Powered fastener driver

Abstract

A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; and a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The rotary lifter is engageable with the driver blade and is configured to receive torque from the drive unit for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter has a body, a drive pin coupled to the body, and a roller positioned on the drive pin. The roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of a tooth of the driver blade. The lifter includes means for aligning the engagement section with the end portion of the tooth on the driver blade to facilitate engagement between the end portion and the roller.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application No. 17 / 584,060, filed on January 25, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a powered fastener driver, and more particularly to a lifter mechanism of the powered fastener driver. Background Art

[0004] Various fastener drivers are known in the art for driving fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) into a workpiece. These fastener drivers operate using various means known in the art (e.g., compressed air generated by an air compressor, electrical energy, flywheel mechanisms, etc.) to drive the driver blade from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and a device for aligning the engagement section of the roller with the end portion of the teeth on the driver blade to facilitate engagement between the end portion of the teeth and the roller.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and a biasing member coupled to the lifter, the biasing member being configured to engage the roller and position it in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and an engagement member biased to engage with the roller and configured to position the roller in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and a friction inducing member positioned between the roller and the body of the lifter, the friction inducing member being configured to dissipate rotational energy of the roller and position the roller in a first rotational orientation in which the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body; a pin assembly rotatably connected to the body, the pin assembly being configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the pin assembly includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and an engagement member biased to engage with the pin assembly and configured to position the pin assembly in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the pin assembly.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body; a drive pin rotatably connected to the body, the drive pin being configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the drive pin includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and a biasing member biased to position the pin assembly in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the pin assembly.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom dead center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter having a body; a drive pin rotatably connected to the body of the lifter, the drive pin being configured to engage with the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the BDC position toward the TDC position, wherein the drive pin includes an engagement section formed to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; and an engagement member biased to engage with the drive pin and configured to position the drive pin in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that the end portion of the teeth of the driver blade is aligned with the engagement section of the drive pin.

[0012] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a powered fastener driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of a powered fastener driver with portions of the housing removed to illustrate the drive unit and elevator assembly of the powered fastener driver.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly showing Figure 1 The driver blade of the powered fastener driver is in the TDC position and Figure 2 The rotary lifter of the lifter assembly is in a first rotational position.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , showing Figure 3 The rotary lifter is in the middle position.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , showing Figure 3 The driver blade moves from the TDC position toward the BDC position and Figure 3 The rotary lifter is in the second rotation position.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A plan view of a portion of a rotary lifter.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the riser assembly.

[0020] Figure 8 2 is a front sectional view of a lifter assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Rear cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly.

[0023] Figure 11 Based on the first configuration Figure 8 A perspective view of the lifter roller of the lifter assembly is shown, with the cam portion shown.

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly showing the driver blade of the powered fastener driver approaching the TDC position and Figure 8 The elevator roller is in the first position.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 8Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the driver blade reaching the TDC position such that the lowermost teeth of the driver blade engage Figure 8 Lifter roller.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 8 Still another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued rotation of the lifter and continued engagement of the lowermost tooth of the driver blade with the lifter roller.

[0027] Figure 15 yes Figure 8 Yet another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the lifter roller from Figure 12 The first position is adjusted to the second position.

[0028] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued rotation of the lifter and continued engagement of the lowermost tooth of the driver blade with the lifter roller such that the lifter roller remains in the second position.

[0029] Figure 17 yes Figure 8 Still another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued rotation of the lifter and continued engagement of the lowermost tooth of the driver blade with the lifter roller such that the lifter roller remains in the second position.

[0030] Figure 18 yes Figure 8 Yet another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , which shows the actuator being excited from the TDC position to the BDC position and Figure 8 The elevator roller is in the second position.

[0031] Figure 19 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller according to a second configuration.

[0032] Figure 20 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller according to a third configuration.

[0033] Figure 21 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller according to a fourth construction.

[0034] Figure 22 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller according to a fifth construction.

[0035] Figure 23 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller according to a sixth construction.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a front sectional view of a lifter assembly according to a third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A side cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly.

[0038] Figure 26 yes Figure 24 A front view of the riser assembly of the riser.

[0039] Figure 27 yes Figure 24 A perspective view of the spring of the lifter assembly.

[0040] Figure 28 yes Figure 24 A rear cross-sectional view of another configuration of a lifter assembly illustrating the retaining mechanism.

[0041] Figure 29 is a front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the driver blade of the powered fastener driver in the BDC position.

[0042] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A side cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating the lifter.

[0043] Figure 31 yes Figure 29 Front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the driver blades approaching the TDC position and Figure 30 The lifter is in the first position.

[0044] Figure 32 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly showing the driver blade approaching the TDC position such that the lowermost teeth of the driver blade engage Figure 30 The last lifter roller of the lifter.

[0045] Figure 33 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the driver blade reaching the TDC position.

[0046] Figure 34 yes Figure 29 Yet another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the lifter from FIG. Figure 31 The first position is adjusted toward the second position.

[0047] Figure 35 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued adjustment of the lifter toward the second position and continued rotation of the lifter.

[0048] Figure 36 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued adjustment of the lifter toward the second position and continued rotation of the lifter.

[0049] Figure 37 yes Figure 29 Still another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating continued adjustment of the lifter toward the second position and continued rotation of the lifter.

[0050] Figure 38 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly illustrating the actuator being actuated from the TDC position to the BDC position and the elevator being in the second position.

[0051] Figure 39 is a front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing the driver blade of the powered fastener driver in the BDC position.

[0052] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 A side view of a lifter assembly showing a lifter of the lifter assembly and a frame supporting the lifter assembly.

[0053] Figure 41 yes Figure 39 Another side view of a portion of the riser assembly.

[0054] Figure 42 yes Figure 41 Exploded view of the riser assembly.

[0055] Figure 43 yes Figure 41 Front view of the lifter assembly showing Figure 40 The pivot pin assembly of the lifter is in a first position.

[0056] Figure 44 yes Figure 41 Another front view of the lifter assembly showing Figure 43 The pivot pin assembly is adjusted to the second position.

[0057] Figure 45 yes Figure 40 Perspective view of the frame.

[0058] Figure 46 yes Figure 39 Front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the driver blades approaching the TDC position and Figure 44 The pivot pin assembly is in the second position.

[0059] Figure 47 yes Figure 39 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly showing the driver blade approaching the TDC position such that the lowermost teeth of the driver blade engage Figure 40 The last lifter roller of the lifter.

[0060] Figure 48 yes Figure 47 A side view of the lifter assembly showing Figure 40 The joint part of the frame and Figure 43 The pivot pin assembly is engaged.

[0061] Figure 49 yes Figure 39 Front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the actuator blades reaching the TDC position. Figure 43 The pivot pin assembly is in a first position.

[0062] Figure 50 yes Figure 39 Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the driver blades at the TDC position.

[0063] Figure 51 yes Figure 29 Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly showing the actuator blades after they have reached the TDC position. Figure 44 The pivot pin assembly is in the second position.

[0064] Figure 52 yes Figure 39 Yet another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly showing continued rotation of the lifter and Figure 44 The pivot pin assembly is in the second position.

[0065] Figure 53 is a front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a driver blade of a powered fastener driver approaching a TDC position.

[0066] Figure 54 yes Figure 53 A perspective view of a portion of a lifter assembly illustrating a lifter in a first configuration of the lifter assembly.

[0067] Figure 55 yes Figure 53A perspective view of a portion of a lifter assembly illustrating a lifter in a second configuration of the lifter assembly.

[0068] Figure 56 yes Figure 53 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly showing Figure 53 The bottommost teeth of the driver blades engage Figure 54 The last lifter roller of the lifter.

[0069] Figure 57 yes Figure 53 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly of FIG. 1 , showing Figure 56 The last elevator roller is in a first position relative to the elevator.

[0070] Figure 58 yes Figure 53 Another front cross-sectional view of the elevator assembly of , showing the driver blades at the TDC position.

[0071] Figure 59 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating a lifter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 60 yes Figure 59 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating a means for aligning the lifter roller with the lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the lifter roller.

[0073] Figure 61A yes Figure 59 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller rotating toward an intermediate rotational orientation that compresses the biasing member before the driver blade reaches TDC.

[0074] Figure 61B yes Figure 59 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller being rotated toward a second rotational orientation in which the driver blade is released and moves toward BDC.

[0075] Figure 62 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating a lifter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 63 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 62A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating a means for aligning the lifter roller with the lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the lifter roller.

[0077] Figure 64A yes Figure 62 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller rotating toward an intermediate rotational orientation that compresses the biasing member before the driver blade reaches TDC.

[0078] Figure 64B yes Figure 62 Another front cross-sectional view of the lifter assembly illustrating the lifter roller being rotated toward a second rotational orientation in which the driver blade is released and moves toward BDC.

[0079] Figure 65 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating another configuration of a lifter assembly according to the present invention.

[0080] Figure 66 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 65 A cross-sectional view of a lifter of a lifter assembly illustrating a means for aligning the lifter roller with a lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the lifter roller.

[0081] Figure 67 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating a lifter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 68 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 67 A cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly of a driver blade illustrating a means for aligning a pin assembly with a lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the pin assembly.

[0083] Figure 69 yes Figure 67 A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a lifter assembly illustrating the pin assembly being biased by an alignment device toward a first rotational orientation to facilitate engagement between a lowermost tooth of a driver blade and the pin assembly.

[0084] Figure 70A yes Figure 67 Another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the lifter assembly illustrating the pin assembly being rotated toward the intermediate rotational orientation, which allows the driver blade to be excited from TDC to BDC.

[0085] Figure 70B yes Figure 67Another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the lifter assembly illustrating rotation of the pin assembly toward a second rotational orientation in which the driver blade is released and moves toward BDC.

[0086] Figure 71 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating another configuration of a lifter assembly according to the present invention.

[0087] Figure 72 yes Figure 71 A side view of a riser of a riser assembly.

[0088] Figure 73 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 71 A side cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating a means for aligning a drive pin with a lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the lifter roller.

[0089] Figure 74 yes Figure 71 A front cross-sectional view of a riser assembly illustrating the alignment device.

[0090] Figure 75 It is a side view of a lifter with a drive pin according to another structure of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 76 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 75 A front cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating a means for aligning a drive pin with a lowermost tooth of a driver blade to facilitate engagement between the lowermost tooth and the lifter roller.

[0092] Figure 77 yes Figure 75 A side cross-sectional view of a lifter assembly illustrating engagement between an engagement member and a drive pin.

[0093] Before explaining any embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a gas spring powered fastener driver 10 is operable to drive fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) held in a magazine 14 into a workpiece. The fastener driver 10 includes a cylinder 18. A movable piston (not shown) is positioned within the cylinder 18. Figure 3 , the fastener driver 10 further includes a driver blade 26 that is attached to the piston and movable therewith. The fastener driver 10 does not require an external source of air pressure, but rather includes pressurized gas in the cylinder 18.

[0095] refer to Figure 1 , the fastener driver 10 includes a housing 30 having a cylinder housing portion 34 and a motor housing portion 38 extending therefrom. The cylinder housing portion 34 is configured to support the cylinder 18, while the motor housing portion 38 is configured to support a drive unit 40 ( Figure 2 ). Additionally, the illustrated housing 30 includes a handle portion 46 extending from the cylinder housing portion 34 and a battery attachment portion 50 coupled to an opposite end of the handle portion 46. A battery pack 54 supplies power to the drive unit 40. The handle portion 46 supports a trigger 58 that is depressed by a user to initiate a drive cycle of the fastener driver 10.

[0096] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the driver blade 26 defines the drive axis 62. Further, the driver blade 26 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 74 formed along an edge 78 of the driver blade 26, which extends in the direction of the drive axis 62. In particular, the lifting teeth 74 project laterally from the edge 78 relative to the drive axis 62. During a drive cycle, the driver blade 26 and the piston can be moved along the drive axis 62 at a top dead center (TDC) position ( Figure 3 ) and a bottom dead center (BDC) or driven position. The fastener driver 10 further includes a rotary elevator 66 that receives torque from the drive unit 40, causing the elevator 66 to rotate and return the driver blade 26 from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0097] refer to Figure 2 The powered fastener driver 10 further includes a frame 70 positioned within the housing 30. The frame 70 is configured to support the elevator 66 within the housing 30.

[0098] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the drive unit 40 includes an electric motor 42 and a transmission 82 positioned downstream of the motor 42. The transmission 82 includes an output shaft 86 ( Figure 7In one embodiment, the output shaft 86 meshes with the last stage of a gear train (e.g., a multi-stage planetary gear train; not shown) of the transmission 82. Torque is transferred from the motor 42 through the transmission 82 to the output shaft 86. The elevator 66 and the drive unit 40 may be collectively referred to as an elevator assembly 88, as discussed further below.

