EP0470550B1 - Locking device for the setting wheels of a franking machine - Google Patents

Locking device for the setting wheels of a franking machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0470550B1
EP0470550B1 EP91113135A EP91113135A EP0470550B1 EP 0470550 B1 EP0470550 B1 EP 0470550B1 EP 91113135 A EP91113135 A EP 91113135A EP 91113135 A EP91113135 A EP 91113135A EP 0470550 B1 EP0470550 B1 EP 0470550B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ring
sleeve
racks
adjustment
print
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
Application number
EP91113135A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0470550A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Gregoire
Jean-Claude Haroutel
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
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 filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0470550A1 publication Critical patent/EP0470550A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0470550B1 publication Critical patent/EP0470550B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00233—Housing, e.g. lock or hardened casing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G07B2017/00548—Mechanical printhead

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to franking machines with a print head detachably mounted on a base, and the print head of which is with a print drum carrying printing rollers. It relates more particularly in such machines, to a device for locking in position the print wheels.
  • These printing wheels are, in known manner, rotatably mounted on the drum to allow them to be adjusted in position, in the absence of a franking operation. They are also slightly protruding on the periphery of the drum and rotatable with it, for printing fixed and variable postage information at each rotation of the drum.
  • the dials are used to print variable value and postage date information.
  • the printing drum therefore carries two sets of wheels for this variable information, which protrude from the drum through suitable openings in a plate engraved with postal stickers.
  • This engraved plate follows the periphery of the drum and carries the fixed postage information, in the form of imprints of the postage sticker and of the home office sticker, or another defined form.
  • This same drum generally carries, in addition, another engraved plate called advertising similar to the first but often retractable mounted, which is assigned to the printing of fixed advertising information.
  • other printing means such as one or more retractable pads are associated with the drum.
  • knobs are in known manner coupled to a motorized or manual control assembly with so-called driving pinions, by rack and pinion rods driven by the driving pinions and driving so-called pinions driven on the wheels.
  • the motorized control assembly is connected to a control card mounted in the base and itself connected to a data input means, for example a keyboard with display screen on the machine.
  • a franking machine with a removable printing head comprising printing knobs coupled to a control assembly motorized by pinions and sliding rods with racks and a locking device.
  • the locking device consists of a plate through which the main shaft and the sliding rods pass, this plate comprising a slot through which only a rack rod can slide. This locking device therefore allows, that only the rod to be adjusted is free, and only for the moment of adjustment. All other rods are locked to prevent unwanted movement of the rods.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a locking device which, once the adjustment of the knobs has been carried out, makes it possible to lock the racks and the printing knobs during their rotation with the drum at each printing cycle, and which or of a more compact arrangement and with fewer moving elements than the locking devices known from the prior art.
  • said first element is a protruding rod inside the first ring
  • the coupling means a finger on the control assembly locked in the width of a coupling slot of the first ring.
  • said first ring axially integral with the sheath belongs to said head, is mounted on the rear end portion of the sheath and has an open access slot at the end of the first ring on the side of the rear end of the sheath, defining said access to the rear racks for said adjustment control assembly mounted in the base in interface for the head.
  • Figures 4 and 5 correspond to Figures 2 and 3 and are a schematic sectional view at a second ring of the locking device and the corresponding schematic longitudinal section.
  • the franking machine is that which is the subject of French patent application No. 90 08 752 filed on July 10, 1990 in the name of the applicant. A description of this machine is included in the present application, with reference to FIG. 1 and / or to FIG. 2, with regard to the mounting of the head on the base.
  • This machine is with a print head 1 removable with respect to a base 2.
  • the head is received in a location provided for its purpose on the front of the base, against a recessed front wall 2A of the base.
  • the head 1 forms a security module, the different parts of which are mounted in a quasi-closed box 10, of access not authorized for the user. It essentially comprises a printing drum 11, a sheath 12, and a card 13 of the accounting circuits known as the accounting card of the machine.
  • the drum 11 is flat 11A, which is flush through a window 10A from the bottom of the housing, for the rest position of the drum. It carries on its periphery an engraved plate 14 for printing postal stamps and two sets of printing wheels for the postage amount and the date, such as the wheel 15, protruding through the plate 14.
  • the drum carries, in addition, advertising printing means similar to the plate 14 but retractable or is associated with other means additional retractable printing supports, such as stamps at one or more printing positions. These additional printing means are as such known and not illustrated.
  • the sheath 12 carries the drum on its front end portion inside the head. On the other hand, it has its protruding rear end part on the back of the head. It is rotatably mounted in the head in two rolling bearings 16 and 17.
  • the accounting card 13 is connected to a connector 18 for its connection to the base.
  • Base 2 forms another separate set, which is authorized access. It has an insertion slot 20 for articles under the head. It comprises a printing counter-roller 21, a spindle 22, a mechanism for driving the spindle and the counter-roller, not shown, and at least one card 24 of the control circuits of the base and of the head, called control card.
  • Pin 22 is horizontal. It is rotatably mounted in the base by rolling bearings, such as the bearing 27 on an intermediate spacer 26. It has its front end protruding in the location of the head on the base, through a wide opening 29 in the front wall 2A.
  • the rear part of the sheath is inserted into the base, the pin 22 and the sheath 12 are locked in rotation, and a connector 28 on the base and the connector 18 of the head ensure the connection of the head and base.
  • a mechanism illustrated at 30 ensures the blocking of the head in place on the base.
  • the base 2 also carries a data entry and display assembly 35 for the operator, such as a keyboard and an associated display screen. This assembly is mounted on the upper face of the base. It is coupled to the control card 24.
  • This machine is also equipped with a wheel adjustment device, which is as such known or is preferably in accordance with the applicant's patent application, of the same date of filing as the present application and having for title "Device for adjusting printing wheels in a franking machine”.
  • the adjustment device illustrated in FIG. 1 conforms to that of the above-mentioned application.
  • control assembly 40 It comprises on the one hand a control assembly 40 and on the other hand, for the various knobs, sliding rods 41, of the rack type, and driven pinions 42.
  • the control assembly 40 is mounted in the base 2, while the sliding rods 41 and the driven pinions 42 belong to the head.
  • This control assembly is in an annular housing 43 defined around the sheath on the spindle, between the spacer 26 of the base and its front wall 2A. It constitutes in the base 2 an interface for controlling the adjustment of the knobs of the head 1 and is thus called hereinafter.
  • In the base it receives its adjustment control signals from the control card 24, by a connection card 34.
