Gas spring-operated stapler

Abstract

An electric staple driver comprising: a rotatable lifter rotatably mounted within the housing and configured to engage successively with multiple teeth to move a driver blade from a bottom dead center position towards an top dead center position; a drive unit configured to impart torque to the rotatable lifter, causing it to rotate; a nozzle defining a staple driving channel, the staple driving channel extending along a driving axis of the driver blade; a workpiece contact element movable relative to the nozzle between an extended position and a retracted position; and a sensor assembly comprising a first inductive sensor configured to detect the position of the workpiece contact element in either the extended or retracted position.and a second inductive sensor configured to detect an angular position of the rotatable lifter, the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor being located on opposite sides of the rotatable lifter.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 692,268 filed on September 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Territory of Revelation

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electric staple drivers and, in particular, gas spring-operated staple drivers. Background of the Revelation

[0003] Various fastener drivers are known in engineering for driving fasteners (e.g., nails, pins, staples, etc.) into a workpiece. These fastener drivers operate using various devices known in engineering (e.g., compressed air generated by an air compressor, electrical energy, a flywheel mechanism, and the like) to drive a driving blade from a top dead center position towards a bottom dead center position, striking the fastener and driving it into the workpiece. Overview of the Revelation

[0004] The present disclosure specifies in one aspect an electric stapling device driver comprising a housing and a cylinder within the housing. The cylinder contains a pressurized gas. The electric stapling device driver also comprises a piston within the cylinder, which is movable from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position, and a driving blade, which is movably coupled to the piston to drive a stapling device into a workpiece. The driving blade has multiple teeth. The electric stapling device driver further comprises a lifting assembly configured to engage the teeth sequentially to move the driving blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position, and a nozzle that defines a stapling device driving channel from which successive stapling devices are driven from a magazine.The staple insertion channel extends along a driving axis of the driver blade. The electric staple driver also includes a workpiece contact element that is movable relative to the nozzle between an extended position and a retracted position, a sensor target coupled to the workpiece contact element for movement, and an inductive sensor configured to detect the sensor target in order to determine the position of the workpiece contact element in the extended or retracted position.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an electric staple driver comprising: a housing; a cylinder within the housing, the cylinder containing a pressurized gas; a piston within the cylinder movable from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade movably coupled to the piston for driving a staple into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising multiple teeth; a rotatable lifter rotatably mounted within the housing and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit arranged to impart torque to the rotatable lifter, thereby rotating it;a muzzle piece defining a staple insertion channel from which successive staples are inserted from a magazine, the staple insertion channel extending along an insertion axis of the driver blade; a workpiece contact element movable relative to the muzzle piece between an extended position and a retracted position; a first sensor target coupled to the workpiece contact element for movement; a first sensor positioned in front of the rotatable lifter and configured to detect the first sensor target to determine a position of the workpiece contact element in the extended or retracted position; a second sensor target coupled to the rotatable lifter for common rotation; and a second sensor positioned behind the rotatable lifter and configured to detect an angular position of the rotatable lifter.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an electric staple driver comprising: a housing; a cylinder within the housing, the cylinder containing a pressurized gas; a piston within the cylinder movable from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade movably coupled to the piston for driving a staple into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising multiple teeth; a rotatable lifter rotatably mounted within the housing and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit arranged to impart torque to the rotatable lifter, thereby rotating it;a nozzle piece defining a staple insertion channel from which successive staples are inserted from a magazine, the staple insertion channel extending along an insertion axis of the driver blade; a workpiece contact element movable relative to the nozzle piece between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor assembly comprising a first inductive sensor configured to detect the position of the workpiece contact element in the extended or retracted position; a second inductive sensor configured to detect the angular position of the rotatable lifter, the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor being located on opposite sides of the rotatable lifter.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an electric staple driver comprising: a housing; a cylinder within the housing, the cylinder containing a pressurized gas; a piston within the cylinder movable from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade movably coupled to the piston to drive a staple into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising multiple teeth; a frame located at least partially within the housing; a rotatable lifter rotatably supported by the frame and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit arranged to impart torque to the rotatable lifter, causing it to rotate;a lifting sensor assembly configured to detect an angular position of the rotatable jack, the lifting sensor assembly comprising: an inductive sensor connected to the frame between the drive unit and the rotatable jack, and a sensor target coupled to rotate with the rotatable jack.

