SETTING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting device for belted fasteners, in particular to the singulation of the fasteners from a belt designed as a magazine strip. BACKGROUND

[0002] When installing flat roof elements, especially on industrial roofs, it is necessary to connect numerous such roof segments to each other and to a supporting substructure. These flat roof elements are often made of trapezoidal sheets of steel or aluminum, only a few millimeters thick, and are screwed together, frequently with self-drilling and thread-forming screws. For the installer, it is important to be able to set these fasteners in an ergonomically sound position, preferably standing. Therefore, specially designed setting tools, so-called stand-up tools, have long been used.

[0003] The terms used below to explain the position of features and components of a setting tool refer to the upright (vertical) working position. An operator's working position is standing behind the tool; a "front view" therefore means the view of the side opposite the operator. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Document EP 1 445 072 A1 shows a setting device of the type described. It essentially consists of a motor-driven setting mandrel guided in a sleeve, a fastener feeder offset axially to the mandrel, a belt channel for a magazine strip, and a singulation device. The sleeve has a nozzle at its lower end that centers a fastener, at least at the beginning of the setting process. The lower end of the rotary-driven setting mandrel is designed as a drive and has a blade or bit that can mechanically engage the force input on the head of the fastener, thus setting the fastener. The setting mandrel is mounted axially displaceably in the sleeve and is spring-loaded so that the setting process (or the downward movement of the setting mandrel) into the substrate can take place by overcoming the spring force.

[0005] The fastener feed is designed as an axially parallel drop tube that enters the sleeve via a lateral feed in front of the nozzle. The singulation device is located at the intersection of the drop tube and the lower end of the belt channel on the upper side of the drop tube. The fasteners, belted in the magazine strip, are guided in the belt channel so that the fastener furthest forward in the working direction can enter the drop tube laterally. An ejector finger located above the intersection point pushes the fastener out of the magazine strip in a downward movement, whereupon it falls through the drop tube below the intersection point and into the nozzle via the lateral feed. Since the movement of the setting mandrel and the ejector finger are coupled, the blade of the setting mandrel engages the fastener's drive point and propels it forward.

[0006] Typically, the magazine strip is advanced by one position through the return movement of the setting mandrel or ejection finger, so that the next fastener in the downpipe is ready for ejection.

[0007] This basic principle, for non-belted fasteners, is also shown in US 3,960,191.

[0008] Document WO 2021 / 094084 A1 describes a setting device of the type described for use with a magazine strip. The special feature here is that, after the fasteners have been separated, the magazine strip is guided into a twisted ejection belt channel. This causes the empty magazine strip to be deflected laterally, which otherwise tends to curl towards the setting device and collide with it or its mechanism.

[0009] Document EP 2 402 118 A1 discloses a setting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to further develop the functional principles shown above, particularly with regard to application safety and robustness. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This problem is solved by a setting device for fasteners arranged in a magazine strip, according to claim 1. The setting device has the following features or assemblies, which are arranged on a supporting housing. Terms such as "top," "bottom," or "in working position" refer to the intended vertical orientation of the setting device during use. The term "fastener" generally refers to all fasteners that can be effectively countersunk into a substrate by a rotary motion. These can be screws, especially self-drilling screws. However, the invention is not necessarily limited to this.

[0012] A motor-driven setting mandrel is used to set the fasteners; the drive can be provided by a permanently installed motor or an attached drill. A transport device advances the magazine strip one position at a time from one fastener to the next. A singulation device removes or separates a fastener from the magazine strip at the correct time.

[0013] The magazine strips are guided in guide channels attached to the housing. These include a feed channel for the filled magazine strip, a belt channel arranged horizontally in the working position through the singulation device, and an ejection channel for the empty magazine strip. Both the feed channel and the ejection channel are essentially straight and are each connected to a free end of the belt channel via at least one connecting curve.

[0014] The singulation device comprises an ejector pin with an ejector finger; the latter can be universally designed to eject fasteners of all types from the magazine strip or be interchangeable to achieve particularly reliable or gentle singulation. In its working position, the ejector pin is guided vertically in a sleeve, which is positioned above and perpendicular to the belt channel and extends coaxially below the belt channel as a drop tube.

[0015] This design results in the guide channels for the magazine strip – viewed in the working position – forming a U-shape together with the connecting curves, with the belt channel forming the base and the feed channel and ejection channel forming the two legs of the U. The ejection channel, with its sleeve or drop tube, forms a larger angle than the feed channel. This improves both feeding and handling, as the feed and ejection channels are visually distinct due to their arrangement. Further advantages are described in the figure description.

