Fastener supporting tool, connecting fastener, and method for manufacturing fastener supporting tool

Abstract

The invention provides a fastener supporting tool, a connecting fastener and a manufacturing method of the fastener supporting tool, wherein the outer diameter of the fastener when the fastener is connected and wound into a coil shape can be reduced while the driving posture of the fastener is stabilized. A fastener support tool according to the present disclosure is provided with: a first tab provided upright from a first portion and having a first support portion that detachably supports a first position of a fastener in front of a plate-shaped member; and a second tab provided upright from the lower end of the second portion and having a second support portion that detachably supports a second position of the fastener above the first position in front of the plate-like member. A first opening connected to a lower end and an upper end of the first portion is formed in the first portion, and a second opening connected to an upper end of the first opening at a lower end of the second portion is formed in the second portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastener supporting tool, a connecting fastener and a method for manufacturing the fastener supporting tool. Background Art

[0002] There are known fasteners such as screws and nails that are driven into the workpiece to fix the workpieces to each other. A plurality of fasteners are supported in a connected state by a connecting belt formed by connecting fastener support tools for supporting the fasteners. Such connected fasteners are loaded into a bin of a driving tool for use. The fasteners installed in the bin are separated from the fastener support tool by being struck by a driver driven by compressed air or the like and driven into the workpiece.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of such a fastening tool and a driving tool. Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose examples of fastening tools.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 3450255

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 03-026329

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 01-206106 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, the fastener support device described in the prior art literature has a structure in which the head of the fastener is easily affected by the fastener support device when the fastener is driven in. If the posture of the fastener becomes unstable due to the influence from the fastener support device, the fastener will be tilted relative to the workpiece, that is, the driven component, and thus the fastener cannot be accurately driven in. As a countermeasure, it is also possible to consider supporting the fastener at a position significantly away from the fastener support device in a manner that makes it difficult for the head of the fastener to be affected by the fastener support device. However, if a structure is adopted in which the fastener is supported at a position significantly away from the fastener support device, the radius when the connecting fastener is wound into a spiral shape will become larger, and thus the number of fasteners that can be loaded into the silo will decrease.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fastener support, a fastened fastener, and a method for manufacturing the fastener support that can reduce the outer diameter when the fastener is fastened and wound into a coil while stabilizing the driving posture of the fastener.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] The present application discloses a fastener support tool. The fastener support tool comprises: a plate-shaped member having a first portion, i.e., a lower portion, and a second portion, i.e., an upper portion; a first protrusion, which is erected from the first portion and has a first support portion that supports a first position of the fastener in a detachable manner in front of the plate-shaped member; and a second protrusion, which is erected from the lower end of the second portion and has a second support portion that supports a second position of the fastener that is above the first position in front of the plate-shaped member in a detachable manner. In addition, a first opening is formed in the first portion, which is connected to the lower end and the upper end of the first portion and is provided in a manner that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second portion as a fulcrum. In addition, a second opening is formed in the second portion, which is connected to the upper end of the first opening at the lower end of the second portion and enables at least a portion of the fastener from the second position to the upper end of the fastener to be visually confirmed from the rear. In addition, the first protrusion includes a pair of first legs that are erected from the first part with the first opening sandwiched therebetween and connect the first support part and the first part, and the second protrusion includes a pair of second legs that are erected from the lower end of the second part with the second opening sandwiched therebetween and connect the second support part and the second part.

[0014] It should be noted that the plate-like member is not limited to a rectangular shape. The plate-like member may include a member formed in a shape other than a rectangle extending in two dimensions (vertical direction and width direction), for example, a member formed in the shape shown in this embodiment.

[0015] It should be noted that the fastener support tool may further include a fastener as a support object. It should be noted that the fastener includes a nail and a screw. The fastener also includes other components for connecting the workpiece to other workpieces.

[0016] It should be noted that "the first opening arranged in such a manner that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second part as a fulcrum" includes an opening formed in such a manner that the second protrusion cannot pass through even if it is rotated when the first protrusion is arranged upright and that the second protrusion can pass through when the first protrusion is rotated (for example, when the first protrusion is rotated and becomes parallel to the lower part).

[0017] Here, the “opening” such as the “first opening” includes a structure which is closed in a normal state without receiving an external force or the like, but is provided so as to be able to form an opening in a state receiving an external force or the like.

[0018] For example, a first opening is formed in the first part, which is connected to the lower end and the upper end of the first part and is provided so that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second part as a fulcrum. The first opening can be formed by forming three slits in the first part. Here, the first slit is formed in the upper part of the first part so as to extend in the width direction, for example. The second slit is formed in the lower part of the first part so as to extend in the width direction. The third slit is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction so as to connect the first slit and the second slit.

[0019] Through this structure, when the plate-like member is pressed from the rear by means of the anti-return claw and other components described later, the portion of the first part that is to the right of the third incision and surrounded by the first and second incisions, and the portion of the first part that is to the left of the third incision and surrounded by the first and second incisions can be expanded together by being pushed by the anti-return claw, thereby being equivalent to a structure that is arranged in a manner that can form an opening when an external force is applied.

[0020] In addition to or instead of pressing the anti-return claw or other member from the rear of the plate-like member, when the second protrusion rotates and presses the plate-like member from the front, the portion of the first portion to the right of the third slit and surrounded by the first and second slits and the portion of the first portion to the left of the third slit and surrounded by the first and second slits can be expanded together by being pushed by the second protrusion. Therefore, such a structure is also equivalent to a structure provided in a manner that an opening can be formed in a state where an external force or the like is applied.

[0021] As a further example, the first opening formed in the first part can also be constructed as an opening portion provided at the lower part of the first part and open in a normal state without receiving external force, etc., and a slit extending in the up and down directions to connect the opening portion and the second opening.

[0022] According to such a structure, the opening of the "first opening" and the "second opening" are separated in a normal state without receiving external force (i.e., the plate-like member above the opening is closed), but the portion to the right of the slit and the portion to the left of the slit can be expanded together when receiving external force, so it is equivalent to a structure that is set in a manner that can form an opening when receiving external force from, for example, a non-return claw, a rotating protrusion, a fastener, etc. Here, the portion of the plate-like member where the opening of the "first opening" and the slit connecting the "second opening" are formed can be referred to as a "connecting portion".

[0023] Similarly, the second opening formed in the second part may also be configured to include an opening portion provided at the upper portion of the second part and open in a normal state without receiving external force, etc., and a slit extending in the up-down direction to connect the opening portion and the first opening.

[0024] However, as disclosed in the present embodiment, an “opening” such as a “first opening” also includes a structure in which an opening is formed in a normal state without receiving an external force or the like.

[0025] The present application also discloses a connecting fastener. The connecting fastener comprises a plurality of fastener support tools and a plurality of fasteners supported by the fastener support tools. The first portion of the fastener support tool on one adjacent side is connected to the first portion of the fastener support tool on the other adjacent side, and the second portion of the fastener support tool on one adjacent side is connected to the second portion of the fastener support tool on the other adjacent side.

[0026] In addition, when the fastener is a nail, the fastening fastener is sometimes called a fastening nail.

[0027] The connecting fastener may be a connecting fastener loaded into a driving tool for driving the fastener into a workpiece. The driving tool is provided with a locking claw extending in the up-down direction. The fastener support tool is configured such that the locking claw enters the second opening of the fastener support tool, the area between the pair of second legs, and the first opening and the area between the pair of first legs, and the fastener support tool is engaged by the locking claw of the driving tool.

