Powered fastener driver

Abstract

A fastener actuator includes a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and an end portion configured to contact a fastener. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset relative to the body portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 000,722, filed March 27, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 042,211, filed June 22, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 129,737, filed December 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a power fastener driver. Background Technology

[0004] Various fastener actuators are known in the art for driving fasteners (e.g., nails, thumbtacks, staples, etc.) into workpieces. These fastener actuators operate using various means known in the art (e.g., compressed air generated by an air compressor, electrical energy, flywheel mechanisms, etc.), but these designs often encounter limitations in power, size, and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and an end portion configured to contact a fastener. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset relative to the body portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power fastener driver further includes a lifter operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A transmission mechanism is provided for supplying torque to the lifter.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The body portion has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The body portion has a first width defined between the first side and the second side, a plurality of teeth extending from the first side of the body, and an end portion configured to contact a fastener. The end portion has a second width smaller than the first width. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset relative to the body portion.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis. A nose is supported by the housing. The nose defines a firing channel extending along the longitudinal axis. The firing channel is configured to receive the drive blade. A workpiece contact element is movably supported by the nose. The workpiece contact element includes one of a plurality of recesses or a plurality of protrusions. The workpiece contact element is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. An end cap is removably coupled to an end portion of the workpiece contact element. The end cap is configured to contact a workpiece to move the workpiece contact element from the first position to the second position. The end cap includes a body having another of a plurality of recesses or a plurality of protrusions located on a lateral side of the body. These protrusions can engage with the recesses to secure the end cap to the workpiece contact element. The body is formed from a variety of different materials.

[0009] In some embodiments, the body of the end cap includes an inner portion and an outer portion surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion is formed of a first material. The outer portion is formed of a second material. The hardness of the first material is greater than the hardness of the second material. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the workpiece contact element also defines a firing channel.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and is movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis. A nose is supported by the housing. The nose defines a firing channel extending along the longitudinal axis. The firing channel is configured to receive the drive blade. A workpiece contact element is movably supported by the nose. The workpiece contact element includes an end portion having first and second recesses or first and second protrusions. The workpiece contact element is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. An end cap is removably coupled to the end portion of the workpiece contact element. The end cap is configured to contact a workpiece to move the workpiece contact element from the first position to the second position. The end cap includes a body having another of the first and second recesses or first and second protrusions located on a lateral side of the body. The first and second protrusions engage with corresponding first and second recesses to secure the end cap to the workpiece contact element. The body includes an inner portion and an outer portion surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion is formed of a first material and the outer portion is formed of a second material. The hardness of the first material is greater than that of the second material.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver comprising: a cylinder; a movable piston positioned within the cylinder; and a drive blade attached to and movable with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade defines a drive axis. The drive blade includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side, the drive axis passing between the first side and the opposite second side. A plurality of teeth extend from the first side of the body. A plurality of protrusions extend from the second side of the body. The body and the protrusions are bisected by a common plane. A lifter is operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter is configured to engage the teeth of the drive blade when moving the drive blade from the BDC position to the TDC position. The teeth extend from the first side of the body at an oblique angle relative to the common plane.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver comprising a cartridge configured to receive fasteners and a nose plate including a fastener drive channel from which successive fasteners from the cartridge are driven. A workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nose plate between an extended position and a retracted position. A portion of the workpiece contact element is slidably positioned within the fastener drive channel. This portion of the workpiece contact element has a hole extending therethrough through which a fastener passes from the cartridge through the hole into the fastener drive channel of the nose plate for firing. This portion of the workpiece contact element further includes a guide assembly positioned thereon. The guide assembly is configured to guide the fastener along this portion of the workpiece contact element into the fastener drive channel as the fastener is being fired into a workpiece.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The body has a first side and an opposite second side, with the longitudinal axis extending between the first side and the second side. The drive blade also includes a plurality of teeth extending from the first side of the body portion and an end portion configured to contact a fastener. A lifter is operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter is configured to engage the teeth of the drive blade when moving the drive blade from the BDC position to the TDC position. A transmission means for providing torque to the lifter is provided. The body portion is bisected by a common plane including the longitudinal axis. The teeth extend from the first side of the body portion at an skew angle relative to the common plane. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, causing the end portion to deviate laterally relative to the body portion.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator including a housing, a cylinder supported by the housing, and a movable piston positioned within the cylinder. A drive blade is attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade defines a drive axis. The drive blade includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side, through which the drive axis passes. A plurality of teeth extend from the first side of the body. A plurality of protrusions extend from the second side of the body. A lifter is operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter is configured to engage with the teeth of the drive blade when moving the drive blade from the BDC position to the TDC position. A motor is provided, and a transmission operatively coupled to the motor to provide torque to the lifter. A latching assembly is movable between a locked state and a released state, in which the drive blade is held in an intermediate position against a biasing force of compressed gas, and in the released state, the drive blade is permitted to be driven toward the BDC position by a biasing force. The latch assembly includes a latch configured to engage with a protrusion, and a solenoid for moving the latch away from engagement with the drive blade upon transition from a locked to a released state. A housing is configured to receive fasteners. The nose includes a fastener drive channel from which successive fasteners from the housing are driven. The nose includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface at least partially defines the fastener drive channel. The second surface is coupled to the housing. The fastener actuator is divided into a first side and a second side by a drive axis. The lift, motor, and transmission are located on the first side. The housing is located on the second side. The solenoid is located on the second side. The solenoid defines a solenoid axis extending in a direction along the drive axis and behind the second surface of the nose.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fastener driver further includes a frame positioned within the housing and coupled to the cylinder. The nosepiece is supported by the frame. The frame includes a solenoid support portion located on a second side of the fastener driver. The solenoid support portion is configured to support the solenoid.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver comprising: a cylinder; a movable piston positioned within the cylinder; and a drive vane attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive vane defines a drive axis. A lifter is operable to move the drive vane from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A motor is provided, and a transmission operatively coupled to the motor to provide torque to the lifter. The transmission is a multi-stage planetary transmission having at least a first stage and a last stage. The output shaft of the last stage extends to the lifter. A one-way clutch mechanism is configured to allow torque to be transmitted to the output shaft in a first rotational direction and to prevent the motor from being driven in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The one-way clutch is further configured to allow selectively restricted rotation of the output shaft in the second rotational direction.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator comprising: a cylinder; a movable piston positioned within the cylinder; and a drive blade attached to and movable with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade defines a drive axis. The drive blade includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side, the drive axis passing between the first side and the opposite second side. A plurality of teeth extend from the first side of the body. A plurality of protrusions extend from the second side of the body. A lifter is operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter is configured to engage with the teeth of the drive blade when moving the drive blade from the BDC position to the TDC position. A latch assembly is movable between a locked state and a released state, in which the drive blade is held in an intermediate position against a biasing force of compressed gas, and in the released state, the drive blade is permitted to be driven toward the BDC position by a biasing force. The latch assembly includes a latch pivotable about a pivot axis toward and away from the protrusions. The pivot axis extends perpendicular to the drive axis. The latch assembly further includes a solenoid for pivoting the latch about the pivot axis. In the released state, the latch is divided into a first side and a second side by a latch axis that extends parallel to the drive shaft and perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first side is located laterally closer to the drive axis than the second side. The latch includes a protrusion on the second side such that the latch is weighted to cause the latch to pivot away from the protrusion toward the released state of the latch assembly.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator comprising: a cylinder; a movable piston positioned within the cylinder; and a drive blade attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The drive blade defines a drive axis. A lifter is operable to move the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A motor is provided, and a transmission operatively coupled to the motor to provide torque to the lifter. A cartridge is configured to receive a fastener. The cartridge includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side. The first and second sides extend between the first and second ends. A pusher is slidably coupled to the cartridge. A nosepiece is coupled to the first end of the cartridge. The nosepiece is configured to slidably support the drive blade. A workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece. A blocking member is pivotally coupled to the nosepiece. The blocking member is biased toward a first position. The pusher moves the blocking member to a second position, in which the blocking member prevents movement of the workpiece contact element while a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge. The first side of the cartridge faces the motor and transmission. The blocking member extends from the nose support on the first side of the cartridge.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fastener driver comprising a cartridge configured to receive fasteners and a nose plate including a fastener drive channel from which successive fasteners from the cartridge are driven. The cartridge extends between a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The nose plate is coupled to the first end. The cartridge includes a guide member positioned within the cartridge. An end of the guide member is proximate to the second end of the cartridge. The guide member is movable between a first position, in which the end of the guide member is spaced apart from an inner surface of the cartridge, and in a second position, the end portion of the guide member is moved toward the inner surface. The cartridge further includes a biasing member for biasing the guide member toward the first position. The guide member is selectively movable from the first position toward the second position based on the length of the fastener.

[0020] Other features and aspects of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A This is a side view of a power fastener driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1B This is another side view of the power fastener driver of Figure 1, in which a portion of the housing of the power fastener driver of Figure 1 has been removed.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the power fastener driver shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the power fastener driver in Figure 1, with a portion removed for clarity.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the drive blade of the power fastener actuator in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Front view of the drive blade.

[0027] Figure 6 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a prior art drive blade.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged front view of a portion of the drive blade.

[0029] Figures 8A to 8C This is a front view of the powered fastener driver in Figure 1, showing the reaction force applied to the fastener driver during fastener driving operation.

[0030] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the power fastener driver in Figure 1, with a portion removed for clarity, showing the fastener received in the firing channel and the workpiece contact element within the firing channel.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the drive blade.