[0016] Advantageously, the feed channel is routed essentially parallel to the sleeve or drop tube. This results in a very acute angle between the feed channel and the sleeve / drop tube, or even a parallel alignment. In the latter case, the connecting curve to the belt channel would be a 90-degree curve. Its radius is chosen so that, on the one hand, the friction between a magazine strip and the guide channel is not too high, while on the other hand, the space required for the U-shape is not too large.

[0017] Handling can be further improved by positioning the feed channel's open-top opening (in the working position) higher than the top of the discharge channel. This provides the operator with three criteria for loading the device with a new magazine strip: its position on the device (right / left), the insertion angle, and the height of the feed opening. Both the feed and ejection openings for magazine strips can be designed to facilitate insertion and removal. Funnel-shaped openings or similar insertion and removal aids are examples of such aids.

[0018] The transport mechanism of the insertion device comprises several elements and features. Centrally located is a vertical swivel arm in its working position, which is pivotally mounted at its upper end within the housing by means of a rotary bearing. This pivoting movement is effected by a guide pin on the ejector mandrel; this guide pin engages in a guide groove recessed in the swivel arm. Thus, the vertical movement of the ejector mandrel, guided within the sleeve, is converted into a positively guided oscillating movement of the swivel arm, similar to a cam follower mechanism. Furthermore, a spring-loaded feed pawl is mounted at the lower end of the swivel arm. Within the housing, two spring-loaded locking pawls are mounted on the belt channel. Both the feed pawl and the locking pawls project into the belt channel. When a magazine strip is inserted, the pawls engage in a perforation in the magazine strip.The spring support therefore pushes the pawls in the direction of the magazine strip.

[0019] Preferably, the feed pawl protrudes into the belt channel from above and the locking pawls from below.

[0020] The magazine strip used for this setting device is single-row and holds the fasteners at a distance D, measured center-to-center of each holding opening. The magazine strip is designed as a substantially flat strip of a carrier material with holding openings for the fasteners. To allow transport through the singulation device, the magazine strip will have at least one perforation arranged laterally in addition to the holding openings. The spacing D of the perforation openings corresponds to the spacing of the holding openings for the fasteners.

[0021] The magazine strip's backing material can be made of plastic, cardboard, or a biodegradable material with comparable properties. Perforations and retaining slots can be inexpensively produced by die-cutting this backing material.

[0022] Preferably, the holding openings are dimensioned to accommodate fasteners of various diameters. This increases the flexibility of the setting tool. This can be achieved by providing the holding openings with radially inward-facing retaining tongues that center the fasteners within the opening. Preferably, they are designed to be elastic enough to allow for reuse or refilling of the magazine strip with fasteners.

[0023] The singulation of fasteners in a setting device of the described type proceeds as follows. Starting with a setting device containing a correctly inserted magazine strip loaded with fasteners in a ready-to-use, upright (essentially vertical) working position, the singulation process comprises the following steps: The ejector mandrel is set into a vertical downward movement, causing a guided pivoting movement of the pivoting arm. This allows the feed pawl, which engages in the perforation of the magazine strip, to move it in the working direction, whereby the locking pawls are pushed over in the free-running direction. The free-running direction here means opposite to the direction in which the locking pawls act as a brake.

[0024] The movement of the feed pawl in the magazine strip moves the fastener furthest forward in the working direction into an ejection position. This position is characterized by the ejection mandrel, the fastener, and the drop tube forming a common longitudinal axis or line. The ejection mandrel then reaches the fastener via a vertical downward movement and pushes it out of the magazine strip and into the drop tube.

[0025] The setting process then proceeds as known in the prior art. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] Figure 1 shows a setting device according to the state of the art with its essential components. Figure 2 shows the transport and singulation mechanism in a setting device according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows an explanation of the working direction of a setting device and the course of the guide channels for the magazine strip. Figure 4shows in detail the transport mechanism in the area of ​​the belt channel. Figure 5 shows, as an example, a magazine strip with its components. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a setting device as known in the prior art. Listed are the components that are important for understanding the present invention or that have been modified compared to the invention.

[0028] The setting device 100 essentially comprises two parallel tube systems and a feed channel 105 for a filled magazine strip. The tube system shown on the left in the drawing consists of two tubes that slide within each other, an outer sleeve 127, and an inner sleeve 125. A setting mandrel 320 is mounted axially centrally in the sleeve 127 and the inner sleeve 125 and has a bit 330 at its end (lower end in the image), which is selected to be suitable for interacting with the force applied by a fastener 310 to be set. The upper end of the setting mandrel can typically be coupled to a drive unit (not shown here) that sets the setting mandrel 320 in rotation.