  • the control interface 40 includes a set 45 of motors M and the same set 46 of cascading pinions, with a cascade of driving pinions per motor.
  • Each cascade is formed here of three driving pinions, in engagement between them and driven by their individual motor, one 46A motor, and another 46B intermediate and the third 46C of attack for one of the sliding rods.
  • the number of individual motors and driving pinion cascades 46 is advantageously chosen from six and corresponds to the six postage or date wheels.
  • the control interface 40 is mounted oscillating in its housing 43 around the sleeve on the spindle. It is controlled in angular position around the sleeve then kept at rest, from orientation control signals from the control card 24.
  • a semi-annular groove 44 on the rear part of the sleeve provides clearance for the driving pinions 46C when ordering. The profile of this groove corresponds to three pinion teeth driving 46C.
  • the control interface is mounted on a hub 50 centered on the sleeve on the spindle.
  • the hub is carried by the spacer 26 and guided in rotation by a plain bearing 51.
  • the vertical shoulder of the hub 50 parallel to the front and rear walls of the base and substantially against the spacer 26, forms a ring gear 55, with semi-peripheral teeth 55A.
  • a pinion 56 is engaged on the teeth 55A. It is mounted on the shaft of a motor 57, called the angular position control motor, connected to the control card 24 and mounted behind the spacer 26.
  • the driven pinions 42 are directly mounted on the axis of the different knurls to which they are individually assigned.
  • the sliding rack rods are identical to each other. They each have a rear rack 60 for their coupling to the driving pinions 46C and a front rack 62 coupled to each of the driven pinions, at their end parts. They extend side by side along generatrices of the sheath, and are embedded in longitudinal grooves 63 of the sheath, leaving access to the racks for the driving pinions 46C and the driven pinions 42.
  • the sliding rods or their racks form a group A of six elements assigned to the adjustment of the franking dials, another group D of six other elements assigned to the adjustment date dials and a third group S of three additional items assigned to the setting of additional dials.
  • These additional knobs are mounted identical to the previous ones on the drum but provide control of additional individual printing means associated with the drum.
  • ring 70 rotatable around the sheath 12 and rear racks 60, which is coupled to the adjustment control assembly 40. This ring is driven with the control assembly 40 relative to the sheath, for the operations of adjusting the wheels and during each operation postage.
  • the ring 70 is mounted axially integral with the sleeve on its rear end part. It belongs to the head and remains integral with the sheath during the disassembly of the head from the base.
  • the ring 70 has an open annular inner ring 71, the section of which is complementary to an entrance to the rear racks 60.
  • the rear end portion of the sleeve 12 has an annular groove 72 complementary to the ring 71 and passing through an entrance of the rear racks.
  • the rod is engaged in the groove 72 and in an inlet of the various racks, in particular in the position of rest or insertion of the head on the base, denoted PI on an axis of symmetry of the assembly 40, in FIG. 2 It remains engaged in the groove 72 and the inlet of the rear racks of two of the groups A, D and S, during the adjustment of the knobs corresponding to the third group of rear racks.
  • This ring may alternatively have a semi-annular inner groove corresponding to a rack tooth and the sheath a projecting annular rib which is complementary to it and corresponds to a rack tooth, this rib being interrupted by the grooves 63 for the racks.
  • the ring also has a slot 74 for access for the assembly 40 to the rear racks 60.
  • This access slot 74 is of width corresponding to the six racks of group A or D for the six driving pinions 46C which can engage on they. It is open on the rear end of the sheath, for the insertion and the longitudinal positioning of the driving pinions 46C in this slot, during the insertion of the head into the base.
  • This access slot 74 interrupts the annular ring on a corresponding sector 75.
  • the coupling means of the ring 70 to the control assembly 40 are constituted by a finger 76 on the hub 50, which is protruding internally towards the sleeve mounted on the spindle, and a coupling slot 77 on the ring.
  • the coupling slot 77 is open on the rear end of the sleeve for the engagement of the finger 76 in the slot and its sliding along this slot during mounting of the head on the base.
  • the finger 76 retained in the width of the slot secures in rotation the ring and the adjustment control assembly 40 relative to the sheath, during the angular orientation of the assembly 40, for which the sheath remains at rest, and during franking operations for which the assembly 40 remains fixed in the base.
  • the locking device preferably further comprises a second ring 70 'to guarantee perfect locking of the racks.
  • This second ring 70 ′ is mounted, axially integral with the sheath, on the sheath and the rear racks, like the first ring 70. It is also oscillating around the sheath like the first ring, but locks the racks in position, except for their adjustment .
  • This second ring 70 ′ has an annular inner ring 71 ′, complementary to a rack-intermesh, on its periphery, which is simply interrupted by three series of notches 75 ′ which open out through the ring 70 ′ or alternatively which can do not open through the ring. These series of notches 75 ′ correspond to the series of racks A, D, S respectively and allow access to the rear racks only for the adjustment of one or the other of the three series.
  • the rod 71 ′ corresponds to a peripheral groove 72 ′ on the sheath in which it is engaged.
  • This ring 70 ′ carries a member 76 ′ for actuating in oscillation around the sheath of a position known as locking of the racks, which is its normal position, and for which the notches 75 ′ are between the racks of the different groups, such as 'illustrated, and an authorized adjustment position for which the notches 75 ′ are opposite the different racks.
  • This oscillation command is half a step from the racks of the same group or an integer of no more than one half step. It is transmitted to the member 76 ′ either from the assembly 40, or from the control card 24, by a motor or other means such as an electromagnet, or jack or other equivalent. It ensures the setting of the ring 70 ′ in the authorized adjustment position just before the adjustment of a group of knobs and in the rack locking position just after each adjustment.
  • a groove can replace the rod 71 ′ with this time teeth replacing the notches 75 ′ and a rib replacing the groove 72 ′ on the sheath.
  • the ring 70 is terminally mounted on the sheath, with its rod 71 centered in the profile of the groove 44.
  • the ring 70 ′ is simply more internal than the ring 70 on the sheath.
  • the rod 71 provides a loose locking of the rear racks while their perfect locking is ensured by the rod 71 ′.
  • the rod 71 or 71 ' is preferably attached to its ring. It is fixed in the ring by pins or screws such as 78.
  • pins or screws such as 78.
  • any other suitable arrangement for securing the ring to the ring can be retained, or the ring can also be directly produced by manufacturing with the ring.
  • the mounting of the ring 70 on the rear end of the sheath is carried out by playing on the elasticity which the slots 74 and 77 give it, or by making it in two or more parts then joined together.
  • the ring 70 ′ is preferably in several parts.
  • the rear racks of the sliding rods not affected by the current adjustment are locked perfectly by the rod 71 while the rod 71 'leaves them all free.
  • the rear racks are locked by the rod 71 and, in the sector 75 without rod, by the driving pinions 46C of the assembly, and in addition by the rod 71 ′.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les machines à affranchir à tête d'impression montée amovible sur une base, et dont la tête d'impression est à tambour d'impression portant des molettes d'impression. Elle porte plus particulièrement dans de telles machines, sur un dispositif de verrouillage en position des molettes d'impression.The present invention relates to franking machines with a print head detachably mounted on a base, and the print head of which is with a print drum carrying printing rollers. It relates more particularly in such machines, to a device for locking in position the print wheels.

