Driving tool and its consumables

Abstract

The invention relates to a driving tool (1) for driving a fastener (31, 7) into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means (2), a reader (5, 6) operationally connected to the control means and a consumable device (3, 4) mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material (30, 40), in which the reader is configured to read the encoded material and the control means is configured to set one or more of the tool's operating parameters based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

Description

[0001] DRIVING TOOL AND ITS CONSUMABLES

[0002] Priority Claim

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of French Application No. 2307067, which was filed on July 3, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Technical field of the invention

[0005] The present invention generally relates to a driving tool for driving fasteners, such as nails and staples, into a substrate. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a driving tool configured to automatically recognize a consumable loaded into this tool and to consumables provided with identification means designed for use in such a driving tool.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] There are known driving tools configured to automatically recognize a consumable.

[0008] FR2854340A1 discloses a tool with a reading device for reading coding on a strip forming a magazine for fasteners and an automatic control mechanism for setting sealing parameters of a sealing operation.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an improved driving tool, in particular a more versatile tool.

[0011] One specific, but not exclusive, purpose of the present invention is to provide a means of more reliably recognizing a consumable device mounted on or in such a tool.

[0012] The invention relates to a tool, for example a driving tool, with a consumable device mounted on or in the tool, which comprises an encoded material that can be read by a reader in the tool.

[0013] The use of a readable encoded material on the consumable device provides a more versatile arrangement with a means of more reliably recognizing the consumable device.

[0014] The tool can be used to drive a fastener into a substrate. The tool can comprise a control means. The tool can comprise a reader, which can be operationally connected to the control means. The reader can be configured to read the encoded material. The control means can be configured to set or adjust one or more of the tool’s operating parameters, for example based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0015] The invention also relates to a driving tool for driving a fastener into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means, a reader operationally connected to the control means and a consumable device mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material, in which the reader is configured to read the encoded material and the control means is configured to set or adjust one or more of the tool’s operating parameters based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0016] The encoded material can be included along at least part of the length, and / or on at least part of the edge, of the consumable device.

[0017] The reader can be configured to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0018] More specifically, the encoded material can be included along at least part of the length, or at least part of the edge, of the consumable device, the reader being configured to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0019] The invention also relates to a driving tool for driving a fastener into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means, a reader operationally connected to the control means and a consumable device mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material included along at least part of its length, or on at least part of its edge, in which the reader is configured to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations, and the control means is configured to set or adjust one or more of the tool’s operating parameters based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0020] The reader can comprise an emitter, for example for emitting electromagnetic energy. The reader can comprise a receiver, for example to receive the electromagnetic energy reflected by the encoded material. The encoded material can be configured to reflect electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature, which can be associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0021] More specifically, the reader can comprise an emitter for emitting electromagnetic energy and a receiver to receive the electromagnetic energy reflected by the encoded material, the encoded material being configured to reflect electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0022] The encoded material can be deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a part of the consumable device.

[0023] The encoded material can comprise phosphors or particles incorporated or embedded in the encoded material.

[0024] The reader can be configured to emit and receive visible and / or ultraviolet and / or infrared light.

[0025] The tool’s operating parameter(s) can comprise a drive energy and / or a drive distance and / or an amount of fuel to be discharged, for example for each shot, and / or a fuel discharge distribution profile, for example for each shot.

[0026] The tool’s operating parameter(s) can comprise the overall operation of the tool. The tool’s operating parameter(s) can comprise blocking the tool’s operation. The tool’s operating parameter(s) can comprise disabling the tool or one or more of its functions.

[0027] The tool can comprise a nail gun or a stapler.

[0028] The invention also relates to a consumable device designed for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above. The device can comprise an encoded material. The encoded material can be read by a reader on the driving tool when the consumable device is mounted in or on the driving tool.

[0029] The invention also relates to a consumable device designed for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above, the device comprising an encoded material that can be read by a reader on the driving tool when the consumable device is mounted in or on the driving tool.

[0030] The encoded material can be included along at least part of the length or at least part of the edge of the device, for example to enable the reader on the driving tool to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0031] The reader can be configured to transmit one or more characteristics of the encoded material, for example its spectral signature, to the control means. The control means can be configured to compare the characteristic(s) with a database of characteristics associated with known consumable devices. The control means can be configured to identify a known consumable device as a result of the comparison. The control means can be configured to set or adjust one or more operating parameters based on the comparison or based on the identified consumable device. The control means can comprise an automatic control mechanism. The invention also relates to a method for setting one or more operating parameters of a driving tool according to a consumable device mounted on or in the tool.

