EP0352687A1 - Device for inserting folded matter into envelopes - Google Patents

Device for inserting folded matter into envelopes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0352687A1
EP0352687A1 EP89113556A EP89113556A EP0352687A1 EP 0352687 A1 EP0352687 A1 EP 0352687A1 EP 89113556 A EP89113556 A EP 89113556A EP 89113556 A EP89113556 A EP 89113556A EP 0352687 A1 EP0352687 A1 EP 0352687A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rollers
fold
envelope
counter
sets
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP89113556A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0352687B1 (en
Inventor
Marek Krasuski
Bernard Prugnolle
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.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Alcatel Satman SA
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 Neopost Technologies SA, Alcatel Satman SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0352687A1 publication Critical patent/EP0352687A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0352687B1 publication Critical patent/EP0352687B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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 devices for inserting pleats in envelopes.
  • Such devices are already known. They are used as office machines to ensure the mailing in envelopes, or come into larger facilities ensuring the automatic processing of large volumes of mail and comprising, in addition, in particular a folder and / or collator and a device for closing loaded envelopes.
  • the empty envelopes are presented successively in a loading position facing a fold transfer path. Each envelope is kept in this loading position for the duration of the insertion of the fold into the envelope.
  • Means for supplying and holding each empty envelope in the loading position are mounted on an envelope path; these means may include a set of rollers and a set of associated pressure counter-rollers, receiving the envelopes between them and arranged at the end of the fold transfer path.
  • the set of rollers, when driven, and the set of pressure counter-rollers contribute to bringing each envelope into the loading position, driving the body of the envelope until the line of junction between the body of the envelope and the previously unfolded flap is received between them.
  • the set of rollers then no longer being driven, the casing is stopped and maintained in the loading position facing the fold transfer path.
  • Opening fingers of the envelope body are used to ensure the opening of the envelope body maintained in the loading position, in order to facilitate the insertion of the fold. These fingers are mounted at the front of the loading position and are normally erased. For the insertion of the fold, they are actuated in the open position of the body of the envelope, coming partially to be inserted in the body of the envelope.
  • the aforementioned set of counter-rollers is advantageously mounted retractable opposite the set of rollers, it is put in the retracted position as soon as the set of rollers is no longer driven, to allow actuation in the open position of the fingers.
  • the present invention aims in particular to allow the proper insertion of the folds in envelopes using a very simple mechanism and does not have the drawbacks of space and the aforementioned assembly difficulties.
  • Its subject is a device for inserting folds into envelopes, comprising: a first set of rollers and a first associated set of counter rollers ensuring the supply and presentation of an envelope in a defined position known as loading, facing a fold path, means for advancing the folds on the fold path for advancing a fold towards the envelope in the loading position, means for actuating the first set of counter rollers from a pressure position to a retracted position when the envelope is in said loading position, and means for opening the body of the envelopes, controlled from a retracted position to an open position when the envelope is in said loading position, said device being characterized in that said first set of counter rollers is coupled through a freewheel mechanism to said means for advancing the plies, for its drive with them, said advancing means themselves being mounted at a distance of said first sets of counter rollers less than the length of the folds to be inserted into the envelopes, and being characterized in that it further comprises first means for ensuring detection of partial insertion of the fold into the envelope, coupled to said
  • the means for advancing the folds comprise a pair of second sets of pressure rollers, mounted on the exit from the fold path, and coupled to said first sets of rollers and counter-rollers by a plate fixed fold guide.
  • the first set of counter rollers is carried by a pair of arms mounted articulated on the axis of one of the second sets of rollers.
  • the pair of arms carries a control spacer axis resiliently biased in abutment on a control cam having on its periphery two sections centered substantially opposite one another, for maintaining the first set of counter rollers in pressure position, and alternated with two second profiles to maintain the first set of counter rollers in the retracted position.
  • a first set of rollers 3 and a first associated set of pressure counter rollers 4 define the loading position at the end of the path 1. They are mounted opposite the fold path 2.
  • the first set of rollers 3 driven in rotation according to arrow 3A and its set of counter-rollers 4 under pressure allow each envelope to be brought into its loading position.
  • the first set of rollers 3 is stopped when the envelope arrives with its junction line between its body and its flap, previously unfolded, situated between it and the first set of counter-rollers 4.
  • These sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3, 4 and upstream rollers 5, 6 thus allow the presentation of each envelope in the loading position and its maintenance in this position during the loading operation.
  • a motor 7, called the envelope motor, ensures the advance of the envelopes on the path 1 until they are put in the loading position. It drives the sets of rollers 3 and 5. It ensures after loading, the ejection of each envelope.
  • the fold path 2 is equipped with its own means for advancing folds on this path. These means for advancing the folds in particular comprise a third pair of sets of rollers 8 and 9 in pressure located at the outlet of the folds path 2. Elastic means not shown ensure the pressure maintenance of the set of rollers 8 against the set of rollers 9.
  • This third pair of sets of rollers 8 and 9 is mounted at a distance from the sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3, 4 less than the length of the folds.
  • the sets of rollers 8 and 9 thus directly ensure the partial insertion of each ply into the envelope presented in its loading position.
  • a fixed guide plate 10 is mounted between the set of rollers 8 and the set of counter-rollers 4, for guiding each ply during its insertion.
  • a counter plate 11 between the set of rollers 9 and the set of rollers 3 is associated with it.
  • the sets of rollers 8 and 9 are both shown in streaks. Arrows 8A and 9A translate their drive into rotation. As a variant, only one of these sets of rollers and then in this case the set of lower rollers 8 can be driven.
  • a motor 12, called the fold motor, is coupled to the set of rollers 8 and, optionally, to the set of rollers 9.
  • the set of counter rollers 4 is mounted slightly retractable opposite the set of rollers 3.
  • fingers 13 for opening the body of the envelope are associated with these sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4. These fingers 13 are mounted normally erased at the front of the rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4, under the guide plate 10 of the folds. They are actuated according to arrow 13A, when the counter rollers 4 are retracted, taking an open position to be inserted between the rollers 3 and the counter rollers 4 and in the body of the envelope.
  • a cam 14 is assigned to control the counter rollers 4 in their pressure position against the rollers 3 and in their retracted position.
  • Another cam 15 is assigned to control the fingers 13 in their retracted position at the front of the rollers 3 and counter rollers 4 and in their open position.
  • These two cams are mounted on the same control motor shaft 16. It is driven by its own control circuit 17 with stepping motor, according to arrow 16A, ensuring the advance of the cams in synchronism with the different stages of an insertion cycle.
  • the set of counter rollers 4 is coupled to the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds.
  • Tensioning rollers not shown are associated to the belt 25 for its constant tension, this regardless of whether the set of counter-rollers 4 is in the retracted position or in the pressure position opposite the set of rollers 3.
  • An arrow 4A illustrates the rotation drive of the set of counter rollers 4, either by friction against the set of rollers 3 driven, or either by coupling with the set of rollers 8.
  • the pair of arms 20 carrying the set of counter rollers 4 has its axis of articulation 20A directly defined by the axis of the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds.
  • This pair of arms 20 extends laterally on either side of the fold guide plate 10; it mechanically couples the set of counter rollers 4 and the set of rollers in advance of the folds, with a pivoting of the first on the axis of the second.
  • each arm 20 forms an end shoulder not referenced.
  • a control axis 30 is mounted as a spacer axis between the pair of arms 20 and passes through the shoulder of each of these arms. This axis 30 extends on the outside of the lateral flanges, such as the flange 31 of the machine; each of its ends carries the aforementioned roller 21 bearing on the cam 14.
  • a small window 31A substantially vertical, is provided in each of the flanges 31 to allow the sliding of the control axis 30 during the command from the cam 14.
  • the arrow 20F shows diagrammatically the pivoting of the pair of arms 20 around its axis of articulation 20A.
  • each arm 20 has, near the sliding window 31A for the axis 30, a projecting finger 32 transverse to its shoulder.
  • a pin spring 33 is mounted on the finger 32, it has a terminal strand which forms a support stop on the control pin 30 while its other opposite end strand is anchored on the edge of the support arm 20.
  • This spring therefore ensures the support of the roller 21 on the cam 14, but also an elastic pressure of the set of counter rollers 4 on the set of rollers 3 to take account of a variable thickness of the folds.
  • the cam 14 has on its periphery two sections 14A and 14C, centered in a substantially opposite direction, of setting and holding the set of counter rollers 4 in the pressure position, which are alternated with two other sections 14B and 14D for setting and maintaining the set of counter rollers 4 in the retracted position.
  • cam 15 does has on its periphery that a section 15A for placing the fingers 13 in the erased position and that a section 15B for placing these fingers 13 in the open position.
  • cams 14 and 15 correspond to specific angular sectors with regard to the controls that they provide.
  • Profiles 14A, 14B and 14D correspond to angular sectors close to 60 ° each and profile 14C to an angular sector close to 180 °.
  • Profile 15A corresponds to an angular sector close to 240 ° and profile 15B to a neighboring sector of 120 °.
  • These cams are also wedged relative to each other so that the roller 21 has just come to bear on the profile 14A when the roller 23 is located substantially three-quarters of the length of the profile 15A.
  • This relative position of the cams corresponds to a so-called reference position of rest of the motor shaft 16; it is given by a disc 18 with a notch 18A with which is associated a detector mounted in an optical fork and shown diagrammatically at 19.
  • This detector 19 provides the drive stop control for the shaft 16 of the cams 14 and 15.
  • a detection lever 35 is assigned to the detection of each ply during its insertion.
  • This lever is articulated around an axis 35A. It has one of its ends 35B mounted as an obstacle at the front of the set of rollers 3 and of the set of counter-rollers 4, through the guide plate 10. It has its opposite end 35C which forms a detection flag.
  • An optical detector shown diagrammatically at 36, detects the flag 35C and indicates the presence or absence of a fold being inserted under its end 35B.
  • This detector assembly 35, 36 makes it possible, from this detection of the presence of a fold, to determine the instant of partial insertion of this fold in the envelope, taking into account the known advance of this fold, then the instant fully inserted.
  • This instant of insertion at the bottom of the fold is preferably given by the return in obstacle of the end 35B of the lever 35, this return being always detected by the flag 35C and the detector 36.
  • This detection assembly 35-36 controls the circuit 17 and it also controls the motor of the folds 12, through a selected time delay or a counter counting down from unitary movements of advance of the fold, not shown, which it triggers, to ensure that this motor 12 stops when the fold is fully inserted into the envelope.
  • the drive shaft 16 of the cams 14 and 15 is rotated, from its rest position given by the disc 18 and the associated detector 19, when an envelope advances towards the loading position.
  • the envelope having arrived in the loading position, the motor 7 is stopped and the envelope is thus maintained for the insertion of a fold.
  • the roller 21 rests on the profile 14A while the roller 23 is on the profile 15A.
  • the roller 21 passes over the profile 14B and the roller 23 over the profile 15B.
  • the set of counter rollers 4 passes into the retracted position; by the section 15B the fingers 13 pass into the open position of the body of the envelope.
  • the folds motor 12 is driven, close to a time delay, as soon as the envelope has arrived in its loading position. It ensures the advance of the fold on the path 2, upstream of the set of rollers 8 and 9, and then, by the set of rollers 8 and 9, the advance of the fold on the guide plate 10 and between the rollers 3 and the counter-rollers 4, then in the envelope. During this advance, the roller 21 rests on the profile 14B; the counter rollers 4 are driven with the feed rollers 8 but are retracted; they have no effect on the fold.
  • the detector assembly 35, 36 has detected the presence of the fold during insertion. From this instant, it allows the control circuit 17 to determine the instant of partial insertion of this fold in the envelope.
  • the detector assembly 35, 36 also makes it possible, when the fold arrives at the bottom of the envelope, to stop the motor 12 and thereby stop the counter-rollers 4.
  • the loaded envelope is ejected according to the arrow 1B, by restarting the motor 7 of the envelopes while the profile 14C still maintains the set of counter rollers 4 in the pressure position.
  • the roller 21 passes over the profile 14D and the set of counter-rollers 4 returns to the retracted position. This allows processing of the loaded envelope during its ejection, during which each envelope can be driven in reverse, in the opposite direction to the arrow 1B, while the set of counter-rollers 4 must remain without effect. After this treatment, the loaded envelope is again driven along arrow 1B and the roller 21 passes over the profile 14A for the return of the set of counter-rollers in the pressure position.
  • the control circuit 17 of the shaft 16 ensures the control of the advance of the cams in synchronism with the different stages of an insertion cycle.
  • the arrival of the shaft 16 in its reference position, detected by the detector 19, causes its drive to stop. He will again be trained on a full turn for a new insertion cycle.
  • this insertion device lies in the simplicity of the insertion mechanism and its control, their ease of assembly and their very small footprint. This mechanism and its control are also very robust and reliable. The mechanism is of low inertia.

