Push-in tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a driving tool (10) comprising an energy storage device receiver (1) with an open-ended receptacle (2) for receiving an energy storage device (12). The receiver (1) also includes a connector (3) at a closed end of the receptacle (2) for connection with the energy storage device (12) and a gripper (4) for engaging at least a portion of one lateral side (14) of the energy storage device (12) when connected to the connector (3). The gripper (4) is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position to engage the energy storage device (12).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driving tools, in particular to a receiver for an energy storage device, such as a battery or a fuel cartridge for driving tools. Technical background

[0002] Energy storage device receivers for driving tools typically include a connector with an electrical or fluidic connection to a contact or output of the energy storage device. The connector usually includes a mechanical connection sufficient to retain the energy storage device. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a receiver for an energy storage device that retains the energy more effectively within the device. The present invention also aims to provide a receiver that allows for more efficient thermal control of the energy storage device.

[0004] The invention relates to an energy storage device receiver for a driving tool, the receiver comprising a receptacle and at least one gripper for engaging the energy storage device.

[0005] The inventors observed that the recoil caused by firing the driving tool can exert pressure on the connector and may even dislodge the energy storage device under certain circumstances. The presence of at least one gripper that engages with the energy storage device can mitigate this problem.

[0006] The presence of at least one gripper that engages with the energy storage device allows for thermal contact between the two, which can be used to control the temperature of the energy storage device. For example, it can be useful to cool the batteries in cases of frequent use of the driving tool.

[0007] Similarly, when fuel is extracted from a fuel canister in use, some of the remaining fuel vaporizes, which lowers the temperature of the fuel in the canister. One consequence of this temperature reduction is a significant drop in pressure within the canister and the fuel it contains.

[0008] The inventors found that this pressure reduction can affect the injection system and, in extreme cases, lead to tool failure if the combustion tool is used continuously for extended periods.

[0009] The invention therefore allows for a more efficient heat transfer between a temperature control means and the energy storage device.

[0010] The energy storage device may include a battery. The driving tool may include an electric or electromagnetic driving means or mechanism.

[0011] Alternatively, the energy storage device may include a fuel cartridge. The driving tool may include a combustion tool, which may have a combustion chamber.

[0012] The receptacle may have an open end, for example, to receive the energy storage device. The receptacle may include a connector. The connector may be at one end of the receptacle, which can be closed, for example, for connection to the energy storage device, or it may be a connector on the energy storage device itself. The connector on the energy storage device may include a battery contact for an electrical connection or a fuel canister outlet for a fluid connection.

[0013] The gripper can be used to engage at least part of a side or lateral wall of the energy storage device, for example, when it is connected to the connector. The gripper can be movable from a retracted position to a deployed position to engage the energy storage device.

[0014] The invention also relates to an energy storage device receiver for a driving tool, the receiver comprising an open-ended receptacle for receiving an energy storage device, a connector at a closed end of the receptacle for connection with the energy storage device, and a gripper for engaging at least a portion of a lateral side of the energy storage device when connected to the connector, wherein the gripper is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position to engage the energy storage device.

[0015] The lateral side of the energy storage device may include a side wall. The gripper may be designed to engage at least part of a side wall of the energy storage device, for example, when connected to the connector.

[0016] The gripper can be actuated or actuable from its retracted position to its deployed position by a force, which can be applied to push the energy storage device into the receiver and / or to connect it to the connector, for example, connect the connector of the energy storage device.

[0017] More specifically, the gripper can be actuated from its retracted position to its deployed position by an applied force to push the energy storage device into the receiver and / or to connect it to the connector.

[0018] The gripper may include a stop. The stop can be configured to be engaged by the energy storage device, for example when it is inserted into the receiver.

[0019] More specifically, the gripper may include a stop configured to be engaged by the energy storage device when inserted into the receiver.

[0020] The gripper can be connected, for example in a movable manner, to the receiver by at least one pivot joint. The gripper can be connected to the receiver by at least one, for example two, pivot joint(s) such that a force applied to push the gripper towards the closed end of the receptacle causes it to move inwards within the receptacle, from its retracted position to its extended position. The force applied to push the gripper towards the closed end of the receptacle can correspond to the force applied to push the energy storage device into the receiver and / or to connect it to the connector.

