EP0352686B1 - Envelope opening and filling device - Google Patents

Envelope opening and filling device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0352686B1
EP0352686B1 EP89113555A EP89113555A EP0352686B1 EP 0352686 B1 EP0352686 B1 EP 0352686B1 EP 89113555 A EP89113555 A EP 89113555A EP 89113555 A EP89113555 A EP 89113555A EP 0352686 B1 EP0352686 B1 EP 0352686B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
finger
fingers
opening
opening device
envelope
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP89113555A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0352686A1 (en
Inventor
Marek Krasuski
Bernard Prugnolle
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Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
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Publication of EP0352686A1 publication Critical patent/EP0352686A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43M—BUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M3/00—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes
    • B43M3/04—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes automatic
    • B43M3/045—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes automatic for envelopes with only one flap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to machines for inserting folds into envelopes. It relates more particularly in such machines to a device for opening the body of successive envelopes with a view to the insertion of a fold in each of these envelopes.
  • means for advancing envelopes ensure the supply and presentation of the successive envelopes to be loaded in a defined loading position, facing a fold path .
  • Each of the folds is advanced on its way and then inserted into the envelope while waiting in its loading position. After loading, the envelope concerned is ejected.
  • the envelope flap is unfolded.
  • the envelope placed in its loading position has its flap retained unfolded so as not to interfere with the execution of the fold insertion operation.
  • opening fingers of the envelope body mounted normally erased in front of the envelope in the loading position, are actuated in the open position to partially insert into the body of the envelope and open it before inserting the fold.
  • These fingers are generally mounted at the end of an actuating arm controlled in synchronism with the progress of an insertion cycle, for erasing the fingers and placing them in the open position.
  • the prior German patent DE- 31 37 033 (PITNEY BOWES) describes an insertion machine where the insertion station is defined on a U-shaped tray.
  • the empty envelopes to be loaded are deflected on the periphery of a first roll of drive with which two guide rollers are associated; a pivoting lever mounted between these two rollers at the same time ensures the opening of the envelope flap.
  • a second roller and a guide deflector extend the action of the first roller to place each envelope on the tray in the loading position in which the back of the envelope rests on the tray while its flap rests against an inclined plate extending the guide deflector at the front of the plate.
  • the device for opening the body of the envelope comprises first opening fingers of conventional type, which are normally retracted at the front of the tray and are inserted into the body of the envelope in the loading position. It further comprises L-shaped vacuum fingers, pivotally mounted facing the U-shaped plate to be at a distance from the plate or resting on the body of the envelope in the loading position. These vacuum fingers apply the body of the envelope against the U-shaped plate against the effect of the inclined flap retaining plate. These vacuum fingers are controlled by a camshaft, itself controlled by an electromagnet through a coupling mechanism, when the envelope is detected in the loading position. They are put back to rest when the envelope leaves the loading station. Each finger is articulated at two points on two pivoting levers, one of which is controlled.
  • the loading mechanism is with RAM for inserting the folds.
  • the insertion machine described in US Pat. No. 2,736,999 allows sheets to be assembled on a RAM which insures their insertion into an envelope. It includes an endless conveyor with gripping push fingers, mounted under the tracks for the different types of sheets. These fingers collect the sheet present at the exit of each path. They drive the leaves taken to the RAM mounted at the end of the conveyor and facing an open envelope awaiting loading on an insertion station.
  • the envelope received open has its flap retained on a front plate and held in abutment against this plate by pivoting fingers. His body is in turn kept open by fingers mounted at the end of a pivoting arm.
  • the object of the present invention is precisely to produce a device for opening the body of the envelopes to be loaded, very simple to produce and to be mounted in an inserting machine made very easy, and having only a very small control mechanism size.
  • a device for opening the body of envelopes for loading entering a insertion machine in which each envelope to be loaded is maintained in a so-called loading position facing a fold path
  • said device comprising opening fingers coupled to actuation means themselves coupled to control means, to ensure that the opening fingers are placed in the retracted position and in the open position, facing the envelope in said loading position
  • the insertion machine comprising along said fold path a guide plate mounted opposite said opening device forming a preassembled assembly
  • said device being characterized in that the preassembled assembly is formed on an axis single said axis of the fingers, with said opening fingers mounted free to rotate directly on said axis of the fingers and with said axis of the fingers equipped with first positioning means longitudinal, for each finger, and second elastic stop means extending on the same side of said axis of the fingers, for each finger, and in that said guide plate is mounted opposite said preassembled assembly by opposing to the action of said second elastic means on the fingers and guiding the fingers against one of its faces, when they pass from their
  • the guide plate is a plate coupling said path of the folds to the envelope in said loading position, in the insertion machine, said guide plate partially covering said assembly.
  • said axis of the fingers further comprises at least one sliding pad under said guide plate, for maintaining the orientation of said axis of the fingers.
  • said axis of the fingers carries, in addition, two longitudinal slides in which it slides and which allow the direct mounting of said assembly in the insertion machine.
  • two rings and a spiral spring ensure the longitudinal positioning of each opening finger on the axis of the fingers and one of the end strands of the spring extends laterally opposite the opening finger concerned and at its end folded under the finger to ensure its retention.
  • FIG. 1 the general organization of an envelope loading station has been illustrated, in an inserting machine equipped with a device for opening the body of the envelopes according to the present invention.
  • 1 indicates a path of empty envelopes to be loaded and 2 a path of the folds.
  • the arrow 1A indicates the advance of an empty envelope to be loaded, on path 1, for its presentation and its maintenance in a defined loading position, facing path 2 of the folds.
  • the arrow 2A indicates the advance of a fold on the path 2, for its transfer to the envelope awaiting loading and its insertion into the envelope.
  • a first set of rollers 3 and a first associated set of counter rollers 4 contribute to the advance of each envelope to its loading position and ensure that it is held in this position during loading.
  • a pair of second sets of pressure rollers 5 and 6, slightly upstream on path 1, ensures the retention of the envelope flap previously unfolded when the envelope is in its loading position. Suitable means, not illustrated, make it possible to unfold the envelope flap during the advance of the envelope on path 1.
  • a motor 7, known as the envelope motor, ensures the advance of each envelope. It is coupled in particular to the first set of rollers 3 which it drives along arrow 3A and stops when the envelope is in the loading position.
  • the loading position corresponds to the passage of the body of the envelope between the first sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4, for which the junction line between the body of the envelope and its unfolded flap is between these first sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4.
  • a pair of third sets of rollers 8 and 9 contributes to the advance of each of the folds on path 2, which is to be inserted in the envelope awaiting loading.
  • These sets of rollers 8 and 9 are mounted elastically under pressure on the outlet of path 2.
  • a fold guide plate, 10, is mounted between the sets of rollers 8 and counter rollers 4.
  • a counter plate 11 is associated with it between the sets of rollers 9 and 3.
  • a motor 12 called the fold motor, ensures the advance of the folds on the path 2. It is shown coupled to the set of rollers 8 mounted under the outlet of the path 2. It can also be coupled to the set of rollers 9. An arrow 8A translates the drive of the set of rollers 8, provided by the motor 12 when the latter is ordered.
  • Opening fingers 13 of the casing body are mounted between the sets of rollers 3 and counter-rollers 4 and the sets of rollers 8 and 9. They are normally erased in front of the sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4. They are actuated according to arrow 13F in the open position of the body of the envelope on standby in its loading position.
  • Such a general provision is in as such known.
  • the embodiment of the opening device according to the invention, which comprises these fingers 13, will be specified below.
  • the first set of counter rollers 4 is mounted retractable under the first set of rollers 3.
  • a cam 14 is assigned to control the first set of counter rollers 4 in a pressure position against the first set of rollers 3 and in a retracted position.
  • Another cam 15 is assigned to control the opening fingers 13 in their retracted position and in their opening position.
  • These two cams 14 and 15 are mounted on the same drive shaft 16.
  • the arrow 16A translates the drive of this drive shaft 16.
  • a drive motor, not shown, drives it.
  • the two cams 14 and 15 are initially calibrated relative to each other for the suitable commands which they carry out in synchronism with the progress of an insertion cycle.
  • a pair of arms 20 carries the set of counter-rollers 4. It is mounted articulated around an axis 20A which is formed by the axis of the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds. These arms carry a roller 21 for rolling on the cam 14; the roller 21 is held in abutment on the cam 14 by elastic means not shown.
  • An arrow 20F translates the pivoting of the pair of arms 20A, for placing the set of counter-rollers 4 in the retracted position.
  • levers 22 carries the opening fingers 13. These levers are articulated around a terminal axis 22A, opposite the opening fingers. They carry a roller 23 for rolling on the cam 15.
