EP0829329A1 - Marginally powered motor drive for stapling using inertial assist - Google Patents

Marginally powered motor drive for stapling using inertial assist Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0829329A1
EP0829329A1 EP97104314A EP97104314A EP0829329A1 EP 0829329 A1 EP0829329 A1 EP 0829329A1 EP 97104314 A EP97104314 A EP 97104314A EP 97104314 A EP97104314 A EP 97104314A EP 0829329 A1 EP0829329 A1 EP 0829329A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
motor
stapler
stapling mechanism
stapling
time period
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97104314A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lenin Gallegos
Roberto Obregon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HP Inc
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett Packard Co filed Critical Hewlett Packard Co
Publication of EP0829329A1 publication Critical patent/EP0829329A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
    • B27F—DOVETAILED WORK; TENONS; SLOTTING MACHINES FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES
    • B27F7/00—Nailing or stapling; Nailed or stapled work
    • B27F7/17—Stapling machines
    • B27F7/30—Driving means
    • B27F7/36—Driving means operated by electric power

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electric motor drives. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of flywheel inertial arrest to increase the output of a marginally-powered motor to drive staples and the like.
  • This invention was developed as a result of a desire to provide improved automatic stapling of multiple paper sheets.
  • the multiple paper sheets are provided as a result of operation of a paper handling machine such as an electrophotographic printer.
  • the paper handling machine typically causes the paper to pass through a first process, such as printing, after which the paper is discharged to an output station. In many instances it is convenient to have the printer or other paper handling machine staple multiple sheets together.
  • the printer has a, "mail boxing output device," which allows the printer's output to be sorted by categories. In some cases the mail boxing is sufficient to separate print jobs. In other instances, it is advantageous to provide the option of stapling print jobs, so that a stapled print job would be one of the printer output options.
  • the stapling operation consists of the paper first being pressed to compress the stack.
  • the paper is then punched, which consists of the staple being driven through successive sheets of paper in the stack.
  • the staple is clinched, wherein the ends of the staple are folded against an end stop, which functions as a collet.
  • the pressing, punch and clinch operations are substantially contiguous, to that the same application of force results in the compress, punch and clinch (staple fold) operations.
  • the staple continues to be driven through the paper during the clinch operation.
  • the paper continues to apply friction against the staple, even though the actual punch operation is complete during the clinch operation. Therefore, one mechanism provides the compression, punching and clinching operations.
  • the compress operation further can be separated into three functions.
  • the stapler motor must first accelerated a driver from a home position to engagement of the stapler head with the paper stack.
  • the paper is then lightly pressed down. This is typically accomplished by a sleeve through which the staple is guided.
  • the staple then continues to compress the paper as the staple engages the paper, which means the paper is further compressed at the location where the staple is to penetrate.
  • the primary difference between the stages of the pressing operation is that the pressing is initially accomplished by a staple guide applying pressure to the stack of paper, and then is continued as a result of the staple driving mechanism engaging the paper with the staple.
  • One type of stapler uses an electric motor which drives a gear and lost motion mechanism which drives a staple hammer.
  • the electric motor is the prime mover and the staple hammer functions as the driver for driving the stapler. Electric activation of the motor causes the hammer to drop over the lead staple of a staple supply through a staple guide.
  • the staple guide drops with the hammer against a stack of papers and will continue to guide the staple against a stack of papers.
  • the hammer is spring biased away from a staple position.
  • the power consumption of the electric stapler motor is initially high, as the motor starts, but immediately drops until such time as the stapler engages the paper during the compress operation. As the stapler continues through the compress, punch and fold operations, power consumption of the motor again increases. During the time between shortly after the start of the motor and the engagement of the paper, the power consumption of the motor is fairly low, as there is very little load imposed on the motor.
  • the stapler cycle of a linear motor electric stapler is similar, except that the movement of the hammer is proportional to the movement of the linear motor.
  • this power supply was used for an output sorting mechanism, although the source of power would be expected to vary with the particular paper handling machine. If a stapler were designed to penetrate a large thickness of paper it would also have a tendency to leave a substantial impression or "footprint" on a small stack, such as two to four sheets of standard weight paper. It is often desired to have a reduced impression on the paper.