[0028] The present application also discloses a method for manufacturing a fastener support device. In the manufacturing method, first, a plate-shaped original component having an upper end edge, a lower end edge, and a first side end edge and a second side end edge that respectively connect the upper end edge and the lower end edge is formed. Then, a first slit, a second slit, and an opening are respectively formed on the original component, the first slit connects a first position that is closer to the upper end edge than the lower end edge and closer to the first side end edge than the second side end edge and a relay position that is closer to the lower end edge than the upper end edge, the second slit connects a second position that is closer to the upper end edge than the lower end edge and closer to the second side end edge than the first side end edge and the relay position, and the opening is located between the first position and the second position. Then, with a first imaginary straight line passing through a position on the first slit closer to the relay position than the first position and a position on the second slit closer to the relay position than the second position as a fold, the portion of the original component including the lower end edge is bent in a manner of being erected from the other portion, thereby providing a first protrusion having a first supporting portion formed to support the first position of the fastener in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded in front of the other portion, and with a second imaginary straight line passing through a position on the first slit closer to the first position than the relay position and a position on the second slit closer to the second position than the relay position and passing through the opening as a fold, the portion of the original component surrounded by the first slit and the second slit is bent in a manner of being erected from the other portion, thereby providing a second protrusion having a second supporting portion formed to support the second position of the fastener above the first position in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded in front of the other portion.

[0029] In addition, the present application also discloses a fastener support device for supporting a fastener extending in the up-down direction. The fastener support device comprises a connecting portion extending in a width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, a first extension portion extending downward from one width direction end of the connecting portion, a first extension portion of the other extending downward from the other width direction end of the connecting portion, a first leg portion of one standing upright from the first extension portion of one side to the front perpendicular to the up-down direction and the width direction, a first leg portion of the other standing upright from the first extension portion of the other side to the front perpendicular to the up-down direction and the width direction, a first support portion connecting the first leg portion of one side and the first leg of the other side and supporting the first position of the fastener at a position forward of a pair of the first extension portions, a first support portion having a length shorter than the pair of the first extension portions and extending in front of the pair of the first extension portions. A second extension portion of one side extending downward from the connecting portion at a position adjacent to the first extension portion of one side between the pair of first extension portions, a second extension portion of the other side having a length shorter than that of the pair of first extension portions and extending downward from the connecting portion at a position adjacent to the first extension portion of the other side between the pair of first extension portions, a second leg portion of one side standing up from the second extension portion of one side toward the front perpendicular to the up-down direction and the width direction, a second leg portion of the other side standing up from the second extension portion of the other side toward the front perpendicular to the up-down direction and the width direction, and a second supporting portion at a second position above the first position that connects the second leg portion of one side and the second leg of the other side and supports the fastener at a position forward of the pair of second extension portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a rear view of the fastener support tool related to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4A It is a plan view (top view) of a fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4B It is a bottom view (bottom view) of the fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a side view of the fastener support tool which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7A It is a plan view (top view) of a fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7B It is a bottom view (bottom view) of the fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a side view of the fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of a fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 10A It is a schematic diagram (rear view) of a fastener support according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 10B It is a schematic diagram (side view) of a fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.11 This is a front view showing a manufacturing process of the fastener support tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.12 A driving tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.13A A nose portion of a driving tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 13B This is a perspective view showing a state in which the fastener supporting tool according to one embodiment of the present invention is conveyed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. The following embodiments are examples for describing the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective views of the fastener support device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front left side and the rear left side, respectively. Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5The figures are a rear view of the fastener support 10 when viewed from behind, a plan view when viewed from above, a bottom view when viewed from below, and a left view when viewed from the left. Figure 6 , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 The fastener support tool 10 supporting the fastener F is a rear view when viewed from behind, a plan view when viewed from above, a bottom view when viewed from below, and a left view when viewed from the left. Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing the fastening member 100 wound in a spiral shape.

[0049] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience, in this specification, the direction from the fastener body (sometimes referred to as the "fastener shaft") FB described later to the fastener head FH is sometimes referred to as the upper direction, and conversely, the direction from the fastener head FH to the fastener body FB is referred to as the lower direction, and collectively they are referred to as the up-down direction. In addition, the direction from the plate-like member 20 (described later) of the fastener support 10 to the fastener F is sometimes referred to as the front, and conversely, the direction from the fastener F to the plate-like member 20 is referred to as the rear, and collectively they are referred to as the front-to-back direction. In addition, the direction to the right when viewed from the front is sometimes referred to as the right, and the direction to the left when viewed from the front is sometimes referred to as the left, and collectively they are referred to as the left-right direction or the width direction. These names are names used to express relative positional relationships and do not represent absolute positional relationships. For example Figure 1 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the vertical direction is represented by the Z axis, the front-back direction is represented by the X axis, and the left-right direction (width direction) is represented by the Y axis. The vertical direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction (width direction) are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the fastener support 10 includes two protrusions, namely, a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 32, extending forward from the plate-like member 20. The fastener support 10 is configured as follows: Figure 8 By engaging the first protruding piece 31 and the second protruding piece 32 with the main body FB of the fastener F as shown in the figure, a single type or a plurality of types of fasteners F can be supported.

[0051] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, a plurality of fastener support tools 10 that respectively support fasteners F are connected in the left-right direction to form a connected fastener 100. The connected fastener 100 is loaded into the driving tool in a state of being wound in a spiral shape as shown in the figure. When the driver of the driving tool strikes the head FH of the fastener F from above, the fastener F separates from the fastener support tool 10 and moves downward to be driven into the workpiece. The detailed structure of the fastener support tool 10 involved in this embodiment is described below.

[0052] [Plate-like member]

[0053] The fastener support tool 10 includes a plate-shaped member 20 that supports the first protruding piece 31 and the second protruding piece 32. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figures, the plate-like member 20 includes a lower portion 21 (an example of a "first portion") which corresponds to a lower portion and supports the first protrusion 31, and an upper portion 22 (an example of a "second portion") which corresponds to an upper portion and is provided above the lower portion 21 continuously with the lower portion 21 and supports the second protrusion 32. Figure 3 , an imaginary line 20L1 dividing the lower portion 21 and the upper portion 22 is shown.

[0054] [Part 2 (Part 1)]

[0055] A first opening 21OP extending in the vertical direction is formed in the widthwise center of the lower portion 21 supporting the first protrusion 31 so as to connect the lower end and the upper end of the lower portion 21. By providing such a first opening 21OP, as shown in the rear view Figure 6 As shown, the user of the driving tool can visually confirm the portion of the fastener F connecting the fastener 100 from the position supported by the second supporting portion 32H of the second protrusion 32 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "second supporting position FP2" or the "second fastener supporting position FP2") to the position supported by the first supporting portion 31H of the first protrusion 31 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first supporting position FP1" or the "first fastener supporting position FP1") from the back side.

[0056] The first opening 21OP is rotated (toward) with the lower end of the upper portion 22 as a fulcrum around a second protruding piece 32 (described later). Figure 5 Therefore, when the front end of the second protrusion 32 rotates with the lower end of the upper part 22 as a fulcrum so as to approach the plate-like member 20 as the fastener F moves downward due to being struck by the driver of the driving tool, the second protrusion 32 is prevented from rotating by colliding with the first part 21, etc., and as a result, the fastener F is blocked from moving downward.

[0057] It should be noted that the first opening 21OP can also be formed in a manner that the second protrusion 32 cannot pass through when the first protrusion 31 is set upright, and the second protrusion 32 can pass through when the first protrusion 31 is rotated (for example, when the first protrusion 31 rotates and becomes parallel to the lower part 21).

[0058] like Figure 3As shown in the figure, the first opening 21OP in this embodiment is also formed to have a maximum width W1 in the width direction. As shown in the figure, the maximum width W1 of the first opening 21OP is larger than the maximum width W2 of the second opening 22OP (described later), and preferably larger than twice the maximum width W2.

[0059] By forming the first opening 21OP wider than the second opening 22OP, the risk of the fastener head FH of the fastener F being caught on the fastener support 10 and obstructing the downward movement of the fastener F can be reduced, and the posture of the fastener F can be stabilized. In addition, by forming the first opening 21OP wider, the visual confirmation of the main body FB of the fastener F is also improved.

[0060] The first opening 21OP in this embodiment is formed to include an opening 21OPT whose width increases as it goes upward. In other words, the opening 21OPT is an opening whose width decreases as it goes downward, and is sometimes called a tapered opening.

