Apparatus and method for driving fasteners into a substrate and nasal tip device

Abstract

An apparatus for driving fasteners (31, 31a) into a substrate, the apparatus comprising a receptacle (41) for a fastener (31, 31a), a driving element (21) for driving the fastener (31, 31a) from the receptacle (41) into the substrate, and a transport element (45) engageable with the fastener (31, 31a) or a strip (30) comprising the fastener (31, 31a) for transporting the fastener (31, 31a) into the receptacle (41) in a transport direction (32). The driving element (21) is engageable with the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) for blocking the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) from moving in the transport direction (32). Furthermore, a nose end device (40) and a method for driving fasteners (31, 31a) into a substrate are disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for driving a fastener into a substrate according to claim 1, a nose device according to claim 9, and a method for driving a fastener into a substrate according to claim 10. Technical Field

[0002] Different embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for driving fasteners into a substrate. The disclosure of the present invention describes a novel method for conveying and positioning flexible strips in a collated magazine, which automatically supplies fasteners in place and ensures their correct positioning before driving them into the substrate. Background Technology

[0003] US 2014 / 338505 A1 discloses an apparatus for driving a fastener into a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a receiving portion for the fastener having a channel for a driving element that drives the fastener from the receiving portion into the substrate; and a conveying element capable of engaging the fastener or a strip including the fastener by a first spring force to convey the fastener into the receiving portion in a conveying direction. Furthermore, a retaining element is provided, capable of engaging the fastener or the strip including the fastener by a second spring force to prevent the fastener from moving in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0004] US 2011 / 232430 A1 discloses a powered screwdriver including a screw-feeding mechanism for advancing a screw strip and an articulated feed rail for feeding the screw strip to the screw-feeding mechanism. The screw-feeding mechanism includes multiple components that cooperate with each other to accurately advance the screw strip, thereby positioning each screw within the screw strip in a target position for insertion into a workpiece. These components include a feed lever, a lifter, a clutch slider, and a toggle lever. Typically, these components interact with each other to achieve multiple functions related to the screw strip.

[0005] US 2022 / 111500 A1 discloses a fastener mounting system, apparatus, and method for driving fasteners (including fasteners) into a surface. The fastener mounting system includes an adapter operable to engage a chuck of a power tool at a first end and a fastener delivery attachment at the opposite end. A feed pawl lever and feed pawl engage a fastener strip to advance the fastener into a delivery channel, such that the fastener is delivered via an opening in the nose.

[0006] WO 2023 / 225493 A1 discloses an apparatus for positioning a series of fasteners in front of a drive, the apparatus including a positioner and a connector. The positioner is operable to position the fasteners in front of the drive and includes a receiver, a rocker arm, and a roller. The receiver holds and guides a clamping member that holds a plurality of fasteners adjacent to each other. The rocker arm moves the clamping member through the receiver such that each of the plurality of fasteners is sequentially positioned in front of the drive bit, ready to be driven into material. The connector is operable to connect the positioner to the drive and includes a mounting portion and a body. The mounting portion is operable to releasably fasten the connector to the drive. The body holds the positioner as the positioner moves relative to the body, and the body has a groove in which the roller travels as the positioner moves relative to the body.

[0007] The drawback of these devices is that the conveying and positioning mechanisms include a large number of components (such as levers, rockers, rollers, clutch sliders), which makes these mechanisms very complex and the devices very heavy, thus making them uncomfortable for handheld tools. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus for driving fasteners into a substrate, which (especially using a handheld tool) achieves precise alignment of the fastener with the driving element before driving the fastener into the substrate. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide an improved nose device and an improved method for driving fasteners, which achieve precise alignment of the fastener with the driving element before fastening the fastener to the substrate.

[0009] At least one of these objectives has been achieved by the features of the independent patent claim. Other preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] In particular, according to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by an apparatus for driving a fastener into a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a receiving portion for the fastener; a driving element that drives the fastener from the receiving portion into the substrate; and a conveying element capable of engaging the fastener or a strip including the fastener to convey the fastener into the receiving portion in a conveying direction. The driving element is capable of engaging the fastener or the strip to prevent movement of the fastener or the strip in the conveying direction.