Ces molettes d'impression sont, de manière connue, montées rotatives sur le tambour pour permettre leur réglage en position, en l'absence d'opération d'affranchissement. Elles sont par ailleurs légèrement saillantes sur la périphérie du tambour et rotatives avec lui, pour l'impression d'informations fixes et variables d'affranchissement à chaque tour de rotation du tambour. Les molettes sont affectées à l'impression des informations variables de valeur et de date de l'affranchissement. Le tambour d'impression porte donc deux jeux de molettes pour ces informations variables, qui font saillie sur le tambour à travers des ouvertures convenables d'une plaque gravée des vignettes postales. Cette plaque gravée épouse la périphérie du tambour et porte les informations fixes d'affranchissement, sous la forme d'empreintes de la vignette d'affranchissement et de la vignette du bureau d'attache, ou une autre forme définie. Ce même tambour porte en général, en outre, une autre plaque gravée dite publicitaire analogue à la première mais souvent montée escamotable, qui est affectée à l'impression d'informations fixes de publicité. Dans certaines machines, d'autres moyens d'impression tels qu'un ou plusieurs tampons escamotables, sont associés au tambour.These printing wheels are, in known manner, rotatably mounted on the drum to allow them to be adjusted in position, in the absence of a franking operation. They are also slightly protruding on the periphery of the drum and rotatable with it, for printing fixed and variable postage information at each rotation of the drum. The dials are used to print variable value and postage date information. The printing drum therefore carries two sets of wheels for this variable information, which protrude from the drum through suitable openings in a plate engraved with postal stickers. This engraved plate follows the periphery of the drum and carries the fixed postage information, in the form of imprints of the postage sticker and of the home office sticker, or another defined form. This same drum generally carries, in addition, another engraved plate called advertising similar to the first but often retractable mounted, which is assigned to the printing of fixed advertising information. In some machines, other printing means such as one or more retractable pads are associated with the drum.

Pour leur réglage en position, les molettes sont de manière connue couplées à un ensemble de commande motorisé ou manuel à pignons dits menants, par des tiges à crémaillères entraînées par les pignons menants et entraînant des pignons dits menés sur les molettes. L'ensemble de commande motorisé est relié à une carte de commande montée dans la base et elle-même reliée à un moyen d'entrée de données, par exemple un clavier à écran de visualisation sur la machine.For their position adjustment, the knobs are in known manner coupled to a motorized or manual control assembly with so-called driving pinions, by rack and pinion rods driven by the driving pinions and driving so-called pinions driven on the wheels. The motorized control assembly is connected to a control card mounted in the base and itself connected to a data input means, for example a keyboard with display screen on the machine.

Il est connu du document US-A-4 398 458, une machine à affranchir où, pour le réglage en position des molettes d'impression, celles-ci sont couplées à un ensemble de commande motorisé par pignons et tiges coulissantes à crémaillères, qui peuvent être bloquées par un dispositif de verrouillage monté rotatif avec l'arbre principal. Le dispositif de verrouillage est constitué d'une barre qui vient s'engager, par translation, dans les dentures de toutes les crémaillères pour éviter leur mouvement. Les tiges à crémaillères sont montées radialement dans des rainures longitudinales de l'arbre principal pour économiser de la place.It is known from document US-A-4 398 458, a franking machine where, for adjusting the position of the printing knobs, these are coupled to a motorized control assembly by pinions and sliding rods with racks, which can be locked by a locking device rotatably mounted with the main shaft. The locking device consists of a bar which engages, by translation, in the teeth of all the racks to prevent their movement. The rack rods are mounted radially in longitudinal grooves of the main shaft to save space.

Il est encore connu du document US-A-4 603 627, une machine à affranchir à tête d'impression amovible, comportant des molettes d'impression couplées à un ensemble de commande motorisé par pignons et tiges coulissantes à crémaillères et un dispositif de verrouillage. Le dispositif de verrouillage est constitué d'une plaque traversée par l'arbre principal et les tiges coulissantes, cette plaque comportant une fente au travers de laquelle peut coulisser seulement une tige à crémaillère. Ce dispositif de verrouillage permet donc, que seule la tige à régler est libre, et seulement pour le moment du réglage. Toutes les autres tiges sont bloquées pour éviter tout mouvement indésiré des tiges.It is also known from document US-A-4 603 627, a franking machine with a removable printing head, comprising printing knobs coupled to a control assembly motorized by pinions and sliding rods with racks and a locking device. . The locking device consists of a plate through which the main shaft and the sliding rods pass, this plate comprising a slot through which only a rack rod can slide. This locking device therefore allows, that only the rod to be adjusted is free, and only for the moment of adjustment. All other rods are locked to prevent unwanted movement of the rods.

Le but de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif de verrouillage qui, une fois le réglage des molettes effectué permet, de verrouiller les crémaillères et les molettes d'impression lors de leur rotation avec le tambour à chaque cycle d'impression, et qui soit d'un arrangement plus compact et avec moins d'éléments mouvants que les dispositifs de verrouillage connus de l'état de la technique.The object of the invention is to provide a locking device which, once the adjustment of the knobs has been carried out, makes it possible to lock the racks and the printing knobs during their rotation with the drum at each printing cycle, and which or of a more compact arrangement and with fewer moving elements than the locking devices known from the prior art.

Elle a pour objet un dispositif de verrouillage de molettes d'une machine à affranchir, à tête amovible par rapport à une base et à moyens de réglage des molettes, dans laquelle :

  • la tête comporte un tambour d'impression portant lesdites molettes et un fourreau rotatif portant ledit tambour sur l'une de ses parties terminales dite avant et présentant son autre partie terminale dite arrière saillante sur la tête,
  • la base comporte au moins une carte de commande, des moyens d'entraînement couplés à la carte de commande, et une broche rotative couplée aux moyens d'entraînement et accessible sur la base, pour l'engagement du fourreau sur elle et l'entraînement en rotation avec elle du fourreau,
  • et les moyens de réglage des molettes comportent des tiges, à crémaillères terminales dites avant et arrière, montées côte à côte et coulissantes le long du fourreau et couplées par lesdites crémaillères avant aux différentes molettes, et un ensemble de commande de réglage, monté oscillant autour du fourreau et des crémaillères arrière et couplé à la carte de commande, pour son couplage, ou non, à au moins un groupe de crémaillères arrière,

   le dispositif de verrouillage étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte :
  • une première bague montée sur la partie terminale arrière du fourreau et les crémaillères arrière, solidaire axialement du fourreau et rotative sur lui, et présentant un accès pour ledit ensemble de commande de réglage au groupe de crémaillères arrière pour le réglage des molettes concernées,
  • un premier élément annulaire semi-périphérique intérieur dans la première bague et un premier moyen complémentaire extérieur sur le fourreau, engagés l'un dans l'autre, ledit premier élément semi-périphérique étant de section complémentaire d'un segment quelconque de denture des crémaillères arrière, pour leur engagement l'un dans l'autre également,
  • et des moyens de couplage en rotation de ladite première bague et dudit ensemble de commande de réglage, pour l'entraînement relatif de la première bague avec ledit ensemble par rapport au fourreau.
It relates to a device for locking the rollers of a franking machine, with a removable head relative to a base and to means for adjusting the rollers, in which:
  • the head comprises a printing drum carrying said rollers and a rotary sheath carrying said drum on one of its end portions known as front and having its other end portion known as rear protruding from the head,
  • the base comprises at least one control card, drive means coupled to the control card, and a rotary spindle coupled to the drive means and accessible on the base, for the engagement of the sheath on it and the drive rotating with the sheath,
  • and the adjustment means of the knobs comprise rods, with said front and rear racks, mounted side by side and sliding along the sheath and coupled by said front racks to the various knobs, and an adjustment control assembly, mounted oscillating around sheath and rear racks and coupled to the control card, for its coupling, or not, to at least one group of rear racks,

