Automatic loading station

Abstract

An automatic fastener driving tool with an automatic side-loading magazine can be automatically loaded with fasteners via a high-volume automatic loading station. The tool and magazine move proximate to the loading station. The magazine door automatically opens, and the loading station pushes fasteners into the magazine. The magazine door automatically closes, and the tool and magazine return to their original positions.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications 【0005】 , 【0001】 This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 406,177, filed on September 13, 2022, entitled "AUTOMATIC STAPLE LOADING STATION". 【Technical Field】 【0002】 The technology disclosed herein generally relates to staple driving tools, and more particularly to staple driving tools having an automatic side - loading magazine that can be automatically loaded via an automatic staple loading station. Embodiments are specifically disclosed as an automatic staple loading station attached proximal to an assembly line that includes a robot - controlled staple driving tool, where the robot moves the staple driving tool proximal to the automatic staple loading station, and then the automatic staple loading station can load staples into the automatic side - loading magazine of the staple driving tool. 【0003】 Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research and Development None. 【Background Art】 【0004】 [[ID=二十四]]To improve efficiency on an assembly line, robot - operated automatic staple driving tools are used. These tools are typically pneumatically driven and include a magazine that holds hundreds of staples. However, when the magazine of the tool becomes empty during normal operation, typically a human user must reload the magazine with a new load of staples, after which the tool can continue normal operation. Some conventional magazines can be reloaded with several cartridges of staples to fill the magazine. 【0005】 A magazine loading station typically holds individual fastener cartridges, each containing multiple fasteners stacked near the assembly line for easy access by human users. Fastener cartridges may even be stored in packaging materials within the manufacturing facility. Human users typically need to manually open and align the fastener cartridges before loading them into the tool's magazine. [Overview of the project] 【0006】 Therefore, it is advantageous to provide an automated fastener driving tool that includes a connection to a robotic workstation and a high-speed communication network (e.g., the Internet®), and has a sensor capable of measuring the length of a strip of fasteners loaded in an accompanying magazine, the automated sensor also capable of determining whether at least one strip of fasteners remains in the magazine and whether the tool has ejected a fastener. 【0007】 Another advantage is to provide an automated side-loading magazine for a robot-controlled fastener driving tool, which includes a clamp subassembly ("S / A") that holds the fasteners in place within the magazine, wherein these fasteners may be of varying lengths within the magazine, and the magazine is operable to be automatically loaded via a high-capacity loading station. 【0008】 Another advantage is the provision of a high-capacity automatic fastener loading station that can store and distribute thousands of fasteners during normal operation. During normal operation, a human user only needs to load the fasteners into the station initially, and the fasteners will be automatically repositioned for discharge and distributed to the robot-controlled fastener driving tool until the loading station is empty. 【0009】 Another advantage is the provision of an automated side-loading magazine for a robot-controlled fastener driving tool, which includes a clamp subassembly that pushes a cartridge containing multiple fastener strips to one side of the magazine. 【0010】 A further advantage is the provision of an automated side-loading magazine for a robot-controlled fastener driving tool, which includes a clamp subassembly that pushes a cartridge containing multiple fastener strips onto the strip in motion. 【0011】 A further advantage is the provision of an automated loading station having a chain drive that sequentially moves multiple carriers holding fasteners so that each carrier can automatically distribute the fasteners into a magazine for loading into a robot-controlled fastener driving tool. 【0012】 A further advantage is to provide an automatic loading station having a chain drive unit for sequentially moving a plurality of carriers that hold fasteners, wherein the chain drive unit comprises two separate chains, each chain holding a single carrier, and each pair of single carriers being substantially the same height as one another, and each chain being mechanically operable to rotate so that each pair of single carriers is operable to hold a plurality of fasteners. 【0013】 Another advantage is to provide an automatic loading station having at least one chain drive unit for sequentially moving a plurality of carriers that hold fasteners, wherein the chain drive unit includes at least one sun gear and at least one planetary gear, and as a result, the plurality of carriers are operable to move parallel (horizontally) to one another as each carrier moves around at least one sun gear and its corresponding ring gear. 【0014】 Another advantage is to provide an automatic loading station having a loading arm, the loading arm comprising a double-tensioned section exhibiting two separate ultra-thin sliding sections, thereby enabling the loading arm to extend far enough to push the fastener cartridges into the magazine of the automatic fastener driving tool. 【0015】 Another advantage is to provide an automatic fastener driving tool having a side-loading magazine, wherein the magazine includes a door that can be opened to receive a cartridge of fasteners, and the door can then be closed so that the tool can be operated in any direction in a three-dimensional working environment while the cartridge of fasteners is firmly seated in the magazine. 【0016】 Additional advantages and other novel features are described in part in the following description, some of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following, or can be acquired by practicing the art disclosed herein. 【0017】 To realize the aforementioned and other advantages, according to one embodiment, an automatic fastener loading machine is provided, the automatic fastener loading machine comprising an outer housing including an inlet loading section, a main holding section, and a distribution outlet section, wherein the inlet loading section comprises a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners, the main holding section is sized and molded to accommodate a plurality of at least one cartridges, and the distribution outlet section comprises a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge, wherein (a) the outer housing at least partially surrounds a plurality of movable shelves, each sized and molded to hold at least one cartridge, (b) the plurality of movable shelves are connected to a drive system that moves the movable shelves from the inlet loading section to the distribution outlet section while having the capacity to transport at least one cartridge, and (c) when one of the plurality of movable shelves reaches the distribution outlet section, the drive system enables the at least one cartridge to be moved through the second opening, thereby enabling it to be unloaded from the automatic fastener loading machine. 【0018】 In another embodiment, an automatic magazine for a fastener driving tool is provided, the automatic magazine comprising: a cover portion including a pivotable door; a receiving portion for receiving cartridges through the pivotable door in the open position; an exit portion including an exit opening near the guide body of the fastener driving tool; and a clamp attached to the pivotable door, the clamp biasing the cartridge toward one side of the magazine near the exit opening, the cartridge comprising a plurality of fastener strips arranged adjacent to each other, the fasteners facing downward, the cartridge exhibiting fastener lead strips positioned to be loaded into the guide body, the fastener lead strips being biased upward toward the exit opening regardless of the length of the fasteners within the lead strips, the pivotable door being controlled by an actuator and remaining closed except when a cartridge is loaded into the receiving portion. 【0019】 In a further embodiment, a magazine is provided for use with a fastener driving tool, the magazine comprising a cover portion including a pivotable door, a receiving portion for receiving cartridges through the pivotable door in the open position, an exit portion including an exit opening near the guide body of the fastener driving tool, and a clamp attached to the pivotable door, the clamp including a plurality of removablely attachable plates for supporting cartridges, the cartridge comprising a plurality of fastener strips arranged adjacent to each other, the fasteners facing downward, the cartridge exhibiting fastener lead strips positioned to be loaded into the guide body, the fastener lead strips being biased upward toward the exit opening regardless of the length of the fasteners within the lead strips. 【0020】 In a further embodiment, an automatic fastener loader is provided, the automatic fastener loader comprising an outer housing including an inlet loading portion, a main holding portion, and a distribution outlet portion, wherein the inlet loading portion has a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners, the main holding portion is sized and molded to accommodate a plurality of at least one cartridges, and the distribution outlet portion has a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge; a motor mechanically communicating with at least one chain drive unit, the at least one chain drive unit comprising a continuous chain; and a first plurality of movable carriers and a second plurality of opposing movable carriers, wherein the first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers do not contact each other and have an open space between them. The first and second sets of movable carriers are positioned such that each of the first sets of movable carriers faces each of the second sets of movable carriers, and the chain drive moves the sets of movable carriers from the inlet loading section to the distribution outlet section, while each of the sets of movable carriers is operable to transport at least one cartridge, and when one of the sets of movable carriers reaches the distribution outlet section, the chain drive allows at least one cartridge to be moved through a second opening, thereby enabling it to be unloaded from the automatic fastener loader, the outer housing at least partially encloses the first and second sets of movable carriers and the at least one chain drive. 