WO1999054093A1

WO1999054093A1 - Impact gun and pneumatic tacker

Info

Publication number: WO1999054093A1
Application number: PCT/FR1999/000878
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Claude L'huillier
Original assignee: Institut National De Recherche Et De Securite Pour La Prevention Des Accidents Du Travail Et Des Maladies Professionnelles
Priority date: 1998-04-22
Filing date: 1999-04-14
Publication date: 1999-10-28
Also published as: FR2777820A1; AU3154299A; FR2777820B1

Abstract

The invention concerns an automatic tool (1) such as a pneumatic or electric nailing gun capable of being operated with a one hand, to drive in fixing means for a part to be fixed, such as a nail or clip or the like, in a reception support. The tool comprises: a housing (2); a first pressing member (74), comprising an inoperative position, wherein it projects from the housing (2), and an operative position, wherein it can pass, from the inoperative position, when it is pressed on the reception support; a second control member (83), guided relative to the housing, along a trajectory between both the inoperative and the operative positions, and capable of being moved by hand from the inoperative position to the operative position.

Description

1

Pneumatic nail gun and stapler.

The invention relates to an automatic tool for driving a means for fixing a part to be fixed into a receiving support.

The fixing means is a nail, a staple or the like.

The part to be fixed is made of fabric, a board or the like.

The receiving support is a wall, a wall, a board or the like.

The term automatic means that the energy required to drive in the fixing means is supplied by an external source, for example electric or pneumatic.

Pneumatic tools are conventionally called nail gun, pneumatic nailer or pneumatic stapler.

Document FR-A-2,184,855 describes an apparatus for driving in fixing means.

The device has a trigger bar and a trigger lever. The bar serves as a click, operating when the device is placed on a workpiece before the lever has been actuated. If the lever is then actuated, compressed air can activate a device release valve. The lever is actuated by pulling, the device being provided with a handle.

One drawback of this device is that it causes musculoskeletal disorders of the arm and in particular of the hand in the user.

Document FR-A-2,480,664 describes a pneumatic nailer, comprising a feeler, a first pivoting release lever and first and second handles. Above the lever is arranged a trigger valve cutting, in the rest position, the communication between a bore and a reservoir provided in the first handle. The triggering of a working stroke of a piston fitted with a push button does not occur when only the lever and the probe are actuated. It is only when, by grasping the second handle, a second lever fixed to it is pivoted, that the piston can execute a working stroke.

The second lever is pivotally mounted above a cover of the nailer body, in which the piston is housed. The second lever acts, in addition to the probe and the first lever, as the third triggering member. The third member can be operated manually and is out of reach of the hand which actuates the first lever.

Admittedly, the start of a working race is only authorized when the actuation takes place with both hands, which constitutes a safety.

But this nailer can also cause musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, the nailer is inconvenient to use.

This use leads to a certain imprecision of the nailing due to the masking of the zone where one nails by the arm of the hand grasping the second handle.

A mechanical self-gun is also known, comprising a body and a mechanical actuation lever. The body is generally in the form of a rectangular prism, a first large side of which is intended to be applied against the receiving support. A passage for the index, middle, ring and little fingers is provided between the long sides of the body.

The lever is pivotally mounted above a second long side, opposite the first long side, between a rest position and a depressed position. A spring is provided in the body which keeps the free end of the lever in the rest position at an angle of 45 ° from the second side. 3

In the depressed position, the free end of the lever comes against the second side.

It is the user who manually supplies all the energy necessary for the insertion. This pistol is therefore not automatic. To do this, the user applies the palm of the open hand to the lever and applies the index, middle, ring and little fingers under the second side. It is by shaking hands that the lever moves from the rest position to the depressed position.

Hand tightening around the lever and on the second side is necessary to precisely hold the first side of the gun body against the receiving support.

But the tightening of the hand mobilizes the pulling muscles of the fingers, which are relatively weak, and must overcome a significant force to cause a depression of a fixing means.

The use of the self-nail gun is therefore difficult and also causes musculoskeletal disorders of the hand.

Let us also cite the document EP-A-620 085 which does not describe a dispenser comprising first and second members, the actuation direction of which is substantially parallel to the passage path, from one passage position to the other, this dispenser being movable in the same direction as these support and control members.

