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) operatively connected to the control means and a consumable device (3, 4) mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material (30, 40), wherein the reader is configured to read the encoded material and the control means is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the tool based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader. Figure for abstract: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: DRIVING TOOL AND ITS CONSUMABLES Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally 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 therein and consumables provided with identification means for use in such a driving tool. Technical background

[0002] Driving tools configured to automatically recognize a consumable product are known.

[0003] FR2854340A1 discloses a tool equipped with a reading device for reading codings on a strip forming a magazine of fasteners and an automatic control device for adjusting sealing parameters of a sealing operation. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an improved driving tool, in particular a more versatile tool.

[0005] A specific, but not exclusive, objective of the present invention is to provide a means for more reliably recognizing a consumable device mounted on or in such a tool.

[0006] 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 readable by a reader of the tool.

[0007] The use of readable encoded material on the consumable device provides a more versatile arrangement with a means to more reliably recognize the consumable device.

[0008] The tool may be for driving a fastener into a substrate. The tool may include a control means. The tool may include a reader, which may be operatively connected to the control means.

[0009] The reader may be configured to read the encoded material. The control means may be configured to set or adjust one or more operating parameters of the tool, for example based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0010] The invention also relates to a driving tool for driving a member of fixing in a substrate, the tool comprising a control means, a reader operatively connected to the control means and a consumable device mounted on or in the tool and having an encoded material, wherein the reader is configured to read the encoded material and the control means is configured to set or adjust one or more operating parameters of the tool based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0011] The encoded material may be included along at least a portion of the length, and / or at least a portion of the periphery, of the consumable device.

[0012] The reader may be configured to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0013] More specifically, the encoded material may be included along at least a portion of the length, or on at least a portion of the periphery, 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.

[0014] The invention also relates to a driving tool for driving a fastener into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means, a reader operatively connected to the control means and a consumable device mounted on or in the tool and having encoded material included along at least a portion of its length, or on at least a portion of its periphery, wherein 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 operating parameters of the tool based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

[0015] The reader may include a transmitter, for example, for transmitting electromagnetic energy. The reader may include a receiver, for example, for receiving electromagnetic energy reflected by the encoded material. The encoded material may be configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature, which may be associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0016] More specifically, the reader may include a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic energy and a receiver for receiving electromagnetic energy reflected by the encoded material, the encoded material being configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0017] The encoded material may be deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a portion of the consumable device.

[0018] The encoded material may include phosphors or particles incorporated or embedded in the encoded material.

[0019] The reader may be configured to emit and receive visible and / or ultraviolet and / or infrared light.

[0020] The operating parameter(s) of the tool may include 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.

[0021] The operating parameter(s) of the tool may include the general operation of the tool. The operating parameter(s) of the tool may include a blocking of the operation of the tool. The operating parameter(s) of the tool may include a disabling of the tool or one or more of its functions.

[0022] The tool may include a nailer or a stapler.

[0023] The invention also relates to a consumable device for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above. The device may comprise an encoded material. The encoded material may be readable by a reader of the driving tool when the consumable device is mounted in or on the driving tool.

[0024] The invention also relates to a consumable device for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above, the device comprising coded material readable by a reader of the driving tool when the consumable device is mounted in or on the driving tool.

[0025] The encoded material may be included along at least a portion of the length or at least a portion of the periphery of the device, for example to enable the reader of the driving tool to read the encoded material when the consumable device is in any of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0026] The reader may be configured to transmit to the control means one or more characteristics of the encoded material, for example its spectral signature. The control means may be configured to compare the one or more characteristics to a database of characteristics associated with known consumer devices. The control means may be configured to identify a known consumable device following the comparison. The control means may 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 may comprise an automatic control device.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting one or more operating parameters of a driving tool as a function of a consumable device. mounted on or in it.

[0028] The method may include reading an encoded material included on or in the consumable device, e.g., reading a spectral signature thereof. The method may include adjusting one or more operating parameters of the tool based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material, e.g., based on the spectral signature.

[0029] The method may include comparing the one or more characteristics to a database of characteristics associated with known consumer devices. The method may include identifying a known consumer device as a result of the comparison. The method may include setting or adjusting one or more operating parameters based on the comparison or based on the identified consumer device.

[0030] The invention also relates to a consumable device for use in a driving tool, for example a driving tool described above, the device comprising coded material included along at least a portion of its length or at least a portion of its periphery to enable the reader of the driving tool to read the coded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

[0031] The coded material may be included over most or substantially all of the length of the consumable device. The coded material may be included over most or substantially all of the periphery of the consumable device.

[0032] The encoded material may be configured to reflect electromagnetic energy according to a predetermined spectral signature associated with one or more characteristics of the consumable device.

[0033] The encoded material may be deposited on the consumable device.

[0034] The coded material can be deposited directly onto the consumable device.

[0035] The encoded material may be laminated onto or molded into the consumable device.

[0036] The encoded material may be incorporated into the consumable device.

[0037] The coded material may be incorporated in or on a label or sticker. The The encoded material may be deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a label or sticker. The label or sticker may be affixed to the consumable device.