【0021】 In a further embodiment, a method is provided for distributing fasteners from an automatic loading station, the method comprising: (a) providing an automatic loading station, the automatic loading station comprising: (i) an outer housing comprising an inlet loading portion, a main holding portion, and a distribution outlet portion, wherein the inlet loading portion comprises a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners, the main holding portion comprising a plurality of at least one cartridges, and the distribution outlet portion comprising a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge; (ii) a motor mechanically connected to at least one chain drive portion; and (iii) a first plurality of movable carriers and a second plurality of opposing movable carriers at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, wherein the first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers are not in contact with each other and have an open space between them, and the first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers are the first plurality of (b) moving pairs of the movable carriers from an inlet loading section to a distribution outlet section using a chain drive section; (c) loading at least one cartridge onto a loading arm from one of the pairs of movable carriers; and (d) providing an automatic magazine for use with a fastener driving tool, the magazine comprising: (i) a cover section including a pivotable door; (ii) a receiving section for receiving at least one cartridge through the pivotable door in the open position; (iii) an outlet section including an outlet opening near the guide body of the fastener driving tool; and (iv) a clamp mounted on the pivotable door, the clamp including a plurality of removablely mountable plates for supporting at least one cartridge; and (e) opening the pivotable door of the magazine.(f) extending the loading arm from the dispensing outlet portion of the loading station towards the magazine, (g) loading at least one cartridge from the automatic loading station into the magazine, (h) moving the loading arm away from the magazine and retracting it to its original position, and (i) closing the pivotable door of the magazine. 【0022】 Further advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and drawings, which illustrate and describe a preferred embodiment among the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be understood, the technology disclosed herein is capable of other different embodiments and some of its details can be modified in various obvious ways without departing from the principles thereof. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0023】 The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, illustrate some aspects of the technology disclosed herein and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the principles of the technology. In the drawings, 【0024】 [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of an automatic fastener driving tool having an automatic side-loading magazine constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0025】 [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear left perspective view of the tool and magazine of FIG. 1. 【0026】 [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the tool and magazine of FIG. 1. 【0027】 [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the tool and magazine of FIG. 1. 【0028】 [Figure 5] This is a front left perspective view of a high-capacity automatic fastener loading station constructed according to the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0029】 [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the first stage of the fastener loading sequence between the tool and magazine in Figure 1 and the loading station in Figure 5. 【0030】 [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the second stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0031】 [Figure 8] Figure 6 is an elevation view showing the third stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0032】 [Figure 9] Figure 6 is an elevation view showing the fourth stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0033】 [Figure 10] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the fifth stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0034】 [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the sixth stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0035】 [Figure 12] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the seventh stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0036】 [Figure 13] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the eighth stage of the fastener loading sequence. 【0037】 [Figure 14] This is a right-hand perspective view showing the tools and magazines shown in Figure 1 mounted on a robot control station, the loading station in Figure 5, and an example of a human user working on the assembly line. 【0038】 [Figure 15] This is a left-side perspective view of Figure 14. 【0039】 [Figure 16] This is an automatic fastener driving tool of a first alternative embodiment having an extension magazine. 【0040】 [Figure 17] This flowchart shows the tools and magazines in Figure 1, and the specific functions performed during the “fastener loading sequence,” as used in the loading station in Figure 5. 【0041】 [Figure 18] This is a front left perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a high-capacity automatic fastener loading station constructed according to the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0042】 [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a front left-side perspective view of the loading station, with part of the outer housing not shown. 【0043】 [Figure 20] Figure 18 is a front left-side perspective view of the loading station, showing some of its internal mechanical features. 【0044】 [Figure 21] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the loading station, showing some details of the fastener pusher and carrier. 【0045】 [Figure 22] Figure 18 is a left elevation view of the loading station, with several cartridges of fasteners loaded. 【0046】 [Figure 23] Figure 18 is a magnified view of the loading station, showing that the cartridge magazine is loaded onto the pusher. 【0047】 [Figure 24] Figure 18 is a close-up of the loading station, showing that the cartridge magazine extends outward on the pusher, away from the loading station. 【0048】 [Figure 25] Figure 18 is a rear right-side perspective view of the loading station. 【0049】 [Figure 26] This is a front left perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of an automatic fastener driving tool having an automatic side-loading magazine constructed according to the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0050】 [Figure 27] Figure 26 is a magnified view of the tool, showing specific details of the magazine. 【0051】 [Figure 28] Figure 26 is a left-side cutaway view of the tool, showing the initial position of the loaded cartridge within the magazine. 【0052】 [Figure 29] Figure 26 is a left-side cutaway view of the tool, showing the position of the cartridges in the magazine during tool operation after some of the fasteners have been driven in. 【0053】 [Figure 30] Figure 18 is a left-side perspective view of the loading station. 【0054】 [Figure 31] This is a right-hand perspective view of the loading station shown in Figure 18, illustrating the motor section. 【0055】 [Figure 32] Figure 18 is a partial left elevation view of the loading station, showing some of the carriers located near the lower gear. 【0056】 [Figure 33] This is a cutout diagram along line 33-33 in Figure 32. 【0057】 [Figure 34] Figure 18 is a partial front elevation view of the loading station, showing that some of the carriers are in contact with one of the lower gears. 【0058】 [Figure 35] This is a cutout diagram along line 35-35 in Figure 34. 【0059】 [Figure 36] This is a cutout diagram along line 36-36 in Figure 34. 【0060】 [Figure 37] This is a partial left side view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a high-capacity automatic fastener loading station constructed according to the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0061】 [Figure 38] Figure 37 is a partial left side view of the loading station, showing the extended, nested loading arm. 【0062】 [Figure 39] This is a schematic block diagram of the main electrical components of an automatic driving tool, loading station, and external controller, constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0063】 [Figure 40] Figure 18 is a partial side cutaway view of the loading station, showing the first lower main gear. 【0064】 [Figure 41] Figure 18 is a partial side cutaway view of the loading station, showing the second upper main gear. 【0065】 [Figure 42]This is a partial side cutaway view of the loading station in Figure 18, showing the first upper main gear. 【0066】 [Figure 43] Figure 18 is a partial side cutaway view of the loading station, showing a single carrier gear and carrier attached to one of the drive chains. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0067】 Herein, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be referenced in detail, which are shown in the accompanying drawings, and similar figures indicate the same elements throughout the drawings. 【0068】 It should be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of its components as described in the following description or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are possible and can be implemented or performed in various ways. It should also be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and their variations herein, means to include the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or “mounted,” and their variations herein, are used broadly and include direct and indirect connections, couples, or mounts. Furthermore, the terms “connected” or “coupled,” and their variations, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couples. Furthermore, the terms “communicating with” or “being in communication with” indicate that two different physical or virtual elements are exchanging signals or information with each other in some way, whether the transmission of signals or information is direct or whether there are additional physical or virtual elements between them that are similarly involved in the transmission of signals or information. Furthermore, the terms “being in communication with” can also refer to a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system in which one end of the “communication” (the “first end”) may be the “cause” of a certain motion (mechanical movement or hydraulic or pneumatic change in state) that occurs, and the other end of the “communication” (the “second end”) may be “affected” by that movement / change in state, regardless of whether there are intermediate components between the “first end” and the “second end”.When a product has moving parts that depend on a magnetic field, or detects changes in a magnetic field in any way, or when data is transferred from one electronic device to another by the use of a magnetic field, these situations can be referred to as "magnetically communicating" with each other, in which case one end of the "communication" can induce a magnetic field, and the other end can receive that magnetic field and be affected by (or otherwise influenced by) it. 