  • Increasing maximum power consumption requires that, in the case of an electronically controlled device, the power supply be able to handle the increased current.
  • the wiring to the stapler must be sized to handle the increased load. If the stapler is operated simultaneously with the major energy consumers of the electrophotographic printer, the line power must be sufficient supply the additional current draw of the stapler. Providing a larger capacity stapler also requires heaver equipment and associated costs.
  • the present invention uses a stapler which is marginally powered. This is because the combination of the stapler motor and the power supply to the stapler is inadequate to reliably complete a staple operation on a predetermined maximum thickness of sheet media, absent further modifications of the stapler mechanism.
  • marginal we mean that the equipment (without modifications according to the invention) would either not function as intended or would not reliably function as intended. This intentional operation includes an ability to exceed the specifications under test conditions, so that marginal equipment may or may not be able to staple the predetermined number of sheets. If the equipment does not perform satisfactorily according to our test criteria, it is considered to be inadequate, regardless of whether the equipment can be demonstrated to staple the specified number of sheets.
  • a stapler capable of penetrating a substantial thickness of sheets at a printer output should be quiet enough to be acceptable in the office environment, even if stapling is a frequently used function. In other words, it is not acceptable for the stapler on a printer to sound like a carpenter's tack hammer.
  • the stapler receive its power from an existing power supply. While it is possible to drive the stapler at a higher current, this would have required providing a larger power supply or an energy storage device such as a capacitor. As mentioned above, the provision of a larger power supply would add to costs as a result of providing the necessary power handling capacity. In addition, the larger power supply would possibly increase the overall power consumption of the printer's output mechanism and possibly of the entire printer by a significant amount. In the case of an energy storage device, this would increase costs as the result of the necessary size of a capacitor or battery, as well as requiring an appropriate switching circuit.
  • a stapler for paper handling equipment which, when combined with its electrical power supply, is marginally powered. It is desired to do so without substantially increasing the cost or complexity of the stapler itself.
  • a stapler is driven by an electric motor which has its effective output force increased by adding a flywheel in order to penetrate relatively thick stacks of paper. This allows the stapler to store energy during its operational cycle, particularly prior to engaging a stack of paper.
  • the motor is supplied with power at a predetermined EMF and a predetermined maximum current.
  • the increased cost required to provide an ability to increase capacity for the thicker stack of paper is offset by avoiding the costs associated with providing a larger capacity stapler or power supply.
  • the motor required 1.3A (amperes) of current at 24 volts for normal operation in which two to ten sheets of 0.13 mm (5.1 mil) 75 g/m 2 (20 lb.) paper are stapled.
  • the duration of the pulse is 370 - 400 ms.
  • the stapler could penetrate 20 sheets of 0.13 mm (5.1 mil) having a specification of 75 g/m 2 (20 lb.) or 105 g/m 2 (28 lb.). This results increases the thickness of paper that the stapler is capable of penetrating.
  • the thickness of the stack to be penetrated are limited by the physical ability of the staple to remain straight during the penetration operations and by the increased friction of the paper which may approach or exceed the force which can be applied by successive cycles of the drive.
  • the geometry of the staple also places demands on the stapler. The legs need to bend in order to keep all the sheets of paper together.
  • This invention relates to a stapler mechanism 11, shown in Figures 1-3.
  • the stapler mechanism 11 is used in an output sorter 13 of a printer as shown in Figure 1.
  • the output sorter 13 has multiple output trays 17.
  • Sheet media typically paper which is processed by the printer, is selectively discharged into the different output trays 17.
  • This configuration permits the printer to have a "mailbox" output, whereby printed sheets are selectively placed in different slots.
  • the inventive stapler forms a part of the output sorter 13, although it is possible to implement the invention separately from a printer or the output sorter 13.
  • the stapler consists of body 23 (shown in Fig. 2) which is mounted to a stapler carrier 25.
  • the stapler carrier 25 is preferably mounted to the output sorter 13 at a first output tray 19. This is advantageous because stapled print jobs are by definition pre-bundled, as opposed to being groups of loose sheets.
  • the stapler carrier 25 may be positioned such that if the output sorter 13 aligns an output tray 17 to receive the sheet media from the printer, the stapler carrier 25 is aligned with that particular tray 17. In that case, when the tray 17 has received printed sheets of sheet media, the stacked print media are aligned beneath the stapler mechanism 11.