[0008] Further features and aspects of the revelation will become clear through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric stapler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the electric staple gun from Fig. 1, where a section of a housing is obscured. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric staple gun along section line 3 - 3 in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is another cross-sectional view of the electric staple gun along section line 4 - 4 in Fig. 1. Fig. 5A is a perspective exploded view of a lifting sensor bracket and a lifting sensor of the electric stapler drive. Fig. 1. Fig. 5B is another perspective exploded view of a frame of the lifting sensor bracket and a lifting sensor of the electric stapler driver made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a section of the electric staple gun. Fig. Figure 1 shows a workpiece contact element and a workpiece contact element sensor. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a section of the electric staple gun. Fig. Figure 1 shows a nozzle piece with the workpiece contact element and the workpiece contact element sensor. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of the workpiece contact element sensor and a workpiece contact element sensor housing. Fig. Figure 8A is a perspective view of a workpiece contact element sensor according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 8B is a schematic representation of a working area of ​​the workpiece contact element sensor made of Fig. 8A. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a control system of the electric staple gun. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of an electric staple gun according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the electric staple gun from Fig. 10, where a section of a housing is obscured. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an electric staple gun according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the electric staple gun from Fig. 12, with a section of the casing obscured. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a muzzle piece, a workpiece contact element and a depth adjustment mechanism of the electric stapling tool driver. Fig. 12.

[0009] Before individual embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be noted that the application of the invention is not limited to the design details and component arrangements set out in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention can also be practiced or implemented in other embodiments and in various ways. It should also be noted that the formulations and terms used here serve only for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed description

[0010] Fig. Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 11 show a gas spring-operated stapler driver 100 according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 1 and 2 show a gas spring-operated staple gun 100 for frame constructions and Fig. Figures 10 to 11 show a gas spring-operated staple driver 100' for metal connections. The staple drivers 100, 100' are used to drive fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) held in a magazine 104 into a workpiece (not shown). Although the details of the electric staple driver 100 are not shown in this application, Fig. As explained in points 1 to 2, it should be clear that the electric staple gun 100' is made of Fig. 10 to 11 comprise the same elements, which are designated by the same reference symbols, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] The stapler driver 100 comprises a housing 108, which is shown as a two-part shell-half housing, and a drive assembly 112 ( Fig. 2) holds, which can be actuated to drive a fastening device, as well as a lifting assembly 116 ( Fig. 2), which can be actuated to reset the drive assembly 112 so that the staple driver 100 can drive another staple. The housing 108 comprises a cylinder housing section 110 and a motor housing section 114 extending therefrom. The cylinder housing section 110 is configured to hold the drive assembly (or cylinder) 112, while the motor housing section 114 is configured to hold a drive unit 118. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 118 comprises an electric motor 120 and a gearbox 124 located downstream of the motor 120. Furthermore, the housing 108 shown includes a handle section 128 extending from the cylinder housing section 110 and a battery mounting section 132 connected to the opposite end of the handle section 128. A battery 136 is detachably connected to the battery mounting section 132 and supplies the drive unit 118 with electrical current. The handle section 128 holds a trigger 140, which is pressed by the user to initiate a drive cycle of the stapler driver 100.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 of the drive assembly 112 comprises a cylinder containing a pressurized gas, a drive piston 148 mounted within the cylinder, and a driver blade 144 attached to the piston 148. The stapler driver 100 does not require an external compressed air source but comprises an outer storage chamber cylinder 152 containing pressurized gas, which is in fluid communication with an inner cylinder 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer storage chamber cylinder 152 surrounds the inner cylinder 156, and together the outer storage chamber cylinder 152 and the inner cylinder 156 form a compression chamber. As the driver blade 144 and the piston 148 move within the inner cylinder 156 toward a top dead center (TDC) position, the air within the compression chamber (for example, above the piston 148) is compressed, thereby increasing the pressure acting on the piston 148.

