   a  of the processing tool  12   a . As the processing tool  12   a  is plunged into the workpiece  38   a , the cutting depth  50   a  increases. A position of the cutting edge  48   a  of the processing tool  12   a  on the workpiece that is being processed  38   a  changes merely as the cutting depth  50   a  changes. In other words, the cutting edge  48   a  moves in a processing direction  54   a  as the cutting depth  50   a  changes. The processing tool  12   a  can be moved in a linear manner in the processing direction  54   a  during a processing procedure. The processing tool  12   a  exerts a rotating movement for the purpose of introducing a cut into the workpiece  38   a  in a cutting plane of the processing tool  12   a . The processing direction  54   a  extends at least essentially parallel to the cutting plane of the processing tool  12   a . A further processing tool parameter comprises a processing tool diameter  52   a  of the processing tool  12   a.    
     The detection unit  10   a  comprises a distance sensor unit  14   a . The distance sensor unit  14   a  is provided for the purpose of acquiring a distance value in a manner that is independent of a guide rail. The distance value comprises a distance that has been covered by a hand-held tool reference point  60   a  commencing from a starting point. The hand-held tool reference point  60   a  is arranged in a fixed position on the contact unit  36   a . The distance sensor unit  14   a  comprises a distance sensor element  56   a . The distance sensor element  56   a  is formed by an incremental distance sensor. The distance sensor element  56   a  is provided for the purpose of detecting in an optical manner the distance that has been covered by the hand-held tool reference point  60   a  in a processing direction  54   a . The incremental distance sensor is preferably formed by an optical mouse sensor. The distance sensor element  56   a  is arranged directly on the hand-held tool reference point  60   a . The distance sensor element  56   a  is arranged in a front region  70   a  of the hand-held power tool  26   a . The hand-held tool reference point  60   a  is likewise arranged in the front region  70   a  of the hand-held power tool  26   a . The front region  70   a  is arranged after the processing tool  12   a  when viewed in the processing direction  54   a.    
     As illustrated schematically in  FIG. 3 , the detection unit  10   a  comprises a computer unit  16   a  for the purpose of processing the distance sensor value. The computer unit  16   a  is provided for the purpose of calculating the processing distance of the cutting edge  48   a  of the processing tool  12   a  on the workpiece that is being processed  38   a  in dependence upon the at least one processing tool parameter and the distance value. The computer unit  16   a  comprises for this purpose an information input (not identified in detail), an information processing unit and an information output. 
     The hand-held power tool information device comprises an input unit  20   a . The input unit  20   a  is arranged in an upper handle region  72   a  of the hand-held power tool  26   a . The upper handle region  72   a  is arranged, commencing at the contact unit  36   a , after the processing tool  12   a . In other words, the handle region  72   a  is arranged in the region of a cutting depth adjusting handle  74   a.    
     It is possible to input at least one operating value by way of the input unit  20   a . The input unit  20   a  comprises at least one input element  58   a . The at least one input element  58   a  is formed by a touch button. Furthermore, the input unit  20   a  comprises at least one touch screen  22   a . It is also feasible in this context that a person skilled in the art envisages other input elements that appear expedient, such as in particular push buttons, control dials and/or rocker switches. The input unit  20   a  is fixedly arranged on the hand-held power tool  26   a . In other words, the input unit  20   a  is fixedly arranged on the hand-held power tool housing  32   a . However, it is also feasible in this context that the input unit  20   a  is embodied separately from the hand-held power tool  26   a . Moreover, it is feasible that the input unit  20   a  can be coupled in a detachable manner to the hand-held power tool  26   a . It is likewise feasible that the input unit  20   a  is embodied as a mobile telephone. It is conceivable that the operating values can be transmitted in a wireless manner to the computer unit  16   a.    
     The input unit  20   a  is provided for the purpose of transmitting at least one operating value to the detection unit  10   a . For this purpose, the input unit  20   a  is connected in an electric manner to the computer unit  16   a . It is possible by way of the input unit  20   a  to input a processing tool parameter, in particular a diameter of the processing tool  12   a . Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   a  to input a guide rail parameter. The guide rail parameter comprises a value regarding whether a guide rail is used during the processing procedure and/or regarding the thickness of the guide rail. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   a  to input a desired total cutting length. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   a  to input a command to reset the processing distance. 