[0029] In the upper part of the sheath tube 127, a spring 135, here a coil spring, is arranged, which rests on the upper edge of the sleeve 125 and counteracts a downward movement of the sheath tube 127 relative to the sleeve 125.

[0030] Parallel to the sheathing tube 127 and sleeve 125 (shown on the right) is a guide tube 175, which can accommodate an ejector mandrel 170 guided axially in the center of the tube. The ejector mandrel 170 is mechanically connected to the sheathing tube 127 and can therefore be moved downwards synchronously with the setting mandrel 320 in the guide tube 175.

[0031] Parallel to the casing tube 127, a feed channel 105 for magazine strips is shown. At its upper end is an insertion opening 115, depicted here as a funnel. The feed channel is typically designed to be long enough to allow a magazine strip with a predetermined number of fasteners 310 to be inserted along its entire length and held securely. Thus, if correctly inserted, the first end of the magazine strip comes to rest against the singulation device 120 of the setting device 100. Figure 1 Only a few fasteners 310 are shown as examples.

[0032] Singulation occurs when, through a combined downward movement of the ejector mandrel 170 and the setting mandrel 320, the ejector finger 150 strikes the foremost of the strapped fasteners 310 and releases it downwards from the magazine strip, typically by ejection. The guide tube 175 is arranged coaxially with a drop tube 140, into which the singled fastener 310 falls downwards when the setting device 100 is in its working position. Through a lateral feed 145, the singled fastener 310 slides laterally into the sleeve 125 and is held and centered at its lower end by a nozzle 130. The coordinated lengths of the setting mandrel 320 and the ejection mandrel 170 ensure that the singulation device 120 releases a fastener 310 from a magazine strip before the setting mandrel 320 reaches the nozzle. When the setting mandrel encounters the fastener, it can drive it into the substrate.In a single downward movement, a strapped fastener can therefore be automatically separated and set.

[0033] When the setting mandrel 320 and ejection mandrel 170 return to their upper starting position, the magazine strip is released and a new fastener 310 is positioned. The conveying motion can be achieved by either a downward or upward movement, depending on the design.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a combination of a special singulation device and a transport device 160 in an embodiment according to the present invention.

[0035] The following elements are meant by guide channels for a magazine strip 300: The inlet opening 115 is shown in the drawing at the top right; it leads into the feed channel 105. A subsequent connecting curve 107 leads into the belt channel 155, which is located in the singulation device and also forms part of the transport device 160. A further connecting curve 112 then leads into the discharge channel 110, which terminates in a removal opening 117. These guide channels thus form a wide U-shape with a flat base, at least in the area of ​​the transport device 160, and two upward-pointing legs. As shown in the image, the angles of the discharge channel 110 and the feed channel 105 with the guide tube 175 are different, with the feed channel 105 being steeper.

[0036] The dimensions of the guide channels are defined by the dimensions of the magazine strip. The magazine strip should be guided tightly, but not jammed. The expert will determine the guide channel dimensions based on experience.

[0037] As working direction 340 (see Fig. 3 ) of a magazine strip means the movement through the guide channels from the insertion opening 115 to the removal opening 117.

[0038] The design of the guide channels ensures that a magazine strip (with fasteners) inserted in the feed channel 105 assists the conveying movement of the transport device through its own weight, while the empty magazine strip can taper off more gently in the discharge channel 100. This is particularly advantageous when the magazine strip is partially empty and needs to be moved towards the dispensing opening in the discharge channel. One might ask why such an elaborate, upward-directed guide for the empty magazine strip is beneficial. In practice, it has been shown that, depending on the type and thickness of the material, the empty magazine strip, if left unattended, either hangs down or obstructs the operator of the setting device. The guide channels 112 and 110, plus the dispensing opening 117, provide additional protection against damage to a magazine strip guided in the discharge channel 110, which is advantageous for strips that may be intended for reuse.Even transporting a setting device with a partially empty magazine strip is possible without the magazine strip jamming, tearing, getting stuck, or being accidentally pulled out. Furthermore, this ensures that the magazine strip becomes visible in the dispensing opening as the supply of fasteners decreases. In particular, if the path in the guide channel after the transport or singulation device 160 is shorter than in the feed channel 105, a defined end of the magazine strip becomes visible, allowing for safe gripping and removal of the empty magazine strip. Thus, the design with different angles for the feed channel 105 and the discharge channel 110 increases handling safety.