[0013] The lifting assembly 116 comprises a rotatable jack 160, which is enclosed within the housing 108 by a frame 164 ( Fig. 2) is held, which is integrally formed with the outer storage chamber cylinder 152. In other words, the frame 164 and the outer storage chamber cylinder 152 are formed as a single part. The frame 164 includes a flange 170 ( Fig. 5B), which extends from the outer storage chamber cylinder 152, by which the rotatable lifter 160 is at least partially rotatably mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 164 defines a receiving opening 166 ( Fig. 5B), which is dimensioned to accommodate the lifter 160, so that the rotatable lifter 160 can be supported by the flange 170. In other embodiments, the frame 164 can be designed separately from the outer cylinder 152. The rotatable lifter 160 comprises several engagement elements 168. In some embodiments, the engagement elements 168 can be a pin and / or a combination of pin and roller. The lifter 160 is supported on the frame 164 and receives a torque from the drive unit 118, causing the lifter 160 to rotate. The lifter 160 and the drive unit 118 can together be referred to as the lifting assembly 116 ( Fig. 2) When the lifter 160 rotates, the engagement elements 168 successively engage the lifting teeth 172 formed on the driver blade 144 to move the driver blade 144 along a drive axis 176 from a bottom dead center (BDC) position within the inner cylinder 156, in which the drive piston 148 is at a shock absorber 150 ( Fig. 3) sits, to return to the TDC position.

[0014] During operation, the drive unit 118 delivers the torque generated by the electric motor 120 to the rotatable lifter 160, causing it to rotate. The rotation of the rotatable lifter 160 moves the driver blade 144 from the BDC position towards the TDC position. The movement of the driver blade 144 and the piston 148 towards the TDC position compresses the gas contained in the compression chamber, thereby increasing the pressure acting on the piston 148. To drive a stapling device, the driver blade 144 is released from the rotatable lifter 160 and moves towards the BDC position due to the pressure of the expanding gas acting on the piston 148. The compression chamber is a closed environment and therefore acts like a gas spring on the piston 148. As the driver blade 144 moves towards the BDC position, it contacts the stapling device to drive the stapling device into the workpiece.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B The electric staple driver 100 comprises a lifting sensor assembly 180, which is arranged near the rotatable lifter 160. The lifting sensor assembly 180 comprises a lifting sensor 184 ( Fig. 5A) and a lifting sensor bracket 188, which is connected to the motor housing section 114 near the rotatable lifter 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 188 is connected to the frame 164, so that the lifting sensor assembly 180 is located between the motor 120 and the rotatable lifter 160 ( Fig. 3) As in Fig. 5A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the lifting sensor bracket 188 has a two-part shell half construction that houses the lifting sensor 184 ( Fig. 5A). For example, the lifting sensor bracket 188 comprises a first shell and a second shell, between which the lifting sensor 184 is enclosed. The bracket 188 also comprises several mounting sections 190, which can be selectively aligned with corresponding mounting structures 194 formed on the flange 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting sections 190 comprise an opening dimensioned to accommodate a fastening element and a projection that can be aligned with a corresponding recess defined by the mounting structures 194.

