NZ622946B2 - Fastener driving tool with portable pressurized power source - Google Patents
Fastener driving tool with portable pressurized power source Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ622946B2 NZ622946B2 NZ622946A NZ62294612A NZ622946B2 NZ 622946 B2 NZ622946 B2 NZ 622946B2 NZ 622946 A NZ622946 A NZ 622946A NZ 62294612 A NZ62294612 A NZ 62294612A NZ 622946 B2 NZ622946 B2 NZ 622946B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- solenoid valve
- piston
- fasteners
- switch
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 73
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 210000001331 Nose Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003252 repetitive Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 42
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 13
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 5
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrous Oxide Chemical compound [O-][N+]#N GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000002829 reduced Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001481828 Glyptocephalus cynoglossus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000229754 Iva xanthiifolia Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000000282 Nails Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating Effects 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036748 firing rate Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 210000001699 lower leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001272 nitrous oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
fastener driver tool powered by a pressurised power source having a supply of compressed fluid is disclosed. The tool comprises a magazine (22), a cylinder (34) and a control system (76). The magazine (22) is associated with the tool for storing and supplying fasteners (20) to a tool nose (16). The cylinder (34) in the tool with a reciprocating piston (36) is associated with a driver blade (38) sequentially engaging fasteners (20) from the magazine (22) as they are fed into the tool nose (16). The control system (76) is configured for directly, electrically controlling a flow of compressed fluid for driving the piston (36). e cylinder (34) in the tool with a reciprocating piston (36) is associated with a driver blade (38) sequentially engaging fasteners (20) from the magazine (22) as they are fed into the tool nose (16). The control system (76) is configured for directly, electrically controlling a flow of compressed fluid for driving the piston (36).
Description
FASTENER DRIVING TOOL WITH
PORTABLE RIZED POWER SOURCE
This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) from US
.._"-.t~Provisiona1 Application Serial No. 61/542,504 filed October 3, 2011, and is
related to US Nonprovisional application Serial No. 13/618,034, filed on even
. date and deriving priority from US Provisional Application Serial No.
61/542,506 filed October 3, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein.
The present invention relates generally to fastener driving tools, and
more specifically to such a tool having a pre-pressurized power delivery
source.
Power tools for use in driving fasteners into work pieces are known in
the art. Such tools can be operated by a variety of power sources, including
tic, combustion, electric or powder-activated power sources. In some
power tools, the power source is integrated with a housing of the tool for easy
portability. Other applications. require power to be fed with a feed line from an
external source, such as pneumatic tools operated by an air compressor.
er driving tools of this type, and particularly pneumatically
powered tools, include a metal housing and a magazine n that is ed
to the housing and/or the handle. Generally, the magazine s a supply of
fasteners which are fed to a drive track in the housing configured for receiving
‘and guiding a fastener as it is driven by a reciprocating piston and driver blade
from the drive track into a work piece.
A le pneumatically powered fastener-driving tool with a portable
power source is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,876,379, which is incorporated by
reference. In such a tool, the tool g defines a main r having a
cylinder for accommodating reciprocation of the driver blade and piston. The
Il:\wvalntcr\~'bven\NRPorlbl\DCC\WXW\l [496864_l.d0€v9/29/20l6
driving stroke of the piston moves a driver blade in the drive track that impacts
a fastener to drive the fastener into a work piece. The piston is powered by a
pneumatic power source, most preferably a portable container or vessel of
compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or the like, which forces the piston in a
driving direction under operator control through pulling of a trigger. The
piston also configured to be oppositely driven by a partial vacuum or other
known apparatus in a return stroke to the ted or pre—driving position.
One drawback of conventional tools of this type is that the mechanical
mechanism used to trigger and power the fastener driving power cycle is
relatively inefficient in the use of the d supplyof compressed gas. A
main result is that the operational life of such tools is relatively short and
unacceptable to many users. As such, this type of tool has had a limited
commercial application.
The ion provides a fastener driver tool comprising:
a magazine configured to store a plurality of fasteners and to supply the
fasteners to a tool nose;
a er including a ocating piston associated with a driver blade
movable to sequentially engage the fasteners from the magazine as the
fasteners are ed to said tool nose;
a g to which a container of compressed fluid is attachable;
at least one solenoid valve switchable between an open state and a
closed state;
a re regulator in fluid communication with and between the fitting
and the at least one solenoid valve, the pressure regulator configured to change
a pressure of fluid flowing therethrough; and
a control system electrically connected to the at least one solenoid valve
and le to: (l) switch'the at least one solenoid valve from the closed state
to the open state to enable fluid flow from the pressure regulator into said
cylinder to drive said reciprocating piston; and (2) switch the at least one
li:\\~'xw\lnlcrwwm\NRPorlbl\DCOWXW\l [496864_l.doc-9I29f2016
solenoid valve from the open state to the closed state to prevent fluid flow from
the pressure regulator into said cylinder,
wherein said compressed fluid has gas and liquid components, further
including an anti-siphon tube in said container, said anti-siphon tube having a
length extending within an ive height of said container to exclude liquid
phase fluid.
