Apparatus and method for driving a fastening element into a substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (20) for driving a fastening element into a substrate, comprising a housing (21), an energy store (22) for storing energy, an energy transmission element (30) for transmitting energy from the energy store (22) to the fastening element, wherein the energy transmission element (30) is designed to move in the housing (21) in a driving-in direction (25), and an energy transmission unit (34) for transmitting energy from the energy store (22) to the energy transmission element (30). There is a coupling device (40) with at least one coupling unit (41) which is operatively connected to the energy transmission element (30) at least in the first position, and the at least one coupling unit (41) is designed to move linearly in the housing (21) at least in the direction of the energy store (22) in order to bring a predefined driving-in energy into the energy store (22). The invention furthermore relates to a method for driving in a fastening means.

Description

[0001] Page 1 of 22

[0002] Device and method for driving a fastening element into a substrate

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for driving in a fastening element according to claim 1 and a method for driving in a fastening element into a substrate according to claim 13.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] Various drive concepts exist for driving nails and fasteners into substrates such as wood, steel, and concrete. For applications requiring high driving energy, propellant cartridges are used to provide the necessary energy. One cartridge is required for each fastener. For medium driving energy requirements, gas-powered devices and pneumatic devices with a stationary compressor are used. Battery-operated devices are available for low driving energy requirements.

[0006] Driving nails requires high power. Batteries have a high energy density but can only provide very limited power. Therefore, all battery-powered devices require an energy storage device. This storage device allows the energy to be released very quickly, enabling the high power output required.

[0007] The general trend is towards bringing battery-powered devices to areas requiring higher energy inputs. This will allow combustion-based devices to be replaced. Battery-powered devices are easier to use, cheaper, and have a significantly better CO2 footprint than combustion-based devices.

[0008] In driving tools, it is known to temporarily store mechanical energy in a mechanical energy storage device and transfer it abruptly to a fastening element. Typically, an energy transfer element, for example in the form of a piston, is used for this purpose. This element is positioned between the mechanical energy storage device and the fastening element in the driving direction and moves back and forth. The dimensions of such devices in the driving direction are therefore relatively large. In some application areas, it is desirable to provide a device with reduced dimensions. (Page 2 | 22)

[0009] Prior art patent WO2017 / 015654 A1 discloses a driving device comprising a power source, a control circuit, a motor, and a gas spring, the gas spring comprising a chamber and a piston arranged in the chamber. The device further comprises a drive mechanism capable of selectively engaging and disengaging the gas spring, enabling the gas spring to move into an activated position when engaged by the drive mechanism. An anvil assembly is also included. The drive mechanism selectively engages the gas spring to exert a force on it, thereby moving the gas spring's piston.When the drive mechanism engages the gas spring, potential energy is stored through the movement, and after the drive mechanism subsequently releases the gas spring, the gas spring releases its potential energy and at least one of the two parts, anvil and anvil assembly, is accelerated, with at least one of the two parts then separating from the gas spring for part of the stroke to drive a fastener.

[0010] Prior art patent WO2017 / 015654 A1 discloses a portable driving tool for driving staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool utilizes the principle of a gas spring, where a cylinder filled with pressurized gas is used to rapidly push a piston through a drive stroke, while a driver simultaneously drives a fastener into a workpiece. Subsequently, the piston / driver is returned to its starting position by means of a rotary linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above it, preparing the tool for another drive stroke. The driver has projections on its edges that engage with the lifter, which raises the driver during the return stroke.A pivoting latch is controlled to move into either a disruptive or a non-disruptive position relative to the driver projections and acts as a safety device by preventing the driver from performing a full drive stroke at the wrong time.

[0011] A disadvantage of these known solutions is the high wear and tear of the drive mechanism over the device's lifespan. (See page 3 | 22 for further rotation.)

[0012] Due to the clamping mechanism and the simultaneous release of the stored energy in the gas spring, very high contact forces occur on the relevant components, which are reduced from a flat contact surface to a linear one and significantly influence the service life and robustness of the device.