[0099] refer to Figure 7 , the output shaft 86 defines an axis of rotation 90. In addition, the output shaft 86 includes an outer peripheral surface 94 having a cylindrical portion 98 and a flat portion 102 adjacent to the cylindrical portion 98. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 94 includes two cylindrical portions 98 and two flat portions 102 ( Figures 3 to 5 ). The cylindrical portions 98 are positioned opposite each other relative to the rotation axis. Likewise, the flat portions 102 are positioned opposite each other relative to the rotation axis 90. Each of the flat portions 102 is oriented parallel to the rotation axis 90.

[0100] refer to Figures 2 to 7 , the elevator 66 includes an aperture 110 through which the output shaft 86 is received. Figure 7 The elevator 66 includes a body 114 having a hub 116 through which the aperture 110 extends, a first flange 118A extending radially from one end of the hub 116, and a second flange 118B extending radially from the opposite end of the hub 116 and spaced apart from the first flange 118A along the axis 90. Furthermore, the elevator 66 includes a plurality of pins 120 extending between the flanges 118A, 118B and rollers 121 supported on the pins 120. The rollers 121 sequentially engage the elevator teeth 74 formed on the driver blade 26 as the driver blade 26 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0101] like Figure 6 , the aperture 110 is partially defined by two opposing curved segments 122 and two opposing protrusions 124 that extend radially inward from a base circle A that coincides with the curved segments 122. Each of the protrusions 124 includes a flat segment 126, 130 and an apex 134 located between the segments 126, 130. Thus, in addition to the curved segments 122, the aperture 110 is also partially defined by the protrusions 124. As explained in further detail below, each curved segment 122 is configured to engage a corresponding cylindrical portion 98 of the output shaft 86, while each protrusion 124 is configured to engage a corresponding flat portion 102 on the outer peripheral surface 94 of the output shaft 86.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The first flat section 126 and the second flat section 130 of each protrusion 124 define an obtuse angle B therebetween. Figure 6 ). In other words, the first flat section 126 and the second flat section 130 and the vertex 134 therebetween form a "V-shape" that defines an obtuse angle B. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle B is between about 100 degrees and about 170 degrees. More specifically, in some embodiments, the obtuse angle B is between about 120 degrees and about 160 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the obtuse angle B is about 140 degrees. Each of the first flat section 126 and the second flat section 130 of each of the protrusions 124 is configured to alternately engage with a corresponding flat portion 102 of the output shaft 86 ( Figure 7 ). Accordingly, each flat section 126, 130 can be considered a driven lug, and each flat section 102 can be considered a driving lug. The combination of the driven lugs 126, 130 and the driving lug 102 defines a kickout arrangement 136 located between the elevator 66 and the output shaft 86. As explained in more detail below, the driven lugs 126, 130 can alternately engage with corresponding driving lugs 102 of the output shaft 86.

[0103] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the lifter 66 can be in a first position relative to the output shaft 86 ( Figure 3 ) and the second position ( Figure 5 ), in which the first flat section or driven lug 126 of the rotating lifter 66 engages the corresponding flat portion or drive lug 102 of the output shaft 86, and in which the lifter 66 rotates about the output shaft 86 (i.e., about the rotational axis 90) so that the second flat section or driven lug 130 engages the corresponding flat portion or drive lug 102. When returning the driver blade 26 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter 66 is in the first position relative to the output shaft 86. After the driver blade 26 reaches the TDC position, the lifter 66 rotates (according to Figure 3 In other words, the aperture 110 is configured to selectively allow the elevator 66 to rotate relative to the output shaft 86 so that only the drive lug 126 or only the drive lug 130 engages the output shaft 86 at any given time.

[0104] More specifically, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , as the driver blade 26 approaches the TDC position, a contact normal (ie, Figure 3The contact normal is perpendicular to a line tangent to both the surface of the last elevator roller 121A and the lowermost tooth 74A on the driver blade 26 (with which the roller 121A contacts). The reaction force is applied to the rotating elevator 66 along the contact normal A1, which is located below the axis of rotation of the elevator 66 (according to the Figure 3 The axis of action C of the reference system is oriented coaxially with the axis of rotation 90 of the output shaft 86. Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T1) is in the clockwise direction (according to Figure 3 The reference frame of the actuator 26 is applied to the lifter 66, thereby maintaining the lifter 66 in the first position as the actuator blade 26 moves toward the TDC position. The line of action C of the contact normal A1 remains below the axis of rotation of the lifter 66 until the lifter 66 reaches the TDC position. Thereafter, as Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the contact normal A1 between the lowermost tooth 74A and the last elevator roller 121A changes direction so that the line of action C is above the axis of rotation of the elevator 66. Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T2) exerted by the driver blade 26 on the elevator 66 is in the counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 4 The reference frame) is redirected, thereby causing the lifter 66 to move from about the output shaft 86 to Figure 3 The first position shown in the figure is rotated to Figure 5 The second position is shown in .

[0105] refer to Figure 5 , the last elevator roller 121A has rotated past the lowermost tooth 74A, so that there is no contact between the last elevator roller 121A and the driver blade 26, and the driver blade 26 is moved toward the BDC position by the force of the compressed gas. Therefore, there is no longer any reaction torque exerted by the driver blade 26 on the elevator 66, and the elevator 66 remains in the second position as the driver blade 26 moves toward the BDC position.

[0106] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the lifter 66 returns the piston and driver blade 26 from the BDC position toward the TDC position. As the piston and driver blade 26 return toward the TDC position, the gas within the cylinder 18 above the piston is compressed. The controller of the gas spring-powered fastener driver 10 controls the drive unit 40 so that the lifter 66 stops rotating when the driver blade 26 is in an intermediate position between the BDC position and the TDC position (i.e., the ready position). In one example, the ready position can be when the piston and driver blade 26 are near the TDC position (e.g., 80% of the way up the cylinder 18), such that the compressed air is partially compressed. The driver blade 26 (and piston) remains in the ready position until the trigger 58 ( Figure 1 ) and is released, which initiates the drive cycle. The elevator 66 continues to rotate until the driver blade 26 moves to the TDC position and the last elevator roller 121A of the elevator 66 rotates past the lowermost tooth 74A of the driver blade 26 to release the driver blade 26. When released, the compressed gas above the piston in the cylinder 18 drives the piston and the driver blade 26 to the BDC position, thereby driving the fastener into the workpiece. Therefore, the illustrated fastener driver 10 operates according to the gas spring principle, which utilizes the elevator 66 and piston to compress the gas in the cylinder 18 when returning to the ready position for a subsequent fastener driving cycle. In other embodiments, the driver blade 26 can remain in the TDC position before a subsequent fastener driving cycle.

[0107] When the piston and driver blade 26 are in the ready position, the rotary lifter 66 is in the first position relative to the output shaft 86 ( Figure 3 In particular, at this time, the reaction torque T1 applied by the driving blade 26 to the lifter 66 is in the clockwise direction (according to Figure 3 ) is oriented so as to maintain the elevator 66 in the first position relative to the output shaft 86. When the trigger 58 is actuated, the drive unit 40 is energized and the elevator 66 receives a torque causing the elevator 66 to engage the driver blade 26 to move the driver blade to the TDC position. When the driver blade 26 reaches the TDC position, the orientation of the reaction torque applied by the driver blade 26 on the elevator 66 is reversed (i.e., by changing the direction of the contact normal between the lowermost tooth 74A and the last elevator roller 121A to be above the axis of rotation of the elevator 66) so that the reaction torque T2 is in a counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 4 1 (the reference frame of the embodiment of the present invention), thereby rotating the elevator 66 from the first position toward the second position. Thereafter, the elevator 66 no longer engages the driver blade 26, and the piston and driver blade 26 are pushed downward toward the BDC position by the compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston. As the driver blade 26 moves toward the BDC position, the elevator 66 remains in the second position. Therefore, due to the kick-out arrangement 136, the elevator 66 can be "kicked out" or moved away from the driver blade 26 relatively quickly after the driver blade 26 reaches the TDC position.

[0108] As the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 26 is in the driven or BDC position. After the driver blade 26 reaches the BDC position, the uppermost tooth 74 (not shown; the tooth closest to the piston) of the driver blade 26 is engaged by the first elevator roller 121B of the elevator 66, thereby causing the elevator 66 to temporarily stop rotating while the output shaft 86 continues to rotate. Thus, the rotation of the output shaft 86 relative to the elevator 66 adjusts the elevator 66 back to the first position ( Figure 3 ). Thereafter, continued actuation of the drive unit 40 rotates the lifter 66, which returns the driver blade 26 and the piston toward the ready position. When the driver blade 26 is in the ready position to complete the actuation cycle, the controller deactivates the drive unit 40. Thus, the kick-out arrangement 136 is configured to permit limited rotation of the lifter 66 relative to the output shaft 86 between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, one full rotation of the lifter 66 is necessary to return the driver blade 26 from the BDC position to the ready position.

[0109] In particular, as lifter 66 moves driver blade 26 toward the TDC position, forces (from the compressed gas in cylinder 18) act on drive teeth 74. As driver blade 26 approaches the TDC position, these forces are greatest on lowermost teeth 74A, causing lowermost teeth 74A to experience significant wear due to sliding contact with last lifter roller 121A as the last lifter roller 121A rotates past the lowermost teeth 74A to initiate a fastener driving operation. When driver blade 26 reaches the TDC position, kickout arrangement 136 permits lifter 66 to rotate relative to output shaft 86 from a first position to a second position, thereby allowing lifter 66 (i.e., last lifter roller 121A) to quickly move away from driver blade 26 to release driver blade 26 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on lifter 66 and damage to drive unit 40 that could otherwise be caused by the transient reaction torque applied to drive unit 40 when driver blade 26 reaches the TDC position.

[0110] Figures 8 to 23 A second embodiment of a kick-out arrangement 336 of the lifter assembly 288 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "200." The elevator assembly 288 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the kick-out arrangement 336 of the elevator assembly 288 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7The kick-out arrangement 136 and the driver blade 26 are Figures 8 to 23 The differences between the kick-out arrangement 336 and the driver blade 226, such as the difference in the last of the lifter pins and the difference in the shape of the lowermost teeth of the driver blade.

[0111] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the driver blade 226 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 274 formed along an edge 278 of the driver blade 226. Each of the lifting teeth 274 includes an end portion 280. Each of the end portions 280 has the same shape except for the end portion 280A of the lowermost tooth 274A of the driver blade 226. In particular, the end portion 280A of the lowermost tooth 274A has a rounded shape, as discussed further below.

[0112] The elevator assembly 288 includes a drive unit (e.g., Figure 2 290 ), and a lifter 266 coupled for common rotation with an output shaft 286. The output shaft 286 defines an axis of rotation 290. The lifter 266 includes a plurality of pins 320 extending between flanges 318A, 318B of a body 314 of the lifter 266, and rollers 321 supported on the pins 320. Each roller 321 is rotatably supported on a corresponding pin 320. Further, as the driver blade 226 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the rollers 321 sequentially engage the lifter teeth 274 (i.e., the end portion 280) formed on the driver blade 226.

[0113] refer to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 12 , the last lifter pin 320A of the plurality of pins 320 includes a cam roller 321A having a cam portion 338. Specifically, the cam roller 321A has an outer circumference, and the cam portion 338 has a first end 340 and a second end 342 ( Figure 11 ). The cam portion 338 extends radially outward from the first end 340 to the second end 342 relative to the outer circumference. The cam roller 321A further includes a first engagement section 344 proximate to the first end 340, and a second engagement section 346 proximate to the second end 342. Each of the first engagement section 344 and the second engagement section 346 is defined by a concave shape proximate to the first end 340 and the second end 342, respectively. The first engagement section 344 is configured to slidably engage the end portion 280A of the lowermost tooth 274A during rotation of the elevator 266. In particular, the circular shape of the end portion 280A of the lowermost tooth 274A cooperates with the concave shape of the first engagement section 344.

[0114] The lifter 266 includes a protrusion 348 ( Figure 12 ). The protrusion 348 extends between the inner surface of each flange 318A, 318B. The second engagement section 346 of the cam portion 338 is configured to selectively engage the protrusion 348 so that the protrusion 348 inhibits the cam roller 321A from rotating in the first rotational direction (e.g., according to Figure 12 The reference frame rotates in a counterclockwise direction) about the last elevator pin 320A.

[0115] The lifter 266 further includes a torsion spring 350 ( Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion spring 350 is positioned in a cavity 352 defined by the flange 318A of the lifter 266. One end 350A of the torsion spring 350 is secured to the lifter 266 (i.e., the flange 318A). Figure 10 ), and the opposite second end 350B is attached to the cam roller 321A. The torsion spring 350 is configured to apply a biasing force to the cam roller 321A in a first rotational direction to bias the cam portion 338 (i.e., the second engagement section 346 at the second end 342) into engagement with the protrusion 348. The combination of the cam portion 338 and the lowermost tooth 274A of the driver blade 226 defines a kick-out arrangement 336 located between the elevator 266 and the driver blade 226. As explained in more detail below, the cam roller 321A is selectively rotatable about the last elevator pin 320A in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction.