[0032] Figure 11 It is different Figure 4 Enlarged front view of the alternative drive blade to the drive blade.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the end portion of the alternative workpiece contact element, showing the end cap attached to the end portion of the workpiece contact element.

[0034] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the end portion of the workpiece contact element.

[0035] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the end cap.

[0036] Figure 15 yes Figure 1A A side view of a portion of a power fastener driver, showing Figure 1B The connection in Figure 2 The frame between the internal cylinder and the nose bridge, and Figure 1B The lifting assembly, motor, and transmission device.

[0037] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A side-view perspective of the frame.

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 1A Another side view of the powered fastener driver, schematically showing the extension through Figure 1A The housing of the power fastener driver.

[0039] Figure 18A yes Figure 15 A side cross-sectional view of the motor, transmission, and lifter assembly of a power fastener drive, showing the planetary transmission and the one-way clutch mechanism combined with the planetary gearbox.

[0040] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A An enlarged view of the transmission unit shows the torque-limiting clutch mechanism combined with the planetary transmission.

[0041] Figure 19 It is possible to be with Figure 18A A plan view of an alternative one-way clutch mechanism combined with a planetary transmission.

[0042] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 An enlarged view of a portion of a one-way clutch mechanism, showing the one-way clutch mechanism.

[0043] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Another enlarged view of the one-way clutch mechanism shows the one-way clutch mechanism in the fully engaged state.

[0044] Figure 22 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the piston of a power fastener actuator, or the drive blade connected to the piston.

[0045] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Front view of the piston and drive blades.

[0046] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 Bottom view of the piston and drive blades.

[0047] Figure 25 yes Figure 15 A side view of the nose bridge connected to a portion of the front end of the cartridge, the cartridge including a pusher assembly slidably connected to the cartridge.

[0048] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Front view of the nose bridge.

[0049] Figure 27 yes Figure 15 A side perspective view of a power fastener driver, further including... Figure 25 The box is attached to a portion of the nose bridge, showing the latch assembly located on the fastener driver side.

[0050] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A partial front view of a portion of a power fastener driver, showing the latch assembly in the released position relative to the drive blade.

[0051] Figure 29A yes Figure 15 A side cross-sectional view of the nose bridge, showing the guide components and fasteners at the first position within the nose bridge.

[0052] Figure 29B yes Figure 29A The other side cross-sectional view of the nose bridge shows the fastener at a second location within the nose bridge.

[0053] Figure 30 yes Figure 25 A sectional perspective side view of the nose bridge and case shows Figure 1A The drive depth adjustment mechanism of the power fastener driver.

[0054] Figure 31 yes Figure 25 Another sectional perspective side view of the nose bridge and case, in which Figure 30 The drive depth adjustment mechanism has been removed.

[0055] Figure 32 yes Figure 25 Another sectional perspective view of the nose bridge and case, in which Figure 30 The drive depth adjustment mechanism was removed, and the air-launch locking mechanism was further demonstrated.

[0056] Figure 33A yes Figure 25 A cross-sectional three-dimensional top view of the nose bridge and case shows Figure 32 The air-launch locking mechanism is in the first position.

[0057] Figure 33B yes Figure 33A Another sectional perspective top view of the nose bridge and the box shows the air-launch locking mechanism in the second position.

[0058] Figure 34 yes Figure 22 A perspective view of another drive blade of the present invention is shown in the embodiment of the power fastener driver.

[0059] Figure 35 Another nose bridge implementing the present invention, and Figure 34 Bottom view of the drive blades that are slidably received within the nose support.

[0060] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 A rear stereoscopic view of the covered portion of the nose bridge.

[0061] Figure 37 yes Figure 25 The perspective view of the box shows the first body part connected to the second body part.

[0062] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 The bottom perspective view of the box shows the guide member movably supported by the second body part.

[0063] Figure 39 yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the housing of a power fastener driver.

[0064] Figure 40 yes Figure 38 A front section view of a portion of the box.

[0065] Figure 41 yes Figure 38 Rear view of the end portion of the box, where Figure 38 The guide component was removed.

[0066] Figure 42 yes Figure 38 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of the box.

[0067] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in a variety of different ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0068] See Figures 1A to 3 The power fastener actuator 10 is operable to drive fasteners (e.g., nails, thumbtacks, staples, etc.) housed within the housing 14 into a workpiece. The fastener actuator 10 includes an internal cylinder 18 and a movable piston 22 positioned within the cylinder 18. Figure 2The fastener actuator 10 further includes a drive vane 26 attached to and movable with the piston 22. The fastener actuator 10 does not require an external air pressure source, but instead includes an outer reservoir cylinder 30 containing pressurized gas in fluid communication with the inner cylinder 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cylinder 18 and the movable piston 22 are positioned within the reservoir cylinder 30. See also... Figure 1B The actuator 10 further includes a filling valve 34 coupled to the storage chamber cylinder 30. When connected to a compressed gas source, the filling valve 34 allows the storage chamber cylinder 30 to be refilled with compressed gas if any previous leakage has occurred. For example, the filling valve 34 may be configured as a Schrader valve.

[0069] See Figures 1A to 1B As shown, the fastener driver 10 includes a housing 38 having a cylinder housing portion 42 and a motor housing portion 46 extending therefrom. The cylinder housing portion 42 is configured to support cylinders 18, 30, while the motor housing portion 46 is configured to support a motor 50 and a transmission 54 operatively coupled to the motor 50. The transmission 54 shown is configured as a planetary transmission with three planetary stages. In alternative embodiments, the transmission 54 may be a single-stage planetary transmission or a multi-stage planetary transmission comprising any number of planetary stages.

[0070] The housing 38 further includes a handle portion 58 extending from the cylinder housing portion 42, and a battery attachment portion 62 coupled to the opposite end of the handle portion 58. Battery 66 ( Figure 1A It can be electrically connected to the motor 50 to supply electrical power to the motor 50. The handle portion 58 supports the trigger 70, which the user presses to start the firing cycle of the fastener driver 10.

[0071] See Figure 2 The inner cylinder 18 and drive vane 26 define a longitudinal (or "drive") axis 74. During the firing cycle, the drive vane 26 and piston 22 can move between a top dead center (TDC) position and a driven position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The fastener actuator 10 further includes a lifting assembly 78. Figure 3 The lifting assembly is powered by motor 50 and operable to move drive blade 26 from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0072] In operation, the lifting assembly 78 drives the piston 22 and drive vane 26 toward the TDC position by energizing the motor 50. As the piston 22 and drive vane 26 are driven toward the TDC position, the gas above the piston 22 is compressed. Before reaching the TDC position, the motor 50 is deactivated and the piston 22 and drive vane 26 remain in a ready position, which is between the TDC and BDC positions. When the user presses the trigger 70... Figure 1A At this point, the lifter assembly 78 continues to lift the drive vane 26 from the ready position to the TDC position, at which point the drive vane 26 is released from the lifter assembly 78. Upon release, the compressed gas above the piston 22 and within the storage chamber cylinder 30 drives the piston 22 and drive vane 26 to the BDC position, thereby driving the fastener into the workpiece. The fastener actuator 10 shown thus utilizes the lifter assembly 78 and the piston 22 to compress the gas within the inner cylinder 18 and the storage chamber cylinder 30 using a gas spring principle. Further details regarding the structure and operation of the fastener actuator 10 are provided below.

[0073] See Figure 3 As shown, the lifter 82 (a component of the lifting assembly 78) and the output shaft 422 of the transmission device 54 ( Figures 18A to 18B The two plates 90 and 94 are connected to rotate together. The lifter 82 includes a hub 86. The end of the transmission output shaft 422 is rotatably fastened to the hub 86. The hub 86 shown consists of two plates 90 and 94. Figure 1B A plurality of drive pins 98 are formed and included extending between plates 90 and 94. Figure 9 The lifter 82 further includes roller bushings 102 positioned on each drive pin 98. The roller bushings 102 are configured to facilitate rolling motion between the drive pins 98 and the drive blades 26 when the drive blades 26 are lifted from the BDC position to the ready position. This can reduce wear on the drive blades 26 (i.e., teeth) and / or the lifter 82, thereby increasing the lifespan of the drive 10. The lifter 82 shown includes six drive pins 98; however, in other embodiments, the lifter 82 may include three or more drive pins 98. The drive pins 98 and roller bushings 102 may sequentially engage with the drive blades 26 to lift the drive blades 26 from the BDC position to the ready position.

[0074] See also Figure 3The actuator 10 further includes a latch assembly 106 having a pawl or latch 110 for selectively holding the drive blade 26 and a solenoid 114 for releasing the latch 110 from the drive blade 26. In other words, the latch assembly 106 is movable between a locked state and a released state, in which the drive blade 26 is held in an intermediate position between a BDC position and a ready position against a biasing force (i.e., pressurized gas in the storage chamber cylinder 30), and in the released state, the drive blade 26 is permitted to be driven from the ready position toward the BDC position or the driven position by the pressurized gas in the storage chamber cylinder 30. The latch 110 is movable between a locked position (corresponding to the locked state of the latch assembly 106) and a released position (corresponding to the released state of the latch assembly 106). In the locked position, the latch 110 engages with one of a plurality of protrusions 188 on the drive blade 26 to hold the drive blade 26 in the ready position against the biasing force of the compressed gas. In the released position, the drive blade 26 is allowed to be driven from the ready position to the BDC position by the biasing force of the compressed gas.

