Driving tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastener driving tool (10). The tool comprises a slap hammer (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate, a center guide (31) enclosing the slap hammer (14), a firing chamber (30) and a rod (2) for pushing the firing chamber (30) so that it moves along the slap hammer (14) to actuate a firing release mechanism (3). The firing chamber (30) engages slidably with the center guide (31) as it moves along the slap hammer (14).

Description

DRIVING TOOLPriority Claim

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of French Application No. 2310136, which was filed on September 25, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field of the invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to driving tools. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a driving tool with a firing release mechanism to selectively enable the tool to be fired.Technical background

[0003] Driving tools with firing release mechanisms to selectively enable the tools to be fired are common. These tools typically comprise a probe which, when actuated, applies a balanced force to the firing release mechanism.Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a fastener driving tool, the tool comprising: a slap hammer for driving fasteners into a substrate; a center guide enclosing the slap hammer; a firing chamber for actuating a firing release mechanism to enable the tool to be fired; and a rod for pushing the firing chamber so that it moves along the slap hammer to actuate the firing release mechanism; in which the firing chamber slidably engages the center guide as it moves along the slap hammer.

[0005] The rod can be parallel to and / or offset from the slap hammer.

[0006] More specifically, the rod can be parallel to but offset from the slap hammer.

[0007] The invention also relates to a fastener driving tool, the tool comprising: a slap hammer for driving fasteners into a substrate; a center guide enclosing the slap hammer; a firing chamber for actuating a firing release mechanism to enable the tool to be fired; and a rod parallel to but offset from the slap hammer for pushing the firing chamber so that it moves along the slap hammer to actuate the firingrelease mechanism; in which the firing chamber slidably engages the center guide as it moves along the slap hammer.

[0008] The rod can be disconnected from the firing chamber.

[0009] The assembly can comprise spring-loaded means enclosing the center guide to push the firing chamber into a pre-activated position in order to prevent the tool from firing.

[0010] The firing chamber can comprise a ring. The ring can be molded from a polymer material, which can be lubricated. The ring can provide a contact surface for engaging the center guide.

[0011] More specifically, the firing chamber can comprise a ring molded from a lubricated polymer material that provides a contact surface for engaging the center guide.

[0012] The tool can comprise a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly.

[0013] The assembly can comprise a probe. The probe can be threaded onto the rod. The probe can have a contact end, for example for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven.

[0014] The assembly can comprise a wheel. The wheel can be slidably coupled to the rod. The wheel can be held axially relative to the tool, for example so that rotating the wheel rotates the rod and / or allows the rod to slide relative to the tool and / or relative to the wheel.

[0015] Rotating the wheel can move the probe relative to the driving tool. Moving the probe can adjust the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0016] More specifically, the tool can comprise a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly, the assembly comprising: a probe 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 rod and held axially relative to the tool so that rotating the wheel rotates the rod while allowing the rod to slide relative to the tool and relative to the wheel; in which rotating the wheel moves the probe relative to the tool, thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0017] The probe can comprise a connector. The probe or connector can comprise a hole, which can be threaded. The rod can comprise a threaded portion, for example a threaded end portion. The hole can accommodate and / or engage the threaded portion of the rod.

[0018] The rod can comprise a non-circular cross-section, for example along at least part of its length. The wheel can comprise a hole. The hole can cooperate with the non-circular cross-section of the rod, for example to rotatably couple the wheel to the rod while allowing the wheel to slide along the rod.

[0019] In some examples, the rod comprises a non-circular cross-section along at least part of its length and the wheel comprises a hole that cooperates with the non-circular cross-section of the rod to rotatably couple the wheel to the rod while allowing the wheel to slide along the rod.

[0020] Rotating the wheel can rotate the rod, for example due to the engagement between the non-circular cross-section of the rod and the hole in the wheel. Rotating the rod can move the probe, for example via the threaded connection between the rod and the probe or the probe connector.

[0021] The tool can comprise locking means. The locking means can be between the wheel and the tool. The locking means can be for blocking, for example releasably, the rotation between them.