[0116] refer to Figures 13 to 18 , the cam roller 321A can be in the first position ( Figure 13 ) and the second position ( Figure 15 ), in which the second engagement section 346 of the cam roller 321A engages the protrusion 348, and in which the cam roller 321A rotates in a second rotational direction (e.g., according to Figure 15 The cam roller 321A is rotated about the pin 320A (clockwise) to create a circumferential gap between the second engagement section 346 and the protrusion 348. When the driver blade 226 is returned from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the cam roller 321A is in the first position relative to the protrusion 348.

[0117] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the last lifter pin 320A defines a pin axis 323 extending parallel to the rotation axis 290. The cam roller 321A is configured to be biased by the torsion spring 350 in a first rotational direction (e.g., according to FIG. Figure 12 The cam roller 321A rotates counterclockwise about the pin axis 323 toward the first position. The protrusion 348 inhibits the cam roller 321A from further rotating about the pin 320A. Thus, the biasing force of the torsion spring 350 and the protrusion 348 maintain the cam roller 321A in the first position. Further, when the cam roller 321A is in the first position, it is configured to rotate with the elevator 266 when the driver blade 226 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0118] like Figures 13 to 17 As shown in FIG, as the driver blade 226 approaches the TDC position, a contact normal (ie, Figures 13 and 14 The contact normal is perpendicular to a line tangent to both the cam roller 321A (i.e., the first engagement section 344) and the rounded end portion 280A on the lowermost tooth 274A on the driver blade 226 (with which the cam roller 321A contacts). The reaction force is applied to the cam roller 321A along the contact normal J1, which is located above the pin axis 323 of the last elevator pin 320A (according to Figure 13 Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T1B) is in the counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 13 ) is applied to the cam roller 321A, thereby maintaining the cam roller 321A in the first position (along with the biasing force of the torsion spring 350) as the driver blade 226 moves toward the TDC position. The line of action K of the contact normal J1 remains above the pin axis 323 until the elevator 266 reaches the TDC position. Thereafter, as Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the contact normal J1 between the rounded end portion 280A of the lowermost tooth 274A and the cam roller 321A changes direction so that the line of action K is located below the pin axis 323 of the last elevator pin 320A. Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T2B) exerted by the driver blade 226 on the cam roller 321A is in the clockwise direction (according to Figure 15 The reference frame) is redirected, thereby overcoming the biasing force of the torsion spring 350 and causing the cam roller 321A to move from about the pin axis 323 to Figures 13 and 14 The first position shown in Figure 15 The second position shown in FIG is rotated.

[0119] like Figure 18, the cam roller 321A has rotated past the lowermost tooth 274A, so that there is no contact between the cam roller 321A and the driver blade 226, and the driver blade 226 is moved toward the BDC position by the force of the compressed gas. Therefore, there is no longer any reaction torque exerted by the driver blade 226 on the cam roller 321A, and the cam roller 321A is biased toward the first position by the torsion spring 350 as the driver blade 226 moves toward the BDC position and then again from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0120] refer to Figures 19 to 23 In an alternative embodiment, the cam roller 321A may include one or more cam portions 338. For example, Figure 19 As shown in FIG, the cam roller 321A includes four cam portions 338. In another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 As shown in FIG, the cam roller 321A includes five cam portions 338. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown in FIG, the cam roller 321A includes six cam portions 338. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 As shown in FIG, the cam roller 321A includes seven cam portions 338. In another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 As shown in , the cam roller 321A includes eight cam portions 338.

[0121] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 266 returns the piston and driver blade 226 from the BDC position toward the TDC position ( Figures 12 to 14 ). In particular, when the driver blade 226 is returned from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the cam roller 321A is in the first position such that the cam roller 321A rotates with the rotation of the elevator 266. As the driver blade 226 approaches the TDC position, the lowermost tooth 274A engages the cam roller 31A, and the reaction torque T1B exerted by the driver blade 226 on the cam roller 321A is applied in the counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 13 reference frame) orientation.

[0122] When the driver blade 226 reaches the TDC position, the orientation of the reaction torque applied by the driver blade 226 on the cam roller 321A is reversed (i.e., by changing the direction of the contact normal J1 between the lowermost tooth 274A and the cam roller 321A to be below the pin axis 323 of the last elevator pin 320A), so that the reaction torque T2B is in the clockwise direction (according to Figure 15350 and rotates the cam roller 321A from the first position toward the second position. Thereafter, the cam roller 321A no longer engages the driver blade 226, and the piston and driver blade 226 are compressed by compressed air (e.g., compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston, Figure 2 ) is pushed downward toward the BDC position. When the driver blade 226 is displaced toward the BDC position and the cam roller 321A is released from the driver blade 226, the torsion spring 350 causes the cam roller 321A to rotate in a first direction (e.g., according to Figures 15 to 18 336, the cam roller 321A can be "kicked out" or moved relatively quickly away from the lowermost tooth 274A of the driver blade 226 after the driver blade 226 reaches the TDC position.

[0123] When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 226 is in the driven or BDC position. Additionally, the torsion spring 350 has rotated the cam roller 321A from the second position toward the first position. Thereafter, the drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ) continues to drive the elevator 266 to rotate so as to return the driver blade 226 toward the TDC position. Figures 1 to 7 When the driver blade 226 is in the ready position, the controller can deactivate the drive unit. The driver blade 226 (and the piston) remain in the ready position until the trigger (trigger 58, Figure 1 ) and is released, which starts another drive cycle.

[0124] In particular, as the elevator 266 moves the driver blade 226 toward the TDC position, forces (from the compressed gas in the cylinder 18) act on the drive teeth 274. As the driver blade 226 approaches the TDC position, these forces are greatest on the lowermost teeth 274A, causing the lowermost teeth 274A to experience significant wear due to sliding contact with the cam roller 321A as the cam roller 321A rotates past the lowermost teeth 274A. The kickout arrangement 336 is configured to permit limited rotation of the cam roller 321A relative to the elevator pin 320A between the first and second positions, allowing the cam roller 321A to quickly move away from the driver blade 226 to release the driver blade 226 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on the elevator 266 (i.e., the cam roller 321A) and damage to the drive unit that could otherwise result from the transient reaction torque applied to the drive unit when the driver blade 226 reaches the TDC position.

[0125] Figures 24 to 28 A third embodiment of a kick-out arrangement 536 of the elevator assembly 488 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "400." The elevator assembly 488 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the kick-out arrangement 536 of the elevator assembly 488 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The kick-out arrangement 136 and Figures 24 to 28 The differences between the kick-out arrangements 536 , such as the differences in the configuration of the lifter and the output shaft.

[0126] refer to Figures 24 to 25 , the driver blade 426 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 474 formed along an edge 478 of the driver blade 426. Further, the powered fastener driver includes a housing (e.g., housing 30, Figure 1 ) within the frame 470. The frame 470 is configured to support the elevator assembly 488 within the housing.

[0127] The elevator assembly 488 includes a drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ). The output shaft 486 defines an axis of rotation 490. In addition, the output shaft 486 includes an outer peripheral surface 494 having a cylindrical portion 498 and a flat portion 502 adjacent to the cylindrical portion 498. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 494 includes two cylindrical portions 498A, 498B and two flat portions 502 ( Figure 24 ). Cylindrical portions 498A, 498B are positioned opposite to each other with respect to rotation axis 490. Likewise, flat portions 502 are positioned opposite to each other with respect to rotation axis 490. Each of flat portions 502 is oriented parallel to rotation axis 490.

[0128] refer to Figures 24 to 26 , the elevator 466 includes an aperture 510 through which the output shaft 486 is received. Figure 26, the lifter 466 includes a body 514 having a hub 516 through which the aperture 510 extends; a first flange 518A extending radially from one end of the hub 516; and a second flange 518B extending radially from the opposite end of the hub 516 and spaced apart from the first flange 518A along the axis 490. Further, the lifter 466 includes a plurality of pins 520 extending between the flanges 518A, 518B and rollers 521 supported on the pins 520. Figure 25 As the driver blade 426 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the roller 521 sequentially engages the lift teeth 474 formed on the driver blade 426.

[0129] like Figure 24 and Figure 26 As shown in FIG, the orifice 510 is partially defined by a curved segment 522, a flat segment 525 opposite the curved segment 522, and two opposing protrusions 524 extending radially inward from a base circle B1 that coincides with the curved segment 522. Alternatively, the flat segment 525' may also be curved, as shown in FIG. Figure 26 Each of the projections 524 includes flat sections 526, 530. In addition to the curved section 522 and the flat section 525, the aperture 510 is also partially defined by the projections 524. The curved section 522 is configured to engage one of the cylindrical portions 498A of the output shaft 486 ( Figure 24 ), and each protrusion 524 is configured to engage with a corresponding flat portion 502 on the outer peripheral surface 494 of the output shaft 486.

[0130] Special References Figures 24 to 25 , the lifter assembly 488 includes a cavity 554 defined between the other of the cylindrical portions 498B of the output shaft 486 and the flat section 525 of the bore 510. More specifically, the bore 510 is sized such that during assembly of the lifter assembly 488, the flat section 525 is spaced apart from the cylindrical portion 498B to define the cavity 554. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical portion 498B of the output shaft 486 includes a cutout 556 ( Figure 25 ) to further define the cavity 554. The cutout 556 extends radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 494 relative to the rotational axis 490.

[0131] The lifter assembly 488 includes a spring 558 positioned within a cavity 554 ( Figure 27 ).like Figure 25 As shown in FIG, each end of the spring 558 is fixedly coupled to the output shaft 486. In the illustrated embodiment, each end is positioned within the cutout 556. The spring 558 is configured to rotate in a first linear direction L1 perpendicular to the rotational axis 490 (ie, according to Figure 25 4 (rightward in the reference frame of FIG. 4 ) applies a biasing force to the lifter 466. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 558 is a leaf spring. In other embodiments, the spring 558 may be a compression spring. Further, in other embodiments, the lifter assembly 488 may include one or more springs (e.g., two, three, four, etc.). The combination of the output shaft 486 and the lifter 466 defines a kick-out arrangement 536 located between the output shaft 486 and the lifter 466. As explained in more detail below, the lifter 466 is selectively movable relative to the output shaft 486 in a first linear direction L1 and in an opposite second linear direction L2.

[0132] refer to Figure 24 , the lifter 466 can be in a first position relative to the output shaft 486 ( Figure 24 ) and a second position in which the spring 558 biases the lifter 466 toward the driver blade 426 and in which the lifter 466 moves in an opposite second linear direction L2 relative to the output shaft 486 away from the driver blade 426. When the lifter 466 is in the second position relative to the output shaft 486, the flat section 525 of the orifice 510 can contact the cylindrical portion 498B of the output shaft 486. When returning the driver blade 426 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter 466 is in the first position. After the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position, the lifter 466 moves in the second linear direction L2 (i.e., according to Figure 24 In other words, the orifice 510 is configured to selectively allow the lifter 466 to move linearly relative to the output shaft 486 in a direction transverse to the output shaft 486.

[0133] More specifically, the spring 558 is selected to have a stiffness that, once preloaded within the cavity 554, is sufficient to exert a predetermined force necessary to maintain the lifter 466 in the first position until the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position. Specifically, as the driver blade 426 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, a reaction force (from the gas compressed in the cylinder 18) acts on the drive tooth 474. The resultant reaction force generated by these forces is applied by the driver blade 426 to the rotating lifter 466 along a second linear direction L2 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis 490 of the output shaft 486 (according to Figure 25As the lifter 466 approaches the TDC position, these forces increase toward a maximum force on the lowermost tooth 474A, causing the reaction force to increase to a maximum value that is greater than the force applied to the lifter 466 by the spring 558 in the first linear direction L1. Thus, after the lifter 466 reaches the TDC position, the resultant reaction force of the driver blade 426 on the lifter 466 exceeds the preload force applied by the spring 558 in the first linear direction L1, and the lifter 466 overcomes the bias of the spring 558 and moves from the first position to the second position (e.g., according to Figure 24 When the driver blade 426 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position, the driver blade 426 no longer contacts the elevator 466 to apply a reaction force, and thus the spring 558 rebounds to return the elevator 466 from the second position to the first position relative to the output shaft 486.