     Furthermore, the detection unit  10   a  comprises a plunge depth sensor unit  18   a  that is provided for the purpose of acquiring a current plunge depth value of the processing tool  12   a . In other words, the plunge depth sensor unit  18   a  is provided for the purpose of transmitting a current plunge depth angle  64   a  to the computer unit  16   a . For this purpose, the plunge depth sensor unit  18   a  is connected in an electrical manner to the computer unit  16   a.    
     For the purpose of performing a processing procedure, the hand-held tool reference point  60   a  is initially moved to a starting point on the workpiece  38 . A diameter of the processing tool  12   a  is input at this point in time by way of the input unit  20   a . Furthermore, the distance covered is reset by way of the input unit  20   a . Furthermore, the desired cutting length is input by way of the input unit  20   a . In addition, it is input by way of the input unit  20   a  whether a guide rail is used and where appropriate the thickness value of the guide rail is input. 
     It is possible in the computer unit  16   a  to calculate the position of the processing tool  12   a , in particular a position of a rotational axis  62   a  of the processing tool  12   a  relative to the hand-held tool reference point  60   a . Invariable parameters, such as in particular a distance between the plunge pivot axis  44   a  and the axis of rotation  62   a  and a distance from the plunge pivot axis  44   a  to the hand-held tool reference point  60   a  are stored in the computer unit  16   a  for the purpose of performing this calculation. It is possible by means of the computer unit  16   a  using the input diameter of the processing tool  12   a , the current plunge depth angle  64   a  and the thickness value of the, when present, guide rail, to calculate the current cutting depth  50   a . Furthermore, it is possible by means of the computer unit  16   a  to calculate the position of the cutting edge  48   a  relative to the hand-held tool reference point  60   a . Consequently, it is also possible to calculate a current distance between the hand-held tool reference point  60   a  and the cutting edge  48   a  of the processing tool  12   a  in the computer unit  16   a . It is feasible in this case that a second, rearward cutting edge  66   a  of the processing tool  12   a  can be calculated. 
     Using the position of the cutting edge  48   a  relative to the hand-held tool reference point  60   a  and the distance covered by the hand-held tool reference point  60   a , it is possible by means of the computer unit  16   a  to calculate the processing distance of the processing tool  12   a , in other words the actual cutting length in the workpiece  38   a . Consequently, the computer unit  16   a  is provided for the purpose of detecting the processing distance in dependence upon the actual plunge depth value. In other words, the computer unit  16   a  is provided for the purpose of calculating the processing distance in dependence upon real time from the plunge depth value. The processing distance is calculated at continuous intervals of less than a second. The computer unit  16   a  is provided in addition for the purpose of calculating a remaining process distance. The detected processing distance is subtracted from the desired cutting length that has been input. 
     The hand-held power tool information device comprises an output unit  24   a  for the purpose of outputting the processing distance. The output unit  24   a  comprises at least one optical output means  68   a . The optical output means  68   a  is formed by a liquid crystal display. The output unit  24   a  is fixedly arranged together with the input unit  20   a  on the power tool housing  32   a . During the processing procedure, the hand-held power tool  26   a  moves in the processing direction  54   a . The processing tool  12   a  is moved in a rotating manner through the workpiece  38   a . The output unit  24   a  outputs at intervals a value for the remaining processing distance. Once the desired cutting length has been achieved, the processing tool  12   a  is guided out of the workpiece  38   a  by the user. 