[0061] By forming the first opening 21OP in such a manner as to include a portion whose width increases as it moves upward, in other words, in such a manner as to include a portion whose width decreases as it moves downward, it is possible to ensure an opening in the central portion of the width direction of the plate-like member 20, which is most likely to be contacted by the fastener head FH, and realize a structure in which it is difficult for the fastener head FH to be hooked on the fastener support 10. In addition, when the fastener support 10 supports a fastener F having a large fastener head FH, the fastener F sometimes moves downward in a state in which, for example, the polygonal or circular boundary edge between the side surface of the fastener head FH and the bottom surface facing downward contacts the opening edge of the first opening 21OP. At this time, since the width of the opening 21OP decreases as it moves downward, it is possible to promote the fastener F to move in a direction gradually away from the plate-like member 20 as it moves downward.

[0062] It should be noted that the opening 210PT in this embodiment is formed into a tapered shape with a straight opening edge, but is not limited thereto. For example, an opening having an opening edge formed of a curved line such as an arc shape as a portion whose width increases upward may be formed.

[0063] In addition, the opening 21OPT may be formed in the entire first opening 21OP, or may be formed in a portion (e.g., only the upper end portion or only the lower end portion of the first opening 21OP). When the opening 21OPT is formed in only the lower end portion of the first opening 21OP, the portion of the opening 21OPT disposed at the upper portion may be formed to have a constant width.

[0064] [Part 1 (Part 2)]

[0065] A second opening 22OP extending in the vertical direction is formed at the widthwise center of the upper portion 22 supporting the second protrusion 32 so as to be connected to the widthwise center of the upper end of the first opening 21OP at the lower end of the upper portion 22 (i.e., the upper end of the lower portion 21). By providing such a second opening 22OP, Figure 6 As shown, the user of the driving tool can visually check the portion of the fastener F of the fastener 100 from the second support position FP2 supported by the support portion 32H of the second protruding piece 32 to at least a portion of the fastener head FH from the rear side.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the second opening 22OP in the present embodiment is also formed in a manner having a maximum width W2 in the width direction. As shown in the figure, the maximum width W2 of the second opening 22OP is smaller than the maximum width W1 of the first opening 21OP. In addition, the height of the second opening 22OP in the up-down direction is smaller than the height of the first opening 21OP in the up-down direction. In addition, unlike the first opening 21OP including a portion (opening 21OPT) whose width increases as it moves upward, the second opening 22OP is formed to have a constant width in the entire up-down direction. However, the second opening 22OP may also be formed in a manner in which the width varies in the entire up-down direction (for example, in a manner having a tapered shape).

[0067] Unlike the first opening 21OP through which the second protrusion 32 may pass when driving, the second opening 22OP can be formed to have a width smaller than the first opening 21OP because the protrusion does not pass, and has a minimum width and height for ensuring visual confirmation of the fastener F from the back. Here, when the head diameter of the fastener head FH is large, the second opening 22OP is formed to have a height larger than the height of the fastener head FH, so that the fastener support 10 can support the fastener F so that a part of the fastener head FH enters the second opening 22OP (further, so that a part of the fastener head FH protrudes backward from the second opening 22OP). With such a structure, the distance between the fastener support 10 and the fastener F can be suppressed, so that the diameter of the connecting fastener 100 wound in a spiral shape can be reduced.

[0068] With such a structure, the height above the second opening 22OP in the upper portion 22 can be ensured, and the width of the portion where the upper portion 22 and the second protrusion 32 are connected can be made relatively wide, thereby suppressing deformation of the second protrusion 32 when supporting the fastener F. However, the second opening 22OP may be formed so that the dimension in the width direction varies, or may be formed so that the dimension in the height direction varies.

[0069] The upper portion 22 in the present embodiment is also formed with a first slit 22S1, an opening connected to one end of the upper end of the first opening 21OP in the width direction, and a second slit 22S2, an opening connected to the other end of the upper end of the first opening 21OP in the width direction. The first slit 22S1 and the second slit 22S2 are formed in a manner extending in the up-down direction, respectively. In addition, the first slit 22S1 (the second slit 22S2) and the first opening 21OP are connected by forming a slit connecting the two in the upper portion 22. Therefore, the first slit 22S1 (the second slit 22S2) has a very small width at the lower end and is formed relatively wide at the upper portion. The second slit 22S2 is formed symmetrically with the first slit 22S1, so a detailed description is omitted. However, the second slit 22S2 may not be formed symmetrically with the first slit 22S1, and may be formed in a shape different from the first slit 22S1. For example, the slit of the second slit 22S2 connected to the first opening 21OP may have a shape different from the slit of the first slit 22S1 connected to the first opening 21OP.

[0070] As a result of such a structure, the first opening 21OP is connected to the second opening 22OP at the center of the upper end, is connected to the first slit 22S1 at one end in the width direction of the upper end, and is connected to the second slit 22S2 at the other end in the width direction of the upper end.

[0071] By forming such a structure, the portion of the upper portion 22 connected to the second protrusion 32 (in Figure 3 The portion between the second opening 22OP and the first slit 22S1 and the portion connected to the first protrusion 31 (via the lower portion 21) (in Figure 3 Similarly, the portion of the upper portion 22 connected to the second protrusion 32 (in Figure 3 The portion between the second opening 22OP and the second slit 22S2) and the portion connected to the first protrusion 31 (via the lower portion 21) (in Figure 3 Thus, the following situation can be promoted: as the fastener F is struck by the driver of the driving tool and moves downward, the front end of the second protrusion 32 rotates in a manner close to the plate-like member 20 (towards Figure 5 For example, the width of the first slit 22S1 may be increased so that the portion connected to the second protrusion 32 also rotates together with the second protrusion 32. In this configuration, the second protrusion 32 can be easily retracted from the ejection path.

[0072] As described above, according to the plate-like member 20 of the present embodiment, in the structure in which the lower portion, i.e., the lower portion 21, supports the lower protrusion, i.e., the first protrusion 31, and the upper portion, i.e., the upper portion 22, supports the upper protrusion, i.e., the second protrusion 32, a first opening 21OP is formed in the widthwise central portion of the lower portion 21, extending from the upper end to the lower end, and a second opening 22OP connected (connected) to the first opening 21OP is formed in the widthwise central portion of the upper portion 22. Therefore, in the widthwise central portion of the plate-like member 20, which is closest to the region through which the fastener head FH advancing downward passes, a large opening is formed, i.e., the first opening 21OP connected to the lower end of the lower portion 21 and extending upward from the lower end, and the second opening 22OP connected thereto and extending further upward. As a result, there is no obstacle that hinders the advancement of the fastener F on the advancing path of the fastener head FH, and therefore, the fastener F can be driven in without disturbing the posture compared with the past. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the fastener F from being driven poorly into the workpiece, that is, the driving member, in a tilted state.

[0073] It should be noted that the position of the lower end of the plate-like member 20, that is, the lower end of the lower portion 21 in the vertical direction (equivalent to the coordinate of the Z axis) can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the figure, it is constant in the entire width direction (equivalent to the Y axis coordinate), and can also be Figure 3 is different, and is not constant but varies according to the position in the width direction. Figure 3 The shape of the lower portion 21 is deformed so that the lower end of the lower portion 21 at one end or both ends in the width direction protrudes downward from the lower end of the central portion in the width direction of the lower portion 21 ( Fig. 10A In such a shape, since the first opening 21OP connected to the lower end of the central portion and extending upward is formed in the lower portion 21, the effect of suppressing the fastener F from being caught on the fastener support 10 can also be exerted.