  • the cam 14 has on its periphery two sections 14A and 14C, centered opposite each other substantially, for the control of setting the pressure of the set of counter rollers 4; it also has two other sections 14B and 14D, on one side and on the other, between the first two sections, for the command to set the set of counter rollers in the retracted position. 4.
  • the cam 15 for its part has only two sections 15A and 15B on its periphery, for the control in the retracted position and in the open position, respectively, of the fingers 13.
  • a disc 18 with a notch 18A is mounted with the cams 14 and 15 on the motor shaft 16. It is associated with a detector shown diagrammatically at 19 mounted on an optical fork on the disc 18 to detect the notch 18A. This disc 18 and detector 19 assembly then provides a reference position detection for the camshaft 14 and 15.
  • the set of counter-rollers 3 is also coupled to the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds, for its drive with it.
  • the set of counter-rollers 4 is for this purpose mounted on a freewheel mechanism 26.
  • An arrow 4A illustrates the rotation drive of the set of counter-rollers 4, either by friction against the set of rollers 3 then driven or by the coupling carried out on the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds.
  • FIG. 1 The embodiment of the finger opening device 13, according to the present invention, is specified below with reference to this FIG. 1 and more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, these FIGS. 2 and 3 being schematic top views showing separately a pre-assembled assembly with opening fingers and the aforementioned guide plate 10, this plate cooperating with this assembly and belonging with it to the opening device.
  • the opening finger assembly is generally designated by the reference 30. It is mounted directly between the two lateral flanges such as 31 of the machine, on which it is retained and is partially covered by the guide plate 10 positioned relatively to this set and attached to the flanges.
  • This assembly 30 with opening fingers is described with reference to FIG. 2.
  • the references of its elements, which are visible in FIG. 1, have simply been reported in this FIG. 2.
  • the assembly 30 is formed on an axis 35 said axis of the fingers. It has an arrangement which has symmetry with respect to a transverse plane intersecting the axis of the fingers in the middle of its length.
  • the four fingers 13A and 13B are mounted to rotate freely on the axis of the fingers 35. These fingers are positioned longitudinally on the axis 35 each between two rings 36 and 37.
  • the two positioning rings relating to the same finger have between them a spacing greater than the width of the finger.
  • a spring 38 is wound around the axis of the fingers 35, between this finger and one of the corresponding rings, which is the ring 37. This spring ensures with the two rings the positioning longitudinal of each finger. It has one of its ends blocked in the ring 37, by suitable retaining means not shown. Its other end extends at the front of the axis, laterally opposite the finger concerned, and at its end 38A folded under this finger which forms an elastic abutment stop for this finger.
  • the ends of the axis of the fingers 35 are each mounted in a longitudinal slide 40.
  • Two circlips 41 each on the outer side of the slide considered, ensure the retention of these slides on the axis of the fingers 35.
  • the axis of the fingers 35 carries, in addition, a central pad 45.
  • This pad has the shape of a small block of rectangular section, the flat and rectangular upper face of which forms a sliding surface for the assembly 30, opposite a reference piece, in this case the aforementioned guide plate 10. It is blocked by a screw 46, or the like, on the axis of the fingers, without freedom of rotation; it constitutes an orientation pad for the axis of the fingers 35.
  • Figure 3 shows the aforementioned guide plate 10 which cooperates with the assembly 30 of Figure 2.
  • the plate 10 is mounted like the assembly 30 between the side flanges such as 31 of the machine ( Figure 1), coming to cover partially the assembly 30.
  • the aforementioned axis 35 and the opening fingers have been identified 13A, 13B of the assembly 30 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the counter-rollers 4 of FIG. 1.
  • This plate is flat, apart from its rear edge 10A which is slightly folded.
  • the front part of this guide plate 10 has four notches 50 for the four opening fingers 13A, 13B of the assembly 30, which have been shown in dotted lines. The end part of each finger is flush with the plate through its notch.
  • This same front part of the guide plate 10 also has three other notches 51, less deep than the notches 50 and located in the gaps left between the notches 50.
  • These notches 51 correspond to the first set of counter-rollers 4 mentioned above (FIG. 1); the three counter-rollers 4 of this first set each come into slight projection on the level of the guide plate, through one of the corresponding notches 51, when this first set of counter-rollers 4 is in the pressure position.
  • the front edge 10B of the plate is more prominent in its middle part. It has a largely open and inverted V-shaped profile, the two branches and the edge of which are cut by the notches 50, 51.
  • FIG. 4 being a side view on an enlarged scale of the short fingers 13A of FIG. 2.
  • the long fingers 13B are practically identical to the short fingers 13A, only their end portion has been made slightly longer. They are therefore neither illustrated nor described separately.
  • Each of the opening fingers 13A is constituted by an elongated profile. It has a terminal bore 53 transverse to the elongated profile, for its free mounting in rotation on the axis of the fingers. This bore has a diameter very slightly greater than that of the axis of the fingers.
  • This profile has two main parts 54 and 55 separated by a small middle transition part 56.
  • the part 54 is that which has the bore 53.
  • the part 55 is that terminal of the finger considered mounted on the axis of the fingers. They have their upper face 54A and 55A which is substantially horizontal, but with the level of the face 55A slightly raised relative to that of the face 54A.
  • the upper face 56A of the intermediate middle part forms an inclined connecting surface.
  • the lower faces of these parts 54, 55 and 56 are substantially parallel to the respective upper faces and have not been referenced. Only the tip of the finger, on part 55, has its rounded underside; this end is identified under the reference 55B, it forms a sharp angle and has a reduced thickness for ease of insertion of the finger in the envelope and then increasing for a good opening of the envelope.
  • the fingers 13A or 13B also have lateral chamfers 55C on their terminal part 55, making the lower face of this terminal part narrower than its upper face. They also have a rounded slope 55D on the underside of their tip 55B.
  • the upper face 54A of the part 54 of each finger constitutes the abutment plane of the finger against the underside of the guide plate 10, against the action exerted by the spring 38 on this finger. It also forms the guide plane of each finger under the plate 10, when the fingers are actuated from their retracted position to their open position and vice versa. In addition, when the fingers are actuated in the open position, this face 54A progressively escapes in the corresponding notch 50, to make it possible to accentuate the effect of the spring 38 and to cause a slight pivoting upwards. from part 55 of each finger.
  • the lower inclined face of the intermediate part 56 is received on the support end 38A of the spring. It thus opposes any significant sliding of the support end 38A of this spring.
  • FIG. 5 one of the slides 40 of the above-mentioned assembly has been shown, seen from the front in 5A and from above in 5B.
  • This slide 40 forms a rectangular window in which the axis of the fingers is held while being able to slide.
  • This slide guides the axis of the fingers 35, when the assembly 30 is mounted in place on the machine; it also allows the assembly of the assembly 30 on the insertion machine ( Figure 1).
  • Each slide 40 has a large upper side 40A, another lower 40B and two identical side sides 40C. It has on the length of each of its lateral sides a groove 40E and on that of its only lower longitudinal side 40B another groove 40F.
  • each lateral flange 31 for the corresponding slide 40.
  • This housing is open on its upper edge; each of its three other edges constitutes or has a rib on which the corresponding groove of the slide 40 is inserted.
  • each of the levers 22 is constituted by an arm articulated at the bottom of the machine and the opposite end of which forms a fork 22B for direct reception of the end parts of the axis of the fingers 35.
  • the axis of the fingers 35 is retained in this fork 22B by the guide plate 10.
  • This same guide plate 20 also closes the upper edge of the housing of each slide 40 provided in the flanges and then prevents any release of this slide.
  • Each of the levers extends over the external face of each of the lateral flanges 31 of the machine.
  • the outside of each of these levers, opposite the opposite face of the flange carries a short and projecting cylindrical finger, which constitutes the aforementioned roller 23.
  • This roller 23 is engaged in a path which constitutes the cam 15.
  • the cam path 15 is therefore defined in the front face of a control disc 17, which is opposite the side flange 31 concerned of the machine.
  • the cam 14 for controlling the first set of counter rollers 4 then consists of the periphery of a hub of the control disc 17. This arrangement makes it possible to produce the two cams 14 and 15 on the same part 17.
  • the opening device according to the invention is made easy to produce, to assemble in the insertion machine and to disassemble. It does not require any further adjustment. It is very compact, being placed under the guide plate 10.
  • This plate 10 then has the double function of guiding the plies on its upper face, by coupling the path of the plies to the envelope in the loading position, and guiding the opening fingers 13 and constant maintenance of the orientation of their axis 35 for the assembly 30.
  • the assembly 30 has very low inertia.
  • the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. It is obvious that it is possible to modify it in detail and / or replace certain means with other equivalents, without going beyond the ambit of the invention.
  • the elastic stop means for the fingers produced by spiral springs of which one of the strands forms this stop can be produced by any other means opposing the complete rotation of the fingers on the axis of the fingers and the action of the plate 10 on the fingers.
  • the slides 40 carried by the axis of the fingers 35 of the assembly 30, considered not yet mounted on the machine, can be retained laterally on the guide plate instead of being retained on the flanges of the machine, the plate guide and the assembly 30 both assembled can then be fixed on the machine.
  • the function of maintaining the orientation of the axis of the fingers, performed by the central shoe 45 can also be provided, in addition or as a variant, by the terminal portions of the axis these fingers, by giving these terminal portions received in the slides a rectangular section or by forming flats there.
  • the longitudinal retaining rings 36, 37 can also perform this function of maintaining the orientation of the axis of the fingers 35.

