ELECTRICALLY-MECHANICALLY OPERATED TOOL FOR DRIVING FASTENERS

Abstract

A tool includes a mechanical energy storage such as a helical spring, and an ejecting device to be linearly moved between a clamping position and an ejecting position. The ejecting device has a driver element and a shooting device, and an electric motor and a spindle drive driven by the electric motor converts a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the ejecting device. A control device controls the rotation of the electric motor, and the ejecting device can move toward the clamping position by rotation of the spindle drive in a first direction of rotation. A locking device can lock the shooting device in the clamping position, and the shooting device can be released and moved toward the ejecting position by actuating the locking device. The driver element can be moved toward the ejecting position by rotating the spindle drive in a second direction.

Claims

1. A tool for driving in fasteners, in particular staples, comprising: a mechanical energy store for storing mechanical energy, in particular with a helical spring, an ejecting device, which is able to be linearly moved in a guide device between a clamping position and an ejecting position, by which energy from the mechanical energy store is able to be transferred to the fastener wherein the ejecting device has a driver element and a shooting device, an electric motor and a spindle drive driven by the electric motor for converting a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the ejecting device, wherein the driver element is able to be connected to the spindle drive and is able to be releasably coupled to the shooting device, and wherein a control device is provided, by which the direction of rotation of the electric motor is able to be controlled, and wherein the ejecting device is able to be moved in the direction toward the clamping position by rotation of the spindle drive in a first direction of rotation, and wherein the mechanical energy store is able to be loaded by the movement of the ejecting device in the direction toward the clamping position, a locking device for locking the shooting device in the clamping position, wherein the locking is able to be released and the shooting device is able to be moved in the direction toward the ejecting position by actuating the locking device, wherein the driver element is able to be moved in the direction toward the ejecting position through rotation of the spindle drive in a second direction of rotation and the locking of the shooting device is able to be released through the movement of the driver element in the direction of the ejecting position.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the locking device has at least one, preferably spring-assisted or spring-loaded or resiliently mounted, rotatably mounted catch element for locking the shooting device in the clamping position.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the at least one catch element has a curved inner contour and/or curved contour and/or a curved outer contour and/or a detent on the side facing the mechanical energy store.

4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the shooting device is formed cylindrical with a first wall element facing the clamping position and a second wall element facing the ejecting position, wherein the first wall element and/or the second wall element is formed as a stop surface for the driver element, wherein a force is able to be applied to the stop surface by the driver element for releasing the locking.

5. The tool according to claim 4, wherein the shooting device has at least one support strut via which the first wall element and the second wall element are connected to one another.

6. The tool according to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is provided for detecting the position of the ejecting device.

7. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the control device is formed in such a way that the direction of rotation of the spindle drive is changed when a first position of the ejecting device is reached and/or the electric motor is switched off when a second position of the ejecting device is reached.

8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein a stop element is provided for the mechanical energy store, and wherein the mechanical energy store is arranged between the stop element and the shooting device.

9. The tool according to claim 8, wherein the spindle drive is mounted in the stop element.

10. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive is arranged, preferably centered, in the mechanical energy store, preferably within the helical spring.

11. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive is arranged centered in the ejecting device, preferably centered in the driver element and/or centered in the shooting device.

12. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, in the case of the movement in the direction toward the clamping position, the driver element is able to be arranged in the mechanical energy store, preferably within the helical spring.

13. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive has a spindle nut, and the driver element has a tension disk which is able to be connected to the spindle nut, wherein the tension disk is able to be arranged within the shooting device, preferably between the first wall element and the second wall element.

14. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, on the outside of the ejecting device, preferably on the second wall element, a damping element is provided for retarding the shooting device.

15. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the shooting device has a firing pin with which a fastener located in a launch position can be driven into a substrate.

16. The tool according to claim 8, wherein the guide device has several guide bars, preferably arranged outside the ejecting device, which extend from the stop element in the direction toward the ejecting position.