Landscapes

  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Abstract

Le dispositif est à jeux de galets et contre-galets d'amenée et de maintien des enveloppes dans une position de chargement, en regard d'un chemin des plis équipé de moyens d'avance des plis, et à doigts d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe. Il est caractérisé en ce que le jeu de contre-galets (4) précité est couplé à travers une roue libre (26) aux moyens d'avance des plis (8), est commandé d'une position rétractée dès qu'une enveloppe est en position de chargement à une position de retour en pression contre le jeu de galets (3) à partir de moyens (17, 35-36) de détection partielle d'insertion du pli dans l'enveloppe, et est arrêté avec lesdits moyens d'avance des plis par des moyens de détection d'insertion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe. Application : traitement de courrier.The device has sets of rollers and counter-rollers for feeding and holding the envelopes in a loading position, facing a fold path equipped with fold advance means, and with fingers for opening the body. of the envelope. It is characterized in that the above-mentioned set of counter-rollers (4) is coupled through a free wheel (26) to the means for advancing the plies (8), is controlled from a retracted position as soon as an envelope is in the loading position to a pressure return position against the set of rollers (3) from means (17, 35-36) of partial detection of insertion of the fold in the envelope, and is stopped with said means d advancement of the folds by means of detection of insertion at the bottom of the fold in the envelope. Application: mail processing.

Description

La présente invention porte sur les dispositifs d'insertion de plis dans des enveloppes.The present invention relates to devices for inserting pleats in envelopes.

De tels dispositifs sont déjà connus. Ils sont utilisés en tant que machines de bureau pour assurer la mise du courrier sous enveloppe, ou rentrent dans des installations plus importantes assurant le traitement automatique de volumes importants de courrier et comportant, en outre, notamment une plieuse et/ou assembleuse et un dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes chargées.Such devices are already known. They are used as office machines to ensure the mailing in envelopes, or come into larger facilities ensuring the automatic processing of large volumes of mail and comprising, in addition, in particular a folder and / or collator and a device for closing loaded envelopes.