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Description

La présente invention concerne les machines d'insertion de plis dans des enveloppes. Elle porte plus particulièrement dans de telles machines sur un dispositif d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes successives en vue de l'insertion d'un pli dans chacune de ces enveloppes.The present invention relates to machines for inserting folds into envelopes. It relates more particularly in such machines to a device for opening the body of successive envelopes with a view to the insertion of a fold in each of these envelopes.

De manière connue, dans une machine d'insertion de plis dans des enveloppes, des moyens d'avance des enveloppes assurent l'amenée et la présentation des enveloppes successives à charger dans une position définie de chargement, en regard d'un chemin de plis. Chacun des plis est avancé sur son chemin puis inséré dans l'enveloppe alors en attente dans sa position de chargement. Après chargement, l'enveloppe concernée est éjectée.In a known manner, in a machine for inserting folds into envelopes, means for advancing envelopes ensure the supply and presentation of the successive envelopes to be loaded in a defined loading position, facing a fold path . Each of the folds is advanced on its way and then inserted into the envelope while waiting in its loading position. After loading, the envelope concerned is ejected.

Au cours de l'avance d'une enveloppe vers sa position de chargement, le rabat d'enveloppe est déplié. L'enveloppe mise dans sa position de chargement a son rabat retenu déplié pour ne pas géner l'exécution de l'opération d'insertion du pli.During the advancement of an envelope to its loading position, the envelope flap is unfolded. The envelope placed in its loading position has its flap retained unfolded so as not to interfere with the execution of the fold insertion operation.

Pour faciliter cette opération d'insertion, des doigts dits d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe, montés normalement effacés devant l'enveloppe en position de chargement, sont actionnés en position d'ouverture pour s'insérer partiellement dans le corps de l'enveloppe et l'ouvrir, avant l'insertion du pli.To facilitate this insertion operation, so-called opening fingers of the envelope body, mounted normally erased in front of the envelope in the loading position, are actuated in the open position to partially insert into the body of the envelope and open it before inserting the fold.

Ces doigts sont en général montés en bout d'un bras d'actionnement commandé en synchronisme avec le déroulement d'un cycle d'insertion, pour l'effacement des doigts et leur mise en position d'ouverture.These fingers are generally mounted at the end of an actuating arm controlled in synchronism with the progress of an insertion cycle, for erasing the fingers and placing them in the open position.

Le brevet allemand antérieur DE- 31 37 033 (PITNEY BOWES) décrit une machine d'insertion où le poste d'insertion est défini sur un plateau en U. Les enveloppes vides à charger sont déviées sur la périphérie d'un premier rouleau d'entraînement auquel sont associés deux galets de guidage; un levier pivotant monté entre ces deux galets assure en même temps l'ouverture du volet des enveloppes. Un deuxième rouleau et un déflecteur de guidage prolongent l'action du premier rouleau pour placer chaque enveloppe sur le plateau en position de chargement dans laquelle le dos de l'enveloppe repose sur le plateau tandis que son volet reste en appui contre une plaque inclinée prolongeant le déflecteur de guidage à l'avant du plateau.The prior German patent DE- 31 37 033 (PITNEY BOWES) describes an insertion machine where the insertion station is defined on a U-shaped tray. The empty envelopes to be loaded are deflected on the periphery of a first roll of drive with which two guide rollers are associated; a pivoting lever mounted between these two rollers at the same time ensures the opening of the envelope flap. A second roller and a guide deflector extend the action of the first roller to place each envelope on the tray in the loading position in which the back of the envelope rests on the tray while its flap rests against an inclined plate extending the guide deflector at the front of the plate.

Le dispositif d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe comporte des premiers doigts d'ouverture de type conventionnel, qui sont normalement rétractés à l'avant du plateau et s'insèrent dans le corps de l'enveloppe en position de chargement. Il comporte, en outre, des doigts de dépression en L, montés pivotants en regard du plateau en U pour être à distance du plateau ou en appui sur le corps de l'enveloppe en position de chargement. Ces doigts de dépression appliquent le corps de l'enveloppe contre le plateau en U à l'encontre de l'effet de la plaque inclinée de retenue du volet. Ces doigts de dépression sont commandés par un arbre à cames, lui-même commandé par un électro-aimant à travers un mécanisme de couplage, quand l'enveloppe est détectée en position de chargement. Ils sont remis au repos quand l'enveloppe quitte le poste de chargement. Chaque doigt est articulé en deux points sur deux leviers pivotants dont l'un est commandé. Le mécanisme de chargement est à RAM d'insertion des plis.The device for opening the body of the envelope comprises first opening fingers of conventional type, which are normally retracted at the front of the tray and are inserted into the body of the envelope in the loading position. It further comprises L-shaped vacuum fingers, pivotally mounted facing the U-shaped plate to be at a distance from the plate or resting on the body of the envelope in the loading position. These vacuum fingers apply the body of the envelope against the U-shaped plate against the effect of the inclined flap retaining plate. These vacuum fingers are controlled by a camshaft, itself controlled by an electromagnet through a coupling mechanism, when the envelope is detected in the loading position. They are put back to rest when the envelope leaves the loading station. Each finger is articulated at two points on two pivoting levers, one of which is controlled. The loading mechanism is with RAM for inserting the folds.

La machine d'insertion décrite dans le brevet US-A- 2 736 999 (PITNEY BOWES) permet de venir assembler des feuilles sur un RAM qui assure leur insertion dans une enveloppe. Elle comporte un convoyeur sans fin à doigts poussoirs de préhension, monté sous les chemins pour les différents types de feuilles. Ces doigts prélèvent au passage la feuille présente à la sortie de chaque chemin. Ils entraînent les feuilles prélevées jusqu'au RAM monté en bout du convoyeur et en regard d'une enveloppe ouverte en attente de chargement sur un poste d'insertion.The insertion machine described in US Pat. No. 2,736,999 (PITNEY BOWES) allows sheets to be assembled on a RAM which insures their insertion into an envelope. It includes an endless conveyor with gripping push fingers, mounted under the tracks for the different types of sheets. These fingers collect the sheet present at the exit of each path. They drive the leaves taken to the RAM mounted at the end of the conveyor and facing an open envelope awaiting loading on an insertion station.

Au poste d'insertion, l'enveloppe reçue ouverte a son volet retenu sur une plaque avant et maintenu en appui contre cette plaque par des doigts pivotants. Son corps est à son tour maintenu ouvert par des doigts montés en bout d'un bras pivotant.At the insertion station, the envelope received open has its flap retained on a front plate and held in abutment against this plate by pivoting fingers. His body is in turn kept open by fingers mounted at the end of a pivoting arm.

Le montage de tels doigts d'ouverture et de leur mécanisme de commande est souvent peu aisé compte tenu du faible espace qu'il leur est alloué pour réduire au maximum l'encombrement global de la machine d'insertion.The mounting of such opening fingers and their control mechanism is often not easy given the small space that is allocated to them to minimize the overall size of the insertion machine.

La présente invention a précisément pour but de réaliser un dispositif d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes à charger, de réalisation très simple et de montage dans une machine à insérer rendu très aisé, et ne présentant avec son mécanisme de commande qu'un très faible encombrement.The object of the present invention is precisely to produce a device for opening the body of the envelopes to be loaded, very simple to produce and to be mounted in an inserting machine made very easy, and having only a very small control mechanism size.