Disclosed herein is a fastener driver tool powered by a rized
power source having a supply of compressed fluid, said tool comprising:
a tool nose;
a magazine configured to store a plurality of ers and to supply the
fasteners to the tool nose;
a cylinder including a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade
movable to sequentially engage the fasteners from the magazine as the
fasteners are supplied to said tool nose;
a control system operable to directly electrically control a flow of the
compressed fluid from the pressurized power source to the cylinder to directly
drive said piston;
a workpiece contact element reciprocatable relative to said tool nose
between a rest position and an ion position; and
a magnet associated with said tool nose in a fixed on and
configured to hold said workpiece contact element at the rest position through
ic attraction with said workpiece contact element and return said
workpiece contact element to the rest position after fastener driving, during
which said workpiece contact element reciprocates relative to the tool nose
n the rest position and the actuation position.
The invention also es a fastener driver tool comprising:
a magazine configured to store a plurality of fasteners and to supply the
fasteners to a tool nose;
a cylinder including a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade
movable to sequentially engage the fasteners from the magazine as the
fasteners are supplied to said tool nose;
at least one solenoid valve switchable n an open state and a
closed state;
a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the at least one
solenoid valve, the pressure tor configured to change a pressure of fluid
flowing therethrough; and
a control system ically connected to the at least one solenoid valve
and operable to: (1) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the closed state
to the open state to enable flow of a compressed fluid in one fluid state from a
container through the pressure regulator and into said cylinder to drive said
reciprocating piston; and (2) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the
open state to the closed state to prevent flow of the compressed fluid from the
container into said er,
wherein said compreSsed fluid has gas and liquid components, further
including an anti-siphon tube in said container, said anti—siphon tube having a
length extending within an effective height of said container to exclude liquid
phase fluid.
The present, ably pressurized fluid-powered fastener driving tool
addresses the drawbacks of previous tools of this type and features an electrical
control circuit or program connected to a solenoid valve for more accurate .
dosing of the compressed fluid, preferably a gas, used to power the tool. The
l program, preferably incorporated in a microprocessor, is connected to
the id valve to control the flow of fluid to a piston and driver blade for
driving a fastener. A periodic opening of the solenoid under electrical control
enhances the ent use of the compressed fluid in the ner. The
g time (which can be user adjustable) results in a quantity of fluid being
introduced into the drive cylinder to act upon the drive piston and subsequently
3O drive the fastener. The tool is optionally configured for returning the piston via
II:\wxMIntem‘oven\NRPonbl\DCOWXW\1 l496864_l doc-9093016
an urging member using energy stored during the driving stroke, or by re—
directing the drive gas volume to the underside of the drive piston. Alternately,
a small amount of additional fluid may be directed to the underside of the
piston to accomplish return. A combination of two or more of the described
methods is also contemplated.
In addition, thelcompressed gas used to drive the piston and driver blade
in the fastener driving process is optionally retained in the tool and recycled for
both ing the piston to the initial position and for use in driving
subsequent ers. This return may be supplemented or replaced by a
mechanical return such as a resilient bumper and a return spring. As a result,
the portable compressed fluid supply in the present tool lasts longer than
tional tools.
Another feature of the present fastener-driving tool s to the
operational attribute of such compressed power sources, in that the container
includes a supply of pressurized liquid along with the supply of compressed
gas. When the tool is designed to be powered by ssed gas, in the event
the liquid flows into the tool, performance is impeded. To address this
problem, the compressed power source is provided with an iphon device
for preventing the flow of compressed liquid into the tool. Such an anti—siphon
device is designed for use in either a reusable or a disposable pressurized
container. In some embodiments, the anti-siphon tube is provided with
specialized structures for ng the flow of pressurized liquid into the tube,
including a drip shelf, a bottom end with a restricted opening, and a depending
tive ring.
Still another feature of the present tool is a magnetically controlled
workpiece contact element (WCE) e and associated switchfor providing
a signal to the control system when the WCE is activated, which occurs as the
user presses the tool against a workpiece prior to firing a fastener. The magnet
eliminates the need for a WCE return spring, and the , preferably a
Il:\wxw\lnlerwov:n\NRPonbl\DCC\WXW\l l496864_l .doD-9f29f2016
membrane switch, is located on the tool nose, in relatively close proximity to
the WCE. As such a shorter WCE stroke is provided for activation of the tool,
thus reducing cycle time and improving productivity.
More specifically, a fastener driver tool powered by a pressurized power
source having a supply of ssed fluid includes a ne associated
with the tool for storing and supplying fasteners to a tool nose. A cylinder in
the tool has a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade sequentially
engaging fasteners from the magazine as they are fed into the tool nose. A
control system is configured for directly electrically controlling a flow of
compressed fluid for driving the piston.
In another embodiment, a fastener driver tool is provided, ing a
ne associated with the tool for storing and supplying ers to a tool
nose, a cylinder in the tool with a reciprocating piston ated with a driver
blade tially engaging fasteners from the magazine as they are fed into
the tool nose. A workpiece contact element reciprocates relative to the tool
nose, and a corresponding WCE switch is ted to a tool control system
for activation by the workpiece contact element upon pressing the tool upon a
workpiece, and a magnet is configured for holding the workpiece contact
element in a rest position, and returning the element to the rest position after
fastener driving.