[0074] [First tab]

[0075] The fastener support tool 10 includes a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 32 for supporting the fastener F in a detachable manner. These protrusions are arranged to stand forward from a plate-like member 20, which is an example of a member extending in two-dimensional directions (YZ plane direction) in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, so as to support the fastener F in front of the plate-like member 20. Figure 5As shown, in a side view, the first protrusion 31 is erected forward from the lower end of the plate-like member 20 (the lower end of the lower portion 21). The lower end of the lower portion 21 is also equivalent to the lower end of the plate-like member 20, so it can also be said that the first protrusion 31 is erected forward from the lower end of the plate-like member 20. However, the first protrusion 31 can also be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined relative to the plate-like member 20. For example, the first protrusion 31 can also be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined downward relative to the plate-like member 20. In this case, the second protrusion 32 can also be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined upward relative to the plate-like member 20 in order to support the fastener F.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the first protrusion 31 has a first support position FP1 ( Figure 8 ) and a pair of first leg portions 31F which are respectively erected from the lower portion 21 with the first opening 21OP interposed therebetween and connect the lower portion 21 and the first protruding piece 31.

[0077] As shown in the figure, etc., at the front end of the first support portion 31H of the present embodiment, there is a pair of arm-shaped extending portions (sometimes referred to as "arm portions") having an inner wall surface having an arc-shaped or cylindrical surface so as to respectively support the left-facing side surface and the right-facing side surface of the fastener body portion FB having a circular cross-section.

[0078] An opening communicating with the inner wall surfaces of the pair of arm portions is also formed at the front end of the first protruding piece 31 (the front end of the first supporting portion 31H).

[0079] When the front end of the first protruding piece 31 rotates around the lower end of the lower portion 21 as a fulcrum so as to approach the plate-like member 20 as the fastener F moves downward, the fastener F is configured to be detachable from the fastener support 10 by passing through the opening.

[0080] When the first support portion 31H supports the fastener F, the width 31HW ( Figure 4B ) is formed larger than the width 32HW ( Figure 4A )big.

[0081] By making the width 31HW of the first supporting portion 31H of the first protrusion 31 provided at the bottom larger than the width 32HW of the second supporting portion 32H of the second protrusion 32 provided at the top, the fastener holding force of the protrusion at the bottom, which is generally easy for the fastener F to come loose, can be improved, thereby suppressing poor driving caused by the fastener F coming off due to the loosening and poor operation of the driving tool.

[0082] The rear end (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis) of the first support portion 31H is connected to a pair of first legs 31F. Since the pair of first legs 31F are respectively erected from the lower portion 21 with the first opening 21OP sandwiched therebetween, as shown in FIG4(B), a space (gap) where no member exists is provided between the widthwise center portion of the rear end of the first support portion 31H and the plate-like member 20. That is, an opening 31OP is formed between the pair of first legs 31F of the first protruding piece 31 in such a manner that the first protruding piece 31 is penetrated in the vertical direction (it should be noted that the first opening 21OP is equivalent to an opening formed in such a manner that the plate-like member 20 is penetrated in the front-rear direction).

[0083] The shape of the opening 31OP can be determined according to the shape of the pair of first legs 31F. In the present embodiment, the pair of first legs 31F are formed so that the width increases as they are farther away from the lower portion 21. In addition, the interval between the pair of first legs 31F is formed so that it decreases as it approaches the first support portion 31H. As a result, the opening 31OP formed between the pair of first legs 31F of the first protrusion 31 is formed so that the width increases as it approaches the lower portion 21 (the further it moves to the rear) when viewed from above.

[0084] According to the above-described structure, compared with a case where the member is provided without forming the opening 31OP, the possibility of the fastener head FH (especially the fastener head FH of the fastener F of the type with a large head) being caught on the first protrusion 31 can be reduced. As a result, the necessity of supporting the fastener F at a position far away from the plate-like member 20 to the front is reduced, and thus, it can further contribute to reducing the diameter when the connecting fastener 100 is wound into a spiral shape.

[0085] In addition, compared with a structure in which the protrusion is held by only one leg, the pair of first legs 31F can stabilize the rotation direction of the first protrusion 31 , thereby further stabilizing the travel direction of the fastener F that descends while contacting the first protrusion 31 .

[0086] Moreover, by forming the opening 31OP, when the front end of the second protrusion 32 rotates with the lower end of the upper part 22 as a fulcrum in a manner close to the plate-like member 20, a gap will appear between the front end of the second protrusion 32 and the rear end of the first supporting part 31H, thereby reducing the possibility of the second protrusion 32 colliding with the first protrusion 31 and being hindered from rotating.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the opening 31OP is formed so that the width increases as it approaches the lower portion 21 (moves backward), or in other words, the width decreases as it moves away from the lower portion 21 (moves forward). Here, the opening 31OP may be formed in a tapered shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in an arc shape (curve shape), for example.

[0088] When the fastener support 10 supports a fastener F having a large fastener head FH, the fastener F may move downward in a state where, for example, the polygonal or circular boundary edge between the side surface of the fastener head FH and the bottom surface facing downward contacts the opening edge of the opening 31OP. At this time, as a result of the rotation of the first protrusion 31, the width of the opening 31OP decreases as it moves downward, thereby promoting the fastener F to move downward while the first protrusion 31 falls toward the direction close to the plate-like member 20.

[0089] [Second tab]

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the second protruding piece 32 includes a second supporting position FP2 (FP2) that supports the fastener body FB and is located above the first supporting position FP1. Figure 8 ) and a pair of second legs 32F that are respectively erected from the upper portion 22 with the second opening 22OP sandwiched therebetween to connect the upper portion 22 with the second protruding piece 32. Figure 5 As shown in the side view of , the second protrusion 32 is erected forward from the lower end of the upper portion 22. However, like the first protrusion 31, the second protrusion 32 may be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined relative to the plate-like member 20. For example, in the case of supporting a heavy fastener F, the second protrusion 32 may be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined downward relative to the upper portion 22 (plate-like member 20). In this case, the first protrusion 31 may be erected forward in a manner slightly inclined upward relative to the plate-like member 20 in order to support the fastener F.

[0091] like Figure 1As shown in the figures, similarly to the first protruding piece 31, at the front end of the second supporting portion 32H of the second protruding piece, a pair of arm-shaped extending portions (sometimes referred to as "arm portions") having an inner wall surface formed with an arc shape or a cylindrical surface are provided so as to respectively support the leftward side surface and the rightward side surface of the fastener main body portion FB having a circular cross section. An opening communicating with the inner wall surface of the pair of arm portions is also formed at the front end of the second supporting portion 32H, so that when the front end of the second protruding piece 32 rotates with the vicinity of the lower end of the upper portion 22 as a fulcrum so as to approach the plate-shaped member 20 as the fastener F moves downward, the fastener F is configured to be able to pass through the opening and be separated from the fastener supporting tool 10.

[0092] As described above, when the second support portion 32H supports the fastener F, the width 32HW ( Figure 4A ) is formed to be larger than the width 31HW ( Figure 4B Since the width 31HW of the first support portion 31H disposed at the bottom is larger than the width 32HW of the second support portion 32H disposed at the top, the fastener holding force of the lower protrusion from which the fastener F is easily loosened can be increased.

[0093] Similar to the first support portion 31H, the rear end (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis) of the second support portion 32H is connected to a pair of second legs 32F. Since the pair of second legs 32F are respectively erected from the lower end of the upper portion 22 with the second opening 22OP sandwiched therebetween, Figure 4A As shown, a space (gap) without a member is provided between the widthwise center of the rear end of the second support portion 32H and the plate-like member 20. That is, an opening 32OP is formed between the pair of second legs 32F of the second protruding piece 32 so as to penetrate the second protruding piece 32 in the vertical direction.

[0094] The shape of the opening 32OP can be determined according to the shape of the pair of second leg portions 32F, similarly to the opening 31OP. Similar to the opening 31OP, when viewed from above, the opening 32OP can be formed so that the width increases as it approaches the second portion 22 (advances toward the rear). In other words, the opening 32OP can be formed so that the width decreases as it approaches the support portion 32H (advances toward the front).

