Apparatus, system, and method for securing a fastener driving tool

Abstract

An apparatus for using a fastener driving tool, comprising: - a receiving region for placement of the fastener driving tool, - a handle unit, wherein the fastener driving tool can be triggered by the handle unit - a securing element, wherein the securing element is movably positioned in the device such that the fastener driving tool is prevented by the securing element from being triggered when the fastener driving tool is in an inadequate position.

Description

[0001] Device, system and method for the safety of a setting device

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for a setting tool, wherein the device ensures the safety of the setting tool in a non-functional position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a device and a setting tool, wherein the device ensures the safety of the setting tool in a non-functional position. The invention also relates to a method for ensuring the safety of a setting tool.

[0003] background

[0004] LIS2013206809 AA discloses a setting tool designed to set fasteners into a work surface from a distance. This increases both safety and ease of use. The setting tool is equipped with a locking mechanism that ensures it can only be used in the correct orientation to prevent accidental activation. The setting tool's release mechanism is designed to be activated by pressing the device against the work surface, which facilitates use and reduces the risk of incorrect installation.

[0005] DE102007000302 A1 shows a device connected to a setting tool, enabling precise and controlled operation of the setting tool. The device has a switching connection that allows remote control of the setting tool's operating switch via an actuating element on the device. A safety device in the setting tool prevents accidental activation if it is not in the correct orientation. This increases user safety and prevents potential damage.

[0006] The disadvantage of the prior art is that the safety of the setting device always relies solely on the setting device itself. To improve the safety of the setting device, prior art methods always involve complex and extensive restructuring of the setting devices. An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the closest prior art and to provide a device, a system, and a method that increases or improves the safety of a setting device in a non-functional position.

[0007] Description

[0008] A first aspect of the invention comprises a device for using a setting device comprising

[0009] a receiving area for placing the setting device,

[0010] a handle unit, wherein the setting device can be triggered by the handle unit, a safety element, wherein the safety element is arranged in the device in such a way that the setting device cannot be triggered by the safety element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

[0011] The term "device for using a setting tool" encompasses any type of device that can be attached to and / or positioned around a setting tool. Preferably, a setting tool is inserted into or placed within the device. The device can increase the working range of the setting tool, simplify its use for the user, and / or implement functions that the setting tool does not inherently possess.

[0012] The term "receiving area" refers to a surface or volume within the device into which the setting tool can be inserted or placed. It is therefore an area through which the setting tool can be connected to the device, preferably permanently connected.

[0013] The term "handle unit" encompasses a part of the device by which the user can hold the device. The handle unit also allows the user to activate at least one function of the setting tool, preferably the triggering of the setting tool. The term "safety element" encompasses an element capable of preventing triggering—that is, the setting of a fastener—as soon as the setting tool is used in an unintended position.

[0014] The term "in a non-standard position of the setting device" describes any position of the setting device in which triggering of the setting device must be prevented.

[0015] The setting tool is in its normal operating position when used perpendicular to the fixing surface. As soon as the setting tool is no longer used perpendicular, for example, to the ground, it must no longer be possible to trigger the setting tool above a tolerated deviation from the perpendicular to the fixing surface. Preferably, the tolerated deviation from the perpendicular to the fixing surface is in the range of 1° to 45°, or 1° to 40°, or 1° to 35°, or 1° to 30°, or 1° to 25°, or 1° to 20°, or 1° to 15°, or 1° to 10°, or 1° to 5°, or 1° to 3°.

[0016] Within the range outside the tolerated deviation, triggering of the setting device must not be possible. This corresponds to the setting device being in an unintended position.

[0017] At least one technical effect of the first aspect is that it prevents the setting device from being unintentionally triggered when it is in an unintended position. For setting devices designed for floor applications, this means they cannot be triggered when used upside down, for example, during repair or maintenance. For setting devices designed for ceiling applications, this means they cannot be triggered when used in a floor application.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the handle unit includes a first handle element, a first extension element, and a release element. The term "first handle element" encompasses a region, preferably a first grip area, of the handle unit which is suitable for being held or used by the user of the device. The term "first handle element" further encompasses a release switch which is attached directly to the first handle element or which can be activated by the hands from the first handle element without having to remove the hands from the first handle element. The release switch serves to initiate the triggering of the setting device by the device. The release switch can be a button, a slider, or a lever. In an optional embodiment, the handle unit comprises a second handle element with a second extension element.

