WO2024118344A1

WO2024118344A1 - Actuation mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2024118344A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/080074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tommaso PASSERIN D'ENTREVES ET COURMAYEUR; Olivier BAUDRAND
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2022-12-01
Filing date: 2023-11-16
Publication date: 2024-06-06

Abstract

The invention concerns an actuation mechanism (1) for a nail driver (100), the mechanism comprising: an actuation mass (11); a propulsion means (12) on a first side of the actuation mass; a feed head (13) which is on a second side of the actuation mass, and is separable therefrom; and an anvil (14) fitted on the feed head in order to drive a nail (2). According to the invention, when it is loaded, the propulsion means is configured to propel the actuation mass, thus launching the feed head in order to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

Description

ACTUATION MECHANISM

Priority Claim

This application claims priority to and the benefit of French Application No. 2212643, which was filed on December 1 , 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field of the invention

The present invention concerns in general an actuation mechanism. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention concerns an actuation mechanism for a nail driver.

Technical background

It is known to provide a nail driver which incorporates an actuation means to propel a mass bearing an anvil towards a nail (feed head), in order to drive the nail into a substrate.

However, in a conventional nail driver of this type, the actuation means reduces the compactness of the tool.

Summary of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide an improved nail driver actuator. More specifically, the objective of the invention is to provide an actuator which is more compact and/or more polyvalent than the known actuators.

The invention concerns an actuation mechanism for a nail driver, the mechanism comprising an actuator and a feed head on which a nail driver anvil is fitted, wherein the mechanism can be used to make the actuator apply a propulsion force on the feed head, and the feed head is configured to be separated from the actuator after having received the propulsion force.

This separation allows the actuator to be more compact, thus providing a high level of propulsion force over a short distance, while allowing the impetus of a relatively heavy feed head to force the anvil against a nail to be driven into a substrate.

The actuator can comprise an actuation mass. The actuator can comprise a propulsion means, which can be on a first side of the actuation mass. The feed head can be on a second side of the actuation mass. The feed head can be separable from the actuation mass.

When it is loaded, the propulsion means can be configured to propel the actuation mass, for example thus launching the feed head from or by means of the actuation mass, in order to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

The invention also concerns an actuation mechanism for a nail driver, the mechanism comprising: an actuation mass; a propulsion means on a first side of the actuation mass; a feed head which is on a second side of the actuation mass, and is separable therefrom; and an anvil fitted on the feed head in order to engage a nail, wherein, when it is loaded, the propulsion means is configured to propel the actuation mass, thus launching the feed head by means of the actuation mass in order to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

The actuation mechanism can comprise a first stop or a first limit stop, for example in order to limit the displacement of the actuation mass to a first distance. The actuation mechanism can comprise a second stop or a second limit stop, for example in order to limit the displacement of the feed head to a second distance. The second distance can be longer than the first distance.

More specifically, the actuation mechanism can comprise a first limit stop in order to limit the displacement of the actuation mass to a first distance, and a second stop in order to limit the displacement of the feed head to a second distance, which is longer than the first distance.

By stopping the actuation mass before the anvil comes into contact with the nail (and slightly after the loading of the propulsion means), the recoil which a user undergoes can be reduced.

The feed head can be heavier than the actuation mass. The mass of the feed head can be at least twice that of the actuation mass. The mass of the feed head can be at least three times that of the actuation mass. The mass of the feed head can be at least four times, for example five times, that of the actuation mass.

The minimization of the weight of the actuation mass compared with that of the feed head can reduce the loss of kinetic energy, in particular when the actuation mass comes into contact with the first stop.

The actuation mechanism can comprise an elastic or resilient means. The elastic or resilient means can be between the feed head and the actuation mass.

More specifically, the actuation mechanism can comprise an elastic or resilient means between the feed head and the actuation mass.

The inclusion of an elastic or resilient means between the feed head and the actuation mass transmits a larger part of the kinetic energy from the actuation means to the feed head, thus reducing the losses further. The actuation mass can comprise a plate. The plate can for example have the form of a disc or a ring. The plate can comprise a plate made of material which conducts electricity, such as, for example, copper and its different alloys, or also aluminum, gold, or silver. The plate can comprise a metal plate.