  • FIG. 2 shows a typical electric stapler mechanism 11 which is used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the stapler body 23 is positioned at an angle above the discharge tray so that the stapling operation is accomplished by movement at the same angle from the discharge tray 17.
  • the direction of motor movement toward the tray is considered to be “downward” and away from the tray is considered to be “upward.” It is understood, however, that these references of "upward” and “downward” are at variance with the vertical by the angle of the discharge tray.
  • the invention is not directly dependent on the position of the discharge tray, so that the angle of variation can be up to 360°.
  • the stapler mechanism 11 includes and supports a motor 31 and gears 32, 33, 34 and 35.
  • a lost motion lever 37 is driven by the gears 32-35.
  • the lever 37 actuates a pin 39 which directly engages a striking plate 41, which travels downward.
  • the pin 39 indirectly engages a forming plate 45; that is, after the striking plate 41 has moved some distance, it engages the forming plate 45 and the latter starts to move.
  • the striking plate 41 pushes a staple (not shown) against the stack of paper 47, the forming plate bends another staple for future use.
  • a ratchet mechanism (not shown) which actuates a roller (not shown), and this roller feeds a rack of staples to the front of the stapler.
  • Gear 35 rotates one turn per stapling cycle.
  • the striking plate 41 in its downward movement also engages an individual staple from a supply of staples and drives the staple downward through the stack 47.
  • a collet 51 is mounted on the discharge tray opposite the striking plate 41. This is the part of the stapler which receives the staple after the staple has penetrated the paper. Groves in the collet 51 fold the staple when the striking plate 41 continues to force the staple downward, thereby allowing the stapler 11 to complete the "clinch" operation.
  • a flywheel 55 is attached to the motor 31 by mounting the flywheel 55 to an output shaft 57 of the motor 31.
  • the flywheel 55 therefore absorbs energy (momentum) when the motor 31 increases speed and releases the energy when the motor 31 decreases speed.
  • the stapler 11 achieves its purpose as a result of the force of the motor 31 driving the striking plate 41.
  • the motor 31 is a DC motor, although it is possible to provide an AC motor.
  • Figure 4 shows current applied to the motor over time.
  • t 1 an initial high current draw as the motor 31 starts from a rest position, represented by t 1 .
  • This current draw decreases as the motor 31 increases in rotational speed.
  • t 2 the motor 31 has approached its maximum RPM and has substantially reduced its acceleration. It is presumed that the motor continues to accelerate beyond the time indicated at t 2 , but the current draw is substantially less.
  • time t 3 the load on the motor 31 increases. The load continues to increase up to a peak, indicated at t 4 , and decreases at a time represented by t 5 , until the completion of a cycle of the mechanism of the stapler 11, represented by time t 6 .
  • the initial time period between t 1 and t 3 represent time during which current to the motor 31 is used to increase the speed and momentum of the motor 31.
  • the flywheel 55 By providing the flywheel 55, a substantial amount of energy is consumed during that time period, that energy being stored in the rotational momentum of the flywheel 41.
  • the momentum of the flywheel 55 is decreased and provides additional force to drive the stapler 11, and particularly the striking plate 41.
  • the momentum imparted on the stapler mechanism by the flywheel 55 is generally additive to the force supplied by applying potential to the motor 31. This is particularly applicable as the load doing the staple operation results in a decrease in the speed of the motor 31. Even though the flywheel 55 is provided and is connected directly to the motor shaft 57, the motor speed will still decrease at times when the load exceeds the capacity of the motor 31.
  • the flywheel 55 While there is an initial high load on the motor 31 at t 1 , the flywheel 55 does not present any particular problems. Unlike the peak load at t 4 , the motor 31 and flywheel 55 are free to move even though the flywheel 55 slows the acceleration of the motor 31.
  • the momentum supplied to the flywheel 55 is supplied by the motor 31 during the initial time period t 1 -t 2 and, to a lesser extent, between t 2 and t 3 . This increases the load applied to the motor during that time t 1 -t 3 . There is also a time period between t 5 and t 6 during which the motor 31 is again accelerated and it is possible that the motor 31 is accelerated between t 4 and t 5 , as well. While this also results in an acceleration of the flywheel 55, this is not considered to be significant, since the loads imposed on the stapler 11 are decreased at that time.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Dovetailed Work, And Nailing Machines And Stapling Machines For Wood (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
EP97104314A 1996-09-10 1997-03-13 Marginally powered motor drive for stapling using inertial assist Withdrawn EP0829329A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US71149496A 1996-09-10 1996-09-10
US711494 1996-09-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0829329A1 true EP0829329A1 (en) 1998-03-18