[0022] The locking means can be between the wheel and the tool. The locking means can be for blocking, for example releasably, the rotation between them.

[0023] More specifically, the tool can comprise locking means between the wheel and the tool to releasably block rotation between them.

[0024] In some cases, the wheel must be moved, for example axially, to release the locking means. The wheel can be turned, for example in order to turn the rod. Turning the rod can move the probe relative to the tool, for example to adjust the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0025] More specifically, in some cases the wheel must be moved axially to release the locking means, then turned to turn the rod, thereby moving the probe relative to the tool to adjust the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0026] The locking means and / or the wheel can be biased into a locked position, for example by biasing means which can be elastic. The biasing means can comprise a biasing mechanism, such as a spring. The biasing means can be configured to facilitate the release of the locking means, for example by preventing it from being inadvertently released.

[0027] The wheel can comprise a tapering outer profile, resulting, for example, in an overall frustoconical shape. The wheel can comprise an overallfrustoconical shape. The wheel can comprise a narrow end, which can be adjacent to the locking means and / or comprise part of the locking means. The wheel can comprise a wide end, which can be positioned away from the locking means.

[0028] The wheel can comprise an outer profile configured to keep the user's fingers from sliding along the wheel when an axial force is applied, for example to unlock the locking means. The outer profile can be tapering and / or can comprise an overall frustoconical shape and / or a ramp.

[0029] More specifically, wheel can comprise a tapering outer profile to keep the user's fingers from sliding along the wheel when an axial force is applied to unlock the locking means.

[0030] The locking means can comprise a notch. The notch can accommodate a ridge. The wheel can be pushed into a locked position. In the locked position, the ridge can be pushed into the notch, for example when they are aligned with each other.

[0031] In some examples, the locking means comprise a notch that accommodates a ridge and the wheel is pushed into a locked position in which the ridge is pushed into the notch when they are aligned with each other.

[0032] The notch can be in the wheel. The ridge can be on the tool.

[0033] In some examples, the notch is in the wheel and the ridge is on the tool. The wheel can comprise a polymer or plastic material. The support can comprise a polymer or plastic material.

[0034] The presence of a wheel that is brought into a locked position by a spring to engage the locking means provides a simple and effective mechanism that is less prone to malfunction or damage than other locking devices, despite the aggressive and dusty environment to which these tools are exposed.

[0035] The tool can comprise a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel can be accommodated. The tool can comprise spring-loaded means, for example between a first of the flanges and the wheel. The spring-loaded means can push the wheel, for example towards a second of the flanges. The second flange can comprise the ridge.

[0036] More specifically, the tool can comprise a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel is accommodated, and spring-loaded means between a first of the flanges and the wheel, which push the wheel towards a second of the flanges that comprises the ridge.

[0037] The tool can comprise a nail gun or a staple gun.

[0038] For the avoidance of doubt, all the features described herein also apply to any aspect of the invention.

[0039] As part of this application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives disclosed in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, can be taken separately or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way, unless these features are incompatible.

[0040] In order to avoid any ambiguity, the terms “can”, “and / or”, “for example”, and any other similar term used in the present document must be interpreted as not limiting, such that any feature thus described is not necessarily required to be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly foreseen without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not they are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any claim originally filed or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any claim originally filed to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, though it is not originally claimed in this manner.Brief description of the figures

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which will be understood in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a driving tool according to one example;

[0043] Figure 2 is an enlarged partial view showing the locking mechanism between the wheel and the support of the depth-of-drive adjustment assembly of the tool in Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates the depth-of-drive adjustment assembly of the tool in Figure 1 shown in a minimum depth configuration;

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view through the rod and probe of the assembly shown in Figure 3;

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view through the rod of the assembly shown in Figure 3;

[0047] Figure 6 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of the tool in Figure 1 , seen through the center of the slap hammer, with the firing release mechanism shown in a pre-actuated position (resting state);

[0048] Figure 7 is a similar view to the one in Figure 6, with the firing release mechanism shown in an actuated position in which the tool can be fired;

[0049] Figure 8 is a similar view to the one in Figure 3, with the firing release mechanism shown in the actuated position;