[0013] Prior art patent W02020 / 126403 A1 discloses a device for driving a fastening element into a substrate, comprising a mechanical energy storage device for storing mechanical energy and an energy transfer element movable along a setting axis and in a driving direction between a starting position and a setting position for transferring energy from the mechanical energy storage device to the fastening element. The energy transfer element has a rear end in the driving direction. The mechanical energy storage device comprises a first cylindrical container and a first piston.The device includes a force transmission device which transmits a spring force of the first gas spring to the rear end of the energy transmission element, wherein the rear end of the energy transmission element is arranged behind the first piston in the direction of insertion when the energy transmission element is in the initial position.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] One object of the invention is to avoid at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an improved device for driving a fastener into a substrate is to be created, which allows stepless adjustment of the driving energy. An improved method for driving a fastener is to be developed.

[0016] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments are set out in the figures and in the dependent patent claims.

[0017] An inventive device for driving a fastening element into a substrate comprises a housing, an energy storage device for storing energy, an energy transfer element for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the fastening element, wherein the energy transfer element (page 4 | 22) is configured to move within the housing in a driving direction, and an energy transfer unit for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the energy transfer element. A coupling device with at least one coupling unit is provided, wherein the coupling unit is operatively connected to the energy transfer element at least in a first position. The at least one coupling unit is configured to move linearly within the housing at least in the direction towards the energy storage device in order to introduce a predefined driving energy into the energy storage device.In the first position, the coupling unit is coupled to the energy transfer element and moves the energy transfer element towards the energy storage device. It can continuously pre-tension the energy transfer element with a desired driving force. This allows the driving force to be continuously adjusted from a minimum to a maximum value, depending on the set position of the linearly movable coupling unit. The energy stored in the energy storage device can be transferred to the energy transfer element and the fastening element, thus defining the driving force. A fastening element could be, for example, a nail. The energy transfer element can be moved towards the energy storage device within the housing and in the driving direction towards a fastening element. The direction towards the energy storage device is opposite to the driving direction.

[0018] In particular, the present device enables energy regulation for concrete or steel nails, thus covering a wide range of applications. Furthermore, critical wear on the coupling device and the interface between the energy transmission element and the energy transmission unit is significantly reduced compared to the prior art.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one coupling unit is transferable from at least one coupling position to a decoupling position, wherein the path of the at least one coupling unit from the at least one coupling position to the decoupling position is adjustable in order to transfer the predefined input energy into the energy storage device. In the decoupling position, the energy transfer element is separated from the coupling unit. The energy transfer element is connected to the coupling unit in the at least one first position, which is thus the coupling position, and moved linearly in the coupled state towards the energy storage device until the coupling position corresponding to a desired input energy is reached. This coupling position becomes the decoupling position, with the coupling between the page 5 | 22

[0020] The coupling unit and the energy transfer element can be detached in the set decoupling position, so that after the coupling unit is detached, the energy transfer element can be accelerated towards the fastening element in order to drive it into a substrate with the preset driving energy.

[0021] Preferably, the coupling unit is movable relative to the energy transfer element. This allows the coupling unit to move independently of the energy transfer element. For example, the energy transfer element can thus move a longer distance within the device than the coupling unit, enabling the energy transfer element to drive in the fastening element independently of the coupling unit.

[0022] In particular, the coupling unit extends around the energy transfer element. This ensures a reliable connection between the coupling unit and the energy transfer element, at least in the initial position and up to the desired decoupling position. This increases operational reliability and minimizes wear on the essential functional components. The energy transfer element is moved linearly by the coupling unit in a reproducible and positionally stable manner.

[0023] Preferably, the energy transfer unit can be moved at least partially with the energy transfer element by means of at least one coupling unit in order to transfer the predefined drive energy into the energy storage device. This allows the movement of the coupling unit to directly control the movement of the energy transfer unit, so that the predefined drive energy can be directly preset or the desired preload on the energy transfer element can be easily adjusted. The energy transfer unit transfers the energy from the energy storage device to the energy transfer element, which in turn can transfer the energy to the fastening element. This protects the energy transfer element and allows for a simple design.

[0024] Preferably, the energy transfer unit is movable along with the energy transfer element, at least partially, within the housing in the direction of insertion. This ensures that the insertion energy can be transferred to the energy transfer element without interruption, at least up to the first position, via a predefined path within the housing. The preset insertion energy from the energy storage device is thus not wasted and is fully transferred (page 6 | 22). The insertion direction is opposite to the direction towards the energy storage device. In other words, the insertion direction is aligned towards the fastening element in the device.