The present invention will now be described, by way of non—limiting
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings as briefly
bed below:
is a vertical section of a prior art fastener tool powered by a
portable compressed fluid source;
is a fragmentary schematic of the present tool;
is a vertical section of a suitable portable compressed fluid
container for use with the present tool;
H:\\~rxw\lmcn~mrnWRthl\DCC\wxwu1496864_l.doc-9n9I2016
is an enlarged fragmentary view of a siphon tube used in the
fluid container of
is a bottom plan View of the siphon tube of ;
is a vertical section of the gas source of shown inverted;
is a fragmentary view of the fluid source of shown
disposed at an angle;
is a side elevation of an alternate embodiment of the compressed
fluid container of
is a vertical cross-section of the container of
is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-section of an alternate
embodiment of the ner of
is an enlarged ntary vertical section of the
container of showing connection of the container to a tool; and
is a front perspective View of an alternate ment of the
present tool featuring a control switch located on the tool nose and associated
with the workpiece contact element.
Referring now to a suitable prior art er—driving tool that is
compatible with embodiments of the present ion is generally designated
. This tool is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned US Patent
No. 379 which is incorporated by reference. However, it is also
contemplated that embodiments of the present invention are able in other
types of pneumatically powered fastener—driving tools that are well known in
the art, and is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Conventional
pneumatically powered fastener—driving tools powered by compressed gas are
also considered suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention.
Depending on the size of the compressed gas container, the tool 10 es a
compact, relatively lightweight mechanism for driving ers such as small
nails or staples. As 'sUch, the tool 10 is'useful in various operations in the
furniture building and prefabricated building component industries, among
others.
The tool 10 includes a grip frame or housing 12, made of a variety of
materials, but preferably metal to withstand the forces generated by pressurized
gas contained within. It is contemplated that the housing 12 be provided in a
variety of configurations, both enclosed and open, frame-style to provide a
ng point for the various tool components sed below. Included in
the housing 12 is a handle 14, and a tool nose 16 having a shear block and
defining an outlet 18 for the passage of fasteners 20 into a work piece. It is
also contemplated that the housing 12 may take a variety of shapes and
optionally lly, rather than completely encloses at least some of the tool
components.
A fastener storage device or magazine 22 retains a supply of the
fasteners 20 and includes a biasing element (not shown) for urging the fasteners
toward the nose 16. While a strip-style magazine 22 is depicted, other
conventional fastener storage device types are contemplated, including but not
limited to rotary or coil magazines.
Preferably bly secured to the magazine 22 for support and
replacement purposes is a portable vessel or container 24 of pressurized fluid,
which is contemplated as being a pressurized gas, preferably carbon e
(C02) or nitrous oxide (N20). Other pressurized gases are contemplated,
2O including nitrogen (N2) and air. The ing ption of a preferred
embodiment utilizes self contained pre—pressurized C02 in a two—phase
mixture as the power source. An advantage of using a ase mixture of
CO2 is that when the mixture is stored in the removable container 24 that is in
equilibrium and has two phases of C02 ing in the vessel, a constant
pressure of the gas phase is maintained. That is, as gaseous C02 is removed
from the vessel 24 to power the fastener-driving tool 10, liquid C02 s to
a gas phase to replace lost gaseous C02 and maintain a constant re in the
vessel. Another advantage of using a pressurized power source such as C02 is
that, due to the relatively high pressure of the gas (in the range of 800 psi), the
number and size of the moving tool parts can be reduced. This reduces the
likelihood of experiencing a ical failure, simplifies repairs, and lowers
the overall manufacturing costs.
It is also contemplated that the tool 10 is optionally powered by the
pressurized liquid phase of C02. Fluid communication between the gas
ner 24 and an inner chamber 26 of the housing 12 is effected by a conduit
28, here a flexible hose; however other conduits are contemplated, as well as a
direct connection n the container 24 and the housing 12. An optional
adjustable regulator 30 reduces pressure within the inner chamber 26 to
approximately 400 psi or other pressures as known to those skilled in the art.
A pneumatic engine 32 includes a cylinder 34 enclosing a reciprocating
piston 36 attached to a driver blade 38. Depending on the application, the
piston 36 and the drive blade 38 are separate parts fastened together or are
integrally joined. As is known in the art, reciprocation of the driver blade 38 in
a passageway (not shown) defined by the tool nose 16 drives fasteners 20 out
the outlet 18. Compressed gas provided by the container 24 fills and
pressurizes the inner chamber 26.
A mechanical e ls the flow of compressed fluid within the
inner chamber and powers the reciprocal action of the piston 36 and the driver
blade 38. Included in this linkage is a pivoting trigger 40 which is biased,
ably by a spring 42, or by magnets or other known structures. A trigger
arm 44 engages a biased sear 46 which in turn releases a biased activating bolt
or valve opening member 48 that is held in place by the internal pneumatic
pressure of the inner chamber 26. A trigger piston 50 at an end of the valve-
g member 48 engages a respective stem 52 of a counter-biased control
valve 54 for periodically opening a supply port 56 for pressurizing the piston
36 to initiate a fastener-driving cycle.