[0050] Figure 9 is a similar view to the one in Figure 8, shown in a maximum depth configuration;

[0051] Figure 10 illustrates part of the drive assembly of the tool in Figure 1 , with the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position;

[0052] Figure 11 is a similar view to the one in Figure 10, with the firing release mechanism shown in the actuated position; and

[0053] Figure 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the interaction between the spring and the firing chamber of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position; and

[0054] Figure 13 is an enlarged partial view showing the locking mechanism between the wheel and the support of a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly according to another example.Detailed description of the invention

[0055] Referring now to the figures, a fastener driving tool 10 can be seen, which is a staple gun in this example. The tool 10 comprises a support 11 on which a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly 1 is mounted. The assembly 1 comprises a rod 2 with an actuating end 20 for actuating a firing release mechanism 3 in order to enable the driving tool 10 to be fired. The assembly 1 also comprises a probe 4 threaded onto the rod 2. The probe 4 comprises a contact end 40 for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven. The probe 4 also comprises a connector 41 with a threaded hole 42 that accommodates and engages a threaded end portion 20a of the rod 2.

[0056] The assembly 1 also comprises a wheel 5 slidably coupled to the rod 2. More specifically, the rod 2 comprises a non-circular cross-section 21 along part of its length. The wheel 5 comprises a hole 50 which cooperates with the non-circularcross-section 21 of the rod 2 to rotatably couple the wheel 5 to the rod 2 while allowing the wheel to slide along the rod.

[0057] The support 11 comprises a first flange 12a and a second flange 12b which are spaced apart and between which the wheel 5 is accommodated. The rod 2 extends through a respective hole in each flange 12a, 12b, such that it is slidably and rotatably mounted on the support 11. The wheel 5 is therefore held axially relative to the support 11 so that rotating the wheel 5 rotates the rod 2 while allowing the rod 2 to slide relative to the support 11 and relative to the wheel 5.

[0058] The assembly 1 also comprises a spring 13 and locking means or a locking mechanism 6. The spring 13 encloses the rod 2 and is located between the first flange 12a and the wheel 5. The locking mechanism 6 is located between the wheel 5 and the second flange 12b, to releasably block rotation between them. The locking mechanism 6 comprises a notch 60 in the wheel 5 that accommodates a ridge 61 on the second flange 12b. The spring 13 pushes the wheel 5 towards the second flange 12b, and into a locked position in which the ridge 61 is pushed into the notch 60, when they are aligned with each other.

[0059] When in use, the depth to which a slap hammer 14 on the tool 10 drives a fastener into a substrate can be adjusted by pushing the wheel 5 against the force of the spring 13 and rotating it to move the probe 4 relative to the tool 10. More specifically, rotating the wheel 5 rotates the rod 2 due to the engagement between the non-circular cross-section 21 of the rod 2 and the hole 50 in the wheel 5. This rotation of the rod 2 moves the probe 4 via the threaded connection between the threaded end portion 20a of the rod 2 and the connector 41 .

[0060] As shown by a comparison of Figures 8 and 9, this adjustment moves the probe 4 relative to the end of travel of the slap hammer 14, which is itself fixed. As a result, the fastener is released by the slap hammer 14 further from the substrate (Figure 8) or closer to the substrate (Figure 9).

[0061] The firing release mechanism 3 comprises a firing chamber 30 against which the rod 2 is pushed to actuate the firing release mechanism 3. The rod 2 is disconnected from the firing chamber 30 and is offset relative to a slap hammer 14 on the tool 10. The firing release mechanism 3 also comprises a center guide 31 which encloses the slap hammer 14 on the tool 10, with which the firing chamber 30 is slidably engaged in order to guide the movement of the firing chamber 30 when actuated by the rod 2.

[0062] The firing release mechanism 3 also comprises a spring 32 which encloses the center guide 31 , and which is held between the firing chamber 30 and a drive assembly 7 of the tool 10. The spring 32 pushes the firing chamber 30 into a preactivated position to deactivate the drive assembly 7, thus preventing the tool 10 from firing.