[0016] During installation, the lifting sensor 184 is inserted into the lifting sensor bracket 188, and the two sections of the bracket 188 are connected to each other. The lifting sensor assembly 180 is inserted into the receiving opening 166 defined by the frame 164 ( Fig. 5B) so that the mounting sections 190 are aligned with the mounting structures 194 on the flange 170. Screws (not shown) are inserted through the mounting sections 190 and screwed into the mounting structures 194 to attach the lift sensor assembly 180 to the flange 170. In this way, the lift sensor assembly 180 is attached to the frame 164 such that the rotatable lifter 160 rotates relative to the lift sensor bracket 188 and to the lift sensor 184. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift sensor 184 is an inductive sensor that detects a sensor target 198 (schematically shown in Fig. 5A shown) detected, which is coupled to the lift 160 for common rotation, wherein an electronic control unit 300 ( Fig. 9) in conjunction with the lifting sensor 184. The sensor target 198 is configured to be detected or sensed by the inductive sensor (i.e., the lifting sensor 184). For example, the inductive sensor may emit a magnetic field, and the sensor target 198 may be a metallic or magnetizable element. When the sensor target 198 approaches this magnetic field of the inductive sensor, the magnetic field is disturbed by the sensor target 198, which is detected by the lifting sensor 184. Therefore, it should be noted that the sensor target 198 may be a separate metal component connected to the lifter 160, or a section of the lifter 160 made of a different material than the rest of the lifter 160.

[0017] The lifting sensor 184 and the sensor target 198 together form a lifting position detection assembly configured to detect the angular position of the jack 160. In other embodiments, the lifting sensor 184 can be an alternative non-contact sensor, such as an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a magnetic sensor. The lifting sensor 184 is configured to communicate with the control unit 300 ( Fig. 9) communicates to control the operation of the drive unit and / or to detect faults in the electric stapling device driver 100 in response to the detected angular position of the lifter 160. For example, the control unit 300 can deactivate the drive unit 118 if an abnormal lifter position is detected.

[0018] With reference to Fig. The electric staple driver 100 also includes a muzzle piece 192, which is held by the frame 164. The muzzle piece 192 comprises a muzzle base 196 and a muzzle cover 200, which is connected to the muzzle base 196. The muzzle base 196 is attached at a front end ( Fig. 1) of the magazine 104. The muzzle cover 200 essentially covers the muzzle base 196 ( Fig. 6) The muzzle base 196 and the muzzle cover 200 define a stapling agent insertion channel 202 between them, from which successive stapling agents are driven from the magazine 104. The stapling agent insertion channel extends along the insertion axis 176.

[0019] The electric stapling tool 100 also includes a workpiece contact element 204, which is held by the end piece 192. The workpiece contact element 204 shown comprises a lower section 208, which can engage with a workpiece, and an upper section 212. The lower and upper sections 208, 212 are movably connected to each other by a driving depth adjustment mechanism 216, which adjusts the effective length of the workpiece contact element 204. The lower section 208 is slidably guided along the end piece 192. In particular, an upper surface of the end piece cover 200 includes a rail 218 ( Fig. 7), which is slidably engaged with a groove in the lower section 208 of the workpiece contact element 204. The lower section 208 also includes a threaded bolt 220 with an internal thread.

[0020] The upper section 212 of the workpiece contact element 204 comprises a base 224, a flange 228 extending from the base 224 and against which the insertion depth adjustment mechanism 216 abuts, and a finger 230 extending upward from the flange 228. The base 224 also includes a groove that selectively engages in the rail 218 to slidably support the upper section on the top of the muzzle base 196. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper section 212 is displaceable along the same rail 218 as the lower section 208.

[0021] A preload element (for example, a compression spring) 240 ( Fig. 6) is arranged between the frame 164 and the flange 228 to press the workpiece contact element 204 into an extended position relative to the end piece 192. The workpiece contact element 204 is movable relative to the end piece 192 between the extended position and a retracted position in which the preload element 240 is compressed. The workpiece contact element 204 moves from the extended position to the retracted position when the workpiece contact element 204 contacts a workpiece and a force directed on the workpiece is exerted by the stapling tool 100.

[0022] The insertion depth adjustment mechanism 216 comprises a screw section 232 and an adjustment knob 236. The screw section 232 extends between the lower section 208 and the upper section 212 of the workpiece contact element 204. The threaded projection 220 of the lower section 208 of the workpiece contact element 204 is screwed to the screw section 232. The adjustment knob 236 is coupled to rotate with the screw section 232. By rotating the adjustment knob 236, the lower section 208 is moved axially along the screw section 232 to adjust the projecting length of the workpiece contact element 204 relative to the distal end of the mouth piece 192. More precisely, the rotation of the adjustment knob 236 moves the lower section 208 relative to the upper section 212 to adjust the effective length of the workpiece contact element 204.