[0075] See also Figure 3 The driver 10 further includes a position 630 at the front end of the housing 14. Figure 25 Nose rest 118 at the location. Nose rest 118 defines a fastener channel 642 in the case 14. Figure 26 ) Connected firing channel 122 (or "fastener drive channel") Figure 9 (Only a portion of it is shown in the image). The firing channel 122 is configured to continuously receive fasteners from a neatly arranged queue of fasteners within the fastener channel of the cartridge 14. The firing channel 122 includes a firing axis 124 aligned with the longitudinal axis 74.

[0076] See Figure 1B and Figure 9 As shown, the driver 10 further includes a drive depth adjustment mechanism 130, which includes a workpiece contact element 134 whose protruding length relative to the distal end of the nose 118 is adjustable to change the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. As described above, the workpiece contact element 134 includes an end portion 146 configured to engage the workpiece.

[0077] The workpiece contact element 134 is movable relative to the nose bracket 118 between an extended position and a retracted position. A spring (not shown) is configured to bias the workpiece contact element 134 toward the extended position. The workpiece contact element 134 is configured to move from the extended position toward the retracted position when the workpiece contact element 134 is pressed against the workpiece.

[0078] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7The drive blade 26 extends along the longitudinal axis 74 between a first end 164 and a second end 168. The first end 164 is coupled to the piston 22 (e.g., via a threaded connection, pin connection, etc.), and the second end 168 is configured to contact the fastener 172 during the firing cycle. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive blade 26 includes an elongated body 156 having a body portion 160 connected to the piston 22 (at the first end 164) and an end portion 176 adjacent to the second end 168. The body portion 160 narrows or tapers towards the end portion 176. Figure 7 Accordingly, the body portion 160 of the drive blade 26 has a first width W1, and the end portion 176 has a second width W2 that is smaller than the first width W1.

[0079] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 The illustrated drive blade 26 includes a slot 177 extending along a longitudinal axis 74. The slot 177 is configured to receive a rib 178 extending from the nose section 118 (i.e., the base 138). Figure 9 The groove has a third width W3 corresponding to the width of rib 178. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the third width W3 is less than W1 but greater than W2. The center of the width W3 of the slot 177 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 74. The slot 177 and rib 178 are configured to facilitate the movement of the drive blade 26 along the drive axis 74 and suppress off-axis movement of the drive blade 26 (i.e., from...). Figure 10 (From a reference frame in the image, this refers to movement to the left or right). In some embodiments, the drive blade 26 may include a rib 178, and the nose support 118 may include a slot 177.

[0080] The drive blade 26 includes teeth 180 along the length of the body portion 160. See especially... Figure 5The teeth 180 extend from the first side 184 of the drive blade 26 in a direction not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 74. When the drive blade 26 returns from the BDC position to the ready position, the corresponding roller bushing 102 can engage with the teeth 180. The illustrated drive blade 26 includes six teeth 180, such that the lifter 82 moves the drive blade 26 from the BDC position to the ready position in one revolution. Furthermore, since the roller bushing 102 is rotatable relative to the corresponding drive pin 98, sliding movement between the roller bushing 102 and the teeth 180 is suppressed when the lifter 82 moves the drive blade 26 from the BDC position to the ready position. Therefore, friction and associated wear on the teeth 180 that may be caused by sliding movement between the drive pin 98 and the teeth 180 are reduced. The drive blade 26 further includes axially spaced protrusions 188 formed on a second side 190 opposite to the teeth 180. As described above, when the drive blade 26 is held in the ready position, the latch 110 can engage with one of the protrusions 188.

[0081] See especially Figure 7 The end portion 176 is offset relative to the longitudinal axis 74 that bisects the body portion 160 (i.e., extends along its center). The end portion 176 is bisected by a central axis 194 parallel to the longitudinal axis 74. In other words, the end portion 176 is positioned closer to the first side 184 of the drive blade 26 than to the second side 190 of the drive blade 26, such that the end portion 176 is laterally offset relative to the body portion 160, the purpose of which is described below.

[0082] See Figures 22 to 24 The drive blade 26 shown is manufactured such that the body 156 and each protrusion 188 share a common plane P. Figure 24 Bisect the plane. The longitudinal axis 74 extends perpendicularly to plane P.

[0083] See especially Figure 24 As shown, the tooth 180 extends from the first side 184 of the body 156 in a direction deviated from the plane P. For example, the tooth 180 shown extends at an angle A of approximately 20 degrees to the plane P. In other embodiments, angle A can be between approximately 10 degrees and 40 degrees. Furthermore, in other embodiments, angle A can be between approximately 15 degrees and 30 degrees. Therefore, the tooth 180 and the protrusion 188 are not in the same plane P. The inclined or deviated direction of the tooth 180 can reduce the overall size of the tool 10, thereby reducing the overall weight of the tool 10.

[0084] See Figures 22 to 23 Instead of Figure 4 and Figure 5The threaded connection shown indicates that the illustrated drive vane 26 is connected to the piston 22 via a pin connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 22 includes an opening 195 aligned with an opening in the drive vane 26. Pin 196 ( Figure 23 A pin 196 extends through the opening 195 of the piston 22 and the opening of the drive blade 26 to connect the piston 22 and the drive blade 26 together. Furthermore, the piston 22 defines a groove 197 configured to receive the end portion 199 of the drive blade 26. The groove 197 shown extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 74. A pin 196 is configured to extend through the end portion 199 of the drive blade 26 when it is received in the groove 197. The pin connection is configured to restrict movement of the drive blade 26 relative to the piston 22 in a selected direction. For example, in the shown embodiment, the pin 196 extends along a vertical axis Z transverse to the longitudinal axis 74 (e.g., from...). Figure 22 Viewed from the reference frame, the drive vane 26 extends through the drive vane 26 between its top and bottom, and the end portion 199 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 74 within the groove 197. Therefore, the pin connection inhibits the drive vane 26 from moving relative to the piston 22 along the vertical axis Z (e.g., in...). Figure 22 From the reference frame, the drive vane 26 can move between the top and bottom of the piston 22, but allows the drive vane to move relative to the piston 22 along the lateral axis Y (e.g., from the reference frame). Figure 22 and Figure 24 From the reference frame, a limited movement (to the left or right) along plane P, the lateral axis being transverse to both the longitudinal axis 74 and the vertical axis Z.

[0085] See Figure 9 As shown, the fastener 172, received in the firing channel 122 of the nose bridge 118, has a shank 198 extending along the fastener axis 202. When the fastener 172 is loaded in the firing channel 122, the fastener axis 202 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 74. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 172 is a nail that includes a nail head 206 positioned at one end of the shank 198. The end portion 176 of the drive blade 26 is configured to contact the nail head 206 when the drive blade 26 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position.

[0086] See Figures 8A to 8C As shown, prior to the fastener drive cycle, the longitudinal axis 74 of the fastener driver 10 is contained within a central plane C, which is perpendicular to the workpiece below. The lifting assembly 78 is positioned on one side of the plane C (e.g., in...). Figures 8A to 8C (viewed from the reference frame as the right side), and the latch assembly 106 is positioned on the opposite side of plane C (e.g., from the reference frame of reference C). Figures 8A to 8C (From the reference frame, on the left). The position of the lifting component 78 moves the center of mass M of the fastener driver 10, such that the center of mass M is toward the lifting side of the fastener driver 10 (e.g., from the reference frame). Figures 8A to 8C From the reference frame (right side), it deviates from plane C. When the drive blade 26 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position, the fastener 172 in the firing channel 122 is driven along the longitudinal axis 74, and the fastener driver 10 is subjected to an equal and opposite reaction force or recoil force in the opposite direction D1, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 74 and therefore contained in plane C. The recoil force applies a torque about the center of mass M of the fastener driver 10, causing it to rotate as the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece (i.e., from...). Figure 8C (From the reference frame, it is counterclockwise). This causes the longitudinal axis 74 to tilt to a skew angle relative to the plane C and the workpiece, so that the longitudinal axis 74 is not aligned with the plane C shortly after the drive blade 26 reaches the BDC position.

[0087] Figure 6 illustrates a conventional drive blade 26' with an end portion 176' aligned with the longitudinal axis 74'. When the drive blade 26' is used with a fastener actuator 10 whose center of mass M is offset from the plane C, as described above, due to the recoil force causing the fastener actuator 10 to rotate about the center of mass M, at least a portion of the end portion 176' may contact the workpiece shortly after the drive blade 26' reaches the BDC position. More specifically, as the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece, the rotation of the fastener actuator 10 causes the position of the drive blade 26' to shift relative to the nail head 206 (e.g., laterally). Therefore, shortly after the drive blade 26' reaches the BDC position, a portion of the end portion 176' extends beyond or protrudes beyond the nail head 206. This portion of the end portion 176' that has moved and is not in contact with the nail head 206 when the drive blade 26' reaches the BDC position will engage or impact the workpiece near the nail head 206, potentially causing damage to the workpiece.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the central axis 194 of the end portion 176 embodying the invention is offset from the longitudinal axis 74 by a predetermined distance B. Therefore, the central axis 194 of the end portion 176 is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 74, the firing axis 124, and the fastener axis 202, respectively, such that during the fastener drive cycle, the end portion 176 only contacts a portion of the nail head 206. That is, during the fastener drive cycle, a portion of the width of the end portion 176 will extend beyond (e.g., over) or not otherwise contact the nail head 206.

