DRIVING TOOL

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool for driving fasteners (10). The tool comprises a weight (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate, a central guide (31) surrounding the weight (14), a release cage (30), and a rod (2) for pushing the release cage (30) so that it moves along the weight (14) to actuate a firing release mechanism (3). The release cage (30) engages slidably with the central guide (31) as it moves along the weight (14). Figure for the abstract: FIG. 10.

Description

Title of the invention: DRIVING TOOL Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driving tools. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a driving tool with a firing release mechanism to selectively allow the tool to be fired. Technical background

[0002] Driving tools with a firing release mechanism to selectively allow the tool to be fired are known. These tools normally include a feeler which, when actuated, applies a balanced force to the firing release mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a tool for driving fasteners, the tool comprising: a weight for driving fasteners into a substrate; a central guide surrounding the weight; a release cage for actuating a firing release mechanism to allow the tool to be fired; and a rod for pushing the release cage so that it moves along the weight to actuate the firing release mechanism; wherein the release cage engages in a sliding manner with the central guide when it moves along the weight.

[0004] The rod may be parallel to the weight and / or offset from it.

[0005] More precisely, the rod can be parallel to the weight but offset from it.

[0006] The invention also relates to a tool for driving fasteners, the tool comprising: a weight for driving fasteners into a substrate; a central guide surrounding the weight; a release cage for actuating a firing release mechanism to allow the tool to be fired; and a rod parallel to the weight but offset from it to push the release cage so that it moves along the weight to actuate the firing release mechanism; wherein the release cage engages in a sliding manner with the central guide when it moves along the weight.

[0007] The rod can be disconnected from the release cage.

[0008] The assembly may include a spring-loaded means surrounding the central guide to push the release cage to a pre-activated position in order to prevent the tool from triggering.

[0009] The release cage may include a ring. The ring may be made of a polymer material, which may be lubricated. The ring may provide a contact surface for engaging with the central guide.

[0010] More specifically, the release cage may include a ring formed of a lubricated polymer material that provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide.

[0011] The tool may include a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly.

[0012] The assembly may include a probe. The probe may be threaded onto the rod. The probe may have a contact end, for example, for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be inserted.

[0013] The assembly may include a knurled wheel. The knurled wheel may be slidably coupled to the rod. The knurled wheel may be axially captured relative to the tool, for example, such that the rotation of the knurled wheel causes the rotation of the rod and / or allows the rod to slide relative to the tool and / or relative to the knurled wheel.

[0014] Rotating the knob can move the probe relative to the driving tool. Moving the probe can adjust the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0015] More specifically, the tool may include a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly, the assembly comprising: a probe threaded onto the shank and having a contact end for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a knurled knob slidably coupled to the shank and axially captured relative to the tool such that rotation of the knurled knob causes rotation of the shank while allowing the shank to slide relative to the tool and relative to the knurled knob; wherein rotation of the knurled knob moves the probe relative to the tool, thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0016] The rod may include a non-circular cross-section, for example, over at least part of its length. The wheel may include a hole. The hole may cooperate with the non-circular cross-section of the rod, for example, to rotationally couple the wheel to the rod while allowing it to slide along the rod.

[0017] In some examples, the rod includes a non-circular cross-section over at least part of its length and the wheel includes a hole which cooperates with the non-circular cross-section of the rod to rotationally couple the wheel to the rod while allowing it to slide along the rod.

[0018] The tool may include a locking means. The locking means may be located between the wheel and the tool. The locking means may be designed to block, for example, by removably blocking, rotation between them.

[0019] More specifically, the tool may include a locking means between the wheel and the tool to removably block rotation between them.

[0020] The locking means may include a notch. The notch may receive a rib. The knob may be pushed into a locked position. In the locked position, the rib may be pushed into the notch, for example when they are aligned with each other.

[0021] In some examples, the locking means includes a notch which receives a rib and the wheel is pushed into a locked position in which the rib is pushed into the notch when they are aligned with each other.

[0022] The notch can be in the wheel. The rib can be on the tool.

[0023] In some examples, the notch is in the wheel and the rib is on the tool.

[0024] The tool may include a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel can to be received. The tool may include a spring-loaded means, for example between a first flange and the wheel. The spring-loaded means may push the wheel, for example towards a second flange. The second flange may include the rib.