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EP97104314A Withdrawn EP0829329A1 (en) 1996-09-10 1997-03-13 Marginally powered motor drive for stapling using inertial assist

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0829329A1 (ja)
JP (1) JPH10120285A (ja)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7137541B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2006-11-21 Black & Decker Inc. Fastening tool with mode selector switch
US7285877B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2007-10-23 Black & Decker Inc. Electronic fastening tool
US7646157B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-01-12 Black & Decker Inc. Driving tool and method for controlling same
US8347978B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-01-08 Black & Decker Inc. Method for controlling a power driver
US8408327B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Method for operating a power driver
EP2251147A3 (en) * 2009-05-15 2014-09-10 Max Co., Ltd. Electric stapler and operation method of an electric stapler
EP3578313A1 (de) * 2018-06-06 2019-12-11 HILTI Aktiengesellschaft Setzgerät
CN112319089A (zh) * 2020-10-13 2021-02-05 张金花 一种书本订书装置

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0009964A1 (en) * 1978-10-02 1980-04-16 Xerox Corporation Apparatus for stapling together a set of articles
US4557410A (en) * 1983-08-30 1985-12-10 International Business Machines Corporation Stapler mechanism powering means

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0009964A1 (en) * 1978-10-02 1980-04-16 Xerox Corporation Apparatus for stapling together a set of articles
US4557410A (en) * 1983-08-30 1985-12-10 International Business Machines Corporation Stapler mechanism powering means

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7137541B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2006-11-21 Black & Decker Inc. Fastening tool with mode selector switch
US7285877B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2007-10-23 Black & Decker Inc. Electronic fastening tool
US8347978B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-01-08 Black & Decker Inc. Method for controlling a power driver
US8408327B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Method for operating a power driver
US8434566B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-05-07 Black & Decker Inc. Fastening tool
US7646157B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-01-12 Black & Decker Inc. Driving tool and method for controlling same
EP2251147A3 (en) * 2009-05-15 2014-09-10 Max Co., Ltd. Electric stapler and operation method of an electric stapler
EP3578313A1 (de) * 2018-06-06 2019-12-11 HILTI Aktiengesellschaft Setzgerät
WO2019233840A1 (de) * 2018-06-06 2019-12-12 Hilti Aktiengesellschaft Setzgerät
US11738429B2 (en) 2018-06-06 2023-08-29 Hilti Aktiengesellschaft Fastener driving tool
CN112319089A (zh) * 2020-10-13 2021-02-05 张金花 一种书本订书装置
CN112319089B (zh) * 2020-10-13 2022-09-27 永康市汇如丰工贸有限公司 一种书本订书装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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