【0069】 For example, terms like "first entrance" or "second entrance" preceding element names are used for identifying purposes to distinguish similar or related elements, results, or concepts, and are not necessarily intended to imply order, nor are terms like "first entrance" or "second entrance" intended to exclude the inclusion of additional similar or related elements, results, or concepts unless otherwise indicated. 【0070】 Furthermore, while embodiments disclosed herein may be shown and described, for illustrative purposes, as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware, it should be understood that they include both hardware and electronic components or modules. 【0071】 As used herein, the term “circuit” can refer to an actual electronic circuit, such as an integrated circuit chip (or a portion thereof), or to a function performed by a processing circuit, such as a microprocessor or ASIC, which includes a logic state machine or another form of processing element (including sequential processing circuits). A particular type of circuit may be several types of analog or digital circuits, and such circuits may, in some cases, be implemented in software by a logic state machine or sequential processor. In other words, if a processing circuit is used to perform a desired function (such as a demodulation function) used in the technology disclosed herein, there may not be a specific “circuit” that is sometimes called a “demodulation circuit,” but there will be a demodulation “function” that is performed in software. All of these possibilities are conceived by the inventors and are within the principles of the art when considering “circuit.” 【0072】 Referring here to Figure 1, the automatic fastener driving tool, indicated collectively by reference numeral 10, includes an automatic side-loading magazine 30. The tool 10 comprises an external gas connection 20, an integrated controller connection 22, a housing 24, a guide body 28, and a fastener exit end 26. Preferably, the tool is pneumatic, but electric tools are also intended. An exemplary tool is the SKSXP, sold by Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc. and distributed by Kyocera Senco Europe. 【0073】 The magazine 30 is attached to the tool 10 and includes a door 34, a cover portion 36, and a flexible or spring-loaded clamp S / A 40, and holds a number of fasteners 32 (such as staples). Preferably, the fasteners 32 are aligned into strips, and several strips containing hundreds of fasteners at a time are aligned to form a kind of "cartridge". These fastener strips are arranged adjacent to each other and facing downward (i.e., in the same direction as the fastener exit end 26). The magazine 30 can hold fasteners of various lengths, and the clamp S / A 40 holds the fasteners in place against one side of the magazine. 【0074】 The magazine 30 has a receiving portion 38 into which the cartridge 32 is loaded through a pivotable door 34, and the pivotable door must be in the open position. The magazine 30 also has an exit portion having an exit opening proximal to the guide body 28. The cartridge 32 has a lead strip of fasteners, which is then positioned by the clamp S / A 40 so as to be loaded into the guide body 28, and the clamp S / A 40 also biases the lead strip upward so as to face the exit opening. 【0075】 Referring to Figure 2, the external pressurized gas connection section 20 and the integrated controller connection section 22 are shown. An external pressurized gas source is connected to the external gas connection section 20, and the external pressurized gas source supplies power to the tool 10 during operation. The integrated controller connection section 22 is operably connected to the robot control workstation 300 (see Figures 14-15), and the tool 10 is controlled through the workstation 300 via the integrated controller connection section 22. 【0076】 The tool 10 also includes a non-contact sensor (proximity sensor or other distance measuring sensor) and a linear measuring sensor. The non-contact sensor determines that the magazine contains at least one aligned strip of fasteners loaded in the magazine 30, while the linear measuring sensor determines whether at least one fastener 32 remains in the magazine 30, and the linear measuring sensor can determine whether the tool 10 has ejected the fastener 32. Both sensors are controlled by a “field logic controller” or “FLC” located on the tool 10. Preferably, the FLC is connectable to a high-speed communication network such as the Internet® or an internal intranet. 【0077】 Referring now to Figure 3, in this shown embodiment, the housing 24 does not cover the magazine 30. The housing 24 mainly covers the internal mechanism of the tool 10. 【0078】 Referring now to Figure 4, in this shown embodiment, the external gas connection portion 20 and the integrated controller connection portion 22 are only partially covered by the housing 24. The magazine 30 is mounted to load at least one strip of fasteners in a direction perpendicular to the ejection direction of the tool 10. 【0079】 Referring here to Figure 5, a large-capacity automatic fastener loading station (or “loader”), indicated as a whole by reference numeral 200, is shown, which includes an outer housing 214, a vertical opening 212 of the outer housing, a (replenishment) inlet loading section 210 (having an upper opening in the housing), and a guide 220 in a distribution outlet section 216 of the housing (i.e., this is the outlet of the loader 200). The inlet loading section 210 has a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners. The distribution outlet section 216 has a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners. 【0080】 The loading station 200 can hold several sets of fastener cartridges 32 (each cartridge containing hundreds of fasteners, each consisting of multiple individual elongated strips of fasteners), and can also automatically distribute them into the magazine 30 of the tool 10, as will be described in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, the loading station 200 is relatively tall, and most of its height consists of its “main holding section,” which is designed to accommodate many layers of fastener cartridges between its upper inlet loading section 210 and its lower distribution outlet section 216 through which the fasteners exit the loading station. 【0081】 In a typical manufacturing operation, a human user would manually load fastener cartridges 32 into the station 200 via the inlet replenishment section 210. These cartridges 32 are temporarily stored in the station 200 until they are distributed into the tool magazine 30. The station 200 includes a chain drive unit with a movable shelf driven by a planetary gear set, which automatically moves the cartridges 32 from the top to the bottom of the opening in the housing 212, and the cartridges then exit the station (and into the tool magazine 30) via guides at the distribution outlet section 216 of the loader 200. Preferably, the planetary gear set has a ratio of 1.5:1 in this shown embodiment. 【0082】 The structure and operation of the automatic fastener loader 200 are outlined below: The outer housing at least partially encloses a plurality of movable shelves, each dimensioned and molded to hold at least one of a plurality of fasteners in a cartridge. The plurality of movable shelves are connected to a drive system that moves the movable shelves from the inlet loading section to the distribution outlet section, while having the capacity to transport at least one of the plurality of fasteners in a cartridge. When one of the plurality of movable shelves reaches the distribution outlet section, the drive system allows at least one of the cartridges to be moved through a second opening, thereby allowing it to be unloaded from the automatic fastener loader. The drive system in the shown embodiment is connected to the plurality of movable shelves and comprises a continuous chain that moves each movable shelf from the inlet loading section to the distribution outlet section and then back to the inlet loading section by rotation within the loader. As described above, the drive system uses a plurality of planetary gear sets that act as prime movers for the continuous chain. 【0083】 Fastener loading sequence 【0084】 Referring now to Figure 6, the first stage of the fastener loading sequence is shown. In this first stage, the robot arm 302 (see Figure 15) automatically moves the tool 10 to a position near the loading station 200 (using the robot control workstation 300). Next, in Figure 7, in the second stage of this loading sequence, the magazine door 34 is opened (preferably by pneumatic pressure). The magazine 30 is constructed to allow the loading station 200 to load into the magazine 30. Then, in Figure 8, in the third stage of the loading sequence, the tool 10 is moved to make contact with the loading station 200. 【0085】 Referring now to Figure 9, in the fourth stage of the loading sequence, the tool 10 is in contact with the loading station 200. At this stage, the guide at the exit end of the loader 220 is positioned between the open magazine 30 and the clamp S / A 40. 【0086】 Referring now to Figure 10, in the fifth stage of the loading sequence, the loading station 200 automatically moves the next nested fastener cartridge 32 downward (note that for clarity, tool 10 is not shown). Next, in Figure 11, in the sixth stage of the loading sequence, the loading station 200 pushes a single fastener cartridge 32 out of the opening of the housing 212 and places it on the guide at the exit end of the loader 220 (again, for clarity, tool 10 is not shown). It should be noted that clamp S / A 40 is used to keep the fastener strip in the correct orientation relative to one side of the magazine 30. 【0087】 Referring now to Figure 12, in the seventh stage of the loading sequence, the tool 10 moves to disengage from the loading station 200 (using the robot control workstation 300), and the magazine door 34 is automatically closed (preferably pneumatically). (For clarity, note that the station 200 is not shown). In Figure 12, the position of the tool 10 relative to the station 200 is the same as shown in Figure 6. Finally, in Figure 13, in the eighth stage of the loading sequence, the tool 10 is returned to a position where it can resume normal operation (again, using the robot control workstation 300). 【0088】 When the tool 10 is operated, the magazine 30 automatically loads a single fastener strip into the side opening of the fastener driving tool. The magazine 30 has the capability to load individual fastener strips one by one from a cartridge of fasteners pre-loaded in the magazine by a high-capacity loader 200. The magazine 30 also has a biased guide that pushes the fastener strip upward when it is loaded into the tool 10. Thus, staples of various lengths can be loaded into the tool using this biased guide because the staples are oriented downward (in the direction of driving the tool), and therefore staples of different sizes (lengths) can be loaded into the tool 10 and driven by the tool 10 without having to change any components within the tool. 【0089】 In the shown embodiment, each cartridge 32 comprises a plurality of staple strips positioned adjacent to one another. In the shown orientation of the staple strips, each staple is oriented downward, or in other words, the opening of the staple is at the bottom, the width of the staple is horizontal, and the length of the staple is vertical. It will be understood that fasteners other than staples, such as strips of nails, strips of headless nails, or strips of pins, can be used with this system. 