[0089] A predetermined distance B is selected such that the end portion 176 remains in contact with the nail head 206 until the fastener drive cycle ends, taking into account that the rotation of the fastener driver 10 about its center of mass M occurs after a recoil force is applied to the driver 10. In other words, the predetermined distance B is selected such that when the fastener driver 10 rotates due to the recoil force, the end portion 176 is configured to move laterally relative to the nail head 206, such that the central axis 194 of the end portion 176 moves closer to the fastener axis 202 of the driven fastener 172. Therefore, shortly after the drive blade 26 reaches the BDC position, no part of the end portion 176 is configured to contact or otherwise engage the workpiece. This suppresses or prevents damage to the workpiece by the drive blade 26 due to the rotation of the fastener driver 10 caused by the recoil force.

[0090] Furthermore, the predetermined distance B can be based on the size (e.g., length) of the fastener 172. More specifically, the predetermined distance B for a fastener with a longer length (and thus resulting in a larger recoil force and torque applied to the center of mass M) can be greater than the predetermined distance B for a fastener with a shorter length.

[0091] In operation, when trigger 70 is pulled to initiate the fastener drive cycle, motor 50 is activated to rotate lifter 82, and then solenoid 114 is energized to pivot latch 110 from the locked position to the released position, thereby repositioning latch 110 so that it can no longer engage with one of the protrusions 188 (thus defining the released state of latch assembly 106). Motor 50 continues to rotate lifter 82, thereby moving drive blade 26 upward slightly beyond the ready position (when drive blade 26 is in the TDC position) before the lowest tooth 180 on drive blade 26 slips off the corresponding drive pin 98 / roller bushing 102. Thereafter, piston 22 and drive blade 26 are pushed downward toward BDC position by expanding gas in storage chamber cylinder 30. As drive blade 26 moves toward BDC position, motor 50 remains activated to keep lifter 82 rotating.

[0092] As the drive blade 26 moves toward the BDC position, at least a portion of the end portion 176 of the drive blade 26 contacts the fastener 172 (e.g., nail head 206) within the firing channel 122. After the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece, a recoil force applied to the fastener driver 10 causes the fastener driver 10 to rotate about its center of mass M, as described above, thereby causing the end portion 176 of the drive blade 26 to move laterally relative to the nail head 206, and the central axis 194 of the end portion 176 to move closer to the fastener axis 202. For a very short period after the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece and while the drive blade 26 remains in the BDC position, the end portion 176 remains in contact with the fastener 172, and no part of the end portion 176 protrudes from or over the nail head 206 of the fastener 172.

[0093] Shortly after the drive blade 26 reaches the BDC position, the first drive pin 98 / roller bushing 102 on the lifter 82 engages with a tooth 180 on the drive blade 26, and the continued rotation of the lifter 82 raises the drive blade 26 and piston 22 toward the ready position. Shortly thereafter and before the lifter 82 completes a full rotation, the solenoid 114 is de-energized, thereby allowing the latch 110 to re-engage the drive blade 26 and ratchet engage around the protrusion 188 as the drive blade 26 continues to move upward (thus defining the locking state of the latch assembly 106). The continued rotation of the lifter 82 raises the drive blade 26 to the ready position, and the latch 110 engages one of the protrusions 188 to hold the drive blade 26 in the ready position.

[0094] See Figure 11In an alternative embodiment, the entire drive blade 26A within the firing channel 122, rather than just the end portion 176, is offset (i.e., spaced apart from) the firing axis 124 of the firing channel 122. In other words, the drive blade 26A (which is similar to the conventional drive blade 26' of FIG. 6) includes an end portion 176A centered relative to the body portion 160A, such that the central axis 194A of the end portion 176A is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 74A, but both the central axis 194A and the longitudinal axis 74A are offset relative to the firing axis 124 of the firing channel 122. In this alternative embodiment, the fastener axis 202 of the fastener 172 remains coaxial with the firing axis 124, such that when the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece and before the recoil force applies a torque to the center of mass M, causing the driver 10 to rotate, a portion of the end portion 176 extends beyond (e.g., over, it) the nail head 206 and does not contact it. Similar to the embodiments disclosed above, the central axis 194A and the longitudinal axis 74A are offset relative to the central plane C, such that the longitudinal axis 74A moves toward the fastener axis 202 by a recoil force, thereby causing the fastener driver 10 to rotate about its center of mass M after the drive blade 26A reaches the BDC position. This suppresses or prevents any part of the end portion 176A from contacting or otherwise engaging the workpiece when the drive blade 26A reaches the BDC position.

[0095] In a further alternative embodiment, the position of the fastener channel of the cartridge 14 may be offset from (i.e., laterally spaced) the longitudinal axis 74 / firing axis 124, rather than from the drive blade 26 or the entire drive blade 26A including the offset end portion 176. In other words, the longitudinal axis 74 of the drive blade 26A is aligned with the firing axis 124, but the fastener channel of the cartridge 14 is offset such that the fastener 172 received in the firing channel 122 is already offset relative to the firing axis 124 when the fastener 172 enters the firing channel 122. In this alternative embodiment, when the fastener 172 is driven into the workpiece and before the recoil force applies a torque to the center of mass M, thereby rotating the actuator 10, a portion of the end portion 176 extends beyond (e.g., over) the nail head 206 and does not contact it. Similar to the embodiments disclosed above, the fastener channel is offset relative to the center plane C and the longitudinal axis 74, such that the longitudinal axis 74 moves toward the fastener axis 202 by a recoil force, thereby causing the fastener driver 10 to rotate about the center of mass M after the drive blade 26 reaches the BDC position, thereby suppressing or preventing any part of the end portion 176 from contacting or otherwise engaging the workpiece when the drive blade 26 reaches the BDC position.

[0096] Furthermore, in this alternative embodiment, the user may be able to adjust the offset (i.e., a predetermined distance B) between the fastener channel and the center plane C and the longitudinal axis 74 based on the size of the fastener 172. Additionally, the fastener driver 10 may be configured to detect the size of the fastener 172 and automatically adjust the offset (predetermined distance B) based on the size of the fastener 172.

[0097] In another alternative embodiment, both the end portion 176 of the drive blade 26 and the fastener channel may be slightly offset to account for the rotation of the fastener driver 10 about the center of mass M caused by the recoil force.

[0098] Figures 12 to 14 Another embodiment of the workpiece contact element 134' of the power fastener driver 10 is shown. The workpiece contact element 134' includes an end cap or end cover 220 positioned on an end portion 224 of the workpiece contact element 134'. The end portion 224 includes an end portion 146' of the workpiece contact element 134'. Figure 13 The end cap 220 is configured to contact the workpiece when the workpiece contact element 134' is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0099] End cap 220 is removably coupled to end portion 224 of workpiece contact element 134'. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 13 As shown, the end portion 224 of the workpiece contact element 134' includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion 228 extending therefrom. The end cap 220 includes corresponding first and second recesses 232 that receive the respective first and second protrusions 228. The engagement between the protrusions 228 and the recesses 232 secures the end cap 220 to the workpiece contact element 134'. In other embodiments, the workpiece contact element 134' may include a recess, and the end cap 220 may include a protrusion. In further embodiments, the power fastener driver 10 may include one or more protrusions 228 / recesses 232. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece contact element 134' includes a third and a fourth recess 240 adjacent to the first and second protrusions 228, respectively, and the end cap 220 includes corresponding third and fourth protrusions 236 adjacent to the first and second recesses 232, respectively. The illustrated recesses 232 and protrusions 236 are formed on the lateral side 241 of the end cap 220.

[0100] See especially Figure 14End cap 220 includes a body 242. The body 242 is formed of a core portion or inner portion 244 and an outer portion 248 surrounding the inner portion 244. The body 242 is formed of different materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner portion 244 of the end cap 220 is formed of a first material, while the outer portion 248 is formed of a second material 248. The first material has a different hardness than the second material. The inner portion 244 contacts and / or proximates the end portion 224 of the workpiece contact element 134'. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner portion 244 forms a portion of a first recess and a second recess 232, as well as a portion of a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion 236. The outer portion 248 of the end cap 220 forms the remainder of the body 242, including the remainder of the first recess and the second recess 232, and the remainder of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion 236.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardness of the first material is greater than that of the second material. For example, the first material is a hard plastic, and the second material is a soft rubber. The first material is selected to prevent or inhibit the end cap 220 from disengaging (e.g., detaching) from the end portion 224 of the workpiece contact element 134' during use and / or transport of the power fastener driver 10. The second material is selected to prevent or inhibit damage to the workpiece by the end cap 220 during use of the power fastener driver 10.

[0102] See especially Figure 27 The driver 10 can typically be divided into two sides about the longitudinal axis 74. More specifically, from Figure 27 Viewed from the reference frame, the side of the actuator 10 where the housing 14 is located and which is substantially visible to the user is referred to as the "housing side 378", and the opposite side of the actuator 10 about the longitudinal axis 74 where the motor 50 / lifting assembly 78 is located is referred to as the "motor side 382". The positions of the various features of the actuator 10 described herein can be specified as being located on the housing side 378 or the motor side 382. Further details regarding the structure and operation of the fastener actuator 10 are provided below.