[0025] In particular, the energy transfer unit is designed to detach from the energy transfer element. The energy transfer unit moves to a defined position in the driving direction. There, the energy transfer unit is decelerated or held in an end position. After detaching from the energy transfer unit, the energy transfer element moves freely in the driving direction until it encounters a fastener, driving it into a substrate. This design reduces the recoil of the device when driving the fastener into a substrate, as the force of the energy transfer unit is not exerted over the entire stroke. If the fastener is not selected appropriately for the application, the remaining energy of the energy transfer unit would be converted into recoil after the fastener has decelerated.This can lead to a critical health situation for the user. Furthermore, detaching the energy transfer unit from the energy transfer element is advantageous when the energy transfer element needs to be replaced. The energy transfer element can then be removed from the device without the energy transfer unit. Additionally, this design is helpful if a fastener becomes jammed in the device housing. In the event of a jammed fastener or other malfunctions, the device should either be able to be safely discharged or the energy transfer element should be free of force. An energy transfer element detached from the energy transfer unit is free of any force from the energy storage device or any preload.

[0026] Preferably, a release mechanism is provided to decouple the at least one coupling unit from the energy transfer element. The release mechanism is connected to the coupling unit in such a way that when a trigger on the device is actuated by the user, the coupling unit releases the energy transfer element, and the energy transfer element moves towards the fastening element with the preset driving energy in the driving direction to drive it into a substrate. Page 7 | 22

[0027] Preferably, a reset device is provided with which at least the energy transfer element can be returned to its initial position in one direction opposite to the direction of insertion. The reset device comprises at least one reset unit that couples with the freely moving energy transfer element in the housing. The reset device assists the device in returning the energy transfer element to its initial position in a positionally stable manner.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the resetting device allows the coupling unit to be returned to its initial position in a direction opposite to the driving direction. This allows the coupling unit and the energy transfer element, individually or together, to be returned and reconnected, at least in the initial position, thus enabling the device to drive multiple fasteners in a reproducible and sequential manner.

[0029] Preferably, the return mechanism comprises an elastomer buffer, an air spring, or a coupling element. The elastomer buffer is compressed by the energy transfer element, at least during its free flight, and acts like a spring. When the elastomer buffer expands, the energy transfer element is returned to at least its initial position. Alternatively, instead of the elastomer buffer, the energy transfer element can create overpressure by compressing an air cushion in the front of the device and initiate the return of the energy transfer element via an independent air spring. The return of the energy transfer element to at least its initial position can also be achieved by mechanically coupling the clamping stroke movement. For example, a thread with more than twice the pitch of the spindle drive can be used to facilitate the return movement via two hook-shaped coupling elements.

[0030] Preferably, the coupling device comprises a yoke which, at least in the first position, is operatively connected to the at least one coupling unit. The yoke can hold the at least one coupling unit in a positionally secure manner and move linearly within the housing, at least in the direction of the energy storage device. By pre-tensioning via the yoke, a singular contact point can be created between the coupling unit and the yoke, so that the energy transfer element can be held in a positionally secure manner before the insertion process is started. Page 8 | 22

[0031] Preferably, the energy storage device is a gas spring and the energy transfer unit is a gas piston. The gas spring is pre-charged to a defined pressure relative to the ambient pressure. By introducing this pre-charge pressure, a more compact design is possible compared to gas springs that charge from ambient pressure to tension pressure, while still achieving the same energy output. The gas piston allows the pre-set driving energy to be transferred to the energy transfer element with virtually no loss. A round-shank piston can be advantageous for steel and concrete applications. This results in a device that, based on a gas spring as the energy storage device, can be used for higher energy classes.

[0032] When the coupling unit is triggered, the stored energy in the gas spring is released to the gas piston and the energy transfer element. The coupling unit remains in the decoupling position. In a preferred embodiment, the travel distances of the energy transfer element and the gas piston are designed such that the energy transfer element separates from the gas piston at least 70 millimeters before reaching its end position. In addition to the free-flight stroke of the energy transfer element, there is an acceleration stroke, in which the energy transfer element and the gas piston are accelerated together for a specific stroke.

[0033] Existing devices on the market for this application typically operate with a static pressure of approximately 1 to 3 bar and a clamping pressure of 11 to 13 bar. Scaling up to higher energies requires a very large piston diameter (-0.80 mm) to achieve a setting energy of 200 joules. Consequently, the devices become significantly larger and less attractive in terms of weight. Preferably, the gas piston is dimensioned such that a characteristic value (x), defined from the maximum achieved peak pressure (p) and the effective diameter (d) of the gas piston, is: p*d

[0034] - 2 > x is defined

[0035] 1000 where x is 40 millinewtons [mN], in particular 75 millinewtons [mN], and preferably 180 millinewtons [mN]. By increasing the pre-pressure, gas spring designs can be made more compact and lighter. This allows for different device sizes (page 9 | 22), with an insertion energy of around 200 joules. Thus, smaller and more compact devices can be built that are lightweight and easy to use. In particular, the maximum travel of the energy transmission element from the first position to the fully extended position is greater than 90 millimeters [mm].