[0023] The electric stapler driver 100 also includes a workpiece contact element sensor assembly 238 (detailed in Fig. 8 shown), which is arranged near the workpiece contact element 204. The workpiece contact element sensor assembly 238 comprises a workpiece contact element sensor housing 244, which is connected to the frame 164, and a workpiece contact element sensor 248, which is received in the housing 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 244 is connected to the frame 164 such that the workpiece contact element sensor 248 is arranged adjacent to the finger 230 of the upper section 212 of the workpiece contact element 204. Furthermore, the workpiece contact element sensor assembly 238 is arranged in front of the lifter 160 (for example, between the lifter 160 and one end of the nozzle piece 192). The housing 244 also includes a wire guide 252 in which electrical wires, which run between the sensor 248 and the control unit 300 (schematically shown in 8), are routed. Fig. 8 shown) extend, are guided and / or held.

[0024] Finger 230 defines a sensor target 256 (schematically represented in Fig. 7), which is configured to be detected by the workpiece contact element sensor 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 is an inductive sensor that detects the sensor target 256, which is coupled to the workpiece contact element 204 for movement. For example, the inductive sensor can emit a magnetic field, and the sensor target 256 can be a metallic or magnetizable element. When the sensor target 256 approaches this magnetic field of the inductive sensor, the magnetic field is disturbed by the sensor target 256, which is detected by the sensor 248. Therefore, it should be noted that the sensor target 256 can be the finger 230 itself or a separate metal piece or component connected to the finger 230.

[0025] It should be noted that the sensor target can be connected to any section of the workpiece contact element 204, allowing the workpiece contact element sensor 248 to detect the sensor target. The workpiece contact element sensor 248 and the sensor target together define the workpiece contact element sensor assembly 238, which is configured to detect a linear position of the workpiece contact element 204 (for example, along the insertion axis 176). In particular, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 is configured to detect the sensor target in order to determine the position of the workpiece contact element 204 in the extended or retracted position. In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece contact element sensor assembly 238 detects the workpiece contact element 204 in the position shown in Fig. The retracted position shown in Figure 7. In other embodiments, the lifting sensor 184 can be an alternative non-contact sensor, such as an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

[0026] During operation of the stapling agent driver 100, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 supplies an input signal to the control unit 300 ( Fig. 9) to control operation and / or to detect faults in the electric stapling device driver 100 in response to the detected position of the workpiece contact element 204. For example, the control unit 300 can deactivate the drive unit 118 or prevent the drive unit 118 from being activated when the workpiece contact element sensor 248 determines that the workpiece contact element 204 is in the extended position. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 300 can deactivate the drive unit 118 when the workpiece contact element sensor 248 determines that the workpiece contact element 204 is in the retracted position.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the staple gun 100 comprises a control system 310, which includes the electronic control unit 300, the lifting sensor 184, the workpiece contact element sensor 248, and an indicator 304 that communicates with the control unit 300. The control unit 300 comprises several electrical and electronic components that power, control, and protect the components and modules within the control unit 300 and / or the electric staple gun. The indicator 304 may be visible from the outside of the housing 108 and may be configured as one or more lights (for example, a light-emitting diode or LED), a display panel, or the like. The control unit 300 can selectively activate the indicator 304 to alert the operator that maintenance is required or that a fault has occurred.For example, the control unit 300 can deactivate the drive unit 118 and activate the indicator 304 if the lift sensor 184 determines that the lifter 160 is in an abnormal lift position (for example, due to a jammed staple in the staple insertion channel 202 or the like, it does not return to a ready position between the TDC and BDC positions). Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 300 can deactivate the drive unit 118 and activate the indicator 304 if the workpiece contact element sensor 248 determines that the workpiece contact element 204 is in an abnormal position (for example, it does not return to the extended position after being lifted by a workpiece).