【0090】 In the illustrated embodiment, the staples are typically oriented such that each staple comprises a width arm (i.e., an arm having a horizontal width dimension) and two legs of equal length attached to the ends of the arm. The legs extend vertically downward, forming a bottom opening between them. Staples constructed and oriented in this manner will have two legs that are driven into the target substrate by a staple driving tool. 【0091】 As partially discussed above, each staple cartridge 32 is loaded into the loading station 200, and then the intact cartridge is loaded into the magazine 30 of the fastener driving tool 10. Once inside the magazine 30, each individual staple strip is loaded into the guide body at the side entrance, thereby allowing each individual staple of the strip to be driven into the target workpiece. Once the last staple of an individual staple strip has been driven, the magazine 30 has the ability to automatically push the next staple strip into the working position, thereby allowing these individual staples of this strip to be driven by the tool 10. 【0092】 Referring here to Figures 14 and 15, an exemplary assembly line 320 is shown. The exemplary assembly line 320 includes a robot-controlled workstation 300 exhibiting an upper arm 302, a tool 10 mounted on the workstation 300, a loading station 200, an assembly line 312, a workpiece 314, and a human user 310. Note that the assembly line 312 has an essentially flat roller bed, which as a result allows the parts being assembled using the fastener driving tool 10 to be easily moved along the assembly line. 【0093】 Referring now to Figure 17, a flowchart showing some of the main functions of the "fastener loading sequence" begins at reference number 500. Next, in function 510, the robot control workstation begins normal operation, i.e., tool 10 is in use, driving fasteners into the workpiece. Then, in operation determination 512, tool 10 checks whether magazine 30 is empty. If not, normal operation continues. However, if yes, in function 514, tool 10 will be moved (using robot control workstation 300) to the vicinity of the automatic fastener loading station 200. 【0094】 In function 516, the magazine door 34 is automatically opened. Then, in function 518, the tool 10 is moved (using the robot control workstation 300) to make contact with the loading station 200. In action determination 520, the loading station 200 checks whether the magazine 212 contains at least one fastener cartridge 32. If no, in function 522, a human user checks the magazine of the loading station 200. 30 It must be reloaded manually. 【0095】 However, if, in determination 520, at least one fastener cartridge is present (i.e., the result is yes), in function 524, the loading station 200 automatically moves the next nested fastener cartridge 32 downward. Then, in function 526, the loading station 200 pushes out a single fastener cartridge 32 and places it on the guide at the exit end of the loader 220. This pushing action simultaneously inserts the cartridge 32 into the magazine 30. 【0096】 In function 528, the tool 10 is moved (using the robot control workstation 300) to disengage from the loading station 200. Then, in function 530, the magazine door 34 is automatically closed. Next, in function 532, the tool 10 is moved distal to the loading station 200 (using the workstation 300), and in function 540, the tool 10 is repositioned to its operating position where it returns to normal operation. 【0097】 First Alternative Embodiment 【0098】 Referring here to Figure 16, the automatic fastener driving tool of the first alternative embodiment is shown collectively by reference numeral 400. The tool 400 includes a housing 412, a fastener exit end 414, an extension magazine 410, and a support brace 416 for the extension magazine 410. In this embodiment, the extension magazine 410 includes a much longer guide capable of holding multiple fastener cartridges 32, thus reducing the number of moves to the loading station during normal operation. 【0099】 Second Alternative Embodiment 【0100】 Referring here to Figure 18, a loading station of a second alternative embodiment is shown as a whole by reference no. 600. The loading station 600 comprises an outer housing 614, a loading door 604 on one side (sometimes referred to herein as the “inlet loading section”) (see Figure 19), and a motor housing 608 containing a motor 606 that drives the loading station. The loading station 600 includes an opening at the outlet end 602 (sometimes referred to herein as the “distribution outlet section”) opposite the loading door 604. The opening at the outlet end 602 is used to distribute a single fastener “cartridge” 32 into the automatic fastener driving tool at a time, while the loading door 604 is used to fill the loading station 600 with multiple fastener cartridges 32. Each cartridge holds several hundred fasteners 32, and the loading station 600 is capable of holding several cartridges (i.e., the loading station can hold several thousand fasteners). 【0101】 Proximal to the opening at the exit end 602 is a guide subassembly ("S / A") 620 that guides and holds the cartridge 32 during the loading operation. The guide S / A 620 includes a pusher 616, a first guide 622, a second guide 624, a vertical pusher section 626, a horizontal pusher section 628, and a loading arm 630. When the loading station 600 is in between loading cycles, the pusher 616 is retracted inward into the loading station. 【0102】 Next, during the loading event, the fastener's cartridge 32 moves from a position above the loading arm 620 to below the loading arm 630, loading the cartridge 32 onto the pusher 616 by "dropping" it onto the horizontal section 628. The pusher 616 moves along the loading arm 630, and the vertical section 626 pushes the cartridge 32 through the opening at the exit end 602. Both the first guide 622 and the second guide 624 guide the cartridge 32 as the pusher 616 moves. 【0103】 Referring here to Figure 19, some of the internal features of the loading station 600 are shown. The first chain drive unit 650 includes a first lower sprocket 654 and a first upper sprocket 652, and the second chain drive unit 670 includes a second lower sprocket 674 and a second upper sprocket 672 (see Figure 20). The first lower sprocket 654 is mechanically keyed to the second lower sprocket 674, and the first upper sprocket 652 is mechanically keyed to the second upper sprocket 672. The first chain drive unit 650 has a first continuous chain 656, and the second chain drive unit 670 has a second continuous chain 676 (see Figure 20). 676 Both rotate counterclockwise, indicated by direction line D. 【0104】 First chain 656 and the second chain 676 Both move from the inlet loading section 604 to the distribution outlet section 602, and then back to the inlet loading section 604, due to rotation inside the outer housing 614. 【0105】 The first drive chain is located around the first upper sprocket 652 and the first lower sprocket 654. 656 As it rotates, the first elongated rail 662, the second elongated rail 664, the third elongated rail 666, and the fourth elongated rail 668 move along the first drive chain 656To guide and lead. Similarly, the second drive chain 676 The fifth elongated rail 682, the sixth elongated rail 684, the seventh elongated rail 686, and the eighth elongated rail 688 guide the second drive chain (see Figure 20). 【0106】 Multiple carrier gears 644 are attached to both the first drive chain 656 and the second drive chain 676. The first multiple movable carriers 658 (sometimes referred to herein as the first multiple elevators or movable shelves) Second drive chain 676 A plurality of carrier gears 644 mounted above are attached to a second plurality of movable carriers 660 (sometimes referred to herein as a second plurality of elevators or movable shelves), First drive chain 656 They are mounted on a plurality of carrier gears 644 mounted on top. The first plurality of carriers 658 and the second plurality of carriers 660 are formed as pairs of angle brackets, which each hold a cartridge 32 So that it is parallel and flat (relative to the vertical) They are mounted (see, for example, Figure 22). The first set of movable carriers 658 are positioned opposite the second set of movable carriers 660 such that they do not come into contact with each other and there is an open space between them. 【0107】 As the first chain drive unit 650 and the second chain drive unit 670 rotate, each pair of (parallel) sets of carriers 658 and 660, as well as the multiple carrier gears 644, move along the paths of the two chain drive units. The multiple pairs of carriers 658 and 660 remain substantially horizontal to each other and to the guide S / A 620. When the fastener cartridge 32 is loaded into the loading station 600 by the user, the fastener is positioned on each of the pairs of carriers 658 and 660, so that the legs of the staples rest on each carrier half (i.e., on each of the pair of angle brackets). 【0108】 During the loading process, one pair of carriers 658 and 660 moves from above guide S / A 620 to below guide S / A. Due to the "gap" or "opening" between the paired carriers 658 and 660, the horizontal portion of the staple 32 catches on the horizontal pusher 628, and the cartridge 32 is held on the horizontal pusher until it is loaded into the automatic fastener driving tool. This process is repeated until the loading station 600 has deployed all of its staple cartridges 32. The user then manually loads each of the paired carriers through the loading door 604. 【0109】 A first rail 632 is mounted on the outside of the housing 614. The first rail 632 has a first elongated slot 636 and a second elongated slot 637. A first set of fasteners 640 are mounted in the first and second elongated slots 636 and 637. A second rail 634 is mounted on the outside of the housing 614 on the opposite side of the first rail 632 (see Figure 25). The second rail 634 has a third elongated slot 638 and a fourth elongated slot 639 (shown in Figure 25). A second set of fasteners 642 are mounted in the third and fourth elongated slots 638 and 639, as shown in Figure 25. 【0110】 Referring here to Figure 20, a further diagram of the interior of the loading station 600 is shown, along with the base portion 618. Figure 20 shows more clearly each of the paired carrier sets 658 and 660, with multiple carriers 658 and 660 mounted along the entire length of both the first and second drive chains 656 and 676. When the motor 606 is started, the motor rotates the lower gear shaft 649, which in turn rotates both the first lower sprocket 654 and the second lower sprocket 674. The two lower sprockets 654 and 674 then cause the first drive chain 656 and the second drive chain 676 to begin rotating counterclockwise. As long as the motor 606 is operating, the two chains 656 and 676 rotate the first upper sprocket 652 and the second upper sprocket 672 in sync with the lower sprockets 654 and 674. Since all of the sprockets 654, 674, 652, 672 and both chains 656, 676 rotate in sync with each other, the multiple carriers 658, 660 also rotate in sync. This synchronous rotation allows the multiple carriers 658 and 660 to maintain a substantially parallel (horizontal) position with each other, and the carriers 658 and 660 can hold a single cartridge 32 of the fastener in each "pair" of carriers without dropping the cartridge. 