Setting tool

Abstract

A setting device (100) for fasteners arranged in a magazine strip (300) is described; it comprises, in addition to a supporting housing (190), a motor-driven setting mandrel (320) for setting a fastener. The magazine strip is guided in guide channels, which consist, among other things, of a feed channel (105) for a filled magazine strip, a belt channel (155) for the magazine strip (300) – arranged horizontally in the working position – and an ejection channel (110) for the empty magazine strip. Both the feed channel (105) and the ejection channel (110) are essentially free of curvature and are each connected to a free end of the belt channel (155) via at least one connecting cam (107, 112).A transport device (160) for such a magazine strip (300) and a singulation device (120) for singulating the fasteners from such a magazine strip (300) are provided in the setting device, wherein the singulation device (120) has an ejection mandrel (170) with an ejection finger (150) which is guided vertically in a sleeve (125) in the working position. The sleeve (125) is arranged above and perpendicular to the belt channel (155) and extends coaxially below the belt channel (155) as a drop tube (140). In the invention, the guide channels (105, 155, 110) for the magazine strip - viewed in working position - together with the connecting curves (107, 112) form a U-shape, wherein the belt channel (155) forms the bottom and the feed channel (105) and the discharge channel (110) form the two legs of the U-shape and the discharge channel (110) encloses a larger angle with the sleeve (125) or the drop tube (140) than the feed channel (105).In the working position, the top-opening inlet (115) into the feed channel (105) is preferably positioned higher than the upper end of the discharge channel (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting device for belted fasteners, in particular to the separation 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 a large number of such roof segments to each other and to a supporting substructure. Such flat roof elements are often constructed as trapezoidal sheets made of steel or aluminum sheets a few millimeters thick and are screwed together accordingly, often with self-drilling and self-tapping screws. It is important for the installer to be able to install these fasteners in a comfortable posture, preferably while standing. Therefore, specially designed installation tools, so-called stand-up tools, have long been used.

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

[0004] Document EP 1 445 072 A1 shows a setting tool of the type described. It essentially consists of a motor-driven, rotary setting mandrel guided in a sleeve, a fastener feeder offset axially parallel to the sleeve, a belt channel for a magazine strip, and a separating device. The sleeve has a mouthpiece 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 an output drive and has a blade or bit that can mechanically engage the force applied to the head of the fastener and thus set the fastener. The setting mandrel is mounted axially displaceably in the sleeve and is preloaded by a spring so that the setting process (or the downward movement of the setting mandrel) into the substrate can take place while overcoming the spring force.

[0005] The fastener feed is designed as an axis-parallel drop tube that opens into the sleeve in front of the nozzle via a side feed. The separating device is located on the upper drop tube at the intersection between the drop tube and the lower end of the belt channel. The fasteners belted in the magazine strip are guided in the belt channel in such a way that the fastener closest to the front in the working direction can enter the drop tube from the side. An ejection finger located above the intersection point presses the fastener out of the magazine strip in a downward movement, whereupon it falls through the drop tube below the intersection point via the side feed into the nozzle. Because the movement of the setting mandrel and ejection finger are coupled, the blade of the setting mandrel engages the force application of the fastener and drives it.

[0006] Typically, the return movement of the setting mandrel or ejection finger moves the magazine strip one position further so that the next fastener in the downpipe is ready to be ejected.

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

[0008] Document WO 2012 / 014 084 A1 describes a setting tool of the type described for use with a magazine strip. The special feature 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 sideways, which would otherwise tend to curl toward the setting tool and collide with the setting tool or its mechanism.

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to further develop the functional principles shown above, in particular with regard to application safety and robustness. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This task is solved by a setting tool for fasteners arranged in a magazine strip, with 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 tool during use. The term "fastener" generally refers to all fasteners that can be effectively countersunk into a substrate using a rotary motion. These can be screws, especially self-drilling screws. However, the invention is not necessarily limited to this.