[0063] The firing chamber 30 comprises a ring 33, which is molded from a lubricated polymer material. The ring 33 provides a contact surface for engaging the center guide 31. This allows the firing chamber 30 to slide effectively when exposed to the asymmetrical force resulting from the offset position of rod 2.

[0064] Figure 13 shows a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly 101 according to another example similar to the depth-of-drive adjustment assembly 1 of the fastener driving tool 10 in Figures 1 to 12, in which similar references represent similar features, incremented by 100. The depth-of-drive adjustment assembly 101 in this example differs from the one in Figures 1 to 12 in that the outer profile of the wheel 105 tapers, resulting in an overall frustoconical shape.

[0065] The narrow end of the wheel 105 comprises the notch 160 of the locking mechanism 106. The outer profile thus forms a ramp to keep the user's fingers from sliding along the wheel 105 when axial force is applied to unlock the locking mechanism 106.

[0066] Throughout the description, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended for (and do not exclude) other whole or partial parts, additives or components. Throughout the description, the singular includes the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0067] Any features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith.

[0068] List of Reference Numbers1 depth-of-drive adjustment assembly10 fastener driving toolsupport a first flange b second flange spring-loaded means slap hammer rod actuating end a threaded end portion of the rod non-circular cross-section firing release mechanism firing chamber center guide spring-loaded means ring probe contact end connector threaded connector hole wheel hole locking mechanism notch ridge drive assembly 1 depth-of-drive adjustment assembly2a first flange 2b second flange 5 wheel 6 locking mechanism 0 notch 1 ridge

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fastener driving tool (10), the tool comprising: a slap hammer (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate; a center guide (31) enclosing the slap hammer (14); a firing chamber (30) for actuating a firing release mechanism (3) in order to enable the tool (10) to be fired; and a rod (2) for pushing the firing chamber (30) so that it moves along the slap hammer (14) to actuate the firing release mechanism (3); in which the firing chamber (30) engages slidably with the center guide (31 ) as it moves along the slap hammer (14).

2. The tool according to claim 1 , in which the rod (2) is parallel to but offset from the slap hammer (14).

3. The tool according to claim 2, in which the rod (2) is disconnected from the firing chamber (30).

4. The tool according to claim 3 comprising spring-loaded means (32) enclosing the center guide (31) for pushing the firing chamber (30) into a pre-activated position in order to prevent the tool (10) from firing.

5. The tool according to any of the preceding claims, in which the firing chamber (30) comprises a ring (33) molded from a lubricated polymer material that provides a contact surface for engaging the center guide (31).

6. The tool according to any of the preceding claims comprising a depth-of-drive adjustment assembly (1), the assembly comprising: a probe (4) threaded onto the rod (2) and having a contact end (40) for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a wheel (5) slidably coupled to the rod (2) and held axially relative to the tool (10) so that rotating the wheel (5) rotates the rod (2) while allowing the rod (2) to slide relative to the tool (10) and relative to the wheel (5);in which rotating the wheel (5) moves the probe (4) relative to the tool (10), thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool (10) drives the fastener into the substrate.

7. The tool according to claim 6, in which the rod (2) comprises a non-circular cross-section (21 ) along at least part of its length and the wheel (5) comprises a hole (50) that co-operates with the non-circular cross-section (21) of the rod (2) to rotatably couple the wheel (5) to the rod (2) while allowing the wheel to slide along the rod.

8. The tool according to claim 6 or claim 7 comprising locking means (6) between the wheel (5) and the tool (10) to releasably block rotation between them.

9. The tool according to claim 8, in which the locking means (6) comprise a notch (60) that accommodates a ridge (61 ) and the wheel (5) is pushed into a locked position in which the ridge (61 ) is pushed into the notch (60) when they are aligned with each other.

10. The tool according to claim 9, in which the notch (60) is in the wheel (5) and the ridge (61 ) is on the tool (10).

11. The tool according to claim 10 comprising a pair of spaced flanges (12a, 12b), between which the wheel (5) is accommodated, and spring-loaded means (13) between a first of the flanges (12a) and the wheel (5), which push the wheel (5) towards a second of the flanges (12b) that comprises the ridge (61 ).

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