[0011] This device allows for precise alignment of the fastener and drive element immediately before driving the fastener into the substrate. When the drive element engages with the fastener or the strip containing the fastener, the fastener is in the correct position for driving, which is crucial for the successful operation of a continuous drive system, especially for handheld tools. No retaining elements are needed to block or lock the fastener or strip. Therefore, a device with fewer components and lower complexity is provided. Furthermore, assembling the device with fewer components shortens the tolerance chain and reduces system complexity.

[0012] Precise alignment of the fasteners is required so that the drive element can engage centered with the recess of the fastener to accurately guide and drive the fastener into the substrate. Inaccurate positioning (such as fastener or strip movement) will cause the fastener to tip over or fly out, resulting in fastener loss.

[0013] Preferably, the fasteners are arranged in a flexible strip stored in a feed cassette, and during operation, each fastener is sequentially supplied to the receiving section of the device. The strip with the fasteners is conveyed to the receiving section along the conveying direction, and each fastener is sequentially provided into the receiving section. During the driving of the fasteners into the substrate, each fastener is sequentially released from the strip, and the empty strip leaves the receiving section along the conveying direction. Therefore, the conveying direction is the direction in which the strip with the fasteners moves to the receiving section and the empty strip leaves the receiving section. During the driving of the fasteners into the substrate, the fasteners leave the receiving section in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the strip.

[0014] Preferably, the drive element extends through the strip during the driving of the fastener into the substrate. Thus, the drive element (e.g., a drive bit) acts as a positioner for holding the strip in place and blocks any movement of the strip during fastener driving. This device reduces system complexity by minimizing the number of elements and incorporating multifunctional components.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a nose-end device is provided, which is movable relative to the drive element to engage the drive element with a fastener or a strip including the fastener. When using the device, the drive element and the nose-end device have a first position and a second position, in which the drive element engages with the fastener positioned in the receiving portion, and in the second position, the drive element disengages from the fastener. During the disengagement of the drive element from the fastener, a second fastener can be transferred to the receiving portion as the strip or another fastener is conveyed to the receiving portion in the conveying direction by a conveying element.

[0016] Preferably, the nose device can move relative to the conveying direction. Therefore, the conveying of the fastener is not disturbed by the movement of the nose device relative to the drive element.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the nose device is a depth guide for the fastener. Therefore, the relative movement of the nose device and the driving element is related to the driving length of the fastener into the substrate.

[0018] Preferably, the nose device includes a conveying element for conveying the fastener into the receiving section along the conveying direction, and the drive unit of the device includes a driving element for preventing the fastener or strip from moving along the conveying direction. The nose device and the drive unit are separate units, which makes them easy to manufacture on different production lines.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving portion is arranged within the nose device. Therefore, the fastener is covered within the nose device before tightening occurs, preventing the fastener from tipping over due to external forces.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying element is arranged adjacent to or as part of the nose device. Therefore, the conveying path for the fastener or strip is shorter. Consequently, a compact device is provided, and the manufacture of the device or nose device is less complex.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying element is connected to a movable guide element to convey the conveying element from a first fastener to a second fastener, or to convey the conveying element along a strip. In other words, while the driving element drives the first fastener into the substrate, the conveying element changes from an expanded position to a compressed position by sliding along the strip. During this change, the driving element prevents any movement of the strip or another fastener in the conveying direction.

[0022] The conveying element can be driven from a compressed position to an expanded position, for example, by the spring force of a guide spring, to load the second fastener into the receiving portion. In the compressed position, the movement of the conveying element in the conveying direction is blocked by a driving element, which is driving the first fastener into the substrate. Therefore, when the driving element engages with the fastener or strip, the guide element is ready to automatically load the strip on the next movement.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the guide element includes at least one protrusion for engaging the guide element with the housing of the device. The at least one protrusion is slidable along the housing of the device, which allows the conveying element to transition from an expanded position to a compressed position. Therefore, a highly efficient mechanical conveying mechanism is provided.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying element can engage with a fastener or strip by means of a first spring force. The spring force ensures continuous contact with the strip, so the spring or fastener will not be lost.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a conveying spring is provided, which applies a first spring force to the conveying element, causing the conveying element to press against a fastener or strip. Preferably, the conveying element is formed by the conveying spring. The conveying spring is a lightweight conveying element capable of withstanding a large number of movement cycles.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a nose-end device of a device for driving fasteners into a substrate, wherein the nose-end device is connectable to the aforementioned device, and when connected to the device, the driving element is capable of engaging the fastener or strip to prevent the fastener or strip from moving in the conveying direction. The device can be used with many different tools. The detachable nose-end device is a separately purchased component. When the nose-end device is detached from the driving element, the strip can be easily supplied to the nose-end device.