Unlike known techniques, thanks to the invention, an operator is obliged to respect a firing sequence providing: - first to support the probe; then - to actually trigger the nailing or stapling by acting on the handle with the palm of his hand.

This guarantees previously unequaled safety in use, and therefore prevents harmful accidents. The document EP-A-164307 is such that the trigger is intended to be activated by the palm of the operator's hand, but that, unlike the invention, the arrangement provided does not allow the operator to be forced to respect the shooting sequence mentioned above.

It therefore appears that this document only proposes the substitution of a usual trigger by a handle, for a nail gun or a stapler.

With the arrangement of this document, it is possible to trigger an unwanted shot when removing the device if the handle is deactivated or "shunted".

Indeed, the operator can, with the arrangement described in this document, keep the trigger depressed by means of an adhesive tape for example.

Conversely, the invention makes such fraud completely impossible.

We may also cite documents EP-A-298,594 and US-A-4,405,071.

The invention aims to improve the ergonomics of an automatic tool such as a pneumatic or electric nailer.

In particular, the tool must be able to be used with one hand. Musculoskeletal disorders due to this use should be minimized. Security against inadvertent tripping must be effectively ensured. The tool must be practical to use and must allow the fastening means to be inserted with good precision.

The invention relates to an automatic tool such as a pneumatic or electric nailer, which can be controlled with one hand, according to the claims.

The invention will be clearly understood on reading the description which follows. 5

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the automatic tool.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view, on a larger scale, of a pneumatic distributor mounted in the tool.

Figures 3 to 6 show, in longitudinal section, the pneumatic distributor in four operating states.

Figures 7 to 12 are side views of the automatic tool in six operating states.

In the following, the invention is described with reference to an automatic tool for driving nails.

Of course, the invention also applies to automatic tools intended to drive other fixing means, such as staples or the like.

In the embodiments shown, the tool is pneumatic and it is supplied with energy by an external compressed air source.

In other embodiments, not shown, the tool is powered by an external electrical energy source by an electric wire.

The figures show mutually orthogonal directions L, E and T.

The direction L called longitudinal and the direction T said transverse are substantially horizontal. While the direction E called elevation is substantially vertical.

The invention is described here with reference to these directions L, E and T.

The tool, designated in the figures by the reference sign 1, comprises a housing or casing 2, for example made of plastic or aluminum. The housing 2 has, seen transversely, a general shape of a right triangle.

In other embodiments, not shown, the housing has a generally rectangular shape.

In the embodiment shown, the right triangle has a first side 3 adjacent to the right angle and parallel to the direction E of elevation, a second side 4 adjacent to the right angle and parallel to the longitudinal direction L and a third side 5 forming the hypotenuse of the triangle and oblique to the longitudinal directions L and elevation E.

Tool 1 is intended to be used with one hand. The housing has, between its first, second and third sides 3, 4 and 5, a passage 6 for the index, middle finger, little finger and ring finger of the user's hand.

In the embodiment shown, the passage 6 has the shape of a right triangle whose sides are parallel to the first, second and third sides 3, 4 and 5 of the housing 2.

In other embodiments, not shown, the passage 6 is of rectangular or other shape.

The tool comprises a direction 7 for driving in the nails, oriented in a direction S for driving in.

The driving direction 7 is parallel to the first side 3 and is oriented from the end part of the first side 3 connected to the second side towards the end part of the first side 3 connected to the third side 5.

In the embodiment shown, the direction 7 of insertion is parallel to the direction E of elevation and the direction S of insertion is oriented in the opposite direction to the direction E of elevation. The first side 3 and the second side 4 have first and second oblong hollow outer walls of generally circular cylindrical shape 8 and 9.

A working cylinder 10 is fixed in the first wall 8, parallel to the driving direction 7.

A working piston 11 is mounted movably in the cylinder 10.

The piston 11 has a first annular outer face 12a connected to a second inner face 12b, the first and second faces 12a, 12b being oriented in the direction of direction E of elevation, and a third face 13 oriented in the direction of pushing in direction S pushing in.

A rigid pusher 14 is fixed to the second face 13 of the piston 11.