‘ Other trigger mechanisms for operating
the control valve 54 are plated.
As is known in the art, as the piston 36 is driven down the cylinder 34,
pressurized gas is vented h escape ports 58 in communication with a
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return chamber 60 that temporarily stores the pressurized gas which is then
used to return the piston 36 to the start position ed in Pressurized
gas can also be provided directly from the container 24 for assisting in return of
the piston 36. Piston return is also facilitated by a resilient rubber-like bumper
62 located at an end Vof the er 34 closest to the tool nose 16. As the
piston 36 returns to the start position, gas ahead of the piston is vented to
atmosphere from the cylinder through a main port 64, which also receives the .
rized gas released by the l valve 54 at the beginning of the driving
cycle. It has been found that the above-described system is relatively
inefficient in the use of pressurized gas, and thus limits the ional life of
the gas container 24 and impairs the commercial adaptability of the tool 10.
Referring now to the present tic drive system is
incorporated into a fastener-driving tool generally designated 70. Components
shared with the tool 10 are designated with identical reference numbers, and
the tool 70. The present fastener driver tool 70 includes the ing major
component groups. These are: the fluid storage vessel or container 24, the
pressure regulator 30, an electro-mechanical solenoid valve 72, the drive
cylinder 34 and the piston 36, associated ical control system, program or
control circuitry (all three are considered lent or synonymous) 74 and the
conventional magazine 22 and the associated fastener feeder mechanism.
An important feature of the present tool 70 relates to the use of the
control circuitry 74 that is operatively associated with the housing 12 and is
configured for electrically lling a flow of compressed fluid for driving
the piston 36. In the preferred embodiment, this control is achieved by at least
one microprocessor 76 or similar control module d by a power source
78, preferably a battery or other conventional power source, and preferably
' having a user interface 80. The battery 78 and the interface 80 are preferably
ted to the control system 76 via wiring 82, or optionally wirelessly, as
feasible. The electro-magnetic solenoid valve 72 is electrically connected to
the control system 76 via the wiring 82 or wirelessly, and is operationally
disposed relative to the supply port 56 or the main port 64 as is known in the
art of tic power technology for directly contrOlling the .flow of
pressurized fluid to the piston 36.
Through the user interface 80, the user can adjust the performance of the
tool 70, including among other things the duration of energization time of the
solenoid valve 72. Depending on the application, additional energization time
provides more driving power to the fastener 20, which may be needed for
longer fasteners and/or for harder substrates. As is known in the art, the user
interface 80 may include a visual display including text, and/or icons, LED
indicators, a touch , user actuated buttons and/or similar control
interfaces.
In the tool 70, the pressurized fluid container 24 is directly connected to
the tool housing 12 through a fitting 86 that in turn is in fluid communication
with the regulator 30. Thus, the conduit 28 is eliminated as shown, but is
contemplated as an Option in the event the user wishes to personally carry the
ner 24 to reduce the weight of the tool 70. An outlet 88 of the tor
is in fluid communication with a solenoid intake tube 90. If d, a
pressure sensor and gauge 92 is ally located in the relatively low-
pressure intake tube 90, and/or at the relatively high pressure mounting fitting
86 for monitoring pneumatic pressure between the ner 24 and the intake
tube 90. As is the case in the tool 10, the regulator 30 is adjustable for
changing ional pressures as needed.
A further feature of the present tool 70 is that the control system 74 is
optionally programmed to receive and compare pressure data from the
respective pressure sensors/gauges 92 located in the flow path before and after
the regulator 30, the gauges respectively fied as 92a and 92b. Each of the
gauges 92a, 92b is electrically connected to the control system 74, and the
micrOprocessor 76 is configured to compare the itted pressure data. In
the event both gauges transmit a similar pressure value, the significance is that
lk\mWnlnwm’en\NRPoflN\DCGWXMl l496§64_1.doc-9f29/2016
the container 24 is close to being empty, and the user has a limited number of
fasteners that can be driven before a refill container is obtained. The control
system 74 is configured such that the user interface 80 displays or emits an
alarm to the user to replace the container 24. It is contemplated that the alarm
is visual and/or audible and/or sensory. The precise pressure value that triggers
the alarm may vary to suit the situation.
Another feature of the tool 70 is that the trigger 40 is electrically
connected to the control system 74 through a switch 94, which is preferably a
witch or r ing device, such as an optical or magnetically
triggered switch, and suitable wiring 82. Upon closing of the switch 94, the
control system 74 energizes the solenoid valve 72 for periodically opening and
allowing a dose of pressurized fluid from the container 24. The period of time
of energization of the valve 72 is user adjustable via the user interface 80.