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 is an analog sensor held by a printed circuit board 250. The analog sensor has an operating voltage range. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating voltage range is 0.0 V to 3.3 V, while in other embodiments the operating voltage range may be 0.0 V to 5 V or another suitable voltage range. When the workpiece contact element is in the extended position and the workpiece contact element sensor 248 is not detecting the sensor target 256, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 has a quiescent voltage. In the illustrated embodiment, the quiescent voltage is essentially zero (for example, a lower value of the operating range). The term "essentially" here means plus or minus 0.2.When the workpiece contact element is in the retracted position and the workpiece contact element sensor 248 detects the sensor target 256, the workpiece contact element sensor 248 has a threshold voltage that is greater than the open-circuit voltage. In some embodiments, the threshold voltage can be essentially 3.3 V (for example, an upper value of the operating range). In other embodiments, the threshold voltage can lie between the open-circuit voltage and the upper value of the operating range. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold voltage can be correlated with a minimum distance traveled by the workpiece contact element. Thus, a linear function can be used to correlate a minimum distance traveled by the workpiece contact element (for example, in millimeters) with the threshold voltage.In other words, the threshold voltage can be linearly proportional to the minimum distance traveled by the workpiece contact element for the sensor target 256 to be detected by the workpiece contact element sensor 248.

[0029] Fig. Figures 12 to 14 illustrate a gas spring-operated fastener driver according to a further embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas spring-operated fastener driver is a gas spring-operated fastener driver for concrete. The gas spring-operated fastener driver 100" can drive fasteners (for example, nails, pins, staples, etc.) held in a magazine 104 into a concrete workpiece (not shown). The gas spring-operated fastener driver 100" is similar to the gas spring-operated fastener driver 100 from [reference missing]. Fig. 1 to 2, so that the same elements are designated with the same reference numerals. The 100" staple driver has a different nozzle and workpiece contact element configuration than the 100" and 100' gas spring-operated staple drivers.

[0030] With reference to Fig.The stapling agent driver 100" comprises a workpiece contact element 328, which is slidably engaged with the end piece 192. The end piece 192 includes an auxiliary channel 332, which differs from the stapling agent driving channel 202. In this case, the auxiliary channel 332 is arranged upstream of the stapling agent driving channel 202. The auxiliary channel 332 runs parallel to the stapling agent driving channel 202. A slot 336 extends through a wall of the end piece 192 and runs parallel to the auxiliary channel 332. The slot 336 is connected to the auxiliary channel 332. The workpiece contact element 328 is at least partially received within the auxiliary channel 332 and is slidably located relative to it, extending through the slot 336.

[0031] The workpiece contact element 328 comprises an upper workpiece contact section 340 and a lower workpiece contact section 344, which is detachably connected to the upper workpiece contact section 340. The workpiece contact element 328 can be moved from an extended position to a retracted position when the lower workpiece contact section 344 is in contact with the workpiece. A preload element 240 (for example, a compression spring) preloads the workpiece contact element 328 into the extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece contact element 328 (for example, the upper workpiece contact section 340) includes the sensor target 256, which functions in the same way as the sensor target 256 of the earlier embodiments. The lower workpiece contact section 344 comprises a cylinder 404 with a channel 408, which partially defines the tack driving channel 202.

[0032] A locking mechanism 372 detachably connects the upper workpiece contact section 340 to the lower workpiece contact section 344. An actuating element 396 is accessible from outside the housing 108 and is configured to move the locking mechanism 372 from the locked position, in which the upper workpiece contact section 340 is connected to the lower workpiece contact section 344, to the released position, in which the upper workpiece contact section 340 is connected to the lower workpiece contact section 344. Accordingly, the lower workpiece contact section 344 can be removed from the upper workpiece contact section 344. The user can then remove the lower workpiece contact section 344 and replace it with another lower workpiece contact section of a different size.For example, a first lower workpiece contact section 344 with a cylinder 404 with a channel 408 with a first inner diameter can be replaced by a second lower workpiece contact section 344 with a cylinder 404 with a channel 408 with a second inner diameter that is smaller or larger than the first inner diameter.