Dans les dispositifs d'insertion de plis dans des enve­loppes, les enveloppes vides sont présentées successivement dans une position de chargement face à un chemin de transfert des plis. Chaque enveloppe est maintenue dans cette position de chargement pendant la durée de l'insertion du pli dans l'enveloppe. Des moyens d'amenée et de maintien de chaque enveloppe vide dans la position de chargement sont montés sur un chemin d'enveloppes ; ces moyens peuvent comporter un jeu de galets et un jeu de contre-galets de pression associés, recevant entre eux les enveloppes et disposés au bout du chemin de transfert des plis. Le jeu de galets, lorsqu' il est entraîné, et le jeu de contre-­galets de pression contribuent à l'amenée de chaque enveloppe dans la position de chargement, en entraînant le corps de l'enveloppe jusqu'à ce que la ligne de jonction entre le corps de l'enveloppe et le rabat préalablement déplié soit reçue entre eux. Le jeu de galets n'étant alors plus entraîné, l'enveloppe est arrêtée et maintenue dans la position de chargement face au chemin de transfert des plis.In the devices for inserting folds into envelopes, the empty envelopes are presented successively in a loading position facing a fold transfer path. Each envelope is kept in this loading position for the duration of the insertion of the fold into the envelope. Means for supplying and holding each empty envelope in the loading position are mounted on an envelope path; these means may include a set of rollers and a set of associated pressure counter-rollers, receiving the envelopes between them and arranged at the end of the fold transfer path. The set of rollers, when driven, and the set of pressure counter-rollers contribute to bringing each envelope into the loading position, driving the body of the envelope until the line of junction between the body of the envelope and the previously unfolded flap is received between them. The set of rollers then no longer being driven, the casing is stopped and maintained in the loading position facing the fold transfer path.

Des doigts d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe sont utilisés pour assurer l'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe maintenue en position de chargement, en vue de faciliter l'insertion du pli. Ces doigts sont montés à l'avant de la position de chargement et sont normalement effacés. Pour l'insertion du pli, ils sont actionnés en position d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe, en venant s'insérer partiellement dans le corps de l'enveloppe. En outre, le jeu de contre-galets précité est avantageusement monté rétractable en regard du jeu de galets, il est mis en position rétractée dès que le jeu de galets n'est plus entraîné, pour permettre l'actionnement en position d'ouverture des doigts.Opening fingers of the envelope body are used to ensure the opening of the envelope body maintained in the loading position, in order to facilitate the insertion of the fold. These fingers are mounted at the front of the loading position and are normally erased. For the insertion of the fold, they are actuated in the open position of the body of the envelope, coming partially to be inserted in the body of the envelope. In addition, the aforementioned set of counter-rollers is advantageously mounted retractable opposite the set of rollers, it is put in the retracted position as soon as the set of rollers is no longer driven, to allow actuation in the open position of the fingers.

Dans les dispositifs d'insertion connus, divers mécanismes spécifiques sont également affectés à l'opération d'insertion de pli proprement dite. Ils sont destinés en particulier à permettre l'inser­tion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe. Un exemple d'un tel mécanisme est décrit notamment dans la demande de brevet français 84 14 141, déposée par la demanderesse. Ce mécanisme comporte une plaque d'insertion montée en chariot entraîné en va et vient alternativement. Cette plaque d'insertion reçoit le pli à insérer du chemin de transfert des plis, s'insère avec le pli qu'elle retient dans l'enveloppe et se retire de l'enveloppe en libérant le pli qu'elle a accompagné à fond dans l'enve­loppe. L'utilisation d'un tel mécanisme et sa commande rendent les dispositifs relativement encombrants. Leur réalisation et leur montage sont souvent peu aisés, compte tenu qu'il est souhaitable de les loger dans un espace minimal pour réduire autant que possible l'encombrement du dispositif.In the known insertion devices, various specific mechanisms are also assigned to the fold insertion operation proper. They are intended in particular to allow insertion at the bottom of the fold in the envelope. An example of such a mechanism is described in particular in French patent application 84 14 141, filed by the applicant. This mechanism includes an insertion plate mounted in a carriage driven back and forth alternately. This insertion plate receives the fold to be inserted from the fold transfer path, is inserted with the fold which it retains in the envelope and is withdrawn from the envelope by releasing the fold which it has accompanied completely in the envelope. The use of such a mechanism and its control make the devices relatively bulky. Their realization and their assembly are often not very easy, taking into account that it is desirable to accommodate them in a minimal space to reduce as much as possible the obstruction of the device.

La présente invention a pour but en particulier de permettre l'insertion convenable à fond des plis dans des enveloppes à l'aide d'un mécanisme très simple et ne présentant pas les inconvénients d'encom­brement et les difficultés de montage précités.The present invention aims in particular to allow the proper insertion of the folds in envelopes using a very simple mechanism and does not have the drawbacks of space and the aforementioned assembly difficulties.

Elle a pour objet un dispositif d'insertion de plis dans des enveloppes, comportant :
- un premier jeu de galets et un premier jeu associé de contre-galets assurant l'amenée et la présentation d'une enveloppe dans une position définie dite de chargement, en regard d'un chemin de plis,
- des moyens d'avance des plis sur le chemin des plis pour l'avance d'un pli vers l'enveloppe en position de chargement,
- des moyens d'actionnement du premier jeu de contre-galets d'une posi­tion de pression à une position rétractée quand l'enveloppe est dans ladite position de chargement, et
- des moyens d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes, commandés d'une posi­tion effacée à une position d'ouverture quand l'enveloppe est dans ladite position de chargement,
ledit dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que ledit premier jeu de contre-galets est couplé à travers un mécanisme à roue libre auxdits moyens d'avance des plis, pour son entraînement avec eux, lesdits moyens d'avance étant eux-mêmes montés à une distance desdits premiers jeux de contre-galets inférieure à la longueur des plis à insérer dans les enveloppes, et étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre des premiers moyens pour assurer une détection d'insertion partielle du pli dans l'enveloppe, couplés auxdits moyens d'actionnnement du premier jeu de contre-galets pour leur retour en position de pression, en assurant l'insertion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe.Its subject is a device for inserting folds into envelopes, comprising:
a first set of rollers and a first associated set of counter rollers ensuring the supply and presentation of an envelope in a defined position known as loading, facing a fold path,
means for advancing the folds on the fold path for advancing a fold towards the envelope in the loading position,
means for actuating the first set of counter rollers from a pressure position to a retracted position when the envelope is in said loading position, and
means for opening the body of the envelopes, controlled from a retracted position to an open position when the envelope is in said loading position,
said device being characterized in that said first set of counter rollers is coupled through a freewheel mechanism to said means for advancing the plies, for its drive with them, said advancing means themselves being mounted at a distance of said first sets of counter rollers less than the length of the folds to be inserted into the envelopes, and being characterized in that it further comprises first means for ensuring detection of partial insertion of the fold into the envelope, coupled to said actuation means of the first set of counter rollers for their return to the pressure position, ensuring the insertion of the fold at the bottom into the envelope.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens d'avance des plis comportent une paire de deuxièmes jeux de galets en pression, montée sur la sortie du chemin des plis, et couplée auxdits premiers jeux de galets et contre-galets par une plaque fixe de guidage des plis.According to another characteristic of the invention, the means for advancing the folds comprise a pair of second sets of pressure rollers, mounted on the exit from the fold path, and coupled to said first sets of rollers and counter-rollers by a plate fixed fold guide.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le premier jeu de contre-galets est porté par une paire de bras montée articulée sur l'axe de l'un des deuxièmes jeux de galets.According to another characteristic of the invention, the first set of counter rollers is carried by a pair of arms mounted articulated on the axis of one of the second sets of rollers.