The pusher 14 is for example a rod parallel to the direction 7 of insertion and directed in the direction S of insertion.

The pusher 14 has a free end portion 15, distant from the piston 11 and turned in the driving direction S. This end portion 15 is made of a harder material than the material of the nails.

The first wall 8 comprises, on its end part facing the direction S of insertion, an opening 17 provided for the passage of the pusher 14.

The end part 16 of the wall 8 is extended, in the driving direction S and around the opening 17, by a tube 18 for guiding nails.

The tube 18 is part of the third side 5 of the housing and is supplied with nails by a magazine 19 of rechargeable nails provided in the third side 5. 8

The nail magazine 19 comprises a guide 20 of nails, parallel to the third side 5 and for example a spring, not shown, driving the nails arranged in a row in the guide 20 towards the tube 18.

The magazine 19 sends to the tube 18 through a side opening (not shown) of the tube 18.

A valve 20 for triggering the piston is guided inside the first wall 8, above the working piston 11 in the direction E of elevation.

The trigger valve 20 comprises a first part 21 in the form of a ring with an axis E, capable of being applied in leaktight manner to the first face 12 of the piston, and a second part 22 in the form of a circular cylinder extending in the direction of the direction E of elevation inside the ring of the first part 21.

The first wall 8 has an annular upper part 23 perpendicular to the cylindrical part 22 in which this part 22 is guided.

An annular seal 24 is provided inside the annular part 23 to seal between the part 23 and the cylindrical part 22.

A cap 25 is connected by means of an arm 26 above the annular part 23 of the wall 8, by providing an exhaust 27 to the atmosphere between the cap 25 and the annular part 23.

A damper 28 is fixed under the cap 25 while being turned, in the opposite direction to the direction E of elevation, towards the free end portion of the cylindrical portion 22 of the trigger valve 20. 9

A spring 29 is interposed between the damper 28 and a stop turned in the direction of the elevation direction E, inside the cylindrical part 22 of the valve 20.

In a rest position, the cylindrical part 22, the annular part 21, the wall 8 and the annular part 23 of the wall 8 define an inlet chamber 30.

A seal 31 is provided on the periphery of the annular part 21 of the valve 20.

When a fluid pressure is introduced into the inlet chamber 30, the valve 20 is forced to move in the opposite direction to the direction E of elevation. The free upper end part of the cylindrical part 22 is at a distance from the damper 28, making the interior of the cylindrical part 22 and the second face 12b communicate with the exhaust 27 to the atmosphere.

In this rest position, the annular part 21 of the valve 20 is applied, by its face turned in the opposite direction to the direction E of elevation, in a sealed manner against the first face 12a of the piston 10.

The piston 11 then remains in a high position, in which the pusher 14 is inside the cylinder 10 and the end part 15 remains in the opening 17.

The annular part 21 has a diameter greater than that of the upper free end part 32 of the cylinder 10, turned in the direction E of elevation.

This end part 32 of the cylinder 10 is spaced from the first and second walls 8 and 9.

The second wall 9 is connected on the one hand to the cover 25, to the arm 26 and to the annular part 23 of the wall 8 by means of a guard 33, the outer wall 33a of which is directed substantially parallel to the direction E 10

of elevation and the inner wall 33b of which is adjacent to the annular part 21, and on the other hand, directly to the part of the first wall 8, adjacent to the passage 6, via a junction 34.

The second wall 9 comprises a channel 35 for supplying pressurized fluid, for example compressed air. The channel 35 communicates with an external source of pressurized fluid by means of an end piece 36 fixed on an opening 37 of the wall 9, for example situated in its extreme part remote from the first wall 8.

In the embodiment shown, the second wall 9 is oblong and hollow and delimits the channel 35 itself.

In other embodiments, not shown, the channel is formed by a pipe or the like located inside the second wall 9 and communicating with the opening 37.

A passage 38 for the fluid, communicating with the supply channel 35, is provided between the inner part of the guard 33 and the upper end part 32 of the cylinder 10.

In the rest position, the annular part 21 is applied in leaktight manner to the end part 32 of the cylinder 10, by means of a seal provided on the annular part 21 and / or on the end part 32.