[0103] refer to Figures 15 to 17 The actuator 10 further includes a frame 386 positioned within a housing 38. The frame 386 is coupled to one end of the inner cylinder 18. The frame 386 is formed by a plurality of portions 390, 394, and 398. The shown frame 386 includes a cylinder support portion 390, a lifter housing portion 394, and a solenoid support portion 398. Figure 16 During assembly, the lifter housing portion 394 is positioned on the motor side 382 of the drive 10, and the solenoid support portion 398 is positioned on the housing side 378. The cylinder support portion 390 is connected to the inner cylinder 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder support portion 390 is threadedly connected to the inner cylinder 18. Figure 2The outer surface of the lifting assembly 78. The lifting housing portion 394 supports the lifting assembly 78. The solenoid support portion 398 is configured to support the solenoid 114 of the latch assembly 106, as discussed further below.

[0104] Frame 386 further includes a plurality of retaining elements 402. Each retaining element 402 includes a protrusion 406 extending from frame 386 and a hole 410 extending through the corresponding protrusion 406. Fasteners (e.g., chain straps; not shown) are configured to extend through the hole 410 to retain at least a portion of the wire 414 (in Figure 17 (Illustrated schematically) Secured to the corresponding retaining element 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 386 includes three retaining elements 402. Two of the retaining elements 402 are positioned on the cylinder support portion 390, while the remaining retaining elements 402 are positioned on the lifter housing portion 394. Furthermore, each retaining element 402 shown is generally located on the motor side 382 of the drive 10. In other embodiments, the frame 386 may include one or more retaining elements 402 positioned on any portion within the frame 386. The retaining elements 402 are integrally formed with the frame 386. Each retaining element 402 is configured to facilitate holding the line 414 to the frame 386. This can facilitate the assembly of the tool 10 while preventing the line 414 from being squeezed, for example, when the housing 38 is formed on the frame 386. Furthermore, the retaining elements 402 can inhibit or prevent the line 414 from getting stuck in the lift assembly 78 during operation of the tool 10.

[0105] See Figures 18A to 18B The transmission 54 includes an input (i.e., motor output shaft 418) and an output shaft 422 extending to a lifter 82 operable to move the drive blade 26 from a driven position to a ready position. In other words, the transmission 54 provides torque from the motor 50 to the lifter 82. The transmission 54 is configured as a planetary transmission having a first planetary stage 430, a second planetary stage 434, and a third planetary stage 438. In alternative embodiments, the transmission 54 may be a single-stage planetary transmission or a multi-stage planetary transmission including any number of planetary stages. The transmission housing 442 houses the components of the planetary transmission 54. The illustrated transmission housing 442 may include a first portion 446 and a second portion 450. The transmission 54 further includes a rotational axis 454 extending through the transmission housing 442. The motor output shaft 418 and the output shaft 422 at least partially define the rotational axis 454.

[0106] See also Figures 18A to 18BThe first planetary gear 430 includes a ring gear 458, a planet carrier 462, a sun gear 466, and a plurality of planet gears 470, which are coupled to the planet carrier 462 for relative rotation thereto. The sun gear 466 is drivenly coupled to the motor output shaft 418 and meshes with the planet gears 470. The ring gear 458 includes a toothed inner circumferential portion 474. The plurality of planet gears 470 are rotatably supported on the planet carrier 462 and are capable of engaging (i.e., meshing) with the toothed inner circumferential portion 474.

[0107] The second planetary gear group 434 includes a ring gear 478, a planet carrier 482, and a plurality of planetary gears 486 coupled to the planet carrier 482 for relative rotation thereto. The ring gear 478 includes a first toothed inner circumferential portion 490 and a second inner circumferential portion 494 adjacent to the toothed inner circumferential portion 490. The planet carrier 462 of the first planetary gear group 430 further includes an output pinion 498 meshing with the planetary gears 486, which are then rotatably supported on the planet carrier 482 of the second planetary gear group 434 and mesh with the toothed inner circumferential portion 490 of the ring gear 478. The ring gear 478 of the second planetary gear group 434 can be selectively rotated relative to the transmission housing 442, as discussed further below.

[0108] See also Figures 18A to 18B The drive 10 further includes a one-way clutch mechanism 502 coupled to the transmission 54. More specifically, the one-way clutch mechanism 502 includes a planet carrier 462 of the first planetary group 430, and this planet carrier is also a component of the second planetary group 434 (i.e., the output pinion 498). The one-way clutch mechanism 502 allows torque to be transmitted to the output shaft 422 of the transmission 54 in a single (i.e., first) direction of rotation, and also prevents the motor 50 from being driven in the opposite direction in response to a torque applied to the output shaft 422 of the transmission 54 in the opposite second direction of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way clutch mechanism 502 is coupled to the first planetary group 430 of the transmission 54. In alternative embodiments, for example, the one-way clutch mechanism 502 may be coupled to a third planetary group 438.

[0109] The third planetary gear 438 includes a ring gear 506, a planet carrier 510, and a plurality of planetary gears 514, which are coupled to the planet carrier 510 for relative rotation therewith. The planet carrier 482 of the second planetary gear 434 further includes an output pinion 518 that meshes with the planetary gears 514, which are then rotatably supported on the planet carrier 510 of the third planetary gear 438 and mesh with the toothed inner circumferential portion 522 of the ring gear 506. The ring gear 458 of the first planetary gear 430 and the ring gear 506 of the third planetary gear 438 are fixed relative to the transmission housing 442. The planet carrier 510 is coupled to an output shaft 422 for relative rotation therewith.

[0110] See Figure 18B The drive 10 further includes a torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526 coupled to the transmission 54. More specifically, the torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526 includes a gear ring 478, which is also a component of the second planetary gear 434. The torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526 limits the amount of torque transmitted to the transmission output shaft 422 and the lifter 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526 is coupled to the second planetary gear 434 of the transmission 54, and the one-way clutch mechanism 502 and the torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526 are coaxial (i.e., aligned with the axis of rotation 454).

[0111] See Figure 18B The torque limiting clutch mechanism 526 includes a plurality of stop members 530 (only one shown), which are movably supported by a gear ring 478 of a second planetary gear 434. The stop members 530 can engage corresponding lugs positioned on the annular front end of a second inner circumferential portion 494 of the gear ring 478 to inhibit rotation of the gear ring 478. The torque limiting clutch mechanism 526 further includes a plurality of springs 534 for biasing the stop members 530 toward the annular front end of the second inner circumferential portion 494 of the gear ring 478. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque limiting clutch mechanism 526 includes eight stop members 530 and eight corresponding springs 534. In other embodiments, the torque limiting clutch mechanism 526 may include four or more stop members 530 and four or more corresponding springs 534. In response to a reaction torque above a predetermined threshold applied to the output shaft 422 of the transmission device, the torque from the motor 50 is transferred from the output shaft 422 of the transmission device to the second planetary gear ring 478, thereby causing the gear ring 478 to rotate and the stop member 530 to slide on the lug.

[0112] Figures 19 to 21 An alternative one-way clutch mechanism 538 is shown, which can be combined with the transmission 54 to replace the aforementioned one-way clutch mechanism 502 and torque-limiting clutch mechanism 526. The one-way clutch mechanism 538 allows rotation in a single (i.e., first) direction (i.e., from...). Figure 19 From the frame of reference, in the counterclockwise direction, torque is transmitted to the output shaft 422 of the transmission device 54, while preventing the motor 50 from responding to a second rotational direction on the output shaft 422 of the transmission device 54 in the opposite direction (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction). Figure 19The drive is propelled in the opposite direction by an applied torque (clockwise in the reference frame). Furthermore, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 allows selective, restricted rotation of the transmission output shaft 422 to help prevent the drive 10 from jamming. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 engages with the first planetary stage 430 of the transmission 54. In alternative embodiments, for example, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 may engage with a second or third planetary stage 434.

[0113] The illustrated one-way clutch mechanism 538 includes a planet carrier 462', which is also a component of the first planetary gear 430. Furthermore, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 includes multiple ratchet members 546 (…). Figure 19 These ratchet members are movably coupled to the outer periphery 550 of the planetary carrier 462'. Each ratchet member 546 is pivotally coupled to the planetary carrier 462' via a pin 542. Furthermore, the end 554 of each ratchet member 546 has helical teeth 558 on its surface, which are complementary to the helical teeth 562 of the toothed inner peripheral portion 474' of the gear ring 458' of the first planetary carrier 430'. Thus, the end 554 of each ratchet member 546 is configured as a ratchet surface. When the planetary carrier 462' rotates in a first direction of rotation (e.g., from...), Figure 19 When rotated (within a clockwise reference frame), each ratchet member 546 performs ratchet motion relative to the toothed inner circumferential portion 474' of the ring gear 458'. In other words, as the planet carrier 462' rotates in the first rotational direction, each ratchet member 546 can slidably engage with the toothed inner circumferential portion 474' of the ring gear 458'. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 includes six ratchet members 546. In alternative embodiments, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 may include four or more ratchet members 546.

[0114] When each end 554 of the corresponding ratchet member 546 engages with the toothed inner peripheral portion 474' of the toothed ring 458', a gap 566 is formed between the helical teeth 558 of the corresponding ratchet member 546 and the corresponding teeth 562 of the toothed inner peripheral portion 474'. Figure 21 The spacing 566 is chosen to allow the planet carrier 462' to rotate about the axis of rotation 454' in a second opposite direction of rotation (e.g., from...). Figure 19From the reference frame, the rotation is a finite number of degrees (counterclockwise). Specifically, this finite number of degrees is a very small amount (i.e., greater than 1 degree but less than 10 degrees). In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch 566 is selected such that the planet carrier 462' can rotate up to four degrees relative to the rotation axis 454' in the second rotational direction. In other embodiments, the planet carrier 462' can rotate up to six degrees in the second rotational direction. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the planet carrier 462 can rotate up to eight degrees in the second rotational direction. Thus, the pitch 566 allows for selected movement, or what may be called "backlash," of the planet carrier 462' relative to the gear ring 458'.