17. The tool according to claim 1, wherein an electrical energy store is provided for driving the electric motor.

18. The tool according to claim 1, wherein a magazine is provided for storing fasteners.

19. A method for driving in fasteners, in particular staples, with the tool according to claim 1, wherein the ejecting device is moved by the spindle drive in the direction toward the clamping position for loading the mechanical energy store and the shooting device is held by the locking device when the clamping position is reached, wherein the driver element is moved by the spindle drive in the direction toward the ejecting position for releasing the locking device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, through a movement of the driver element in the direction toward the ejecting position, a force is applied to the shooting device, in particular the first wall element or the second wall element, and the locking device is thereby released.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the position of the ejecting device, in particular of the driver element, is detected and the electric motor is controlled in dependence on the position of the ejecting device, in particular of the driver element.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein an actuation of the ejecting device for driving in a fastener is prevented when no fasteners are located in the magazine.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the magazine has a preferably spring-loaded closure mechanism, which is opened only when the tool is pressed against a substrate.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the ejecting device is moved in the direction toward the clamping position only when sufficient electrical energy for a driving-in procedure is stored in the electrical store.

Description

[0046] Further advantages and details of the invention are discussed, for various embodiment examples, with reference to the following figures. There are shown in:

[0047] FIG. 1 a side view of a tool according to the invention,

[0048] FIG. 2 a front view of a tool according to the invention,

[0049] FIG. 3 a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of an ejecting device with spindle drive and guide device in the locked state with the driver element in the clamping position,

[0050] FIG. 4 a cross-sectional representation of the above embodiment of the ejecting device with spindle drive and guide device in the locked state, wherein the driver element is moved in the direction toward the ejecting position,

[0051] FIG. 5 a cross-sectional representation of the above embodiment of the ejecting device after the locking is released,

[0052] FIGS. 6a and 6b a cross-sectional representation and a front view of an embodiment of a magazine,

[0053] FIGS. 7a and 7b perspective views of an embodiment of the ejecting device with spindle drive and guide device,

[0054] FIG. 8 a perspective view of an embodiment of part of the ejecting device,

[0055] FIGS. 9a and 9b a perspective view of an embodiment of the locking device, and

[0056] FIGS. 10a and 10b a detailed representation with a cross-sectional representation of a catch element.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the tool 1 according to the invention in a side view. In this case, the tool 1 is depicted without a cover in order to be able to see the interior. Here, the tool 1 or the ejecting device 5 is located in the ejecting position A and the mechanical store 3 is uncocked. In this embodiment, the mechanical store 3 is formed as a helical spring. In order to cock the tool 1, the electric motor 9 drives the spindle drive 8 via a planetary gear 29. Through the movement of the spindle drive 8 in a first direction, the ejecting device 5 together with the shooting device 2 is brought, via the driver element 6, into the clamping position S, where the shooting device 2 is held by the locking device 7. The locking device 7 has a plurality of symmetrically arranged, rotatably mounted and spring-assisted catch elements 12.

[0058] After the shooting device 2 has reached the clamping position S, the direction of rotation of the spindle drive 8 is changed and the driver element 6 is moved back in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A. In this case, the movement of the electric motor 9 is controlled via the control device 11. Then, a shot is fired by pressing the push button 30. For this purpose, the driver element 6 is moved further in the direction toward the ejecting position A. As a result, the driver element 6 presses on the second wall element 15 of the shooting device 2, as a result of which a force F is applied to it. Through the movement of the driver element 6, the force F becomes greater and greater until finally the holding force of the locking device 7 is no longer sufficient to hold the shooting device 2 in the clamping position S. The locking is then released and the energy stored in the mechanical store 3 is transferred suddenly to the shooting device 2, which for its part transfers this energy to the fastener 10 (staple in this case). Through the transfer of force from the shooting device 2 via the firing pin 23 to the fastener 10, the latter is driven into the substrate. The ejecting movement of the shooting device 2 is cushioned by the damper 22.