       FIGS. 4 to 7  illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The descriptions hereinunder and the drawings are limited essentially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein with regard to like designated components, in particular with regard to components comprising like reference numerals, reference can also be made fundamentally to the drawings and/or to the description of other exemplary embodiments, in particular  FIGS. 1 to 3 . For the purpose of differentiating between the exemplary embodiments, the letter ‘a’ is placed after the reference numerals in the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The letter ‘a’ is replaced by the letters ‘b’ to ‘e’ in the exemplary embodiments in  FIGS. 4 to 7 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system comprising a hand-held power tool  26   b  and a hand-held power tool information device. The hand-held power tool  26   b  is embodied as a plunge circular saw, as in the case of the first exemplary embodiment. The hand-held power tool information device comprises a detection unit  10   b . The detection unit  10   b  comprises a distance sensor unit  14   b . Moreover, the detection unit  10   b  comprises an input unit  20   b . The input unit  20   b  comprises at least one touch screen  22   b . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   b  comprises an output unit  24   b . The detection unit  10   b  is embodied separately from the hand-held power tool  26   b . The input unit  20   b  and the output unit  24   b  are arranged in an external housing  76   b . A computer unit (not illustrated) as described in the first exemplary embodiment is likewise arranged in the housing  76   b.    
     The hand-held power tool  26   b  lies on a guide rail  78   b . The guide rail  78   b  does not comprise any magnetized regions. A hand-held tool reference point  60   b  is arranged on the hand-held power tool  26   b  in a front region  70   b . The detection unit  10   b  is arranged after the hand-held power tool  26   b  when viewed in a processing direction  54   b . In other words, the detection unit  10   b  lies on the guide rail  78   b  in a detachable manner. The distance sensor unit  14   b  detects a distance of the detection unit  10   b  to the hand-held tool reference point  60   b . In other words, the distance sensor unit  14   b  detects an absolute distance to the hand-held tool reference point  60   b . It is possible by way of example to perform a laser beam running time measurement. The hand-held power tool  26   b  is moved in the processing direction  54   b  during a processing procedure. The distance measured by the distance sensor unit  14   b  to the hand-held tool reference point  60   b  decreases. 
     It is possible by way of the input unit  20   b  to input a diameter of a processing tool  12   b . Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   b  to re-set a distance covered. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   b  to input a desired cutting length. In addition, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   b  to input whether a guide rail  78   b  is being used and where appropriate to input the thickness value of the guide rail  78   b . Furthermore, it is possible to input a plunge depth. However, it is also feasible in this context that the plunge depth is transmitted in a wireless manner by a plunge depth sensor unit of the hand-held power tool  26   b . Using the acquired distance value of the distance sensor unit  14   b  and the information input by way of the input unit  20   b , the computer unit detects a remaining processing distance and outputs this value by way of the output unit  24   b  to a user. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a hand-held power tool  26   c  that corresponds to the hand-held power tool  26   b  of the second exemplary embodiment. The hand-held power tool information device is likewise almost identical to the second exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the second exemplary embodiment, a hand-held tool reference point  60   c  is arranged in a rear region  80   c  of the hand-held power tool  26   c . The rear region  80   c  is arranged before a processing tool  12   c  when viewed in a processing direction  54   c.    
     The hand-held power tool information device comprises a detection unit  10   c . The detection unit  10   c  comprises a distance sensor unit  14   c . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   c  comprises an input unit  20   c . The input unit  20   c  comprises at least one touch screen  22   c . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   c  comprises an output unit  24   c . The detection unit  10   c  is embodied separately from the hand-held power tool  26   c . The input unit  20   c  and the output unit  24   c  are arranged in an external housing  76   c . A computer unit as described in the first exemplary embodiment is likewise arranged in the housing  76   c  (not illustrated). 
     The hand-held power tool  26   c  lies on a guide rail  78   c . The guide rail  78   c  does not comprise any magnetized regions. The detection unit  10   c  is arranged before the hand-held power tool  26   c  when viewed in a processing direction  54   c . In other words, the detection unit  10   c  lies in a detachable manner on the guide rail  78   c . The distance sensor unit  14   c  detects a distance of the detection unit  10   c  to the hand-held tool reference point  60   c . In other words, the distance sensor unit  14   c  detects an absolute distance to the hand-held tool reference point  60   c . It is possible by way of example to perform a laser beam running time measurement. The hand-held power tool  26   c  is moved in the processing direction  54   c  during a processing procedure. The distance measured by the distance sensor unit  14   c  to the hand-held tool reference point  60   c  increases. 