Also, as is common in fastener driving tools, the nose 16 is equipped
with a reciprocating work piece contact element (WCE) 96 (best seen in ) that retracts relative to the nose 16 to permit the driving of a er 20. In
the tool 70, the WCE 96 is ically ted to a switch 98, similar to the
switch 94 and ably a micro switch or similar switch that is triggered by
WCE movement, such as magnetically or optically, for sending a signal to the
control system 74. Preferably, the microprocessor 76 is programmed so that
the solenoid valve 72 will open only when the switches 94 and 98 are closed or
otherwise zed. The specific order of energization of the switches 94, 98
may vary to suit the desired operation of the tool 70. For so—called sequential
operation, the microprocessor 76 is configured such that the switch 98 is
energized before the switch 94. Alternatively, in so-called repetitive ion,
the micro switch 94 is zed before the micro switch 98. The
microprocessor 76 is programmed to'provide a sufficient energization time for
the solenoid valve 72 to release a volume of fluid sufficient to enable the piston
36 to reach the opposite end of the cylinder 34 adjacent the bumper 62. At the
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expiration of the ed time period, the valve 72 is then closed, shutting off
the flow of pressurized gas and enabling piston return.
In this application, besides the above—described repetitive operation, the
microprocessor or control system 76 is programmable to permit ion of
the tool 70 such that one pull of the trigger 40 results in the driving of multiple
fasteners, such operation also broadly referred to as repetitive operation.
In the tool 70, as the piston 36 reaches the end of its driving cycle, air
being displaced by the piston is vented to here through the escape ports
58, and when the piston completes its driving cycle, the top of the piston
uncovers the ports, the volume above or on top of the piston r to the
solenoid valve 72)is allowed to vent to atmosphere through the same ports.
Alternatively, it is contemplated that the tool 70 is equipped with a return
chamber 60 for receiving and reusing the pressurized air flowing through the
escape ports 58.
To enhance piston return at the end of the driving cycle, in on to
the bumper 62 and al pneumatic return, the present tool 70 is optionally
ed with an in—cylinder return spring 100, which biases the piston 36 to
the start position shown in Preferably, the return spring 100 is of the
helical type which surrounds the driver blade 38; however other configurations
are contemplated. The biasing force of the Spring 100 is selected so as not to
appreciably impair the driving force of the piston 36. As the piston 36 is
returned, any residual gas above or in front of the piston is vented to
atmosphere through an exhaust port 102 in the id valve 72.
Still another feature of the tool 70 is at least one tool condition tor
104, shown on the user interface 80; however other ons are contemplated,
including on the housing 12. The tool condition indicators 104 are
contemplated to include at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator,
and a tactile indicator, such as a Vibrating indicator. In the case of a visual
indicator for the condition indicator 104, the indicator is contemplated to be in
the form of at least one of a single LED, an LED bank and a screen.
Information displayed or indicated by the indicator 104 includes tool
temperature, number of fasteners remaining, status of battery charge, total
fasteners driven, internal tool pressure, fastener driving pressure (regulator
adjustment), or the like.
Yet another feature of the tool 70 is that the reservoir 26, designated
26a, is optionally located in fluid communication with the id intake tube
90 and is dimensioned to have a volume of pressurized fluid sufficient for
facilitating consistent power output at increased tool firing rates.
ing now to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, when gas such as CO2 is used as
the power source, it is important for efficiency and power consistency to
prevent liquid C02 from entering the inner chamber 26. Anti-siphon tubes are
known in the art. These are typically installed in the vessel or container 24,
which is often refillable, and are bent from a central axis vessel according to
the d bottle ation. This requires “clocking” the tube after
determining where the valve attachment s stop on the top of the vessel.
Proper orientation of the iphon tube is a lengthy s and does not
provide liquid-free flow in all vessel orientations. Also, if the bent angle of the
tube is improperly positioned, pressurized liquid may enter the tube, depending
on the orientation of the tool. This problem is more prevalent when the tool 70
is used at odd angles or ed, for driving fasteners in areas with limited
access.
Accordingly, the pressurized fluid vessel or container 24 is preferably
supplied with a tube 106, preferably an anti—siphon tube configured for
ing into an interior chamber 108 of the tube. The purpose of the anti-
siphon tube 106 is to prevent the flow of pressurized fluid such as C02 in the
liquid phase from being drawn into the tool inner chamber 26 or into the
regulator 30 where it has been found to impair tool performance. This problem
has been found to occur more frequently when conventional tools 10 are used
at an angle to vertical, or are even inverted from the orientation depicted in
Preferably, the length of the anti-siphon tube 106 is approximately
33% to 66% of an effective interior axial length “A” of the centainer 24. More
preferably, the length of the anti-siphon tube 106 is imately 50% of the
effective or axial length “A” of the container 24. It is contemplated that
the length of the anti-siphon tube 106 is variable depending on the amount of
liquid phase fluid in the container 24 at the initial or fill condition or state.
Depending on the application, the tube 106 may be a siphon tube instead of the
above—described anti-siphon tube, and thus extends almost the full effective
length “A” at 106’ (shown in m) of the container 24 and into a
liquid phase of the pressurized fluid. In the latter situation, other adjustments
to the tool 70 would be required, as are known in the art so that the tool would
operate on liquid instead of gaseous fluid.