[0095] With such a structure, the second protruding piece 32 can be easily rotated, so the second protruding piece 32 can be prevented from interfering with the progress of the fastener F.

[0096] According to the above-described structure, compared with a case where the opening 32OP is not formed but a member is provided, the possibility of the fastener head FH being caught on the second protruding piece 32 can be reduced. As a result, the need to support the fastener F at a position far away from the plate-like member 20 is reduced, thereby further contributing to reducing the diameter of the fastener 100 when it is wound into a spiral shape.

[0097] It should be noted that the length 32L of the second protrusion 32 in the front-to-back direction ( Figure 5 ) can be larger than the height 21HT (the figure) of the lower part 21 in the up-down direction.

[0098] By forming such a structure, when the second protrusion 32 rotates with the lower end of the upper part 22 as a fulcrum and becomes parallel to the plate-like member 20, the lower end of the second protrusion 32 is located below the lower end of the lower part 21. Therefore, compared with the case where the length of the protrusion corresponding to the second protrusion in the front-back direction is smaller than the height of the part corresponding to the lower part in the up-down direction, the height of the plate-like member 20 in the up-down direction can be reduced. By reducing the dimension (height) of the fastener support 10 in the up-down direction in this way, a short fastener F can be appropriately supported.

[0099] According to the fastener support device 10 as described above, as shown in the rear view Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the fastener F from at least a portion of the fastener head FH to the second supporting position FP2 can be visually confirmed from the rear through the second opening 22OP, and the portion of the fastener F from the second supporting position FP2 to the first supporting position FP1 can be visually confirmed from the rear through the first opening 21OP. Since the first opening 21OP is connected to at least the lower end of the central portion of the plate-like member 20, the portion of the fastener F from the first supporting position FP1 to the lower end of the fastener F that protrudes downward from the plate-like member 20 can also be visually confirmed from the rear. That is, according to the fastener support tool 10, all or most of the portion of the fastener F from at least a portion of the fastener head FH to the lower end of the fastener F can be visually confirmed from the rear. Therefore, as Fig. 9 As shown, when the fastener F is wound in a spiral shape with the fastener F being located inside the fastener support 10 supporting the fastener F, the user of the driving tool can easily identify the type of the fastener F.

[0100] In addition, a first opening 21OP extending from the lower end to the upper end of the lower portion 21 is formed in the widthwise central portion of the lower portion 21 of the plate-like member 20, and a second opening 22OP connected to (joined with) the first opening 21OP is formed in the widthwise central portion of the upper portion 22, so that an opening reaching the lower end of the plate-like member 20 from a height corresponding to the fastener head FH of the fastener F is formed in the widthwise central portion of the plate-like member 20 closest to the region through which the fastener head FH advancing downward passes. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the fastener F from being caught on the fastener support 10.

[0101] Moreover, if you use Fig. 13B As described later, the engaging claw (non-return claw) of the driving tool extending in the vertical direction can enter the area between the second opening 22OP, the pair of second legs 32F, and the first opening 21OP and the pair of first legs 31F. Therefore, when the conveying claw (described later) moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction in order to convey the next fastener F, the movement of the fastening member 100 can be restricted in such a manner as to avoid the fastening member 100 also moving in the opposite direction.

[0102] Moreover, as the plan view ( Figure 4A ) and bottom view ( Figure 4B ), an opening 32OP is formed in the central portion in the width direction to separate the second protruding piece 32 and the plate-like member 20, and an opening 31OP is formed in the central portion in the width direction to separate the first protruding piece 31 and the plate-like member 20, so that the possibility of the fastener F (especially the type of fastener F with a large size of the fastener head FH) being hooked on the fastener support 10 can be suppressed compared to the case where there is a member in this portion. In addition, the rotation of the second protruding piece 32 and the first protruding piece 31 can also be promoted, so that excessive obstruction of the downward movement of the fastener F can be suppressed. It should be noted that in order to promote the rotation of the second protruding piece 32 and the first protruding piece 31, a slit can also be formed in a manner that the member is thinned by removing a part of the member of each connection portion or at least one of the connection portions of the second protruding piece 32 and the first protruding piece 31 and the plate-like member 20.

[0103] The fastener support device 10 described above can be said to include a connecting portion extending in the width direction and four extending portions connected to the member. Here, the connecting portion corresponds to a member provided at the upper end of the upper portion 22 and extending in the width direction. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the connecting portion may be formed in a non-rectangular shape as long as it connects the extending portions to each other.

[0104] A pair of first extensions are components connected to the first protrusion 31. The first extension is connected to the connection portion, and includes a first extension extending downward from one widthwise end of the connection portion (sometimes referred to as "one widthwise end". The Y-axis negative end) and another first extension extending downward from the other widthwise end of the connection portion (sometimes referred to as "the other widthwise end". The Y-axis positive end). One first extension is equivalent to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The plate-like member 20 in the figure is a member that extends downward at the right end of the upper portion 22 and extends downward at the right end of the lower portion 21 to be connected to the first protruding piece 31. The first extending portion on the other side corresponds to the Figure 3 and Figure 6 The plate-like member 20 in the figure is a member in which the left end of the upper portion 22 of the plate-like member 20 extends downward and the left end of the lower portion 21 of the plate-like member 20 extends downward and is connected to the first protruding piece 31 .

[0105] The fastener support 10 includes a first leg 31F extending forward from one first extension and another first leg 31F extending forward from another first extension. The fastener support 10 includes a first support portion 31H connecting the pair of first leg 31F and supporting the fastener F at a first support position FP1 forward of the pair of first extensions.

[0106] The pair of second extensions is a member connected to the second protrusion 32. The second extension has a length shorter than the first extension. The second extension is located between the pair of first extensions and is equivalent to Figure 3 The first extension portion on one side and the second extension portion on the other side are separated by a first slit 22S1. The second extension portion on the other side is located between the pair of first extension portions and is equivalent to Figure 3 The first extension portion of the other side is formed adjacent to the left end (positive end in the Y-axis direction) of the other side in a manner extending downward from the connecting portion. The first extension portion of the other side and the second extension portion of the other side are divided by a second slit 22S2. In addition, a second opening 22OP is formed between the pair of second extension portions.

[0107] The fastener support 10 includes a second leg 32F extending forward from one of the second extensions and another second leg 32F extending forward from the other second extension. The fastener support 10 includes a second support portion 32H connecting the pair of second leg 32F and supporting the fastener F at a second support position FP2 above the first support position FP1 at a position forward of the pair of second extensions.

[0108] The fastener support 10 described above also exhibits the same effects as those described above.

[0109] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 1 is a schematic diagram showing a rear view and a left side view of a fastener support 50 according to a modified example of the fastener support 10. As shown in the figure, the fastener support 50 supports the fastener F1 (however, in order to explain the structure of the fastener support 50 in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, the fastener F1 is not shown in the rear view. Fig. 10A The fastener F1 is not shown in the figure).

[0110] The fastener supporting tool 50 includes a connecting portion 50C extending in the width direction, a first extending portion 51EA extending downward from one end of the connecting portion 50C in the width direction, a first extending portion 51EB extending downward from the other end of the width direction, a first leg 51FA on one side erected forward from the first extending portion 51EA on one side, a first leg 51FB on the other side erected forward from the first extending portion 51EB on the other side, a first supporting portion 51H connecting the pair of first legs 51FA and the first leg 51FB and supporting the first position of the fastener F1 at a position forward of the pair of first extending portions 51EA and the first extending portions 51EB, and a first supporting portion 51H having a length shorter than the pair of first extending portions 51EA and the first extending portions 51EB and extending in a direction parallel to the first extending portion 51EA and the first extending portion 51EB. A second extension portion 52EA on one side extends downward from the connecting portion 50C at a position adjacent to one extension portion 51EA, a second extension portion 52EB on the other side has a length shorter than a pair of first extension portions 51EA and the first extension portion 51EB and extends downward from the connecting portion 50C at a position adjacent to the first extension portion 51EB on the other side between the pair of first extension portions 51EA and the first extension portion 51EB, a second leg portion 52FA on one side is erected forward from the second extension portion 52EA on one side, a second leg portion 52FB on the other side is erected forward from the second extension portion 52EB on the other side, and a second supporting portion 52H at a second position above the first position that connects the pair of second legs 52FA and the second leg 52FB and supports the fastener F1 at a position forward of the pair of second extension portions 52EA and the second extension portion 52EB.