[0038] The consumable device may comprise a fastener, for example a nail or a staple. The coded material may be incorporated into or onto the fastener in one of the aforementioned ways.

[0039] In particular, the consumable device may comprise a nail or staple on which the coded material is deposited.

[0040] The consumable device may comprise a strip of fasteners. The fasteners may comprise nails or staples. The device The consumable or the strip of fasteners may comprise a strip of nails or staples. The strip of fasteners may comprise a backing, for example, on which the fasteners or the nails or staples are mounted. The coded material may be incorporated into or onto the strip of fasteners, for example, in the backing, in any of the ways described above.

[0041] In particular, the consumable device may comprise a strip of nails or staples with the encoded material deposited on or incorporated into a carrier on which the nails or staples are mounted.

[0042] In some examples, the tool operating parameter(s) adjusted based on the characteristic(s) of the encoded material incorporated in or on the fastener strip may include a drive energy and / or a drive distance, for example based on the type and / or length of the fasteners.

[0043] The consumable device may include a fuel cartridge or a battery. The coded material may be incorporated into or onto the fuel cartridge or battery in one of the aforementioned ways.

[0044] In particular, the consumable device may comprise a fuel cartridge or a battery on which the coded material is deposited directly or incorporated into a label or sticker attached thereto.

[0045] In some examples, the one or more operating parameters of the tool adjusted based on the one or more characteristics of the encoded material incorporated in or on the fuel cartridge may include an amount of fuel to be discharged, e.g., for each shot, and / or a fuel discharge distribution profile, e.g., for each shot.

[0046] The consumable device may include an accessory to be secured to the substrate by a fastener. The encoded material may be incorporated into or onto the accessory in one of the aforementioned ways.

[0047] In particular, the consumable device may comprise an accessory to be attached to the substrate by a fastening element, the coded material being deposited on or incorporated into the accessory.

[0048] In some examples, the tool operating parameter(s) adjusted based on the characteristic(s) of the encoded material incorporated in or on the accessory may include a drive energy and / or a drive distance, for example based on the type and / or length of the accessory.

[0049] The encoded material may be included in a plurality of different locations along the length or around the periphery of the consumable device with spaces between each different location.

[0050] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0051] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0052] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not expressly claimed. Applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend upon and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim not originally claimed in this manner. Brief description of the figures

[0053] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0054] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates a driving tool according to an example of the invention for driving a fastener into a substrate;

[0055] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates one of the drives of the driving tool of [Fig.l];

[0056] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the spectral signature of the band of fixing elements mounted in the driving tool of [Fig.l];

[0057] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates the strip of fasteners mounted in the tool of sinking of [Fig.l];

[0058] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates the fuel cartridge mounted in the tool of sinking of [Fig.l];

[0059] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a singular nail intended to be used in a version adapted from the driving tool of [Fig.l]; and

[0060] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a battery for use in the tool of sinking of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0061] Referring to [Fig.l], a driving tool 1 for driving fasteners into a substrate can be seen. The tool 1 comprises an automatic control device 2, a plurality of consumable devices 3, 4 mounted in the tool 1 and a plurality of drives 5, 6 operatively connected to the automatic control device 2.

[0062] In this example, the tool 1 is a nailer, but the invention also applies to staplers and 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.

[0063] The consumable devices 3, 4 each comprise a coded 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 [Fig. 2]. Each reader 5, 6 comprises a transmitter 50, 60 for emitting electromagnetic energy 51, 61 (illustrated in [Fig. 1]) and a receiver 52, 62 for receiving the electromagnetic energy 51, 61 reflected by the coded material 30, 40. In this example, the electromagnetic energy 51, 61 emitted by the transmitters 50, 60 is ultraviolet light.

[0064] In this embodiment, the coded material 30, 40 is in the form of a coating or ink incorporating phosphors or particles. These phosphors or particles allow the coded 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 coded material 30 of the strip of fasteners 3 is illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0065] In this example, the predetermined spectral signatures are related to ultraviolet wavelengths, but those skilled in the art will understand that they could be related to wavelengths in the visible or infrared spectrum, for example. Other configurations of the coded materials 30, 40 are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] The reader 5, 6 transmits the spectral signature to the automatic control device 2, which compares it to a database of spectral signatures associated with known consumable devices 3, 4. Upon identifying a known consumable device 3, 4, the automatic control device 2 sets one or more appropriate operating parameters for the consumable device 3, 4.

[0067] The parameters relating to the strip of fasteners 3 may include the driving energy or the driving distance depending on the type and / or length of the nails 31. The parameters of the fuel cartridge 4 may include the amount of fuel to be discharged or the fuel distribution profile for each shot. Another parameter relating to one or both of the consumable devices 3, 4 could be the general operation of tool 1. For example, if consumable device 3, 4 is not recognized, operation of tool 1 may be prevented or one or more functions may be disabled.