the locking device being characterized in that it comprises:
  • a first ring mounted on the rear end part of the sheath and the rear racks, axially integral with the sheath and rotatable on it, and having access for said adjustment control assembly to the rear rack group for the adjustment of the knobs concerned,
  • a first internal semi-peripheral annular element in the first ring and a first external complementary means on the sheath, engaged one in the other, said first semi-peripheral element being of complementary section of any segment of rack teeth back, for their commitment to each other also,
  • and means for rotationally coupling said first ring and said adjustment control assembly, for the relative drive of the first ring with said assembly relative to the sheath.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, ledit premier élément est un jonc saillant à l'intérieur de la première bague, et les moyens de couplage un doigt sur l'ensemble de commande bloqué dans la largeur d'une fente de couplage de la première bague.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said first element is a protruding rod inside the first ring, and the coupling means a finger on the control assembly locked in the width of a coupling slot of the first ring.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, ladite première bague solidaire axialement du fourreau appartient à ladite tête, est montée sur la partie terminale arrière du fourreau et présente une fente d'accès ouverte en bout de la première bague du côté du bout arrière du fourreau, définissant ledit accès aux crémaillères arrière pour ledit ensemble de commande de réglage monté dans la base en interface pour la tête.According to another embodiment, said first ring axially integral with the sheath belongs to said head, is mounted on the rear end portion of the sheath and has an open access slot at the end of the first ring on the side of the rear end of the sheath, defining said access to the rear racks for said adjustment control assembly mounted in the base in interface for the head.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le dispositif de verrouillage comporte en outre :

  • une deuxième bague, montée attenante à la première sur la partie arrière du fourreau et sur les crémaillères arrière, en étant solidaire axialement du fourreau et oscillante autour de lui, indépendamment de la première bague,
  • un deuxième élément annulaire intérieur sur la deuxième bague, à encoches correspondant aux différentes crémaillères arrière respectives, engagé dans un deuxième moyen complémentaire sur le fourreau, ledit deuxième élément étant complémentaire d'un segment quelconque de denture des crémaillères arrière,
  • et un moyen d'actionnement de ladite deuxième bague, pour son oscillation entre une position de verrouillage des crémaillères pour laquelle les encoches sont décalées des crémaillères arrière et une posiiton de réglage pour laquelle les encoches sont au droit desdites différentes crémaillères arrière et autorisent leur réglage.
According to another embodiment, the locking device further comprises:
  • a second ring, mounted adjacent to the first on the rear part of the sleeve and on the rear racks, being axially integral with the sleeve and oscillating around it, independently of the first ring,
  • a second inner annular element on the second ring, with notches corresponding to the different respective rear racks, engaged in a second complementary means on the sheath, said second element being complementary to any segment of toothing of the rear racks,
  • and a means for actuating said second ring, for its oscillation between a rack locking position for which the notches are offset from the rear racks and an adjustment position for which the notches are in line with said different rear racks and allow their adjustment .

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

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe partielle d'une machine à affranchir équipée d'un dispositif de verrouillage selon la présente invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale de la figure 1, faite au niveau d'une première bague du dispositif de verrouillage,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale partielle de la figure 2,
The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings. In these drawings:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in partial section of a franking machine equipped with a locking device according to the present invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, made at the level of a first ring of the locking device,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view in partial longitudinal section of FIG. 2,

Les figures 4 et 5 correspondent aux figures 2 et 3 et sont une vue schématique en coupe au niveau d'une deuxième bague du dispositif de verrouillage et la coupe schématique longitudinale correspondante.Figures 4 and 5 correspond to Figures 2 and 3 and are a schematic sectional view at a second ring of the locking device and the corresponding schematic longitudinal section.

La machine à affranchir est celle faisant l'objet de la demande de brevet français n°90 08 752 déposée le 10 Juillet 1990 au nom de la demanderesse. Une description de cette machine est incluse dans la présente demande, en regard de la figure 1 et/ou de la figure 2, en ce qui concerne le montage de la tête sur la base.The franking machine is that which is the subject of French patent application No. 90 08 752 filed on July 10, 1990 in the name of the applicant. A description of this machine is included in the present application, with reference to FIG. 1 and / or to FIG. 2, with regard to the mounting of the head on the base.

Cette machine est à tête d'impression 1 amovible par rapport à une base 2. La tête est reçue dans un emplacement prévu à son effet sur l'avant de la base, contre une paroi avant en retrait 2A de la base.This machine is with a print head 1 removable with respect to a base 2. The head is received in a location provided for its purpose on the front of the base, against a recessed front wall 2A of the base.

La tête 1 forme un module de sécurité, dont les différentes parties sont montées dans un boîtier quasi-fermé 10, d'accès non autorisé pour l'usager. Elle comporte essentiellement un tambour d'impression 11, un fourreau 12, et une carte 13 des circuits de comptabilisation dite carte comptable de la machine.The head 1 forms a security module, the different parts of which are mounted in a quasi-closed box 10, of access not authorized for the user. It essentially comprises a printing drum 11, a sheath 12, and a card 13 of the accounting circuits known as the accounting card of the machine.

Le tambour 11 est à méplat 11A, qui affleure à travers une fenêtre 10A du fond du boîtier, pour la position de repos du tambour. Il porte sur sa périphérie une plaque gravée 14 d'impression des vignettes postales et deux jeux de molettes d'impression du montant d'affranchissement et de la date, telles que la molette 15, saillantes à travers la plaque 14. Le tambour porte, en outre, des moyens d'impression de publicité analogues à la plaque 14 mais escamotables ou est associée à d'autres moyens supplémentaires d'impression également escamotables, tels que des tampons à une ou plusieurs positions d'impression. Ces moyens supplémentaires d'impression sont en tant que tels connus et non illustrés.The drum 11 is flat 11A, which is flush through a window 10A from the bottom of the housing, for the rest position of the drum. It carries on its periphery an engraved plate 14 for printing postal stamps and two sets of printing wheels for the postage amount and the date, such as the wheel 15, protruding through the plate 14. The drum carries, in addition, advertising printing means similar to the plate 14 but retractable or is associated with other means additional retractable printing supports, such as stamps at one or more printing positions. These additional printing means are as such known and not illustrated.