[0059] Three sensors 17 are incorporated for detecting the position of the shooting device 2. These are formed as SMD fork light barriers and detect whether the shooting device 2 is located in the clamping position S or in the ejecting position A. As a result, the position of the ejecting device 5 can also be determined after a possible interruption of the power supply. In addition, a sensor 17 detects whether the driver element 6 is touching the second wall element 15. After a shot has been discharged, the shooting device 2 is brought back into the clamping position S—in the event that fasteners 10 are available in the magazine 26 and there is sufficient electrical energy in the electrical store 25. After catching in place, the driver element 6 is moved in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A. As soon as the driver element 6 is in contact with the second wall element 15, this is detected by a sensor 17 and the driving by the electric motor 9 is stopped. Only an actuation of the tool 1 at a switch provided for this purpose, for example the push button 30, brings about a further movement of the driver element 6 and an application of a force F to the second wall element 15.

[0060] Both the barrel 27 and the magazine 26 are formed such that the magazine 26 can be detached from the barrel 27. The firing of a shot can be blocked by means of the safety plate 41 if the barrel 27 is not pressed against a substrate. This represents an important safety feature in order to prevent a shot from being discharged unintentionally or prematurely.

[0061] Furthermore, the tool 1 is equipped with an electrical store 25 in the form of a storage battery.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows the tool 1 in a front view, wherein in comparison with FIG. 1 a sectional representation is not used, but rather the complete casing 28 is depicted. Furthermore, the barrel 27 and the magazine 26 of the tool 1 can be seen.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows the ejecting device 5 in the clamping position S. For this, the spindle drive 8 has been driven such that the driver element 6 has been moved via the spindle nut 20 in the direction R.sub.S toward the clamping position S, wherein the shooting device 2 is also drawn along via the tension disk 21. Here, the shooting device 2 is moved backwards via the guide device 4 and held by the locking device 7 after reaching the clamping position S. Here, the shooting device 2 consists of a first wall element 14, facing the clamping position S, and a second wall element 15, facing the ejecting position A, wherein both wall elements 14, 15 are formed such that they form a stop surface for the driver element 6, which comprises the spindle nut 20 and the tension disk 21. On its outside, the second wall element 15 has a damper 22 and a firing pin 23.

[0064] Here, the two wall elements 14, 15 are connected via support struts 16. The spindle drive 8 is mounted via axial bearings 31 in the bearing seat 19 at the rear end of the guide device 4 in the stop element 18 of the mechanical store 3. In this case, the stop element 18 acts as bearing seat 19.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows how the driver element 6 is moved back in the direction toward the ejecting position A after the locking. As soon as a particular force F is applied to the second wall element 15 via the driver element 6 and the holding force of the locking device 7 is no longer sufficient, the locking is released and the shooting device 2 is pressed suddenly in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A by the discharging mechanical energy store 3.

[0066] In FIG. 4, it can furthermore be seen that the first wall element 14 is formed annular in this embodiment. During the clamping procedure, the first wall element 14 is drawn in the direction R.sub.S toward the clamping position S by the spindle nut 20 and the tension disk 21 until it locks. The shot is then fired through movement of the driver element 6 in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A. The catch elements 12 of the locking device 7 are rotated outward through the application of the force F (represented symbolically by the two arrows F at the driver element 6) to the second wall element 15 by the first wall element 14, which is connected to the second wall element 15 via support struts 16, with the result that the locking releases. The firing of a shot can thereby be ruled out when the driver element 6 is not in the position provided for this. As a result, damage to the driver element 6 through an accidental firing at the wrong point in time can be prevented and a rapid discharge of a shot after a shot has been fired can be guaranteed.

[0067] The ejecting device 5 in the uncocked state in the ejecting position A is depicted in FIG. 5. The catch elements 12 have been released by a movement of the driver element 6 in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A and the energy stored in the mechanical store 3 has been transferred via the firing pin 23 to the fastener 10. The damper 22 serves to cushion the sudden movement of the shooting device 2. For this, it is arranged on the outside of the second wall element 15 and is retarded by the firing pin seat 33. The movement of the tension disk 21 in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A is restricted by the position stop 32.