La paire de bras porte un axe entretoise de commande solli­cité élastiquement en appui sur une came de commande présentant sur sa périphérie deux profilés centrés sensiblement à l'opposé l'un de l'autre, pour le maintien du premier jeu de contre-galets en position de pression, et alternés avec deux seconds profilés pour le maintien du premier jeu de contre-galets en position rétractée.The pair of arms carries a control spacer axis resiliently biased in abutment on a control cam having on its periphery two sections centered substantially opposite one another, for maintaining the first set of counter rollers in pressure position, and alternated with two second profiles to maintain the first set of counter rollers in the retracted position.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaî­tront plus clairement au cours de la description donnée ci-après en regard d'un exemple de réalisation illustré dans le dessin joint.The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly during the description given below with regard to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing.

Dans le dessin,

  • la figure unique est une vue partielle en élévation qui montre schématiquement le dispositif d'insertion selon l'invention.
In the drawing,
  • the single figure is a partial elevational view which schematically shows the insertion device according to the invention.

Dans cette figure, on a illustré en 1 un chemin d'enveloppes vides qui sont à charger et en 2 un chemin des plis. La flèche 1A traduit l'avance de chaque enveloppe sur le chemin 1 et la flèche 2A l'avance de chaque pli sur le chemin 2.In this figure, there is illustrated in 1 a path of empty envelopes which are to be loaded and in 2 a path of the folds. Arrow 1A indicates the advance of each envelope on path 1 and arrow 2A the advance of each fold on path 2.

L'avance des enveloppes successives sur le chemin 1 permet leur présentation dans une position définie de chargement, face au chemin des plis 2.
Un premier jeu de galets 3 et un premier jeu associé de contre-galets de pression 4 définissent au bout du chemin 1 la position de chargement. Ils sont montés en regard du chemin des plis 2. Le premier jeu de galets 3 entraîné en rotation selon la flèche 3A et son jeu de contre-galets 4 en pression permettent l'amenée de chaque enveloppe dans sa position de chargement. Le premier jeu de galets 3 est arrêté lorsque l'enveloppe arrive avec sa ligne de jonction entre son corps et son rabat, préalablement déplié, située entre lui et le premier jeu de contre-­galets 4. Une deuxième paire de jeux de galets 5 et 6, en pression l'un contre l'autre, située en amont des jeux de galets et contre-galets 3, 4 sur le chemin 1, assure le maintien du rabat d'enveloppe préalablement déplié. Ces jeux de galets et contre-galets 3, 4 et de galets amont 5, 6 permettent ainsi la présentation de chaque enveloppe dans la position de chargement et son maintien dans cette position pendant l'opération de chargement.Advancing successive envelopes on path 1 allows them to be presented in a defined loading position, facing path of folds 2.
A first set of rollers 3 and a first associated set of pressure counter rollers 4 define the loading position at the end of the path 1. They are mounted opposite the fold path 2. The first set of rollers 3 driven in rotation according to arrow 3A and its set of counter-rollers 4 under pressure allow each envelope to be brought into its loading position. The first set of rollers 3 is stopped when the envelope arrives with its junction line between its body and its flap, previously unfolded, situated between it and the first set of counter-rollers 4. A second pair of sets of rollers 5 and 6, pressing against each other, located upstream of the sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3, 4 on the path 1, ensures the maintenance of the envelope flap previously unfolded. These sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3, 4 and upstream rollers 5, 6 thus allow the presentation of each envelope in the loading position and its maintenance in this position during the loading operation.

Un moteur 7, dit moteur des enveloppes, assure l'avance des enveloppes sur le chemin 1 jusqu 'à leur mise en position de chargement. Il entraîne les jeux de galets 3 et 5. Il assure après le chargement, l'éjection de chaque enveloppe.A motor 7, called the envelope motor, ensures the advance of the envelopes on the path 1 until they are put in the loading position. It drives the sets of rollers 3 and 5. It ensures after loading, the ejection of each envelope.

Le chemin des plis 2 est équipé de ses propres moyens d'avance des plis sur ce chemin. Ces moyens d'avance des plis comportent notamment une troisième paire de jeux de galets 8 et 9 en pression située sur la sortie du chemin des plis 2. Des moyens élastiques non représentés assurent le maintien en pression du jeu de galets 8 contre le jeu de galets 9.The fold path 2 is equipped with its own means for advancing folds on this path. These means for advancing the folds in particular comprise a third pair of sets of rollers 8 and 9 in pressure located at the outlet of the folds path 2. Elastic means not shown ensure the pressure maintenance of the set of rollers 8 against the set of rollers 9.

Cette troisième paire de jeux de galets 8 et 9 est montée à une distance des jeux de galets et contre-galets 3, 4 inférieure à la longueur des plis. Les jeux de galets 8 et 9 assurent ainsi directement l'insertion partielle de chaque pli dans l'enveloppe présentée dans sa position de chargement. Une plaque fixe de guidage 10 est montée entre le jeu de galets 8 et le jeu de contre-galets 4, pour le guidage de chaque pli lors de son insertion. Une contre-plaque 11 entre le jeu de galets 9 et le jeu de galets 3 lui est associée.This third pair of sets of rollers 8 and 9 is mounted at a distance from the sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3, 4 less than the length of the folds. The sets of rollers 8 and 9 thus directly ensure the partial insertion of each ply into the envelope presented in its loading position. A fixed guide plate 10 is mounted between the set of rollers 8 and the set of counter-rollers 4, for guiding each ply during its insertion. A counter plate 11 between the set of rollers 9 and the set of rollers 3 is associated with it.

Les jeux de galets 8 et 9 sont tous deux illustrés en traînés. Des flèches 8A et 9A traduisent leur entraînement en rotation. En variante un seul de ces jeux de galets et alors en l'occurence le jeu de galets inférieurs 8 peut être entraîné. Un moteur 12, dit moteur des plis est couplé au jeu de galets 8 et, éventuellement, au jeu de galets 9.The sets of rollers 8 and 9 are both shown in streaks. Arrows 8A and 9A translate their drive into rotation. As a variant, only one of these sets of rollers and then in this case the set of lower rollers 8 can be driven. A motor 12, called the fold motor, is coupled to the set of rollers 8 and, optionally, to the set of rollers 9.

Pour l'opération d'insertion d'un pli dans une enveloppe présentée dans sa position de chargement, le jeu de contre-galets 4 est monté légèrement rétractable en regard du jeu de galets 3. En outre, des doigts 13 d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe sont associés à ces jeux de galets et contre-galets 3 et 4. Ces doigts 13 sont montés normalement effacés à l'avant des galets et contre-galets 3 et 4, sous la plaque de guidage 10 des plis. Ils sont actionnés selon la flèche 13A, quand les contre-galets 4 sont rétractés, en prenant une position d'ouverture pour s'insérer entre les galets 3 et les contre-galets 4 et dans le corps de l'enveloppe.For the operation of inserting a fold into an envelope presented in its loading position, the set of counter rollers 4 is mounted slightly retractable opposite the set of rollers 3. In addition, fingers 13 for opening the body of the envelope are associated with these sets of rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4. These fingers 13 are mounted normally erased at the front of the rollers and counter-rollers 3 and 4, under the guide plate 10 of the folds. They are actuated according to arrow 13A, when the counter rollers 4 are retracted, taking an open position to be inserted between the rollers 3 and the counter rollers 4 and in the body of the envelope.

Une came 14 est affectée à la commande des contre-galets 4 dans leur position de pression contre les galets 3 et dans leur position rétractée. Une autre came 15 est affectée à la commande des doigts 13 dans leur position effacée à l'avant des galets 3 et contre-galets 4 et dans leur position d'ouverture. Ces deux cames sont montées sur un même arbre moteur de commande 16. Il est entraîné par son propre circuit de commande 17 à moteur pas à pas, selon la flèche 16A, en assurant l'avance des cames en synchronisme avec les différentes étapes d'un cycle d'insertion.A cam 14 is assigned to control the counter rollers 4 in their pressure position against the rollers 3 and in their retracted position. Another cam 15 is assigned to control the fingers 13 in their retracted position at the front of the rollers 3 and counter rollers 4 and in their open position. These two cams are mounted on the same control motor shaft 16. It is driven by its own control circuit 17 with stepping motor, according to arrow 16A, ensuring the advance of the cams in synchronism with the different stages of an insertion cycle.