[0033] The 100" nail driver can drive a nail into a workpiece to a specific depth, which is determined by a depth adjustment device 436. The desired depth is determined by an effective length of the workpiece contact element 328 (for example, a length of the second end of the lower workpiece contact section 344 relative to a distal end of the mouth piece 192). The depth adjustment device 436 comprises a slide 440 and a slide frame 444.

[0034] The slide frame 444 forms a section of the workpiece contact element 328. That is, the slide frame 444 is part of the upper workpiece contact section 340. The sensor target 256 is also coupled to the slide frame 444 adjacent to its first end. The preload element 240 extends between the slide frame 444 and the frame 164. The preload element 240 preloads the slide frame 444 with the upper workpiece contact section 340 in the direction of the extended position. The slide frame 444 defines a slide axis 480 that runs transversely to the drive axis 176. A slide 440 is movably mounted through the slide frame 444 and can be moved along the slide axis 480 to adjust the effective length of the workpiece contact element 328. The slide 440 is designed so that it can be coupled to an actuating element 568 which is accessible from outside the housing 108.The actuating element 568 is designed so that it can be operated by the user to move the slide frame 444 along the axis of the slide 440 transversely to the drive axis 176.

[0035] As mentioned above, the slide frame 444 is part of the workpiece contact element 328, with the slide 440 being supported by the slide frame 444. Therefore, the slide frame 444, the slide 440, and the workpiece contact element 328 move together between the extended and retracted positions. To adjust the driving depth, the user moves the slide 440 laterally along the slide axis 480 and transversely to the driving axis 176 using the actuating element 568. As the slide 440 moves, the upper workpiece contact section 340 is adjusted relative to it (as is the lower workpiece contact section 344, since it is coupled to it). For example, if the slide 440 is moved in the first direction of arrow 570, the effective length of the workpiece contact element 328 decreases, and the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece increases.In another example, moving the slide 440 in a second direction opposite to the arrow 570 increases the effective length of the workpiece contact element 328 and reduces the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece.

[0036] Various features of the invention are set out in the following claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 692,268

[0001]