More specifically, the pressurized gas in the container 24 is depicted as
being in a gas phase 110 and a liquid phase 112. As the tool 10 is angled, the
tendency for the liquid phase 112 to enter the intake conduit 28 or equivalent
connection fitting 86 is increased. Accordingly, the t anti—siphon tube
106 is preferably provided with structure for impeding the flow of the liquid
phase 112 into the tube. In the preferred embodiment, this ure takes the
form of a flared, generally conical drip shelf 114 formed at a free end of the
tube 106, a substantially closed bottom 116 with a relatively small intake
opening 118, and at least one ing annular protective shield 120. These
structures combine to impede the entry of pressurized gas in the liquid phase
112 into the tube 106. In addition, the anti—siphon tube 106 is provided with a
r shank 122 used to calculate the desired length relative to the ner
effective length “A,” regardless of whether or not the drip shelf 114 and the
shield 102 are provided.
Opposite the intake opening 118, the anti-siphon tube 106 is connected
to a closure 124 taking the form of a plug that sealingly engages an open neck
3O 126 of the container 24. As shown, and particularly for use in refillable
I-l;\mw\lnlemvvm\NRPm1bl\DCC\WXMl 4_l .tloc-9I29/2016
containers 24, the plug 124 is threadably engaged on the neck 126; however
other attachment technologies are contemplated to retain the gas within the
ner 24 at the desired pressure.
As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, as the container 24 is angled or inverted, the
latter on often used for refilling the container, the configuration of the
anti-siphon tube 106 prevents the unwanted intake through the regulator 30 of
pressurized gas in the liquid phase 112.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternate ment of the
container 24 is generally designated 130. Components shared with the
container 24 are designated with identical reference numbers. The main
difference between the containers 24 and 130 is that the former is refillable,
and the latter is disposable. As such, the container 130 has a closure 132 taking
the form of a cap that is sealably secured to the open neck 126. The anti-
siphon tube 106 is fastened, as by welding, chemical adhesive, integrally
formed such as by molding, drawing of metal or the like to the cap 132, and
depends into an internal r 134 of the ner 130 defined by an outer
shell 136.
As described above in relation to the container 24, the anti-siphon tube
106 extends between about 33% and 66% 0f the effective height “A” of the
container, and more ically about 50% of the effective height, but being
variable as described above. For the purposes of embodiments of the present
invention, the “effective height” is measured ally from a bottom upward
to a point where a largest diameter of the container 24 begins to narrow
towards the neck 126. This length has been found to reduce the tendency for
pressurized liquid within the container 130 to enter the tube. To support the
tube 106 within the chamber 134, a bulkhead 138 extends radially from the
tube and contacts an inner wall 140 of the Chamber in a body n 142 of the
container.
Referring now to FIGs. 8 and 10, the cap 132 is preferably frangible,
and, as is known in the art, is pierced by a pointed puncture device 144 in fluid
communication with the inner housing chamber 26 by a conduit 28 or
lent structure. It is contemplated that in the container 130, the tube 106
is optionally provided with at least one of the conical drip shelf 114, the
substantially closed bottom end 116, the restricted opening 118 and the
depending protective ring 120 as seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B.
Referring now to an alternate embodiment of the container 130
is generally designated 150. Components shared with the containers 24 and
130 are designated with identical reference numbers. A main difference
between the containers 130 and 150 is that the latter has a bulkhead 152
extending radially from the anti-siphon tube 106 and engaging the inner wall
140 of the chamber 134 in the region of the neck 126, as opposed to the body
portion 142. The container 150 is also optionally equipped with at least one of
the conical drip shelf 114, the substantially closed bottom end 116, the
restricted Opening 118 and the ing protective ring 120 as seen in FIGS.
4A, 4B.
In the t tool 70 configured for sequential operation, the fastener
driving cycle ce is as s with the tool at rest and a compressed gas
vessel 24 attached. Next, the operator places the WCE 96 against the work
surface, g the WCE switch 98, and pulls the r 40. The switch 94 is
electrically ted to the trigger 40, and once activated or energized, signals
control circuitry or equivalent mming in the control system or
microprocessor 76 to activate the firing sequence.
A signal is sent from the control circuit to open the solenoid valve 72.
Upon opening, the valve 72 allows pressurized gas to flow from the container
24 to the regulator 30 where the pressure is d (typically to 80-500 psi).
The gas then flows through the now open solenoid valve 72 and into the drive
cylinder 34. Upon receipt of the flow of pressurized gas, the drive piston 36
H:\mw\1nmuvanRPmblu3CC\WX\V\l l496864_l Job-90917016
then descends, comes in contact with the next fastener 20 to be driven, and then
subsequently drives the fastener into the work surface.
If so equipped, the return spring 100 or other energy storing device
led on the underside of the piston 36 compresses to provide energy to
urge the piston back to the initial position after the drive cycle is complete.
Upon expiration of the control timing signal, adjustable via the user ace
80, the solenoid valve 72 closes, shutting off the supply of gas to the piston 36.