Une paire de bras 20 montée pivotante assure l'actionnement du jeu de contre-galets 4 qu'elle porte. Chacun de ces bras porte un galet 21 venant en appui sur la came 14. De manière comparable une paire de leviers articulés 22 assure l'actionnement des doigts 13. Chacun de ces leviers porte un galet 23 en appui sur la came 15. Chacune des cames 14 et 15 est constituée par une double came, pour la paire de bras 20, comme pour la paire de leviers 22. On a désigné par 20A l'axe d'articulation des bras 20 et par 22A celui des leviers 22.A pair of arms 20 pivotally mounted actuates the set of counter rollers 4 which it carries. Each of these arms carries a roller 21 bearing on the cam 14. In a comparable manner a pair of articulated levers 22 ensures actuation of the fingers 13. Each of these levers carries a roller 23 bearing on the cam 15. Each of the cams 14 and 15 is constituted by a double cam, for the pair of arms 20, as for the pair of levers 22. The axis of articulation of the arms 20 has been designated by 20A and by that of the levers 22 by 22A.

Dans la réalisation selon la présente invention, le jeu de contre-galets 4 est couplé au jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis. Une transmission à courroie 25, simplement amorcée pour éviter des surcharges inutiles dans la figure, couple le jeu de galets 8 à un mécanisme à roue libre 26 monté sur l'axe du jeu de contre-galets 4. Des galets tendeurs non illustrés sont associés à la courroie 25 pour sa tension constante, ceci indépendamment du fait que le jeu de contre-­galets 4 soit en position rétractée ou en position de pression en regard du jeu de galets 3. Une flèche 4A illustre l'entraînement en rotation du jeu de contre-galets 4, soit par friction contre le jeu de galets 3 entraîné, ou soit par couplage avec le jeu de galets 8.In the embodiment according to the present invention, the set of counter rollers 4 is coupled to the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds. A belt transmission 25, simply started to avoid unnecessary overloads in the figure, couples the set of rollers 8 to a freewheel mechanism 26 mounted on the axis of the set of counter-rollers 4. Tensioning rollers not shown are associated to the belt 25 for its constant tension, this regardless of whether the set of counter-rollers 4 is in the retracted position or in the pressure position opposite the set of rollers 3. An arrow 4A illustrates the rotation drive of the set of counter rollers 4, either by friction against the set of rollers 3 driven, or either by coupling with the set of rollers 8.

En outre, la paire de bras 20 portant le jeu de contre-­galets 4 a son axe d'articulation 20A directement défini par l'axe du jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis. Cette paire de bras 20 s'étend latéralement de part et d'autre de la plaque 10 de guidage des plis ; elle couple mécaniquement le jeu de contre-galets 4 et le jeu de galets d'avance des plis, avec un pivotement du premier sur l'axe du second.In addition, the pair of arms 20 carrying the set of counter rollers 4 has its axis of articulation 20A directly defined by the axis of the set of rollers 8 in advance of the folds. This pair of arms 20 extends laterally on either side of the fold guide plate 10; it mechanically couples the set of counter rollers 4 and the set of rollers in advance of the folds, with a pivoting of the first on the axis of the second.

A l'opposé de l'axe 20A, chaque bras 20 forme un épaulement terminal non référencé. Un axe de commande 30 est monté en axe entre­toise entre la paire de bras 20 et traverse l'épaulement de chacun de ces bras. Cet axe 30 s'étend sur l'extérieur des flasques latéraux, tels que le flasque 31 de la machine ; chacune de ses extrémités porte le galet précité 21 d'appui sur la came 14. Une petite fenêtre 31A, sensiblement verticale, est prévue dans chacun des flasques 31 pour permettre le coulissement de l'axe de commande 30 lors de la commande issue de la came 14. La flèche 20F schématise le pivotement de la paire de bras 20 autour de son axe d'articulation 20A.Opposite the axis 20A, each arm 20 forms an end shoulder not referenced. A control axis 30 is mounted as a spacer axis between the pair of arms 20 and passes through the shoulder of each of these arms. This axis 30 extends on the outside of the lateral flanges, such as the flange 31 of the machine; each of its ends carries the aforementioned roller 21 bearing on the cam 14. A small window 31A, substantially vertical, is provided in each of the flanges 31 to allow the sliding of the control axis 30 during the command from the cam 14. The arrow 20F shows diagrammatically the pivoting of the pair of arms 20 around its axis of articulation 20A.

L'axe de commande 30 est sollicité élastiquement vers sa position basse dans la fenêtre 31A pour l'appui des galets 21 sur la came 14. A cet effet, chacun de bras 20 présente, à proximité de la fenêtre 31A de coulissement pour l'axe 30, un doigt saillant 32 transversal à son épaulement. Un ressort épingle 33 est monté sur le doigt 32, il a un brin terminal qui forme une butée d'appui sur l'axe de commande 30 tandis que son autre brin terminal opposé est ancré sur le bord du bras support 20.The control shaft 30 is resiliently biased towards its low position in the window 31A for the support of the rollers 21 on the cam 14. For this purpose, each arm 20 has, near the sliding window 31A for the axis 30, a projecting finger 32 transverse to its shoulder. A pin spring 33 is mounted on the finger 32, it has a terminal strand which forms a support stop on the control pin 30 while its other opposite end strand is anchored on the edge of the support arm 20.

Ce ressort assure donc l'appui du galet 21 sur la came 14, mais également une pression élastique du jeu de contre-galets 4 sur le jeu de galets 3 pour tenir compte d'une épaisseur variable des plis.This spring therefore ensures the support of the roller 21 on the cam 14, but also an elastic pressure of the set of counter rollers 4 on the set of rollers 3 to take account of a variable thickness of the folds.

En regard du couplage mécanique et du couplage en entraî­nement entre le jeu de contre-galets 4 et le jeu de galets 8 d'avance des plis, la came 14 présente sur sa périphérie deux profilés 14A et 14C, centrés de manière sensiblement opposée, de mise et de maintien du jeu de contre-galets 4 en position de presion, qui sont alternés avec deux autres profilés 14B et 14D de mise et de maintien du jeu de contre-galets 4 en position rétractée. Comparativement la came 15 ne présente sur sa périphérie qu'un profilé 15A de mise des doigts 13 en position effacée et qu'un profilé 15B de mise de ces doigts 13 en posi­tion d'ouverture.With regard to the mechanical coupling and the coupling in drive between the set of counter-rollers 4 and the set of rollers 8 in advance of the plies, the cam 14 has on its periphery two sections 14A and 14C, centered in a substantially opposite direction, of setting and holding the set of counter rollers 4 in the pressure position, which are alternated with two other sections 14B and 14D for setting and maintaining the set of counter rollers 4 in the retracted position. Comparatively cam 15 does has on its periphery that a section 15A for placing the fingers 13 in the erased position and that a section 15B for placing these fingers 13 in the open position.