Elle a donc pour objet un dispositif d'ouverture de corps d'enveloppes pour leur chargement, rentrant dans une machine d'insertion dans laquelle chaque enveloppe à charger est maintenue dans une position dite de chargement en regard d'un chemin de plis, ledit dispositif comportant des doigts d'ouverture couplés à des moyens d'actionnement eux-mêmes couplés à des moyens de commande, pour assurer la mise des doigts d'ouverture en position effacée et en position d'ouverture, en regard de l'enveloppe dans ladite position de chargement, la machine d'insertion comportant le long dudit chemin de plis une plaque de guidage montée en regard dudit dispositif d'ouverture formant un ensemble préassemblé, ledit dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble préassemblé est formé sur un axe unique dit axe des doigts, avec lesdits doigts d'ouverture montés libres en rotation directement sur ledit axe des doigts et avec ledit axe des doigts équipé de premiers moyens de positionnement longitudinal, pour chaque doigt, et de seconds moyens de butée élastique s'étendant d'un même côté dudit axe des doigts, pour chaque doigt, et en ce que ladite plaque de guidage est montée en regard dudit ensemble préassemblé en s'opposant à l'action desdits seconds moyens élastiques sur les doigts et assurant le guidage des doigts contre l'une de ses faces, lorsqu'ils passent de leur position effacée en position d'ouverture et inversement.It therefore relates to a device for opening the body of envelopes for loading, entering a insertion machine in which each envelope to be loaded is maintained in a so-called loading position facing a fold path, said device comprising opening fingers coupled to actuation means themselves coupled to control means, to ensure that the opening fingers are placed in the retracted position and in the open position, facing the envelope in said loading position, the insertion machine comprising along said fold path a guide plate mounted opposite said opening device forming a preassembled assembly, said device being characterized in that the preassembled assembly is formed on an axis single said axis of the fingers, with said opening fingers mounted free to rotate directly on said axis of the fingers and with said axis of the fingers equipped with first positioning means longitudinal, for each finger, and second elastic stop means extending on the same side of said axis of the fingers, for each finger, and in that said guide plate is mounted opposite said preassembled assembly by opposing to the action of said second elastic means on the fingers and guiding the fingers against one of its faces, when they pass from their retracted position to the open position and vice versa.

Selon une autre caractéristique la plaque de guidage est une plaque couplant ledit chemin des plis à l'enveloppe dans ladite position de chargement, dans la machine d'insertion, ladite plaque de guidage recouvrant partiellement ledit ensemble.According to another characteristic, the guide plate is a plate coupling said path of the folds to the envelope in said loading position, in the insertion machine, said guide plate partially covering said assembly.

Selon une autre caractéristique ledit axe des doigts comporte, en outre, au moins un patin de glissement sous ladite plaque de guidage, pour le maintien d'orientation dudit axe des doigts.According to another characteristic, said axis of the fingers further comprises at least one sliding pad under said guide plate, for maintaining the orientation of said axis of the fingers.

Selon une autre caractéristique ledit axe des doigts porte, en outre, deux glissières longitudinales dans lesquelles il coulisse et qui permettent le montage direct dudit ensemble dans la machine d'insertion.According to another characteristic, said axis of the fingers carries, in addition, two longitudinal slides in which it slides and which allow the direct mounting of said assembly in the insertion machine.

Avantageusement deux bagues et un ressort spirale assurent le positionement longitudinal de chaque doigt d'ouverture sur l'axe des doigts et l'un des brins terminaux du ressort s'étend latéralement en regard du doigt d'ouverture concerné et a son bout replié sous le doigt pour assurer sa retenue.Advantageously, two rings and a spiral spring ensure the longitudinal positioning of each opening finger on the axis of the fingers and one of the end strands of the spring extends laterally opposite the opening finger concerned and at its end folded under the finger to ensure its retention.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après d'un mode préféré de la réalisation illustré à titre d'exemple dans les dessins ci-annexés. Dans ces dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle en élévation montrant une machine à insérer équipée du dispositif d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique de dessus d'un ensemble appartenant au dispositif d'ouverture de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de dessus d'un autre élément coopérant, en particulier, avec ledit ensemble selon la figure 2 dans le dispositif d'ouverture selon l'invention,
  • La figure 4 est une vue de profil à plus grande échelle de l'un des éléments de l'ensemble de la figure 2,
  • La figure 5 représente un autre élément, dit glissière de cet ensemble selon la figure 2, vu également à plus grande échelle de face en 5A et de dessus en 5B.
The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below of a preferred embodiment illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:
  • FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view in elevation showing an inserting machine equipped with the device for opening the body of the envelopes according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an assembly belonging to the opening device of the invention,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of another element cooperating, in particular, with said assembly according to FIG. 2 in the opening device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 4 is a side view on a larger scale of one of the elements of the assembly of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 5 represents another element, known as the slide of this assembly according to FIG. 2, also seen on a larger scale from the front in 5A and from above in 5B.

Dans la figure 1 on a illustré l'organisation générale d'un poste de chargement d'enveloppes, dans une machine à insérer équipée d'un dispositif d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes selon la présente invention.In FIG. 1, the general organization of an envelope loading station has been illustrated, in an inserting machine equipped with a device for opening the body of the envelopes according to the present invention.

Dans cette figure 1, on désigné par 1 un chemin d'enveloppes vides à charger et en 2 un chemin des plis. La flèche 1A traduit l'avance d'une enveloppe vide à charger, sur le chemin 1, pour sa présentation et son maintien dans une position définie de chargement, en regard du chemin 2 des plis. La flèche 2A traduit l'avance d'un pli sur le chemin 2, pour son transfert vers l'enveloppe en attente de chargement et son insertion dans l'enveloppe.In this figure 1, 1 indicates a path of empty envelopes to be loaded and 2 a path of the folds. The arrow 1A indicates the advance of an empty envelope to be loaded, on path 1, for its presentation and its maintenance in a defined loading position, facing path 2 of the folds. The arrow 2A indicates the advance of a fold on the path 2, for its transfer to the envelope awaiting loading and its insertion into the envelope.

Un premier jeu de galets 3 et un premier jeu associé de contre-galets 4 contribuent à l'avance de chaque enveloppe jusqu'à sa position de chargement et assurent son maintien dans cette position pendant son chargement. Une paire de deuxièmes jeux de galets en pression 5 et 6, légèrement en amont sur le chemin 1, assure la retenue du rabat d'enveloppe préalablement déplié lorsque l'enveloppe est dans sa position de chargement. Des moyens convenables non illustrés permettent de déplier le rabat d'enveloppe au cours de l'avance de l'enveloppe sur le chemin 1. Un moteur 7, dit moteur des enveloppes, assure l'avance de chaque enveloppe. Il est couplé notamment au premier jeu de galets 3 qu'il entraîne selon la flèche 3A et arrête lorsque l'enveloppe est en position de chargement.A first set of rollers 3 and a first associated set of counter rollers 4 contribute to the advance of each envelope to its loading position and ensure that it is held in this position during loading. A pair of second sets of pressure rollers 5 and 6, slightly upstream on path 1, ensures the retention of the envelope flap previously unfolded when the envelope is in its loading position. Suitable means, not illustrated, make it possible to unfold the envelope flap during the advance of the envelope on path 1. A motor 7, known as the envelope motor, ensures the advance of each envelope. It is coupled in particular to the first set of rollers 3 which it drives along arrow 3A and stops when the envelope is in the loading position.

La position de chargement correspond au passage du corps de l'enveloppe entre les premiers jeux de galets et contre-galets 3 et 4, pour lequel la ligne de jonction entre le corps de l'enveloppe et son rabat déplié est entre ces premiers jeux de galets et contre-galets 3 et 4.The loading position corresponds to the passage of the body of the envelope between the first sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4, for which the junction line between the body of the envelope and its unfolded flap is between these first sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4.

Une paire de troisième jeux de galets 8 et 9 contribue à l'avance de chacun des plis sur le chemin 2, qui est à insérer dans l'enveloppe en attente de chargement. Ces jeux de galets 8 et 9 sont montés élastiquement en pression sur la sortie du chemin 2.A pair of third sets of rollers 8 and 9 contributes to the advance of each of the folds on path 2, which is to be inserted in the envelope awaiting loading. These sets of rollers 8 and 9 are mounted elastically under pressure on the outlet of path 2.

Ils sont en regard des jeux de galets 3 et contre-galets 4 et à une distance d'eux inférieure à la longueur des plis à insérer dans les enveloppes. Ils permettent ainsi à eux seuls d'assurer le transfert de chaque pli entre les premiers jeux de galets 3 et contre-galets 4 et son insertion au moins partielle dans l'enveloppe en attente.They are opposite the sets of rollers 3 and counter-rollers 4 and at a distance from them less than the length of the folds to be inserted in the envelopes. They thus make it possible on their own to ensure the transfer of each ply between the first sets of rollers 3 and counter-rollers 4 and its insertion at least partially into the waiting envelope.

Une plaque de guidage des plis, 10, est montée entre les jeux de galets 8 et de contre-galets 4. Une contre plaque 11 lui est associée entre les jeux de galets 9 et 3.A fold guide plate, 10, is mounted between the sets of rollers 8 and counter rollers 4. A counter plate 11 is associated with it between the sets of rollers 9 and 3.

Un moteur 12, dit moteur des plis, assure l'avance des plis sur le chemin 2. Il est montré couplé au jeu de galets 8 monté sous la sortie du chemin 2. Il peut également être couplé au jeu de galets 9. Une flèche 8A traduit l'entraînement du jeu de galets 8, assuré par le moteur 12 quand celui-ci est commandé.A motor 12, called the fold motor, ensures the advance of the folds on the path 2. It is shown coupled to the set of rollers 8 mounted under the outlet of the path 2. It can also be coupled to the set of rollers 9. An arrow 8A translates the drive of the set of rollers 8, provided by the motor 12 when the latter is ordered.