[0039] The supporting structure that accommodates the guide channels (115, 105, 107, 155, 112, 110, 117) of the magazine strip, as well as the transport device 160 and the singulation device, and defines their relative positions, is described here by the term housing 190. Any frame capable of fulfilling this function shall be considered a housing 190. Its design is determined by its function.

[0040] The transport device 160 is in Figure 2 in overview and in Figure 4Shown in detail. For clarity, fasteners have been omitted from these figures. The transport device 160 consists essentially of the feed pawl 230 and the two locking pawls 240 and 240'. These can be arranged one behind the other and parallel to the belt channel 155, engaging in one and the same row of perforations in the magazine strip. The locking pawls can also be doubled (i.e., a total of 4), as can one or two parallel locking pawls. This would allow two separate (parallel) rows of perforations in the same magazine strip. The basic functionality remains the same in each case.

[0041] The pawls 240 and 240' are spring-mounted in the housing 190 (springs 265, 265') such that, when engaged with a magazine strip 300, they allow movement in the working direction. As the magazine strip moves in the working direction, the pawls are pushed downwards out of the perforation of the magazine strip, i.e., against the spring force. The pawls 240, 240' can then slide along the magazine strip until the next perforation is reached. There, actuated by the spring, they engage upwards again. Conversely, the pawls 240, 240' prevent movement against the working direction.

[0042] The feed pawl 230 is also spring-mounted in the pivot arm; it is therefore forced into a movement in the working direction by the pivoting movement of the pivot arm 200 in the area of ​​the belt channel 155. When the locking lug 275 of the feed pawl 230 is engaged in the perforation, the magazine strip 300 is moved forward in the working direction. A travel limiting device 280 (in Figure 2 (realized as a finger guided in a slot) defines and limits the feed of the magazine strip 300 in the working direction.

[0043] When the pivot arm 200 reverses its movement after reaching its end position, the pawls 240, 240' hold the magazine strip securely. The locking lug 275 of the feed pawl 230 is pushed upwards out of the perforation – contrary to its spring 260 – and slides back over the magazine strip 300 against the direction of travel until it can engage downwards again in a perforation in its starting position. The spring 260 then secures the locking lug 275 in this position.

[0044] The precisely defined positions of the locking pawls 240, 240' and the feed pawl 230 allow a fastener held in the magazine strip to be ejected precisely. As in Figure 4As shown, the feed pawl 230 is preferably arranged between two longitudinally arranged locking pawls 240, 240' such that its working area lies within the section defined by the locking pawls. The locking pawls thus hold the magazine strip taut in front of and behind the ejection device.

[0045] A specialist can use the Figure 4 It is readily apparent that the distance D between the positions of the fasteners in the magazine strip 300 also determines the hole spacing of the perforation and the design of the transport device. The travel of the feed pawl per working cycle is therefore also D, and the distance between the retaining lugs of the locking pawls is likewise an integer multiple of D.

[0046] Based on Figure 2Finally, it should be explained how the pivoting movement of the swivel arm 200 is effected. The swivel arm 200 is pivotably mounted at its upper end (in working position) in the housing 190 via a rotary bearing 210. A guide groove 220 is integrated into the swivel arm, which interacts with a guide pin 180 in the manner of a cam follower. The guide pin 180 is attached to the ejector mandrel 170 and therefore accompanies its downward movement during the working cycle. How Figure 2As can be seen, the guide groove 220 has a kind of elongated S-shape. The linear downward movement of the ejector pin 170 / guide bolt 180 causes a lateral pivoting movement of the swivel arm 200. Regardless of whether the guide bolt 180 is stopped at the lower end of the guide groove 220, the travel limiter 280 ensures that the pivoting movement only covers a defined angular range. When the ejector pin moves upward or retracts, the return of the swivel arm 200 to its starting position is again enforced by the cam guide. If necessary, this return can be assisted by a return spring.

[0047] Figure 3 The figure 340 was inserted to clarify the working direction in the guide channels. The location of feed channel 105, connecting curve 107, belt channel 155, connecting curve 117 and discharge channel 110 is indicated schematically.

[0048] All figures omitted the handles, fairing parts and the drive mechanism for the setting mandrel that are usually included.