[0036] Preferably, the coupling device includes a drive unit. This allows the coupling unit to be moved repeatedly and reproducibly from the decoupling position to the first position and to different coupling positions.

[0037] The drive unit comprises, in particular, a spindle drive or a winding drive. This allows the coupling unit to be moved linearly within the housing. Specifically, the spindle drive is designed as a double spindle drive with a first and a second spindle. For symmetrical force application to the energy transfer element and the coupling unit during the clamping process, two spindles are arranged symmetrically to the driving direction or to a nail-setting axis. In particular, the yoke connects both spindles and is movable along the spindle axes, at least in the direction towards the energy storage device, so that the coupling unit can be moved by means of the yoke in such a way that the desired energy can be set reproducibly. The yoke and the coupling unit can be moved in the opposite direction to the driving direction by rotating the spindles along the setting axis.This allows the coupling unit to be moved linearly from the initial position to a decoupling position, depending on the desired driving force. One advantage of the spindle design is its compact construction, and another is the integrated gear ratio, which reduces the required gearbox size.

[0038] Advantageously, the winding drive comprises a belt and a spring mechanism. As an alternative to the spindle drive, the gas spring tensioning can be implemented via one or two winding drives. In this case, the coupling unit or yoke is rigidly connected to the ends of the belt. The belt(s) are wound onto one or two reels. The winding drive compensates for any elongation of the belt over its service life, thus preventing it from affecting the tension length. The coupling unit is returned to its initial position by two light springs, which spring back when the belt unwinds from the coupling unit. Preferably, the drive unit includes a power source to supply energy to at least one of its drives. Page 10 | 22

[0039] Preferably, at least one valve is provided for filling the energy storage device with a fluid, particularly a gas. To avoid having to return the device to the manufacturer for refilling, a pressure-regulated valve can be used in conjunction with a filling cartridge. By screwing on the filling cartridge and the pressure-regulated valve, the user can easily restore the device's initial pressure on-site. The valve prevents overpressure.

[0040] An inventive method for driving a fastener into a substrate using a device for driving a fastener comprises at least the following steps: a) coupling a coupling unit with an energy transfer element for driving in a fastener, b) jointly moving the coupling unit coupled with the energy transfer element linearly towards an energy storage device in order to introduce a predefined driving energy into the energy storage device, wherein in particular the path of at least one coupling unit is adjustable from a coupling position to a decoupling position, c) releasing the energy transfer element from the coupling unit in a first position along the driving direction of a fastener, d) driving in the fastener with the energy transfer element.

[0041] In the first position, the coupling unit is coupled to the energy transfer element and moves the energy transfer element towards the energy storage device. It can continuously pre-tension the energy transfer element with a desired driving force. This allows the driving force to be continuously adjusted from a minimum to a maximum value, depending on the set path of the linearly movable coupling unit. The energy stored in the energy storage device can be transferred to the energy transfer element and the fastening element, thus defining the driving force. Page 11 | 22

[0042] Preferably, after step c), the energy transfer element is detached from the energy transfer unit. After detachment, the energy transfer element moves freely towards the mounting element. This minimizes the recoil experienced by the user of the device.

[0043] Preferably, after step d), the energy transfer element is guided back in the direction opposite to the driving direction of the fastener. This allows step a) to be carried out again and several fasteners to be driven into the substrate one after the other.

[0044] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the following figures. The list of reference numerals forms part of the disclosure.

[0047] Positional references, such as "top", "bottom", "right" or "left", refer to the corresponding representations and are not to be understood as restrictive.

