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 a fastener, comprising: a mechanical energy storage element for storing mechanical energy, an ejecting device configured to be linearly movable in a guide device between a clamping position and an ejecting position to transfer energy from the mechanical energy storage element 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 connected to the spindle drive and is releasably coupled to the shooting device, a control device configured to control a direction of rotation of the electric motor, the ejecting device being movable in a direction toward the clamping position by rotation of the spindle drive in a first direction of rotation, and the mechanical energy storage element being loadable by the movement of the ejecting device in the direction toward the clamping position, a locking device configured to lock the shooting device in the clamping position, wherein the locking device is further configured to be actuated to release the shooting device so that the shooting device is movable in the direction toward the ejecting position, wherein the driver element is movable in the direction toward the ejecting position through rotation of the spindle drive in a second direction of rotation, and the locking device is configured to release the shooting device 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 a rotatably mounted catch element for locking the shooting device in the clamping position.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the 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 storage element.

4. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the catch element is spring-assisted, spring-loaded, or resiliently mounted.

5. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the shooting device is 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 has a stop surface for stopping the driver element, and the driver element is configured to apply a force to the stop surface for releasing the locking of the shooting device.

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

7. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the position of the ejecting device.

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

9. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising a stop element for stopping the mechanical energy storage element, the mechanical energy storage element being arranged between the stop element and the shooting device.

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

11. The tool according to claim 9, wherein the guide device has a plurality of guide bars extending from the stop element in the direction toward the ejecting position.

12. The tool according to claim 11, wherein the guide bars are arranged outside the ejecting device.

13. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive is arranged within a helical spring of the mechanical energy storage element.

14. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive is centered in the ejecting device.

15. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the spindle drive is centered in the driver element and/or centered in the shooting device.

16. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the driver element is configured to be arranged in a helical spring of the mechanical energy storage element during movement in the direction toward the clamping position.

17. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spindle drive has a spindle nut, and the driver element has a tension disk to be connected to the spindle nut, wherein the tension disk is arranged within the shooting device.

18. The tool according to claim 17, wherein the tension disk is arranged between the first wall element and the second wall element.

19. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising a damping element on an outside of the ejecting device to retard the shooting device.

20. The tool according to claim 19, wherein the damping element is on the second wall element.

21. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the shooting device has a firing pin configured to drive the fastener located in a launch position into a substrate.

22. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical energy storage element for driving the electric motor.

23. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising a magazine for storing a plurality of fasteners.

24. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical energy storage element comprises a helical spring.

25. A method for driving in fasteners with the tool according to claim 1, comprising: moving the ejecting device using the spindle drive in the direction toward the clamping position for loading the mechanical energy storage element, holding the shooting device by the locking device when the clamping position is reached, and moving the driver element by the spindle drive in the direction toward the ejecting position for releasing the locking device.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising applying a force to a first wall element or a second wall element of the shooting device through a movement of the driver element in the direction toward the ejecting position so as to release the locking device.

27. The method according to claim 25, further comprising detecting a position of the driver element of the ejecting device, and controlling the electric motor depending on the detected position of the driver element of the ejecting device.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein an actuation of the ejecting device for driving in the fastener is prevented when no fasteners are located in the magazine.

29. The method according to claim 25, wherein the magazine has a closure mechanism configured to be opened only when the tool is pressed against a substrate.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the closure mechanism of the magazine is spring-loaded.

31. The method according to claim 25, 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 energy storage element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages and details of the invention are discussed, for various embodiment, with reference to the following figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side view of a tool according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of a tool according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 is 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,

(5) FIG. 4 is 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,

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional representation of the above embodiment of the ejecting device after the locking is released,

(7) FIGS. 6a and 6b are a cross-sectional representation and a front view of an embodiment of a magazine, respectively,

(8) FIGS. 7a and 7b are perspective views of an embodiment of the ejecting device with spindle drive and guide device,

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of part of the ejecting device,

(10) FIGS. 9a and 9b is a perspective view of an embodiment of the locking device, and

(11) FIGS. 10a and 10b are a detailed representation with a cross-sectional representation of a catch element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) 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 (mechanical energy storing element) 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.

(13) 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, which causes a force F to be applied to the second wall element 15 and the shooting device 2. 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.

(14) 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 (electrical energy storing element) 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.

(15) 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 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.

(16) Furthermore, the tool 1 is equipped with an electrical store (electrical energy storing element) 25 in the form of a storage battery. 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.

(17) 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. 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.

(20) 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.

(21) 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.

(22) 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.

(23) 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 (substrate) so that a spring-loaded closure mechanism 60 (see FIG. 1) including 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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.

(26) 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 storage element 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.

(27) 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 R.sub.S 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.

(28) 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.

(29) 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 R.sub.S 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.

(30) 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.

(31) 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.

(32) 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.

(33) 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

(34) 1 tool 2 shooting device 3 mechanical store 4 guide device 5 ejecting device 6 driver element 7 locking device 8 spindle drive 9 electric motor 10 fastener 11 control device 12 catch element 13 inner contour 14 first wall element 15 second wall element 16 support strut 17 sensor 18 stop element 19 bearing seat for spindle drive 20 spindle nut 21 tension disk 22 damper 23 firing pin 24 guide bars 25 electrical store 26 magazine 27 barrel 28 casing 29 planetary gear 30 push button 31 axial bearing 32 position stop 33 firing pin seat 34 ring 35 detent 36 chamfered region 37 magazine guide 38 magazine rail with base 39 toggle switch 40 cylindrical compression springs 41 safety plate 42 cylindrical tension springs 43 thrust piece 44 short-stroke button 45 sprung ball pressure pieces 46 bevel 47 bearing element for catch element 48 axis of rotation for catch element 49 curved outer contour 50 bevel 51 curved contour 60 spring-loaded closure mechanism F force S clamping position A ejecting position R.sub.S direction toward the clamping position R.sub.A direction toward the ejecting position