[0027] This nose-end device is an ideal kit for equipment and allows for precise alignment of the fastener and drive element immediately before driving the fastener into the substrate. When the drive element engages with the fastener or the strip containing the fastener, the fastener is in the correct position for driving, which is crucial for the successful operation of a chain drive system. Furthermore, assembling the equipment with fewer components shortens the tolerance chain and reduces system complexity.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a method for driving fasteners into a substrate, preferably using the aforementioned equipment, wherein the fasteners are sequentially arranged on a strip, and the strip is conveyed along a conveying direction, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0029] a) The first fastener is conveyed to the receiving part in the conveying direction by the conveying element.

[0030] b) Engage the drive element with the first fastener or strip to prevent the second fastener or strip from moving in the conveying direction.

[0031] c) Drive the first fastener into the substrate.

[0032] This method allows for precise alignment of the fastener and the drive element immediately before driving the fastener into the substrate. When the drive element engages with the fastener or the strip containing the fastener, the fastener is in the correct position for driving, which is crucial for the successful operation of a tandem drive system. No retaining elements are needed to block or lock the fastener or strip.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, during step c), the drive element is held in the strip. Any movement of the strip is blocked.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, during step b), the conveying element moves along the strip and engages with the second fastener or strip. The device for driving the fastener is then ready for loading the next fastener.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, after step c), the drive element is separated from the strip. The obstruction to the strip is released, and another fastener is conveyed to the receiving section along the conveying direction.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, after step c), the second fastener is conveyed to the receiving part along the conveying direction by a conveying element. A fully automated method for sequentially driving fasteners is provided.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, during step c), the conveying element is subjected to a force for conveying the second fastener or strip along the conveying direction.

[0038] The invention will be explained in more detail by way of examples of embodiments with the aid of the following accompanying drawings. The list of reference numerals is part of this disclosure.

[0039] Positional indications, such as “above,” “below,” “right,” or “left,” are relevant to the corresponding embodiments in their respective contexts and should not be construed as limiting.

[0040] Instructions (such as “first,” “second,” or “further”) are relevant to the corresponding apparatus in their respective contexts and should not be construed as restrictive or enumerable. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To facilitate a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments (provided not to limit but merely to illustrate and teach the invention) are shown and described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement or practice the invention. Accordingly, where appropriate, certain information known to those skilled in the art may be omitted from this specification to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions, the same or functionally similar parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0043] The invention also includes individual features shown in the accompanying drawings, even if they are shown in combination with other features and / or those not mentioned above. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and its derivatives do not exclude other elements or steps. Similarly, the indefinite articles "a" or "one" and their derivatives do not exclude a plurality. The function of the plurality of features described in the claims can be performed by a single unit. Terms such as "substantially," "about," "approximately," etc., associated with a feature or value specifically and precisely define the feature or the value. All reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0044] Figure 1 The apparatus of the present invention for driving fasteners into a substrate is shown in cross-sectional view.

[0045] Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view shows the results based on Figure 1 The equipment,

[0046] Figure 3 The side view shows the results according to Figure 1 The equipment's conveying mechanism is in an expanded position.

[0047] Figure 4 A top view shows the results according to Figure 3 The conveying mechanism

[0048] Figure 5 A strip with several fasteners is shown.

[0049] Figure 6 The side view shows the fastener being driven by the driven element according to Figure 1 The equipment,

[0050] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows the results according to Figure 1 The equipment obstructs the movement of the transmission element along the conveying direction.

[0051] Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view shows the results based on Figure 7 The equipment,

[0052] Figure 9 The side view shows the results according to Figure 7 The equipment's conveying mechanism is in a compressed position.

