Stapling device

Abstract

A stapling device comprising: - a table (1) for supporting an article to be stapled (M), the table (1) being provided with at least one stapling anvil (15) for closing a staple (S) around the article (M), - a frame (2) disposed above the table (1), the frame (2) supporting at least one stapler (3) delivering staples (S) so as to cooperate with said at least one stapling anvil (15) of the table (1) through the article to be stapled (M). "Figure 3" for abbreviations

Description

Title of the invention: Stapling device

[0001] The present invention relates to a stapling device for stapling an article, or more particularly several parts of an article, to join them together. The parts can be joined together or separated before stapling.

[0002] In the prior art, sludge settling cell units, which are used in wastewater treatment plants, are already known. These units are made by stacking basic modules formed of two identical profiled plates arranged in mirror symmetry, so as to be joined at their respective parallel longitudinal contact zones, thus forming parallel cylindrical settling cells with a hexagonal or honeycomb cross-section. The plates are made of plastic using a hot vacuum molding process. The plates thus define staggered flat longitudinal contact zones and oblique longitudinal connecting zones linking two staggered flat longitudinal contact zones.

[0003] To create a basic module, two stacked plates, arranged in mirror symmetry, are joined together at their respective parallel, longitudinal, planar contact areas, which are adjacent and contiguous. Generally, the areas are welded together at the factory: in-situ welding at the wastewater treatment plant site is not easy.

[0004] Once the basic modules are manufactured, they are shipped to the site. For a settling cell unit made up, for example, of ten stacked basic modules, the bulk is considerable for a very low weight. Numerous trucks are then required to transport the basic modules needed to manufacture the sludge settling cell units for a wastewater treatment plant. Once on site, the basic modules are stacked and stapled at each end of the cell. Sometimes, blocks of basic modules are assembled at the factory and shipped as is, when the site is not too far away. The bulk in the trucks is even greater.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide transportable equipment for forming the basic modules on-site at the wastewater treatment plant, thereby avoiding the use of numerous trucks, as explained above. The panels can be transported nested one inside the other, minimizing the gaps. Instead of ten trucks, only one would be needed to transport the same number of panels.

[0006] The mobile or portable equipment of the invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of settling tank units of mud, but can also be used in any field where it is necessary to join together two parts of an article, which is made of a stapleable material, such as cardboard, paper, wood, textile or even metal plates, plastic plates, etc.

[0007] To this end, the present invention proposes a stapling device comprising: - a table intended to support an article to be stapled, the table being provided with at least one stapling anvil intended to close a staple around the article, and - a gantry fixedly arranged above the table, the gantry supporting at least one stapler delivering staples in such a way as to cooperate with said at least one anvil of the table through the article to be stapled.

[0008] In a conventional stapler, the two articulated arms, one forming the anvil and the other the stapler itself (staple magazine and push plate), are closely coupled to each other by a pivot axis, which considerably limits the type of articles that can be stapled. The anvil and stapler of the invention, on the other hand, are decoupled, one being mounted on the table and the other on the gantry, which increases the range of applications for a wider variety of articles, particularly large and thick ones.

[0009] For a basic module such as the one described above, it would indeed be possible to staple the respective parallel, flat, longitudinal contact areas with a conventional stapler, but only those located on the two opposite edges of the plates, so that all other contact areas would not be stapled together. This would quickly lead to the formation of a bulge between the plates and to an alteration of the settling function of the cell unit.

[0010] Thanks to the stapling device of the invention, the two plates of the base module can be arranged in mirror symmetry on the table below the gantry and all contact areas, including those located in the middle of the plates, can be stapled.