[0019] The term "first extension element" encompasses a portion of the handle unit and is preferably directly connected to the first handle element. The first extension element allows a setting tool intended for ground use to be operated while standing. In other words, the user of the setting tool intended for ground use does not have to bend over or kneel, but can also use the setting tool while standing.

[0020] The term "trigger element" encompasses a section of the handle unit and is preferably directly connected to the first handle element, but can also be connected to the first extension element. Optionally, the first handle element and the trigger element are connected by a connecting element—for example, a rope, wire, Bowden cable, or rod—which passes through the first extension element. Preferably, the trigger element is connected to the trigger switch of the first handle element. This causes the trigger element to move when the trigger switch is activated, thus actuating the trigger of the setting device and initiating a setting process when the setting device is pressed into place.

[0021] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the setting device can be triggered by the handle unit in a functional position, allowing the user to operate the setting device in a standing position. This expands the range of applications for the setting device. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device in which the triggering element is blocked by the safety element when the setting device is not in a functional position.

[0022] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element is moved against gravity by the improperly positioned setting device. This changes the position of the locking element, which is movably arranged within the device, such that the locking element blocks the release element. If the release element is blocked, the initiation of the release switch cannot be transmitted to the release element. Consequently, the release mechanism of the setting device cannot be actuated, and the setting device cannot be triggered.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element comprises a locking area, wherein the locking area can be contacted with the release element in a non-usable position of the setting device.

[0024] The term "safety zone" refers to a portion of the safety element that comes into direct contact with the release element. The safety zone has a shape compatible with the outer contour of the release element. For example, if the release element has a cylindrical outer contour, the safety zone can have a concave or similar contour shaped such that the shape of the safety zone and the outer contour of the release element interlock.

[0025] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that contact between the release element and the locking element is achieved through the locking area and, in particular, through the shape of the locking area. In other words, the release element is blocked by the locking element at the locking area. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element has no axis of symmetry.

[0026] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element, due to the improper positioning of the setting device, also moves the device against gravity. Because of the locking element's lack of symmetry and the influence of gravity, the locking element moves within the device in such a way that it blocks the release element. If the release element is blocked, the triggering of the release switch cannot be transmitted to the release element. Consequently, the release mechanism of the setting device cannot be actuated, and the setting device cannot be triggered.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element comprises an opening for placing the locking element in the device.

[0028] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that, due to the opening of the locking element and the influence of gravity, the locking element moves in the device in such a way that the locking element blocks the release element.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element comprises an axis of rotation perpendicular to the center of the opening.

[0030] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that, due to the opening of the locking element and the influence of gravity, the locking element moves within the device around its axis of rotation, thus blocking the release element. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the device has a receptacle for opening the locking element.

[0031] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element is positioned and secured in the device by the intake in such a way that the locking element is movably arranged in the device.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element, in a non-usable position of the setting device, is rotatable about the axis of rotation.

[0033] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element is positioned and fixed in the device in such a way that the locking element can be rotated around the axis of rotation of the locking element.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element has a center of gravity, wherein the center of gravity, in a usable position of the setting device, is arranged outside the axis of rotation.

[0035] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the device can be used for a device in ground operation and the safety element blocks the release element in a non-usable position of the setting device.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element is a rotatable sheet metal part.

[0037] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that, through a lightweight locking element, the weight of the device is hardly increased, yet a safety-relevant function for the use of the device is still realized. A second aspect of the invention comprises a system comprising a device for using a setting tool and a setting tool, wherein the device

[0038] a receiving area for placing the setting device,

[0039] The device comprises a handle unit, wherein the setting device can be triggered by the handle unit, and a locking element, wherein the locking element is arranged in the device in such a manner that the setting device cannot be triggered by the locking element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

[0040] The definitions of terms for the second aspect are identical to the definitions of terms for the first aspect.

[0041] At least one technical effect of this second aspect is that it prevents the unintentional triggering of the setting device within the system, specifically when the setting device is in an unintended position. For setting devices designed for floor applications, this means they cannot be triggered within the system if, for example, the setting device is used upside down, such as during a repair or maintenance procedure within the system. For setting devices designed for ceiling applications, this means they cannot be triggered by the device if they are used in a floor application with the system.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a system wherein the locking element is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0043] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element is rotatable around the axis of rotation of the locking element and thus the system cannot be triggered in a non-functional position of the setting device or the system.