[0032] The method can comprise reading an encoded material included on or in the consumable device, for example reading a spectral signature of the device. The method can comprise setting one or more of the tool’s operating parameters based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material, for example based on the spectral signature.

[0033] The method can comprise comparing the characteristic(s) with a database of characteristics associated with known consumable devices. The method can comprise identifying a known consumable device as a result of the comparison. The method can comprise setting or adjusting one or more operating parameters based on the comparison or based on the identified consumable device.

[0034] The invention also relates to a consumable device designed for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above, the device comprising an encoded material included on at least part of its length or on at least part of its edge to enable the reader of the driving tool to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0035] The encoded material can be included over most or substantially all of the length of the consumable device. The encoded material can be included over most or substantially all of the edge of the consumable device.

[0036] The encoded material can be configured to reflect electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0037] The encoded material can be deposited on the consumable device.

[0038] The encoded material can be deposited directly on the consumable device.

[0039] The encoded material can be laminated onto or molded into the consumable device.

[0040] The encoded material can be incorporated into the consumable device.

[0041] The encoded material can be incorporated into or onto a label or sticker. The encoded material can be deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a label or sticker. The label or sticker can be attached to the consumable device.

[0042] The consumable device can comprise a fastener, for example a nail or a staple. The encoded material can be incorporated into or onto the fastener in any of the aforementioned ways. In particular, the consumable device can comprise a nail or a staple onto which the encoded material is deposited.

[0043] The consumable device can comprise a strip of fasteners. Fasteners can comprise nails or staples. The consumable device or strip of fasteners can comprise a strip of nails or of staples. The strip of fasteners can comprise a holder, for example on which the fasteners or nails or staples are mounted. The encoded material can be incorporated into or onto the strip of fasteners, for example in the holder, in any of the aforementioned ways.

[0044] In particular, the consumable device can comprise a strip of nails or of staples with the encoded material deposited on or incorporated into a holder on which the nails or staples are mounted.

[0045] In some examples, the tool’s operating parameter(s) set based on the characteristic(s) of the encoded material incorporated into or onto the strip of fasteners can comprise a drive energy and / or a drive distance, for example according to the type and / or length of the fasteners.

[0046] The consumable device can comprise a fuel cartridge or a battery. The encoded material can be incorporated into or onto the fuel cartridge or battery in any of the aforementioned ways.

[0047] In particular, the consumable device can comprise a fuel cartridge or a battery on which the encoded material is deposited directly on or incorporated into a label or sticker attached thereto.

[0048] In some examples, the tool’s operating parameter(s) set based on the characteristic(s) of the encoded material incorporated into or onto the fuel cartridge can comprise an amount of fuel to be discharged, for example for each shot, and / or a fuel discharge distribution profile, for example for each shot.

[0049] The consumable device can comprise an accessory to be attached to the substrate by a fastener. The encoded material can be incorporated into or onto the accessory in any of the aforementioned ways.

[0050] In particular, the consumable device can comprise an accessory to be attached to the substrate by a fastener, the encoded material being deposited on or incorporated into the accessory.

[0051] In some examples, the tool’s operating parameter(s) set based on the characteristic(s) of the encoded material incorporated into or onto the accessory can comprise a drive energy and / or a drive distance, for example according to the type and / or length of the accessory. The encoded material can be included in a plurality of different locations along the length or around the edge of the consumable device with spaces between each different location.

[0052] For the avoidance of doubt, all the features described herein also apply to any aspect of the invention.

[0053] As part of this application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives disclosed in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, can be taken separately or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way, unless these features are incompatible.

[0054] In order to avoid any ambiguity, the terms “can”, “and / or”, “for example”, and any other similar term used in the present document must be interpreted as not limiting, such that any feature thus described is not necessarily required to be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly foreseen without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not they are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any claim originally filed or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any claim originally filed to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, though it is not originally claimed in this manner.

[0055] Brief description of the figures

[0056] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which will be understood in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0057] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 illustrates a driving tool according to one example of the invention for driving a fastener into a substrate;

[0058] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 illustrates one of the readers on the driving tool in Figure 1 ;

[0059] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 illustrates the spectral signature of the strip of fasteners mounted in the driving tool in Figure 1 ;

[0060] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 illustrates the strip of fasteners mounted in the driving tool in Figure 1;

[0061] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 illustrates the fuel cartridge mounted in the driving tool in Figure 1; [Fig. 6] Figure 6 illustrates a single nail designed for use in an adapted version of the driving tool in Figure 1; and

[0062] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 illustrates a battery designed for use in the driving tool in Figure 1.