[0011] Advantageously, the table includes at least one guide rail for guiding the article in translation along the table, said at least one guide rail advantageously extending perpendicularly to the gantry. Preferably, the anvil is mounted on the guide rail. Thus, an operator can move the article in translation along the table by pushing it along one edge of the guide rails. When the operator decides to do so, they release their pressure on the article and trigger the stapler(s) mounted on the gantry, which will push the staple(s) through the article. The two free ends of the staple are then forced inward toward each other by the underlying anvil. The operator then pushes the article along the rails to the next stapling position. Ultimately, all contact areas are stapled evenly along their entire length.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the stapling device of the invention comprises several parallel guide rails, with adjustment means provided for varying the spacing of the guide rails. Furthermore, several staplers can be mounted on the gantry, with adjustment means also provided for varying the spacing of the staplers. Thus, the spacing of the anvils and the staplers can be adjusted accordingly depending on the item to be stapled.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the gantry is mounted on the table, said at least one stapler being advantageously pivotally mounted on the gantry. This depends on the loading method of the stapler(s). If the loading is from the side, the stapler can be fixedly mounted on the gantry. On the other hand, if the loading is from below, access must be made from underneath the stapler, and pivoting it is then preferable or necessary.

[0014] According to a practical embodiment, the gantry may comprise at least two side posts fixed respectively to two opposite lateral edges of the table and a crossbar extending between the two side posts and supporting said at least one stapler, the item to be stapled being moved on the table between the two side posts below the crossbar. The gantry then takes the form of a bridge mounted on the table and spanning the item to be stapled, which is movable by sliding on rails perpendicular to the main axis of the gantry or bridge.

[0015] The present invention also defines a method for manufacturing a basic module of a sludge settling cell unit using the stapling device as defined above, said basic module being made by stapling profiled plates so as to form parallel cylindrical settling cells, advantageously having a hexagonal cross-section.

[0016] The present invention also defines a sludge settling cell unit made up of basic modules formed of two identical profiled plates arranged in mirror symmetry, so as to be joined at the level of respective parallel longitudinal contact zones, so as to form a basic module, preferably in the shape of honeycombs, characterized in that the parallel longitudinal contact zones of the two profiled plates are stapled together in a substantially regular manner over their entire length.

[0017] Advantageously, the basic modules each comprise parallel longitudinal contact zones extending to the edges of the profiled plates and more central parallel longitudinal contact zones located at varying distances from the edges of the profiled plates, all parallel longitudinal contact zones of a basic modules being stapled together in a substantially regular manner along their entire length.

[0018] Once the basic modules are stacked, they are simply stapled together at the top and bottom of each cell using a conventional hand stapler. This results in a solid and stable sludge settling cell unit that can be assembled on-site using only the stapling device of the invention and a conventional hand stapler. Transporting the individual stacked, interlocking panels is facilitated, and only the necessary number of basic modules are assembled on-site, resulting in a double saving.

[0019] The spirit of the invention lies in freeing up as much space as possible around the stapling point, so as to allow the item to be stapled to move freely. This amounts to decoupling or dissociating the stapler from its anvil. The rails supporting the anvils are also an advantageous feature.

[0020] The invention will now be described more fully, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] In the figures:

[0022] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stapling device according to the invention, with the staplers in the loading position,

[0023] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the stapling device of [Fig.1] in position operational, and used by two operators to staple a basic module of a sludge settling cell unit, and

[0024] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a very schematic vertical cross-sectional view at through the stapling device according to the invention.

[0025] Reference will first be made to figures 1 and 2 to describe the structure of a stapling device according to the invention.

[0026] In [Fig.1], it can be seen that the stapling device comprises two essential entities, namely a table 1 and a gantry 2, the latter supporting staplers 3.

[0027] The table 1 is a stable structure obtained by assembling tubes, bars, or profiles, which may be made of steel or aluminum. Thus, the table 1 comprises four vertical legs 11 connected at their lower ends by stability bars 12a and 12b. A vertically extending stability upright 12c may also be provided. The four stability bars 12a, 12b form a rectangle connecting the four vertical legs 11. At their upper ends, the legs 11 are connected by tabletop bars 13a, 13b, which also form a rectangle connecting the upper ends of the legs 11. According to the invention, guide rails 14 are mounted on the tabletop bars 13b, parallel to the tabletop bars 13a. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the table 1 comprises nine parallel guide rails. 14. These guide bars 14 are attached to the table bars 13b in a removable manner, so that one or more guide rails 14 can be added or removed. Furthermore, the spacing of the guide rails 14 can be adjusted according to the item to be stapled. More generally, the table 1 includes adjustment means for adjusting the spacing of the guide rails 14, as well as their number.