[0068] As shown more clearly in [Fig. 4], the nails 31 of the strip of fasteners 3 are mounted on a support 32 which, in this example, is in the form of a strip of paper. The coded material 30 is deposited, for example by printing or spraying, onto the support 32 over its entire length. It is also envisaged to laminate the coded material 30 in or onto the paper or to incorporate it therein in some other way.

[0069] Since the coded material 30 is present over the entire length of the support 32, and therefore over 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 coded material 30 before each shot, which makes it possible to confirm the continuous presence of the nails 31. This also avoids the tool 1 having to recognize the loading of a new strip of fasteners 3.

[0070] Similarly, and as more clearly shown in [Fig. 5], the coded material 40 is deposited, for example by printing or spraying, on an external surface 41 of the fuel cartridge 4 along a strip extending around its entire periphery. It is also envisaged that the coded material 40 is incorporated or printed on a label or sticker attached to the external surface 41 of the fuel cartridge 4.

[0071] Since the coded material 40 is present around the entire periphery 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 an unoriented connection 42, which means that it can be connected in any rotational orientation about its axis. The fact that any part of the coded material 40 has the same spectral signature means that it can be read when the fuel cartridge 4 is in any rotational orientation.

[0072] Thanks to the invention, the consumable devices 3, 4 can therefore be read throughout their use, whatever their position or orientation.

[0073] Referring now to [Fig. 6], there is shown an individual nail 7 for use in an adapted version of the driving tool of [Fig. 1]. The nail 7 comprises a coded material 70, which is deposited, for example by printing or spraying, on its external surface 71, immediately beneath a head 72 of the nail 7, along a band extending around its entire periphery. As with the fuel cartridge 4, the coded material 70 can be read by a reader (not shown) regardless of its orientation.

[0074] [Fig. 7] shows a battery 8 for use in the driving tool of [Fig. 1]. The battery 8 includes a coded material 80 incorporated in each of 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 receptacle. The electrical connectors 83 of the battery 8 allow it to be mounted within the tool 1 in one of four possible orientations. However, regardless of the orientation, the reader (not shown) is able to read the coded material 80.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that the battery 8 need not have a four-sided square section 82 of equal width. It may have a rectangular or elliptical section with labels or stickers 81 attached to only two sides. In this case, the correspondingly shaped receptacle in the tool 1 could accommodate the battery 8 in either orientation, and the inclusion of a label or sticker 81 on opposite sides allows the reader (not shown) to read the encoded material 80 regardless of the orientation in which it is inserted.

[0076] Throughout the specification, the words "include" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0077] 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 signs

[0078] 1 driving tool

[0079] 2 automatic control device

[0080] 3 strip of fixing elements

[0081] 30 coded matter

[0082] 31 nails

[0083] 32 support

[0084] 35 spectral signature

[0085] 4 fuel cartridges

[0086] 40 coded matter

[0087]

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[0090]

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[0100]

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[0105] 41 external surface 42 non-oriented connection 5 reader 50 transmitter 51 electromagnetic energy 52 receiver 6 reader 60 transmitter 61 electromagnetic energy 62 receiver 7 individual nail 70 coded material 71 external surface 72 head 8 battery 80 coded material 81 label or sticker 82 side 83 electrical connectors

Claims

Claims

1. A driving tool (1) for driving a fastener (31, 7) into a substrate, the tool comprising a control means (2), a reader (5, 6) operatively connected to the control means and a consumable device (3, 4) mounted on or in the tool and having encoded material (30, 40) included along most or substantially all of its length or around most or substantially all of its periphery, wherein 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 adjust one or more operating parameters of the tool based on one or more characteristics of the encoded material read by the reader.

2. The driving tool of claim 1, wherein the reader (5, 6) comprises a transmitter (50, 60) for transmitting electromagnetic energy (51, 61) and a receiver (52, 62) for receiving 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 of any preceding claim, wherein the encoded material (30, 40) is deposited or laminated onto, or molded into, a portion of the consumable device (3, 4).

4. The driving tool of any preceding claim, wherein the encoded material (30, 40) comprises phosphors or particles incorporated or embedded in the encoded material.

5. The driving tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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) for use in a driving tool (1) according to any preceding claim, the device comprising coded material (30, 40, 70, 80) included along most or substantially all of its length or around most or substantially all of its periphery to enable the reader of the driving tool to read the coded material when the consumable device is in any one of a plurality of different positions or orientations.

7. The consumable device of claim 6, wherein 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 of claim 7, wherein the encoded material (30, 40, 70, 80) is deposited on the consumable device (3, 4, 7, 8).

9. The consumable device of claim 8, wherein the consumable device comprises a nail (7) or staple on which the encoded material (70) is deposited.

10. The consumable device of claim 9, wherein the encoded material (30, 80) is laminated onto, or molded into, the consumable device (3, 8).

11. The consumable device of claim 8 or claim 10, wherein the consumable device comprises a strip of nails (3) or staples with the coded material (30) deposited on or embedded in a carrier (32) on which the nails (31) or staples are mounted.

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

13. The consumable device of claim 8 or claim 10, wherein the consumable device comprises an accessory to be secured to the substrate by a fastening member, the encoded material being deposited on or incorporated into the accessory.

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