Des doigts d'ouverture 13 du corps de l'enveloppe sont montés entre les jeux de galets 3 et contre-galets 4 et les jeux de galets 8 et 9. Ils sont normalement effacés à l'avant des jeux de galets et contre-galets 3 et 4. Ils sont actionnés selon la flèche 13F en position d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe en attente dans sa position de chargement. Une telle disposition générale est en tant que telle connue. La réalisation du dispositif d'ouverture selon l'invention, qui comporte ces doigts 13, sera précisée ci-après.Opening fingers 13 of the casing body are mounted between the sets of rollers 3 and counter-rollers 4 and the sets of rollers 8 and 9. They are normally erased in front of the sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4. They are actuated according to arrow 13F in the open position of the body of the envelope on standby in its loading position. Such a general provision is in as such known. The embodiment of the opening device according to the invention, which comprises these fingers 13, will be specified below.

Pour l'insertion des doigts 13 dans le corps de l'enveloppe et l'insertion du pli dans l'enveloppe ainsi rendue largement ouverte, le premier jeu de contre-galets 4 est monté rétractable sous le premier jeu de galets 3.For the insertion of the fingers 13 into the body of the envelope and the insertion of the fold into the envelope thus made wide open, the first set of counter rollers 4 is mounted retractable under the first set of rollers 3.

Une came 14 est affectée à la commande du premier jeu de contre-galets 4 dans une position de pression contre le premier jeu de galets 3 et dans une position rétractée. Une autre came 15 est affectée à la commande des doigts d'ouverture 13 dans leur position effacée et dans leur position d'ouverture. Ces deux cames 14 et 15 sont montées sur un même arbre moteur 16. La flèche 16A traduit l'entraînement de cet arbre moteur 16. Un moteur de commande non illustré assure son entraînement. Les deux cames 14 et 15 sont initialement calées l'une par rapport à l'autre pour les commandes convenables qu'elles réalisent en synchronisme avec le déroulement d'un cycle d'insertion.A cam 14 is assigned to control the first set of counter rollers 4 in a pressure position against the first set of rollers 3 and in a retracted position. Another cam 15 is assigned to control the opening fingers 13 in their retracted position and in their opening position. These two cams 14 and 15 are mounted on the same drive shaft 16. The arrow 16A translates the drive of this drive shaft 16. A drive motor, not shown, drives it. The two cams 14 and 15 are initially calibrated relative to each other for the suitable commands which they carry out in synchronism with the progress of an insertion cycle.

Une paire de bras 20 porte le jeu de contre-galets 4. Elle est montée articulée autour d'un axe 20A qui est constitué par l'axe du jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis. Ces bras portent un galet 21 de roulement sur la came 14 ; le galet 21 est maintenu en appui sur la came 14 par des moyens élastiques non représentés. Une flèche 20F traduit le pivotement de la paire de bras 20A, pour la mise en position rétractée du jeu de contre-galets 4.A pair of arms 20 carries the set of counter-rollers 4. It is mounted articulated around an axis 20A which is formed by the axis of the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds. These arms carry a roller 21 for rolling on the cam 14; the roller 21 is held in abutment on the cam 14 by elastic means not shown. An arrow 20F translates the pivoting of the pair of arms 20A, for placing the set of counter-rollers 4 in the retracted position.

Une autre paire de bras ou leviers 22 porte les doigts d'ouverture 13. Ces leviers sont articulés autour d'un axe terminal 22A, à l'opposé des doigts d'ouverture. Ils portent un galet 23 de roulement sur la came 15.Another pair of arms or levers 22 carries the opening fingers 13. These levers are articulated around a terminal axis 22A, opposite the opening fingers. They carry a roller 23 for rolling on the cam 15.

Ainsi qu'illustré, la came 14 présente sur sa périphérie deux profilés 14A et 14C, centrés à l'opposé l'un de l'autre sensiblement, pour la commande de mise en position de pression du jeu de contre-galets 4 ; elle présente, en outre, deux autres profilés 14B et 14D, d'un côté et de l'autre, entre les deux premiers profilés, pour la commande de mise en position rétractée du jeu de contre-galets 4. La came 15 quant à elle ne présente que deux profilés 15A et 15B sur sa périphérieu, pour la commande en position effacée et en position d'ouverture, respectivement, des doigts 13.As illustrated, the cam 14 has on its periphery two sections 14A and 14C, centered opposite each other substantially, for the control of setting the pressure of the set of counter rollers 4; it also has two other sections 14B and 14D, on one side and on the other, between the first two sections, for the command to set the set of counter rollers in the retracted position. 4. The cam 15 for its part has only two sections 15A and 15B on its periphery, for the control in the retracted position and in the open position, respectively, of the fingers 13.

Un disque 18 à encoche 18A est monté avec les cames 14 et 15 sur l'arbre moteur 16. Il est associé à un détecteur schématisé en 19 monté en fourche optique sur le disque 18 pour détecter l'encoche 18A. Cet ensemble disque 18 et détecteur 19 assure alors une détection de position référence pour l'arbre à cames 14 et 15.A disc 18 with a notch 18A is mounted with the cams 14 and 15 on the motor shaft 16. It is associated with a detector shown diagrammatically at 19 mounted on an optical fork on the disc 18 to detect the notch 18A. This disc 18 and detector 19 assembly then provides a reference position detection for the camshaft 14 and 15.

Le jeu de contre-galets 3 est en outre couplé au jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis, pour son entraînement avec lui. Une courroie de transmission 25, simplement amorcée pour éviter des surchages inutiles, assure ce couplage. Le jeu de contre-galets 4 est à cet effet monté sur un mécanisme à roue libre 26. Une flèche 4A illustre l'entraînement en rotation du jeu de contre-galets 4, soit par friction contre le jeu de galets 3 alors entraîné ou par le couplage réalisé sur le jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis.The set of counter-rollers 3 is also coupled to the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds, for its drive with it. A transmission belt 25, simply primed to avoid unnecessary overheating, ensures this coupling. The set of counter-rollers 4 is for this purpose mounted on a freewheel mechanism 26. An arrow 4A illustrates the rotation drive of the set of counter-rollers 4, either by friction against the set of rollers 3 then driven or by the coupling carried out on the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds.

Le mode de réalisation du dispositif d'ouverture à doigts 13, selon la présente invention, est précisé ci-après en regard de cette figure 1 et plus particulièrement des figures 2 et 3, ces figures 2 et 3 étant des vues de dessus schématiques montrant séparément un ensemble prémonté à doigts d'ouverture et la plaque de guidage 10 précitée, cette plaque coopérant avec cet ensemble et appartenant avec lui au dispositif d'ouverture.The embodiment of the finger opening device 13, according to the present invention, is specified below with reference to this FIG. 1 and more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, these FIGS. 2 and 3 being schematic top views showing separately a pre-assembled assembly with opening fingers and the aforementioned guide plate 10, this plate cooperating with this assembly and belonging with it to the opening device.

L'ensemble à doigts d'ouverture est désigné globalement sous la référence 30. Il vient se monter directement entre les deux flasques latéraux tels que 31 de la machine, sur lesquels il est retenu et est partiellement recouvert par la plaque de guidage 10 positionnée relativement à cet ensemble et fixée sur les flasques.The opening finger assembly is generally designated by the reference 30. It is mounted directly between the two lateral flanges such as 31 of the machine, on which it is retained and is partially covered by the guide plate 10 positioned relatively to this set and attached to the flanges.

Cet ensemble 30 à doigts d'ouverture est décrit en regard de la figure 2. Les références de ses éléments, qui sont visibles dans la figure 1, ont simplement été reportées dans cette figure 2. L'ensemble 30 est formé sur un axe 35 dit axe des doigts. Il a un agencement qui présente une symétrie par rapport à un plan transversal coupant l'axe des doigts au milieu de sa longueur.This assembly 30 with opening fingers is described with reference to FIG. 2. The references of its elements, which are visible in FIG. 1, have simply been reported in this FIG. 2. The assembly 30 is formed on an axis 35 said axis of the fingers. It has an arrangement which has symmetry with respect to a transverse plane intersecting the axis of the fingers in the middle of its length.