[0044] A third aspect of the invention comprises a method for a device with a setting device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing the setting device in a receiving area of ​​the device, transferring the device with the setting device into a non-usable position of the setting device,

[0045] Preventing the setting device from being triggered in an unusable position by means of a safety element movably arranged in the device.

[0046] The definitions of the third aspect are identical to the definitions of the first and second aspects.

[0047] At least one technical effect of this second aspect is that it prevents the unintentional triggering of the setting device within the system, specifically when the setting device is in an unintended position. For setting devices designed for floor applications, this means they cannot be triggered within the system if, for example, the setting device is used upside down, such as during a repair or maintenance procedure within the system. For setting devices designed for ceiling applications, this means they cannot be triggered by the device if they are used in a floor application with the system.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a method, wherein the method comprises the further step:

[0049] where the locking element is rotated around a rotational axis.

[0050] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the locking element is rotated around the axis of rotation of the locking element, and thus the device cannot be triggered in a non-functional position of the setting device or the system.

[0051] The invention was described using a device for the use of a setting tool. The features of the described embodiments can also be combined with one another as desired within a single system or a single method. It should be noted that the method according to the invention is also suitable for other purposes.

[0052] Further optional embodiments follow, which can be combined or specified arbitrarily with all previous embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, and also with all further optional embodiments of the first, second and third aspects.

[0053] In a further optional embodiment, the invention comprises a device wherein the locking element has a center of gravity, wherein the center of gravity, in a usable position of the setting device, is arranged below the axis of rotation.

[0054] At least one technical effect of this further embodiment is that the device can be used for a ceiling-mounted device and the safety element blocks the release element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

[0055] In a further optional embodiment, the invention comprises a working device wherein the locking element has a constant or non-constant thickness.

[0056] At least one technical effect of this further optional embodiment is that the position of the center of gravity of the locking element can be changed by the thickness of the locking element and / or the shape of the locking element.

[0057] Examples of implementation

[0058] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a system comprising a device with a setting device.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a locking element in a typical operating position of the setting device, where the setting device is not triggered. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a locking element in a typical operating position of the setting device, where the setting device is triggered.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a safety element in a non-functional position of the setting device, wherein the setting device is not triggered.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a locking element in a non-functional position of the setting device, wherein the setting device is blocked.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a system 100 comprising a device 110 with a setting tool 190. Figure 1a shows the system frontally in a functional position (for ground operation) in a longitudinal section. Figure 1b shows the same system in the same position, but not in a longitudinal section; instead, it is shown without the front cover of the device 110 and slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis.

[0064] Figure 1b shows how the setting device 190 is placed or positioned in the device 110. The locking element 120 according to the invention is shown within the dashed area in Figures 1a and 1b. This dashed area is described in detail in the following Figures 2 to 5 – each in a frontal sectional view and a three-dimensional view slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis. The device 110 is able to trigger the setting device 190 at the release 115 by means of the release element 130.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a safety element 120 in a standard operating position of the setting device 190, where the setting device 190 is not triggered. Figure 2 shows the same system 100 as depicted in Figure 1. The standard operating position for the setting device 190, designed for ground operation, can be identified by the fact that gravity 10 points in the direction of the application area 20, here the ground.

[0066] Figure 2a shows the locking element 120 in a frontal longitudinal section, and Figure 2b shows the locking element 120 without the front cover of the device 110 and slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis of the device 110. Both Figure 2a and Figure 2b show the same situation: a setting device 190 pressed against the device 110, but not yet released.

[0067] The locking element 120 comprises an opening 150, the opening 150 directly connecting the locking element 120 to the device 110 via the receptacle 170. The device 110, or the locking element 120, has a rotational axis 160 about which the locking element 120 is movably arranged.

[0068] The pivot point 175 of the locking element 120 is located (see direction of gravity 10) above the axis of rotation 160. The setting device is therefore in a functional position and the locking element 120 does not block the release element 130 of the device 110. In other words, in this functional position of the setting device 190, the release element 130 can be fully engaged (see Figure 3) and setting can take place.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a locking element 120 in a standard operating position of the setting device 190, with the setting device 190 triggered. Figure 3 shows the same system 100 as depicted in Figure 1. The standard operating position for the setting device 190, designed for ground operation, can be identified by the fact that gravity 10 points in the direction of the application area 20, here the ground.

[0070] Figure 3a shows the locking element 120 in a frontal longitudinal section, and Figure 3b shows the locking element 120 without the front cover of the device 110 and slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis of the device 110. Both Figure 3a and Figure 3b show the same situation: a setting device 190 pressed against and triggered by the device 110.