[0053] Figure 10 The side view shows the results according to Figure 9 The conveying mechanism, and

[0054] Figure 11 A side view shows the relationship with... Figure 1 The device's drive unit is separated from the nose-end device. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figures 1 to 10 A device 20 for driving fasteners 31, 31a, temporarily held by a strip 30, is shown. The device includes a drive element 21 and a drive mechanism 24. The strip 30, including the fasteners, is movable along a transport direction 32. The device 20 includes a nose device 40 having a receiving portion 41 for covering one of the fasteners 31 and a channel 49 for the drive element 21. The device 20 is made, for example, a screwdriver, which drives the fastener 31, pre-positioned in the receiving portion 41, into a substrate (not shown). Furthermore, the device 20 includes a housing 23 detachably attached to the drive mechanism 24, such as a battery-powered screwdriver with an electric motor, which preferably holds the drive element 21 so as to drive the drive element 21, particularly by rotation. In this example embodiment, the fasteners 31, 31a are made as screws. In other examples not shown, the fasteners are designed as helical anchors, bolts, threaded bolts, nails, rivets, etc.

[0056] The nosepiece 40 is movable relative to the drive element 21 to engage the drive element 21 with the strip 30 including the fastener 31. The drive element 21 and the nosepiece 40 have a first position in which the drive element 21 is separated from the strip 30 and the fastener 31 is positioned in the receiving portion 41, see [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 4 The nosepiece 40 is a depth guide, functioning similarly to a pressure sensor, and includes a conveying mechanism for feeding the fastener 31 into the receiving portion 41. The nosepiece 40 is movable relative to the receiving portion 41 in a direction 44 perpendicular to the conveying direction 32. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying element 45 that can engage with the strip 30 to feed the fastener 31 into the receiving portion 41 along the conveying direction 32.

[0057] The conveying element 45 is made into a bent leaf spring, thus forming a conveying spring. The conveying element 45 is attached to a movable guide element 46 to convey the conveying element 45 along the strip 30. In other words, during the driving element 21 driving the fastener 31 into the substrate, the guide element 46, together with the conveying element 45, slides the conveying element 45 from the expanded position (see [link to guide element]) along the strip 30. Figure 3 ) to the compression position (see Figure 9 ).

[0058] The guide element 46 has a delivery protrusion 48 for engaging the guide element 46 with the housing 42 of the nose device 40 or the housing 23 of the device 20. The protrusion 48 slides along the housing 42, which causes the delivery element 45 to change from an expanded position to a compressed position.

[0059] When the nose device 40 is pressed against the substrate, the nose device 40 and the guide element 46 move toward the housing 42 against the guide spring 47, and when the nose device 40 is lifted away from the substrate, the guide element 46 moves away from the housing 42 correspondingly by the guide spring 47.

[0060] When the nose device 40 is pressed against the substrate, the drive element 21 and the nose device 40 move to a second position, in which the drive element 21 engages with the strip 30, and the fastener 31 disengages from the strip 30 and faces direction 44. See [reference needed] Figures 6 to 10 During the driving of the fastener 31 into the substrate, the drive element 21 extends through the strip 30. In the second position and during transition, the drive element 21 extends through the strip 30 and prevents the strip 30 from moving in the transport direction 32.

[0061] Fasteners 31 and 31a are arranged in a flexible strip 30, which is stored in a feed cassette (not shown), and during operation, each fastener 31 is sequentially supplied to the receiving part 41 of the device 20.

[0062] This article discloses a method for using according to Figures 1 to 9 A method for driving fasteners 21 into a substrate (not shown) using a device 20, wherein fasteners 31, 31a are sequentially arranged on a strip 30 and the strip 30 is conveyed along a conveying direction 32, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0063] a) The first fastener 31 is conveyed to the receiving part 41 along the conveying direction 32 by the conveying element 45.

[0064] b) Engage the drive element 21 with the strip 30 to prevent the strip 30 from moving in the conveying direction 32.

[0065] c) While the driving element 21 is held in the strip 30 and the driving element 21 blocks the strip 30 from moving along the conveying direction 32, the first fastener 31 is driven toward the substrate in the direction 44.