[0068] The symmetrical arrangement of the individual guide bars 24 of the guide device 4 can minimize the risk that the shooting device will wedge or jam. Through the symmetrical and coaxial construction of the ejecting device 5 together with the guide device 4 and the centrally arranged spindle drive 8, the occurrence of radial moments can also be prevented.

[0069] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the magazine 26 of the tool 1 in a cross-sectional representation along the section line A-A and in a front view. For servicing reasons, the magazine 26 is able to be detached from the barrel 27. In order that a shot can be discharged, the tool 1 must be pressed against a solid article so that the safety plate 41, which is located between magazine 26 and barrel 27, is displaced backward. In the pushed-back state, the safety plate 41 makes it possible for a fastener 10 to pass into the barrel 27. In addition, when the plate is pushed back an SMD short-stroke button 44 is activated, which enables a shot to be discharged by the push button 30 (not depicted in this figure). In order to move the safety plate back into the starting position after a shot has been discharged, it is connected to the magazine guide 37 with cylindrical tension springs 42. If the SMD short-stroke button 44 is activated, only one shot can be discharged and the tool 1 must be lifted off the substrate and replaced for another shot to be discharged.

[0070] The fasteners 10 are pressed in the magazine 26 along the magazine guide 37 by the cylindrical compression springs 40 in the direction toward the safety plate 41 and thus in the direction toward the barrel 27. If there are no more fasteners 10 in the magazine, another shot is prevented from being discharged through activation of the SMD toggle switch 39 by the thrust piece 43.

[0071] The position of the magazine 26 on the barrel 27 is ensured by sprung ball pressure pieces 45. In order to refill new fasteners 10 into the magazine 26, the magazine rail with base 38 can be separated from the magazine guide 37. In order to secure the position of the magazine rail 38 in the magazine guide 37, sprung ball pressure pieces 45 are used.

[0072] FIGS. 7a and 7b show two perspective views of the clamped ejecting device 5 of the tool 1 from different viewing angles. In this case, the driver element 6 is in the clamping position S. The spring-assisted catch elements 12 can be clearly seen in FIG. 7a. The release force can be set via a ring 34 acted on by springs. The catch elements 12 are arranged rotatably mounted on a bearing element 47. The further parts of the ejecting device 5 can be clearly seen in these views. The individual guide bars 24 of the guide device 4 are formed continuous from the firing pin seat 33 to the stop element 18 of the mechanical energy store 3 and form the guide for the ejecting device 5, which can be brought into the clamping position S via the spindle drive 8. The energy applied for this is stored in the mechanical energy store 3, here formed as a helical spring, until the shot is discharged. If the driver element 6 is then brought in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A, the shot can then be fired by applying a force F to the second wall element 15.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows a perspective detailed view of the ejecting device 5. The connection of the second wall element 15 to the damper 22 and the firing pin 23 can be clearly seen here. The driver element 6 touches the first wall element 14. This corresponds to the position during the clamping procedure, in which the ejecting device 5, in particular the shooting device 2, is moved in the direction Rs toward the clamping position S. In this embodiment, four symmetrically arranged support struts 16 are provided between the first wall element 14 and the second wall element 15. The four likewise symmetrically arranged guide bars 24 of the guide device 4 lead through the open holes of the tension disk 21 and the first wall element 14.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the locking device 7. Here, four catch elements 12 are available for locking the shooting device 2. In this case, the ring 34 is pressed onto the catch elements 12 by several springs, as a result of which the release force is set.