[0048] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above in relation to various aspects and / or embodiments. Page 12 | 22

[0049] The invention also includes individual features shown in the figures, even if they are shown there in conjunction with other features and / or are not mentioned above. Furthermore, the term "comprises" and derivatives thereof does not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof does not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit. The terms "essentially," "approximately," "about," and the like, in conjunction with a property or value, also define precisely that property or value. All reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0050] Character description

[0051] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Identical reference symbols indicate identical components. They show

[0052] Fig. 1: a device according to the invention for driving a fastening element into a substrate in a sectional view,

[0053] Fig. 2: a section of the device according to Fig. 1 with the energy transfer element in the first position in a sectional view,

[0054] Fig. 3: the section of the device according to Fig. 2 with the

[0055] Energy transfer element in a first decoupling position in a sectional view,

[0056] Fig. 4: the section of the device according to Fig. 2 with the

[0057] Energy transfer element in a maximum decoupling position in a sectional view,

[0058] Fig. 5: Sectional view of the device according to Fig. 2 with a decoupled coupling unit from the energy transfer element, page 13 | 22

[0059] Fig. 6: a section of the device according to Fig. 2 with the energy transfer element detached from the energy transfer unit in a sectional view,

[0060] Fig. 7: the section of the device according to Fig. 2 with the energy transfer element set back and in operative connection with the energy transfer unit in a sectional view,

[0061] Fig. 8: a first embodiment of a reset device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view,

[0062] Fig. 9: a second embodiment of a reset device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view,

[0063] Fig. 10: a third embodiment of a reset device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view,

[0064] Fig. 11: a first embodiment of a drive device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view, and

[0065] Fig 12: a second embodiment of a drive device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view.

[0066] Implementation of the invention

[0067] Figures 1 to 7 show an embodiment of the device 20 according to the invention for driving a fastening element into a substrate. The device 20 shown is a nail-driving tool for driving nails into concrete or steel. The device comprises a housing 21, a gas spring as an energy storage device 22 for storing energy, a driving piston as an energy transfer element 30 for transferring energy from the energy storage device 22 to the fastening element, wherein the energy transfer element 30 is configured to move in a channel 23 in the housing 21 in a driving direction 25. Furthermore, a gas piston as an energy transfer unit 34 is provided for transferring energy from the energy storage device 22 to the energy transfer element 30. Page 14 | 22

[0068] The energy transfer element 30 can be moved towards the energy storage device 22 in the housing 21 and, in the direction of insertion 25, at least as far as a fastening element. A coupling device 40 with a yoke 42 and a coupling unit 41 is provided, wherein the coupling unit 41 is operatively connected to the energy transfer element 30 at least in the first position 26. The coupling unit 41 extends around the energy transfer element 30. The coupling unit 41 is configured to move linearly within the housing 21 at least in the direction of the energy storage device 22 in order to impart a predefined insertion energy to the energy storage device 22. In a first position 26, the coupling unit 41 is coupled to the energy transfer element 30 and carries the energy transfer element 30 along with it in the direction of the energy storage device 22, continuously pre-tensioning the energy transfer element 30 with the desired insertion energy.The energy transfer element 30 is connected to the coupling unit 41 in the first position 26, which is therefore the coupling position, and moved linearly in the coupled state towards the energy storage device 22. The energy transfer unit 34 is moved at least partially along with the energy transfer element 30 by means of the coupling unit 41 in order to transfer the predefined input energy into the energy storage device 22.

[0069] The at least one coupling unit 41 can be moved from the first position 26, which is the coupling position (see Figure 2), to a decoupling position 27 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3), wherein the path or stroke of the at least one coupling unit 41 from the coupling position to the decoupling position 27 is adjustable in order to transfer the predefined drive energy into the energy storage device 22. Depending on the desired drive energy, each decoupling position can be set between a minimum

[0070] Decoupling position 27 (see Figure 3) and a maximum decoupling position 28 (see Figure 4) are adjustable. In the respective decoupling position 27, 28, the

[0071] Energy transfer element 30 is separable from coupling unit 41. At the

[0072] At decoupling positions 27, 28, the coupling between the coupling unit 41 and the energy transfer element 30 is decoupled or released by means of a release mechanism 43, so that after the coupling unit 41 is released, the energy transfer element 30 can be accelerated towards the fastening element to drive it into a substrate with the preset driving energy. In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanism 44 comprises two holding units 44a, wherein the holding units 44a bear against the energy transfer element 30 (page 15 | 22) in the coupled state to hold the energy transfer element 30, and are spaced apart from the energy transfer element 30 in the decoupled state to release the energy transfer element 30 (see Figure 5).The energy transfer unit 34 moves at least partially within the housing 21 in the direction of insertion 25, along with the energy transfer element 30, and detaches from the energy transfer element 30 when the energy transfer unit 34 encounters a buffer 36. There, the energy transfer unit 34 is held in an end position. After detaching from the energy transfer unit 34, the energy transfer element 30 moves freely in the direction of insertion 25 (see Figure 6) until it encounters a fastening element, driving it into a substrate. A return mechanism 50 is provided, allowing the energy transfer element 30 to be returned to its initial position 26 in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion 25 (see Figure 7). The reset device 50 comprises at least one reset unit 51, 151, 251, which couples with the freely moving energy transfer element 30 in the housing 21.The coupling unit 41 is movable relative to the energy transfer element 30.