     It is possible by way of the input unit  20   c  to input a diameter of a processing tool  12   c . Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   c  to reset a distance covered. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   c  to input a desired cutting length. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   c  to input whether a guide rail  78   c  is being used and where appropriate to input the thickness value of the guide rail  78   c . Furthermore, it is possible to input a plunge depth. However, it is also feasible in this context that the plunge depth is transmitted in a wireless manner by a plunge depth sensor unit of the hand-held power tool  26   c . Using the acquired distance value of the distance sensor unit  14   c  and the information input by way of the input unit  20   c , the computer unit detects a remaining processing distance and outputs this value by way of the output unit  24   c  to a user. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a further hand-held power tool  26   d  and a hand-held power tool information device. The hand-held power tool  26   d  is embodied as a planing tool. The hand-held power tool information device comprises a detection unit  10   d . The detection unit  10   d  comprises a distance sensor unit  14   d . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   d  comprises an input unit  20   d . The input unit  20   d  comprises at least one touch screen  22   d . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   d  comprises an output unit  24   d . The detection unit  10   d  is fixedly connected to the hand-held power tool  26   d . The detection unit  10   d  is arranged in a rear region  80   d  of the hand-held power tool  26   d . The detection unit  10   d  is consequently arranged before a processing tool  12   d  of the hand-held power tool  26   d  when viewed in the processing direction  54   d.    
     A hand-held tool reference point  60   d  is arranged on the hand-held power tool  26   d  in the rear region  70   d . The distance sensor unit  14   d  is provided for the purpose of acquiring a distance value in a manner that is independent of a guide rail. The distance value comprises a distance that is covered by the hand-held tool reference point  60   d  commencing from a starting point. The distance sensor unit  14   d  comprises a distance sensor element  56   d . The distance sensor element  56   d  is formed by an incremental distance sensor. 
     It is possible by way of the input unit  20   d  to input a diameter of a processing tool  12   d . Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   d  to re-set a distance covered. 
     Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   d  to input a desired cutting length. In addition, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   b  to input whether a guide rail  78   d  is being used and where appropriate to input the thickness value of the guide rail  78   d . Furthermore, it is possible to input a plunge depth. However, it is also feasible in this context that the plunge depth is transmitted by a plunge depth sensor unit of the hand-held power tool  26   d . Using the acquired distance value of the distance sensor unit  14   d  and the information input by way of the input unit  20   d , the computer unit detects a remaining processing distance and outputs this value by way of the output unit  24   d  to a user. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a further hand-held power tool  26   e  and a hand-held power tool information device. The hand-held power tool  26   e  is embodied as a surface-milling tool. The hand-held power tool information device comprises a detection unit  10   e . The detection unit  10   e  comprises a distance sensor unit  14   e . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   e  comprises an input unit  20   e . The input unit  20   e  comprises at least one touch screen  22   e . Furthermore, the detection unit  10   e  comprises an output unit  24   e . The detection unit  10   e  is fixedly connected to the hand-held power tool  26   e . The detection unit  10   e  is arranged on a power tool housing  32   e  of the hand-held power tool  26   e . The detection unit  10   e  is consequently arranged after a processing tool  12   e  when viewed commencing from a contact unit  36   e . The processing tool  12   e  is formed by a milling tool. 
     A hand-held tool reference point  60   e  is arranged on the hand-held power tool  26   e  on the contact unit  36   e . The distance sensor unit  14   e  is provided for the purpose of acquiring a distance value in a manner that is independent of a guide rail. The distance value comprises a distance that is covered by a hand-held tool reference point  60   e  commencing from a starting point. The distance sensor unit  14   e  comprises a distance sensor element  56   e . The distance sensor element  56   e  is formed by an incremental distance sensor. 
     It is possible by way of the input unit  20   e  to input a diameter of a processing tool  12   e . Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   e  to re-set a distance covered. Furthermore, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   e  to input a desired processing length. In addition, it is possible by way of the input unit  20   e  to input whether a guide rail is being used and where appropriate to input the thickness value of the guide rail. Using the acquired distance value of the distance sensor unit  14   e  and the information input by way of the input unit  20   e , the computer unit detects a remaining processing distance and outputs this value by way of the output unit  24   e  to a user.