DRIVING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT

Abstract

A driving depth adjustment assembly (1) for a fastener driving tool (10) is provided. The assembly includes a holder (11), a rod (2) slidably and rotatably mounted on the holder (11), a feeler (4) threaded onto the rod (2), and a thumbwheel (5) slidably coupled to the rod (2). The rod (2) actuates a firing release mechanism (3) to allow the driving tool (10) to be fired. The thumbwheel (5) causes the rod (2) to rotate while allowing the rod (2) to slide relative to the holder (11) and relative to the thumbwheel (5). Rotation of the thumbwheel (5) moves the feeler (4) relative to the tool (10), thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool (10) drives the fastener into the substrate. Figure for abstract: FIG. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: DRIVING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driving tools. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to an assembly for driving tools which allows the driving depth of the fastener to be adjusted. Technical background

[0002] Driving tools are known which allow the driving depth of the fastener to be adjusted. These tools normally include an adjustment mechanism which is part of the movable probe for detecting contact with the substrate into which the fastener is to be driven. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a driving depth adjustment assembly for a fastener driving tool.

[0004] The assembly may include a rod, for example for slidably and / or rotatably mounting relative to the fastener driving tool. The rod may have an actuating end, for example for actuating a firing release mechanism to allow the driving tool to be fired. The assembly may include a feeler, which may be threaded onto the rod. The feeler may have a contacting end, for example for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven. The assembly may include a thumbwheel, which may be slidably coupled to the rod, for example such that rotation, in use, of the thumbwheel causes rotation of the rod. Rotation, in use, of the thumbwheel may cause rotation of the rod while allowing the rod to slide relative to the driving tool and / or relative to the thumbwheel.Rotating the thumbwheel can move the probe relative to the driving tool. Rotating the thumbwheel can move the probe relative to the tool, which adjusts the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0005] Also provided is a driving depth adjustment assembly for a fastener driving tool, the assembly comprising: a rod for slidably and rotatably mounting relative to the fastener driving tool and having an actuating end for actuating a firing release mechanism to allow the driving tool to be fired; a feeler threaded onto the rod and having a contact end for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a wheel slidably coupled to the shank such that rotation, in use, of the wheel causes rotation of the shank while allowing the shank to slide relative to the driving tool and relative to the wheel; wherein rotation of the wheel moves the probe relative to the tool, thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0006] The tool may include a holder, for example for mounting the assembly on a fastener driving tool. The wheel may be axially captured relative to the holder, for example so that rotation of the wheel causes rotation of the rod while allowing the rod to slide relative to the holder and relative to the wheel.

[0007] Also provided is a driving depth adjustment assembly for a fastener driving tool, the assembly comprising: a bracket for mounting the assembly on a fastener driving tool; a rod slidably and rotatably mounted on the bracket and having an actuating end for actuating a firing release mechanism to allow the driving tool to be fired; a feeler threaded onto the rod and having a contact end for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a thumbwheel slidably coupled to the rod and axially captured relative to the bracket such that rotation of the thumbwheel causes rotation of the rod while allowing the rod to slide relative to the bracket and relative to the thumbwheel;wherein rotation of the thumbwheel moves the probe relative to the tool, thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate. ;

[0008] The rod may include a non-circular cross-section, for example over at least a portion of its length. The wheel may include a hole, which may cooperate with the non-circular cross-section of the rod, for example to rotatably couple the wheel to the rod while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0009] In some examples, the rod includes a non-circular cross-section along at least a portion of its length and the knurl includes a hole that cooperates with the non-circular cross-section of the rod to rotatably couple the knurl to the rod while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0010] The assembly may include locking means between the wheel and the support to removably block rotation therebetween.

[0011] The locking means may comprise a notch, which may receive a rib. The wheel may be pushed towards a locked position. The rib may be pushed into the notch, for example when they are aligned with each other.

[0012] In some examples, the locking means comprises a notch that receives a rib and the wheel is urged toward a locked position in which the rib is urged into the notch when they are aligned with each other.

[0013] The notch may be in the wheel. The rib may be on the bracket.

[0014] In some examples, the notch is in the wheel and the rib is on the bracket.