[0049] Figure 5 The figure shows an example of the components of a magazine strip as it can be used in a described setting device. The figure shows a section with three holding openings 390, 390' and 390". The distance in the longitudinal direction, measured from the center to the center of two adjacent holding openings, is D. Two outer rows of perforation openings 355, 355'... at a (longitudinal) distance D form the perforation 350. Two rows of perforation holes are preferably used because this increases transport reliability. The locking and feed latches are arranged accordingly on both sides. However, transport with perforation on one side is not excluded.

[0050] In the lowest of the shown retaining openings 390, a fastener 310 is shown from above; it is held centrally in the opening by the retaining tongues 360, 360'... The number of 8 retaining tongues is purely illustrative, as are the dimensions and arrangement of the perforation openings.

[0051] A non-explicit description of a combination of features of this invention does not mean that such a combination is not meaningful or not possible. Conversely, a joint description of features does not mean that there is necessarily a structural and / or functional relationship between the features in every case.

Claims

1. Setting tool (100) for fasteners arranged in a magazine strip (300); comprising - a support housing (190); - a motor-driven setting mandrel (320) for setting a fastener; - a transport device (160) for such a magazine strip (300) and - a separating device (120) for separating the fasteners from such a magazine strip (300); - a feed channel (105) for a loaded magazine strip, - a belt channel (155)-arranged horizontally in the operating position-for guiding magazine strips (300) through the separating device (120), and - an ejection channel (110) for an emptied magazine strip, wherein the separating device (120) comprises an ejection mandrel (170) with an ejection finger (150) that is guided vertically within a sleeve (125) in the operating position; wherein this sleeve (125) is arranged above and perpendicular to the belt channel (155) and continues coaxially below the belt channel (155) as a downpipe (140); and wherein both the feed channel (105) and the ejection channel (110) are themselves are designed substantially free of curvature and are each connected via at least one connecting curve (107, 112) to a respective free end of the belt channel (155); wherein the guide channels (105, 155, 110) for the magazine strip-as viewed in the operating position-together with the connecting curves (107, 112) form a U-shape, wherein the belt channel (155) forms the base and the feed channel (105) as well as the discharge channel (110) form the two legs of the U-shape, characterized in that the ejection channel (110) encloses a greater angle with the sleeve (125) or the downpipe (140) than the feed channel (105) with the sleeve (125) or the downpipe (140).

2. Setting tool (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed channel (105) is guided substantially parallel to the sleeve (125) or the downpipe (140).

3. Setting tool (100) according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the introduction (115), which is open at the top in the working position, into the feed channel (105) is located higher than the upper end of the ejection channel (110).

4. Setting tool according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the transport device (160) comprises: - a pivot arm (200) arranged vertically in the working position, which is pivotably mounted at its upper end in the housing (190) by means of a pivot bearing (210); - wherein the pivoting movement of the pivot arm (200) can be effected by a guide pin (180) on the ejection mandrel (170) and - this guide pin (180) engages in a guide groove (220) recessed in the pivot arm (200) and thus, in the manner of a rack-and-pinion guide, converts the vertical movement of the ejector pin (170) guided in the sleeve (125) into a forced-guided oscillating movement of the pivot arm (200); - a spring-mounted feed pawl (230) attached to the lower end of the pivot arm (200); - at least two spring-mounted locking pawls (240, 240') arranged in the housing (190) at the belt channel (155) - wherein the feed pawl (230) and the locking pawls (240, 240') project into the belt channel (155).

5. Setting tool according to claim 4, characterized in that the feed pawl (230) projects into the belt channel (155) from above and the locking pawls (240, 240') project into the belt channel (155) from below.

6. Method for separating fasteners in a setting tool (100) according to claims 1-5, having a correctly loaded magazine strip (300) provided with fasteners, wherein the setting tool (100) is in an operational, upright working position, comprising the following steps: causing the ejection mandrel (170) to move vertically downward, thereby causing a guided pivoting movement of the pivot arm (200); whereby the feed pawl (230), engaged with the perforation (350) of the magazine strip (300), moves the magazine strip (340) in the working direction (340), wherein the locking pawls (240, 240'...) are pushed past in the free-running direction for such a time until the fastener (310) furthest forward in the working direction (340) in the magazine strip (300) is conveyed into an ejection position; wherein, in this ejection position, the ejection mandrel (170), the fastener, and the downpipe form a common longitudinal axis; and thereafter, the ejection mandrel (170) pushes the fastener (310) out of the magazine strip (300) and into the downpipe (140) by means of the vertical downward movement.