[0011] A motor-driven setting mandrel is used to set the fasteners; the drive can be provided by a permanently installed motor or a connected drill. A transport device is used to move the magazine strip one position at a time from one fastener to the next in a work cycle. A separating device is used to release or separate a fastener from the magazine strip at the right time.

[0012] The magazine strips are guided through guide channels mounted on the housing. These include a feed channel for the filled magazine strip, a belt channel arranged horizontally in the working position through the separating device, and an ejection channel for the emptied magazine strip. Both the feed channel and the ejection channel are essentially free of bends and are each connected to a free end of the belt channel via at least one connecting curve.

[0013] The separating device comprises an ejection mandrel with an ejection finger. The latter can be universally designed to eject all types of fasteners from the magazine strip, or it can be interchangeable to achieve particularly safe or gentle separation. The ejection mandrel is guided vertically in a sleeve - in the working position - which is arranged above and perpendicular to the belt channel and continues coaxially below the belt channel as a downpipe.

[0014] This design results in the guide channels for the magazine strip—again viewed in the working position—forming a U-shape with the connecting curves, with the belt channel forming the bottom and the feed channel and ejection channel forming the two legs of the U-shape. The ejection channel forms a larger angle with the cartridge case or downpipe than the feed channel. This improves both feeding and handling, because the feed and ejection channels are externally different in their arrangement. Further advantages are mentioned in the description of the figures.

[0015] Advantageously, the feed channel is essentially parallel to the cartridge case or the drop tube. This results in a very acute angle between the feed channel and the cartridge case / drop tube, even parallel to the guide. 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 excessive, while, at the same time, the space required by the U-shape is not excessive.

[0016] Handling can be further improved by positioning the top-opening inlet into the feed channel higher than the upper end of the ejection channel in the working position. This provides the operator with three criteria for loading the device with a new magazine strip: the position on the device (right / left), the insertion angle, and the height of the insertion opening. The insertion opening and the removal opening for magazine strips can be designed to facilitate insertion and removal. Funnel-shaped openings or similar insertion and removal aids are examples.

[0017] The transport device of the setting tool is an assembly consisting of several elements or features. Centrally located is a vertical pivot arm in the working position, which is pivotally mounted at its upper end in the housing by means of a pivot bearing. This pivoting movement is effected by a guide pin on the ejection mandrel; this guide pin engages in a guide groove recessed in the pivot arm. Thus, like a slotted guide, the vertical movement of the ejection mandrel guided in the sleeve is converted into a positively guided pendulum movement of the pivot arm. Furthermore, a spring-loaded feed pawl is attached to the lower end of the pivot arm. In turn, two spring-loaded locking pawls arranged on the belt channel are attached to the housing. Both the feed pawl and the locking pawls protrude into the belt channel. When a magazine strip is inserted, the pawls engage in a perforation in the magazine strip.The spring support pushes the latches in the direction of the magazine strip.

[0018] Preferably, the feed pawl protrudes from above and the locking pawls from below into the belt channel.

[0019] The magazine strip used for this setting tool is single-row and holds the fasteners at a distance D, measured center-to-center of a holding opening. The magazine strip is designed as a substantially flat strip of carrier material with holding openings for the fasteners. To facilitate transport through the separating device, the magazine strip will have at least one perforation arranged laterally in addition to the holding openings. The distances D between the perforation openings correspond to the distance between the holding openings for the fasteners.

[0020] The backing material of the magazine strip can be made of plastic, cardboard, or a biodegradable material with comparable properties. Perforations and retaining holes can be inexpensively produced by punching them out of this backing material.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining openings are dimensioned to accommodate fasteners of different diameters. This increases the flexibility of using the setting tool. This can be achieved by providing the retaining openings with radially inward-facing retaining tabs that center the fasteners in the retaining opening. They are preferably designed to be elastic enough to allow reuse or refilling of the magazine strip with fasteners.