[0028] Table 1 also includes stapling anvils 15, which are here mounted on guide rails 14. Because the number of guide rails 14 and their spacing are adjustable, the number and spacing of the stapling anvils 15 are also adjustable accordingly.

[0029] The gantry 2 is fixedly mounted on the table 1, and more particularly on the tabletop bars 13a, which form the two opposite lateral edges of the tabletop. It can be noted that the gantry 2 comprises four vertical uprights 21 which are mounted on the tabletop bars 13a. The gantry 2 also comprises transverse bars 22 which connect the vertical uprights 21. In this particular embodiment, the staplers 3 are mounted on a pivoting frame 23 which is part of the gantry 2. The frame 23 can pivot about a horizontal axis 23a by actuating two cylinders 23b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pivoting frame 23 supports eight staplers 3. In Figure 1, the pivoting frame 23 is raised, while in Figure 2, the pivoting frame 23 is lowered and in the stapling position. The pivoting frame 23 is used when the staplers 3 have a staple loading carriage accessible from below.Alternatively, with side-loading staplers, this pivoting frame 23 is not necessary. It can be fixed without rotation and remain in the position shown in [Fig.2].

[0030] Just like the guide rails 14, the number and spacing of the staplers 3 are adjustable, so that each stapler 3 is associated with a stapling anvil 15.

[0031] In [Fig. 2], the staplers 3 are in the operational position, above their respective stapling anvils 15, and a base module M of a sludge settling cell unit is arranged on the table 1 below the staplers 3. The detailed structure of this base module M will be described below with reference to [Fig. 3]. It can be noted, however, that the base module M forms longitudinal grooves that can fit the guide rails 14, so that the base module M can be moved in translation and sliding along the table 1 on the guide rails 14. The usefulness of the means for adjusting the number and spacing of the guide rails 14 is clear, as they must be adapted to the spacing and number of grooves formed by the base module M. The latter can thus be manipulated by one or two operator(s), one of whom may be responsible for moving the base module M on table 1 and the other operator being responsible for operating the staplers 3.

[0032] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 3], which is admittedly a very schematic but also very illustrative representation. Table 1 is schematically represented by a tabletop bar 13b, supporting four guide rails 14, each supporting a stapling anvil 15. The gantry 2 is schematically represented by the two vertical side posts 21 and two crossbars 22 on which four staplers 3 are mounted. The staples S have also been represented in the form of an inverted U positioned below each stapler 3. It can be noted that the staples S are vertically aligned with the stapling anvils 15, the purpose of which is to close the staples around and below the item to be stapled.

[0033] In the present case, this stapled article is a basic module M used to construct sludge settling cell units for use in wastewater treatment plants. The structure of this basic module M will now be described. The basic module M shown in [Fig. 3] is purely theoretical since it only forms three cells A, whereas a conventional basic module has many more cells, around ten. First, it can be seen that the basic module M is formed from two identical profiled plates P, arranged in mirror symmetry. If, for example, the upper profiled plate is flipped over, it can be placed on the lower profiled plate with a perfect fit. However, in this mirror-symmetry arrangement, the two profiled plates P together form three longitudinal cells A with a hexagonal or honeycomb cross-section.Each profile plate P is formed of flat, longitudinal strips or zones that are joined, but with staggered orientations and positions. Considering the profile plate P positioned at the bottom, it can be seen that it first forms two edge zones Z10, which constitute the flat outer edges of the profile plate P. Further inward, the profile plate P forms two inclined strips Z3 and Z4, with opposite orientations. The profile plate P then forms a lower flat zone Z2, which connects again to an inclined strip Z3, Z4. The profile plate P then forms a raised contact zone Z1, Z12, which is positioned in contact with the stapling anvil 15, just like the edge zones Z10. Thus, each profiled plate P consists of inclined bands Z3, Z4, of different orientations, connecting lower zones Z2 and upper zones Z1, Z12, which are axially offset, but parallel to each other.The upper zones Z10, Z11 and Z12 constitute parallel longitudinal contact zones which rest on the rails 14 supporting the stapling anvils 15. The upper profiled plate P is identical to the one arranged below, but reversed so as to be arranged in mirror symmetry. Thus, the edge zones Z10 of the upper plate P are arranged contiguously with the corresponding zones Z10 of the lower plate P. The zones ZI 1 also come into contact with each other, as do the zones Z12. The clips S are located just above the contact zones Z10, ZI 1, and Z12. The two profiled plates P, thus forming the basic module, define three sludge settling cells A, whose cross-section is identical along their entire length.