Le fourreau 12 porte le tambour sur sa partie terminale avant intérieure à la tête. Il a, par contre, sa partie terminale arrière saillante sur l'arrière de la tête. Il est monté rotatif dans la tête dans deux paliers à roulement 16 et 17.The sheath 12 carries the drum on its front end portion inside the head. On the other hand, it has its protruding rear end part on the back of the head. It is rotatably mounted in the head in two rolling bearings 16 and 17.

La carte comptable 13 est raccordée à un connecteur 18 pour son raccordement à la base.The accounting card 13 is connected to a connector 18 for its connection to the base.

La base 2 forme un autre ensemble séparé, qui est d'accès autorisé. Elle présente une fente d'introduction 20 des articles sous la tête. Elle comporte un contre-rouleau d'impression 21, une broche 22, un mécanisme d'entraînement de la broche et du contre-rouleau, non représenté, et au moins une carte 24 des circuits de commande de la base et de la tête, dite carte de commande.Base 2 forms another separate set, which is authorized access. It has an insertion slot 20 for articles under the head. It comprises a printing counter-roller 21, a spindle 22, a mechanism for driving the spindle and the counter-roller, not shown, and at least one card 24 of the control circuits of the base and of the head, called control card.

La broche 22 est horizontale. Elle est montée rotative dans la base par des paliers à roulement, tels que le palier 27 sur une entretoise intermédiaire 26. Elle a sa partie terminale avant saillante dans l'emplacement de la tête sur la base, à travers une large ouverture 29 de la paroi avant 2A.Pin 22 is horizontal. It is rotatably mounted in the base by rolling bearings, such as the bearing 27 on an intermediate spacer 26. It has its front end protruding in the location of the head on the base, through a wide opening 29 in the front wall 2A.

Quand la tête est en place, la partie arrière du fourreau se trouve insérée dans la base, la broche 22 et le fourreau 12 sont verrouillés en rotation, et un connecteur 28 sur la base et le connecteur 18 de la tête assurent le raccordement de la tête et de la base. Un mécanisme illustré en 30, assure le blocage de la tête en place sur la base.When the head is in place, the rear part of the sheath is inserted into the base, the pin 22 and the sheath 12 are locked in rotation, and a connector 28 on the base and the connector 18 of the head ensure the connection of the head and base. A mechanism illustrated at 30 ensures the blocking of the head in place on the base.

La base 2 porte, en outre un ensemble 35 d'entrée de données et de visualisation pour l'opérateur, tel qu'un clavier et un écran d'affichage associé. Cet ensemble est monté sur la face supérieure de la base. Il est couplé à la carte de commande 24.The base 2 also carries a data entry and display assembly 35 for the operator, such as a keyboard and an associated display screen. This assembly is mounted on the upper face of the base. It is coupled to the control card 24.

Cette machine est en outre équipée d'un dispositif de réglage des molettes, qui est en tant que tel connu ou est de préférence conforme à la demande de brevet de la demanderesse, de même date de dépôt que la présente demande et ayant pour titre "Dispositif de réglage de molettes d'impression dans une machine à affranchir".This machine is also equipped with a wheel adjustment device, which is as such known or is preferably in accordance with the applicant's patent application, of the same date of filing as the present application and having for title "Device for adjusting printing wheels in a franking machine".

Le dispositif de réglage illustré dans la figure 1 est conforme à celui de la demande précitée.The adjustment device illustrated in FIG. 1 conforms to that of the above-mentioned application.

Il comporte d'une part un ensemble de commande 40 et d'autre part, pour les différents molettes, des tiges coulissantes 41, du type à crémaillères, et des pignons menés 42.It comprises on the one hand a control assembly 40 and on the other hand, for the various knobs, sliding rods 41, of the rack type, and driven pinions 42.

L'ensemble de commande 40 est monté dans la base 2, tandis que les tiges coulissantes 41 et les pignons menés 42 appartiennent à la tête. Cet ensemble de commande est dans un logement annulaire 43 défini autour du fourreau sur la broche, entre l'entretoise 26 de la base et sa paroi avant 2A. Il constitue dans la base 2 un interface de commande de réglage des molettes de la tête 1 et est ainsi appelé ci-après. Dans la base, il reçoit ses signaux de commande de réglage de la carte de commande 24, par une carte de raccordement 34.The control assembly 40 is mounted in the base 2, while the sliding rods 41 and the driven pinions 42 belong to the head. This control assembly is in an annular housing 43 defined around the sheath on the spindle, between the spacer 26 of the base and its front wall 2A. It constitutes in the base 2 an interface for controlling the adjustment of the knobs of the head 1 and is thus called hereinafter. In the base, it receives its adjustment control signals from the control card 24, by a connection card 34.

L'interface de commande 40 comporte un jeu 45 de moteurs M et un même jeu 46 de pignons menants en cascade, avec une cascade de pignons menants par moteur. Chaque cascade est formée ici de trois pignons menants, en prise entre eux et entraînés par leur moteur individuel, l'un 46A moteur, et un autre 46B intermédiaire et le troisième 46C d'attaque pour l'une des tiges coulissantes.The control interface 40 includes a set 45 of motors M and the same set 46 of cascading pinions, with a cascade of driving pinions per motor. Each cascade is formed here of three driving pinions, in engagement between them and driven by their individual motor, one 46A motor, and another 46B intermediate and the third 46C of attack for one of the sliding rods.

Le nombre de moteurs individuels et de cascades de pignons menants 46 est avantageusement choisi de six et correspond aux six molettes d'affranchissement ou de date.The number of individual motors and driving pinion cascades 46 is advantageously chosen from six and corresponds to the six postage or date wheels.

L'interface de commande 40 est monté oscillant dans son logement 43 autour du fourreau sur la broche. Il est commandé en position angulaire autour du fourreau alors maintenu au repos, à partir de signaux de commande d'orientation issus de la carte de commande 24. Une gorge semi-annulaire 44 sur la partie arrière du fourreau assure un dégagement pour les pignons menants 46C lors de cette commande. Le profil de cette gorge correspond à trois dents de pignon menant 46C.The control interface 40 is mounted oscillating in its housing 43 around the sleeve on the spindle. It is controlled in angular position around the sleeve then kept at rest, from orientation control signals from the control card 24. A semi-annular groove 44 on the rear part of the sleeve provides clearance for the driving pinions 46C when ordering. The profile of this groove corresponds to three pinion teeth driving 46C.

L'interface de commande est monté sur un moyeu 50 centré sur le fourreau sur la broche. Le moyeu est porté par l'entretroise 26 et guidé en rotation par un palier lisse 51. L'épaulement vertical du moyeu 50, parallèle aux parois avant et arrière de la base et sensiblement contre l'entretoise 26, forme une couronne dentée 55, à denture 55A semi-périphérique. Un pignon 56 est en prise sur la denture 55A. Il est monté sur l'arbre d'un moteur 57, dit de commande de position angulaire, relié à la carte de commande 24 et monté derrière l'entretoise 26.The control interface is mounted on a hub 50 centered on the sleeve on the spindle. The hub is carried by the spacer 26 and guided in rotation by a plain bearing 51. The vertical shoulder of the hub 50, parallel to the front and rear walls of the base and substantially against the spacer 26, forms a ring gear 55, with semi-peripheral teeth 55A. A pinion 56 is engaged on the teeth 55A. It is mounted on the shaft of a motor 57, called the angular position control motor, connected to the control card 24 and mounted behind the spacer 26.