[0022] The separation of fasteners in a setting tool of the type described proceeds as follows. Starting with a setting tool with a correctly inserted magazine strip containing fasteners in a ready-to-use, upright (essentially vertical) working position, the separation process comprises the following steps: The ejection mandrel is set in a vertical downward movement, causing a guided pivoting movement of the pivot arm. This allows the feed pawl, which is engaged in the perforation of the magazine strip, to move it in the working direction, with the locking pawls being pushed over in the freewheel direction. Freewheel direction here means opposite to the direction in which the locking pawls act as a brake.

[0023] The movement of the feed pawl in the magazine strip advances the fastener, which is at the front of the magazine strip 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 through its vertical downward movement and pushes it out of the magazine strip into the drop tube.

[0024] The setting process is then carried out as is known in the state of the art. SHORT NAME OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Figure 1 shows a state-of-the-art setting tool with its essential components. Figure 2 shows the transport and separation mechanism in a setting device according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows an explanation of the working direction of a setting tool 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 an example of a magazine strip with its components DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0026] Figure 1 shows a setting tool 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.

[0027] The setting tool 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 into one another: an outer sleeve 127 and an inner sleeve 125. A setting mandrel 320 is axially centered in the sleeve 127 and inner sleeve 125 and has a bit 330 at its end (bottom in the image) that is selected to interact 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 causes the setting mandrel 320 to rotate.

[0028] In the upper region of the cladding tube 127, a spring 135, here a spiral spring, is arranged, which is supported on the upper edge of the sleeve 125 and counteracts a downward movement of the cladding tube 127 relative to the sleeve 125.

[0029] Parallel to the cladding tube 127 and sleeve 125 (in the picture on the right) is a guide tube 175, which can accommodate an ejection mandrel 170 guided axially centrally therein. The ejection mandrel 170 is mechanically connected to the cladding tube 127 and can therefore be moved downwards in the guide tube 175 synchronously with the setting mandrel 320.

[0030] Again parallel to the sleeve tube 127, a feed channel 105 for magazine strips is shown. At its upper end is an insertion opening 115, shown here as a funnel. The feed channel is typically designed long enough so that a magazine strip with a predetermined number of fasteners 310 can be inserted along its entire length and securely held. The first inserted end of the magazine strip, when correctly inserted, thus rests against the separating device 120 of the setting tool 100. Figure 1 only a few fasteners 310 are shown as examples.

[0031] Separation occurs when, through a joint downward movement of the ejection mandrel 170 and the setting mandrel 320, the ejection finger 150 strikes the foremost of the strapped fasteners 310 and releases it downward from the magazine strip, usually by ejecting it. The guide tube 175 is arranged coaxially with a drop tube 140, into which the separated fastener 310 falls downward when the setting tool 100 is in the working position. Through a lateral feed 145, the separated fastener 310 slides laterally into the sleeve 125 and is held and centered at its lower end by a mouthpiece 130. The coordinated lengths of the setting mandrel 320 and the ejection mandrel 170 ensure that the separating 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 be automatically separated and set.

[0032] 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 feed motion can be achieved by either a downward or upward movement, depending on the design.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a synopsis of a special separating device and a transport device 160 according to the present invention.

[0034] The following elements are meant by guide channels for a magazine strip 300: The insertion opening 115 is shown in the drawing at the top right; it opens into the feed channel 105. A subsequent connecting curve 107 opens into the belt channel 155, which is located in the separating device and also forms part of the transport device 160. A further connecting curve 112 then leads into the ejection channel 110, which terminates with a removal opening 117. These guide channels thus form a wide U with a flat bottom, at least in the area of ​​the transport device 160, and two upwardly pointing legs. As shown in the figure, the angles of the ejection channel 110 and the feed channel 105 with the guide tube 175 are different, with the feed channel 105 being designed steeper.