[0025] More specifically, the tool may include a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel is received, and a spring-loaded means between a first of the flanges and the wheel, which pushes the wheel towards a second of the flanges which includes the rib.

[0026] The tool may include a nail gun or a stapler.

[0027] For the avoidance of doubt, all the features described herein also apply to every aspect of the invention.

[0028] In the context of this 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 their individual features, may be considered 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.

[0029] To avoid any ambiguity, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used in this document shall be interpreted as non-limiting, so that not every feature so described is necessarily present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged 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. indication although it was not originally claimed in this way. Brief description of the figures

[0030] 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 accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates a driving tool according to an example;

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an enlarged partial view showing the worm mechanism rusting between the wheel and the support of the tool depth adjustment assembly of [Fig.1];

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the depth adjustment assembly for the the tool of [Fig.1] shown in a minimum depth configuration;

[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view through the rod and the probe of the entire [Fig.3];

[0035] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view through the stem of the assembly of the [Fig.3];

[0036] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the entire recessed assembly the tool of [Fig.1], taken through the center of the weight, the firing release mechanism being shown in a pre-actuated position (rest state);

[0037] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], the mechanism of li firing position being represented in an actuation position in which the tool can be fired;

[0038] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], with the mechanism of li firing position shown in the actuation position;

[0039] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], shown in a confi maximum depth measurement;

[0040] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates part of the tool drive assembly of [Fig. 1], the firing release mechanism being in the pre-actuated position;

[0041] [Fig.11] [Fig.11] is a view similar to that of [Fig.10], the firing release mechanism being shown in the actuated position; and

[0042] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the interaction between the spring and the release cage of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position.

[0043] the interaction between the spring and the release cage of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position; and Detailed description of the invention

[0044] Referring now to the figures, we can see a tool for driving fasteners 10, which is a stapler in this example. The tool 10 includes a support 11 on which is mounted a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly 1. The assembly 1 includes a rod 2 with an actuating end 20 for actuating a firing release mechanism 3 to allow the driving tool 10 to be fired. The assembly 1 also includes a probe 4 threaded onto the rod 2. The probe 4 includes a contact end 40 for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven.

[0045] The assembly 1 also includes a knurled wheel 5 slidably coupled to the rod 2. More specifically, the rod 2 includes a non-circular cross-section 21 along part of its length. The knurled wheel 5 includes a hole 50 which cooperates with the non-circular cross-section 21 of the rod 2 to rotatably couple the knurled wheel 5 to the rod 2, while allowing it to slide along the rod.

[0046] The support 11 comprises a first flange 12a and a second flange 12b which are spaced apart and between which the knurled wheel 5 is received. The rod 2 extends through a respective hole in each flange 12a, 12b, so that it is mounted slidably and rotatably on the support 11. The knurled wheel 5 is thus axially captured with respect to the support 11 such that the rotation of the knurled wheel 5 causes the rotation of the rod 2, while allowing the rod 2 to slide relative to the support 11 and relative to the knurled wheel 5.

[0047] Assembly 1 also includes a spring 13 and a locking means 6. The spring 13 surrounds the rod 2 and is located between the first flange 12a and the knurled wheel 5. The locking means 6 is located between the knurled wheel 5 and the second flange 12b, to removably block rotation between them. The locking means 6 includes a notch 60 in the knurled wheel 5 which receives a rib 61 on the second flange 12b. The spring 13 pushes the knurled wheel 5 towards the second flange 12b, and towards a locked position in which the rib 61 is pushed into the notch 60, when they are aligned with each other.

[0048] During operation, the depth to which a weight 14 of the tool 10 drives a fastening element into a substrate can be adjusted by pushing the knurled knob 5 against the force of the spring 13 and rotating it to move the probe 4 relative to the tool 10. As shown by comparing Figures 8 and 9, this adjustment moves the probe 4 relative to the end of the stroke of the weight 14, which is itself fixed. Consequently, the fastening element is released by the weight 14 either further from the substrate ([Fig. 8]) or closer to the substrate ([Fig. 9]).