It is contemplated that the valve 72 is closed before the piston 36 has
completed its travel down the cylinder 34. Upon descending to the bottom of
the cylinder 34, the piston 36 is ed to the initial position by the stored
energy in the return spring 100. Alternately or in addition to the return spring
100, the lly expanded gas in the cylinder 34 above the piston 36 is
allowed to exit from the cylinder volume above the piston and be routed to the
underside of the piston. The solenoid valve 72 is d, through the exhaust
valve 102, to vent the volume above the piston 36 to atmospheric pressure and
to allow the force under the piston (spring, gas pressure or combination) to
displace the piston back to the top of the cylinder 34.
Repetitive ion is also contemplated with the second switch 98
connected to the WCE 96. The control circuitry is set to the contact fire mode.
The switch 98, in communication with the WCE 96, is activated by the
operator pressing the WCE against the work surface after the trigger switch 94
is first activated. At this point, the driving sequence is initiated.
The sed anti—siphon tube 106 has a length of between 33% and
66% (50% length preferred for a fluid charge having less than 50% liquid
charge in an initial state of the vessel 24) of the effective length “A” of the '
interior of_ the typical cylindrical vessel 24, and is_preferab1y installedon the
container axis. It will be understood that the length of the iphon tube 106
is adjustable depending on the amount of liquid in the vessel at the initial, filled
stage or ion. The described tube 106 allows the vessel 24 to be placed in
luwxmlnmm'emNRPuanDCQWXW“1496864_1.d0c-9f29fl.016
virtually any orientation and exclude liquid from passing out of the vessel.
With the addition of the drip shelf 114, liquid would be further excluded from
entering the tube 106 after the vessel 24 is tipped over and then subsequently
righted. The present tube end, including components 114, 116, 118, 120
prevents drops flowing down the tube from entering the tube inlet 118.
Referring now to , an alternate embodiment of the tool 70 is
generally designated 160. Components shared with the tool 70, as well as the
tool 10 are designated with identical reference numbers. A main ence
between the tools 160 and 70 is that in the former, the switch 98 is replaced by
a WCE switch 162 located on the tool nose 16 in relatively close proximity to
the WCE 96. As is known in the art, the WCE 96 is fabricated of a
magnetically attracted material, such as steel or the like. d of a
conventional WCE return spring (not shown), a magnet 164, preferably a rare
earth magnet, however others are contemplated, is fixed to the tool nose 16, by
chemical adhesive, mechanical fasteners or the like, and retains the WCE 96 in
the pre-firing or rest position shown in by magnetic attraction. The
WCE 96 reciprocates relative to the tool nose 16 through slidable engagement
in a drive track 166 preferably d by a pair of spaced, parallel guide
members 168 which also are fixed to the nose, and also are configured to retain
the WCE upon the tool nose. While the guide members 168 are elongate and
have an inverted ape when viewed in erse cross—section, their
configuration may vary to suit the application, as long as sliding reciprocation
and retention of the WCE 96 is achieved.
The WCE switch 162 in may take various forms known in the
art, however it is preferred that the switch is a ne switch or opto-
switch, both of which are well known in the art. Preferably, the WCE switch
162 is m6unted in close proximity to the end 170 or the tool nose 16 where the
er 20 is ejected. In the tool 160, the displacement or stroke of the WCE
96 from the rest on shown to an actuation position where the WCE
contacts the switch 162 is reduced over current systems, since, when provided
ll:\mw\[nlnwuvcn\NRPonbl\DCGWXW\l1496864_Ldoc-9I290016
as a membrane switch, the switch 162 requires very little nt to switch
states. While other strokes are contemplated, depending on the ation, in
the present tool 160, the actuation stroke of the WCE 96 from the rest position
to an actuation position in contact with the WCE switch is approximately 3/16
inch (.5cm). A beneficial result is relatively high cycle rates and a reduction in
operator e.
Mounting the switch 162 to the tool nose 16 in close proximity to the
end 170 of the tool nose 16 allows for a vely lightweight and compact tool
160. While ng a conventional switch in this location is problematic, as
this area is subject to very high “G” (gravity) forces which can interfere with
proper operation or cause very low switch life cycles, the present preferred
selection of relatively durable membrane or opto-switches has been found to
successfully address these problems. The above-described WCE 96 and the
switch 162 can optionally ~be provided with a depth of drive adjustment
assembly, many of which are known in the fastener tool driving art.
In operation, the tool nose 16 is pressed against the workpiece, and in so
doing the WCE 96 is pushed toward the WCE switch 162. The force exerted
by the user overcomes the magnetic attraction exerted by the magnet 164 and
releases the WCE 96, permitting travel in the drive track 166 towards the
2O switch 162. The switch 162 changes states, which is read by the control system
74. The force of the WCE 96 impacting the switch 162 is preferably
ated by mounting the switch to a relatively ntial support post 172.
In addition, at least one overtravel or dampening member 174, such as a
resilient pad or the like, is optionally disposed on either end of the switch 162
for providing further tion for the switch from repeated WCE impact
forces.