[0111] At this time, an opening 50OP is formed between the pair of first extensions 51EA and 51EB and between the pair of second extensions 52EA and 52EB, which is connected to the lower end of the center portion of the fastener support 50 and penetrates the fastener support 10 in the front-rear direction. Since such an opening 50OP is formed, the user can visually check the portion of the fastener F1 from a part of the fastener head to the lower end of the fastener F1 from the back side, except for the portion supported by the first support portion 51H and the second support portion 52H.

[0112] In addition, an opening penetrating in the vertical direction is formed between the pair of first leg portions 51FA and the first leg portion 51FB. An opening penetrating in the vertical direction is also formed between the pair of second leg portions 52FA and the second leg portion 52FB.

[0113] Such a fastener support 50 can also produce the same effects as those of the fastener support 10 .

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in the fastener F1 of the figure, when supporting a fastener having a fastener head with a large diameter, the fastener can be supported in a manner that a portion of the fastener head is inserted into the upper opening (e.g., 22OP) in addition to the fastener support 50, in the fastener support 10. Furthermore, in the case of a large fastener head, the fastener can be supported in a manner that a portion of the fastener head protrudes rearward from the upper opening (e.g., 22OP).

[0115] By adopting such a structure, the distance between the fastener and the fastener support can be reduced compared with the known fastener support, so that the diameter of the connecting fastener wound in a spiral shape can be reduced.

[0116] [Connecting fasteners]

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown in the figures, a plurality of fastener supporters 10 that respectively support fasteners F are connected in the width direction to form a connected fastener 100. The lower portion 21 (first portion 21) and the upper portion 22 (second portion 22) of one fastener supporter 10 included in the connected fastener 100 are connected to the lower portion 21 and the upper portion 22 of another adjacent fastener supporter 10, respectively.

[0118] Note that a slit 21S extending upward toward the upper portion 22 may be formed between the lower portion 21 of the fastener support 10 and the lower portion 21 of the adjacent fastener support 10 so as to reduce the width of the lower portion 21 .

[0119] The slit 21S can promote deformation and rotation of the first protrusion 31 connected to the lower portion 21 when the fastener F is struck by the driver of the driving tool and moves downward, thereby preventing the first protrusion 31 from excessively hindering the downward movement of the fastener F.

[0120] With the above-described configuration, the first protruding piece 31 and the second protruding piece 32 are rotated to become substantially parallel to the plate-like member 20 and thus retreat from the injection path in the driving tool 110 , thereby preventing the fastener F from being obstructed in its progress.

[0121] (Manufacturing method)

[0122] Next, a method for manufacturing the fastener support 10 will be described. Fig.11 It is a front view (viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis) of a plate-shaped member after the process of forming slits and openings in the original member 70 and before the process of bending the portion corresponding to the protrusion in the original member 70 in the manufacturing process of the fastener support tool 10.

[0123] First, the original member 70 serving as the base of the fastener support 10 is formed. The original member 70 is a plate-shaped member formed by, for example, resin molding.

[0124] The original component 70 has an upper edge 70U, a lower edge 70B, and a first side edge 70L and a second side edge 70R that connect the upper edge 70U and the lower edge 70B, and is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, in a front view. Typically, the original component 70 is formed at one time in a manner that the second side edge 70R of the original component 70 adjacent to one side is connected to the first side edge 70L of the original component 70 adjacent to the other side. However, it is also possible to form a plurality of original components 70 at one time in a manner that the lower edge 70B of the original component 70 adjacent to one side is connected to the upper edge 70U or the lower edge 70B of the original component 70 adjacent to the other side, or in a matrix. In the case where a plurality of original components 70 are formed at one time, the periodically formed component including the portion that becomes a single fastener support tool 10 later is equivalent to a single original component 70.

[0125] Next, a plate-shaped member before the portion corresponding to the protrusion is bent is formed by forming slits and openings at multiple locations in the original member 70. It should be noted that there is no specific order for forming slits and openings in the original member, and for example, multiple slits and openings described below can be formed simultaneously.

[0126] In addition, the slit processing for forming the slit and the punching processing for forming the opening can adopt a known method, for example, the slit and the opening can be formed by punching the raw material with a punch formed according to the shape of the slit and the opening to be formed. In addition, the slit and the opening can be formed simultaneously to perform the bending process described later.

[0127] First, a first slit 70S1 is formed in the original member 70. The first slit 70S1 is a slit connecting the first position 70P1 and the relay position 70MP of the original member 70. Here, the first position 70P1 is a position closer to the upper edge 70U than the lower edge 70B of the original member 70 and closer to the first side edge 70L than the second side edge 70R of the original member 70. The relay position 70MP is a position closer to the lower edge 70B than the first position 70P1 and closer to the second side edge 70R than the first position 70P1. Typically, the relay position 70MP is a position closer to the lower edge 70B than the upper edge 70U and corresponds to a position in the middle of the first side edge 70L and the second side edge 70R.

[0128] At the same time, a second slit is formed in the original component. The second slit is a slit connecting the relay position 70MP and the second position 70P2 of the original component 70. Here, the second position 70P2 is a position closer to the upper edge 70U than the lower edge 70B of the original component 70 and closer to the second side edge 70R than the first side edge 70L of the original component 70.

[0129] Since the fastener support tool 10 of the present embodiment further forms the second opening 22OP ( Figure 3 ), so an opening 70OP4 extending in the vertical direction is formed between the first position 70P1 and the second position 70P2 in the left-right direction and above the relay position 70MP (and the opening 70OP3) in the vertical direction.

[0130] Since the fastener support tool 10 of this embodiment forms the first gap 22S1 and the second gap 22S2 ( Figure 3 ), so at the same time, an opening 70OP1 equivalent to the first slit 22S1 is formed in a manner that a portion of the first slit 70S1 including the first position 70P1 becomes a portion of the opening edge, and similarly, an opening 70OP2 equivalent to the second slit 22S2 is formed in a manner that a portion of the second slit 70S2 including the second position 70P2 becomes a portion of the opening edge.

[0131] The fastener support tool 10 of the present embodiment further includes a second protrusion 32 including a second support portion 32H, and the second support portion 32H has a pair of portions ("arm portions") extending in an arm shape in order to support the fastener body FB. Therefore, an opening 70OP3 having a shape corresponding to the arm portion of the second support portion 32H is formed simultaneously in such a manner that the slit from a portion of the first slit 70S1 to a portion of the second slit 70S2 including the intermediate position 70MP becomes a part of the opening edge. However, a portion corresponding to the second protrusion 32 may be formed when the original component 70 is formed by resin molding or the like.

[0132] As described above, a slit connecting the first position 70P1 and the second position 70P2 via the relay position 70MP, an opening 70OP3 at the lower end including the relay position 70MP as an opening edge, and an opening 70OP4 in an area above the opening 70OP3 and between the first position 70P1 and the second position 70P2 in the left-right direction are formed in the original component 70.

[0133] Since the fastener support tool 10 of the present embodiment further includes the first protruding piece 31 including the first supporting portion 31H, a slit may be further formed simultaneously by cutting off the lower edge 70B of the original member 70 and the lower ends of the first side edge 70L and the second side edge 70R, thereby simultaneously forming a portion corresponding to the first protruding piece 31 including the first supporting portion 31H. However, the portion corresponding to the first protruding piece 31 may be formed when the original member 70 is formed by resin molding.