The pressure is applied against the outside of the annular part 21 of the valve, outside the cylinder 10 and against the seal 31.

To trigger the insertion of a fixing means, the inlet chamber 30 is vented. This causes the latter to translate in the direction of the direction E of elevation, until the sealed application of the free end portion of the cylindrical portion 22 against the damper 28, against the spring 29. 11

The valve 20 is then located at a distance from the first face 12a of the piston, and from the upper end part 32 of the cylinder, allowing the application of the fluid pressure on the second face 12b of the piston 11 through the passage 38. This causes the displacement of the latter in the cylinder 10 in the direction S of depression from the high position to a low position.

A piston damper 39 is provided in the cylinder 10 on the end part 16 of the wall 8.

In the low position, the piston 11 is applied, by its second face 13, against the damper 39. The passage of the piston from the high position to the low position causes the translation of the pusher 14 through the opening 17 in the tube 18, in the direction S of depression. The pusher 14 then pushes a nail located in the tube 18 in the driving direction S.

The inlet chamber 30 communicates via a trigger pipe 40 with a device 41 for triggering the inlet valve which is housed in the housing 2.

The triggering device 41 is intended to put the duct 40 and the inlet chamber 30 either in a state of rest or in a state of control.

In the rest state, the piston 11 and the pusher 14 are held in the high position.

In the control state, a translation of the piston 13 and the pusher 14 from the high position to the low position is caused, to drive a nail.

In the embodiment shown, the rest state corresponds to the pressurization of the inlet chamber 30 and the control state corresponds to the setting of the atmosphere thereof. 12

In other embodiments, not shown, the rest state corresponds to the setting of the intake chamber 30 to the atmosphere and the control state corresponds to the pressurization thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the triggering device 41 comprises a pneumatic distributor 42.

The distributor 42 comprises a housing or body 43 of distributor fixed in the second wall 9 and comprising a first orifice 44 for triggering, communicating with the conduit 40 for triggering, a second orifice 45 for supplying communicating with the channel 35 and a third orifice 46 venting communicating with the outside of the second wall 9.

In other embodiments, not shown, the pneumatic distributor is housed outside the second wall 9.

In the embodiment shown, the housing 43 of the dispenser has the shape of a circular cylinder 47 closed by a first base disc 48 and a second base disc 49.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second base discs 48 and 49 are inserted into correspondingly shaped openings in the second wall 9 and fixed to them.

In other embodiments not shown, the first and / or second base disc is fixed inside the second wall 9.

In the embodiment shown, the circular cylinder 47 is applied against a vertical wall of the guard 33a.

The cylinder 47 of the distributor is arranged substantially parallel to the direction E of elevation, the first disc 48 being above the second disc 49. 13

In other embodiments, not shown, the cylinder 47 of the distributor is arranged parallel to another direction, for example perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

In the embodiment shown, the third orifice 46 is formed in the first disc 48.

In another embodiment, not shown, the third orifice is formed in the second disc.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second orifices 44, 45 are provided in the cylinder 47 of the distributor at a distance from each other, for example by being diametrically opposite.

The distributor 42 comprises, guided along the axis of the cylinder 47, first and second distribution drawers 50, 51.

The first and second drawers 50, 51 each have a rest state and a trigger state.

When one of the first and second drawers is in the rest position, the first orifice 44 is in communication with the second orifice 45.

When both the first and second drawers 50, 51 are in the release position, the first port 44 is in communication with the third port 46.

The passage of the first and second drawers 50, 51 between one and the other of their rest and release positions is obtained by translation along the axis of the cylinder 47.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the rest position of the first drawer 50 corresponds to a high position in which the drawer 50 is close to the first disc 48. 14

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the release position of the first drawer 50 corresponds to a low position, in which the drawer 50 is distant from the first disc 48.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the rest position of the second drawer 51 corresponds to a high position, in which the first drawer 51 is distant from the second disc 49.

While in FIGS. 4 and 5, the triggering position of the second drawer 51 corresponds to a low position in which the second drawer 51 is close to the second disc 49.

In other embodiments, not shown, the rest and trigger positions of the second drawer correspond respectively to low and high positions.