[0015] The holder may include a pair of spaced flanges. The wheel may be received between the flanges. The tool may include spring means, which may be between a first of the flanges and the wheel. The spring means may urge the wheel toward a second of the flanges, which may include the rib.

[0016] More specifically, the support may include a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel is received, and spring means between a first of the flanges and the wheel, which urges the wheel toward a second of the flanges which includes the rib.

[0017] The assembly may include a release cage. The rod may be pushed against the release cage, for example to actuate the firing release mechanism.

[0018] More specifically, the assembly may include a release cage against which the rod is pushed to actuate the firing release mechanism.

[0019] In some examples, the rod is disconnected from the release cage and is offset relative to a weight of the tool.

[0020] The assembly may include a central guide, for example to surround the weight of the tool. The release cage may be engaged, for example slidably, with the central guide. The release cage may be slidably engaged with the central guide, to guide the movement of the release cage when actuated by the rod.

[0021] More specifically, the assembly may include a central guide for surrounding the tool weight, in which the release cage is slidably engaged with the central guide, to guide movement of the release cage when actuated by the rod.

[0022] The assembly may include spring means. The spring means may surround the central guide. The spring means may be for urging the release cage to a pre-activated position, for example to prevent the tool from firing.

[0023] More specifically, the assembly may include spring means surrounding the central guide for urging the release cage toward a pre-activated position to prevent the tool from firing.

[0024] The release cage may include a ring. The ring may be formed of a polymeric material, which may be lubricated. The ring may provide a contact surface for engaging with the central guide.

[0025] More specifically, the release cage may include a ring formed of a lubricated polymeric material that provides a contact surface for engaging the center guide.

[0026] The invention also relates to a driving tool comprising the assembly.

[0027] The tool may comprise a nailer or a stapler.

[0028] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0029] 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.

[0030] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used herein are to 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 although not originally so claimed. Brief description of the figures

[0031] 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:

[0032] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates a driving tool according to an example;

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an enlarged partial view showing the mechanism of locking between the wheel and the support of the tool depth adjustment assembly of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the driving depth adjustment assembly of the tool of [Fig.l] shown in a minimum depth configuration;

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a horizontal sectional view through the rod and feeler of the assembly of [Fig.3];

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a vertical sectional view through the rod of the assembly of [Fig.3];

[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a horizontal sectional view of the tool driving assembly of [Fig.l], taken through the center of the weight, with the firing release mechanism shown in a pre-actuated position (rest state);

[0038] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], the firing release mechanism being shown in an actuated position in which the tool can be fired;

[0039] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], with the firing release mechanism shown in the actuated position;

[0040] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], shown in a maximum depth configuration;

[0041] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a portion of the drive assembly of the tool of [Fig.l], with the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position;

[0042] [Fig.11] [Fig.11] is a view similar to that of [Fig.10], the firing release mechanism being shown in the actuated position; and

[0043] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the interaction between the spring and the release cage of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position.

[0044] 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

[0045] Referring now to the figures, a fastener driving tool 10 can be seen, which is a stapler in this example. The tool 10 comprises a holder 11 on which is mounted a driving depth adjustment assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises 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 comprises a feeler 4 threaded onto the rod 2. The feeler 4 comprises a contact end 40 for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven.

[0046] The assembly 1 also includes a wheel 5 slidably coupled to the rod 2. More specifically, the rod 2 includes a non-circular cross-section 21 over a portion of its length. The wheel 5 includes a hole 50 that cooperates with the non-circular cross-section 21 of the rod 2 to rotatably couple the wheel 5 to the rod 2, while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0047] The support 11 comprises a first flange 12a and a second flange 12b which are spaced apart and between which the wheel 5 is received. The rod 2 extends through a respective hole in each flange 12a, 12b, so that it is slidably and rotatably mounted on the support 11. The wheel 5 is therefore captured axially relative to the support 11 so that the rotation of the 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 wheel 5.

[0048] The assembly 1 also comprises 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 wheel 5. The locking means 6 is located between the wheel 5 and the second flange 12b, to removably block rotation therebetween. The locking means 6 comprises a notch 60 in the wheel 5 which receives a rib 61 on the second flange 12b. The spring 13 pushes the 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.