[0134] refer to Figure 28 In some embodiments, the elevator assembly 488 includes a retaining mechanism 560 for selectively retaining the elevator 466 in the first position relative to the output shaft 486 until the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position. Figure 28 , the illustrated retention mechanism 560 includes a retention member 562 positioned at a predetermined position on the frame 470. The retention member 562 can engage with a flat member 564 defined on the hub 516 of the elevator 466. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 426 from the BDC position to the TDC position, the retention member 562 engages the flat member 564 within a portion of the elevator's rotation. The flat member 564 is configured such that the retention member 562 of the frame 470 disengages the flat member 564 when the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position. This can allow the preload force of the spring 558 necessary to retain the elevator 466 in the first position to be relatively small. Further, this can inhibit any unintentional movement of the elevator 466 toward the second position (except when the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position).

[0135] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the lifter 466 returns the piston and the driver blade 426 from the BDC position toward the TDC position. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 426 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter 466 is in the first position. After the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the preload force applied to the lifter 466 by the spring 558 and adjusting the lifter 466 from the first position to the second position.

[0136] As the lifter 466 moves toward the second position, the last lifter roller 521A of the lifter 466 moves away from the lowermost tooth 474A of the driver blade 426 to release the driver blade 426. Thereafter, the lifter 466 no longer engages the driver blade 426, and the piston and driver blade 426 are compressed by compressed air (e.g., compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston). Figure 2 ) pushes downward toward the BDC position. When the driver blade 426 shifts toward the BDC position, the driver blade 426 no longer contacts the lifter 466 to apply a reaction force, and the spring 558 rebounds to again move the lifter 466 from the second position toward the first position (e.g., according to Figure 24 Thus, due to the kick-out arrangement 536, the elevator 466 (i.e., the last elevator roller 521A) can be "kicked out" or moved relatively quickly away from the driver blade 426 (i.e., the lowermost tooth 474A) after the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position.

[0137] When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 426 is in the driven or BDC position. Additionally, the spring 558 applies a biasing force to move the lifter 466 from the second position toward the first position. Thereafter, the drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ) continues to drive the elevator 466 to rotate so as to return the driver blade 426 toward the TDC position. Figures 1 to 7 When the driver blade 426 is in the ready position, the controller can deactivate the drive unit. The driver blade 426 (and the piston) remain in the ready position until the trigger (trigger 58, Figure 1 ) and is released, which starts another drive cycle.

[0138] In particular, as the elevator 466 moves the driver blade 426 toward the TDC position, as the driver blade 426 approaches the TDC position, a force (from the compressed gas in the cylinder 18) acts on the lowermost tooth 474A, causing the lowermost tooth 474A to experience significant wear due to sliding contact with the last elevator roller 521A as the last elevator roller 521A rotates past the lowermost tooth 474A. The kick-out arrangement 536 is configured to permit limited linear movement of the elevator 466 relative to the output shaft 486 between the first and second positions, allowing the last elevator roller 521A to quickly move away from the driver blade 426 to release the driver blade 426 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on the elevator 466 (i.e., the last elevator roller 521A) and damage to the drive unit that could otherwise be caused by the transient reaction torque applied to the drive unit when the driver blade 426 reaches the TDC position.

[0139] Figures 29 to 38 A fourth embodiment of a kick-out arrangement 736 for the lifter assembly 688 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "600." The elevator assembly 688 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the kick-out arrangement 736 of the elevator assembly 688 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The kick-out arrangement 136 and Figures 29 to 38 The differences between the kick-out arrangements 736 , such as the differences in the configuration of the lifter and the output shaft.

[0140] refer to Figure 29 , the driver blade 626 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 674 formed along an edge 678 of the driver blade 626. Further, the powered fastener driver includes a housing (e.g., housing 30, Figure 1 ) within the frame 670. The frame 670 is configured to support the elevator assembly 688 within the housing.

[0141] refer to Figure 30 , the elevator assembly 688 includes a drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2). Output shaft 686 defines an axis of rotation 690. Furthermore, output shaft 686 includes a first drive shaft 687 and a second drive shaft 689, both of which are coupled for common rotation with output shaft 686. In the illustrated embodiment, output shaft 686 includes a first portion 691 and a second portion 692, the second portion being spaced apart from first portion 691 along axis of rotation 690. First drive shaft 687 and second drive shaft 689 extend parallel to axis of rotation 690 between portions 691, 692 of output shaft 686. In one embodiment, first drive shaft 687 and second drive shaft 689 are compressed between first portion 691 and second portion 692. Further, a roller 693 is supported on each of first drive shaft 687 and second drive shaft 689.

[0142] refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 , the elevator 666 of the elevator assembly 688 includes a slot 712 through which the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689 are received. Specifically, the elevator 666 includes a body 714 having a hub 716 through which the slot 712 extends; a first flange 718A extending radially from one end of the hub 716; and a second flange 718B extending radially from the opposite end of the hub 716 and spaced apart from the first flange 718A along the axis 690. A first portion 691 of the output shaft 686 is adjacent to the first flange 718A, and a second portion 692 is adjacent to the second flange 718B relative to the axis of rotation 690.

[0143] The lifter 666 further includes a plurality of pins 720 extending between the flanges 718A, 718B and rollers 721 supported on the pins 720. The rollers 721 sequentially engage lift teeth 674 formed on the driver blade 626 as the driver blade 626 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0144] like Figure 29As shown in FIG, the groove 712 is defined by a plurality of curved segments 766A, 766B and circular segments 768A, 768B to form the curved groove 712. More specifically, the groove 712 includes a first circular segment 768A and an opposing second circular segment 768B. The first curved segment 766A and the second curved segment 766B extend between the first circular segment 768A and the second circular segment 768B. The first circular segment 768A and the second circular segment 768B are opposite to each other relative to the rotation axis 690. Additionally, the second curved segment 766B is spaced apart from the first curved segment 766A and has a shape consistent with the shape of the first curved segment. Each of the segments 766A, 766B, 768A, 768B is positioned within the outer edge of the lifter 666 so that the curved groove 712 is formed by the inner wall of the lifter 666. The first and second circular segments 768A, 768B and the first and second curvilinear segments 766A, 766B are configured to selectively engage the rollers 693 of the first and second drive shafts 687 , 689 .

[0145] Specifically, segments 766A, 766B, 768A, 768B of slot 712 of lifter 666 are configured to engage first and second drive shafts 687, 689 (i.e., rollers 693) when first and second drive shafts 687, 689 rotate in a rotational direction about rotational axis 690 of output shaft 686. First and second drive shafts 687, 689 rotate with rotation of output shaft 686, exerting a rotational force on lifter 666 (i.e., curved segments 768A, 768B) to cause lifter 666 to rotate with rotation of output shaft 686. The combination of curved segments 766A, 766B and circular segments 768A, 768B, along with first and second drive shafts 687, 689, defines a kickout arrangement 736 located between lifter 666 and output shaft 686. As explained in greater detail below, the elevator 666 can be selectively moved relative to the output shaft 686 about the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689 as the elevator 666 continues to rotate as the output shaft 686 rotates.

[0146] refer to Figure 32 and Figure 38 , the lifter 666 can be rotated around the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689 in the first position ( Figure 32 ) and the second position ( Figure 38), in which the first and second drive shafts 687 and 689 are engaged with the first and second curved segments 766A and 766B, respectively, and closer to the first circular segment 768A, and in which the lifter 666 is moved away from the driver blade 626 relative to the output shaft 686 so that the first and second drive shafts 687 and 689 are positioned closer to the second circular segment 768B. When the lifter 666 is in the second position relative to the output shaft 686 ( Figure 38 ), the second drive shaft 689 can engage the second circular segment 768B. When the driver blade 626 is returned from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the elevator 666 is in the first position. After the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position, the elevator 666 moves toward the second position. In other words, the slot 712 is configured to selectively allow the elevator 666 to move relative to the output shaft 686.

[0147] More specifically, if Figure 29 as well as Figures 31 to 33 As shown in FIG, the slot 712 has a center defining a pivot point X at which the lifter 666 will move or shift from the first position to the second position. Specifically, as the driver blade 626 returns from the BDC position to the TDC position, a contact normal (i.e., Figure 29 as well as Figures 31 to 33 ), which contact normal is perpendicular to a line tangent to both one of the elevator rollers 721 and the surface of the corresponding tooth 674 of the driver blade 626 with which the roller 721 contacts. As each roller 721 of the elevator 666 engages each corresponding driver tooth 674, a reaction force is applied to the rotating elevator 666 along the contact normal D1, which is oriented along the line of action E. Before the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position, the line of action E is not aligned or otherwise does not extend through the pivot point X, so that the reaction force of the driver blade 626 on the elevator 666 maintains the elevator 666 in the first position. In other words, the reaction force is oriented along the line of action E, which extends above the pivot point X, as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown in .

[0148] Special References Figure 32 and Figure 33 As the driver blade 626 approaches the TDC position, the contact normal D1 is formed perpendicular to the line tangent to both the surface of the last elevator roller 721A and the lowermost tooth 674A on the driver blade 626 (the lowermost tooth with which the roller 721A contacts). Figure 32 ).like Figure 33As shown in FIG. 1 , after the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position, a reaction force directed along the line of action E extends through the pivot point X, thereby causing the lifter 666 to rotate about the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689 from Figure 29 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 The first position shown in Figure 38 The second position shown in Figure 33 The reference frame moves or pivots to the left).

[0149] refer to Figures 33 to 38 As the lifter 666 pivots from the first position toward the second position, the lifter 666 continues to rotate (via the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689, respectively), and the last lifter roller 721A has rotated past the lowermost tooth 674A, such that there is no contact between the last lifter roller 721A and the driver blade 626 ( Figures 34 to 37 ), and the driver blade 626 is moved toward the BDC position by the force of the compressed gas. Continued rotation of the elevator 666 (by centrifugal forces on the elevator 666 from the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689, respectively) ultimately drives the elevator 666 outward relative to the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689 again (i.e., according to Figure 38 The reference system moves to the right), thereby causing the lifter 666 to move from the second position ( Figure 38 ) towards the first position ( Figure 29 Thus, when the driver blade 626 is actuated from the TDC position to the BDC position, the elevator 666 is temporarily allowed to move or shift from the first position to the second position until centrifugal force causes the elevator 666 to return from the second position to the first position again.

[0150] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the lifter 666 returns the piston and the driver blade 626 from the BDC position toward the TDC position. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 626 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the lifter 666 is in a first position. After the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position, a reaction force is directed along a line of action E extending through the pivot point X, thereby moving or pivoting the lifter 666 from the first position toward the second position.

[0151] As the lifter 666 moves toward the second position, the last lifter roller 721A of the lifter 666 moves away from the lowermost tooth 674A of the driver blade 626 to release the driver blade 626. Thereafter, the lifter 666 no longer engages the driver blade 626, and the piston and driver blade 626 are compressed by compressed air (e.g., compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston). Figure 2) is pushed downward toward the BDC position. As the driver blade 626 shifts toward the BDC position, the lifter 666 continues to rotate about the first drive shaft 687 and the second drive shaft 689, wherein centrifugal force acts on the lifter 666 to move it again from the second position toward the first position (i.e., from Figure 38 Thus, due to the kick-out arrangement 736, the elevator 666 (i.e., the last elevator roller 721A) can be "kicked out" or moved relatively quickly away from the driver blade 626 (i.e., the lowermost tooth 674A) after the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position.

[0152] When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 626 is in the driven or BDC position. Additionally, the centrifugal force acting on the elevator 666 causes the elevator 666 to move from the second position toward the first position. Thereafter, the drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ) continues to drive the elevator 666 to rotate so as to return the driver blade 626 toward the TDC position. Figures 1 to 7 When the driver blade 626 is in the ready position, the controller can deactivate the drive unit. The driver blade 626 (and the piston) remain in the ready position until the trigger (trigger 58, Figure 1 ) and is released, which starts another drive cycle.

[0153] In particular, as the elevator 666 moves the driver blade 626 toward the TDC position, as the driver blade 626 approaches the TDC position, a force (from the compressed gas in the cylinder 18) acts on the lowermost tooth 674A, causing the lowermost tooth 674A to experience significant wear due to sliding contact with the last elevator roller 721A as the last elevator roller 721A rotates past the lowermost tooth 674A. The kick-out arrangement 736 is configured to permit limited movement of the elevator 666 relative to the output shaft 686 between the first and second positions, allowing the last elevator roller 721A to quickly move away from the driver blade 626 to release the driver blade 626 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on the elevator 666 (i.e., the last elevator roller 721A) and damage to the drive unit that could otherwise be caused by the transient reaction torque applied to the drive unit when the driver blade 626 reaches the TDC position.

[0154] Figures 39 to 52 A fifth embodiment of a kick-out arrangement 936 of a lifter assembly 888 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG. 8 are labeled with like reference numerals plus "800." The elevator assembly 888 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the kick-out arrangement 936 of the elevator assembly 888 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The kick-out arrangement 136 and the lifter 66 are Figures 39 to 52 The differences between the kick-out arrangement 936 and the lifter 866 are, for example, the differences in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0155] refer to Figure 39 , the driver blade 826 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 874 formed along an edge 878 of the driver blade 826. Further, the powered fastener driver includes a housing (e.g., housing 30, Figure 1 ) within the frame 870. The frame 870 is configured to support the elevator assembly 888 within the housing.