Il comporte deux doigts d'ouverture courts 13A sur les portions d'extrémité de l'axe, et deux doigts longs intermédiaires 13B. Les quatre doigts 13A et 13B sont montés libres en rotation sur l'axe des doigts 35. Ces doigts sont positionnés longitudinalement sur l'axe 35 chacun entre deux bagues 36 et 37. Les deux bagues de positionnement concernant le même doigt ont entre elles un écartement supérieur à la largeur du doigt. Sur l'un des côtés de chaque doigt, un ressort 38 est enroulé autour de l'axe des doigts 35, entre ce doigt et l'une des bagues correspondantes, qui est la bague 37. Ce ressort assure avec les deux bagues le positionnement longitudinal de chaque doigt. Il a l'une de ses extrémités bloquée dans la bague 37, par des moyens de retenue convenables non représentés. Son autre extrémité s'étend à l'avant de l'axe, latéralement en regard du doigt concerné, et a son bout 38A replié sous ce doigt qui forme une butée élastique d'appui pour ce doigt.It has two short opening fingers 13A on the portions end of the axis, and two intermediate long fingers 13B. The four fingers 13A and 13B are mounted to rotate freely on the axis of the fingers 35. These fingers are positioned longitudinally on the axis 35 each between two rings 36 and 37. The two positioning rings relating to the same finger have between them a spacing greater than the width of the finger. On one side of each finger, a spring 38 is wound around the axis of the fingers 35, between this finger and one of the corresponding rings, which is the ring 37. This spring ensures with the two rings the positioning longitudinal of each finger. It has one of its ends blocked in the ring 37, by suitable retaining means not shown. Its other end extends at the front of the axis, laterally opposite the finger concerned, and at its end 38A folded under this finger which forms an elastic abutment stop for this finger.

Les extrémités de l'axe des doigts 35 sont montées chacune dans une glissière longitudinale 40. Deux circlips 41, chacun sur le côté extérieur de la glissière considérée, assurent la retenue de ces glissières sur l'axe des doigts 35. Dans l'ensemble 30, considéré non monté en position entre les flasques de la machine à insérer selon la figure 1, ce sont les glissières 40 qui coulissent librement sur les extrémités de l'axe des doigts 35. Sur l'extérieur de chaque circlips, il porte une bague terminale 42 d'embout d'axe.The ends of the axis of the fingers 35 are each mounted in a longitudinal slide 40. Two circlips 41, each on the outer side of the slide considered, ensure the retention of these slides on the axis of the fingers 35. Overall 30, considered not mounted in position between the flanges of the inserting machine according to FIG. 1, these are the slides 40 which slide freely on the ends of the axis of the fingers 35. On the outside of each circlip, it carries a end ring 42 of axle end piece.

L'axe des doigts 35 porte, en outre, un patin central 45. Ce patin a la forme d'un petit pavé de section rectangulaire, dont la face supérieure plane et rectangulaire constitue une surface de glissement pour l'ensemble 30, en regard d'une pièce de référence, en l'occurence la plaque de guidage précitée 10. Il est bloqué par une vis 46, ou analogue, sur l'axe des doigts, sans liberté de rotation ; il constitue un patin d'orientation de l'axe des doigts 35.The axis of the fingers 35 carries, in addition, a central pad 45. This pad has the shape of a small block of rectangular section, the flat and rectangular upper face of which forms a sliding surface for the assembly 30, opposite a reference piece, in this case the aforementioned guide plate 10. It is blocked by a screw 46, or the like, on the axis of the fingers, without freedom of rotation; it constitutes an orientation pad for the axis of the fingers 35.

La figure 3 montre la plaque de guidage 10 précitée qui coopère avec l'ensemble 30 de la figure 2. La plaque 10 se monte comme l'ensemble 30 entre les flasques latéraux tels que 31 de la machine (figure 1), en venant recouvrir partiellement l'ensemble 30. On a repéré dans cette figure 3, l'axe 35 précité et les doigts d'ouverture 13A, 13B de l'ensemble 30 des figures 1 et 2 et les contre-galets 4 de la figure 1. Cette plaque est plane, mis à part son bord arrière 10A qui est légèrement replié.Figure 3 shows the aforementioned guide plate 10 which cooperates with the assembly 30 of Figure 2. The plate 10 is mounted like the assembly 30 between the side flanges such as 31 of the machine (Figure 1), coming to cover partially the assembly 30. In this figure 3, the aforementioned axis 35 and the opening fingers have been identified 13A, 13B of the assembly 30 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the counter-rollers 4 of FIG. 1. This plate is flat, apart from its rear edge 10A which is slightly folded.

La partie avant de cette plaque de guidage 10 présente quatre échancrures 50 pour les quatre doigts d'ouverture 13A, 13B de l'ensemble 30, qui ont été montrés en pointillés. La partie terminale de chacun des doigts affleure au niveau de la plaque à travers son échancrure. Cette même partie avant de la plaque de guidage 10 présente en outre trois autres échancrures 51, moins profondes que les échancrures 50 et situées dans les intervalles laissés entre les échancrures 50. Ces échancrures 51 correspondent au premier jeu de contre-galets 4 précité (figure 1) ; les trois contre-galets 4 de ce premier jeu viennent chacun en légère saillie sur le niveau de la plaque de guidage, à travers l'une des échancrures 51 correspondantes, lorsque ce premier jeu de contre-galets 4 est en position de pression.The front part of this guide plate 10 has four notches 50 for the four opening fingers 13A, 13B of the assembly 30, which have been shown in dotted lines. The end part of each finger is flush with the plate through its notch. This same front part of the guide plate 10 also has three other notches 51, less deep than the notches 50 and located in the gaps left between the notches 50. These notches 51 correspond to the first set of counter-rollers 4 mentioned above (FIG. 1); the three counter-rollers 4 of this first set each come into slight projection on the level of the guide plate, through one of the corresponding notches 51, when this first set of counter-rollers 4 is in the pressure position.

En outre, le bord avant 10B de la plaque est plus saillant dans sa partie médiane. Il a un profilé en V largement ouvert et inversé, dont les deux branches et l'arête sont coupées par les échancrures 50, 51.In addition, the front edge 10B of the plate is more prominent in its middle part. It has a largely open and inverted V-shaped profile, the two branches and the edge of which are cut by the notches 50, 51.

Le profilé des doigts d'ouverture 13 est précisé en regard de la figure 2 et de la figure 4, la figure 4 étant une vue de profil à échelle agrandie des doigts courts 13A de la figure 2.The profile of the opening fingers 13 is specified with reference to FIG. 2 and to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 being a side view on an enlarged scale of the short fingers 13A of FIG. 2.

Les doigts longs 13B sont pratiquement identiques aux doigts courts 13A, seule leur partie terminale a été rendue légèrement plus longue. Ils ne sont donc ni illustrés ni décrits de manière séparée.The long fingers 13B are practically identical to the short fingers 13A, only their end portion has been made slightly longer. They are therefore neither illustrated nor described separately.

Chacun des doigts d'ouverture 13A est constitué par un profilé allongé. Il a un alésage terminal 53 transversal au profilé allongé, pour son montage libre en rotation sur l'axe des doigts. Cet alésage est de diamètre très légèrement supérieur à celui de l'axe des doigts.Each of the opening fingers 13A is constituted by an elongated profile. It has a terminal bore 53 transverse to the elongated profile, for its free mounting in rotation on the axis of the fingers. This bore has a diameter very slightly greater than that of the axis of the fingers.

Ce profilé présente deux parties principales 54 et 55 séparées par une petite partie médiane de transition 56. La partie 54 est celle qui présente l'alésage 53. La partie 55 est celle terminale du doigt considéré monté sur l'axe des doigts. Elles ont leur face supérieure 54A et 55A qui est sensiblement horizontale, mais avec le niveau de la face 55A légèrement surélevé par rapport à celui de la face 54A. La face supérieure 56A de la partie médiane intermédiaire forme un pan incliné de liaison.This profile has two main parts 54 and 55 separated by a small middle transition part 56. The part 54 is that which has the bore 53. The part 55 is that terminal of the finger considered mounted on the axis of the fingers. They have their upper face 54A and 55A which is substantially horizontal, but with the level of the face 55A slightly raised relative to that of the face 54A. The upper face 56A of the intermediate middle part forms an inclined connecting surface.

Les faces inférieures de ces parties 54, 55 et 56 sont sensiblement parallèles aux faces supérieures respectives et n'ont pas été référencés. Seul le bout du doigt, sur la partie 55, a sa face inférieure arrondie ; ce bout est repéré sous la référence 55B, il forme un angle vif et présente une épaisseur réduite pour des facilités d'insertion du doigt dans l'enveloppe et allant ensuite croissante pour une bonne ouverture de l'enveloppe.The lower faces of these parts 54, 55 and 56 are substantially parallel to the respective upper faces and have not been referenced. Only the tip of the finger, on part 55, has its rounded underside; this end is identified under the reference 55B, it forms a sharp angle and has a reduced thickness for ease of insertion of the finger in the envelope and then increasing for a good opening of the envelope.