[0021] More specifically, the gripper can be movably connected to the receiver by at least one pivoting linkage so that the force applied to push the energy storage device into the receiver causes a displacement of the gripper into the receptacle, from its retracted position to its deployed position.

[0022] The pivot joint(s) may include or provide a four-bar linkage. Each pivot joint may be connected, for example by pivoting, to the receptacle, for example to a wall of the receptacle, at one end and / or to the gripper or the elongated element at its other end.

[0023] The gripper may include an elongated element. The elongated element may include an engagement surface. The engagement surface may be configured to engage with the energy storage device, for example on its side or side wall and / or along most or all of its length.

[0024] More specifically, the gripper may include an elongated element with an engagement surface to engage on the lateral side of the energy storage device over most or all of its length.

[0025] The surface can be curved and / or concave, for example at least partially cylindrical.

[0026] More specifically, the engagement surface can be at least partially cylindrical.

[0027] The gripper may include an elastic element. The elastic element may describe the engagement surface, for example in such a way as to ensure contact over at least part, for example almost all, of the engagement surface.

[0028] More specifically, the gripper may include an elastic element that describes the engagement surface in such a way as to ensure contact over almost the entire engagement surface.

[0029] The elastic element may include a foam material.

[0030] The gripper or elastic element may include a metallic part, such as a metal sheet. The metallic part may be attached to the foam material. The metallic part may define the engagement surface.

[0031] In some cases, the foam can be thermally conductive. The foam may consist of a thermally conductive or heat-conducting foam. The foam may contain thermally conductive particles, such as metallic particles. The foam material may also include a thermally conductive non-metallic material. The foam may include a thermally conductive silicone sponge.

[0032] The gripper or stop may include a flange. The flange may include a stop surface. The stop surface may be substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface. The stop surface may be configured to be engaged by the energy storage device when the energy storage device is inserted, for example, when it is inserted into the receiver.

[0033] More specifically, the stop may include a flange with a stop surface substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface which is configured to be engaged by the energy storage device when inserted into the receiver.

[0034] The stop or stop surface can be configured to be engaged by a shoulder of the energy storage device, for example that surrounds the connector of the energy storage device.

[0035] The gripper can be moved towards its retracted position.

[0036] The gripper can be activated by a spring.

[0037] More specifically, the gripper can be forced towards its retracted position by a spring.

[0038] The spring can be a tension spring or an elastic band. The spring can connect the gripper, for example, the elongated element of the gripper, to a support located at or near the open end of the receptacle. The advantage is that regardless of the orientation of the driving tool, the gripper is always in the retracted position when the energy storage device is not in the tool.

[0039] The receiver may include a stop, which may be adjacent to the pivot connection between the pivot joint(s) and the receptacle. The stop(s) may serve to limit the movement of the pivot joint or gripper, for example, in the deployed position. The stop(s) may serve to limit the movement of the pivot joint or gripper which would otherwise cause the gripper to retract away from the energy storage device.

[0040] At least one gripper may be part of a pair of grippers, which may engage on different or opposite sides, for example, opposite lateral sides, of the energy storage device. The pair of grippers may produce a jaw effect.

[0041] Each clamp may include one or more of the features described above.

[0042] The invention also relates to a driving tool. The driving tool may include a receiver for an energy storage device, for example as described above.

[0043] The invention also relates to a driving tool comprising an energy storage device receiver as described above.

[0044] The driving tool may include a temperature control device. This temperature control device may be operationally connected to the gripper. The temperature control device may be configured to heat and / or cool the energy storage device.

[0045] More specifically, the driving tool may include a temperature control device operationally connected to the gripper and configured to heat or cool the energy storage device received in the receptacle.

[0046] The temperature control device can be operationally connected to the metal part of the gripper.

[0047] The driving tool may include an energy storage device. The energy storage device may include a battery or a fuel cartridge. The connector for the energy storage device may include a battery contact, for example, for making an electrical connection. The connector for the energy storage device may include a fuel cartridge outlet, for example, for making a fluid connection.