[0035] The dimensions of the guide channels are determined by the dimensions of the magazine strip. The magazine strip should be guided tightly, but not jammed. The specialist will determine the guide channels based on experience.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The design of the guide channels means that a magazine strip (with fasteners) inserted in the feed channel 105 supports the conveying movement of the transport device through its own weight, while the empty magazine strip can run out more flatly in the ejection channel 100. This is particularly beneficial when the magazine strip is partially empty and needs to be moved in the ejection channel towards the removal opening. One might ask why such a complex, upward-directed guide for the empty magazine strip is advantageous. In practice, it has been shown that, depending on the type and thickness of the material, the emptied magazine strip, left to its own devices, either hangs down or gets in the way of the operator of the setting tool. The guide channels 112, 110 plus the removal opening 117 provide additional protection from damage to a magazine strip guided in the ejection channel 110, which is an advantage for strips that may be intended for reuse.A setting tool with a partially emptied magazine strip can also be transported without the magazine strip becoming jammed, torn off, caught, or accidentally pulled out. Last but not least, this also ensures that the magazine strip becomes visible in the removal opening when the fastener supply begins to tilt. Particularly when the path in the guide channel after the transport or separating device 160 is shorter than in the feed channel 105, a defined end of the magazine strip becomes visible, which also allows for safe gripping and removal of the emptied magazine strip. Thus, the design with different angles of the feed channel 105 and the ejection channel 110 increases handling safety.

[0038] 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 separating device, and defines their relative positions, is described here as housing 190. Any framework capable of performing this task is considered a housing 190. Its design is determined by its function.

[0039] 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 essentially consists of the feed pawl 230 and the two locking pawls 240 and 240'. These, arranged one behind the other and parallel to the belt channel 155, can engage one and the same row of perforations in the magazine strip. Likewise, the locking pawls can be arranged in duplicate (i.e., a total of four), 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.

[0040] The locking pawls 240 and 240' are spring-loaded (springs 265, 265') in the housing 190 so that, when engaged with a magazine strip 300, they allow movement in the working direction. When the magazine strip moves in the working direction, the locking pawls are pushed downward out of the perforation of the magazine strip, i.e., against the spring force. The locking pawls 240, 240' can then slide along the magazine strip until the next perforation hole is reached. There, actuated by the spring, they re-engage upward. In return, the locking pawls 240, 240' prevent movement against the working direction.

[0041] The feed pawl 230 is also spring-mounted in the pivot arm; it is therefore forced to move 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.

[0042] If the pivot arm 200 reverses its movement after reaching its end position, the locking pawls 240, 240' hold the magazine strip in place. The locking lug 275 of the feed pawl 230 is pushed upward out of the perforation—against its spring 260—and slides back over the magazine strip 300 in the opposite direction of travel until it can engage downward into a perforation in its starting position. The spring 260 secures the locking lug 275 in this position again.

[0043] Due to the precisely defined positions of the locking pawls 240, 240' and the feed pawl 230, a fastener held in the magazine strip can be ejected precisely. As shown in Figure 4As shown, the feed pawl 230 is preferably arranged between two locking pawls 240, 240' arranged longitudinally one behind the other, 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.

[0044] A specialist can use the Figure 4 It is readily apparent that the distance D between the fastener positions 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 work cycle is therefore also D, and the distance between the retaining lugs of the locking pawls is also an integer multiple of D.

[0045] Based on Figure 2Finally, it should be explained how the pivoting movement of the pivot arm 200 is effected. The pivot arm 200 is pivotally mounted at its upper end (in the working position) via a pivot bearing 210 in the housing 190. A guide groove 220 is incorporated into the pivot arm, which interacts with a guide pin 180 like a slotted guide. The guide pin 180 is attached to the ejection mandrel 170 and therefore accompanies its downward movement during the working cycle. Figure 2As can be seen, the guide groove 220 has a kind of elongated S-shape. The linear downward movement of the ejection mandrel 170 / guide pin 180 causes a lateral pivoting movement of the pivot arm 200. Regardless of a stop of the guide pin 180 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 ejection mandrel moves up or back, the return of the pivot arm 200 to its starting position is again forced by the guide link. If necessary, this return can be assisted by a return spring.

[0046] Figure 3 was inserted to clarify the working direction 340 in the guide channels. The position of feed channel 105, connecting curve 107, belt channel 155, connecting curve 117, and discharge channel 110 is indicated schematically.