The propulsion means can comprise a coil. The coil can comprise an electrical coil. The coil can propel the actuation mass, for example the plate.

More specifically, the actuation mass can comprise a metal plate, and the propulsion means can comprise an electrical coil in order to propel the metal plate.

The metal plate can comprise a metal disc.

The propulsion means can comprise a first coil, for example a first electrical coil. The actuation mass can comprise a second coil, for example a second electrical coil. The first and second coils can be configured to operate together, for example in order to propel the second electrical coil, in order to launch the feed head so as to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

More specifically, the propulsion means can comprise a first electrical coil, and the actuation mass comprises a second electrical coil, and the first and second electrical coils can operate together in order to propel the second electrical coil, in order to launch the feed head so as to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

The propulsion means can comprise a pneumatic source or a source of combustion in order to propel the actuation mass.

The actuation mechanism can comprise a first housing. The first housing can receive at least partly the actuation mass and/or the propulsion means. The actuation mechanism can comprise a second housing. The second housing can receive at least partly the feed head. The first and second housings can be separable. The first and second housings can comprise characteristics or fitting elements which cooperate, for example in order to fit the second housing on the first housing in a removable manner.

More specifically, the actuation mechanism can comprise a first housing which receives at least partly the actuation mass and the propulsion means, and a second housing which receives at least partly the feed head, wherein the first and second housings are separable and comprise fitting characteristics which cooperate, in order to fit the second housing on the first housing in a removable manner.

The actuation mechanism can comprise a guide, for example in order to guide the movement of the feed head. The guide can guide the movement of the feed head between the retracted and firing positions. The guide can receive the feed head. The guide can be tubular. The guide can comprise a first guide. The actuation mechanism can comprise a second guide, for example in order to guide the movement of the actuation mass. The second guide can guide the movement of the actuation mass between the retracted and deployed or actuated positions. The second guide can receive the actuation mass. The second guide can be tubular.

The invention also concerns an actuator, which can be designed to be used in the actuation mechanism described above, the actuator comprising a housing which receives at least partly an actuation mass and a propulsion means on a first side of the actuation mass, and wherein the housing comprises an opening in a second side of the actuation mass, in order to allow the actuation mass to cooperate with a feed head of a launcher, and a fitting characteristic, in order to allow the actuator to be fitted in a removable manner on a launcher.

The actuator can comprise a stop or a limit stop. The stop or the limit stop can be to limit the displacement of the actuation mass.

More specifically, the actuator can comprise a limit stop in order to limit the displacement of the actuation mass.

The actuator can comprise an elastic or resilient means. The elastic or resilient means can be fitted on the second side of the actuation mass, for example in order to cooperate in use with a feed head of a launcher on which the actuator is fitted.

More specifically, the actuator can comprise an elastic means which is fitted on the second side of the actuation mass, in order to cooperate in use with a feed head of a launcher on which the actuator is fitted.

The actuator can comprise a guide, for example in order to guide the movement of the actuation mass. The guide can guide the movement of the actuation mass between the retracted and deployed or actuated positions. The guide can receive the actuation mass. The second guide can be tubular.

The means for propulsion of the actuation mechanism or of the actuator can comprise an electrical or electromechanical propulsion means, or an actuator, or an electrical coil, or an actuator, or an electromechanical coil. The means for propulsion of the actuation mechanism or of the actuator can comprise a pneumatic propulsion means, or a chamber, or a pneumatic actuator. The means for propulsion of the actuation mechanism or the actuator can comprise a means for combustion, or a combustion chamber, or an actuator.

The invention also concerns a launcher, which can be designed to be used in the actuation mechanism described above, the launcher comprising a housing which receives at least partly a feed head, and an anvil fitted on the feed head in order to drive a nail, wherein the housing comprises an opening, in order to allow the feed head to cooperate with an actuation mass of an actuator, and a fitting characteristic, in order to allow the launcher to be fitted in a removable manner on an actuator.

The launcher can comprise a stop or a limit stop. The stop or the limit stop can make it possible to limit the displacement of the feed head.

More specifically, the launcher can comprise a limit stop in order to limit the displacement of the feed head.