[0066] During step b), the conveying element 45 moves along the strip 30 and engages with the strip 30 by spring force in a second position intended for this purpose.

[0067] Subsequently, as the nose device 40 moves relative to the drive element 21, the drive element 21 separates from the strip 30. The obstruction to the strip 30 is released, and as the compression guide element 46 expands to the first position along with the conveying element 45, another fastener 31a is conveyed to the receiving part 40 along the conveying direction 32.

[0068] Simultaneously, the second fastener 31a is conveyed to the receiving part 41 along the conveying direction 32 by the conveying element 45, and steps b) and c) are repeated when the nose device 40 is pressed against the substrate.

[0069] Figure 11 A nose device 40, separate from the device 20 including the drive element 21, is shown. The nose device 40 and the drive device 24 are separate units.

[0070] This invention is presented based on an example of a device for fasteners. However, it should also be noted that the device according to the invention is also suitable for other applications.

[0071] List of reference numerals

[0072] 20 devices

[0073] 21 drive elements

[0074] 23 shell

[0075] 24 drive units

[0076] 30 strips

[0077] 31 Fasteners

[0078] 31a Another fastener

[0079] 32 Conveying Direction

[0080] 40 nose tip device

[0081] 41 Reception Department

[0082] 42 casing

[0083] 44 is perpendicular to 32.

[0084] 45 Conveying Components

[0085] 46 guide elements

[0086] 47 guide springs

[0087] 48 protrusions

[0088] 49 channels.

Claims

1. An apparatus (20) for driving fasteners (31, 31a) into a substrate, the apparatus comprising: A receiving portion (41) for fasteners (31, 31a); a driving element (21) that drives the fasteners (31, 31a) from the receiving portion (41) into the substrate; And a conveying element (45) capable of engaging the fastener (31, 31a) or a strip (30) including the fastener (31, 31a) to convey the fastener (31, 31a) into the receiving portion (41) in a conveying direction (32), characterized in that the driving element (21) is capable of engaging the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) to prevent the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) from moving in the conveying direction (32).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A nose device (40) is provided, which is movable relative to the drive element (21) to engage the drive element (21) with the fastener (31, 31a) or a strip (30) including the fastener (31, 31a), and preferably, the nose device is movable relative to the drive element (21) in a direction (44) perpendicular to the delivery direction (32).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nose device (40) is a depth guide for the fastener (31, 31a), and preferably, the receiving part (41) is arranged in the nose device (40).

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The delivery element (45) is arranged adjacent to or as part of the nose device (40).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying element (45) is connected to a movable guide element (46) to convey the conveying element (45) from the first fastener (31, 31a) to the second fastener (31, 31a), or to convey the conveying element (45) along the strip (30).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide element (46) includes at least one protrusion (48) for engaging the guide element (46) with the housing (23; 42).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying element (45) can be engaged with the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) by means of a first spring force.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A conveying spring is provided, which applies the first spring force to the conveying element (45) to press the conveying element against the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30), and preferably, the conveying element (45) is formed by the conveying spring.

9. A nose-end device (40) for a device for driving fasteners (31, 31a) into a substrate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The nose device (40) can be coupled to the device (20), and when coupled to the device (20), the drive element (21) can engage with the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) to prevent the fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) from moving along the conveying direction (32).

10. A method for driving fasteners (31, 31a) into a substrate, wherein the fasteners (31, 31a) are sequentially arranged on a strip (30), and the strip (30) is conveyed along a conveying direction (32), the method comprising at least the following steps: a) The first fastener (31, 31a) is conveyed into the receiving part (41) along the conveying direction (32) by the conveying element (45). b) Engage the drive element (21) with the first fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) to prevent the second fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) from moving in the conveying direction (32). c) Drive the first fastener (31, 31a) into the substrate.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, During step c), the drive element (21) is held in the strip (30).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, During step b), the conveying element (45) moves along the strip (30) and engages with the second fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30).

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, After step c), the drive element (21) is separated from the strip (30).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, After step c), the second fastener (31, 31a) is conveyed to the receiving part (41) along the conveying direction (32) by the conveying element (45).

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, During step c), the conveying element (45) is subjected to a force for conveying the second fastener (31, 31a) or the strip (30) along the conveying direction (32).

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