【0111】 Referring here to Figure 21, an enlarged view of a portion of the interior of the loading station 600 is shown. The multiple carriers 658 and 660 have a front wall 692, a rear wall 694, and a floor section 696. The first multiple carriers 658 include a first elongated wall 690 near the first chain drive unit 656, and the second multiple carriers 660 include a second elongated wall 698 near the second chain drive unit 676. The elongated walls 690 and 698 face each other with the floor section 696 in between. This configuration allows the cartridges 32 to be positioned on the multiple carriers 658 and 660 so as not to slide off. The front wall 692 and the rear wall 694 also ensure that the cartridges 32 are securely seated on the multiple carriers 658 and 660. 【0112】 Referring now to Figure 22, several cartridges 32 of fasteners loaded in the loading station 600 are shown. One cartridge 32 is loaded onto the horizontal pusher 628 and ready to be inserted into the magazine of the fastener driving tool. Two other cartridges 32 are waiting to be loaded sequentially onto the pusher 616. In Figure 22, the loading station 600 has almost distributed all of its cartridges 32, which means that once all the cartridges have been distributed, the user can load them into multiple carriers 658 and 660. Cartridge 32 This means that it will need to be reloaded. 【0113】 Figure 23 shows a cartridge 32 that has just been loaded onto the pusher 616. As described above, the two chain drive units 650 and 670 rotate counterclockwise, and one of the multiple carriers 658 and 660 moves directly above the pusher 616. Because there is a gap between the floors 696 of both carriers 658 and 660, the cartridge 32 "drops" onto the horizontal pusher 628, while the carrier continues to move counterclockwise, deviating from the path of the pusher 616. 【0114】 Figure 24 shows the pusher 616 in operation, moving the cartridge 32 through the opening of the exit end 602 and to the left end (in this figure) on the loading arm 630. Once this cartridge 32 has finished loading into the tool's magazine, the pusher 616 retracts into the loading station 600 to await the next cartridge 32. 【0115】 Referring now to Figure 25, a rear view of the loading station 600 is shown. The loading door 604 has an opening 680, which may be left open for easy access to the interior of the loading station 600, or it may be filled with, for example, glass or acrylic. It is preferable to fill the opening 680 to help keep dust and other workplace contaminants out of the loading station 600 as much as possible. 【0116】 Referring now to Figure 30, in this figure, most of the automatic loader 600 is not shown in order to better illustrate the second chain drive unit 670. The second chain drive unit 670 includes the second upper sprocket 672 and the second lower sprocket 674 (as described above). The first upper leveling gear 646 is mechanically connected to the second upper sprocket 672, and the first lower leveling gear 648 is mechanically connected to the second lower sprocket 674. It should be noted that the first upper sprocket 652 and the first lower sprocket 654 are mechanically connected to the second upper leveling gear 633 and the second lower leveling gear 635, respectively (see Figures 41 and 42). 【0117】 During operation, the motor 606 rotates the lower gear shaft 649 (sometimes referred to herein as the “second gear shaft”). All of the lower gears are mechanically connected to this lower gear shaft 649. The upper gear shaft 643 (sometimes referred to herein as the “first gear shaft”) is mechanically connected to all of the upper gears. When the second chain drive unit 670 and the first chain drive unit 650 are in motion, the lower gear shaft 649 drives rotation, and the upper gear shaft 643 rotates simultaneously due to the mechanical connection between the first drive chain 656 and the second drive chain 676. Multiple carrier gears 644 contact the first upper leveling gear 646 and the first lower leveling gear 648 during the rotation of the first and second chain drive units 650 and 670. (Similarly, multiple carrier gears 644 contact the second upper leveling gear 633 and the second lower leveling gear 635 in the same manner.) 【0118】 Referring now to Figure 31, the motor 606 is shown near the base 618 of the automatic loader 600. The motor housing 608 is not shown in this figure. As described above, the motor 606 drives the lower gear shaft 649 when the chain drive units 650 and 670 are operating. 【0119】 Referring here to Figure 32, it is shown that some of the multiple carrier gears 644 rotate around the first lower leveling gear 648. During this rotation, each carrier 658 maintains a substantially parallel position to the base 618 of the automatic loader 600. The parallel movement of the carriers is made possible by a set of sun gears and planetary gears mounted inside the first lower leveling gear 648 (see Figure 36). It should be noted that separate sets of sun gears and planetary gears are also mounted inside the first upper leveling gear 646, the second upper leveling gear 633, and the second lower leveling gear 635 (see Figures 40-42). 【0120】 Referring now to Figure 33, a cutaway diagram is shown along the cutting line 33-33 in Figure 32. As can be seen from Figure 33, the lower gear shaft 649 passes through both the first lower leveling gear 648, the second lower sprocket 674, and the motor 606. 【0121】 Referring now to Figure 34, the spacing between the second drive chain 676 and the multiple carrier gears 644 is shown. The multiple carrier gears 644 never come into contact with the second drive chain 676, but they come into contact with and mesh with the first lower leveling gear 648 as each carrier 658 rotates around the lower gear shaft 649. 【0122】 Referring now to Figure 35, the second drive chain 676 and the second lower sprocket 674 are shown. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth elongated guides 682, 684, 686, and 688 keep the second drive chain 676 oriented so that the carrier 658 is kept substantially parallel to the base 618 of the automatic loader 600 during operation. 【0123】 Referring now to Figure 36, a first sun gear 641 and a first set of planetary gears 645 are shown mounted within a first lower ring gear 619. The first lower ring gear 619 is part of the inner circumference of the first lower leveling gear 648. During operation, as each carrier gear 644 (and its associated carrier 658) moves and makes contact with the first lower leveling gear 648, the first sun gear 641 and the set of planetary gears 645 rotate together with the first lower ring gear 619, ensuring that the orientation of the carrier 658 remains substantially parallel to the base 618 of the automatic loader 600 until the carrier gear 644 moves and disengages contact with the first lower leveling gear 648. 【0124】 During operation, the multiple carrier gears 644 do not rotate until they make contact with one of the first upper leveling gear 646, the first lower leveling gear 648, the second upper leveling gear 633, or the second lower leveling gear 635, and thereafter the rotation is only sufficient to keep each carrier 658 substantially parallel to the base 618 of the loader 600 until the contact is completed. After this contact is completed, the elongated rails 636, 637, 638, 639, 662, 664, 666, and 668 ensure that the carriers 658 remain substantially parallel to the base 618 of the loader 600 until each carrier gear 644 makes contact again with one of the other leveling gears 646, 648, 633, or 635. 【0125】 In Figure 36, the multiple planetary gears 645 are shown as six separate planetary gears. The designer intends to increase or decrease the number of planetary gears while simultaneously increasing or decreasing the size of the first sun gear 641 and / or the first lower leveling gear 648. The exact design and number of planetary gears depend on the size of the lifter and how far the carrier 658 must move around the first lower leveling gear 648 in order for the sun gear and planetary gears to maintain an orientation such that each carrier remains substantially parallel to the base 618 of the loader 600. 【0126】 Referring now to Figure 40, a second sun gear 612 and a second set of planetary gears 613 are shown attached to a second lower ring gear 627. The second lower ring gear 627 is part of the inner circumference of the second lower leveling gear 635. This second sun gear 612, the second set of planetary gears 613, the second lower ring gear 627, and the second lower leveling gear 635 operate in a similar manner to the first sun gear 641, the first set of planetary gears 645, and the first lower leveling gear 648 shown and described above in Figure 36. The gears 612, 613, 635 and sprocket 654 shown in Figure 40 are in mechanical communication with the gears 641, 645, 648 and sprocket 674 shown in Figure 36 due to their mechanical connection to the second gear shaft 649. It should be noted that since the first lower sprocket 654 is directly mechanically connected to the second gear shaft 649, the motor 606 directly drives the gears 612, 613, 635 and the sprocket 654 shown in Figure 40. 【0127】 Referring here to Figure 41, a third sun gear 615 and a third set of planetary gears 617 are shown mounted within the first upper ring gear 625. The first upper ring gear 625 is part of the inner circumference of the first upper leveling gear 646. The first gear shaft 643 is not directly driven by the motor 606, but rotates when the motor 606 drives the second gear shaft 649, thereby rotating the second lower sprocket 674 and the first lower sprocket 654. The rotation of the two lower sprockets 654 and 674 drives both chain drive units 650 and 670, thereby rotating the first upper sprocket 652 and the second upper sprocket 672. The gears 615, 617, 625, 646 and sprocket 672 shown in Figure 41 operate similarly to the gears shown in Figures 36 and 40, except that the motor 606 indirectly drives their rotation. 【0128】 Referring now to Figure 42, a fourth sun gear 621 and a fourth set of planetary gears 623 are shown attached to a second upper ring gear 629. The second upper ring gear 629 is part of the inner circumference of the second upper leveling gear 633. As described above, the gears 621, 623, 629, 633 and sprocket 652 shown in Figure 42 operate in the same way as the other gears shown in Figures 36, 40, and 41. The gears 621, 623, 629, 633 and sprocket 652 shown in Figure 42 are in mechanical communication with the gears 615, 617, 646 and sprocket 672 shown in Figure 41, due to the fact that both the first upper sprocket 652 and the second upper sprocket 672 are mechanically connected directly to the first gear shaft 643. 