[0063] Detailed description of the invention

[0064] Referring to Figure 1, a driving tool 1 for driving fasteners into a substrate can be seen. The tool 1 comprises an automatic control mechanism 2, a plurality of consumable devices 3, 4 mounted in the tool 1 and a plurality of readers 5, 6 operationally connected to the automatic control mechanism 2.

[0065] In this example, the tool 1 is a nail gun, but the invention also applies to staplers and to tools for driving other types of fasteners. One of the consumable devices 3, 4 is a strip of fasteners 3 which, in this example, are nails 31. The other of the consumable devices 3, 4 is a fuel cartridge 4.

[0066] The consumable devices 3, 4 each have an encoded material 30, 40, which is read by one of the readers 5, 6. The configuration of each reader 5, 6 is substantially identical in this example and is illustrated in Figure 2. Each reader 5, 6 comprises an emitter 50, 60 for emitting electromagnetic energy 51 , 61 (illustrated in Figure 1) and a receiver 52, 62 for receiving the electromagnetic energy 51 , 61 reflected by the encoded material 30, 40. In this example, the electromagnetic energy 51 , 61 emitted by the emitters 50, 60 is ultraviolet light.

[0067] In this embodiment, the encoded material 30, 40 is a coating or an ink incorporating phosphors or particles. These phosphors or particles enable the encoded material 30, 40 to reflect the electromagnetic energy emitted by the emitter 50, 60 according to a predetermined spectral signature associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device 3, 4. By way of example, the spectral signature 35 of the encoded material 30 on the strip of fasteners 3 is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0068] In this example, the predetermined spectral signatures are linked to ultraviolet wavelengths, but the person skilled in the art will understand that they could be linked to wavelengths in the visible or infrared spectrum, for example. Other configurations of the encoded materials 30, 40 are also conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0069] The reader 5, 6 transmits the spectral signature to the automatic control mechanism 2, which compares it with a database of spectral signatures associated with known consumable devices 3, 4. If a known consumable device 3, 4 is identified, the automatic control mechanism 2 sets one or more suitable operating parameters for the consumable device 3, 4.

[0070] The parameters relating to the strip of fasteners 3 can comprise the drive energy or the drive distance, depending on the type and / or length of the nails 31. The parameters of the fuel cartridge 4 can include the amount of fuel to be discharged or the fuel distribution profile for each shot. Another parameter relating to one or the other of the consumable devices 3, 4, or to both, could be the overall operation of the tool 1. For example, if the consumable device 3, 4 is not recognized, the operation of the tool 1 can be prevented or one or more functions can be disabled.

[0071] As shown more clearly in Figure 4, the nails 31 on the strip of fasteners 3 are mounted on a holder 32 which, in this example, is a strip of paper. The encoded material 30 is deposited on the entire length of the holder 32, for example by printing or spraying. It is also conceivable to laminate the encoded material 30 into or onto the paper, or to incorporate it in another way.

[0072] Since the encoded material 30 is present along the entire length of the holder 32, and therefore along the entire length of the strip of fasteners 3, it can be read by the reader 5 throughout its consumption. In other words, the reader 5 can scan the encoded material 30 before each shot, thereby confirming the continuous presence of the nails 31. This also keeps the tool 1 from having to recognize the loading of a new strip of fasteners 3.

[0073] Similarly, and as shown more clearly in Figure 5, the encoded material 40 is deposited, for example by printing or spraying, on an outer surface 41 of the fuel cartridge 4 along a strip extending around its entire edge. It is also conceivable for the encoded material 40 to be incorporated or printed on a label or sticker attached to the outer surface 41 of the fuel cartridge 4.

[0074] Since the encoded material 40 is present all around the edge of the fuel cartridge 4, it can be read by the reader 6 regardless of its orientation. The fuel cartridge 4 is cylindrical and is connected using a non-directional connector 42, which means it can be connected in any rotatable orientation around its axis. As every part of the encoded material 40 has the same spectral signature, it can be read when the fuel cartridge 4 is in any rotatable orientation.