The launcher can comprise an elastic or resilient means. The elastic or resilient means can be fitted on the feed head on a side which faces the opening in the housing of the launcher, for example in order to cooperate in use with an actuation mass of an actuator on which the launcher is fitted.

More specifically, the launcher can comprise an elastic means fitted on the feed head on a side which faces the opening in the housing of the launcher, in order to cooperate in use with an actuation mass of an actuator on which the launcher is fitted.

The launcher can comprise a guide, for example in order to guide the movement of the feed head. The guide can guide the movement of the feed head between the retracted and firing positions. The guide can receive the feed head. The guide can be tubular.

The elastic or resilient means of the actuation mechanism or of the actuator or of the launcher can comprise an elastic or resilient element or member. The elastic or resilient means of the actuation mechanism or of the actuator or of the launcher can comprise a tubular elastic or resilient element or member. The elastic or resilient means of the actuation mechanism or of the actuator or of the launcher can comprise a spring, such as a helical spring, a compression spring, or a tension spring.

The stop or each stop or the limit stop or each limit stop can comprise a damper.

The invention also concerns a nail driver comprising an actuation mechanism described above.

In order to avoid any doubt, all the characteristics described here also apply to all aspects of the invention.

Within the context of the present invention, it is specifically intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and/or in the description and the following drawings, and in particular the individual characteristics thereof, can be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all the embodiments and/or the characteristics of any embodiment can be combined in any way, unless these characteristics are incompatible. In order to avoid any ambiguity, the terms “can”, “and/or”, “for example”, and any other similar term used in the present document, must be interpreted as being nonlimiting, such that every characteristic thus described need not necessarily be present. In fact, any combination of optional characteristics is specifically envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention, whether these characteristics are specifically claimed or not. The applicant reserves the right to modify any claim originally filed, or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to modify any claim originally filed in orderfor it to depend on and/or incorporate any characteristic of any other claim, although it is not originally claimed in this manner.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, for understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] figure 1 is a schematic view of a nail driver comprising an actuation mechanism according to the present invention;

[Fig. 2] figure 2 illustrates the actuation mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, in the case of a propulsion means of the electromagnetic type with a single coil;

[Fig. 3] figure 3 illustrates the actuation mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, in the case of a propulsion means of the electromagnetic type with a single coil;

[Fig. 4] figure 4 illustrates the actuation mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, in the case of a propulsion means of the electromagnetic type with a single coil;

[Fig. 5] figure 5 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism of figures 2 to 4, in the case of use of nails with long lengths;

[Fig. 6] figure 6 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism of figures 2 to 4, in the case of use of nails with long lengths;

[Fig. 7] figure 7 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism of figures 2 to 4, in the case of use of nails with long lengths;

[Fig. 8] figure 8 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism, with use of an elastic element making it possible to optimize the performance;

[Fig. 9] figure 9 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism, with use of elastic element making it possible to optimize the performance; [Fig. 10] figure 10 illustrates the actuation mechanism comprising two removable housings;

[Fig. 11] figure 11 illustrates the two housings of figure 10;

[Fig. 12] figure 12 illustrates the two housings of figure 10;

[Fig. 13] figure 13 illustrates the two housings of figure 10;

[Fig. 14] figure 14 illustrates a variant of the actuation mechanism, in the case of a propulsion means of the electromagnetic type with two coils;

[Fig. 15] figure 15 illustrates the actuation mechanism comprising a pneumatic source in order to propel an actuation mass;

[Fig. 16] figure 16 illustrates the actuation mechanism comprising a source of combustion in order to propel an actuation mass.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference now to figure 1 , a nail driver 100 can be seen comprising an actuation mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The actuation mechanism 1 is described in greater detail in relation with figures 2 to 4, according to an embodiment.

The actuation mechanism 1 is composed of a frame 10 comprising a first receptacle 101 , a second receptacle 102, and a third receptacle 103. It also comprises an actuation mass 11 which is propelled by a propulsion means 12.

This propulsion means 12 is positioned on a first side 111 of the actuation mass 11 . In the example of figure 2, the propulsion means 12 is composed of a coil 122 and a stator 121. This propulsion means 12 can differ in its structure, as described later in the description.

Also, a feed head 13 is positioned on a second side 112 of the actuation mass 11 , and is separable therefrom.