Les pignons menés 42 sont directement montés sur l'axe des différentes molettes auxquelles ils sont individuellement affectés.The driven pinions 42 are directly mounted on the axis of the different knurls to which they are individually assigned.

Les tiges coulissantes à crémaillères sont identiques les unes aux autres. Elles ont chacune une crémaillère arrière 60 pour leur couplage aux pignons menants 46C et une crémaillère avant 62 couplée à chacun des pignons menés, à leurs parties terminales. Elles s'étendent côte à côte selon des génératrices du fourreau, et sont encastrées dans des rainures longitudinales 63 du fourreau, en laissant l'accès aux crémaillères pour les pignons menants 46C et les pignons menés 42.The sliding rack rods are identical to each other. They each have a rear rack 60 for their coupling to the driving pinions 46C and a front rack 62 coupled to each of the driven pinions, at their end parts. They extend side by side along generatrices of the sheath, and are embedded in longitudinal grooves 63 of the sheath, leaving access to the racks for the driving pinions 46C and the driven pinions 42.

Ainsi qu'il ressort de la figure 2, les tiges coulissantes ou leurs crémaillères, telles que celles arrière 60, forment un groupe A de six éléments affectés au réglage des molettes d'affranchissement, un autre groupe D de six autres éléments affectés au réglage des molettes de date et un troisième groupe S de trois éléments supplémentaires affectés au réglage de molettes supplémentaires. Ces molettes supplémentaires sont montées identiques aux précédentes sur le tambour mais assurent la commande de moyens individuels supplémentaires d'impression associés au tambour.As can be seen from FIG. 2, the sliding rods or their racks, such as those at the rear 60, form a group A of six elements assigned to the adjustment of the franking dials, another group D of six other elements assigned to the adjustment date dials and a third group S of three additional items assigned to the setting of additional dials. These additional knobs are mounted identical to the previous ones on the drum but provide control of additional individual printing means associated with the drum.

Le dispositif de verrouillage des molettes, selon la présente invention, est décrit en se référant tout d'abord aux figures 1 à 3, puis aux figures 1, 4 et 5.The wheel locking device according to the present invention is described with reference first to Figures 1 to 3, then to Figures 1, 4 and 5.

Il comporte une bague 70 rotative autour du fourreau 12 et des crémaillères arrière 60, qui est couplée à l'ensemble de commande de réglage 40. Cette bague est entraînée avec l'ensemble de commande 40 relativement au fourreau, pour les opérations de réglage des molettes et lors de chaque opération d'affranchissement.It comprises a ring 70 rotatable around the sheath 12 and rear racks 60, which is coupled to the adjustment control assembly 40. This ring is driven with the control assembly 40 relative to the sheath, for the operations of adjusting the wheels and during each operation postage.

Dans la machine à affranchir décrite ci-avant, à ensemble de commande de réglage 40 monté avantageusement en interface dans la base 2 pour la tête 1, la bague 70 est montée solidaire axialement du fourreau sur sa partie terminale arrière. Elle appartient à la tête et reste solidaire du fourreau lors du démontage de la tête de la base.In the franking machine described above, with an adjustment control assembly 40 advantageously mounted as an interface in the base 2 for the head 1, the ring 70 is mounted axially integral with the sleeve on its rear end part. It belongs to the head and remains integral with the sheath during the disassembly of the head from the base.

La bague 70 présente un jonc intérieur annulaire ouvert 71, dont la section est complémentaire d'une entredent des crémaillères arrière 60. La partie terminale arrière du fourreau 12 présente quant à elle une gorge annulaire 72 complémentaire du jonc 71 et passant par une entredent des crémaillères arrière. Le jonc est engagé dans la gorge 72 et dans une entredent des différentes crémaillères, notamment dans la position de repos ou d'insertion de la tête sur la base, notée PI sur un axe de symétrie de l'ensemble 40, dans la figure 2. Il reste engagé dans la gorge 72 et l'entredent des crémaillères arrière de deux des groupes A, D et S, lors du réglage des molettes correspondant au troisième groupe de crémaillères arrière.The ring 70 has an open annular inner ring 71, the section of which is complementary to an entrance to the rear racks 60. The rear end portion of the sleeve 12 has an annular groove 72 complementary to the ring 71 and passing through an entrance of the rear racks. The rod is engaged in the groove 72 and in an inlet of the various racks, in particular in the position of rest or insertion of the head on the base, denoted PI on an axis of symmetry of the assembly 40, in FIG. 2 It remains engaged in the groove 72 and the inlet of the rear racks of two of the groups A, D and S, during the adjustment of the knobs corresponding to the third group of rear racks.

Cette bague peut en variante présenter un gorge intérieure semi-annulaire correspondant à une dent de crémaillère et le fourreau une nervure annulaire saillante qui lui est complémentaire et correspond à une dent de crémaillère, cette nervure étant interrompue par les rainures 63 pour les crémaillères.This ring may alternatively have a semi-annular inner groove corresponding to a rack tooth and the sheath a projecting annular rib which is complementary to it and corresponds to a rack tooth, this rib being interrupted by the grooves 63 for the racks.

La bague présente en outre une fente 74 d'accès pour l'ensemble 40 aux crémaillères arrière 60. Cette fente d'accès 74 est de largeur correspondant aux six crémaillères du groupe A ou D pour les six pignons menants 46C pouvant venir en prise sur elles. Elle est ouverte sur le bout arrière du fourreau, pour l'insertion et le positionnement longitudinal des pignons menants 46C dans cette fente, lors de l'insertion de la tête dans la base. Cette fente d'accès 74 interrompt le jonc annulaire sur un secteur correspondant 75.The ring also has a slot 74 for access for the assembly 40 to the rear racks 60. This access slot 74 is of width corresponding to the six racks of group A or D for the six driving pinions 46C which can engage on they. It is open on the rear end of the sheath, for the insertion and the longitudinal positioning of the driving pinions 46C in this slot, during the insertion of the head into the base. This access slot 74 interrupts the annular ring on a corresponding sector 75.