[0049] In use, the depth to which a weight 14 of the tool 10 drives a fastener into a substrate can be adjusted by pushing the thumbwheel 5 against the force of the spring 13, and rotating it to move the feeler 4 relative to the tool 10. As shown by comparing Figures 8 and 9, this adjustment moves the feeler 4 relative to the end of travel of the weight 14, which is itself fixed. As a result, the fastener is released by the weight 14 further from the substrate ([Fig. 8]) or closer to the substrate ([Fig. 9]).

[0050] The firing release mechanism 3 comprises 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 comprises a central guide 31 which surrounds the weight 14 of the tool 10, with which the release cage 30 is slidably engaged in order to guide the movement of the release cage 30 when actuated by the rod 2.

[0051] The firing release mechanism 3 also includes a spring 32 which surrounds the central guide 31, and which is captivated 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, thereby preventing the tool 10 from firing.

[0052] The release cage 30 includes a ring 33, which is formed of a lubricated polymeric material. The ring 33 provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide 31. This allows the release cage 30 to slide effectively when exposed to the asymmetric force resulting from the offset position of the rod 2.

[0053] Throughout the specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and their variations 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.

[0054] 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

[0055] 1 set of driving depth adjustment

[0056] 10 tool for driving fasteners

[0057] 11 support

[0058] 12a first flange

[0059] 12b second flange

[0060] 13 spring means

[0061] 14 mas selotte

[0062] 2 rod

[0063] 20 actuating end

[0064] 21 non-circular cross-section

[0065] 3 firing release mechanism

[0066] 30 release cage

[0067] 31 central guide

[0068] 32 spring means

[0069] 33 ring

[0070] 4 feeler

[0071] 40 contact end

[0072] 5 wheel

[0073] 50 hole

[0074] 6 locking means

[0075] 60 notch

[0076] 61 rib

[0077] 7 training set

Claims

Claims

1. A driving depth adjustment assembly (1) for a fastener driving tool (10), the assembly comprising: a holder (11) for mounting the assembly on a fastener driving tool (10); a rod (2) slidably and rotatably mounted on the holder (11) and having an actuating end (20) for actuating a firing release mechanism (3) to enable the driving tool (10) to be fired; a feeler (4) threaded to the rod (2) and having a contact end (40) for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; a wheel (5) slidably coupled to the rod (2) and axially captured relative to the support (11) such that rotation of the wheel (5) causes rotation of the rod (2) while allowing the rod (2) to slide relative to the support (11) and relative to the wheel (5);and locking means (6) between the wheel (5) and the holder (11) for releasably locking rotation therebetween, the locking means (6) comprising a notch (60) which receives a rib (61) and the wheel (5) is urged to a locked position in which the rib (61) is urged into the notch (60) when aligned with each other; wherein rotation of the wheel (5) moves the feeler (4) relative to the tool (10), thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool (10) drives the fastener into the substrate.;

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rod (2) comprises a non-circular cross-section (21) along at least part of its length and the knurl (5) comprises a hole (50) which cooperates with the non-circular cross-section (21) of the rod (2) to rotatably couple the knurl (5) to the rod (2) while allowing it to slide therealong.

3. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the notch (60) is in the wheel (5) and the rib (61) is on the support (11).

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support (11) comprises a pair of spaced flanges (12a, 12b) between which the wheel (5) is received, and spring means (13) between a first flanges (12a) and the wheel (5), which pushes the wheel (5) towards a second of the flanges (12b) which includes the rib (61).

5. An assembly according to any preceding claim comprising a release cage (30) against which the rod (2) is pushed to actuate the firing release mechanism (3).

6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the rod (2) is disconnected from the release cage (30).

7. An assembly according to claim 6 comprising a central guide (31) for surrounding the weight (14) of the tool (10), wherein the release cage (30) is slidably engaged with the central guide (31), in order to guide the movement of the release cage (30) when actuated by the rod (2).

8. An assembly according to claim 7 comprising spring means (32) surrounding the central guide (31) for urging the release cage (30) towards a pre-activated position to prevent the tool (10) from firing.

9. An assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the release cage (30) comprises a ring (33) formed of a lubricated polymeric material which provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide (31).

10. A driving tool (10) comprising an assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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