An anvil 14 is fitted on this feed head 13 in order to drive a nail 2 once the feed head 13 has been propelled by the actuation mass 11.

The actuation mass 1 1 is designed to be displaced in the first receptacle 101 , the feed head is designed to be displaced in the second receptacle 102, and the anvil 14 is designed to be displaced in the third receptacle 103.

According to the invention, when it is loaded, the propulsion means 12 is configured to propel the actuation mass 11 , thus launching the feed head 13 from or by means of the actuation mass 11 , in order to make the anvil 14 drive the nail 2 into a substrate (not represented). The frame 10 also comprises a first limit stop 1011 to limit the displacement of the actuation mass 11 to a first distance Di and a second limit stop 1021 in order to limit the displacement of the feed head 13 to a second distance D2, which is longer than the first distance Di.

The first and second limit stops 1011 , 1021 are walls respectively of the first and second receptacles 101 , 102 provided in the frame 10.

Figure 3 illustrates the position of the actuation mass 11 , once it has been displaced by the propulsion means 12. Before actuation of the propulsion means 12, the actuation mass 11 is in contact with the feed head 13. Once the propulsion means 12 has been actuated, the actuation mass 11 and the feed head 13, which is in non-integral contact therewith, are displaced over a distance D1 in the first receptacle 101 provided in the frame 10. Then, the actuation mass 11 abuts the first limit stop 1011 , and releases the feed head 13 by the effect of transfer of energy between the actuation mass 11 and the feed head 13.

In order to limit the level of intensity of the impacts between the actuation mass 11 and the first limit stop 1011 , a first energy absorber 151 is provided on the first limit stop 1011 , or on the second side 112 of the actuation mass 11 , thus making it possible to damp the collision between the actuation mass 11 and the frame 10 of the actuation mechanism 1. For example, the first energy absorber 151 is made of a compressible material of the foam or plastic type with low Shore hardness. This makes it possible to avoid impacts with the frame, and to increase the service life of the device.

Figure 4 illustrates the position of the feed head 13 once it has been displaced by the actuation mass 1 1. The feed head 13 is then displaced over a distance D2 in the second receptacle 102 of the frame 10. Then, once the feed head 13 is abutting the wall 1021 of the second receptacle, a second energy absorber 152, which in this case is provided on the feed head, is compressed under the effect of the pressure of the feed head against the second limit stop 1021 , and releases the nail 2, the nail 2 being in nonintegral contact with the anvil 14. According to a variant, the second energy absorber 152 can also be provided on the second limit stop 1021.

The nail 2 is advantageously guided in the third receptacle 103, which is designed to guide the nail over a greater or lesser distance according to the application required. This guide 103 can be removable, by being secured, for example by screwing, on the second receptacle 102.

According to a variant illustrated in figures 5 to 7, the nail 2 has dimensions equal to the third receptacle 103. Thus, nails with large sizes can be nailed by the nail driver 100 using the actuation mechanism 1 according to the present invention.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the feed head 13 is heavier than the actuation mass 11 .

According to the basic principle, the kinetic energy of the actuation mass 11 is transmitted to the body of the tool, and is therefore not used to drive in the nail 2.

Although part of this energy can be used to compensate for the recoil of the tool, thus limiting the loss of performance, part of it will be lost.

In order to limit these losses, possible optimization consists of the addition of an elastic means 16 (for example a spring) in series between the actuation mass 11 and the feed head 13, as illustrated in figures 8 and 9.

In this concept, the elastic means 16 accumulates part of the energy transmitted by the actuation mass 11 . This energy is restored to the feed head 13 at the moment of stoppage of the actuation mass 11. Any energy which has accumulated in the elastic means 16 is not lost during the damping of the actuation mass 11 , thus improving the global performance. Consequently, a variant of this type makes it possible to optimize the performance during the nailing operation.

According to another variant, the actuation mass 11 comprises an electrically conductive plate, for example a metal plate (not represented, for example made of copper), and the propulsion means 12 comprises an electrical coil 122 in order to propel the metal plate.