En regard de la figure 2 et/ou de la figure 4, on voit que les doigts 13A ou 13B présentent en outre des chanfreins latéraux 55C sur leur partie terminale 55, rendant la face inférieure de cette partie terminale plus étroite que sa face supérieure. Ils ont également une pente arrondie 55D sur la face inférieure de leur bout 55B.With reference to FIG. 2 and / or to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the fingers 13A or 13B also have lateral chamfers 55C on their terminal part 55, making the lower face of this terminal part narrower than its upper face. They also have a rounded slope 55D on the underside of their tip 55B.

Lorsque l'ensemble 30 et la plaque 10 sont montés dans la machine, la face supérieure 54A de la partie 54 de chaque doigt constitue le plan de butée du doigt contre la face inférieure de la plaque de guidage 10, à l'encontre de l'action exercée par le ressort 38 sur ce doigt. Elle forme aussi le plan de guidage de chaque doigt sous la plaque 10, lorsque les doigts sont actionnés de leur position effacée à leur position d'ouverture et inversement. En outre, lorsque les doigts sont actionnés en position d'ouverture, cette face 54A va en s'échappant progressivement dans l'échancrure 50 correspondante, pour permettre d'accentuer l'effet du ressort 38 et de provoquer un léger pivotement vers le haut de la partie 55 de chaque doigt.When the assembly 30 and the plate 10 are mounted in the machine, the upper face 54A of the part 54 of each finger constitutes the abutment plane of the finger against the underside of the guide plate 10, against the action exerted by the spring 38 on this finger. It also forms the guide plane of each finger under the plate 10, when the fingers are actuated from their retracted position to their open position and vice versa. In addition, when the fingers are actuated in the open position, this face 54A progressively escapes in the corresponding notch 50, to make it possible to accentuate the effect of the spring 38 and to cause a slight pivoting upwards. from part 55 of each finger.

Le pan incliné inférieur de la partie intermédiaire 56 est reçu sur l'extrémité d'appui 38A du ressort. Il s'oppose ainsi à tout glissement important de l'extrémité d'appui 38A de ce ressort.The lower inclined face of the intermediate part 56 is received on the support end 38A of the spring. It thus opposes any significant sliding of the support end 38A of this spring.

Lors de l'actionnement des doigts d'ouverture de l'une de leurs positions possibles à l'autre, le patin central 45 glisse sous la plaque de guidage 10. Il évite alors toute rotation de l'axe des doigts 35, sur lui-même.When the opening fingers are actuated from one of their possible positions to the other, the central shoe 45 slides under the guide plate 10. It then prevents any rotation of the axis of the fingers 35, on itself.

Dans la figure 5, on a montré l'une des glissières 40 de l'ensemble 30 précité, vue de face en 5A et de dessus en 5B. Cette glissière 40 forme une fenêtre rectangulaire dans laquelle l'axe des doigts est maintenu tout en pouvant coulisser. Cette glissière guide l'axe des doigts 35, lorsque l'ensemble 30 est monté en place sur la machine ; elle permet aussi le montage de l'ensemble 30 sur la machine d'insertion (figure 1).In FIG. 5, one of the slides 40 of the above-mentioned assembly has been shown, seen from the front in 5A and from above in 5B. This slide 40 forms a rectangular window in which the axis of the fingers is held while being able to slide. This slide guides the axis of the fingers 35, when the assembly 30 is mounted in place on the machine; it also allows the assembly of the assembly 30 on the insertion machine (Figure 1).

Chaque glissière 40 a un grand côté supérieur 40A, un autre inférieur 40B et deux côtés latéraux identiques 40C. Elle présente sur la longueur de chacun de ses côtés latéraux une rainure 40E et sur celle de son seul côté longitudinal inférieur 40B une autre rainure 40F.Each slide 40 has a large upper side 40A, another lower 40B and two identical side sides 40C. It has on the length of each of its lateral sides a groove 40E and on that of its only lower longitudinal side 40B another groove 40F.

Bien que non illustré dans la figure 1, on comprend aisément qu'un logement est prévu sur chaque flasque latéral 31 pour la glissière 40 correspondante. Ce logement est ouvert sur son bord supérieur ; chacun de ses trois autres bords constitue ou présente une nervure sur laquelle vient s'insérer la rainure correspondante de la glissière 40.Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, it is easily understood that a housing is provided on each lateral flange 31 for the corresponding slide 40. This housing is open on its upper edge; each of its three other edges constitutes or has a rib on which the corresponding groove of the slide 40 is inserted.

L'ensemble 30, qui a ses différents éléments préassemblés sur l'axe des doigts 35, se trouve équipé pour être directement monté, de manière très simple, sur la machine.The assembly 30, which has its various elements pre-assembled on the axis of the fingers 35, is equipped to be directly mounted, very simply, on the machine.

Lors du montage de l'ensemble 30 sur la machine, on voit également en regard de la figure 1, qu'il vient aussi directement se coupler sur sa paire de leviers de commande 22. A cet effet, comme montré dans la figure 1, chacun des leviers 22 est constitué par un bras articulé au bas de la machine et dont l'extrémité opposée forme une fourche 22B de réception directe des parties terminales de l'axe des doigts 35.When the assembly 30 is mounted on the machine, it can also be seen in relation to FIG. 1, that it also comes directly to couple on its pair of control levers 22. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the levers 22 is constituted by an arm articulated at the bottom of the machine and the opposite end of which forms a fork 22B for direct reception of the end parts of the axis of the fingers 35.

L'axe des doigts 35 est retenue dans cette fourche 22B par la plaque de guidage 10. Cette même plaque de guidage 20 ferme aussi le bord supérieur du logement de chaque glissière 40 prévu dans les flasques et évite alors tout dégagement de cette glissière.The axis of the fingers 35 is retained in this fork 22B by the guide plate 10. This same guide plate 20 also closes the upper edge of the housing of each slide 40 provided in the flanges and then prevents any release of this slide.

Chacun des leviers s'étend sur la face extérieure de chacun des flasques latéraux 31 de la machine. La face extérieure de chacun de ces leviers, opposée à la face en regard du flasque porte un doigt cyclindrique court et saillant, qui constitue le galet 23 précité. Ce galet 23 est engagé dans un chemin qui constitue la came 15. Le chemin de came 15 est donc défini dans la face frontale d'un disque de commande 17, qui est en regard du flasque latéral 31 concerné de la machine. La came 14 de commande du premier jeu de contre-galets 4 est constituée alors par la périphérie d'un moyeu du disque de commande 17. Cet agencement permet de réaliser les deux cames 14 et 15 sur la même pièce 17.Each of the levers extends over the external face of each of the lateral flanges 31 of the machine. The outside of each of these levers, opposite the opposite face of the flange carries a short and projecting cylindrical finger, which constitutes the aforementioned roller 23. This roller 23 is engaged in a path which constitutes the cam 15. The cam path 15 is therefore defined in the front face of a control disc 17, which is opposite the side flange 31 concerned of the machine. The cam 14 for controlling the first set of counter rollers 4 then consists of the periphery of a hub of the control disc 17. This arrangement makes it possible to produce the two cams 14 and 15 on the same part 17.

Le dispositif d'ouverture selon l'invention est rendu aisé à réaliser, à monter dans la machine d'insertion et à démonter. Il ne nécessite aucun réglage ultérieur. Il est d'encombrement très faible, étant disposé sous la plaque de guidage 10. Cette plaque 10 a alors la double fonction de guidage des plis sur sa face supérieure, en couplant le chemin des plis à l'enveloppe en position de chargement, et de guidage des doigts d'ouverture 13 et de maintien constant de l'orientation de leur axe 35 pour l'ensemble 30. En outre, l'ensemble 30 est de très faible inertie.The opening device according to the invention is made easy to produce, to assemble in the insertion machine and to disassemble. It does not require any further adjustment. It is very compact, being placed under the guide plate 10. This plate 10 then has the double function of guiding the plies on its upper face, by coupling the path of the plies to the envelope in the loading position, and guiding the opening fingers 13 and constant maintenance of the orientation of their axis 35 for the assembly 30. In addition, the assembly 30 has very low inertia.

La présente invention a été décrite en regard de l'exemple de réalisation illustre dans les dessins. Il est évident que l'on peut y apporter des modifications de détail et/ou remplacer certains moyens par d'autres équivalents, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention. En particulier les moyens de butée élastiques pour les doigts réalisés par des ressorts spirales dont l'un des brins forme cette butée peuvent être réalisés par tout autre moyen s'opposant à la rotation complète des doigts sur l'axe des doigts et à l'action de la plaque 10 sur les doigts. Les glissières 40 portées par l'axe des doigts 35 de l'ensemble 30, considéré non encore monté sur la machine, peuvent être retenues latéralement sur la plaque de guidage au lieu d'être retenues sur les flasques de la machine, la plaque de guidage et l'ensemble 30 tous deux assemblés peuvent alors être fixés sur la machine.The present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. It is obvious that it is possible to modify it in detail and / or replace certain means with other equivalents, without going beyond the ambit of the invention. In particular the elastic stop means for the fingers produced by spiral springs of which one of the strands forms this stop can be produced by any other means opposing the complete rotation of the fingers on the axis of the fingers and the action of the plate 10 on the fingers. The slides 40 carried by the axis of the fingers 35 of the assembly 30, considered not yet mounted on the machine, can be retained laterally on the guide plate instead of being retained on the flanges of the machine, the plate guide and the assembly 30 both assembled can then be fixed on the machine.