In one embodiment, not shown, the first and second drawers are located side by side in the distributor housing, along the axis of the distributor cylinder.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second drawers 50, 51 are of generally cylindrical shape. The first drawer 50 is movable in a cavity of the second drawer 51.

In other embodiments, not shown, the first drawer has a cavity in which the second drawer is movable.

In the embodiment shown, the second drawer has a cylindrical wall 52, substantially parallel to the cylinder 47 and a disc-shaped wall 53 closing the second drawer 51 on the side of the second disc 49.

The second drawer comprises, located on the periphery of its cylindrical wall 52, and one above the other in the direction E of elevation, first, second, third and fourth holes 54, 55, 56 and 57 , for example diametrically opposite one after the other. 15

The cylindrical wall 52 is at a distance from the cylinder 47.

The wall 53 is extended on the periphery of the cylindrical wall 52 by an annular seal 58 applied against the cylinder 47. The cylindrical wall 52 is extended, on its periphery, around the second hole 55, by lower and upper seals 59, 60 for sealing applied against the cylinder 47. On its free end, remote from the wall 53, the wall 52 of the second drawer is extended into a seal 61 applied against the cylinder 47.

The first drawer 50 comprises a central solid part 62, cylindrical and, on the periphery thereof, at a distance in the direction E of elevation, a lower extension 63 and an upper extension 64, which are directed towards the interior of the cylindrical wall 52.

The lower extension 63 comprises, on its lower part and on its upper part, lower and upper seals 65 and 66 applied against the inside of the cylindrical wall 52. The upper extension 64 comprises a seal 67a s applying against the inside of the cylindrical wall 52 and a shoulder 67b above the latter, of larger diameter than the central part 62.

In FIG. 3, the first hole 54 communicates with the first and second orifices 44, 45. The sealing of the first orifice 44 relative to the third orifice 46 is ensured by means of the seals 59, 65 and / or 66.

In FIG. 4, the first hole 54 is in communication with the first and second orifices 44, 45, the sealing of the first orifice 44 relative to the third orifice 46 being ensured by means of the seals 60, 65 and / or 66.

In FIG. 5, the first hole 54 is in communication with the second orifice 45 and is sealed relative to the third orifice 46 by means of the seals 59, 65 and / or 66, while the first orifice 44 16

communicates with the third orifice 46 via the second, third and fourth holes 55 to 57.

In FIG. 6, the first hole 54 communicates with the first and second orifice 44, 45, while the first orifice 44 is sealed relative to the third orifice 46 by means of the seals 60 and 67a.

The distributor 42 includes a first connecting member 68 fixed to the first drawer 50 and a second connecting member 69 fixed to the second drawer 51.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second connecting members 68, 69 comprise first and second metal rods, 70, 71, in one piece with the first and second drawers 50, 51.

The first rod 68 is located in the extension of the first drawer above the shoulder 67b in the direction of the direction E of elevation.

While the second rod 71 is located under the wall 53 of the second drawer, in the opposite direction to the direction E of elevation.

The first and second discs 48, 49 have first and second openings 72, 73 for the passage of the first and second rods 70, 71, parallel to the direction E of elevation.

A seal is mounted in each of the openings 72, 73 and is applied in a leaktight manner to the lateral surface of the rods 70, 71.

The tool 1 comprises a member 74 for bearing on the part, not shown, which must be fixed, by driving in a fixing means therein, to a support, not shown.

The support member 74 projects from the housing 2 of the tool near the free end portion 75 of the tube 18, from which the nails come out when they are pushed in the driving direction S by the pusher 14. 17

The support member 74 is located in front of the end portion 75, in the driving direction S.

The support member 74 is commonly called a "feeler".

In the embodiment shown, the support member 74 is a first branch 76 of a bent metal rod 77 mounted in the housing 2.

The rod 77 is slidably mounted, parallel to the driving direction 7, relative to the housing 2.

The rod 77 comprises, bent between them, in addition to the first branch 76, a second branch 78 substantially parallel to the direction 7, a third branch 79, substantially parallel to the lateral direction L and in the opposite direction thereof, a fourth branch 80 obliquely in the plane of directions E and L and directed towards the second side 4, a fifth branch 81 substantially parallel to direction 7 and a sixth branch 82 obliquely in the plane of directions E and L and directed towards the second side 4.