The present invention thus operates according to the well-known Thompson’s principle. In this case, an inductor (coil) 122 is positioned flat surrounded by a stator 121 which is made of ferromagnetic material, facing which there is actuation mass 11 , for example a copper ring or disc. When a strong current is discharged into the coil 122, a repulsive force is created between the coil 122 and the copper ring. This force is transmitted by a piston (in this case the feed head 13 and anvil 14 assembly) until a nail 2 is driven in.

The particular feature of the present invention consists in the fact that the copper part (or more generally the plate) which reacts with the coil 122 is not incorporated in the piston (in this case the feed head 13 and anvil 14 assembly) which drives the nail 2, but that it is an intermediate actuator (in this case the actuation mass 11 ) which covers only a reduced course Di relative to the piston which drives the nail.

“Actuator” thus designates the sub-assembly which generates the mechanical force, and “launcher” designates the sub-assembly which is designed to drive in the nail.

According to this principle, the piston is displaced as a single assembly over the first part of the course (Di). Once the area of interaction between the coil 122 and the plate (in this example the copper part) has been passed, the actuation mass 11 comprising the plate (copper ring) can be stopped, since it would not gain any more energy by continuing its movement.

The feed head 13 (the mass of which is substantially greater than that of the actuation mass 11) is then separated from the actuation mass 11 , and its impetus continues along a second course D2 (D2>DI) until a nail 2 is driven in, which can be substantially longer than the course of the actuator.

The principle is based on a ratio of masses, such that the masse M1 of the feed head 13 is very much greater than the masse M2 of the actuation mass 1 1 , in order to minimize the energy losses which take place when the actuation mass is stopped (its kinetic energy is lost in the frame).

However, part of this energy transmitted by the masse M1 of the feed head 13 to the frame can be used to compensate for the recoil force which takes place in reaction to the displacement of the feed head forwards, thus limiting the loss of performance.

The major advantage of this architecture is that an actuator with a large diameter can be used to actuate a tool with a smaller mean diameter. This combines the power of an actuator with a large diameter with the accessibility permitted by a tool with a smaller diameter.

Another significant advantage is the modularity, which permits the separation of the actuator/launcher, as illustrated hereinafter in relation with figures 10 to 14. Launchers with different diameters, courses, masses or cross-sections can be adapted to a single actuator, or to a single tool body comprising the actuator and its peripherals.

According to another variant in relation with figure 14, the propulsion means 12 comprises a first electrical coil 122, and the actuation mass 11 comprises a second electrical coil 113, with the first and second electrical coils being able to operate together in order to propel the second electrical coil, so as to launch the feed head 13, in order to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate.

Also, as illustrated in figures 15 and 16, the propulsion means can comprise a pneumatic source 1500 or a source of combustion 1600 in order to propel the actuation mass 1 1.

Advantageously, as illustrated in figure 10, the actuation mechanism 1 comprises a first housing 171 which receives at least partly the actuation mass 11 and the propulsion means 12, and a second housing 172 which receives at least partly the feed head 13, wherein the first and second housings are separable (for example by screwing) and comprise fitting characteristics which cooperate in order to fit the second housing 172 on the first housing 171 in a removable manner.

The first housing 171 is a part which forms an actuator, and the second housing 172 is a part which forms a launcher.

Figure 11 describes an actuator 18 which is designed to be used in an actuation mechanism 1 previously introduced in relation with figure 10. In this case, the actuator 18 comprises a housing 181 which receives at least partly an actuation mass 1 1 and a propulsion means 12 on a first side 111 of the actuation mass 11 , wherein the housing 181 comprises an opening 182 in a second side of the actuation mass, in order to allow the actuation mass 11 to cooperate with the feed head 13 of a launcher 19, and a fitting characteristic, in order to allow the actuator to be fitted in a removable manner on the launcher.

Advantageously, the actuator 18 comprises an energy absorber 183 in order to limit the displacement of the actuation mass, as previously discussed in relation with the first and second energy absorbers 151 , 152.

Also, as previously introduced in relation with figures 8 and 9, the actuator 18 can comprise an elastic means fitted on the second side 112 of the actuation mass 1 1 , in order to cooperate in use with a feed head 13 of a launcher on which the actuator is fitted.