[0134] Next, the original component is bent along a predetermined fold so that the portion corresponding to the second protrusion 32 and the portion corresponding to the first protrusion 31 are erected relative to the other portions of the original component 70, thereby manufacturing the fastener support 10. It should be noted that the forming process may be performed simultaneously with the process of forming the slit, etc. In addition, when the process of forming the slit is performed, the portion corresponding to the fold and the portion connected to the adjacent original component may be cut in half to form the slit. In addition, instead of cutting in half, a slit based on a V-shaped notch or a perforated line may be formed.

[0135] As shown in the figure, the second fold for setting the second protrusion 32 is set on a second imaginary straight line 70L2 parallel to the left-right direction, passing through a position 70P11 on the first slit 70S that is closer to the first position 70P1 than the relay position 70MP and a position 70P21 on the second slit 70S that is closer to the second position 70P2 than the relay position 70MP, and passing through the opening 70OP4.

[0136] By bending the portion below the second fold (second imaginary straight line 70L2) and surrounded by the first slit S1 and the second slit S2 in a manner that is erected from other portions of the original component 70 with the second fold (second imaginary straight line 70L2) as the fold, a second protrusion 32 having a second supporting portion 32H that is formed to support the second supporting position FP2 of the fastener F in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded in front of other portions of the original component 70 can be provided.

[0137] Here, since the second imaginary straight line 70L2 including the second fold line passes through the opening 70OP4, the standing portion from below the second fold line (second imaginary straight line 70L2) to the lower end of the opening 70OP4 forms a pair of second leg portions 32F.

[0138] That is, the upper portion of the opening 70OP4 corresponds to the second opening 22OP penetrating the plate-shaped member 20 in the front-rear direction, and the lower portion corresponds to the opening 32OP formed between the pair of second leg portions 32F and penetrating the second protruding piece 32 in the top-bottom direction.

[0139] As shown in the figure, the fold for setting the first protrusion 31 is set on the first imaginary straight line 70L1 parallel to the left-right direction and passing through the opening 70OP3 at position 70P12 on the first slit 70S1 closer to the relay position 70MP than the first position 70P1 and at position 70P22 on the second slit 70S2 closer to the relay position 70MP than the second position 70P2.

[0140] By bending the portion below the first fold (first imaginary straight line 70L1) with the first fold as a fold so as to be erected from other portions of the original component 70, a first protrusion 31 having a first supporting portion 31H formed to support the first supporting position FP1 of the fastener F in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded in front of other portions of the original component 70 can be provided.

[0141] The fastener support 10 can be manufactured in the above manner. It should be noted that the above-mentioned process of forming the slits and openings and the process of bending can also be performed simultaneously on a plurality of the original components 70 to be connected.

[0142] Thereafter, by inserting the fastener F between the pair of arm portions of each support portion so that the first support portion 31H and the second support portion 32H support the fastener F, the fastener support tool 10 and the connecting fastener 100 including the fastener F can be manufactured.

[0143] [How to use the fasteners]

[0144] Next, a method of using the fastening device 100 shown in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which a pneumatic driving tool 110 using compressed air is used to drive the fastener F of the fastening device 100 will be described. However, the fastener disclosed in this embodiment may also be configured to be driven by a driving tool of another type (for example, an electric driving tool that uses an electric motor to drive the fastener).

[0145] Fig.12 An example of a pneumatic driving tool 110 for driving a fastener F of a connecting fastener 100 is shown. The driving tool 110 includes a machine head 120, a hopper 130 provided on the side of the machine head 120, a main body shell 140 as a shell, and a handle 150 provided substantially perpendicularly to the main body shell 140. A cylinder body (not shown) for striking, a striking piston (not shown) slidably accommodated in the cylinder body for striking, and a driver provided in a manner combined with the striking piston are provided inside the main body shell 140, and the driving tool 110 includes a fastener conveying mechanism (not shown) for conveying the connecting fastener 100 loaded in the hopper 130 to the machine head 120. An air chamber (not shown) for storing compressed air is provided inside the handle 150. Compressed air is supplied to the driving tool 110 from, for example, a compressor as an external device using a hose.

[0146] Silo 130 is as follows Fig. 9 As shown, the fastening fastener 100 is housed in a state of being spirally wound so that the fastener F is located inside the fastener support 10 that supports the fastener F.

[0147] The machine head 120 is a part for striking the fastener F and driving it in. The fastener F connected to the head of the fastener 100 is supplied to the ejection path of the machine head 120 by the conveying mechanism in a state supported by the fastener support 10. On the other hand, if the compressed air stored in the air chamber is filled into the cylinder for striking by the operation of the trigger or the like, the striking piston is driven by the expansion of the compressed air in the cylinder, and the actuator coupled to the striking piston enters the machine head 120 to strike the fastener F. Therefore, the fastener F can be moved downward and driven into the workpiece.

[0148] The first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 supporting the struck fastener F are rotated by the fastener head FH moving downward and become substantially parallel to the plate-like member 20. Afterwards, the fastener support 10 separated from the fastener F is sequentially discharged from the discharge port provided in the machine head 120 ( Fig.13A ).

[0149] Fig.13A1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the nose portion 120 (for convenience, a door covering the fasteners F in the nose portion 120 and the passage for the fasteners F to be transported from the silo 130 to the injection path is not shown). Fig. 13B It is a perspective view showing a state where the anti-return claw and the fastening fixture 100 are engaged with each other.

[0150] The conveying mechanism for supplying the fastener 100 to the injection path of the machine head 120 can adopt a known structure. For example, the conveying mechanism includes a conveying claw for engaging with the fastener body FB of the leading fastener F of the fastener 100, and a conveying claw for moving the conveying claw in a predetermined direction ( ) so as to supply the leading fastener F engaged with the conveying claw into the injection path. Fig.12 and 13A The conveying claw moves in the positive direction of the Y axis in the Y axis) and the moving direction of the conveying claw toward the fastener F is the specified direction ( Fig.12 and 13A A biasing member (e.g., a spring) is used to resist the force of the biasing member after the fastener F is supplied to the ejection path and move the conveying claw in the opposite direction ( Fig.12 and Fig.13A The cylinder that moves in the negative direction of the Y axis) to engage with the next fastener F, and the cylinder that prevents the conveying claw from moving in the opposite direction ( Fig.12 and Fig.13A The anti-return claw 160 (an example of an "engaging claw") that engages with the fastener supporting tool 10 of the connecting fastener 100 in such a way that the connecting fastener 100 also moves in the opposite direction when the connecting fastener 100 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0151] The compressed air supplied to the striking cylinder for driving the driver is configured to be supplied to the conveying cylinder when the driver completes the driving of the fastener F. Therefore, when the driver completes the driving of the fastener F, the conveying cylinder moves the conveying claw in the opposite direction against the force of the force-applying member. The conveying claw engages with the fastener body FB in order to move over the fastener body FB of the next fastener F, and is connected to the cylinder in a swingable manner. Since the air supplied to the cylinder is discharged during the action of the driver completing the driving and the piston returning to the initial position, after the conveying claw engages with the fastener body FB of the next fastener F, the force-applying member moves the next fastener F in a specified direction (supply direction).

[0152] In the driving tool 110 having the above structure, the anti-return claw 160 is disposed, for example, inside a door constituting a housing portion of the nose portion 120 in order to engage with the fastener support 10 from the fastener support 10 side opposite to the feeding claw engaging with the fastener F.

[0153] like Fig. 13BAs shown, the anti-return claw 160 extending in the vertical direction can enter the second opening 22OP of the fastener support 10, the area between the pair of second legs 32F, and the area between the first opening 21OP and the pair of first legs 31F to engage with the fastener support 10.

[0154] With such a structure, since a long opening extending in the vertical direction is formed in the fastener support 10, the anti-return claw 160 extending in the vertical direction can enter the opening. Therefore, the posture of the fastener support 10 can be stabilized in a state where the conveying claw is engaged with the fastener F. In addition, even if the fastener support 10 is displaced in the vertical direction, the anti-return claw 160 can be reliably engaged.