【0129】 Referring here to Figure 43, a preferred method of attaching one of the first movable carriers 658 and one of the carrier gears 644 to the second drive chain 676 is shown. The carrier gear 644 has a blind hole 679 that fits into the carrier shaft 683, which has a connecting end 681 Second drive chain It is mounted on 676. A pair of carrier fasteners 678 are used to securely attach the first movable carrier 658 to the carrier gear 644. When the loading station 600 is in operation, when the carrier gear 644 is in contact with one of the leveling gears 633, 635, 646, and 648, the carrier gear 644 is able to rotate around the carrier shaft 683, thereby keeping the movable carrier 658 substantially parallel to the base 618. 【0130】 Third Alternative Embodiment 【0131】 Referring here to Figure 26, an automatic fastener driving tool of a third alternative embodiment is shown collectively by reference numeral 710. The tool 710 includes at least one external pressurized gas connector 720, at least one connector 722 for an external controller, a fastener exit end 726, a guide body 728, and an outer housing 724. 【0132】 The tool 710 also includes an automatically operating magazine 730, which allows the loading station 600 to automatically load cartridges 32 of fasteners. An external controller 810 (see Figure 39) can send commands to the tool 710 during operation. For example, the tool 710 can drive fasteners into the magazine 730 until it is empty, and then open the magazine 730 to accept cartridges 32 from the loading station 600. 【0133】 The magazine 730 includes several features to assist the automatic loading sequence. A first piston 742 is actuated to open and close a pivotable door 734 on the magazine 730. The first piston 742 can receive actuating commands from an external controller 810 or an onboard CPU 840 (see Figure 39). The magazine 730 also includes a cover 736, a receiving section 738 (for the fastener cartridge 32), and a clamp subassembly ("S / A") 740. 【0134】 The clamp S / A 740 is mounted on the door 734 and includes a holder 744 that prevents the fastener cartridge 32 from falling out of the magazine 730, and a pair of removable plates 750. These plates 750 can have varying heights depending on the type of fasteners loaded into the magazine 730. When short fasteners are loaded, plates 750 with a low height profile (measured from the door 734 to the top of the plates 750) can be mounted. Conversely, when tall fasteners are loaded, plates 750 can be replaced with those having a higher height profile. 【0135】 Other features of the magazine 730 include a front plate 752, a back plate 746 that maintains tension on the fastener cartridge 32 (i.e., pushes the cartridge toward the front plate), a magazine pusher 748 (see Figures 27-29), a stop plate 754 at the deepest part of the magazine, and a pair of support plates 756 that help support the fastener cartridge 32 during loading events. The back plate 746 is driven by a second piston 747 that drives the back plate 746 toward the stop plate 754, and if the previous cartridge has been used, the onboard CPU 840 can "reset" the back plate 746 (i.e., move the back plate 746 away from the stop plate 754) to accept a new fastener cartridge 32. As described above, during loading events, the door 734 and plate 750 open and fall away from the magazine 730. As the loading station 600 pushes the fastener cartridge 32 into the receiving section 738, the legs of the staple slide and then rest on the support plate 756 until the door 734 is closed. At that point, the plate 750 and the support plate 756 hold the fastener cartridge 32 in place within the magazine. 【0136】 The structure of the magazine 730 completely encloses the fastener 32 when the tool 710 is in use. Due to this structure, the tool 710 can be used at any position in the three-dimensional work environment. 【0137】 Referring now to Figure 27, the cover 736 is not shown in this figure in order to better show the magazine pusher 748. Figure 27 also provides a close view of the height of the plate 750. 【0138】 Figures 28 and 29 show the magazine pusher 748 used with the fastener cartridge 32. In Figure 28, a new cartridge 32 is loaded into the magazine 730. The magazine pusher 748 is located at the distal end from the guide body 728 and provides the force to push the cartridge 32 toward the guide body 728. As the tool 710 begins to drive the fastener 32, the magazine pusher 748 continuously pushes the cartridge 32 toward the guide body 728 to sequentially load the fastener into the guide body and then drive it into the substrate. 【0139】 Referring now to Figure 29, the magazine pusher 748 moves from right to left (in this figure) and approaches the guide body 728 somewhat. The cartridge 32 is continuously biased to the left (in this figure) by the magazine pusher 748 to continuously load the fastener into the guide body 728. The movement of the magazine pusher 748 from right to left continues until the tool stops moving or until the cartridge 32 is completely used. 【0140】 Fourth Alternative Embodiment 【0141】 Referring here to Figure 37, a loading station of a fourth alternative embodiment is shown as a whole by reference numeral 900. The loader 900 includes a number of gears 944 and associated carriers 958, and a guide subassembly ("S / A") 920 including a pusher 916, a vertical section 926, a horizontal section 928, and a loading arm 930. In Figure 37, the loading arm 930 is shown in the retracted position. 【0142】 Referring here to Figure 38, the loading arm 930 is shown in its extended position. The nesting arm 931 is shown in its fully extended state, which allows the loading arm 930 to reach into the magazine of the automatic fastener driving tool sufficiently to successfully load the fastener cartridges. The nesting arm 931 consists of at least two ultrathin, independent sliding sections used for a double nesting motion. This nesting motion allows the loading arm 930 to extend sufficiently to load the fastener cartridges into the magazine (as shown in the previous embodiment). In Figure 38, the nesting arm 931 is shown by three nesting sections, which are shown as the first nesting section 932, the second nesting section 934, and the third nesting section 936. 【0143】 Electronic block diagram 【0144】 Referring now to Figure 39, the electronic circuits of the fastener driving tool 710, the loading station 600, and the external controller 810 are shown in block diagrams. In this shown embodiment, the fastener driving tool 710 includes a microprocessor (CPU) 840, flash memory 842, random access memory (RAM) 844, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) 846, and a power supply (such as a battery) 856. 【0145】 An input / output (I / O) interface circuit 848 is included to provide signal adjustment as needed between the CPU 840 and other components that typically use voltage and / or current levels, such as sensors, which cannot be directly connected to processing devices. Unless two or more signals of specific voltage and current ratings are multiplexed and a multiplexer circuit may be included within the I / O interface circuit 848, each appropriate I / O signal is led through a separate channel of the I / O interface circuit 848. Data signals between the I / O circuit 848 and the CPU 840 flow through a low-voltage signal bus 856. 【0146】 In this embodiment, a data interface in the form of a LAN / WAN radio 854 is included so that the CPU 840 can communicate with other external devices such as an external controller 810. The external controller 810 also includes a LAN / WAN radio 820, which communicates with radio 854 using its own protocol as needed. However, radios 854 and 820 may use any number of different communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, although the data structure in messages between radios 854 and 820 may certainly be encrypted or otherwise formatted in a proprietary way. Radios 854 and 820 may further include other types of wireless communication devices that may not operate strictly on the principle of radio, including types of wireless communication devices that have not yet been invented. 【0147】 The microprocessor 840 controls the operation of the tool 710 according to programmed instructions received from the external controller 810 and stored in memory circuits such as flash memory 842. RAM memory 844 is typically used to store various data elements such as counters, software variables, and other informational data. EEPROM memory 846 is typically used to store more persistent tool data such as operating cycles, configuration information, and other important data. Without departing from the principles disclosed herein, it will be understood that many different types of microprocessors or microcontrollers may be used in the tool 710, and that many different types of memory circuits may be used to store data in both volatile and non-volatile forms. 【0148】 The power supply 856 provides operating power for the tool 710. It will be understood that the power supply 856 may be a battery or an external power source. A magazine sensor 850 may be used to notify the CPU 840 (or alternatively, the external controller 810) when the magazine 730 is empty or full. A "fire" feedback signal sensor 852 may be used to notify the CPU 840 or the external controller 810 when a fastener is driven in. This "fire" feedback signal sensor 852 is preferably a linear high-resolution sensor capable of performing fault handling and firing proof by combining the movement of the fastener in milliseconds with the presence of a "fire" feedback signal. The external controller 810 includes a microprocessor (CPU) 812, RAM (random access memory) 814, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) 816, and a power supply (such as a battery) 822. 【0149】 An input / output (I / O) interface circuit 818 is included to provide signal adjustment as needed between the CPU 812 and other components that typically use voltage and / or current levels, such as sensors, which cannot be directly connected to the processing device. Unless there is a possibility of multiplexing two or more signals of specific voltage and current ratings and a multiplexer circuit may be included within the I / O interface circuit 818, each appropriate I / O signal is led through a separate channel of the I / O interface circuit 818. Data signals between the I / O circuit 818 and the CPU 812 flow through a low-voltage signal bus. 【0150】 The microprocessor 812 controls the operation of the external controller 810 according to programmed instructions stored in the memory circuit. Without departing from the principles disclosed herein, it will be understood that many different types of microprocessors or microcontrollers may be used in the external controller 810, and that many different types of memory circuits may be used to store data in both volatile and non-volatile forms. 【0151】 Power supply 822 provides operating power for the external controller 810. It will be understood that power supply 822 can be a battery or an external power source. In a production line environment, AC line voltage will generally be available, and power supply 822 will typically be a DC power supply that provides DC current at an appropriate voltage level to the controller and any sensors and input / output interface circuits used in this system. 