Figure 12 illustrates the launcher 19 comprising a housing 191 which receives at least partly a feed head 13, and an anvil 14 fitted on the feed head in order to drive a nail 2, wherein the housing comprises an opening 193, in order to allow the feed head to cooperate with an actuation mass 11 of an actuator 18, and a fitting characteristic in the form of bolts, in order to allow the launcher 19 to be fitted in a removable manner on an actuator 18.

Figure 13 illustrates the launcher 19 of figure 12, in the case where the third receptacle has a short length in order to nail nails with short lengths.

Advantageously, the launcher 19 comprises an energy absorber 192, in order to limit the displacement of the feed head, with this energy absorber 192 being able to be integral with the feed head 13, or integral with the housing 191.

Advantageously, the launcher 19 comprises an elastic means fitted on the feed head, on a side facing the opening, in order to cooperate in use with an actuation mass of an actuator on which the launcher is fitted.

Throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise” and “contain” and their variations signify “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the description and the claims of this specification, the singular incorporates the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification must be understood as envisaging the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires something different. The characteristics, whole numbers, characteristics, components or groups described in association with an aspect, embodiment, or a particular example of the invention, must be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in the present document, unless there is incompatibility therewith.

The attention of the reader is drawn to all the papers and documents which have been filed simultaneously with, or prior to this specification in relation with this application, and which are open to public inspection together with this specification, and the content of all these papers and documents is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS An actuation mechanism (1 ) for a nail driver (100), the mechanism comprising: an actuation mass (1 1 ); a propulsion means (12) on a first side of the actuation mass; a feed head (13) which is on a second side of the actuation mass, and is separable therefrom; and an anvil (14) fitted on the feed head in order to drive a nail (2); wherein, when it is loaded, the propulsion means is configured to propel the actuation mass, thus launching the feed head by means of the actuation mass in order to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate. The actuation mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a first limit stop (1011 ) in orderto limit the displacement of the actuation mass to a first distance (Di ), and a second limit stop (1021 ) in order to limit the displacement of the feed head to a second distance (D2) which is longer than the first distance. The actuation mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the feed head is heavier than the actuation mass. The actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elastic means (16) between the feed head and the actuation mass. The actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation mass comprises an electrically conductive plate, and the propulsion means comprises an electrical coil (122) in order to propel the plate. The actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the propulsion means comprises a first electrical coil (122), and the actuation mass comprises a second electrical coil (113), the first and second electrical coils being able to operate together in order to propel the second electrical coil, in order to launch the feed head so as to make the anvil drive a nail into a substrate. The actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the propulsion means comprises a pneumatic source (1500) or a source of combustion (1600) in order to propel the actuation mass. The actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first housing (171 ) which receives at least partly the actuation mass and the propulsion means, and a second housing (172) which receives at least partly the feed head, wherein the first and second housings are separable and comprise fitting characteristics which cooperate in order to fit the second housing on the first housing in a removable manner. An actuator (18) which is designed to be used in an actuation mechanism as claimed in claim 8, the actuator comprising a housing (181 ) which receives at least partly an actuation mass (1 1 ) and a propulsion means (12) on a first side (111 ) of the actuation mass, wherein the housing comprises an opening (182) in a second side (112) of the actuation mass, in order to allow the actuation mass to cooperate with a feed head of a launcher, and a fitting characteristic, in order to allow the actuator to be fitted in a removable manner on a launcher. The actuator as claimed in claim 9, comprising a limit stop (1011 ) in order to limit the displacement of the actuation mass. The actuator as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, comprising an elastic means (16) which is fitted on the second side of the actuation mass, in order to cooperate in use with a feed head of a launcher on which the actuator is fitted. A launcher (19) which is designed to be used in an actuation mechanism as claimed in claim 8, the launcher comprising a housing (191) which receives at least partly a feed head (13), and an anvil (14) fitted on the feed head in order to engage a nail (2), wherein the housing comprises an opening (193), in order to allow the feed head to cooperate with an actuation mass of an actuator, and a fitting characteristic, in order to allow the launcher to be fitted in a removable manner on an actuator. The launcher as claimed in claim 12, comprising a limit stop (1021) in order to limit the displacement of the feed head. The launcher as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 comprising an elastic means (16) which is fitted on the feed head on a side which faces the opening, in order to cooperate in use with an actuation mass of an actuator on which the launcher is fitted. A nail driver (100) comprising an actuation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.