[0073] A first embodiment of the return mechanism is shown in Figure 8. This embodiment features an elastomer buffer as the return unit 51. The energy transfer element 30 compresses the elastomer buffer when a fastening element is driven in. When the elastomer buffer expands, the energy transfer element 30 is returned at least to the first position 26 and can couple there again with the coupling unit 41.

[0074] A second embodiment of the return device is shown in Figure 9. This embodiment features an air spring as the return unit 151. The energy transfer element 30 builds up overpressure by compressing an air cushion in the front area of ​​the device, and the return of the energy transfer element 30 is initiated by an independent air spring. The energy transfer element 30 is returned at least to the first position 26 and can then couple again with the coupling unit 41.

[0075] A third embodiment of the reset device is shown in Figure 10. This embodiment features coupling elements as a reset unit 251. The reset of the energy transfer element 30 can be carried out by a mechanical coupling of the clamping stroke movement, at least to the first position 26. Here, for example, a return can be achieved by means of a thread 252 with more than twice the pitch of the spindle drive 46, using two hook-shaped coupling elements 253. The energy transfer element 30 is moved at least back to the first position 26 and can couple there again with the coupling unit 41.

[0076] The coupling device 40 comprises a drive device 45 which is designed as a spindle drive 46 (see Figure 1 to Figure 11) or a winding drive 146 (see Figure 12).

[0077] Figure 11 shows the spindle drive 46 as a double-spindle drive. For symmetrical force transmission to the energy transmission element 30 and the coupling unit 41 during the clamping process, two spindles 47, 48 are arranged symmetrically to the driving direction 25 or to a nail-setting axis. The yoke 42 connects the two spindles 47, 48 and, by means of the yoke nuts 49, is movable along the spindle axes at least in the direction towards the energy storage unit 22, so that the yoke 42 together with the coupling unit 41 can be moved in such a way that the desired energy can be set reproducibly. The yoke 42 and the coupling unit 41 can be moved along the setting axis in the opposite direction to the driving direction 25 by rotating the spindles 47, 48. This allows the coupling unit 41 to move linearly within the housing 21.

[0078] Figure 12 shows the winding drive 146, which includes a belt 147 and a spring mechanism. The tensioning of the energy transmission unit 41 is achieved via the winding drive 146. The coupling unit 41, or yoke, is rigidly connected to the ends of the belt 147. The belt(s) 147 are wound onto one or two rollers 148. Any elongation of the belt 147 over its service life is compensated for by the winding drive 146 and thus does not affect the tensioning length.

[0079] An inventive method for driving in a fastening element with a device 20 for driving in a fastening element into a substrate is explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7.The method comprises at least the following steps: a) Coupling the coupling unit 41 with the energy transfer element 30 for driving in a fastener, page 17 | 22 b) Joint linear movement of the coupling unit 41, coupled with the energy transfer element 30, together with an energy transfer unit 34 towards an energy storage device 22 in order to introduce a predefined driving energy into the energy storage device 22, wherein the path of the at least one coupling unit 41 from a coupling position 26 to a decoupling position 27, 28 is adjustable, c) Detaching the energy transfer element 30 from the coupling unit 41 in a first position 26 along the driving direction 25 of a fastener, d) Driving in the fastener with the energy transfer element 30.

[0080] The coupling unit 41 is coupled to the energy transfer element 30 in the first position 26 and takes the energy transfer element 30 in the direction of the energy storage 22, and can continuously pre-tension the energy transfer element 30 with a desired driving energy.

[0081] After step c), the energy transfer element 30 is detached from the energy transfer unit 34. After detachment, the energy transfer element 30 moves freely towards the fastening element.

[0082] After step d), the energy transfer element 30 is returned in the direction against the driving direction 25 of the fastening element.