[0115] During the operation of the one-way clutch mechanism 538, as the planet carrier 462' rotates along the first rotational direction (i.e., from...), Figure 19 From the reference frame (clockwise), the ratchet member 546 rotates, and the ratchet member 546 performs ratcheting motion around the toothed inner circumferential portion 474' of the gear ring 458'. However, when the piston 22 / drive vane 26 has reached the ready position, or if the rotation of the lifter 82 of the lifting assembly 78 is jammed, or the movement of the drive vane 26 is suppressed when it is lifted from the BDC position to the ready position, the torque applied to the transmission output shaft 422 is in the second rotational direction (i.e., from the reference frame, clockwise). Figure 19 From the reference frame of reference (counterclockwise), torque is applied to the planet carrier 462'. The gap 566 between the helical teeth 558 and the toothed inner circumferential portion 474' of the gear ring 458' allows the planet carrier 462' to rotate a small amount (e.g., 4 degrees) in the second rotational direction until the gap 566 closes and the helical teeth 558 engage with the toothed inner circumferential portion 474' of the gear ring 458', thereby preventing the planet carrier 462' (and the transmission output shaft 422) from rotating further in the second rotational direction. Therefore, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 responds to applying torque on the transmission output shaft 422 in the opposite second rotational direction (i.e., when the piston 22 and drive vane 26 have reached the ready position), preventing the transmission 54 from applying torque to the motor 50, which could otherwise drive in the opposite direction or cause the motor 50 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0116] Furthermore, the limited rotation of the planetary carrier 462' along the second rotational direction helps to realign the lifter 82 relative to the drive blade 26. Accordingly, the one-way clutch mechanism 538 may be provided with backlash to help prevent the lift assembly 78 and the drive blade 26 from jamming.

[0117] See Figure 1B and Figure 25 Figure 27 The nose bridge 118 is supported by the frame 386. The nose bridge 228 includes a nose bridge base 622 and a nose bridge cover 626 connected to the nose bridge base 622. The nose bridge base 622 is connected to the frame 386. Furthermore, the nose bridge base 622 is positioned at the front end 630 of the housing 14. Figure 25 The nose bridge cover 626 significantly covers the nose bridge base 622. Figure 27 In the illustrated embodiment, the nose bridge cover 626 may be pivotally connected to the nose bridge base 622 via a latching mechanism 634.

[0118] See Figure 26 and Figures 29A to 29B As shown, a firing channel 122 is formed between the nose bridge base 622 and the nose bridge cover 626. Figure 26 Only a portion of it is shown in the image. The case 14 includes fastener channels 642 along its length. Figure 26 The firing channel 122 communicates with the fastener channel 642. The firing channel 122 is configured to fire from the organized fastener queue 12 stored in the fastener channel 642 of the cartridge 14. Figure 33A The fasteners are continuously received. The firing channel 122 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 74 of the drive blade 26.

[0119] Specifically, the nose bridge base 622 includes a pin receiving hole 646. Figure 26 The nose bridge cover 626 includes an elongated recess 650 facing the nail receiving hole 646. Figure 29A Both the hole 646 and the elongated recess 650 extend along the longitudinal axis 74. The nail receiving hole 646 is partially defined by a guide surface 654 of the nose support base 622. The shown guide surface 654 extends from the nose support base 622 toward the nose support cover 626 and is divided into two parts. The extended guide surface 654 is received in a groove 177 defined by the rear surface of the drive blade 26. Figure 24 The nose bridge base 622 also includes an elongated groove 658 located near the nail receiving hole 646 and extending on either side of the nail receiving hole 646. Figure 26 The nail receiving hole 646 connects the fastener channel 642 of the cartridge 14 to the firing channel 122 of the nose bridge 118.

[0120] See Figures 25 to 26 and Figures 30 to 31 The driver 10 further includes a nose bridge 118 (i.e., a nose bridge base 622), Figure 25 The workpiece contact element 134 is supported. The workpiece contact element 134 shown typically comprises two parts 666 and 670. Figure 30 Each part 666, 670 is formed by multiple segments, and adjacent segments are continuously connected by bends. The first part 666 and the second part 670 are connected together by a drive depth adjustment mechanism 130, which adjusts the effective length of the workpiece contact element 134. The first part 666 of the workpiece contact element 134 includes an end section 678, which is slidably received in the housing 14 (i.e., on the first side 734); Figure 30 and Figure 31 In slot 682 on the ) . From Figure 30 Viewed from the reference frame, the end section 678 (and the groove 682) is positioned on the motor side 382 of the driver 10 and below the drive depth adjustment mechanism 130 and the nose bridge 118. Furthermore, the end section 678 forms one end of the workpiece contact element 134.

[0121] See back Figure 26 and 29A to Figure 29B As shown, the second portion 670 of the workpiece contact element 134 includes an elongated section 686, which is slidably received in an elongated groove 658 defined by the nose base 622. Figure 26 Therefore, a portion of the workpiece contact element 134 (i.e., the elongated section 686) at least partially defines the firing channel 122 of the nose bridge 118.

[0122] When the workpiece contact element 134 contacts the workpiece and applies a force directed toward the workpiece to the fastener driver 10, the workpiece contact element 134 moves from an extended position to a retracted position. More specifically, as the workpiece contact element 134 moves from the extended position toward the retracted position, the end segment 678 of the first portion 666 of the workpiece contact element 134 slides into the groove 682 defined by the housing 14. Figure 31 Within, and the elongated section 686 of the second part 670 slides into the groove 658 of the nose bridge base 622. Figure 26 )Inside.

[0123] See details Figure 26 The workpiece contact element 134 includes a hole 690 extending through an elongated section 686 of the second portion 670. The hole 690 is at least partially aligned along its length with a nail receiving hole 646 in the nose support base 622, such that the fastener channel 642 of the cartridge 14 communicates with the firing channel 122 of the nose support 118 via the workpiece contact element 134. Thus, each fastener passes from the cartridge 14 through the nail receiving hole 646 in the nose support base 622 and the hole 690 in the workpiece contact element 134 into the firing channel 122 of the nose support 118. Specifically, when the workpiece contact element 134 is in the retracted position, the entire length of the hole 690 is aligned with the nail receiving hole 646 (and the fastener channel 642 of the cartridge 14).

[0124] like Figure 26 and Figures 29A to 29BAs shown, the nose bridge 118 further includes a first fastener guide assembly 694. The first fastener guide assembly 694 is positioned between the nose bridge cover 626 and the nose bridge base 622, and also between the nose bridge cover 626 and the workpiece contact element 134. In the illustrated embodiment, an elongated segment 686 of the workpiece contact element 134 includes a protrusion 696 extending therefrom. The protrusion 696 is aligned with a guide surface 654 along a longitudinal axis 74 and is also received in a slot 177 of the drive blade 26. The illustrated protrusion 696 is divided into a first side portion 698 and a second side portion 702. The end surface 706 of each of the first side portion 698 and the second side portion 702 faces the nose bridge cover 626. The first side portion 698 and the second side portion 702 also at least partially define a hole 690. The fastener is configured to contact the end surface 706 of the workpiece contact element 134 during fastener drive operation as the fastener is being driven into the workpiece. Figures 29A to 29B As shown, the fastener 12A to be fired is first guided between the guide surface 654 of the nose bridge base 622 and the elongated groove 650 of the nose bridge cover 626, and then guided between the end surface 706 of the protrusion 696 of the workpiece contact element 134 and the elongated groove 650 of the nose bridge cover 626. Therefore, the first fastener guide assembly 694 shown includes the elongated groove 650 of the nose bridge cover 626, the guide surface 654 of the nose bridge base 622, and the end surface 706 of the workpiece contact element 134.

[0125] Figures 34 to 36 Alternative drive blades 26B and nose support 118B are shown. Nose support 118B further includes a second fastener guide assembly 850. Figure 35 The second fastener guide assembly 850 includes a plurality of guide ribs 854, 858 positioned within the firing channel 122B for guiding the movement of a fastener received within the firing channel 122B along the longitudinal axis 74B during fastener actuation. In the illustrated embodiment, the nose bridge cover 626B includes a first guide rib 854 and a second guide rib 858. Each rib 854, 858 extends from the inner surface 862 of the nose bridge cover 626B toward the nose bridge base 622B and about the longitudinal axis 74B. Figure 36 The length of the nose bridge cover 626B is extended. Furthermore, the first guide rib 854 and the second guide rib 858 are laterally spaced about the longitudinal axis 74B, and the groove 650B of the nose bridge cover 626B is positioned between the first guide rib 854 and the second guide rib 858. Therefore, when the corresponding fastener is received within the firing channel 122B, the fastener is located between the first guide rib 854 and the second guide rib 858. The drive blade 26B includes a first elongated slot 866 (…). Figure 34The first guide rib 854 and the second guide rib 858 are respectively configured to receive the first guide rib 854 and the second guide rib 858. In other embodiments, a plurality of guide ribs 854, 858 may extend from the nose bridge base 622B within the firing channel 122B, and / or the second fastener guide assembly 850 may include one or more guide ribs / slots. The second fastener guide assembly 850 is configured to suppress or prevent the fastener from moving laterally (i.e., left and right) relative to the longitudinal axis 74B within the firing channel 122B, thereby suppressing or preventing the fastener from getting stuck within the nose bridge 118B.