[0047] In all figures, the usual handles, cladding parts and the drive motor for the setting mandrel were omitted.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an example of the components of a magazine strip as it can be used in a described setting tool. The figure shows a tear-out strip with three holding openings 390, 390', and 390". The longitudinal distance measured from center to center between two adjacent holding openings is D. Two externally arranged 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 pawls are arranged accordingly on both sides. However, transport with a single-sided perforation is not excluded.

[0049] In the lowest of the illustrated retaining openings 390, a fastener 310 is shown from above; it is held centrally in the opening by the retaining tabs 360, 360'... The number of eight retaining tabs is purely illustrative, as are the dimensions and arrangement of the perforation openings.

[0050] A non-explicit representation of a combination of features of this invention does not mean that such a combination is not sensible or not possible. Conversely, a joint representation of features does not mean that a mandatory structural and / or functional relationship exists between the features in every case.

Claims

1. Setting tool (100) for fasteners arranged in a magazine strip (300); comprehensive- a supporting 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 filled magazine strip, - a belt channel (155) - arranged horizontally in the working position - for the magazine strip (300) through the separating device (120) and - an ejection channel (110) for an emptied magazine strip, wherein the separating device (120) has an ejection mandrel (170) with an ejection finger (150) which is guided vertically in a sleeve (125) - in the working 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 discharge channel (110) themselves are designed to be substantially free of curvature and are each connected to a free end of the belt channel (155) via at least one connecting curve (107, 112); ; characterized in that the guide channels (105, 155, 110) for the magazine strip - viewed in the working position - together with the connecting curves (107, 112) form a U-shape, wherein the belt channel (155) forms the bottom and the feed channel (105) and the ejection channel (110) form the two legs of the U-shape and the ejection channel (110) forms a larger angle with the sleeve (125) or the downpipe (140) than the feed channel (105).

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 claim 1-2, characterized in thatthe - in working position - top-open inlet (115) into the feed channel (105) is higher than the upper end of the discharge channel (110).

4. Setting tool according to claim 1-3, characterized in thatthe transport device (160) comprises: - a pivot arm (200) which is arranged vertically in the working position and which is pivotally fastened 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 slotted guide, converts the vertical movement of the ejection mandrel (170) guided in the sleeve (125) into a positively guided pendulum movement of the pivot arm (200); - A spring-loaded feed pawl (230) attached to the lower end of the swivel arm (200) - At least two spring-loaded locking pawls (240, 240') arranged in the housing (190) on the belt channel (155) - Wherein the feed pawl (230) and the locking pawls (240, 240') protrude into the belt channel (155).

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

6. Magazine strip (300) for use in a setting device (100) according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the magazine strip (300) is designed as a substantially flat strip of a carrier material and has holding openings (390, 390'...) for fasteners (310).

7. Magazine strip (300) according to claim 6, characterized in that the magazine strip (300) is provided with at least one laterally arranged perforation in addition to the holding openings (390, 390'...), wherein the distances D of the perforation openings (355, 355',...) correspond to the distance of the holding openings (390, 390'...) for fasteners (310).

8. Magazine strip (300) according to claim 6-7, characterized in that the carrier material of the magazine strip (300) consists of plastic, cardboard or a biodegradable material with comparable properties.

9. Magazine strip (300) according to claim 6-8, characterized in that the holding openings (390, 390'...) have holding tongues (360, 360'...) for the fasteners (310) which are designed to be elastic so that reuse or refilling of the magazine strip (300) with fasteners (310) is possible.

10. A method for separating fasteners in a setting tool (100) according to claims 1-9, with a correctly inserted magazine strip (300) provided with fasteners, wherein the setting tool (100) is in an operational, upright working position, comprising the following steps: setting the ejection mandrel (170) in a vertical downward movement, thereby causing a guided pivoting movement of the pivot arm (200); whereby the feed pawl (230), in engagement 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'...) in the free-running direction; until the foremost fastener (310) in the magazine strip (300) in the working direction (340) 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 then the ejection mandrel (170) pushes the fastener (310) out of the magazine strip (300) into the downpipe (140) by the vertical downward movement.

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