In other embodiments, not shown, the support member detects, for example optically, the presence of a part to be fixed in front of the free end portion 75, in the driving direction S, and is fixed to the housing.

In the embodiment shown, the support member 74 comprises a rest position and a control position.

In the rest position, the support member 74 is located at a distance in the driving direction S from the end portion 75.

The control position of the support member is offset from its rest position by a determined distance in the opposite direction to the driving direction S. 18

The tool 1 comprises a control and gripping member for the tool with one hand, having the reference sign 83.

This eliminates the need for a handle and a trigger that is separate from the handle and movable relative thereto.

The control member 83 is mounted movable relative to the housing 2 between one and the other of the rest and control positions.

The control member 83 passes from its rest position to its control position by displacement towards the direction S of insertion.

The control member 83 is arranged on the second side 4 and the second wall 9 of the housing 2.

The control member 83 comprises an upper part 84, accessible by hand in the direction S of insertion and a lower part 85 accessible by hand in the opposite direction from the direction S of insertion.

The upper part 84 is located above the upper part of the second wall 9, in the direction of the direction E of elevation.

While the lower part 85 is located below the lower part of the wall 9, in the driving direction S.

In the embodiment shown, the control member 83 comprises an oblong sleeve directed in a main direction P and the outer wall of which carries the upper and lower parts 84, 85 and surrounds the second wall 9 in the transverse direction T and in the direction elevation E.

The upper and lower parts 84, 85 of the control member 83 are fixed relative to one another. 19

In the rest position, the main direction P is substantially parallel to the second side 4.

In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 86 has a hinge pin 87 relative to the housing 2.

The articulation axis 87 is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T.

The stroke of passage of the sleeve 86 from the rest position to the control position comprises a limited rotation, in a plane parallel to the directions of elevation E and lateral L, relative to the axis 87 of articulation.

The second wall 9 is extended, on its extreme part remote from the first side 3, by a third cylindrical wall 88 forming an elbow with the second wall 9 and directed substantially parallel to the third side 5.

The upper part 84 extends, in the main direction P, from the outer wall 33a of the guard 33 to the upper part of the third wall 88.

The lower part 85 extends, in the main direction P, from the junction 34 to the junction 89 between the second wall 9 and the third side 5.

The hinge pin 87 is provided in the third wall 88 of greater thickness than the second wall 9.

The passage of the sleeve 86 from the rest position to the control position corresponds to a limited angle of rotation of between 2 and 20 ° and for example substantially equal to 10 °.

In another embodiment, not shown, the axis of articulation of the sleeve to the housing is provided in the guard. 20

In other embodiments, not shown, the control member 83 is guided in translation relative to the housing 2 to pass from the rest position to the control position.

This translation comprises a component parallel to the direction 7 of insertion and directed in the direction S of insertion.

This component has a limited amplitude between 1 and 20 mm and for example substantially equal to 10 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 86 has a cylindrical shape.

The cross section of the sleeve 86 is elliptical, for example circular, ovoid or the like.

The lower part 85 of the sleeve is smooth and devoid, on its surface accessible from the outside, of recesses and bumps for the insertion of the fingers.

The length of the upper and lower parts 84, 85, in the lateral direction L is greater than the width of the hand, from the base of the index finger to the base of the little finger.

The upper and lower parts 84, 85 are limited in the main direction P, on the one hand towards the first side 3 by a first edge 86a and on the other hand towards the third wall 88 by a second edge 86b.

The first and second edges 86a, 86b are curved outwards, in the main direction P.

The control member 83 is connected to one of the connection members 68, 69.

In the embodiment shown, the link member 83 is connected to the first link member 68. 21

This connection is such that when the control member 83 is located _. in the rest position, the drawer integral with the connecting member to which it is connected is in the rest position, in the embodiment shown, the first drawer 50.

When the control member 83 is in the control position, this drawer is in the release position, in the embodiment shown, the first drawer 50.

A gap is provided between the sleeve 86 in the control position and the second wall 9 for example along the edges 86a and / or 86b, to communicate the third orifice 46 with the atom sphere.

In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 86 includes a fastener 89 for the free end portion 90 of the first rod 70, which protrudes from the first disc 48.