[0155] It should be noted that, as shown in the figure, a plurality of anti-return claws 160 may be provided to simultaneously engage with a plurality of fastener support members 10. In addition, the anti-return claws 160 may not engage with the fastener support member 10 at the head of the row.

[0156] In addition, since the first protruding piece 31 and the second protruding piece 32 are rotated by the fastener head FH moving downward and become substantially parallel to the plate-like member 20, the fastener support 10 is discharged from the driving tool 110 in a plate-like state. Therefore, the discharge port of the fastener support 10 provided in the head portion 120 of the driving tool 110 is formed in a shape (for example, a linear shape that is long in the up-down direction and thin in the front-back direction) through which the fastener support 10 deformed into a plate-like shape can pass.

[0157] If a large discharge port is formed, or a discharge port is bent not only in the vertical direction but also in the front-rear direction, the head portion must be enlarged in order to ensure the strength of the head portion where high stress is generated. In contrast, by using the fastener 100 having the fastener support 10 shown in this embodiment, a discharge port can be formed with less strength reduction than before.

[0158] In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways as long as it does not deviate from its main purpose. For example, within the scope of the usual creative ability of those skilled in the art, a part of the constituent elements of a certain embodiment can be added to other embodiments. In addition, a part of the constituent elements of a certain embodiment can be replaced with corresponding constituent elements of other embodiments.

[0159] Description of Reference Numerals

[0160] 10 Fastener support, 20 Plate-shaped member, 20L1 Imaginary line, 21 Lower portion (first part), 21OP First opening, 21S Slit, 22 Upper portion (second part), 22OP Second opening, 22S1 First slit, 22S2 Second slit, 31 First tab, 31F First leg, 31H First support, 32 Second tab, 32F Second leg, 32H Second support, 50 Fastener support, 50C Connecting portion, 50OP Opening, 51EA First extension, 51EB First extension, 51FA First leg, 51FB First leg, 51H First support, 52EA Second extension, 52EB Second extension, 52FA Second leg, 52FB Second leg, 52H Second support, 70 Original member, 70B Lower edge, 70L First side edge, 70L1 First imaginary straight line, 70L2 Second imaginary straight line, 70MP Intermediate position, 70P1 First position, 70P2 Second position, 70R Second side edge, 70U Upper edge, 100 Connecting fastener, 110 Driving tool, 120 Machine head, 130 Material bin, 140 Main body shell, 150 Handle, 160 Check claw, F, F1 Fastener, FB Fastener main body, FH Fastener head.

Claims

1. A fastener supporting device, comprising: a plate-like member having a lower portion, i.e., a first portion, and an upper portion, i.e., a second portion; A first protrusion is provided upright from the first portion and has a first support portion that supports a first position of the fastener in a detachable manner in front of the plate-like member; and The second protrusion is provided upright from the lower end of the second portion and has a second support portion that supports the second position of the fastener above the first position in a detachable manner in front of the plate-shaped member. The first portion has a first opening connected to the lower end and the upper end of the first portion and provided so that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second portion as a fulcrum. A second opening is formed in the second portion at a lower end of the second portion and is connected to an upper end of the first opening and enables at least a portion of the fastener from the second position of the fastener to be visually confirmed from behind, The first protrusion includes a pair of first legs that stand upright from the first portion with the first opening interposed therebetween and connect the first support portion and the first portion. The second protrusion includes a pair of second leg portions which are erected from the lower end of the second portion with the second opening interposed therebetween and which connect the second support portion and the second portion.

2. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the first opening in a width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the second opening.

3. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the first support portion in a width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction at a position passing through the central axis of the fastener is greater than the width of the second support portion at a position passing through the central axis of the fastener.

4. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion further includes a first slit connected to one end of the upper end of the first opening in the width direction and a second slit connected to the other end of the upper end of the first opening in the width direction. The second opening is connected to the upper end of the first opening in a region between the first slit and the second slit including a center portion in the width direction of the upper end of the first opening.

5. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The first opening is formed to have a portion whose width increases upward.

6. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The second opening is formed to have a portion whose width increases as it goes upward.

7. The fastener support tool according to claim 1, wherein: The second tab has a length greater than a height of the first portion from the lower end to the upper end.

8. The fastener support tool of claim 1, wherein: further comprising the fastener supported by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, A portion of the head of the fastener is inserted into the second opening.

9. The fastener support tool of claim 1, wherein: The distance between the pair of first leg portions decreases as approaching the first support portion.

10. The fastener support tool of claim 1, wherein: The distance between the pair of second leg portions decreases as approaching the second support portion.

11. A fastener connection, comprising a plurality of fastener support tools that respectively support the fasteners, wherein: The fastener supporting tool comprises: a plate-like member having a lower portion, i.e., a first portion, and an upper portion, i.e., a second portion; A first protrusion is provided upright from the first portion and has a first support portion that supports a first position of the fastener in a detachable manner in front of the plate-like member; and The second protrusion is provided upright from the lower end of the second portion and has a second support portion that supports the second position of the fastener above the first position in a detachable manner in front of the plate-shaped member. The first portion has a first opening connected to the lower end and the upper end of the first portion and provided so that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second portion as a fulcrum. A second opening is formed in the second portion, connected to the upper end of the first opening at the lower end of the second portion and enabling a portion of the fastener from the second position to at least a portion of the fastener head of the fastener to be visually confirmed from behind, The first protrusion includes a pair of first legs that are erected from the first portion and connect the first support portion and the first portion across the first opening. The second protrusion includes a pair of second legs that are erected from the lower end of the second portion and connect the second support portion and the second portion across the second opening. The fastener support tool further includes the fastener supported by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, The connecting fastener includes a plurality of fastener supports in a state where the first portion of one adjacent fastener support is connected to the first portion of the other adjacent fastener support and the second portion of one adjacent fastener support is connected to the second portion of the other adjacent fastener support.

12. The connecting fastener according to claim 11, wherein: The fastener is wound in a spiral shape in a positional relationship in which the fastener is located inside the fastener support that supports the fastener.

13. A fastener for loading a driving tool for driving the fastener into a workpiece, wherein: have: a plate-like member having a lower portion, i.e., a first portion, and an upper portion, i.e., a second portion; A first protrusion is provided upright from the first portion and has a first support portion that supports a first position of the fastener in a detachable manner in front of the plate-like member; and The second protrusion is provided upright from the lower end of the second portion and has a second support portion that supports the second position of the fastener above the first position in a detachable manner in front of the plate-shaped member. The first portion has a first opening connected to the lower end and the upper end of the first portion and provided so that the second protrusion can pass through when the second protrusion is rotated with the lower end of the second portion as a fulcrum. A second opening is formed in the second portion, connected to the upper end of the first opening at the lower end of the second portion and enabling a portion of the fastener from the second position to at least a portion of the fastener head of the fastener to be visually confirmed from behind, The first protrusion includes a pair of first legs that stand upright from the first portion with the first opening interposed therebetween and connect the first support portion and the first portion. The second protrusion includes a pair of second legs which are erected from the lower end of the second portion with the second opening interposed therebetween and connect the second support portion and the second portion. The fastening member is configured such that the engaging claws provided in the driving tool enter and engage with the second opening and the region between the pair of second legs and the first opening and the region between the pair of first legs.

14. A method for manufacturing a fastener support device, wherein: A plate-shaped original member is formed having an upper edge, a lower edge, and a first side edge and a second side edge connecting the upper edge and the lower edge, respectively. A first slit, a second slit and an opening are respectively formed on the original component, the first slit connects a first position which is closer to the upper edge than the lower edge and closer to the first side edge than the second side edge and a relay position which is closer to the lower edge than the upper edge, the second slit connects a second position which is closer to the upper edge than the lower edge and closer to the second side edge than the first side edge and the relay position, and the opening is located between the first position and the second position. The first and second imaginary lines are folded so as to extend out of the first and second positions of the fastener so as to extend out of the first and second positions of the fastener.

Images