[0034] It is then easily understood that the staples S, pushed by the staplers 3, can pass through the contiguous contact zones Z10, Z11, and Z12 and be folded and closed upon themselves on the stapling anvils 15. Returning to [Fig. 2], the two operators manipulating the base module M will be able to staple the two profiled plates P together along all the contiguous contact zones, including the contact zones Z11 and Z12, which are positioned away from the edge zones Z10. The result is a base module M with staples S evenly distributed over its entire surface, thus exhibiting sufficient rigidity to constitute a sludge settling cell unit. To achieve this, several base modules M are stacked one on top of the other and stapled together at the two opposite ends of the cells A, using a conventional manual stapler.

[0035] Of course, instead of the basic module M, any item to be stapled can be placed on the table 1 of the stapling device of the invention. The number and spacing of the guide rails 14 and the staplers 3 simply need to be adapted according to the item to be stapled.

[0036] Thanks to the invention, large articles can be stapled by moving the article on table 1 beneath the staplers 3. Without departing from the scope of the invention, one can even imagine that the gantry 2 is open on one side to allow an even greater degree of movement of the article on table 1. It is even conceivable that the gantry 2 is not mounted on table 1, but supported by a structure independent of table 1. It is sufficient that the gantry be arranged accordingly so that the staplers 3 are located at the level of the stapling anvils 15 of table 1.

Claims

Demands

1. A stapling device comprising: - a table (1) for supporting an article to be stapled (M), the table (1) being provided with at least one stapling anvil (15) for closing a staple (S) around the article (M), - a gantry (2) disposed above the table (1), the gantry (2) supporting at least one stapler (3) delivering staples (S) so as to cooperate with said at least one stapling anvil (15) of the table (1) through the article to be stapled (M), wherein the table (1) comprises at least one guide rail (14) for guiding the article (M) in translation on the table (1), said at least one guide rail (14) advantageously extending perpendicularly to the gantry (2), characterized in that the stapling anvil (15) is mounted on the guide rail (14).

2. Stapling device according to claim 1, comprising several guide rails (14) arranged in parallel, adjustment means being provided to vary the spacing of the guide rails (14).

3. Stapling device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising several staplers (3) mounted on the gantry (2), adjustment means being provided to vary the spacing of the staplers (3).

4. Stapling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gantry (2) is mounted on the table (1), said at least one stapler (3) being advantageously pivotally mounted on the gantry (2).

5. Stapling device according to claim 4, wherein the gantry (2) comprises at least two side posts (21) fixed respectively on two opposite side edges (13a) of the table (1) and a crossbar (22) extending between the two side posts (21) and supporting said at least one stapler (3), the article to be stapled (M) being moved on the table (1) between the two side posts (21) below the crossbar (22).

6. A method for manufacturing a basic module (M) of a sludge settling cell unit using the stapling device according to any one of the preceding claims, said basic module (M) being made by stapling two profiled plates (P) so as to form parallel cylindrical settling cells (A), advantageously having a hexagonal cross-section.

7. Sludge settling cell unit made up of basic modules (M) obtained according to the process of claim 6, wherein the two identical profiled plates (P) are arranged in mirror symmetry, so as to be joined at the respective parallel longitudinal contact zones (Z10, Z11, Z12) so as to form a basic module (M), preferably in the shape of honeycombs, characterized in that the parallel longitudinal contact zones (Z1) of the two profiled plates (P) are stapled together in a substantially regular manner along their entire length.

8. Sludge settling cell unit according to claim 7, wherein the basic modules (M) each comprise parallel longitudinal contact zones (Z 10) extending to the edges of the profiled plates (P) and more central parallel longitudinal contact zones (Z11, Z12) which are more or less distant from the edges of the profiled plates (P), all the parallel longitudinal contact zones (Z 10, Z11, Z12) of a basic module (M) being stapled together in a substantially regular manner along their entire length.

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