[0156] refer to Figures 40 to 41 , the elevator assembly 888 includes a drive unit having an output shaft 886 (e.g., Figure 2 886 ), and a lifter 866 coupled for common rotation with the output shaft 886. The output shaft 886 defines an axis of rotation 890. The lifter 866 includes a plurality of pins 920 (except for the last lifter pin 920A) extending between flanges 918A, 918B of a body 914 of the lifter 866, and rollers 921 supported on the pins 920. Each roller 921 is rotatably supported on a corresponding pin 920. Further, as the driver blade 826 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the rollers 921 sequentially engage the lifter teeth 874 formed on the driver blade 826.

[0157] refer to Figure 39 、 Figure 41 and Figure 42, the last lifter pin 920A forms part of the pivot pin assembly 910 of the lifter 866. The pivot pin assembly 970 includes a first pivot arm 972, a second pivot arm 974, a rod 976, and the last lifter pin 920A supported on a first end 978 of each pivot arm 972, 974. The first and second pivot arms 972, 974 are shown pivotally supported on the lifter 866 by the rod 976. In particular, the flanges 918A, 918B define a first hole 980A and a second hole 980B that are configured to align with a first hole 982A and a second hole 982B in the first and second arms 972, 974, respectively. The corresponding hole 982A, 982B in each arm 972, 974 is located intermediate the first end 978 and the opposite second end 984 of each arm 972, 974. The rod 976 is received within each of the apertures 980A, 980B, 982A, 982B such that the rod 976 extends between the flanges 918A, 918B of the body 914 of the lifter 866 and the first and second arms 972, 974. The rod 976 defines a pivot axis 986 that is parallel to the axis of rotation 890 ( Figure 41 ) extends. The last elevator pin 920A (and roller 921A) is supported between each first end 978 of the arms 972, 974. Thus, the last elevator pin 920A can pivot along with the pivot arms 972, 974 about the pivot axis 986 toward or away from the rotation axis 890 (i.e., the elevator 866).

[0158] The elevator 866 further includes a pawl assembly 988 (positioned at the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972 and opposite the last elevator pin 920A). Figure 41 and Figure 42 ). The pawl assembly 988 includes: a first recess 990 and a second recess 992, which are defined by the lifter 866; and a ball or pawl 993, which is configured to be selectively received in each of the first recess 990 and the second recess 992. In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 990 and the second recess 992 are defined by an outer surface 991 of the flange 918A. The first recess 990 is radially positioned closer to the rotational axis 890 than the second recess 992. The pawl assembly 988 further includes a spring 994, which is configured to bias the pawl 993 into one or the other of the first recess 990 and the second recess 992. The pawl 993 and the spring 994 are positioned within a cavity 995 at the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972. The spring 994 is configured to bias the pawl 993 away from the first pivot arm 972 and toward the flange 918A relative to the rotational axis 890 (according to Figure 41 reference frame) bias.

[0159] refer to Figure 42The lifter 866 includes a first stop member 996A and a second stop member 996B. The illustrated first stop member 996A extends axially from an outer surface 991 of the flange 918A relative to the rotational axis 890. Additionally, the first stop member 996A extends radially outward from a first end to an opposite second end. The first stop member 996A is configured to engage the first pivot arm 972 proximate the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972. The lifter 866 may further include another first stop member positioned on an outer surface of the other flange 918B. The illustrated second stop member 996B is defined by a side edge of each of the first flange 918A and the second flange 918B. Specifically, the second stop member 996B is positioned radially closer to the rotational axis 890 than to the pivot axis 986. The second stop member 996B is configured to engage the first end 978 of each of the first pivot arm 972 and the second pivot arm 974.

[0160] refer to Figure 45 and Figure 48 Frame 870 includes an engagement member 998 that extends axially inwardly from an inner surface of frame 870 toward elevator 866 relative to rotational axis 890. Engagement member 998 is positioned axially below outer surface 991 of flange 918A and proximate to the plurality of pins 920. Furthermore, engagement member 998 is positioned at a predetermined position on frame 870. This predetermined position is selected based on the position of the last elevator pin 920A at a particular rotational point of elevator 866. This particular rotational point is the point in the elevator's rotation just before the last elevator roller 921A is configured to engage the lowermost driver tooth 874A (i.e., when driver blade 826 is approaching the TDC position). Engagement member 998 is configured to engage pivot pin assembly 970 (i.e., first pivot arm 972 and second pivot arm 974) to move or pivot the last elevator pin 920A / roller 921A. The combination of the pivot pin assembly 970 and the lowermost tooth 874A of the driver blade 826 defines a kick-out arrangement 936 located between the last elevator roller 921A and the elevator 866. As explained in more detail below, the last elevator pin 920A is selectively pivotable relative to the elevator 866.

[0161] refer to Figure 43 and Figure 44 , the pivot pin assembly 970 can be positioned relative to the lifter 866 in a first position ( Figure 43 ) and the second position ( Figure 44), in which the pawl assembly 988 releasably couples the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972 to the first recess 990 for retaining the last elevator pin 920A (and roller 921A) in the radially outward position, and in the second position, the pawl assembly 988 releasably couples the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972 to the second recess 992 for retaining the last elevator pin 920A (and roller 921A) in the radially inward position. When returning the driver blade 826 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the pivot pin assembly 970 is in the second position relative to the elevator 866. The pivot pin assembly 970 pivots to the first position just before the driver blade 826 reaches the TDC position. Further, the pawl assembly 988 is configured to retain the pivot pin assembly 970 in both the first position and the second position. The first and second stop members 996A, 996B respectively limit movement of the pivot pin assembly 970 between the first and second positions.

[0162] More specifically, if Figures 46 to 52 As shown in FIG. , when the driver blade 826 is returned from the BDC position to the TDC position (eg, Figure 46 ), the lifter 866 is in the second position. The engagement member 998 is configured to engage the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972 of the pivot arm assembly 970 before the driver blade 826 reaches the TDC position ( Figure 47 and Figure 48 The engagement member 998 is configured to apply a force to the pivot arm assembly 970 to overcome the biasing force of the pawl assembly 988 so as to cause the pivot pin assembly 970 to move radially outward relative to the rotational axis 890 from the second position (according to Figure 47 The reference frame is counterclockwise) and pivots toward the first position.

[0163] Special References Figure 49 and Figure 50 As the driver blade 826 approaches the TDC position, a contact normal is formed (ie, Figure 49 The reaction force is applied to the last elevator pin 920A (i.e., to the first end 978 of the pivot pin assembly 970) along the contact normal G1, which is located below the pivot axis 986 of the pivot pin assembly 970 (according to the arrow G1 in the figure). Figure 49 Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T1A) is in the counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 47The reference frame of the actuator 866 is applied to the pivot pin assembly 970, thereby maintaining the pivot pin assembly 970 in the first position (together with the biasing force of the pawl assembly 988) as the driver blade 826 moves toward the TDC position. The line of action H of the contact normal G1 remains below the pivot axis 986 of the pivot pin assembly 970 until the elevator 866 reaches the TDC position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. Figure 50 As shown in FIG, the contact normal G1 between the lowermost tooth 874A and the last elevator roller 921A changes direction so that the line of action H is above the pivot axis 986 of the pivot pin assembly 970. Therefore, the reaction torque (arrow T2A) exerted by the driver blade 826 on the pivot pin assembly 970 is in the clockwise direction (according to Figure 50 ) is redirected, thereby overcoming the biasing force of the pawl assembly 988 and causing the pivot pin assembly 970 to rotate about the pivot axis 986 from Figure 48 The first position shown in Figure 52 The second position shown in FIG is pivoted.

[0164] like Figures 51 to 52 , the last elevator roller 921A has rotated past the lowermost tooth 874A, so that there is no contact between the last elevator roller 921A and the driver blade 826, and the driver blade 826 is moved toward the BDC position by the force of the compressed gas. Thus, there is no longer any reaction torque exerted by the driver blade 826 on the pivot pin assembly 970, and the pivot pin assembly 970 remains in the second position as the driver blade 826 moves toward the BDC position and then again from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

[0165] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 866 returns the piston and driver blade 826 from the BDC position toward the TDC position ( Figure 39 as well as Figures 46 to 47 ). In particular, when returning the driver blade 826 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the pivot pin assembly 970 (and the last elevator roller 921A) is in the second position. The pawl assembly 988 releasably couples the second end 984 of the pivot arm 972 to the second recess 992. Before the driver blade 826 reaches the TDC position, the engagement member 998 engages the second ends 984 of the pivot arms 972, 974, thereby causing the pivot pin assembly 970 to pivot about the pivot axis 986 from the second position toward the first position, overcoming the bias of the pawl assembly 988. The first stop member 996A engages the first pivot arm 972 proximate the second end 984, thereby limiting the pivotal movement of the pivot pin assembly 970. Subsequently, the pawl assembly 988 releasably couples the second end 984 of the first pivot arm 972 to the first recess 990, thereby retaining the pivot pin assembly 970 in the first position.

[0166] As the driver blade 826 approaches the TDC position, the lowermost tooth 874A engages the last elevator roller 921A and the reaction torque T1A exerted by the driver blade 826 on the pivot pin assembly 970 is applied in a counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 49 When the driver blade 826 reaches the TDC position, the orientation of the reaction torque exerted by the driver blade 826 on the pivot pin assembly 970 is reversed (i.e., by changing the direction of the contact normal G1 between the lowermost tooth 874A and the last elevator roller 921A to be above the pivot axis 986 of the pivot pin assembly 970) so that the reaction torque T2A is in a clockwise direction (according to Figure 50 98) to overcome the biasing force of the pawl assembly 988 and rotate the pivot pin assembly 970 from the first position toward the second position. Thereafter, the pivot pin assembly 970 no longer engages the driver blade 826, and the piston and driver blade 826 are compressed by compressed air (e.g., compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston, Figure 2 ) is pushed downwardly toward the BDC position. Thus, due to the kick-out arrangement 936, the last elevator roller 921A can be "kicked out" or moved relatively quickly away from the driver blade 826 (i.e., the lowermost tooth 874A) after the driver blade 826 reaches the TDC position.

[0167] When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 826 is in the driven or BDC position. Additionally, the second stop member 996B has limited the movement of the pivot pin assembly 970 relative to the second recess 992, causing the pawl assembly 988 to engage the second recess 992 and retain the pivot pin assembly 970 in the second position. Thereafter, the drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ) continues to drive the elevator 866 to rotate so as to return the driver blade 826 toward the TDC position. Figures 1 to 7 When the driver blade 826 is in the ready position, the controller can deactivate the drive unit. The driver blade 826 (and the piston) remain in the ready position until the trigger (trigger 58, Figure 1 ) and is released, which starts another drive cycle.

[0168] In particular, as the elevator 866 moves the driver blade 826 toward the TDC position, forces (from the compressed gas in the cylinder 18) act on the driver teeth 874. As the driver blade 826 approaches the TDC position, these forces are greatest on the lowermost teeth 874A, such that as the last elevator roller 921A rotates past the lowermost teeth 874A, the lowermost teeth 874A may experience significant wear due to sliding contact with the last elevator roller 921A. The kick-out arrangement 936 is configured to permit limited movement of the pivot pin assembly 970 (i.e., the last lifter pin 920A and roller 921A) between a first position and a second position such that the last lifter roller 921A is quickly moved away from the drive blade 826 to release the drive blade 826 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on the lifter 866 (i.e., the last lifter roller 921A) and damage to the drive unit that may otherwise result from a transient reaction torque applied to the drive unit when the drive blade 826 reaches the TDC position.

[0169] Figures 53 to 58 A sixth embodiment of a kick-out arrangement 1136 of a lifter assembly 1088 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "1000." The elevator assembly 1088 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the kick-out arrangement 1136 of the elevator assembly 1088 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The kick-out arrangement 136 and the lifter 66 are Figures 53 to 58 The differences between the kick-out arrangement 1136 and the lifter 1066, such as the difference in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0170] refer to Figure 53 , the driver blade 1026 includes a plurality of lifting teeth 1074 formed along an edge 1078 of the driver blade 1026. Further, the powered fastener driver includes a housing (e.g., housing 30, Figure 1 ) within the frame 1070. The frame 1070 is configured to support the elevator assembly 1088 within the housing.

[0171] refer to Figures 53 to 54 , the lifter assembly 1088 includes a drive unit having an output shaft 1086 (e.g., Figure 2The output shaft 1086 defines an axis of rotation 1090. The elevator 1066 includes a hub 1116, flanges 1118A, 1118B ( Figure 54 ), and rollers 1121 supported on the pins 1120. Each roller 1121 is rotatably supported on a corresponding pin 1120. Further, when the driver blade 1026 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the rollers 1121 sequentially engage the elevator teeth 1074 formed on the driver blade 1026.