The fastener 89 is located under the upper part 84, in the driving direction S.

The fastener 89 and the free end portion 90 are located in the part of the sleeve 86, distant from the hinge pin 87, near the guard 33.

The fastener 89 comprises first and second legs 91, 92, each comprising a first arm 93 respectively 94 and a second arm 95 respectively 96, interconnected.

The first arms 93, 94 are bent, for example at right angles to the second arm 95, 96.

The first arms 93, 94 are connected, opposite the second arms, to the upper part 84, perpendicularly below the latter in the direction S of insertion. 22

The second arms 95, 96 are substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the direction P and delimit, through their free end part, distant from the first arms, a slot 97.

The extreme part 90 has, on its lateral surface, a groove 98.

The groove 98 is inserted into the slot 97.

The bent rod 77 is connected to the other of the first and second connecting members 68, 69.

In embodiments, not shown, the rod 77 is connected to the first connecting member 68 and to the first rod 70 and the control member 83 is connected to the second connecting member 69 and to the second rod 71.

In the embodiment shown, the rod 77 is connected to the second connecting member 69.

An inversion lever 99 is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 2 relative to an axis 100 of articulation fixed thereto.

The articulation axis 100 is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T.

The lever 99 and the axis 100 are located near the junction 34, under the second wall 9, in the driving direction S.

The rod 77 is connected to the second connecting member 69 by means of the lever 99.

In the rest position of the support member 74, the second drawer 51 is in the rest position.

While in the control position of the support member 74, the second drawer 51 is in the release position. 23

The lever 99 is substantially rectilinear and comprises, on its end portions opposite with respect to the axis 100, first and second slots 101, 102, directed towards the axis 100 and substantially rectilinear.

The sixth branch 82 and the free end portion 103 of the second rod 71 projecting from the second disc 49 have circular cylindrical terminations 104, 105 with an axis substantially parallel to the transverse direction

T.

The terminations 104, 105 and the lever 99 are such that the termination 104 is slidably mounted in the slot 101 and the termination 105 is slidably mounted in the slot 102.

The coloring is carried out in the direction of the lever.

The slot 101 is further from the axis 100 than the slot 102.

The lower part 85 of the sleeve 86 has, near the junction 34, a passage 106 for the lever 99.

The translation, from the state of rest, of the support member 74 to the control position, causes the translation of the same distance from the termination 104 in the direction 7 of driving in the opposite direction of the direction S of insertion and, by rotation of the lever 99 around the axis 100, the translation of the termination 105, of the connecting member 69 and of the slide 51 from the rest position to the control position.

The lever 99 is such that it has a multiplying effect.

The supply of pressure to channel 35 forces the first and second drawers 50, 51 to remain in the rest state, as shown in FIG. 7. ^{V υy "}} PCT / FR99 / 00878

24

To drive a nail with the tool, the user grasps the tool 1 by shaking hands around the sleeve 86, the palm against the upper part 84 and the fingertips against the lower part 85, the sleeve 86 and the the support member 74 being in the rest position, as shown in FIG. 7.

He then directs the support member 74 against the part which he wishes to fix to the support and presses it there in the direction S of insertion, so as to make it pass from the state of rest to the state of control, as shown in figure 8.

The second drawer 51 passes from the rest position to the release position, the first drawer 50 remaining in the rest position.

If the user continues to press with his hand in the driving direction S, he passes the sleeve 86 from the rest position to the control position, as shown in FIG. 9.

The first drawer 50 passes from the rest position to the release position, the second drawer 51 being in the release position.

This causes a nail to be driven in by the tool, as shown in Figure 10.

The force that the operator must exert on the tool to move the support member 74 from the rest position to the control position is less than the force that he must exert to cause the sleeve 86 to pass from the rest position to control position.

When the operator moves the tool away from the part to be fixed, the probe moves from the control position to the rest position, as shown in FIG. 11 and the sleeve 86 also, as shown in FIG. 12.