[0075] The precise shape of the catch elements 12 is represented in FIG. 10a. Here, an at least partially curved inner contour 13 with the detent 35 can be clearly seen. Alternatively, this region can also be formed in the shape of a bevel. The detent 35 arranged in the front region enables the shooting device 2 to be held securely in the clamping position S. As a result of the chamfered region 36 of the detent 35, the catching of the first wall element 14 during movement of the shooting device 2 in the direction Rs toward the clamping position S is made easier. The bevel 46 makes it easier for a shot to be fired when the first wall element 14 exerts a force on the catch elements 12 due to the force F with which the driver element 6 presses on the second wall element 15. This force points, parallel to the spindle drive 8, from the curved inner contour 13 to the detent 35. Through this force, a friction force forms, which counteracts that force which would rotate the catch element 12, which is rotatably mounted in the larger of the two holes with the axis of rotation 48, downward when the first wall element 14 is moved in the direction R.sub.A toward the ejecting position A when a force F is applied by the driver element 6 to the second wall element 15.

[0076] In this case, the geometry of the bevel 46, in particular the angle relative to the perpendicular to the upper boundary surface of the catch element 12, can be chosen such that the locking by the locking device 7 does not act in a self-energizing manner. As a result, a rotation of the catch element 12 about its axis of rotation 48 due to a force being exerted in the direction toward the spindle drive is made easier. In the installed state, this perpendicular can be oriented in the direction toward the center of the shooting device 2, thus, e.g. toward the spindle drive 8. The angle relative to the perpendicular can e.g. be in a range between 0 and 30°, preferably 10°.

[0077] The catch elements 12 can furthermore have a curved outer contour 49, which make possible an easier rotation of the catch elements 12 when acted on by the ring 34. In this case, a region of the ring 34 can be provided with a bevel 50, as a result of which an even easier rotation of the catch elements 12 is made possible. Alternatively, it would also be possible to round off the region of the ring 34 and instead provide a corresponding bevel on that region of the catch elements 12 which is in contact with this region of the ring 34.

[0078] FIG. 10b shows a cross-sectional representation along the section line A-A. Here, it can be seen that the contour 51 is also formed curved in a plane perpendicular to the plane represented in FIG. 10a. This curved contour 51 serves for supporting the catch element 12 on the first wall element 14, having a corresponding curvature, and, together with the curved inner contour 13, for reinforcing the cross section of the catch element 12.

[0079] It is not absolutely necessary to form individual or all of the elements 14, 15, 18, 33, 34 and/or 47 substantially circular. A symmetrical construction of one or more of these elements can also be achieved by a polygonal outer contour, e.g. a hexagonal or an octagonal outer contour.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0080] 1 tool

[0081] 2 shooting device

[0082] 3 mechanical store

[0083] 4 guide device

[0084] 5 ejecting device

[0085] 6 driver element

[0086] 7 locking device

[0087] 8 spindle drive

[0088] 9 electric motor

[0089] 10 fastener

[0090] 11 control device

[0091] 12 catch element

[0092] 13 inner contour

[0093] 14 first wall element

[0094] 15 second wall element

[0095] 16 support strut

[0096] 17 sensor

[0097] 18 stop element

[0098] 19 bearing seat for spindle drive

[0099] 20 spindle nut

[0100] 21 tension disk

[0101] 22 damper

[0102] 23 firing pin

[0103] 24 guide bars

[0104] 25 electrical store

[0105] 26 magazine

[0106] 27 barrel

[0107] 28 casing

[0108] 29 planetary gear

[0109] 30 push button

[0110] 31 axial bearing

[0111] 32 position stop

[0112] 33 firing pin seat

[0113] 34 ring

[0114] 35 detent

[0115] 36 chamfered region

[0116] 37 magazine guide

[0117] 38 magazine rail with base

[0118] 39 toggle switch

[0119] 40 cylindrical compression springs

[0120] 41 safety plate

[0121] 42 cylindrical tension springs

[0122] 43 thrust piece

[0123] 44 short-stroke button

[0124] 45 sprung ball pressure pieces

[0125] 46 bevel

[0126] 47 bearing element for catch element

[0127] 48 axis of rotation for catch element

[0128] 49 curved outer contour

[0129] 50 bevel

[0130] 51 curved contour

[0131] F force

[0132] S clamping position

[0133] A ejecting position

[0134] R.sub.S direction toward the clamping position

[0135] R.sub.A direction toward the ejecting position