[0172] The last lifter pin 1120A (and the last lifter roller 1121A) are cantilevered from the hub 1116. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifter 1066 includes a first arm 1171 and a second arm 1173 extending from the first flange 1118A and the second flange 1118B, respectively. Each of the first arm 1171 and the second arm 1173 is a leaf spring to form a leaf spring assembly 1175. The last lifter pin 1120A and the roller 1121A are supported at an end 1177 of the leaf spring assembly 1175. A cover (not shown) can fixedly couple the last lifter pin 1120A to the end 1177 of the leaf spring assembly 1175.

[0173] like Figure 53 , the plurality of lifter pins 1120, including the last lifter pin 1120A, are shown positioned on a circumference Y of the lifter 1066 relative to the axis of rotation 1090. The combination of the leaf spring assembly 1175 and the lowermost tooth 1074A of the driver blade 1026 defines a kick-out arrangement 1136 positioned between the lifter 1066 and the driver blade 1026. As explained in more detail below, the last lifter pin 1120A and roller 1121A can be moved relative to the lifter 1066 such that the last lifter pin 1120A and roller 1121A are no longer positioned on the circumference Y.

[0174] refer to Figure 55 In an alternative embodiment, each of the first arm 1171 ′ and the second arm 1173 ′ is configured to include a plurality of bends to form a leaf spring assembly 1175 ′.

[0175] refer to Figure 53 as well as Figures 56 to 58 , the last elevator roller 1121A may be in a first position ( Figure 53) and a second position in which the last elevator roller 1121A (and pin 1120A) is located on the circumference Y defined by the elevator 1066, and in which the last elevator roller 1121A (and pin 1120A) can be deflected relative to the rotation axis 1090 (e.g., according to Figure 58 When returning the driver blade 1026 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the last elevator roller 1121A is in a first position relative to the elevator 1066. After the driver blade 1026 reaches the TDC position, the last elevator roller 1121A can be deflected from the first position to a second position.

[0176] More specifically, leaf spring assembly 1175 is selected to have sufficient stiffness to exert a predetermined force necessary for leaf spring assembly 1157 to maintain the last elevator pin 1120A and roller 1121A in the first position until driver blade 1026 reaches the TDC position. Specifically, as driver blade 1026 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, a reaction force (from the compressed gas in cylinder 18) acts on driver tooth 1074. As elevator 1066 approaches the TDC position, the resulting reaction force generated by these forces is applied to rotating elevator 1066 (i.e., elevator pin 1120). As elevator 1066 approaches the TDC position, these forces increase toward a maximum force on the lowest tooth 1074A, causing the reaction force to increase to a maximum value that is greater than the predetermined force of leaf spring assembly 1175. Thus, after the elevator 1066 reaches the TDC position, the resultant reaction force of the driver blade 1026 on the elevator 1066 (i.e., the last elevator roller 321A) exceeds the predetermined force of the leaf spring assembly 1175, and the last elevator roller 1121A moves from the first position toward the second position against the bias of the leaf spring assembly 1175. When the driver blade 1026 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position, the driver blade 1026 no longer contacts the elevator 1066 to apply the reaction force, and thus the leaf spring assembly 1175 rebounds to return the last elevator roller 1121A from the second position to the first position relative to the output shaft 1086.

[0177] During a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 1066 returns the piston and the driver blade 1026 from the BDC position toward the TDC position. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 1026 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the last elevator roller 1121A is in the first position. After the driver blade 1026 reaches the TDC position, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of the leaf spring assembly 1175 and adjusting the last elevator roller 1121A from the first position to the second position.

[0178] Subsequently, the last elevator roller 1121A of the elevator 1066 moves away from the lowermost tooth 1074A of the driver blade 1026 to release the driver blade 1026. Thereafter, the elevator 1066 no longer engages the driver blade 1026, and the piston and driver blade 1026 are compressed by compressed air (e.g., compressed air in the cylinder 18 above the piston, Figure 2 ) is pushed downward toward the BDC position. As the driver blade 1026 shifts toward the BDC position, the driver blade 1026 no longer contacts the elevator 1066 to apply a reaction force, and the leaf spring assembly 1175 rebounds to again move the last elevator roller 1121A from the second position toward the first position (e.g., according to Figure 58 Thus, due to the kick-out arrangement 1136, the last elevator roller 1121A can be "kicked out" or moved relatively quickly away from the driver blade 1026 (i.e., the lowermost tooth 1074A) after the driver blade 1026 reaches the TDC position.

[0179] When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the driver blade 1026 is in the driven or BDC position. Additionally, the leaf spring assembly 1175 applies a biasing force to move the last elevator pin 1120A and roller 1121A from the second position toward the first position. Thereafter, the drive unit (e.g., drive unit 40, Figure 2 ) continues to drive the elevator 1066 to rotate so as to return the driver blade 1026 toward the TDC position. Figures 1 to 7 When the driver blade 1026 is in the ready position, the controller can deactivate the drive unit. The driver blade 1026 (and the piston) remain in the ready position until the trigger (trigger 58, Figure 1 ) and is released, which starts another drive cycle.

[0180] In particular, as the lifter 1066 moves the driver blade 1026 toward the TDC position, as the driver blade 1026 approaches the TDC position, force (from the compressed gas in the cylinder 18) acts on the lowermost tooth 1074A, causing the lowermost tooth 1074A to experience a large amount of wear due to sliding contact with the last lifter roller 1121A as it rotates past the lowermost tooth 1074A. The kick-out arrangement 1136 is configured to permit limited movement of the last elevator roller 1121A relative to the elevator 1066 between a first position and a second position, such that the last elevator roller 1121A is quickly moved away from the drive blade 1026 to release the drive blade 1026 and initiate a fastener driving operation, thereby reducing wear on the elevator 1066 (i.e., the last elevator roller 1121A) and damage to the drive unit that may otherwise be caused by the instantaneous reaction torque applied to the drive unit when the drive blade 1026 reaches the TDC position.

[0181] Figures 59 to 61B A seventh embodiment of a lifter assembly 1288 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "1200." The elevator assembly 1288 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10 is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly 1288 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter assembly 88 and Figure 59 to Figure 6 1's lifter 1266, such as the difference in the last one in the lifter pin.

[0182] Elevator 1266 includes a body 1314 having a hub 1316 through which aperture 1310 extends; a first flange 1318A extending radially from one end of hub 1316; and a second flange (not shown) extending radially from the opposite end of hub 1316 and spaced apart from first flange 1318A. Furthermore, elevator 1266 includes a plurality of pins 1320 extending between flanges 1318A and at least one roller 1321A supported on at least one of pins 1320. As driver blade 1226 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, rollers 1321A or pins 1320 sequentially engage elevator teeth 1274 formed on driver blade 1226. In the illustrated embodiment, the last elevator pin 1320A of elevator 1266 includes roller 1321A. In other embodiments, each pin 1320 may include a roller.

[0183] The roller 1321A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having one or more engagement sections 1309a-d ( Figure 60 、 Figure 61A and Figure 61B ), the one or more engagement sections can be aligned with and engageable with the last tooth 1274A of the driver blade 1226 to maintain the driver blade 1226 in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, roller 1321A includes a plurality of radial protrusions 1305 defining valleys therebetween, which form engagement sections 1309a-d of roller 1321A. This configuration of roller 1321A reduces stress on the driver blade teeth 1274A and the last roller 1321A when maintaining the driver blade 1226 in the ready / TDC position. In the illustrated embodiment, roller 1321A includes a plurality of valleys. For example, roller 1321A may include eight valleys. In other embodiments, roller 1321A may include more or fewer valleys.

[0184] Now refer to Figures 59 to 61B , the elevator 1266 also includes means for aligning one of the engagement segments 1309a-d of the roller 1321A with the last blade tooth 1274A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1274A and one of the engagement segments 1309a-d of the roller 1321A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning the engagement segments 1309a-d positions the roller 1321A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to the pin 1320A, Figure 60 ), so that the first engagement section 1309a of the roller 1321A is aligned with the last blade tooth 1274A. Further, the means for aligning includes a biasing member 1307 having a first end coupled to the hub 1316 of the elevator 1266 and a second end engaged with the second engagement section 1309b of the roller 1321A. In particular, the biasing member 1307 is a leaf spring and engages the second engagement section 1309b, which is 180 degrees from the first engagement section 1309a.

[0185] Without a means for aligning rollers 1321A, if rollers 1321A are not in the desired rotational orientation, blade teeth 1274A may contact one of the protrusions 1305 of the last elevator roller 1321A, which may increase stress on driver blade 1226 and / or roller 1321A. Figure 60, biasing member 1307 is configured to limit the rotational movement of roller 1321A to promote proper engagement between the last blade tooth 1274A and roller 1321A. In other words, biasing member 1307 biases roller 1321A toward a desired or first rotational orientation to ensure that the last tooth 1274A on driver blade 1226 engages the engagement section 1309a between adjacent radial protrusions 1305, rather than the protrusions 1305 themselves.

[0186] like Figure 60 、 Figure 61A and Figure 61B As shown in FIG, the biasing member 1307 may be preloaded, and the force of the biasing member 1307 prevents the roller 1321A from moving from TDC to BDC ( Figure 60 ) when the drive blade 1226 rotates. As the drive blade 1226 approaches TDC ( Figure 61A ), roller 1321A overcomes the force of biasing member 1307, which allows roller 1321A to move against the bias of biasing member 1307.

[0187] For example, during a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 1266 returns the piston and driver blade 1226 from BDC toward TDC. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 1226 from BDC toward TDC, the last elevator roller 1321A is in the first rotational orientation ( Figure 60 As the driver blade 1226 approaches TDC, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of the biasing member 1307 and moving the last elevator roller 1321A from the first rotational orientation ( Figure 60 ) adjusted to the middle rotation orientation ( Figure 61A ), and then adjusted to a second rotational orientation ( Figure 61B ). In the intermediate rotational orientation, the second end of the biasing member 1307 is compressed and moves over the protrusion 1305 of the roller 1321A. Once the driver blade 1226 reaches TDC, the last tooth 1274 of the blade 1226 is released ( Figure 61B), so that the driver blade 1226 can move toward BDC. Simultaneously, the biasing member 1307 engages the third engagement segment 1309c, which limits further movement of the roller 1321A and aligns the fourth engagement segment 1309d with the end portion of the last blade tooth 1274A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1274A and the fourth engagement segment 1309d for a subsequent fastener driving event. In the illustrated embodiment, the third engagement segment 1309c is positioned directly adjacent to the second engagement segment 1309b, and the fourth engagement segment 1309d is positioned directly adjacent to the first engagement segment 1309a. In other embodiments, the biasing member 1307 can traverse one or more engagement segments during a fastener driving event.

[0188] Figure 62 to Figure 6 4 shows an eighth embodiment of a lifter assembly 1488, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "1400." The elevator assembly 1488 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10 is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly 1488 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter assembly 88 and Figure 62 to Figure 6 The difference between the 4 lifters 1466, such as the difference in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0189] Elevator 1466 includes a body 1514 having a hub 1516 through which aperture 1510 extends, a first flange 1518A extending radially from one end of hub 1516, and a second flange (not shown) extending radially from the opposite end of hub 1516 and spaced apart from first flange 1518A. Furthermore, elevator 1466 includes a plurality of pins 1520 extending between flanges 1518A and at least one roller 1521A supported on at least one of pins 1520. As driver blade 1426 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, rollers 1521A or pins 1520 sequentially engage elevator teeth 1474 formed on driver blade 1426. In the illustrated embodiment, the last elevator pin 1520A of elevator 1466 includes roller 1521A. In other embodiments, each pin 1520 may include a roller.

[0190] Roller 1521A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having one or more engagement sections that can align with and engage the last tooth 1474A of driver blade 1426 to hold driver blade 1426 in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, roller 1521A includes a plurality of radial projections 1505 defining valleys therebetween, which form engagement sections 1509a-d of roller 1521A. This configuration of roller 1521A reduces stress on driver blade tooth 1474A and the last roller 1521A when holding driver blade 1426 in the ready / TDC position. In the illustrated embodiment, roller 1521A includes a plurality of valleys 1509.

[0191] Now refer to Figures 62 to 64B , the elevator 1466 also includes means for aligning one of the engagement segments 1509a-d of the roller 1521A with the last blade tooth 1474A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1474A and one of the engagement segments 1509a-d of the roller 1521A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning the engagement segments 1509a-d positions the roller 1521A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to the pin 1520A, Figure 63 ), so that the first engagement section 1509a of the roller 1521A is aligned with the last blade tooth 1474A. Further, the means for aligning includes a biasing member 1507 and an engagement member 1511 (e.g., a spherical pin) supported within a recess 1513 formed in a body 1514 of the lifter 1466. The biasing member 1507 urges the engagement member 1511 into contact with the second engagement section 1509b of the roller 1521A. In particular, the biasing member 1507 is a compression spring that biases the engagement member 1511 into engagement with the second engagement section 1509b, which is 180 degrees from the first engagement section 1509a.