[0048] The driving tool may include an electrical or electromagnetic driving means or mechanism, for example when the energy storage device includes a battery.

[0049] Alternatively, the insertion tool may include a combustion element, for example, when the energy storage device includes a fuel cartridge. The insertion tool may include a combustion chamber, which can be seamlessly connected to the receiver connector.

[0050] More specifically, the driving tool may include a combustion chamber fluidly connected to the receiver connector and a fuel cartridge with a side wall and outlet fluidly connected to the receptacle connector, in which the gripper is in the deployed position to engage with the fuel cartridge.

[0051] The driving tool may include a nail gun or a stapler.

[0052] The invention also relates to a combustion tool comprising a fuel cartridge receiver as described above and a combustion chamber fluidly connected to the receiver connector.

[0053] The combustion tool may include a fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge may include a side wall and / or an outlet. The outlet may be fluidly connected to the receptacle connector. The gripper may be in the deployed position, for example, to engage with the fuel cartridge.

[0054] The combustion tool may include a nail gun or a stapler.

[0055] To avoid any doubt, all the characteristics described herein also apply to every aspect of the invention.

[0056] To avoid any ambiguity, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used in this document should be interpreted as non-limiting, so that not every feature so described is necessarily present. Brief description of the figures

[0057] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 illustrates a diagram of a driving tool including an energy storage device receiver as an example; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the receptor of the figure 1 before the insertion of an energy storage device into it; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 illustrates a view similar to that of the figure 2during the insertion of the energy storage device; and [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 illustrates a view similar to that of the figures 2 And 3 when the energy storage device is fully inserted. Detailed description of the invention

[0058] Now, referring to the figure 1 We can see a driving tool 10, which is a combustion tool in this example. The combustion tool 10 comprises a combustion chamber 11 and an energy storage device receiver 1, inside which is received an energy storage device 12, a fuel cartridge in this example. In this example, the combustion tool 10 is a nail gun.

[0059] Fuel cartridge 12 (see figures 3 And 4) includes an outlet 13 at one end and a side wall 14 describing a chamber into which fuel is received. In this example, the combustion tool 10 also includes a temperature control device 15 for heating the fuel cartridge 12.

[0060] THE figures 2 to 4 show the fuel cartridge receiver 1, which includes an open-ended receptacle 2 for receiving the fuel cartridge 12, a closed-ended connector 3 for fluidic connection with the outlet 13 of the fuel cartridge 12 and a gripper 4 for engaging a portion of the side wall 14 of the fuel cartridge 12 when connected to the connector 3.

[0061] The gripper 4 includes an elongated element 40 movably connected by at least one, in this case two, pivoting links 41. In this example, each pivoting link 41 is pivotally connected to a wall of the receptacle 2 at one end and to the elongated element 40 at its other end, thus obtaining a four-bar linkage.

[0062] The elongated element 40 of the gripper 4 includes a stop 42 provided by a flange 43 which extends from the elongated element 40. The flange 43 includes a stop surface 44 configured to be engaged by the fuel cartridge 12 when it is inserted into the receiver 1.

[0063] The elongated element 40 of the gripper 4 also includes a partially cylindrical engagement surface 45 for engaging with the side wall 14 of the fuel cartridge 12 along most of its length. The flange 43 extends radially from the engagement surface 45 of the elongated element 40. As such, the abutment surface 44 is substantially radial, or perpendicular, to the engagement surface 45.

[0064] Thanks to this arrangement, the gripper 4 is actuated by the fuel cartridge 12 from a retracted position (as shown in the figure 4 ) to a deployed position (as shown by the figure 4 ) to engage the fuel cartridge 12. A tension spring 5 connects the elongated element 40 of the gripper 4 to a support 50 located at the open end of the receptacle 2. The tension spring 5 forces the gripper 4 towards its retracted position.

[0065] More specifically, when the fuel cartridge 12 is inserted into the receptacle 2, a shoulder 13a surrounding the outlet 13 of the fuel cartridge 12 engages with the stop surface 44 of the gripper 4. Thus, a force F applied to push the fuel cartridge 12 into the receiver 1 and to connect the outlet 13 of the fuel cartridge 12 to the connector 3 causes a displacement of the gripper 4 from its retracted position to its deployed position.