Les moyens de couplage de la bague 70 à l'ensemble de commande 40 sont constitués par un doigt 76 sur le moyeu 50, qui est saillant intérieurement vers le fourreau monté sur la broche, et une fente de couplage 77 sur la bague. La fente de couplage 77 est ouverte sur le bout arrière du fourreau pour l'engagement du doigt 76 dans la fente et son coulissement le long de cette fente lors du montage de la tête sur la base. Le doigt 76 retenu dans la largeur de la fente solidarise en rotation la bague et l'ensemble de commande de réglage 40 par rapport au fourreau, lors de l'orientation angulaire de l'ensemble 40, pour laquelle le fourreau reste au repos, et lors des opérations d'affranchissement pour lesquelles l'ensemble 40 reste fixe dans la base.The coupling means of the ring 70 to the control assembly 40 are constituted by a finger 76 on the hub 50, which is protruding internally towards the sleeve mounted on the spindle, and a coupling slot 77 on the ring. The coupling slot 77 is open on the rear end of the sleeve for the engagement of the finger 76 in the slot and its sliding along this slot during mounting of the head on the base. The finger 76 retained in the width of the slot secures in rotation the ring and the adjustment control assembly 40 relative to the sheath, during the angular orientation of the assembly 40, for which the sheath remains at rest, and during franking operations for which the assembly 40 remains fixed in the base.

Le dispositif de verrouillage comporte de préférence, en outre, une deuxième bague 70′ pour garantir un verrouillage parfait des crémaillères. Cette deuxième bague 70′ est montée, solidaire axialement du fourreau, sur le fourreau et les crémaillères arrière, comme la première bague 70. Elle est également oscillante autour du fourreau comme la première bague, mais verrouille en position les crémaillères, sauf pour leur réglage.The locking device preferably further comprises a second ring 70 'to guarantee perfect locking of the racks. This second ring 70 ′ is mounted, axially integral with the sheath, on the sheath and the rear racks, like the first ring 70. It is also oscillating around the sheath like the first ring, but locks the racks in position, except for their adjustment .

Cette deuxième bague 70′ comporte un jonc intérieur annulaire 71′, complémentaire d'une entredent de crémaillère, sur sa périphérie, qui est simplement interrompu par trois séries d'encoches 75′ qui débouchent à travers la bague 70′ ou en variante qui peuvent ne pas déboucher à travers la bague. Ces séries d'encoches 75′ correspondent aux séries de crémaillères A, D, S respectivement et laissent l'accès aux crémaillères arrière uniquement pour le réglage de l'une ou l'autre des trois séries.This second ring 70 ′ has an annular inner ring 71 ′, complementary to a rack-intermesh, on its periphery, which is simply interrupted by three series of notches 75 ′ which open out through the ring 70 ′ or alternatively which can do not open through the ring. These series of notches 75 ′ correspond to the series of racks A, D, S respectively and allow access to the rear racks only for the adjustment of one or the other of the three series.

Au jonc 71′ correspond une gorge phériphérique 72′ sur le fourreau dans laquelle il est engagé.The rod 71 ′ corresponds to a peripheral groove 72 ′ on the sheath in which it is engaged.

Cette bague 70′ porte un organe 76′ d'actionnement en oscillation autour du fourreau d'une position dite de verrouillage des crémaillères, qui est sa position normale, et pour laquelle les encoches 75′ sont entre les crémaillères des différents groupes, tel qu'illustré, et une position de réglage autorisé pour laquelle les encoches 75′ sont en regard des différentes crémaillères.This ring 70 ′ carries a member 76 ′ for actuating in oscillation around the sheath of a position known as locking of the racks, which is its normal position, and for which the notches 75 ′ are between the racks of the different groups, such as 'illustrated, and an authorized adjustment position for which the notches 75 ′ are opposite the different racks.

Cette commande d'oscillation est d'un demi-pas des crémaillères d'un même groupe ou d'un nombre entier de pas plus un demi-pas. Elle est transmise à l'organe 76′ soit à partir de l'ensemble 40, soit à partir de la carte de commande 24, par un moteur ou autre moyen tel qu'électro-aimant, ou vérin ou autre équivalent. Elle assure la mise de la bague 70′ en position de réglage autorisé juste avant le réglage d'un groupe de molettes et en position de verrouillage des crémaillères juste après chaque réglage.This oscillation command is half a step from the racks of the same group or an integer of no more than one half step. It is transmitted to the member 76 ′ either from the assembly 40, or from the control card 24, by a motor or other means such as an electromagnet, or jack or other equivalent. It ensures the setting of the ring 70 ′ in the authorized adjustment position just before the adjustment of a group of knobs and in the rack locking position just after each adjustment.

Bien entendu une gorge peut remplacer le jonc 71′ avec cette fois des dents remplaçant les encoches 75′ et une nervure remplaçant la gorge 72′ sur le fourreau.Of course a groove can replace the rod 71 ′ with this time teeth replacing the notches 75 ′ and a rib replacing the groove 72 ′ on the sheath.

On précise la disposition relative des deux bagues 70 et 70′ ainsi que leurs joncs respectifs.We specify the relative arrangement of the two rings 70 and 70 ′ as well as their respective rods.

La bague 70 est montée terminale sur le fourreau, avec son jonc 71 centré dans le profil de la gorge 44. La bague 70′ est simplement plus intérieure que la bague 70 sur le fourreau.The ring 70 is terminally mounted on the sheath, with its rod 71 centered in the profile of the groove 44. The ring 70 ′ is simply more internal than the ring 70 on the sheath.

Le jonc 71 procure un verrouillage lâche des crémaillères arrière alors que leur verrouillage parfait est assuré par le jonc 71′.The rod 71 provides a loose locking of the rear racks while their perfect locking is ensured by the rod 71 ′.

Comme illustré dans la figure 3 ou 5, le jonc 71 ou 71′ est de préférence rapporté sur sa bague. Il est fixé dans la bague par des goupilles ou vis telles que 78. Bien entendu toute autre disposition convenable de solidarisation du jonc à la bague peut être retenue, ou le jonc peut aussi être directement issue de fabrication avec la bague.As illustrated in Figure 3 or 5, the rod 71 or 71 'is preferably attached to its ring. It is fixed in the ring by pins or screws such as 78. Of course, any other suitable arrangement for securing the ring to the ring can be retained, or the ring can also be directly produced by manufacturing with the ring.

Le montage de la bague 70 sur le bout arrière du fourreau est effectué en jouant sur l'élasticité que lui donne les fentes 74 et 77, ou en la réalisant en deux ou plusieurs parties ensuite solidarisées entre elles. La bague 70′ est de préférence en plusieurs parties.The mounting of the ring 70 on the rear end of the sheath is carried out by playing on the elasticity which the slots 74 and 77 give it, or by making it in two or more parts then joined together. The ring 70 ′ is preferably in several parts.

On note qu'en réglage de molettes, les crémaillères arrière des tiges coulissantes non concernées par le réglage en cours sont verrouillées parfaitement par le jonc 71 alors que le jonc 71′ les laisse toutes libres. En fonctionnement normal de la machine, pour lequel le fourreau tourne avec les tiges coulissantes, les crémaillères arrière sont verrouillées par le jonc 71 et, dans le secteur 75 sans jonc, par les pignons menants 46C de l'ensemble, et en outre par le jonc 71′.Note that when adjusting the knobs, the rear racks of the sliding rods not affected by the current adjustment are locked perfectly by the rod 71 while the rod 71 'leaves them all free. In normal operation of the machine, for which the sleeve rotates with the sliding rods, the rear racks are locked by the rod 71 and, in the sector 75 without rod, by the driving pinions 46C of the assembly, and in addition by the rod 71 ′.