En particulier aussi, la fonction de maintien de l'orientation de l'axe des doigts, réalisée par la patin central 45, peut être assurée aussi, en supplément ou en variante, par les portions terminales de l'axe ces doigts, en donnant à ces portions terminales reçues dans les glissières une section rectangulaire ou en y formant des méplats. En variante, les bagues de maintien longitudinal 36, 37 peuvent aussi assurer cette fonction de maintien d'orientation de l'axe des doigts 35.In particular also, the function of maintaining the orientation of the axis of the fingers, performed by the central shoe 45, can also be provided, in addition or as a variant, by the terminal portions of the axis these fingers, by giving these terminal portions received in the slides a rectangular section or by forming flats there. As a variant, the longitudinal retaining rings 36, 37 can also perform this function of maintaining the orientation of the axis of the fingers 35.

Claims (16)

  1. A device for opening envelope bodies to be filled and for being incorporated in an insertion machine, in which each envelope to be filled is held in a filling position facing a mail path (2), said device including opening fingers (13) coupled to actuator means themselves coupled to control means in order to move the opening fingers (13) into a retracted position and an opening position facing an envelope staying in said filling position, the insertion machine comprising along said mail items path (2) a guide plate (10) mounted in front of said opening device which forms a preassembled assembly (30), characterized in that the preassembled assembly (30) is formed on a single finger shaft (35), with said opening fingers (13) being mounted to rotate freely and directly on said finger shaft (35), and with said finger shaft (35) being fitted with longitudinal positioning first means (36, 37, 38) for each finger (13), and with resilient abutment second means (38A) extending on the same side of said finger shaft (35) for each finger (13), and in that said guide plate (10) is mounted facing said assembly (30) so as to oppose the action of said resilient second means (38A) on the fingers (13), and to ensure the guiding of the fingers (13) against one of its faces, when the fingers move from their retracted position to the opening position, and vice versa.
  2. An opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide plate (10) is a plate coupling said mail path (2) to the envelope staying in said filling position inside said insertion machine, said guide plate (10) partially overlying said assembly (30).
  3. An opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that said finger shaft (35) further includes at least one shoe (45) sliding beneath said guide plate (10) for maintaining the orientation of said finger shaft (35).
  4. An opening device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said finger shaft (35) further carries two longitudinal slideways (40) in which it slides.
  5. An opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that each of said slideways (40) is fitted with retaining and mounting means (40E, 40F) for directly engaging said assembly (30) on side supports (31) of the insertion machine, said slideways being disposed the same distance apart along said finger shaft as the distance between said supports.
  6. An opening device according to claim 5, characterized in that said retaining and mounting means include grooves (40E, 40F) on sides (40B, 40C) of each slideway co-operating with corresponding edges of a housing provided in each support.
  7. An opening device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said guide plate (10) has one of its edges (10B) projecting towards the front of the opening fingers (13) and having notches (50) in which respective ones of the opening fingers (13) lie flush.
  8. An opening device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, and in which said actuator means (32) of said fingers (13) are constituted by hinged levers and by cam control means (15), the device being characterized in that said levers (22) have a fork (22B) at one end for receiving said finger shafts (35), thereby providing direct coupling therewith.
  9. An opening device according to claim 8, characterized in that each lever (22) carries a laterally projecting finger (23), and in that said cam (15) is constituted by a cam path which receives said projecting finger and which is formed in the front face of a control disk (17).
  10. An opening device according to claim 9, characterized in that said control disk (17) also has a hub whose periphery defines a second cam (14) for controlling the means (3, 4) for bringing each envelope into the loading position in the insertion machine and holding it there.
  11. An opening device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that each opening finger (13) is constituted by an elongate shape comprising a first terminal portion (54) having a terminal bore (53) for mounting the finger on the finger shaft (35), an opposite second terminal portion (55) substantially parallel to the first and connected thereto by a small intermediate portion (56) having sloping faces, the second portion (55) being at a level which is higher than the level of the first portion (54).
  12. An opening device according to claim 11, characterized in that one of the sloping faces of said intermediate portion (56) constitutes the face of the finger (13) against which said resilient abutment second means (38A) come into abutment.
  13. An opening device according to claim 12, characterized in that a "top" one (54A) of the faces of said first portion (54) of the elongate shape of each finger constitutes a bearing and sliding surface for the finger against one of the faces of the guide plates (10) when the fingers are actuated to move from either of their two positions to the other position.
  14. An opening device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said longitudinal positioning first means for the fingers on the finger shaft include two lateral rings (36, 37) for each finger (13).
  15. An opening device according to claim 14, characterized in that said longitudinal positioning first means for the fingers on said finger shaft (35) further include a spiral spring (38) mounted for each finger between one of the two rings (36, 37) and the finger (13).
  16. An opening device according to claim 15, characterized in that said resilient abutment second means for each finger (13) include one of the end lengths (38A) of said spring (38), said length extending along one of the sides of the finger and having its tip (38A) folded beneath the finger, with the other terminal length of said spring being anchored in retaining means carried by said finger shaft (35).
EP89113555A 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Envelope opening and filling device Expired - Lifetime EP0352686B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8810122 1988-07-27
FR8810122A FR2634731B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1988-07-27 DEVICE FOR OPENING BODIES OF ENVELOPES FOR LOADING THEM

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Publication Number Publication Date
EP0352686A1 EP0352686A1 (en) 1990-01-31
EP0352686B1 true EP0352686B1 (en) 1993-10-06

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EP89113555A Expired - Lifetime EP0352686B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Envelope opening and filling device

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US (1) US4944137A (en)
EP (1) EP0352686B1 (en)
DE (1) DE68909706T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2634731B1 (en)

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US5301935A (en) * 1991-07-15 1994-04-12 Duplo Corporation Apparatus for inserting and sealing envelopes with temporary storage pocket
US5168689A (en) * 1991-10-24 1992-12-08 Pitney Bowes Inc. Envelope stuffing apparatus with adjustable deck for handling different styled envelopes
US5428944A (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-07-04 Pitney Bowes Inc. Envelope transport, deskew and stop apparatus
US5447015A (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-09-05 Pitney Bowes Inc. High speed insertion device
US5374044A (en) * 1993-11-01 1994-12-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Vacuum drum document handling system for an insertion device
US5675959A (en) * 1996-01-18 1997-10-14 Pitney Bowes Inc. Opening fingers for envelope inserting apparatus
US7155878B2 (en) * 2004-08-31 2007-01-02 Pitney Bowes Inc. Device for opening the throat of an envelope in an insertion station
NL1027933C2 (en) * 2004-12-31 2006-07-03 Neopost Sa Device for embedding documents.
EP2123474B1 (en) * 2008-05-20 2011-08-24 Neopost Technologies Method and an apparatus for inserting a postal item into an envelope
EP2123475B1 (en) * 2008-05-20 2013-10-09 Neopost Technologies Apparatus and method for inserting a postal item into an envelope and moistening the flap of the envelope
EP2903920B1 (en) * 2012-10-03 2017-12-06 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Functional trays for handling products in a materials handling facility
EP2746060B1 (en) * 2012-12-20 2016-04-27 BÖWE SYSTEC GmbH Insertion machine and method for opening an envelope which is transported along an envelope channel

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US2736999A (en) * 1950-05-25 1956-03-06 Pitney Bowes Inc Envelope stuffing machine
US2766569A (en) * 1952-10-01 1956-10-16 Pitney Bowes Inc Mail treating and inserting device
US2835090A (en) * 1953-08-25 1958-05-20 Pitney Bowes Inc Workpiece stripping device
US2914895A (en) * 1959-02-13 1959-12-01 Pitney Bowes Inc Envelope stuffing machine
NL7708799A (en) * 1977-08-10 1979-02-13 Bell Telephone Mfg ENVELOPE OPENING DEVICE AND ENVELOPE FILLING MACHINE USING THIS.
US4337609A (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-07-06 Pitney Bowes Inc. Envelope stuffing apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4944137A (en) 1990-07-31
FR2634731B1 (en) 1990-09-14
DE68909706T2 (en) 1994-02-03
FR2634731A1 (en) 1990-02-02
DE68909706D1 (en) 1993-11-11
EP0352686A1 (en) 1990-01-31

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