[0071] The difference from Figure 2 is that in this operational position of the setting device 190, the release element 130 is fully engaged and not blocked by the safety element 120. In other words, setting takes place. The pivot point 175 of the safety element 120 is located (see direction of gravity 10) above the axis of rotation 160. The setting device is therefore in an operational position and the safety element 120 does not block the release element 130 of the device 110.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a safety element 120 in a non-operational position of the setting device 190, where the setting device 190 is not triggered. Figure 4 shows the same system 100 as depicted in Figures 1 and 2. The operational position of the setting device 190 is floor operation. However, in Figures 4 and 5, an attempt is made to use the setting device in ceiling operation – a non-operational position of the setting device 190 disclosed herein. The non-operational position of the setting device 190 can be recognized by the fact that the direction of gravity 10 is not coincident with the direction of the application area 20, here the ceiling.

[0073] Figure 4a shows the locking element 120 in a frontal longitudinal section, and Figure 4b shows the locking element 120 without the front cover of the device 110 and slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis of the device 110. Both Figure 4a and Figure 4b show the same situation: a setting device 190 pressed against a ceiling (not shown) by the device 110, but not yet triggered.

[0074] The locking element 120 comprises an opening 150, the opening 150 directly connecting the locking element 120 to the device 110 via the receptacle 170. The device 110, or the locking element 120, has a rotational axis 160 about which the locking element 120 is movably arranged.

[0075] Due to the improper position of the setting device 190, the locking element 120 rotates around the axis of rotation 160. In other words, if the device 110, and thus the setting device 190, is turned upside down, the locking element 120 also rotates around the axis of rotation 160 due to its positioning and stop surfaces. The center of gravity 175 of the locking element 120 is located (see direction of gravity 10) below the axis of rotation 160. The setting device is therefore in an improper position, and the locking element 120 can block the release element 130 of the device 110. In other words, in this improper position of the setting device 190, the release element 130 cannot be fully engaged (see Figure 5), and no setting can occur.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a safety element 120 in a non-operational position of the setting device 190, wherein the setting device 190 is not triggered because it is blocked. Figure 5 shows the same system 100 as depicted in Figure 4. The non-operational position for the setting device 190, which is designed for ground operation, can be recognized by the fact that the direction of gravity 10 is not coincident with the direction of the application area 20, here the ceiling.

[0077] Figure 5a shows the locking element 120 in a frontal longitudinal section, and Figure 5b shows the locking element 120 without the front cover of the device 110 and slightly rotated about the longitudinal axis of the device 110. Both Figure 5a and Figure 5b show the same situation: a setting device 190 pressed against the ceiling and blocked by the device 110.

[0078] The difference from Figure 4 is that in this non-standard position of the setting device 190, the release element 130 cannot be fully actuated because the release element 130 is in contact with the locking area 140 of the locking element 120 (see Figure 5b). This results in the release element 130 being blocked by the locking element 120. In other words, no setting can occur.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for using a setting device comprising a receiving area for placing the setting device, a handle unit, wherein the setting device can be triggered by the handle unit, a safety element, wherein the safety element is arranged in the device in such a way that the setting device cannot be triggered by the safety element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the handle unit comprises a first handle element, a first extension element and a release element.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the release element is blocked by the locking element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the locking element comprises a locking area, wherein the locking area is contacted with the release element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element has no axis of symmetry.

6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element comprises an opening for placing the locking element in the device.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking element comprises an axis of rotation perpendicular to the center of the opening.

8. Device according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the device has a receptacle for the opening of the locking element.

9. Device according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the locking element is rotatable about the axis of rotation in a non-functional position of the setting device.

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the locking element has a center of gravity, the center of gravity being arranged outside the axis of rotation in a usable position of the setting device.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element is a rotatable sheet metal part.

12. System comprising a device for using a setting device and a setting device, wherein the device a receiving area for placing the setting device, a handle unit, wherein the setting device can be triggered by the handle unit, a safety element, wherein the safety element is arranged in the device in such a way that the setting device cannot be triggered by the safety element in a non-functional position of the setting device.

13. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking element is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

14. Method for a device with a setting device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing the setting device in a receiving area of ​​the device, transferring the device with the setting device into a non-usable position of the setting device, - Preventing the setting device from being triggered in an unusable position by means of a safety element movably arranged in the device.

15. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises the further step: - wherein the locking element is rotated around a rotational axis.

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