[0126] See Figure 30 The drive depth adjustment mechanism 130 is positioned on the motor side 382 of the driver 10. The drive depth adjustment assembly 130 includes a support member 714, an adjustment knob 718, and a screw portion 722. The adjustment knob 718 is rotatably supported on the support member 714. The screw portion 722 extends between a first portion 666 and a second portion 670 of the workpiece contact element 134. One end of the second portion 670 is threadedly connected to the threaded portion 722. Furthermore, the screw portion 722 is connected to the adjustment knob 718 for mutual rotation. Thus, the screw portion 722 and the knob 718 are rotatably supported by the support member 714. Rotation of the adjustment knob 718 causes the second portion 670 to be axially tightened along the threaded portion 722 to adjust the protruding length of the workpiece contact element 134 relative to the distal end 726 of the nose bracket 118. More specifically, rotation of the adjustment knob 718 causes the second portion 670 to be moved relative to the first portion 670 to adjust the effective length of the workpiece contact element 134. Therefore, the adjustment knob 718 can be referred to as an actuator.

[0127] The drive depth adjustment assembly 130 adjusts the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. Specifically, the drive depth adjustment mechanism 130 adjusts the length of the workpiece contact element 134 protruding relative to the distal end 726 of the nose bracket 118, thereby changing the distance between the distal end 726 of the nose bracket 118 and the workpiece contact element 134 in the extended position. In other words, the drive depth adjustment assembly 130 adjusts the distance by which the workpiece contact element 134 extends beyond the nose bracket 118 to abut against the workpiece. The larger the gap between the distal end 726 of the nose bracket 118 and the workpiece, the shallower the depth to which the fastener will be driven into the workpiece. Thus, the position of the workpiece contact element 134 relative to the nose bracket 118 is adjustable to regulate the depth to which the fastener is driven.

[0128] See Figure 25 As shown, the housing 14 is configured to receive fasteners driven into the workpiece by the powered fastener driver 10. The housing 14 has a first end 630 and a second end 730 opposite to the first end 630. The housing 14 further includes a first side 734 and a second side 738 opposite to the first side 734. Figure 25Only one is shown in the image; see also Figure 30 ), and correspondingly extending between the first side 734 and the second side 738 are the bottom side 742 and the top side 746. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first side 734 faces the motor 50, the transmission 54, and the lifting assembly 78. Furthermore, the second side 738 is the side of the case 14 that is substantially visible to the user.

[0129] See also Figure 25 The cartridge 14 further includes a pusher assembly 750, at least a portion of which is located within a fastener channel 642 of the cartridge 14. The pusher assembly 750 is slidably coupled to the cartridge 14 and biases the organized fastener queue 12 toward the front end 630 of the cartridge 14. Specifically, the cartridge 14 includes a spring (not shown) configured to bias the pusher assembly 750 toward the front end 630 of the cartridge 14. Therefore, the pusher assembly 750 is configured to apply a constant biasing force on the fastener queue 12 toward the front end 630 of the cartridge 14. Figures 33A to 33B As shown, the actuator assembly 750 includes a first portion 754 and a second portion 758, the second portion being movably connected to the first portion 754 by a second spring (not shown).

[0130] See Figures 32 to 33B As shown, the power fastener actuator 10 further includes an air-launch locking assembly 766. The air-launch locking assembly 766 includes an end section 678 of a first portion 666 of a workpiece contact element 134, a blocking member 770, and a locking member 774 engageable with the blocking member 770. The blocking member 770 is pivotally coupled to a nose base 622 of the nose support 118 near the front end 630 of the cartridge 14. More specifically, the nose base 622 includes a first side 778 and a second side 782 opposite to the first side 778, the first side having a guide surface 654 and configured to at least partially define a firing channel 122. The front end 630 of the cartridge 14 is fastened to the second side 782. The second side 782 further includes a support member 784 extending therefrom. Figure 32 The support member 784 shown is integral with the nose bridge base 622. The support member 784 extends from the second side 782 of the nose bridge base 622, such that it is close to the front end 630 of the housing 14 and on the motor side 382 of the drive 10.

[0131] The blocking member 770 includes a first end portion 786 and an opposite second end portion 790. The first end portion 786 is pivotally connected to the nose bridge base 622. Specifically, the first end portion 786 is connected via a pin 792 ( Figure 32The support member 784 is pivotally connected to the nose bridge base 622. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking member 770 is connected to the nose bridge base 622 via a pressure-fitting pin. Thus, the blocking member 770 is directly connected to the nose bridge 118. The second end portion 790 of the blocking member 770 is positioned near the end 683 of the recess 682 in the housing 14. Figure 33A This allows the second end portion 790 to selectively block the end 683 of the groove 682. The shown blocking member 770 is configured as a pivotable lever. Accordingly, the blocking member 770 is positioned near the front end 630 of the cartridge 14 and on the motor side 382 of the drive 10. Furthermore, the blocking member 770 is located on the first side 734 of the cartridge 14.

[0132] See also Figures 32 to 33B The blocking member 770 can be in the first non-blocking or bypass position ( Figure 33A ) and the second blocking position ( Figure 33B Movement between (e.g., pivoting). Springs (e.g., torsion spring 794); Figure 32 The device is configured to bias the blocking member 770 toward a bypass position. When the blocking member 770 is in the blocking position, the second end portion 770 of the blocking member 750 blocks the end 683 of the recess 682, thereby interfering with the retraction of the workpiece contact element 134, a prerequisite for initiating the fastener firing cycle. More specifically, the second end portion 790 extends into the path of the end segment 678 of the workpiece contact element 134 to prevent the workpiece contact element 134 from moving away. Figure 33B The reference frame of the page. Therefore, the end section 678 can be referred to as the engagement portion of the workpiece contact element 134.

[0133] Locking member 774 is movable together with the second portion 758 of pusher assembly 750. The shown locking member 774 is a side protrusion of the second portion 758. Locking member 774 can selectively engage with the second end portion 790 of blocking member 770 to allow blocking member 770 to move against the bias of spring 794 from a bypass position toward a blocking position. More specifically, locking member 774 is configured to move blocking member 770 toward a blocking position in which blocking member 770 is configured to block movement of workpiece contact element 134 while a predetermined number of fasteners (e.g., 0, 1, 2, etc.) remain in cartridge 14. The remaining predetermined number of fasteners may be five or fewer. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be 1, 2, 3, etc. In other embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be zero. In the shown embodiment, the predetermined number of fasteners is five.

[0134] refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28The actuator 10 further includes a latch assembly 106 having a latch 110 and a solenoid 114. The latch 110 is movably supported by a support portion 808 of the nose bridge base 622. More specifically, the latch 110 is movably supported about a pivot axis 814 defined by an axis (not shown) of the latch assembly 106. Figure 27 Rotation. The pivot axis 814 is parallel to the rotation axis 454 of the lifter 82. Figure 27 ).

[0135] The latch assembly 106 is positioned near the second side 190 of the drive blade 26. The solenoid 114 is supported by a solenoid support portion 398 of the frame 386. The solenoid 114 defines a solenoid axis 818 relative to the longitudinal axis 74. Figure 28 Extending at an acute angle. Specifically, the solenoid support portion 398 of the frame 386 is positioned such that the solenoid 114 is positioned on the cartridge side 378 of the actuator 10 below at least a portion of the nose bridge 118 (from...). Figure 27 (From the reference frame). This mounting position of the solenoid 114 reduces the overall size of the tool 10, thereby reducing its overall weight. Furthermore, the latch 110 is configured to rotate about the pivot axis 814 such that the end 822 of the latch 110 is configured to engage the stop surface 826 of the nose bracket 118 when the latch 110 moves toward the drive blade 26. Figure 28 ).

[0136] Solenoid 114 includes solenoid plunger 830 ( Figure 27 A plunger 830 is used to move the latch 110 away from engagement with the drive blade 26 when transitioning from a locked state to a released state. The plunger 830 includes a first end located within the solenoid 810 and a second end indirectly connected to the latch 110 (i.e., via a shaft). Displacement of the plunger 830 causes the latch 110 to pivot about a pivot axis 814 between the locked and released states. Energizing the solenoid 114 causes the plunger 830 to move along the solenoid axis 818 in one direction, thereby pivoting the latch 110 in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise). When the solenoid 114 is de-energized, an internal spring bias within the solenoid 114 causes the plunger 830 to displace along the solenoid axis 818 in the opposite direction, thereby pivoting the latch 110 in a second opposite direction (e.g., clockwise).

[0137] The latch 110 is movable between a locked position (corresponding to the locked state of the latch assembly 106) and a released position (corresponding to the released state of the latch assembly 106). In the locked position, the latch 110 engages with a protrusion 188 on the drive vane 26. In the released position, the drive vane 26 is allowed to be driven from the ready position to the driven position by the bias force of the compressed gas. Furthermore, when the solenoid 114 is de-energized, the latch 110 engages with a stop surface 826 to restrict the latch 110 from moving along... Figure 28 The degree of clockwise rotation about the latch axis 814 in the reference frame.