[0192] like Figure 63 、 Figure 64A and Figure 64B As shown in FIG, biasing member 1507 may be preloaded, and the force of biasing member 1507 pushes engagement member 1511 into engagement with roller 1521A, which prevents roller 1521A from moving from TDC to BDC ( Figure 63 As the driver blade 1574A approaches TDC, the roller 1521A overcomes the force of the biasing member 1507, which allows the roller 1521A to move against the bias of the biasing member 1507.

[0193] For example, during a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 1466 returns the piston and driver blade 1426 from BDC toward TDC. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 1426 from BDC toward TDC, the last elevator roller 1521A is in the first position ( Figure 63 As the driver blade 1426 approaches TDC, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of the biasing member 1507 and moving the last elevator roller 1521A from the first rotational orientation ( Figure 63 ) adjusted to the middle rotation orientation ( Figure 64A ), and adjusted to a second rotational orientation ( Figure 64B ). In the intermediate rotational orientation, the engagement member 1511 compresses the biasing member 1507 within the recess 1513 so that the engagement member 1511 can move over the protrusion 1505 of the roller 1521A. Once the driver blade 1226 reaches TDC, the last tooth 1474 of the blade 1426 is released ( Figure 64B ), so that the driver blade 1426 can move toward BDC. Simultaneously, the engagement member 1511 engages the third engagement segment 1509c, which limits further movement of the roller 1521A and positions the fourth engagement segment 1509d in the first rotational orientation to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1474A and the fourth engagement segment 1509d for a subsequent fastener driving event. In the illustrated embodiment, the third engagement segment 1509c is positioned directly adjacent to the second engagement segment 1509b, and the fourth engagement segment 1509d is positioned directly adjacent to the first engagement segment 1509a. In other embodiments, the engagement member 1511 can traverse one or more engagement segments during a fastener driving event.

[0194] Figures 65 to 66 A ninth embodiment of a lifter assembly 1688 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "1600." The elevator assembly 1688 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10 is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly 1688 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter assembly 88 and Figure 65 and Figure 66 The differences between the lifters 1666, such as the difference in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0195] The elevator 1666 includes a body 1714 having a hub 1716 through which the aperture 1710 extends; a first flange 1718A extending radially from one end of the hub 1716; and a second flange 1718B ( Figure 66 ), which extend radially from opposite ends of the hub 1716 and are spaced apart from the first flange 1718A. Further, the elevator 1666 includes a plurality of pins 1720 extending between the flanges 1718A and at least one roller 1721A supported on at least one of the pins 1720. The roller 1721A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having one or more engagement sections 1709 that can be aligned with and engageable with the last tooth 1674A of the driver blade 1626 to maintain the driver blade 1626 in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, the roller 1721A includes a plurality of radial protrusions 1705 that define valleys therebetween, which form the engagement sections 1709 of the roller 1721A. This configuration of rollers 1721A reduces stress on the driver blade teeth 1674A and the last roller 1721A when holding the driver blade 1626 in the ready / TDC position.

[0196] Now refer to Figure 66 , lifter 1666 also includes means for aligning one of the engagement segments 1709 of roller 1721A with the last blade tooth 1674A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1674A and one of the engagement segments 1709 of roller 1721A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning engagement segment 1709 positions roller 1721A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to pin 1720A) such that the first engagement segment of roller 1721A is aligned with the last blade tooth 1674A. Further, the means for aligning includes one or more friction-inducing members, such as friction rings 1715A, 1715B, positioned between body 1714 and roller 1721A. The one or more friction rings 1715A, 1715B (e.g., O-rings) are supported within one or more recesses 1713A, 1713B formed in body 1714 of lifter 1666. The first friction ring 1715A is positioned within a first recess 1713A formed in the first flange 1718A (e.g., positioned on a first side of the roller 1721A), and the second friction ring 1715B is positioned within a second recess 1713B formed in the second flange 1718B (e.g., positioned on a second side of the roller 1721A). In other words, the first friction ring 1715A and the second friction ring 1715B are positioned on opposite sides of the roller 1721A.

[0197] Friction rings 1715A, 1715B reduce the amount of free rotation roller 1721A has after driver blade 1626 is released, thereby reducing the risk of random roller positioning. For example, as driver blade 1626 approaches TDC, roller 1721A overcomes the force of friction rings 1715A, 1715B, allowing roller 1721A to rotate toward a second rotational orientation. Once driver blade 1626 is released, friction rings 1715A, 1715B dissipate the rotational energy of roller 1721A, effectively maintaining roller 1721A in the second rotational orientation (e.g., the orientation of the last tooth 1674A of roller 1721A that contacted driver blade 1626). During subsequent fastener actuation, the roller remains in the second rotational orientation in which the second engagement segment is aligned with the end portion of the driver blade's teeth. For example, the second engagement segment can be positioned proximate to the first engagement segment. The use of friction rings 1715A, 1715B also limits the effect of the amount of grease in roller 1721A.

[0198] Figure 67 to Figure 7 0 shows a tenth embodiment of the lifter assembly 1888, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "1800." The elevator assembly 1888 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver 10 is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly 1888 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter assembly 88 and Figure 67 to Figure 7 The difference between the lifters 1866 of 0, such as the difference in the last one in the lifter pin.

[0199] The elevator 1866 includes a body 1914 having a hub 1916 through which the aperture 1910 extends; a first flange 1918A extending radially from one end of the hub 1916; and a second flange 1918B ( Figure 68), which extend radially from opposite ends of hub 1916 and are spaced apart from first flange 1918A. Further, lifter 1866 includes a plurality of pins 1920 extending between flanges 1918A and 1918B. Last pin assembly 1903 includes last pin 1920A and roller 1921A supported on and rotatable with last pin 1920A. For example, last pin 1920A may be coupled to roller 1921A via a double-D profile or other connection feature (e.g., a key / keyway arrangement or splines, etc.). As driver blade 1826 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, roller 1921A or pin 1920 sequentially engages lift teeth 1874 formed on driver blade 1826.

[0200] Roller 1921A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having one or more engagement sections 1909a, 1909b that can be aligned with and engageable with the last tooth 1874A of driver blade 1826 to hold driver blade 1826 in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, roller 1921A includes a plurality of radial protrusions 1905 defining valleys therebetween that form engagement sections 1909a, 1909b. This configuration of roller 1921A reduces stress on driver blade teeth 1874A and the last roller 1921A when holding driver blade 1826 in the ready / TDC position.

[0201] Now refer to Figures 68 to 70B The last pin 1920A further includes a pin head 1917 that is supported within a recess 1913 formed in the body 1914 of the elevator 1866. Similar to the roller 1921A, the pin head 1917 also includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface. For example, the pin head 1917 further includes a plurality of radial projections 1923 that define valleys therebetween, forming pin engagement sections 1927a, 1927b. The pin engagement sections 1927a, 1927b are offset from the engagement sections 1909a, 1909b in the direction of the rotational axis 1929 of the rotating elevator 1866.

[0202] The elevator 1866 also includes means for aligning one of the engagement segments 1909a, 1909b of the roller 1921A with the last blade tooth 1874A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1874A and one of the engagement segments 1909a, 1909b of the roller 1921A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning the engagement segments 1909a, 1909b positions the roller 1921A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to the elevator body 1914) such that the first engagement segment 1309a of the roller 1321A is aligned with the last blade tooth 1274A. Specifically, the means for aligning includes a biasing member 1907 (e.g., a compression spring) and an engagement member 1911 (e.g., a ball detent) supported within a recess 1913 formed in the body 1914 of the elevator 1866. Further, the means for aligning is supported within the second flange 1918B of the lifter 1866. The biasing member 1907 biases the engagement member 1911 into contact with the first pin engagement section 1927a of the pin head 1917. In particular, the biasing member 1907 is a compression spring.

[0203] like Figure 69 、 Figure 70A and Figure 70B As shown in FIG, biasing member 1907 may be preloaded, and the force of biasing member 1907 pushes engagement member 1911 into contact with first pin engagement section 1927a of pin head 1917, which prevents pin assembly 1903 from moving from TDC to BDC ( Figure 70A As the driver blade 1874A approaches TDC, the pin head 1917 overcomes the force of the biasing member 1907, which allows the pin assembly 1903 to move against the bias of the biasing member 1907.

[0204] For example, during a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, the elevator 1866 returns the piston and the driver blade 1826 from BDC toward TDC. Specifically, when returning the driver blade 1826 from BDC toward TDC, the pin assembly 1903 is in a first rotational orientation ( Figure 69 ). In the first rotational orientation, first engagement section 1909a of roller 1921A is aligned with last blade tooth 1874A, and first pin engagement section 1927a is aligned with engagement member 1911, which limits rotational movement of pin assembly 1903. As driver blade 1826 approaches the TDC position, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of biasing member 1907 and moving pin assembly 1903 from the first rotational orientation ( Figure 69 ) adjusted to the middle rotation orientation ( Figure 70A ), and adjusted to a second rotational orientation ( Figure 70B). In the intermediate rotational orientation, the engagement member 1911 compresses the biasing member 1907 within the recess 1913 so that the engagement member 1911 can move over the protrusion 1923 of the pin head 1917 as the pin assembly 1903 rotates. Once the driver blade 1826 reaches TDC, the last tooth 1874 of the blade 1826 is released ( Figure 70B ), and the driver blade 1826 moves toward BDC. Simultaneously, the biasing member 1907 urges the engagement member 1911 into engagement with the second pin engagement segment 1927b, which limits further movement of the pin assembly 1903 and positions the second engagement segment 1909b in the first rotational orientation to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 1874A and the second engagement segment 1909d for a subsequent fastener driving event. In the illustrated embodiment, the second pin engagement segment 1927b is positioned directly adjacent to the first pin engagement segment 1927a, and the second engagement segment 1909b is positioned directly adjacent to the first engagement segment 1909a. In other embodiments, the engagement member 1911 may traverse one or more of the pin engagement segments 1927a, 1927b during a fastener driving event.

[0205] Figures 71 to 74 An eleventh embodiment of a lifter assembly 2088 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator assembly 88 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "2000." The elevator assembly 2088 is used for a similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly 2088 and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter assembly 88 and Figures 71 to 74 The differences between the lifters 2066, such as the difference in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0206] The elevator 2066 includes a body 2114 having a hub 2116 through which the aperture 2110 extends, a first flange 2118A extending radially from one end of the hub 2116, and a second flange 2118B ( Figure 68) extending radially from opposite ends of the hub 2116 and spaced apart from the first flange 2118A. Further, the lifter 2066 includes a plurality of pins 2120 extending between the flanges 2118A and 2118B. In the illustrated embodiment, the last pin 2120A defines a roller rotatable relative to the body 2114. Alternatively, it should be understood that the roller may be integrally formed on the last pin 2120A. As the driver blade 2026 returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the pins 2120 sequentially engage the lift teeth 2074 formed on the driver blade 2026.

[0207] The last pin 2120A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having an engagement section 2109 that can be aligned with and engageable with the last tooth 2074A of the driver blade 2026 to hold the driver blade 2026 in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, the last pin 2120A includes a pair of opposing flat surfaces 2101 and an engagement section 2109 defined between the opposing flat surfaces. The last tooth 2074A of the driver blade 2026 engages the engagement section 2109 of the last pin 2120A, which reduces stress on the driver blade tooth 2074A and the last roller 2121A while holding the driver blade 2026 in the ready / TDC position.

[0208] Now refer to Figure 73 and Figure 74 , the lifter 2066 also includes means for aligning the engagement section 2109 of the last pin 2120A with the last blade tooth 2074A to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth 2074A and the engagement section 1309 of the last pin 2120A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning the engagement section 2109 positions the last pin 2120A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to the lifter 2066, Figure 71), so that the engagement section 2109 is aligned with the last blade tooth 2074A. Further, the means for alignment includes a bushing 2105 surrounding a portion of the pin 2120A, a biasing member 2107 positioned between the bushing 2105 and the pin 2120A, and a retaining member 2113 securing the bushing 2105 and the biasing member 2107 to the body 2114 (e.g., the second flange 2118B) of the elevator 2066. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 2107 is a torsion spring that urges the pin 2120A into the desired or first rotational orientation and allows the pin 2120A to rotate in both a clockwise direction (e.g., against the force of the torsion spring) and a counterclockwise direction (e.g., from the force of the torsion spring). Additionally, the bushing 2105 is formed of a metallic material (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), which reduces wear on the pin 2120A.