Ces profilés des cames 14 et 15 corrrespondent à des sec­teurs angulaires spécifiques en regard des commandes qu'ils assurent. Les profilés 14A, 14B et l4D correspondent à des secteurs angulaires voisins de 60° chacun et le profilé 14C à un secteur angulaire voisin de 180°. Le profilé 15A correspond à un secteur angulaire voisin de 240° et le profilé 15B à un secteur voisin de 120°. Ces cames sont en outre calées l'une par rapport à l'autre pour que le galet 21 soit juste arrivé en appui sur le profilé 14A quand le galet 23 est situé sensiblement aux trois quarts de la longueur du profilé 15A. Cette position relative des cames, qui est celle illustrée, correspond à une position de référence dite de repos de l'arbre moteur 16 ; elle est donnée par un disque 18 à encoche 18A auquel est associé un détecteur monté en fourche optique et schématisé en 19. Ce détecteur 19 assure la commande d'arrêt d'entraînement de l'arbre 16 des cames 14 et 15.These sections of the cams 14 and 15 correspond to specific angular sectors with regard to the controls that they provide. Profiles 14A, 14B and 14D correspond to angular sectors close to 60 ° each and profile 14C to an angular sector close to 180 °. Profile 15A corresponds to an angular sector close to 240 ° and profile 15B to a neighboring sector of 120 °. These cams are also wedged relative to each other so that the roller 21 has just come to bear on the profile 14A when the roller 23 is located substantially three-quarters of the length of the profile 15A. This relative position of the cams, which is that illustrated, corresponds to a so-called reference position of rest of the motor shaft 16; it is given by a disc 18 with a notch 18A with which is associated a detector mounted in an optical fork and shown diagrammatically at 19. This detector 19 provides the drive stop control for the shaft 16 of the cams 14 and 15.

Un levier de détection 35 est affecté à la détection de chaque pli au cours de son insertion. Ce levier est articulé autour d'un axe 35A. Il a une de ses extrémités 35B montée en obstacle à l'avant du jeu de galets 3 et du jeu de contre-galets 4, à travers la plaque de guidage 10. Il a son extrémité opposée 35C qui forme un drapeau de détection. Un détecteur optique, schématisé en 36, détecte le drapeau 35C et indique la présence ou non d'un pli en cours d'insertion sous son extrémité 35B. Cet ensemble détecteur 35, 36 permet, à partir de cette détection de présence de pli, de déterminer l'instant d'insertion partielle de ce pli dans l'enveloppe, compte tenu de l'avance connue de ce pli, puis l'instant d'insertion à fond. Cet instant d'insertion à fond du pli est de préférence donné par le retour en obstacle de l'extrémité 35B du levier 35, ce retour étant toujours détecté par le drapeau 35C et le détecteur 36. Cet ensemble de détection 35-36 contrôle le circuit 17 et il commande aussi le moteur des plis 12, à travers une temporisation choisie ou un compteur décompteur de déplacements unitaires d'avance du pli, non représenté, qu'il déclenche, pour assurer l'arrêt de ce moteur 12 lorsque le pli est inséré à fond dans l'enveloppe.A detection lever 35 is assigned to the detection of each ply during its insertion. This lever is articulated around an axis 35A. It has one of its ends 35B mounted as an obstacle at the front of the set of rollers 3 and of the set of counter-rollers 4, through the guide plate 10. It has its opposite end 35C which forms a detection flag. An optical detector, shown diagrammatically at 36, detects the flag 35C and indicates the presence or absence of a fold being inserted under its end 35B. This detector assembly 35, 36 makes it possible, from this detection of the presence of a fold, to determine the instant of partial insertion of this fold in the envelope, taking into account the known advance of this fold, then the instant fully inserted. This instant of insertion at the bottom of the fold is preferably given by the return in obstacle of the end 35B of the lever 35, this return being always detected by the flag 35C and the detector 36. This detection assembly 35-36 controls the circuit 17 and it also controls the motor of the folds 12, through a selected time delay or a counter counting down from unitary movements of advance of the fold, not shown, which it triggers, to ensure that this motor 12 stops when the fold is fully inserted into the envelope.

En fonctionnement, l'arbre moteur 16 des cames 14 et 15 est entraîné en rotation, depuis sa position de repos donnée par le disque 18 et le détecteur associé 19, lorsqu' une enveloppe avance vers la position de chargement. L'enveloppe étant arrivée dans la position de chargement, le moteur 7 est arrêté et l'enveloppe est ainsi maintenue pour l'insertion d'un pli. Pendant la durée nécessaire à cette mise en position de chargement et légèrement au-delà de cette durée, le galet 21 repose sur le profilé 14A tandis que le galet 23 est sur le profilé 15A. Dès la mise de l'enveloppe en position de chargement, le galet 21 passe sur le profilé 14B et le galet 23 sur le profilé 15B. Par le profilé 14B, le jeu de contre-galets 4 passe en position rétractée ; par le profilé 15B les doigts 13 passent en position d'ouverture du corps de l'enveloppe.In operation, the drive shaft 16 of the cams 14 and 15 is rotated, from its rest position given by the disc 18 and the associated detector 19, when an envelope advances towards the loading position. The envelope having arrived in the loading position, the motor 7 is stopped and the envelope is thus maintained for the insertion of a fold. During the time necessary for this loading position and slightly beyond this time, the roller 21 rests on the profile 14A while the roller 23 is on the profile 15A. As soon as the envelope is placed in the loading position, the roller 21 passes over the profile 14B and the roller 23 over the profile 15B. Via profile 14B, the set of counter rollers 4 passes into the retracted position; by the section 15B the fingers 13 pass into the open position of the body of the envelope.

Le moteur des plis 12 est entraîné, à une temporisation près, dès lors que l'enveloppe est arrivée dans sa position de chargement. Il assure l'avance du pli sur le chemin 2, en amont du jeu de galets 8 et 9, et ensuite, par le jeu de galets 8 et 9, l'avance du pli sur la plaque de guidage 10 et entre les galets 3 et les contre-­galets 4, puis dans l'enveloppe. Pendant cette avance, le galet 21 repose sur le profilé 14B ; les contre-galets 4 sont entraînés avec les galets d'avance 8 mais sont rétractés ; ils restent sans effet sur le pli.The folds motor 12 is driven, close to a time delay, as soon as the envelope has arrived in its loading position. It ensures the advance of the fold on the path 2, upstream of the set of rollers 8 and 9, and then, by the set of rollers 8 and 9, the advance of the fold on the guide plate 10 and between the rollers 3 and the counter-rollers 4, then in the envelope. During this advance, the roller 21 rests on the profile 14B; the counter rollers 4 are driven with the feed rollers 8 but are retracted; they have no effect on the fold.

Dès que le pli se trouve partiellement engagé dans l'enve­loppe et échappe pratiquement, sinon totalement, aux galets d'avance 8 et 9, le galet 21 passe sur le profilé 14C et les contre-galets 4 passent en position de pression. Ces contre-galets 4 entraînés assurent alors la fin d'insertion à fond dans l'enveloppe.As soon as the fold is partially engaged in the envelope and escapes practically, if not completely, from the feed rollers 8 and 9, the roller 21 passes over the profile 14C and the counter rollers 4 pass into the pressure position. These driven counter-rollers 4 then ensure the end of insertion fully into the envelope.

Au cours de l'avance du pli sur la plaque de guidage 10, l'ensemble détecteur 35, 36 a détecté la présence du pli en cours d'insertion. A partir de cet instant, il permet au circuit de commande 17 de déterminer l'instant d'insertion partielle de ce pli dans l'enveloppe. L'ensemble détecteur 35, 36 permet aussi, lors de l'arrivée du pli au fond de l'enveloppe, l'arrêt du moteur 12 et par là l'arrêt des contre-galets 4.During the advance of the fold on the guide plate 10, the detector assembly 35, 36 has detected the presence of the fold during insertion. From this instant, it allows the control circuit 17 to determine the instant of partial insertion of this fold in the envelope. The detector assembly 35, 36 also makes it possible, when the fold arrives at the bottom of the envelope, to stop the motor 12 and thereby stop the counter-rollers 4.