[0138] See also Figures 27 to 28 The latch assembly 106 is weighted, causing the latch 110 to be biased toward the released position (i.e., by inertial force). Specifically, when the latch assembly 106 is in the released state, the latch 110 is latched along axis 834 (…). Figure 28 The latch axis 834 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 74 and perpendicular to the pivot axis 814. The latch axis 834 divides the latch 110 into a first side 842 and a second side 846. In the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 74, the first side 842 is laterally closer to the longitudinal axis 74 than the second side 846. A protrusion 838 of the latch assembly 106 is located on the latch 110, and more specifically on the second side 846 of the latch axis 834, away from the longitudinal axis 74. The protrusion 838 provides additional mass on the second side 846 of the latch 110, causing the center of mass of the latch 110 to shift or deviate (i.e., from...) Figure 28 (From the reference frame 74, to the right). This offset weight causes the latch 110 to be biased clockwise toward the release position. Specifically, the latch 110 is in the release position when the drive vane 26 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position in a direction coaxial with the longitudinal axis 74. The fastener driver 10 is applied with an equal and opposite reaction force or recoil force in the direction opposite to the drive direction of the drive vane 26. When the driver 10 is applied with recoil force, the bias of the latch 110 toward the release position due to the offset weight helps to keep the latch 110 away from the drive vane 26. This can suppress or prevent the latch 110 from rotating toward the locking position, for example, by recoil force, and momentarily engage with the drive vane 26 when the drive vane 26 is driven from the TDC position toward the BDC position.

[0139] Figures 37 to 42 A case 14 or a portion thereof is shown. The case 14 includes a first body portion 882 and a second body portion 886, which together define a fastener channel 642 extending therethrough. The first body portion 882 is configured to receive a first portion 890 (e.g., a shank) of each fastener 13 in the fastener queue 12. Figure 39The second body portion 886 is configured to receive the second portion 894 (e.g., the head) of each fastener 13 in the fastener queue 12.

[0140] See Figures 38 to 40 As shown, the second body portion 886 of the housing 14 includes a guide member 902 extending between a front end 630 and a rear end 730 of the housing 14. The guide member 902 is movably coupled to the second body portion 886. The guide member 902 defines a slot 906 extending therethrough for receiving a second portion 894 of the fastener queue 12. The guide member 902 is configured to guide movement of the fastener queue 12 within the housing 14.

[0141] See Figures 41 to 42 As shown, the driver 10 further includes a biasing member 910 positioned between the end portion 918 of the guide member 902 and the inner wall 914 of the second body portion 886 of the cartridge 14. The biasing member 910 is positioned near the rear end 730 of the cartridge 14. The biasing member 910 is configured to orient the guide member 902 toward a first position ( Figure 40 In this first position, the end portion 918 of the guide member 902 near the rear end 730 of the case 14 is positioned away from the inner wall 914 (e.g., from...). Figure 42 (From the reference frame, to the left). The guide member 902 can be selectively adjusted from a first position to a second position against the bias of the bias member 910, in which the end portion 918 of the guide member 902 can be directed toward the inner wall 914 (e.g., from the reference frame, to the left). Figure 42 From the perspective of the reference frame, it moves toward the right.

[0142] For fasteners of relatively short length, the majority of the subsequent fastener's length (e.g., half its length) is received in the firing channel 122 at once to be driven into the workpiece by the drive blade 26. For fasteners 13 of relatively long length, the end 922 of the first portion 890 of the subsequent fastener 13 may be received in the firing channel 122 before the remainder of the first portion 890 and the corresponding second portion 894 (e.g., see...). Figure 39 When the end 922 of the first portion 890 contacts the surface 926 of the cover portion 626 before the remainder of the first portion 890 and the corresponding second portion 894 are received in the firing channel 122 (e.g., in Figure 39 At point 1 in the middle), the biasing force of the actuator assembly 750 causes the fastener queue 12 to begin pivoting at the engagement point between the end 922 and the surface 926 of the cover portion 626 (e.g., from point 1 in the middle). Figure 39 (From the reference frame, along the counterclockwise direction), thereby causing the fastener queue 12 to exert a reaction force against the bias of the bias member 910 on the guide member 902.

[0143] When fastener queue 12 is engaged Figure 39 At points 1, 2, and 3 (e.g., when the fastener queue 12 begins to be secured within the housing 14), the reaction force exerted by the fastener queue 12 on the guide member 902 increases and overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member 910, thereby causing the guide member 902 to move (e.g., pivot) from the first position toward the second position. Specifically, the movement of the guide member 902 toward the second position creates additional distance or clearance within the housing 14 to allow the fastener queue 12 to move within the housing about a pivot point 930 near the nose 118. Therefore, the movement of the guide member 902 from the first position toward the second position is configured to accommodate fasteners 13 of relatively long length by selectively providing additional clearance within the housing 14. Furthermore, the movement of the guide member 902 from the first position toward the second position can allow fasteners of relatively long length to be more fully aligned with the firing channel 122 before being driven by the drive blade 26, thereby suppressing misfiring. Therefore, the guide member 902 is maintained in the first position by the bias member 910 and can be selectively moved to the second position based on the length of the fasteners 13 in the fastener queue 12.

[0144] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention described.

[0145] The appended claims set forth a variety of different features of the invention.

Claims

1. A fastener driver, comprising: case; The cylinder is supported by this housing; A movable piston positioned within the cylinder; as well as A drive vane, attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position, the drive vane including an elongated body comprising: Connected to the first end of the piston; The second end is opposite to the first end; A top surface that extends between the first end and the second end; A bottom surface, which is opposite to the top surface, and extends between the first end and the second end; A first side extends between the top surface and the bottom surface; A second side, opposite to the first side, extends between the top surface and the bottom surface; The body portion is connected to the piston and extends along a longitudinal axis that bisects the body portion, which is bisected by a common plane that includes the longitudinal axis. Multiple teeth, the multiple teeth extending from the first side along the length of the body portion, and The end portion defines the second end of the elongated body and is configured to contact the fastener; The top and bottom surfaces of the drive blade are parallel to the common plane. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset relative to the body portion and is closer to the first side than to the second side.

2. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein, The body portion of the drive blade has a first width, and the end portion has a second width that is smaller than the first width.

3. The fastener driver of Claim 2, wherein, The body portion has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the first width is defined between the first side and the second side.

4. The fastener driver of claim 2, wherein, The drive blade includes a groove extending on the bottom surface between the first end and the second end, wherein the groove has a third width that is smaller than the first width and larger than the second width.

5. The fastener driver of claim 1, further comprising a nosepiece supported by the housing, the nosepiece defining a firing passageway configured to receive the drive blade, wherein, One of the nosepiece and the drive blade includes a protrusion, and the other of the nosepiece and the drive blade includes a groove configured to receive the protrusion to guide the movement of the drive blade within the firing channel.

6. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein, The central axis is spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis.

7. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein, The teeth extend from the first side of the body portion at an oblique angle relative to the common plane.

8. The fastener driver of claim 7, wherein, The drive blade includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a second side of the body portion opposite to the first side, wherein the common plane also bisects the protrusions.

9. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein, The piston includes an opening, wherein the drive blade includes another opening aligned with the opening of the piston, and the fastener driver further includes a pin extending through these aligned openings to engage the piston and the drive blade together.

10. The fastener driver of claim 1, further comprising: A lifter operable to move the drive blade from the lower dead center position toward the upper dead center position; as well as A transmission device for providing torque to the lifter.

11. The fastener driver of Claim 10, wherein, The lifter includes a hub and a plurality of drive pins extending therefrom, each drive pin being able to engage the drive blade as the drive blade is moved from the lower dead center position toward the upper dead center position.

12. The fastener driver of Claim 11, wherein, When the drive blade is moved from the lower dead center position toward the upper dead center position, each drive pin can engage with a corresponding tooth among the plurality of teeth of the drive blade.

13. A fastener driver, comprising: case; The cylinder is supported by this housing; A movable piston positioned within the cylinder; as well as A drive vane, attached to the piston and movable together with the piston between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position, the drive vane including an elongated body comprising: Connected to the first end of the piston; The second end is opposite to the first end; The body portion is connected to the piston and extends along a longitudinal axis that bisects the body portion. The body portion has a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a first side extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a second side extending between the top surface and the bottom surface opposite to the first side. The body portion has a first width defined between the first side and the second side and is bisected by a common plane that includes the longitudinal axis. Multiple teeth extending from the first side of the body portion; and The end portion defines the second end of the elongated body and is configured to contact the fastener. The end portion has a second width that is smaller than the first width, wherein the end portion is positioned closer to the first side than to the second side of the body portion of the drive blade. The end portion is bisected by a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset relative to the body portion and is closer to the first side than to the second side.

14. The fastener driver of Claim 13, wherein, The drive blade includes a groove extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the groove has a third width that is smaller than the first width and larger than the second width.

15. The fastener driver of claim 13, further comprising a nosepiece supported by the housing, the nosepiece defining a firing passageway configured to receive the drive blade, wherein, One of the nosepiece and the drive blade includes a protrusion, and the other of the nosepiece and the drive blade includes a groove configured to receive the protrusion to guide the movement of the drive blade within the firing channel.

16. The fastener driver of claim 13, wherein, The central axis is spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis.

17. The fastener driver of claim 13, wherein, The body portion is bisected by a common plane containing the longitudinal axis, and wherein the teeth extend from a first side of the body portion at an oblique angle relative to the common plane.

18. The fastener driver of Claim 17, wherein, The drive blade includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a second side of the body portion, wherein the common plane also bisects the protrusions.

19. The fastener driver of claim 13, further comprising: A lifter operable to move the drive blade from the lower dead center position toward the upper dead center position; as well as A transmission device for providing torque to the lifter.

20. The fastener driver of Claim 19, wherein, The lifter includes a hub and a plurality of drive pins extending therefrom, each drive pin being able to engage the drive blade as the drive blade is moved from the lower dead center position toward the upper dead center position.

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