【0152】 The loading station 600 includes a microprocessor (CPU) 870, random access memory (RAM) 872, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) 874, and a power supply (such as a battery) 886. An input / output (I / O) interface circuit 876 is included to provide signal coordination as needed between the CPU 870 and other components that typically use voltage and / or current levels and cannot be directly connected to the processing device, such as sensors. Unless two or more signals of specific voltage and current ratings are multiplexed and a multiplexer circuit may be included within the I / O interface circuit 848, each appropriate I / O signal is led through a separate channel of the I / O interface circuit 876. Data signals between the I / O circuit 876 and the CPU 870 flow through a low-voltage signal bus. 【0153】 In this embodiment, an optional data interface in the form of a LAN / WAN radio 882 is included so that the CPU 870 can communicate with other external devices. The radio 882 may use any number of different communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, but the data structure in the message may be reliably encrypted or otherwise formatted in a proprietary way. The radio 882 may further include other types of wireless communication devices that may not operate strictly on the principle of radio, including types of wireless communication devices that have not yet been invented. 【0154】 The microprocessor 870 controls the operation of the loading station 600 according to programmed instructions stored in the memory circuit. Without departing from the principles disclosed herein, it will be understood that many different types of microprocessors or microcontrollers may be used in the loading station 600, and that many different types of memory circuits may be used to store data in both volatile and non-volatile forms. 【0155】 Power supply 886 provides operating power for the loading station 600, which includes a chain-driven motor circuit 884. The motor circuit 884 drives the motor 606. Power supply 856 may be a battery or an external power source. A loading arm sensor 878 may be used to inform the CPU 870 when the loading arm is empty, full, extended, or retracted. A carrier sensor 880 may be used to inform the CPU 870 when one of several carriers is loaded or unloaded. 【0156】 It should be noted that some of the embodiments shown herein do not, for the sake of clarity, have all of their components as shown in some of the drawings herein. In particular with respect to prior designs, readers should refer to other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco for examples of such outer housings and other components. Similarly, information on "how" the electronic controller operates to control the function of the tool can be found in other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco. Furthermore, other aspects of the tool technology of the present invention may exist in conventional fastener driving tools sold by the assignee, Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., including information disclosed in prior U.S. patents and published applications. Examples of such publications include U.S. issues 6,431,425, 5,927,585, 5,918,788, 5,732,870, 4,986,164, 4,679,719, 8,011,547, 8,267,296, 8,267,297, 8,011,441, 8,387,718, 8,286,722, 8,230,941, 8,602,282, and 9,6 These include U.S. Patent Application Publications 76,088, 10,478,954, 9,993,913, 10,549,412, 10,898,994, 10,821,585, and 8,763,874, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publications 2020 / 0156228, 2021 / 0016424, 2020 / 0070330, 2020 / 0122308, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 331993 filed on 18 April 2022. These documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 【0157】 It will be understood that the precise logical operation shown in the flowchart of Figure 17 and described above can be modified to function similarly, though perhaps not strictly, without deviating from the principles of the technology disclosed herein. 【0158】 As used herein, the term “proximal” may mean that one physical object is positioned close to a second physical object such that the two objects may, in some cases, be adjacent to each other, but it does not necessarily require that there be no third object positioned between them. In the art disclosed herein, a “male positioning structure” may be positioned “proximal” to a “female positioning structure.” Generally, this may mean that the two (male and female) structures are in physical contact with each other, or that they are “fitted” to each other by a particular size and shape, which essentially holds one structure oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the other and in an XY (e.g., horizontal and vertical) position, regardless of whether the two (male and female) structures are actually in contact with each other along a continuous surface. Alternatively, two structures of any size and shape (whether male, female, or other) may be positioned somewhat close to each other, regardless of whether they are in physical contact with each other, but such a relationship can still be called “proximal.” Alternatively, two or more possible locations relative to a particular point can be specified in relation to the precise attributes of a physical object, such as being "near" or "at" the end of the rod, and all of these possible, near / at locations can be considered "proximal" to the end of the rod. Furthermore, the term "proximal" can also have a meaning strictly relating to a single object, which may have two ends, where the "distal end" is the end located somewhat further away from the object reference point (or region), and the "proximal end" is the other end that would be located somewhat closer to that same object reference point (or region). 【0159】 It will be understood that the various components described and / or shown herein can be manufactured in a variety of ways, including being manufactured as part of multiple components or as a single integrated component for each of these components, without departing from the principles of the art disclosed herein. For example, the components included as enumerated elements in the following claims may be manufactured as a single integrated component, or they may be manufactured as a combined structure of several individual components assembled together. However, the “multiple component” still falls within the scope of the enumerated elements claimed for the purpose of infringement of the claims, even if the enumerated elements claimed appear to be described and shown herein only as a single integrated structure. 【0160】 All documents cited in the "Background Art" and "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" sections are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant parts, but no citation of any document should be construed as accepting prior art to the art disclosed herein. 【0161】 The above description of preferred embodiments is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the art disclosed herein to the exact form disclosed herein, and the art disclosed herein can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Any embodiment described or shown herein is intended as a non-exclusive embodiment, and many modifications or variations of those embodiments or preferred embodiments are possible by taking into consideration the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the art disclosed herein. The embodiments are selected and described to illustrate the principles of the art disclosed herein and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the art disclosed herein in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for specific uses that may be conceived. Therefore, this application is intended to cover all variations, uses, or adaptations of the art disclosed herein using its general principles. Furthermore, this application intends to cover any such deviations from the disclosure so as to fall within the scope of known or customary practices in the art to which the technology disclosed herein relates and which are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] A magazine (30, 730) used with a fastener driving tool (10, 710), wherein the magazine is A cover portion (36, 736) including a pivotable door (34, 734), A receiving portion (38, 738) that receives a cartridge through the pivotable door in the open position, The guide body (28, 728) of the fastener driving tool (10, 710) has an exit portion including an exit opening near the exit, A clamp (40, 740) attached to the pivotable door, the clamp comprising a clamp that biases the cartridge toward one side of the magazine near the exit opening, The cartridge comprises a plurality of fastener strips (32) arranged adjacent to each other, the fasteners facing downwards, The cartridge then comprises a lead strip of a fastener, which is positioned to be loaded into the guide body. The lead strip of the fastener is biased upward so as to face the exit opening, regardless of the length of the fastener within the lead strip. A magazine in which the pivotable door is controlled by an actuator (742) and remains closed except when a cartridge is loaded into the receiving portion. [Claim 2] (a) The magazine is operable to hold various types of the cartridges of fastener strips (32) of different lengths. or (b) The fastener (32) is Staples, pin, rivets, or At least one of the headless nails, or (c) The fastener (32) is a staple (32), each staple (32) comprising a width arm and two legs of the same length attached to the end of the arm, with a bottom opening formed between the legs. or (d) When the fastener loading sequence is initiated, The pivotable doors (34, 734) open automatically. At least one cartridge is inserted into the second side section, The pivotable door closes automatically. The magazine (30, 730) according to claim 1. [Claim 3] A magazine (30, 730) used with a fastener driving tool (10, 710), wherein the magazine is A cover portion (36, 736) including a pivotable door (34, 734), A receiving portion (38, 738) that receives a cartridge through the pivotable door in the open position, The guide body (28, 728) of the fastener driving tool (10, 710) has an exit portion including an exit opening near the exit, A clamp (40, 740) mounted on the pivotable door, comprising a plurality of removable plates (750) that support the cartridge, The cartridge comprises a plurality of fastener strips (32) arranged adjacent to each other, the fasteners facing downwards, The cartridge then comprises a lead strip of a fastener, which is positioned to be loaded into the guide body. A magazine in which the lead strip of a fastener is biased upward so as to face the exit opening, regardless of the length of the fastener within the lead strip. [Claim 4] (a) Each of the fastener strips (32) comprises a plurality of staples, each staple comprising a width arm and two legs of the same length attached to the end of the arm, with a bottom opening formed between the legs. or (b) The plurality of removable plates (750) are A low height plate for use with shorter leg staples, or It comprises at least one of the following: a taller height plate for use with longer leg staples, or (c) The pivotable door (34, 734) is closed during the operation of the fastener driving tool (10, 710) associated with the magazine, enclosing and protecting the cartridge, thereby allowing the fastener driving tool to be used at any position in