L'insertion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe étant réalisée et le moteur 12 des plis arrêté, l'enveloppe chargée est éjectée selon la flèche 1B, par remise en route du moteur 7 des enveloppes tandis que le profilé 14C maintient toujours le jeu de contre-galets 4 en position de pression.Once the fold has been fully inserted into the envelope and the motor 12 of the folds has been stopped, the loaded envelope is ejected according to the arrow 1B, by restarting the motor 7 of the envelopes while the profile 14C still maintains the set of counter rollers 4 in the pressure position.

Au cours de cette éjection de l'enveloppe chargée, le galet 21 passe sur le profilé 14D et le jeu de contre-galets 4 repasse en position rétractée. Ceci permet un traitement de l'enveloppe chargée au cours de son éjection, au cours duquel chaque enveloppe peut être entraînée en marche arrière, dans le sens opposé à la flèche 1B, alors que le jeu de contre-galets 4 doit rester sans effet. Après ce traite­ment, l'enveloppe chargée est à nouveau entraînée selon la flèche 1B et le galet 21 passe sur le profilé 14A pour la remise du jeu de contre-­galets en position de pression.During this ejection of the loaded envelope, the roller 21 passes over the profile 14D and the set of counter-rollers 4 returns to the retracted position. This allows processing of the loaded envelope during its ejection, during which each envelope can be driven in reverse, in the opposite direction to the arrow 1B, while the set of counter-rollers 4 must remain without effect. After this treatment, the loaded envelope is again driven along arrow 1B and the roller 21 passes over the profile 14A for the return of the set of counter-rollers in the pressure position.

Le circuit de commande 17 de l'arbre 16, à moteur pas à pas commandé, assure le contrôle de l'avance des cames en synchronisme avec les différentes étapes d'un cycle d'insertion. L'arrivée de l'arbre 16 dans sa position de référence, détectée par le détecteur 19, provoque l'arrêt de son entraînement. Il sera à nouveau entraîné sur un tour complet pour un nouveau cycle d'insertion.The control circuit 17 of the shaft 16, with a controlled stepping motor, ensures the control of the advance of the cams in synchronism with the different stages of an insertion cycle. The arrival of the shaft 16 in its reference position, detected by the detector 19, causes its drive to stop. He will again be trained on a full turn for a new insertion cycle.

Les avantages essentiels de ce dispositif d'insertion selon la présente invention résident dans la simplicité du mécanisme d'insertion et de sa commande, leur facilité de montage et leur très faible encombrement. Ce mécanisme et sa commande sont en outre très robustes et de fonctionnement fiable. Le mécanisme est de faible inertie.The essential advantages of this insertion device according to the present invention lie in the simplicity of the insertion mechanism and its control, their ease of assembly and their very small footprint. This mechanism and its control are also very robust and reliable. The mechanism is of low inertia.

Claims (8)

1) Dispositif d'insertion de plis dans des enveloppes, comportant :
- un premier jeu de galets et un premier jeu associé de contre-galets assurant l'amenée et la présentation d'une enveloppe dans une position définie dite de chargement, en regard d'un chemin de plis,
- des moyens d'avance des plis sur le chemin des plis pour l'avance d'un pli vers l'enveloppe en position de chargement,
- des moyens d'actionnement du premier jeu de contre-galets d'une posi­tion de pression à une position rétractée quand l'enveloppe est dans ladite position de chargement, et
- des moyens d'ouverture du corps des enveloppes, commandés d'une posi­tion effacée à une position d'ouverture quand l'enveloppe est dans ladite position de chargement,
ledit dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que ledit premier jeu de contre-galets (4) est couplé à travers un mécanisme à roue libre (26) auxdits moyens d'avance (8) des plis, pour son entraînement avec eux, lesdits moyens d'avance étant eux-mêmes montés à une distance desdits premiers jeux de contre-galets inférieure à la longueur des plis à insérer dans les enveloppes, et étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en outre, des premiers moyens (17, 35-36), pour assurer une détection d'insertion partielle du pli dans l'enveloppe, couplés auxdits moyens d'actionnnement (14, 20) du premier jeu de contre-galets (4) pour leur retour en position de pression, en assurant l'insertion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe.1) Device for inserting pleats in envelopes, comprising:
a first set of rollers and a first associated set of counter rollers ensuring the supply and presentation of an envelope in a defined position known as loading, facing a fold path,
means for advancing the folds on the fold path for advancing a fold towards the envelope in the loading position,
means for actuating the first set of counter rollers from a pressure position to a retracted position when the envelope is in said loading position, and
means for opening the body of the envelopes, controlled from a retracted position to an open position when the envelope is in said loading position,
said device being characterized in that said first set of counter rollers (4) is coupled through a freewheel mechanism (26) to said means for advancing (8) the plies, for its drive with them, said means for advance being themselves mounted at a distance from said first sets of counter rollers less than the length of the folds to be inserted in the envelopes, and being characterized in that it further comprises first means (17, 35-36 ), to ensure detection of partial insertion of the fold into the envelope, coupled to said actuating means (14, 20) of the first set of counter rollers (4) for their return to the pressure position, ensuring the insertion at the bottom of the fold in the envelope. 2) Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en outre, des seconds moyens (35, 36) pour assurer une détection d'insertion à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe couplés auxdits moyens d'avance (8), pour assurer leur arrêt d'entraînement et l'arrêt d'entraînement dudit premier jeu de contre-galets (4).2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises second means (35, 36) for ensuring detection of insertion at the bottom of the fold in the envelope coupled to said advancing means (8 ), to ensure their drive stop and the drive stop of said first set of counter rollers (4). 3) Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'avance comportent une paire de deuxièmes jeux de galets en pression (8, 9) montés sur la sortie du chemin des plis, dont l'un au moins est couplé à un moteur (12) dit moteur des plis et en ce qu il comporte en outre une plaque fixe de guidage des plis (10) entre desdits premiers jeux de galets et contre-galets (3, 4) et deuxièmes jeux de galets (8, 9).3) Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said advancing means comprise a pair of second sets of pressure rollers (8, 9) mounted on the outlet of the fold path, including at least one is coupled to a motor (12) called the pleat motor and in that it further comprises a fixed ply guide plate (10) between said first sets of rollers and counter-rollers (3, 4) and second sets of rollers (8, 9). 4) Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'actionnement du premier jeu de contre-galets (4) comportent une paire de bras (20) portant ledit jeu de contre-galets ét montée articulée sur l'axe (20A) de l'un des deuxièmes jeux de galets (8).4) Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said actuating means of the first set of counter rollers (4) comprise a pair of arms (20) carrying said set of counter rollers and mounted articulated on the axis ( 20A) of one of the second sets of rollers (8). 5) Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'actionnement du premier jeu de contre-galets (4) comportent, en outre, une came (14), dont la périphérie présente deux premiers profilés sensiblement opposés (14A, 14C) de commande de mise du premier jeu de contre-galets en position de pression qui sont alternés avec deux seconds profilés (14B, 14D) de commande de mise du premier jeu de contre-galets en position rétractée, l'un (14C) desdits premiers profilés étant affecté au maintien en position de pression du premier jeu de contre-galets depuis ladite insertion partielle du pli dans l'enveloppe et au moins jusqu'à l'insertion à fond du pli.5) Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said means for actuating the first set of counter rollers (4) further comprise a cam (14), the periphery of which has two first substantially opposite profiles (14A, 14C) for controlling the setting of the first set of counter rollers in the pressure position which are alternated with two second sections (14B, 14D) for controlling the setting of the first set of counter rollers in the retracted position, one (14C) said first sections being assigned to maintaining the first set of counter rollers in the pressure position from said partial insertion of the ply into the envelope and at least until the bottom of the ply is inserted. 6) Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits premiers et seconds moyens pour assurer une détection d'insertion partielle et à fond du pli dans l'enveloppe comportent un levier de détection (35) formant obstacle (35B) effaçable par le pli en cours d'insertion à travers ladite plaque de guidage (10) et devant lesdits premiers jeux de galets et contre-galets (3, 4), et un détec­teur optique associé (36) couplé à un circuit de commande (17) de ladite came (14) et à travers une temporisation audit moteur des plis (12), pour la mise en position de pression du premier jeu de contre-galets dès l'insertion partielle et l'arrêt du moteur des plis dès que l'insertion à fond est réalisée.6) Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said first and second means for ensuring detection of partial insertion and at the bottom of the fold in the envelope comprise a detection lever (35) forming an obstacle (35B) erasable by the fold being inserted through said guide plate (10) and in front of said first sets of rollers and counter-rollers (3, 4), and an associated optical detector (36) coupled to a control circuit (17) of said cam (14) and through a time delay to said fold motor (12), for putting the first set of counter rollers in the pressure position upon partial insertion and stopping the fold motor as soon as insertion thoroughly is carried out. 7) Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 et 6, carac­térisé en ce que ladite paire de bras (20) porte un axe de commande (30) monté en axe entretoise traversant lesdits bras, dont les extrémités forment chacune un galet d'appui (21) sur ladite came (14).7) Device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said pair of arms (20) carries a control pin (30) mounted as a spacer axis passing through said arms, the ends of which each form a support roller (21) on said cam (14). 8) Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit axe de commande (30) est sollicité élastiquement vers ladite came (14) par un ressort en épingle (33) porté par lesdits bras (20) et dont l'un des brins terminaux forme butée d'appui sur ledit axe de commande (30).8) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said control pin (30) is resiliently biased towards said cam (14) by a hairpin spring (33) carried by said arms (20) and one of the strands of which terminals form abutment bearing on said control axis (30).
EP89113556A 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Device for inserting folded matter into envelopes Expired - Lifetime EP0352687B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8810121A FR2634692B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1988-07-27 DEVICE FOR INSERTING PLEATS IN ENVELOPES
FR8810121 1988-07-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0352687A1 true EP0352687A1 (en) 1990-01-31
EP0352687B1 EP0352687B1 (en) 1993-03-24