[0075] With the invention, the consumable devices 3, 4 can therefore be read throughout their use, regardless of their position or orientation. Referring now to Figure 6, an individual nail 7 is shown, designed for use in an adapted version of the driving tool in Figure 1. The nail 7 comprises an encoded material 70, which is deposited, for example by printing or spraying, on its outer surface 71 , immediately below a head 72 of the nail 7, along a strip extending over its entire edge. As with the fuel cartridge 4, the encoded material 70 can be read by a reader (not shown) regardless of its orientation.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a battery 8 designed for use in the driving tool in Figure 1. The battery 8 comprises an encoded material 80 incorporated into each of the four labels or stickers 81. Each label or sticker 81 is attached to one of the four sides 82 of the battery 8. In this example, the battery 8 has a square cross-section with four sides 82 of equal width, and the tool 1 receives the battery 8 in a correspondingly shaped compartment. The electrical connectors 83 on the battery 8 enable it to be mounted inside the tool 1 in one of four possible orientations. However, regardless of the orientation, the reader (not shown) is capable of reading the encoded material 80.

[0077] The person skilled in the art will understand that battery 8 need not have a square cross-section with four sides 82 of equal width. It can have a rectangular or elliptical cross-section with labels or stickers 81 attached on only two sides. In this case, the correspondingly shaped compartment in the tool 1 could receive the battery 8 in either of the two orientations, and the inclusion of a label or sticker 81 on opposite sides can enable the reader (not shown) to read the encoded material 80 regardless of the orientation in which it is inserted.

[0078] Throughout the description, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended for (and do not exclude) other whole or partial parts, additives or components. Throughout the description, the singular includes the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0079] Any features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. List of Reference Numbers

[0080] 1 driving tool

[0081] 2 automatic control mechanism

[0082] 3 strip of fasteners

[0083] 30 encoded material

[0084] 31 nails

[0085] 32 holder

[0086] 35 spectral signature

[0087] 4 fuel cartridge

[0088] 40 encoded material

[0089] 41 outer surface

[0090] 42 non-directional connector

[0091] 5 reader

[0092] 50 emitter

[0093] 51 electromagnetic energy

[0094] 52 receiver

[0095] 6 reader

[0096] 60 emitter

[0097] 61 electromagnetic energy

[0098] 62 receiver

[0099] 7 single nail

[0100] 70 encoded material

[0101] 71 outer surface

[0102] 72 head

[0103] 8 battery

[0104] 80 encoded material

[0105] 81 label or sticker

[0106] 82 side

[0107] 83 electrical connectors

Claims

CLAIMS1. A driving tool (1 ) for driving a fastener (31 , 7) into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means (2), a reader (5, 6) operationally connected to the control means and a consumable device (3, 4) mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material (30, 40) included along most or substantially all of its length or around most or substantially all of its edge, in which the reader is configured to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any of a plurality of different positions or orientations, and the control means is configured to set one or more of the tool’s operating parameters based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

2. The driving tool according to claim 1 , in which the reader (5, 6) comprises an emitter (50, 60) for emitting electromagnetic energy (51 , 61 ) and a receiver (52, 62) for receiving the electromagnetic energy reflected by the encoded material (30, 40), the encoded material being configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature (35) associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

3. The driving tool according to any of the preceding claims, in which the encoded material (30, 40) is deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a part of the consumable device (3, 4).

4. The driving tool according to any of the preceding claims, in which the encoded material (30, 40) comprises phosphors or particles incorporated or embedded in the encoded material.

5. The driving tool according to any of the preceding claims, in which the reader (5, 6) is configured to emit and receive visible and / or ultraviolet and / or infrared light.

6. A consumable device (3, 4, 7, 8) designed for use in a driving tool (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the device comprising an encoded material (30, 40, 70, 80) included along most or substantially all of its length or around most or substantially all of its edge to enable the reader of the driving tool to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

7. The consumable device according to claim 6, in which the encoded material (30, 40, 70, 80) is configured to reflect electromagnetic energy (51 , 61) according to a predetermined spectral signature (35) associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device (3, 4, 7, 8).

8. The consumable device according to claim 7, in which the encoded material (30, 40, 70, 80) is deposited on the consumable device (3, 4, 7, 8).

9. The consumable device according to claim 8, in which the consumable device comprises a nail (7) or a staple onto which the encoded material (70) is deposited.

10. The consumable device according to claim 9, in which the encoded material (30, 80) is laminated onto, or molded into, the consumable device (3, 8).11 . The consumable device according to claim 8 or claim 10, in which the consumable device comprises a strip of nails (3) or of staples with the encoded material (30) deposited on or incorporated into a holder (32) on which the nails (31 ) or staples are mounted.

12. The consumable device according to claim 8 or claim 10, in which the consumable device comprises a fuel cartridge (4) or a battery (8) on which the encoded material is deposited directly on or incorporated into a label or sticker attached thereto.

13. The consumable device according to claim 8 or claim 10, in which the consumable device comprises an accessory to be attached to the substrate by a fastener, the encoded material being deposited on or incorporated into the accessory.

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