Claims

25 CLAIMS

1. Automatic tool (1) such as a pneumatic or electric nailer which can be controlled with one hand, for driving a means of fixing a part to be fixed, such as a nail or staple or the like, into a receiving support, l '' tool (1) comprising:

- a housing (2);

- A first support member (74), comprising a rest state, in which it projects from the housing (2), and a control state, in which it is able to pass, from the rest state , when it is pressed on the receiving support;

- A second control member (83), guided relative to the housing (2) along a path between the two of rest and control positions, and capable of being moved by hand from the rest position at the control position; only the passage into the state and the control position of both the first and second members (74, 83) controlling the tool (1); characterized in that the path for the passage of the second member (83) from the rest position to the control position is directed in a direction of support of the first member (74) on the support; only the second member (83) having the function of taking one hand of the tool (1); and the tool (1) comprises a distributor (42), mounted in the housing (2), controlled by the first and second members (74, 83) and with a state of control of the driving means (11, 20) , in which it passes, when the first and second members (74, 83) pass into the state and the control position, the direction of actuation of this distributor (42) being substantially parallel to the path of passage of a position to the other of the first member (74) and being oriented in the same direction.

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage path comprises a component of translation in the direction of support.

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage path comprises a component of rotation in the direction of support. 26

4. Tool (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second member (83) has a hinge pin on the housing (2).

5. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second member (83) has a generally oblong external shape to be able to be surrounded by hand.

6. Tool (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing comprises an oblong portion (9), on which is mounted the second member (83), the second member comprising an oblong outer wall (84, 85) surrounding the oblong part (9) of the housing (2).

7. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the control state, the first support member (74) is moved, along a second path, in the opposite direction of direction of support, in a control position relative to its position in the rest state.

8. Tool (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second trajectory comprises a component of translation in the opposite direction to the direction of support.

9. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tool (1) comprises means (11, 20), supplied with fluid such as compressed air, for driving the means of fixing and controlled by the first and second members (74, 83), the distributor (42) then being pneumatic.

10. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tool (1) comprises means, electrically powered, for driving in the fixing means and controlled by the first and second members (74 , 83).

11. Tool (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the distributor (42) is pneumatic, comprises a hollow body (43) fixed to the housing (2) and first and second drawers (50, 51) movable at the inside the body (42) each between a 27 rest position and a trigger position, the movement of which is controlled by the first and second members (74, 83) respectively, the passage of the first and second members (74, 83) in the state and the control position causing moving the first and second drawers (50, 51) to the release position.

12. Tool (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second drawers (50, 51) are movable in a determined direction and are integral with first and second connecting members (68, 69) to the first and second support and control members (74, 83), these connecting members (68, 69) passing through opposite sides (48, 49), in the determined direction, of the body (43) of the distributor (42).

13. Tool (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the distributor (42) comprises: a first trigger orifice (44); a second orifice (45) for supplying fluid such as compressed air; a third orifice (46) for venting; the first and second drawers (50, 51) putting in communication, when they are both in the release position, the first orifice (44) with the second or third orifice (45, 46) and, if not, the first orifice ( 44) with the third or second orifice (46, 45).

14. Tool (1) according to claims 6 and 13, characterized in that the oblong part of the housing (2) comprises a wall (9) of an oblong channel (35) for supplying compressed air, in which the body (43) of the distributor (42) is fixed, the first orifice (44) opening into a conduit (33) for communication with a valve (20) for triggering the means (11, 20) of insertion, the second orifice (45 ) opening into the channel (35) and the third orifice (46) opening to the outside of the channel (35), the distributor body being tightly fixed in the wall (9) of the channel (35), the direction d support of the first member (74) on the support being substantially parallel to the determined direction. 28

15. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 9 and 11 to 14, characterized in that the housing (2) has a general shape of right triangle, a first side (3) adjacent to the right angle receives driving means (11, 20) fixing means, of which a second side (4) adjacent is formed by the second control member (84) and of which the hypotenuse (5) receives a magazine (19) of means fixing, the first member (74) projecting, in the rest position, parallel to the first side (3) of the triangle, from the angle between the first side (3) and the hypotenuse (5), the direction of support being parallel to the first side (3), the tool (1) comprising a mouth for passage of the fixing means in the direction of support, in the angle between the first side (3) and the hypotenuse (5) , a passage (6) for the fingers being provided between the three sides (3, 4, 5) of the triangle.