the three-dimensional work environment. or (d) The pivotable doors (34, 734) are opened during the reloading operation and positioned so that the reloading stations (200, 600, 900) have an open path for loading into the magazine. The magazine (30,730) according to claim 3. [Claim 5] Automatic fastener loading machine (200, 600, 900), An outer housing (24, 614) including an inlet loading portion (210, 604), a main holding portion, and a distribution outlet portion (216, 602), The inlet loading portion comprises a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners (32), The main holding portion is sized and molded to accommodate a plurality of the at least one cartridges. The distribution outlet portion comprises an outer housing and a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge, A motor (606) mechanically connected to at least one chain drive unit (650, 670), wherein the at least one chain drive unit includes a continuous chain (656, 676), and A first plurality of movable carriers (658) and a second plurality of opposing movable carriers (660), wherein the first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers are positioned so as not to contact each other and to have an open space between them. The first and second sets of movable carriers are connected in pairs to the continuous chain of at least one chain drive unit, so that each of the first sets of movable carriers faces each of the second sets of movable carriers, and the chain drive unit moves the pairs of movable carriers from the inlet loading portion to the distribution outlet portion, while each of the pairs of movable carriers is operable to transport at least one cartridge. When one of the pair of the movable carriers reaches the distribution outlet portion, the chain drive unit comprises a first plurality of movable carriers and a second plurality of opposing movable carriers, which enable the at least one cartridge to be moved through the second opening and thereby unloaded from the automatic fastener loader. An automatic fastener loading machine wherein the outer housing at least partially surrounds the first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers and the at least one chain drive unit. [Claim 6] (a) The at least one chain drive unit (650, 670) is A first chain drive unit (650) includes a first continuous chain (656) which comprises a first plurality of gears (652, 654), is driven by the first plurality of gears, and moves from the inlet loading portion (210, 604) to the distribution outlet portion (216, 602) by rotation inside the outer housing, and then returns to the inlet loading portion. The second chain drive unit (670) includes a second continuous chain (676) which includes a second plurality of gears (672, 674), is driven by the second plurality of gears, and moves from the inlet loading portion to the distribution outlet portion by rotation inside the outer housing, and then returns to the inlet loading portion, the second chain drive unit (670) comprises The first plurality of movable carriers (658) are connected to the first chain drive unit, The second set of movable carriers (660) are connected to the second chain drive unit, The first chain drive unit and the second chain drive unit are operable to rotate together when the motor is operated. Each pair of the plurality of movable carriers moves together such that the first plurality of movable carriers remain substantially parallel to the second plurality of movable carriers. The loading station (200, 600, 900) according to claim 5. [Claim 7] (a) As the at least one chain drive unit (650, 670) moves, each pair of movable carriers (658, 660) moves from a position above the loading arms (220, 630, 930) to a position below the loading arms. As one of the pairs of movable carriers moves to the lower position of the loading arm, one of the at least one of the cartridges is loaded onto the loading arm. or (b) The loading arm (930) The first independent slide portion (932) and A double-nested arm comprising a second independent sliding portion (934), The loading station (200, 600, 900) according to claim 6. [Claim 8] A method for distributing fasteners (32) from automatic loading stations (200, 600, 900), wherein the method is (a) To provide an automatic loading station (200, 600, 900), wherein the automatic loading station is (i) An outer housing (24, 614) including an inlet loading portion (210, 604), a main holding portion, and a distribution outlet portion (216, 602), The inlet loading portion comprises a first opening sized and molded to receive at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners (32), The main holding portion is sized and molded to accommodate a plurality of the at least one cartridges. The distribution outlet portion comprises an outer housing and a second opening sized and molded to distribute at least one cartridge, (ii) A motor (606) mechanically connected to at least one chain drive unit (650, 670), (iii) A plurality of first movable carriers (658) and a plurality of opposing second movable carriers (660), at least partially enclosed by the outer housing, The first plurality of movable carriers and the second plurality of movable carriers are not in contact with each other, and an open space is present between them. The invention provides a first plurality of movable carriers and a second plurality of movable carriers comprising a first plurality of movable carriers (658) and an opposing second plurality of movable carriers (660), each of which is oriented toward each of the second plurality of movable carriers, and which are connected in pairs to the at least one chain drive unit such that each pair is operable to transport the at least one cartridge. (b) Moving the pair of movable carriers from the inlet loading section to the distribution outlet section using the chain drive unit, (c) Loading at least one cartridge onto the loading arms (220, 630, 930) from one of the pair of movable carriers, (d) To provide an automatic magazine (30, 730) to be used with a fastener driving tool (10, 710), wherein the magazine is (i) Cover portion (36, 736) including pivotable door (34, 734), (ii) A receiving portion (38, 738) that receives the at least one cartridge through the pivotable door in the open position, (iii) The guide body (28, 728) of the fastener driving tool (10, 710) has an exit portion including an exit opening near the exit, (iv) To provide a clamp (40, 740) mounted on the pivotable door, the clamp comprising a plurality of removablely mountable plates (750) supporting the at least one cartridge, (e) Opening the pivotable door of the magazine, (f) Extending the loading arm from the distribution outlet portion of the loading station toward the magazine, (g) Loading at least one cartridge from the automatic loading station into the magazine, (h) Moving the loading arm away from the magazine and back to its original position, (i) A method comprising closing the pivotable door of the magazine. [Claim 9] The system further comprises at least one external controller (810) and a communication network that enables the transmission of data messages between the at least one external controller and the fastener driving tools (10, 710), The at least one external controller includes a first processing circuit (812), a first memory circuit (816) containing instructions executable by the first processing circuit, and a first communication circuit (820). The fastener driving tool includes a second processing circuit (840), a second memory circuit (846) containing instructions executable by the second processing circuit, and a second communication circuit (854). The at least one external controller transmits a data message to the fastener driving tool using the communication network, the data message including additional instructions that can be executed by the second processing circuit. The method according to claim 8. [Claim 10] The fastener driving tool (10, 710) includes at least one sensor, and the sensor is Magazine sensor (850), or At least one of the "launch" signal sensors (852), The method according to claim 9. [Claim 11] The at least one chain drive unit (650, 670) is A first chain drive unit (650) includes a first gear system (652, 654) and a first continuous chain (656) driven by the first gear system, A second chain drive unit (670) includes a second gear system (672, 674) and a second continuous chain (676) driven by the second gear system, The method according to claim 8, wherein when the motor (606) is operated, the first gear system and the second gear system rotate together, thereby synchronizing the movements of the first chain drive unit and the second chain drive unit. [Claim 12] (a) The first gear system (652, 654) A first set of multiple planetary gears, each of which includes a first sun gear (612, 621), a first set of multiple planetary gears (613, 623), and a first ring gear (627, 635, 629, 633), The system includes a first set of multiple carrier gears (644) attached to the first continuous chain (656), The first ring gear is mechanically connected to a plurality of first carrier gears that follow along the path of the first continuous chain (656). The first chain drive unit includes a plurality of first sprockets (652, 654) that drive the first continuous chain, (b) The second gear system (672, 674) is A second set of multiple planetary gears, each of which includes a second sun gear (641, 615), a second set of multiple planetary gears (645, 617), and a second ring gear (619, 548, 625, 646), The present invention includes a second set of carrier gears (660) attached to the second continuous chain, The second ring gear is mechanically connected to a plurality of second carrier gears that follow along the path of the second continuous chain (676). The second chain drive unit includes a second plurality of sprockets (672, 674) that drive the second continuous chain, (c) Furthermore, A plurality of first rails (662, 664, 666, 668) that at least partially accommodate and guide the first continuous chain, A method comprising providing a second plurality of rails (682, 684, 686, 688) for at least partially housing and guiding the second continuous chain, (d) When the first chain drive unit is in motion, the first plurality of rails guide the first plurality of movable carriers such that each first carrier is substantially parallel to the loading arm (220, 640, 930). When the second chain drive unit is in motion, the second plurality of rails guide the second plurality of movable carriers such that each of the second carriers is substantially parallel to the loading arm. The first plurality of planetary gears cooperate with the first ring gear to guide the first plurality of movable carriers such that each of the first plurality of carriers is substantially parallel to the loading arm as each of the first plurality of carriers moves around the first ring gear. The second plurality of planetary gears cooperate with the second ring gear to guide the second plurality of movable carriers such that each of the second carriers is substantially parallel to the loading arm as each of the second plurality of carriers moves around the second ring gear. The method according to claim 11.

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