[0049] The firing release mechanism 3 includes a release cage 30 against which the rod 2 is pushed to actuate the firing release mechanism 3. The rod 2 is disconnected from the release cage 30 and is offset relative to a weight 14 of the tool 10. The firing release mechanism 3 also includes a central guide 31 that surrounds the weight 14 of the tool 10, with which the release cage 30 is engaged in a sliding manner to guide the movement of the release cage 30 when actuated by the rod 2.

[0050] The firing release mechanism 3 also includes a spring 32 which surrounds the central guide 31, and which is captured between the release cage 30 and a drive assembly 7 of the tool 10. The spring 32 pushes the release cage 30 towards a pre-activated position to deactivate the drive assembly 7, thus preventing the tool 10 from firing.

[0051] The release cage 30 includes a ring 33, which is formed of a lubricated polymer material. The ring 33 provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide 31. This allows the release cage 30 to slide efficiently when exposed to the asymmetric force resulting from the offset position of the rod 2.

[0052] Throughout the description, the words "include" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to," and they are not intended to include (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the description, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as considering plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0053] The features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention shall be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this document, unless inconsistent with it. List of reference signs

[0054] 1 set of depth adjustment

[0055] 10 tool for driving in fasteners

[0056] 11 support

[0057] 12a first bridle

[0058] 12b second bridle

[0059] 13 spring-loaded means

[0060] 14 weight

[0061] 2 rod

[0062] 20 actuation end

[0063] 21 non-circular cross-section

[0064] 3 firing release mechanism

[0065] 30 release cage

[0066] 31 central guide

[0067] 32 spring-loaded means

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] 33 ring 4 feeler 40 contact end 5 knurled wheel 50 hole 6 locking means 60 notch 61 rib 7 drive assembly

Claims

Demands

1. Fastener driving tool (10), the tool comprising: a hammer (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate; a central guide (31) surrounding the hammer (14); a release cage (30) for actuating a firing release mechanism (3) to allow the tool (10) to be fired; and a rod (2) for pushing the release cage (30) so that it moves along the hammer (14) to actuate the firing release mechanism (3); wherein the release cage (30) slidably engages with the central guide (31) as it moves along the hammer (14).

2. Tool according to claim 1, wherein the rod (2) is parallel to the weight (14) but offset from it.

3. Tool according to claim 2, wherein the rod (2) is disconnected from the release cage (30).

4. Tool according to claim 3 comprising a spring-loaded means (32) surrounding the central guide (31) for pushing the release cage (30) into a pre-activated position in order to prevent the tool (10) from triggering.

5. Tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release cage (30) includes a ring (33) formed of a lubricated polymer material that provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide (31).

6. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a depth-of-insertion adjustment assembly (1), the assembly comprising: a probe (4) threaded onto the shaft (2) and having a contact end (40) for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be inserted; and a knurled wheel (5) slidably coupled to the shaft (2) and axially captured relative to the tool (10) such that rotation of the knurled wheel (5) causes rotation of the shaft (2) while allowing the shaft (2) to slide relative to the tool (10) and relative to the knurled wheel (5); wherein rotation of the knurled wheel (5) displaces the probe (4) relative to the tool (10), thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool (10) push the fixing element into the substrate.

7. Tool according to claim 6, wherein the rod (2) comprises a non-circular cross-section (21) over at least part of its length and the wheel (5) comprises a hole (50) which cooperates with the non-circular cross-section (21) of the rod (2) to rotationally couple the wheel (5) to the rod (2) while allowing it to slide along the rod.

8. Tool according to claim 6 or claim 7 comprising a locking means (6) between the wheel (5) and the tool (10) for removably blocking rotation between them.

9. Tool according to claim 8, wherein the locking means (6) comprises a notch (60) which receives a rib (61) and the wheel (5) is pushed into a locked position in which the rib (61) is pushed into the notch (60) when they are aligned with each other.

10. Tool according to claim 9, wherein the notch (60) is in the wheel (5) and the rib (61) is on the tool (10).

11. Tool according to claim 10 comprising a pair of spaced flanges (12a, 12b), between which the wheel (5) is received, and a spring-loaded means (13) between a first of the flanges (12a) and the wheel (5), which pushes the wheel (5) towards a second of the flanges (12b) which includes the rib (61).

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