After the firing sequence is ted, the operator lifts the tool 160
from the substrate or workpiece. The WCE 96 is then returned to the pre—firing
position by the magnetic attractive force exerted by the magnet 164 due to the
It\wxu’\lnlmm’cn\NRPoflbi\DCGWXW\l 1496864_Ldoc-9I29I2016
power of the magnet and the relatively close proximity of the switch 162 to the
magnet. Upon the magnet 164 pulling the WCE 96 to the start position, the
switch 162 reverts to its pre—firing ion, and sends an appropriate signal to
the l system 74. It will be appreciated, that while the present WCE 96,
switch 162, drive track 166 and associated components described above are
discussed in relation to a pneumatically driven tool 10, 70, 160, it is also
contemplated that such an assembly is also mountable upon other fastener
driving or driver tools, including but not limited to combustion and ically
powered tools.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way
of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person
skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made
n without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the
present invention should not be limited by any of the above described
exemplary embodiments.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the
context requires otherwise, the word ise", and variations such as
"comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any
other integer or step or group of rs or steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information
derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be
taken as an acknowledgment or ion or any form of tion that that
prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part
of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
Claims (13)
1. A fastener driver tool comprising: a magazine configured to store a ity of fasteners and to supply the fasteners to a tool nose; a cylinder including a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade movable to sequentially engage the fasteners from the magazine as the fasteners are supplied to said tool nose; a fitting to which a ner of compressed fluid is attachable; at least one solenoid valve switchable between an open state and a 10 closed state; a pressure regulator in fluid communication with and between the fitting and the at least one solenoid valve, the pressure regulator configured to change a pressure of fluid flowing therethrough; and a control system electrically connected to the at least one solenoid valve 15 and operable to: (1) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the closed state to the open state to enable fluid flow from the pressure regulator into said cylinder to drive said ocating piston; and (2) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the open state to the closed state to prevent fluid flow from the pressure regulator into said cylinder, 20 wherein said compressed fluid has gas and liquid components, further including an iphon tube in said container, said anti—siphon tube having a length extending within an effective height of said container to e liquid phase fluid.
2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said control system is configured to 25 accommodate a received user adjustment of an zed time of said at least one solenoid valve, the zed time controlling a length of time the at least one id valve remains in the open state.
3. The tool of claim 1 or 2 wherein said control system includes a microprocessor. lI:\wlemerwuvzn\NRPonbl\DCC\WXW\l 4_l .ch-9f29f2016
4. The tool of any one of the preceding claims further including a reservoir in fluid communication with and between said pressure regulator and said at least one id valve.
5. The tool of any one of the preceding claims further including a piston return mechanism associated with said cylinder and including at least one of a mechanical return and a pneumatic return operable to return the reciprocating piston to a start position.
6. The tool of any one of the preceding claims wherein said control system 10 is configured to selectively effect sequential and repetitive operations of the tool.
7. The tool of any one of the preceding claims further including at least one tool condition indicator electrically connected to said control system, said at least one tool ion indicator including at least one of a visual indicator, an 15 audible indicator, and a tactile indicator.
8. The tool of any one of the preceding claims further including a workpiece contact element ocatable relative to said tool nose and a corresponding workpiece contact t switch electrically connected to said control system and located on said tool nose, the ece contact element 20 switch activatable Via pressing said workpiece contact element upon a workpiece.
9. The tool of claim 8 further including a magnet ated with said tool nose in a fixed position and configured to hold said workpiece contact element at a rest on through magnetic attraction with said workpiece contact 25 element and to return said workpiece contact element to the rest position after er driving, during which said workpiece contact element reciprocates relative to the tool nose between the rest position and an actuation position. H:\wxw\lntem‘ovm\NRPonbl\DCC\WXW\l l496864_l.doc—9/Z9f2016
10. The tool of claim 8 or 9wherein said workpiece contact element is reciprocatable relative to said tool nose in a drive track d by spaced, parallel guide members.
11. The tool of any one of claims 8 to 10 further including at least one of a dampening protective element and an avel protective element configured to protect said workpiece contact element switch against workpiece t element impact forces.
12. The tool of any one of the preceding claims wherein said control system is ured such that a user interface displays or emits an alarm ting 10 that the container needs replacement.
13. A fastener driver tool sing: a magazine configured to store a plurality of fasteners and to supply the fasteners to a tool nose; a cylinder including a ocating piston associated with a driver blade 15 movable to sequentially engage the fasteners from the magazine as the fasteners are supplied to said tool nose; at least one solenoid valve switchable between an open state and a closed state; a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the at least one 20 solenoid valve, the pressure regulator configured to change a re of fluid flowing therethrough; and a control system electrically connected to the at least one solenoid valve and operable to: (1) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the closed state to the open state to enable flow of a compressed fluid in one fluid state from a 25 container through the pressure regulator and into said cylinder to drive said reciprocating piston; and (2) switch the at least one solenoid valve from the open state to the closed state to prevent flow of the compressed fluid from the container into said cylinder, \Inlcmm'cmNRPcrlIJlDCOGWH IJ‘MI‘M‘Ldoc- I Ill
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ722653A NZ722653B2 (en) | 2011-10-03 | 2012-10-02 | Fastener driving tool with portable pressurized power source |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US61/542,504 | 2011-10-03 | ||
US13/617,971 | 2012-09-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ622946A NZ622946A (en) | 2016-12-23 |
NZ622946B2 true NZ622946B2 (en) | 2017-03-24 |
Family
ID=
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