Claims (9)

  1. Print wheel (15) locking device for franking machines with a print head (1) removably mounted on a base unit (2) and print wheel adjustment means, wherein:
    - the print head comprises a print drum (11) carrying said print wheels and a rotary sleeve (12) carrying said print drum at a front end with its rear end projecting from the print head,
    - the base unit comprises at least a control circuit board (24), drive means coupled to the control circuit board and a rotary shaft (22) coupled to the drive means and accessible on the base unit for interengagement with the sleeve and driving the sleeve in rotation with it,
    - and the print wheel adjustment means comprise rods with front and rear racks (41) mounted side by side and slidable along the sleeve and coupled by said front racks to the various print wheels, and an adjustment control system (40) mounted to oscillate about the sleeve and the rear rack and coupled to the control circuit board for selectively coupling it to at least one group of rear racks, the locking device being characterised in that it comprises:
    - a first ring (70) mounted on the rear end part of the sleeve (12) and the rear racks (60), fixed in the axial direction with respect to the sleeve and rotatable thereon, and providing access (74) for said adjustment control system to the group of rear racks for adjustment of the print wheels concerned,
    - a first inner peripheral semi-annular member (71) in the first ring and first outer complementary means (72) on the sleeve, engaged one with the other, said first semi-peripheral member having a cross-section complementary to any tooth segment of the rear racks, for their interengagement,
    - and means (76, 77) for rotationally coupling said ring and said adjustment control system (40) for relative driving of the first ring with said system relative to the sleeve.
  2. Device according to claim 1 characterised in that said first annular member (71) is a collar projecting into the first ring, truncated at least over the access (74) for the adjustment control system, and the first complementary means (72) is a groove on the sleeve passing through a gap between teeth of the various rear racks.
  3. Device according to claim 2 characterised in that said collar (71) is attached and fixed into the first ring.
  4. Device according to claim 1 characterised in that said first annular member (71) is an inside groove in the first ring and said first complementary means is an annular rib projecting on the sleeve in corresponding relationship to a rack tooth.
  5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that said coupling means comprise a finger (76) carried by one of the elements formed by the first ring (70) and the adjustment control system (40) and locked substantially without angular clearance in the other such element.
  6. Device according to claim 5 characterised in that said first ring (70) fixed axially to the sleeve (12) is part of said print head and has an open access slot (74) at the end of the first ring alongside the rear end of the sleeve defining said access (74) to the rear racks for said adjustment control system (40) mounted in the base unit (2) as an interface for the print head (1).
  7. Device according to claim 6 characterised in that said coupling means (76, 77) comprise a coupling slot (77) on one of the elements defined by said first ring and said adjustment control system open on one side for engagement with and sliding of the finger (76) of the other element in the coupling slot when the print head is mounted on the base unit.
  8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that said access (74) for said coupling system to the rear rack (60) is in substantially corresponding relationship to a group (A, D) of rear racks assigned to a common franking or date function and coupled simultaneously to the control system, and said first internal annular member (71) of the first ring extends substantially to either side of the edges of said access (74).
  9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that it further comprises:
    - a second ring (70′) mounted adjacent the first ring (70) of the rear part of the sleeve and on the rear racks, being fixed axially relative to the sleeve and adapted to oscillate about the sleeve, independently of the first ring (70),
    - a second inner annular member (71′) on the second ring (70′) with notches (75′) in corresponding relationship to the various respective rear racks engaged in second complementary means (72′) on the sleeve, said second member (71′) being complementary to any tooth segment of the rear rack,
    - and actuator means (76′) for said second ring, to oscillate it between a rack locking position in which the notches are offset from the rear rack and an adjustment position in which the notches are in line with said various rear racks to enable adjustment thereof.
EP91113135A 1990-08-07 1991-08-05 Locking device for the setting wheels of a franking machine Expired - Lifetime EP0470550B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9010063 1990-08-07
FR9010063A FR2665781B1 (en) 1990-08-07 1990-08-07 DEVICE FOR LOCKING WHEELS OF A POSTAGE MACHINE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0470550A1 EP0470550A1 (en) 1992-02-12
EP0470550B1 true EP0470550B1 (en) 1995-02-01

Family

ID=9399478

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91113135A Expired - Lifetime EP0470550B1 (en) 1990-08-07 1991-08-05 Locking device for the setting wheels of a franking machine

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5197383A (en)
EP (1) EP0470550B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69107144T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2665781B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2697932B1 (en) * 1992-11-10 1995-01-13 Neopost Ind Modular franking machine comprising a device for assembling self-centering and locking modules.

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2377066A1 (en) * 1977-01-07 1978-08-04 Secap IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY DEVICES IN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE MACHINE
DE3111949C2 (en) * 1981-03-23 1985-06-20 Francotyp - Postalia GmbH, 1000 Berlin Adjustment device for franking and value stamp machines
CH663848A5 (en) * 1982-10-04 1988-01-15 Frama Ag ADJUSTMENT FOR TYPE WHEELS.
US4603627A (en) * 1984-03-23 1986-08-05 Pitney Bowes Inc. Rotary shutter device for a postal mailing system
US4580493A (en) * 1984-10-04 1986-04-08 Pitney Bowes Inc. Helical nut-pinion-rack gear system
US4702164A (en) * 1984-10-04 1987-10-27 Pitney Bowes Inc. Value selector security system
US4604950A (en) * 1984-10-04 1986-08-12 Pitney Bowes Inc. Worm gear rack movement system
US4601240A (en) * 1984-10-04 1986-07-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Print drum security system
FR2572827B1 (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-12-26 Etude Const App Precision DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC ANGULAR POSITIONING OF A PLURALITY OF ROTARY INDEXABLE MACHINE ORGANS, AND MACHINE, PARTICULARLY POSTAL POSTAGE MACHINE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
US4774881A (en) * 1985-09-23 1988-10-04 Pitney Bowes Inc. Rotary operated character selection system for postage meters
US4644142A (en) * 1985-11-06 1987-02-17 F.M.E. Corporation Modular universal postage meter
CH669056A5 (en) * 1985-11-12 1989-02-15 Frama Ag Franking machine.
US4858525A (en) * 1987-12-07 1989-08-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Postage meter having a worm gear drive and guiding sleeve
US5050495A (en) * 1989-05-05 1991-09-24 Wu Sheng J Print wheel setting mechanism
FR2655753B1 (en) * 1989-12-08 1992-01-24 Alcatel Satmam POSTAGE MACHINE WITH REMOVABLE POSTAGE.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69107144D1 (en) 1995-03-16
DE69107144T2 (en) 1995-06-08
FR2665781B1 (en) 1993-06-11
FR2665781A1 (en) 1992-02-14
EP0470550A1 (en) 1992-02-12
US5197383A (en) 1993-03-30

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