Family

ID=9368829

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89113556A Expired - Lifetime EP0352687B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Device for inserting folded matter into envelopes

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4926612A (en)
EP (1) EP0352687B1 (en)
DE (1) DE68905545T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2634692B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5772194A (en) * 1994-03-04 1998-06-30 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Sheet material inserter having controllable optical feed of sheet material and envelopes via multiple station feeders

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5255498A (en) * 1990-11-02 1993-10-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Envelope stuffing apparatus
US6032122A (en) * 1997-03-14 2000-02-29 Bell & Howell Mail And Messaging Technologies Company Systems, methods and computer program products for monitoring and controlling mail processing devices
US5802808A (en) * 1997-07-17 1998-09-08 Pitney Bowes Inc. Envelope throat opening mechanism for inserting machine
DE19913637C1 (en) * 1999-03-25 2000-09-21 Bell & Howell Co Device for handling sheet-shaped objects
US6494019B1 (en) 2000-02-22 2002-12-17 Jeffrey A. Lingle High speed envelope inserter
FR2876058B1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-04-18 Gianfranco Passoni METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY LOADING LOW-DIMENSIONAL PIECES, ESPECIALLY DOCUMENTS, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD
NL1027937C2 (en) * 2004-12-31 2006-07-03 Neopost Sa Compact place setting machine.
NL1027933C2 (en) * 2004-12-31 2006-07-03 Neopost Sa Device for embedding documents.
EP2243637B1 (en) * 2009-04-24 2014-05-21 Neopost Technologies Envelope inserting apparatus

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1237872A (en) * 1967-07-07 1971-06-30 Business Aid Inv S Ltd Improvements in or relating to machines for inserting paper sheets into envelopes
GB2183214A (en) * 1985-11-11 1987-06-03 Sanz Jose Antonio Martinez Apparatus for placing sheets, such as letters, in envelopes

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2771726A (en) * 1953-09-10 1956-11-27 Pitney Bowes Inc Sheet handling and envelope stuffing machine
US4418515A (en) * 1980-11-26 1983-12-06 Pitney Bowes Inc. Inserter gauging system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1237872A (en) * 1967-07-07 1971-06-30 Business Aid Inv S Ltd Improvements in or relating to machines for inserting paper sheets into envelopes
GB2183214A (en) * 1985-11-11 1987-06-03 Sanz Jose Antonio Martinez Apparatus for placing sheets, such as letters, in envelopes

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5772194A (en) * 1994-03-04 1998-06-30 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Sheet material inserter having controllable optical feed of sheet material and envelopes via multiple station feeders

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2634692A1 (en) 1990-02-02
EP0352687B1 (en) 1993-03-24
US4926612A (en) 1990-05-22
FR2634692B1 (en) 1990-09-14
DE68905545T2 (en) 1993-07-01
DE68905545D1 (en) 1993-04-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0352692B1 (en) Integrated office machine for folding mailing material and for inserting it into envelopes
FR2733000A1 (en) IMPROVEMENTS ON WINDING CLOSURE DEVICES
LU83746A1 (en) ROLL PACKAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS WITH LABEL INSERTION DEVICE
EP0352687B1 (en) Device for inserting folded matter into envelopes
FR2713993A1 (en) Apparatus for controlling the position of an envelope in an inserting machine.
EP1676798A1 (en) Device for making available an imprinted ticket
EP0352693B1 (en) Envelope sealing device
EP0352686B1 (en) Envelope opening and filling device
EP0317929B1 (en) Envelope-stuffing apparatus
CA1288649C (en) Envelope opening device
EP0921074B1 (en) Method and apparatus for collecting aligned articles by means of adhesive tapes
FR2677902A1 (en) LOADING DEVICE FOR MACHINE FOR SORTING FLAT OBJECTS SUCH AS COURIER PLATES.
WO1997046976A1 (en) Device for delivering tickets formed by strip sections
EP1145196B1 (en) Ticket dispensing apparatus
EP0317928B1 (en) Filled envelopes ejection device for an inserter
FR2474005A1 (en) MACHINE FOR ATTACHING THE TAIL END OF A WOUND TABLECLOTH
EP0297501B1 (en) Franking machine for alternatively issuing dry or wetted printed labels
FR2570331A1 (en) DEVICE FOR INSERTING LIASSE IN AN ENVELOPE
EP0860540B1 (en) Device for folding and discharging laundry in an ironing machine and an ironing machine equipped with a such device
EP0319888B1 (en) Envelope flap-folding
WO1997036529A1 (en) Wiping material dispenser apparatus with a device for loading a spare roll
FR2691006A1 (en) Introduction appts. for flat memory cards in printing units - inputs and outputs cards and prints details which are entered under control of operator
EP2374719B1 (en) Device for applying adhesive segments to moving parcels
FR2764498A1 (en) Distributor for sheets of paper on roll
FR2549811A1 (en) ROTATING ROLLER MOUNTING, FOR PRINTING MACHINES

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19900730

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19911213

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: NEOPOST INDUSTRIE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 68905545

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19930429

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19930402

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050713

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050715

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20050719

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050727

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060724

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070201

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070201

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060724

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20070201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060731