Claims

[1] Electric staple removers, comprising: a case; a cylinder inside the housing, wherein the cylinder contains a pressurised gas; a piston inside the cylinder that can be moved from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade connected to the piston, which moves with it and drives a stapling device into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising several teeth; a rotatable lifter, rotatably mounted in the housing and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit designed to exert a torque on the rotatable lifter, causing it to rotate; a muzzle piece defining a staple insertion channel from which successive staples are inserted from a magazine, the staple insertion channel extending along an insertion axis of the driver blade; a workpiece contact element that is movable relative to the nozzle between an extended position and a retracted position; a first sensor target that is coupled to the workpiece contact element for movement; a first sensor which is arranged in front of the rotatable lifter and is configured to detect the first sensor target in order to determine a position of the workpiece contact element in the extended position or the retracted position; a second sensor target coupled to the rotating lifter for joint rotation; and a second sensor, which is positioned behind the rotating lifter and is configured to detect an angular position of the rotating lifter. [2] Electric staple remover according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece contact element comprises a lower section and an upper section, which is detachably connected to the lower section, the upper section defines the first sensor target and The workpiece contact element includes a driving depth adjustment mechanism which has a slide that is movable along an axis that runs transversely to the driving axis in order to adjust an effective length of the workpiece contact element. [3] Electric staple remover according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece contact element comprises a lower section and an upper section, which is movable relative to the lower section, the upper section defines the first sensor target and The workpiece contact element includes a drive-in depth adjustment mechanism that connects the lower section and the upper section of the workpiece contact element to set an effective length of the workpiece contact element. [4] Electric staple remover according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame that is held within the housing and arranged to hold the rotating lifter; and a sensor housing that is connected to the frame in which the first sensor is housed. [5] Electric staple driver according to claim 4, wherein the second sensor is connected to the frame between the drive unit and the rotatable lifter. [6] Electric staple driver according to claim 1, wherein both the first sensor and the second sensor are inductive sensors. [7] Electric staple driver according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is arranged in front of the driver blade. [8] Electric stapler according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic control unit which is connected to the drive unit, the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the drive unit in response to the detected position of the workpiece contact element and the detected angular position of the rotatable lifter. [9] Electric staple removers, including: a case; a cylinder inside the housing, wherein the cylinder contains a pressurised gas; a piston inside the cylinder that can be moved from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade coupled to the piston to move with it and drive a stapling device into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising several teeth; a rotatable lifter, rotatably mounted within the housing and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit designed to supply torque to the rotatable lifter, causing it to rotate; a muzzle piece defining a staple insertion channel from which successive staples are inserted from a magazine, the staple insertion channel extending along an insertion axis of the driver blade; a workpiece contact element that is movable relative to the nozzle between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor assembly, comprising: a first inductive sensor configured to detect the position of the workpiece contact element in either the extended or retracted position; a second inductive sensor, which is set up to detect an angular position of the rotatable lifter, wherein the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor are located on opposite sides of the rotatable lifter. [10] Electric staple driver according to claim 9, wherein the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor are located on opposite sides of the driver blade. [11] Electric staple driver according to claim 9, further comprising a frame which is mounted inside the housing and is arranged to hold the rotatable lifter and the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor. [12] Electric stapler according to claim 9, wherein the workpiece contact element comprises a lower section and an upper section connected to the lower section, and the upper section defines a first sensor target, wherein the first inductive sensor is configured to detect the position of the first sensor target. [13] Electric stapling device driver according to claim 12, wherein a threshold voltage of the first inductive sensor is linearly proportional to a minimum distance traveled by the workpiece contact element. [14] Electric staple driver according to claim 12, wherein the second inductive sensor is arranged between the drive unit and the rotatable lifter and is configured to detect a second sensor target which is coupled to the rotatable lifter in order to rotate with it. [15] Electric stapler according to claim 9, further comprising an electronic control unit that is connected to the drive unit, the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the drive unit in response to the detected position of the workpiece contact element and the detected angular position of the rotatable lifter. [16] Electric staple removers, comprising: a case; a cylinder inside the housing, wherein the cylinder contains a pressurised gas; a piston inside the cylinder that can be moved from a top dead center position to a bottom dead center position; a driver blade coupled to the piston to move with it and drive a stapling device into a workpiece, the driver blade comprising several teeth; a frame that is at least partially located inside the housing; a rotatable lifter, rotatably mounted through the frame and arranged to engage successively with the multiple teeth to move the driver blade from the bottom dead center position towards the top dead center position; a drive unit designed to supply torque to the rotatable lifter, causing it to rotate; a lifting sensor assembly configured to detect an angular position of the rotatable lifting device, the lifting sensor assembly comprising: an inductive sensor that is coupled between the drive unit and the rotating lift with the frame, and a sensor target that is coupled in such a way that it rotates together with the rotating lifter. [17] Electric staple driver according to claim 16, wherein the frame comprises an outer storage chamber cylinder in which the pressurized gas is stored, and a flange extending from the outer storage chamber cylinder by which the rotatable lifter is at least partially rotatably mounted, and the lift sensor assembly comprises a lift sensor holder with multiple mounting sections arranged to be aligned with corresponding mounting structures on the flange in order to attach the lift sensor holder to the frame. [18] Electric staple driver according to claim 17, wherein the lifting sensor holder comprises a first shell and a second shell, between which the inductive sensor is enclosed. [19] Electric staple driver according to claim 17, wherein each of the multiple attachment sections comprises an opening dimensioned to accommodate a staple and a cylindrical projection through which the opening extends and which is aligned with a corresponding recess defined by the corresponding attachment structures. [20] Electric staple driver according to claim 16, further comprising an electronic control unit that is connected to the drive unit and the lifting sensor assembly, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the drive unit in response to the detected angular position of the rotatable lifter.

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