[0209] As driver blade 2074A approaches TDC, pin 2120A overcomes the force of biasing member 2107, allowing pin 2120A to rotate against the bias of biasing member 2107. For example, during a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, elevator 2066 returns the piston and driver blade 2026 from the BDC position toward the TDC position. Specifically, when returning driver blade 2026 from the BDC position toward the TDC position, pin 2120A is in a first rotational orientation. After driver blade 2026 reaches the TDC position, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of biasing member 2107 and rotating pin 2120A from the first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation (e.g., in a clockwise direction), thereby releasing driver blade 2026. Once blade 2026 is released, biasing member 2107 rotates pin 2120A in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to return to the first position, or desired rotational orientation.

[0210] Figures 75 to 77 A twelfth embodiment of a lifter 2266 is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 7 Like components and features of the embodiment of the elevator 66 of the fastener driver 10 shown in FIG are labeled with like reference numerals plus "2200." The elevator assembly is used for similar Figures 1 to 7 The fastener driver 10 of the fastener driver is a fastener driver, and accordingly, the above discussion of the fastener driver 10 is similarly applicable to the elevator assembly and is not restated. Instead, it is specifically noted herein that Figures 1 to 7 The lifter 66 and Figures 75 to 77 The differences between the lifters 2266 are, for example, the differences in the last one of the lifter pins.

[0211] The lifter 2266 includes a body 2314 having a hub; a first flange 2318A extending radially from one end of the hub 2316; and a second flange 2318B ( Figure 75 ) extending radially from opposite ends of hub 2316 and spaced apart from first flange 2318A. Further, lifter 2266 includes a plurality of pins 2320 extending between flanges 2318A and 2318B. In the illustrated embodiment, the last pin 2320A defines a roller rotatable relative to body 2314. Alternatively, it should be understood that the roller may be integrally formed on the last pin 2320A. As the driver blade (not shown) returns from the BDC position toward the TDC position, pins 2320 sequentially engage lift teeth formed on the driver blade.

[0212] The last pin 2320A includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface having one or more engagement sections 2309a-d that can be aligned with and engageable with the last tooth of the driver blade to hold the driver blade in the ready position prior to initiating a fastener driving operation. For example, the last pin 2320A includes a plurality of radial protrusions 2305 that define engagement sections 2309a-d therebetween. The last tooth of the driver blade engages one of the engagement sections 2309a-d of the last pin 2320A, which reduces stress on the driver blade tooth and the last roller while holding the driver blade in the ready / TDC position.

[0213] Now refer to Figure 76 and Figure 77 , the elevator 2266 also includes means for aligning one of the engagement segments 2309a-d of the last pin 2320A with the last blade tooth to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth and one of the engagement segments 2309a-d of the last pin 2320A. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for aligning the engagement segment 2309 positions the last pin 2320A in a first rotational orientation (e.g., relative to the elevator body 2314) such that the first engagement segment 2309a is aligned with the last blade tooth. Further, the means for aligning includes a biasing member 2307 (e.g., a compression spring) and an engagement member 2311 (e.g., a ball detent) supported within a recess 2313 formed in the body 2314 of the elevator 2266. More particularly, the means for aligning is positioned between the first flange 2218A and the second flange 2218B. The biasing member 2307 pushes the engagement member 2311 into engagement with one of the engagement sections 2309a-d (ie, the second engagement section 2309b) of the last pin 2320A. In particular, the biasing member 2307 is a compression spring.

[0214] As the driver blade approaches TDC, the last pin 2320A overcomes the force of biasing member 2307, allowing the last pin 2320A to move against the bias of biasing member 2307. For example, during a drive cycle in which a fastener is ejected into a workpiece, elevator 2266 returns the piston and driver blade from BDC toward TDC. Specifically, when returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, the last pin 2320A is in the first position. As the driver blade approaches TDC, the reaction force reaches a maximum value, thereby exceeding the predetermined force of biasing member 2307 and adjusting the last pin 2320A from the first rotational orientation to the intermediate rotational orientation, and then to the second rotational orientation. In the intermediate rotational orientation, engagement member 2311 compresses biasing member 2307, allowing engagement member 2311 to move past protrusion 2305 of the last pin 2320A. Once the driver blade reaches TDC, the last tooth of the blade is released, allowing the driver blade to move toward BDC. Simultaneously, the biasing member 2307 pushes the engagement member 2311 into engagement with the third engagement segment 2309c, which limits further movement of the last pin 2320A and positions the fourth engagement segment 2309d in a first rotational orientation to facilitate re-engagement between the last blade tooth and the fourth engagement segment 2309d for a subsequent fastener driving event.

[0215] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

[0216] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as Means for aligning the engagement section of the roller with the end portion of the teeth on the driver blade to facilitate meshing between the end portion of the teeth and the roller.

2. The powered fastener driver of claim 1, wherein: The apparatus includes a biasing member configured to bias the roller toward a first rotational orientation.

3. The powered fastener driver of claim 2, wherein: The biasing member is a leaf spring having a first end coupled to the rotary lifter and a second end engaging a second engagement section of the roller.

4. The powered fastener driver of claim 2, wherein: The biasing member is a compression spring, wherein the device comprises an engagement member positioned within a recess formed in the rotary lifter, and Wherein, the compression spring biases the engagement member into contact with the second engagement section of the roller.

5. The powered fastener driver of claim 1 , wherein: The device includes one or more friction rings positioned between the body of the lifter and the roller.

6. The powered fastener driver of claim 5, wherein: The one or more friction rings include a first friction ring positioned on a first side of the roller and a second friction ring positioned on a second side of the roller.

7. The powered fastener driver of claim 6, wherein: The first friction ring is positioned within a first recess formed in the first flange of the body, and the second friction ring is positioned within a second recess formed in the second flange of the body.

8. The powered fastener driver of claim 1, wherein: The roller is coupled for common rotation with the drive pin, The drive pin includes a pin head supported in a recess formed in the body, The pin head includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface defining a pin engagement section, and The device is configured to engage the pin engaging section of the pin head to retain the roller in the first rotational orientation.

9. The powered fastener driver of claim 8, wherein: The device includes a biasing member and an engagement member supported within a recess formed in a body of the lifter, and The biasing member biases the engagement member into engagement with the pin engagement section of the pin head.

10. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as A biasing member is coupled to the lifter, the biasing member being configured to engage the roller and position the roller in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

11. The powered fastener driver of claim 10, wherein: The engagement section is a first engagement section, and wherein the biasing member is a leaf spring having a first end coupled to the rotary lifter and a second end engaging the second engagement section of the roller.

12. The powered fastener driver of claim 11, wherein: The second joining section is 180 degrees from the first joining section.

13. The powered fastener driver of claim 11, wherein: Further including a third engagement segment positioned proximate the second engagement segment, and wherein the biasing member is configured to engage the third engagement segment as the driver blade reaches the top dead center position when the roller is rotated to the second rotational orientation.

14. The powered fastener driver of claim 13, wherein: Further including a fourth engagement section positioned proximate the first engagement section, and wherein, when the roller is in the second rotational orientation, end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the fourth engagement section of the roller.

15. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as An engagement member is biased into engagement with the roller and configured to position the roller in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

16. The powered fastener driver of claim 15, wherein: The joining section is a first joining section, The engagement member is positioned within a recess formed in the rotary lifter, and A biasing member is positioned within the recess and is configured to bias the engagement member into contact with the second engagement section of the roller.

17. The powered fastener driver of claim 16, wherein: The second joining section is 180 degrees from the first joining section.

18. The powered fastener driver of claim 16, wherein: The engagement member is a ball pin, and The biasing member is a compression spring.

19. The powered fastener driver of claim 16, wherein: Further included is a third engagement segment positioned proximate the second engagement segment, and wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the third engagement segment as the driver blade reaches the top dead center position when the roller is rotated to the second rotational orientation.

20. The powered fastener driver of claim 19, wherein: Further including a fourth engagement section positioned proximate the first engagement section, and wherein, when the roller is in the second rotational orientation, end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the fourth engagement section of the roller.

21. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body; a roller positioned on the drive pin and configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as A friction inducing member is positioned between the roller and the body of the lifter, the friction inducing member being configured to dissipate rotational energy of the roller and position the roller in a first rotational orientation in which end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the roller.

22. The powered fastener driver of claim 21, wherein: The friction inducing member includes a first friction ring positioned on a first side of the roller and a second friction ring positioned on a second side of the roller.

23. The powered fastener driver of claim 22, wherein: The first friction ring is positioned within a first recess formed in the first flange of the body, and the second friction ring is positioned within a second recess formed in the second flange of the body.

24. The powered fastener driver of claim 21, wherein: Further including a second engagement section positioned proximate the engagement section, and wherein the end portions of the teeth of the driver blade align with the second engagement section of the roller when the roller is rotated toward the second rotational orientation.

25. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body; a pin assembly rotatably coupled to the body, the pin assembly configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the pin assembly includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as An engagement member is biased into engagement with the pin assembly and is configured to position the pin assembly in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the pin assembly.

26. The powered fastener driver of claim 25, wherein: The pin assembly includes a drive pin rotatably coupled to a body of the elevator and a roller coupled for common rotation with the drive pin, and wherein the engagement section is formed in the roller.

27. The powered fastener driver of claim 26, wherein: The drive pin includes a pin head supported in a recess formed in the body, The pin head includes a non-cylindrical outer peripheral surface defining a pin engagement section, and The engagement member is configured to engage the pin engagement section of the pin head to retain the roller in the first rotational orientation.

28. The powered fastener driver of claim 27, wherein: The engagement member is supported within a recess formed in the body of the elevator, wherein the powered fastener driver further includes a biasing member that biases the engagement member into engagement with the pin engaging section of the pin head, and wherein the biasing member is positioned within the recess formed in the body of the elevator.

29. The powered fastener driver of claim 27, wherein: The pin engagement section is offset from the engagement section in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary lifter.

30. The powered fastener driver of claim 27, wherein: The pin engagement section is a first pin engagement section, wherein the pin head further includes a second pin engagement section positioned proximate the first pin engagement section, and wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the second pin engagement section as the driver blade reaches the top dead center position when the pin assembly is rotated to a second rotational orientation.

31. The powered fastener driver of claim 30, wherein: The joining section is a first joining section, The pin assembly further includes a second engagement section positioned proximate the first engagement section, and When the pin assembly is in the second rotational orientation, the end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the second engagement section of the pin assembly.

32. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body; a drive pin rotatably coupled to the body, the drive pin configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the drive pin includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as A biasing member is biased to position the drive pin in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the drive pin.

33. The powered fastener driver of claim 32, wherein: The drive pin includes a pair of opposing planar surfaces, and the engagement section is defined between the pair of opposing planar surfaces.

34. The powered fastener driver of claim 32, wherein: The biasing member is a torsion spring positioned between the drive pin and the body of the elevator.

35. The powered fastener driver of claim 34, wherein: Further included is a bushing supported within the rotary lifter, and wherein the torsion spring is positioned within the bushing.

36. The powered fastener driver of claim 35, wherein: Further included is a retaining member that secures the bushing and the torsion spring to the body of the lifter.

37. A powered fastener driver comprising: a driver blade movable from a top dead center position to a driven or bottom dead center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece; a drive unit for providing a torque to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade, the lifter being configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, the lifter having a body; a drive pin rotatably coupled to the body of the lifter, the drive pin configured to engage the teeth of the driver blade when the driver blade is moved from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, wherein the drive pin includes an engagement section shaped to receive an end portion of the teeth of the driver blade; as well as An engagement member is biased into engagement with the drive pin and is configured to position the drive pin in a first rotational orientation relative to the body of the rotary lifter so that end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the engagement section of the drive pin.

38. The powered fastener driver of claim 37, wherein: The body of the lifter includes: a hub; a first flange extending radially from one end of the hub; and a second flange extending radially from an opposite end of the hub and spaced apart from the first flange, and The engagement member is positioned between the first flange and the second flange.

39. The powered fastener driver of claim 38, wherein: The joining section is a first joining section, The engagement member is positioned within a recess formed in the riser body, and A biasing member is positioned within the recess and is configured to bias the engagement member into contact with the second engagement section of the drive pin.

40. The powered fastener driver of claim 39, wherein: The second joining section is 180 degrees from the first joining section.

41. The powered fastener driver of claim 39, wherein: The engagement member is a ball pin, and The biasing member is a compression spring.

42. The powered fastener driver of claim 39, wherein: Further including a third engagement segment positioned proximate the second engagement segment, and wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the third engagement segment as the driver blade reaches the top dead center position when the drive pin is rotated to the second rotational orientation.

43. The powered fastener driver of claim 42, wherein: Further including a fourth engagement section positioned proximate the first engagement section, and wherein end portions of the teeth of the driver blade are aligned with the fourth engagement section of the drive pin when the drive pin is in the second rotational orientation.

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