[0066] A stop 41a is adjacent to the pivot connection between each pivot joint 41 and the wall of the receptacle 2. These stops 41a limit the rotational movement of the pivot joints 41, which would otherwise cause the gripper 4 to retract relative to the fuel cartridge 12.

[0067] The gripper 4 also includes an elastic element 46 which describes the engagement surface 45 so as to ensure contact over almost the entire engagement surface 45. The elastic element 46 includes a foam material 47, in this example, and a metal sheet 48 on the foam material 47, which describes the engagement surface 45.

[0068] The temperature control device 15 is operationally connected to the gripper 4. More specifically, the temperature control device 15 is operational for heating the metal sheet 48 describing the engagement surface 45, which in turn heats the fuel cartridge 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the force applied by the gripper 4 to engage the metal sheet 48 with the side wall 14 of the fuel cartridge 12 ensures good thermal contact between them, which improves heating efficiency.

[0069] A person skilled in the art will understand that the methods of implementation described above can vary in many ways. List of reference signs

[0070] 1 fuel cartridge receiver 10 combustion tool 11 combustion chamber 12 fuel cartridge 13 fuel cartridge outlet 13a fuel cartridge shoulder 14 fuel cartridge side wall 15 temperature control device 2 open-ended receptacle 3 connector 4 gripper 40 gripper elongated element 41 swivel joint 41 swivel joint stop 42 gripper stop 43 gripper flange 44 gripper stop surface 45 gripper engagement surface 46 gripper elastic element 47 foam material 48 metal sheet 5 tension spring 50 support Fforce

Claims

1. Energy storage device receiver (1) for a driving tool (10), the receiver (1) comprising an open-ended receptacle (2) for receiving an energy storage device (12), a connector (3) at a closed end of the receptacle (2) for connection with the energy storage device (12) and at least one gripper (4) for engaging at least a portion of a lateral side (14) of the energy storage device (12) when connected to the connector (3), wherein the gripper (4) is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position to engage the energy storage device (12).

2. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gripper (4) is configured to be actuated from its retracted position to its deployed position by a force (F) applied to push the energy storage device (12) into the receiver (1) and / or to connect it to the connector (3).

3. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 2, wherein the gripper (4) includes a stop (42) configured to be engaged by the energy storage device (12) when inserted into the receiver (1).

4. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gripper (4) is movably connected to the receiver (1) by at least one pivoting link (41) such that the force (F) applied to push the energy storage device (12) into the receiver (1) causes a displacement of the gripper (4) into the receptacle (2), from its retracted position to its deployed position.

5. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper (4) comprises an elongated element (40) with an engagement surface (45) for engaging on the lateral side (14) of the energy storage device (12) over most or all of its length.

6. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement surface (45) is at least partially cylindrical.

7. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the gripper (4) comprises an elastic element (46) which describes the engagement surface (45) so as to ensure contact over almost the entire engagement surface (45).

8. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element (46) comprises a foam material.

9. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the stop (42) comprises a flange (43) with a stop surface (44) substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface (45) which is configured to be engaged by the energy storage device (12) when inserted into the receiver (1).

10. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper (4) is forced towards its retracted position.

11. Energy storage device receiver (1) according to claim 10, wherein the gripper (4) is forced towards its retracted position by a spring (5).

12. Driving tool (10) comprising an energy storage device receiver (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Driving tool (10) according to claim 12 comprising a temperature control device (15) operationally connected to the gripper (4) and configured to heat or cool the energy storage device (12) received in the receptacle (2).

14. Driving tool (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13 comprising a combustion chamber (11) fluidly connected to the connector (3) of the receiver (1) and a fuel cartridge (12) with a side wall (14) and an outlet (13) fluidly connected to the connector (3) of the receptacle (2), in which the gripper (4) is in the deployed position to engage in the fuel cartridge (12).

15. Driving tool (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 comprising a nail gun or a stapler.

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