[0083] Page 18 | 22

[0084] Reference symbol list

[0085] 20 Device

[0086] 21 cases

[0087] 22 Energy storage

[0088] Channel 23

[0089] 25 Driving direction

[0090] 26 first position

[0091] 27 min. Decoupling position

[0092] 28 max. decoupling position

[0093] 30 Energy transfer element / setting piston

[0094] 34 Energy transfer unit / Gas piston

[0095] 36 buffers

[0096] 40 Coupling device

[0097] 41 Clutch unit

[0098] 42 yoke

[0099] 43 Trigger mechanism

[0100] 44 triggers

[0101] 44a Holding units

[0102] 45 Drive unit

[0103] 46 Spindle drive

[0104] 47 Spindle

[0105] 48 spindle

[0106] 49 yoke nuts

[0107] 50 Reset device

[0108] 51 Restoration unit / elastomer buffer

[0109] 146 Angle drive

[0110] Volume 147

[0111] 148 rolls

[0112] 151 Reset unit / Air spring

[0113] 251 Reset unit / Coupling elements

[0114] 252 threads

[0115] 253 hook-shaped coupling elements

Claims

Page 19 | 22 Patent claims 1. Device (20) for driving a fastening element into a substrate, comprising a housing (21), an energy storage device (22) for storing energy, an energy transfer element (30) for transferring energy from the energy storage device (22) to the fastening element, wherein the energy transfer element (30) is configured to move in the housing (21) at least in one driving direction (25), an energy transfer unit (34) for transferring energy from the energy storage device (22) to the energy transfer element (30), characterized in that a coupling device (40) with at least one coupling unit (41) is provided, wherein the coupling unit (41) is in operative connection with the energy transfer element (30) at least in a first position (26), and the at least one coupling unit (41) is configured to move linearly in the housing (21) at least in the direction towards the energy storage device (22),to introduce a predefined input energy into the energy storage system.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling unit (41) can be moved from at least one coupling position to a decoupling position (27, 28), wherein the path of the at least one coupling unit (41) from the decoupling position (27, 28) to the coupling position is adjustable in order to bring the predefined drive energy into the energy storage device (22).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling unit (41) is movable relative to the energy transfer element (30) and in particular extends around the energy transfer element (30).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy transfer unit (34) can be moved at least sectionally with the energy transfer element (30) by means of the at least one coupling unit (41) in order to bring the predefined drive energy into the energy storage device (22).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the energy transfer unit (34) is at least sectionally driven in the direction of insertion (25). Page 20 | 22 in the housing is movable together with the energy transfer element (30) and is in particular designed to detach from the energy transfer element (30).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a release mechanism (43) is provided to decouple the at least one coupling unit (41) from the energy transfer element (30).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reset device (50) is provided with which at least the coupling unit (41) and / or the energy transfer element (30) can be returned to the first position (26) in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion (25).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the return device (50) comprises an elastomer buffer (51), an air spring (151) or a coupling element (251).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (40) comprises a yoke (42), wherein the at least one coupling unit (41) is in operative connection with the yoke (42) at least in the first position (26).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage device (22) is a gas spring and the energy transfer unit (34) is a gas piston.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the gas piston is dimensioned such that a characteristic number (x), defined from the maximum achieved peak pressure (p) and the effective diameter (d) of the gas piston according to p*d 2 > x is 1000 where x is 40 [mN], in particular 75 [mN] and preferably 180 [mN].

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (40) comprises a drive device (45), wherein the Page 21 | 22 Drive device (45) in particular a spindle drive (46) or a winding drive (146), advantageously comprising a belt (147) and a spring mechanism.

13. Method for driving a fastener into a substrate using a device for driving a fastener into a substrate, in particular using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) coupling a coupling unit (41) with an energy transfer element (30) for driving in a fastener, b) jointly moving the coupling unit (41) coupled to the energy transfer element (30) linearly with an energy transfer unit towards an energy storage device (22) in order to introduce a predefined driving energy into the energy storage device, wherein in particular the path of the at least one coupling unit (41) from a coupling position to a decoupling position (27, 28) is adjustable, c) releasing the energy transfer element (30) from the coupling unit (41) in a first position (26) along the driving direction (25) of a fastener.d) Driving in the fastening element with the energy transfer element (30).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that after step c) the energy transfer element (30) is detached from the energy transfer unit (34).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that after step d) the energy transfer element (30) is returned in the direction against the driving direction (25) of the fastening means.

Images