EP0472677B1 - Device for actuating a franking machine - Google Patents

Device for actuating a franking machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0472677B1
EP0472677B1 EP91903426A EP91903426A EP0472677B1 EP 0472677 B1 EP0472677 B1 EP 0472677B1 EP 91903426 A EP91903426 A EP 91903426A EP 91903426 A EP91903426 A EP 91903426A EP 0472677 B1 EP0472677 B1 EP 0472677B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lever
rollers
release
trigger
roller
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
EP91903426A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0472677A1 (en
Inventor
Erwin Berger
Rudolf Grünig
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.)
Ascom Autelca AG
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Ascom Autelca AG
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Publication of EP0472677A1 publication Critical patent/EP0472677A1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • G07B17/00467—Transporting mailpieces
    • 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
    • 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
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00556—Ensuring quality of print
    • G07B2017/00564—Ensuring correct position of print on mailpiece
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00572—Details of printed item
    • G07B2017/00604—Printing of advert or logo
    • 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
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00685—Measuring the dimensions of mailpieces

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for triggering a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • FIG. 1 shows, according to this description, as prior art a franking machine 10 which is composed of a drive unit 11, a franking unit 12 and a feed apparatus 13 in a modular manner.
  • a collecting container 14 In addition there is a collecting container 14.
  • a rotating feed segment 18 serially pulls the bottom letter to the right and leads it to a pair of transport rollers 19 and an envelope closer 20 to.
  • a pair of feed rollers 21 detects the mail item 15. This thereby actuates a release fork 22 which is operatively connected to a drive which in turn sets a pressure rotor 23 in a single revolution.
  • a coloring device 24 dyes the rotor 23, whereupon the latter rolls on the continuous letter and thereby attaches the franking stamp.
  • a counter pressure roller 24 supports the letter 15 regardless of its thickness. The letter is finally ejected into the collecting container 14 by two ejection rollers 25.
  • FIG. 2 shows the example of a franking machine 10 being imprinted on a piece of mail 15, in particular a letter.
  • the imprint consists of a value stamp 30, a date stamp 31 and two information stamps 32, 33.
  • these stamps should be as "cleaner" as possible as parallel to the upper edge 115 of the respective letter 15 and at a favorable distance d from the leading edge 116. Pressure.
  • the distance d is, for example, 10 mm.
  • the distance d varies depending on the working speed of the respective franking machine 10. If the machine has a faster throughput than an identical but slower machine, the imprint on the envelope slides to the left, ie the distance d increases .
  • the franking machines 10 therefore have a setting option for setting the respectively desired trigger position of the trigger fork 22. This allows the aforementioned dependency of the distance d on the working speed of the respective machine to be compensated for in a fixed manner.
  • FIG. 3 shows a simple block diagram of the drive unit 11 known from FIG. 1 and the franking mechanism 12 of a franking machine 10.
  • This machine comprises a pair of feed rollers 21, a trigger 122 with the trigger fork 22, a drive motor 40, a clutch 42 and the pressure rotor 23. These units are connected to each other by active connections, which are shown as bar arrows.
  • the motor 40 runs continuously and drives the pair of feed rollers 21. Its rollers 21.1 and 21.2 are arranged vertically one above the other. The lower roller 21.2 is rigidly supported, while the upper roller 21.1 is resiliently suspended, so that it presses elastically against the lower roller 21.2 in the idle state. As soon as a letter 15 is drawn in horizontally in the direction of arrow 52, this letter is clamped resiliently between the two rollers. The resulting different distance between the rollers 21 thus corresponds to the thickness of the respective letter 15.
  • the resilient suspension of the upper roller 21. 1 is indicated by a vertical double arrow 27.
  • the motor 40 continues to drive part of the clutch 42.
  • This is designed, for example, as a wrap spring clutch that is triggered mechanically by the trigger 122 (arrow 61).
  • the pressure rotor 23 begins to accelerate from a standing position, rotate at a constant speed and again up to to brake to a standstill. It does one complete revolution.
  • the trigger fork 22 of the trigger 122 is actuated each time a mail item 15 passes through the franking machine 10 on the path 28 shown in broken lines.
  • the pressure rotor 23 thus operates in a pure start / stop mode, which is controlled by the mail items 15 via the trigger 122 and the clutch 42.
  • the trigger fork 22 is rotatably mounted on a displaceable support 62.
  • the free end of the fork 22 hangs down. Its axis is connected to the coupling 42 via a flexible shaft (not shown), which is symbolically represented by the arrow 61 mentioned.
  • the trigger fork 22 triggers the clutch 42 when rotating via this shaft.
  • the fork 22 preferably has two or more identical levers or tines which are rigidly connected to one another and are arranged transversely to the passage 28.
  • the support 62 is linearly displaceable in the direction of the path 28, which is indicated by the double arrow 63.
  • the support 62 is further connected to the feed roller pair 21 by an operative connection 50, which is represented by a correspondingly designated bar arrow.
  • the active connection 50 forms an inevitable connection, preferably of a mechanical type. It acts in such a way that the trigger position of the trigger 122 shifts in the direction of the passage of the mail pieces 15, i.e. 3 to the right when the mutual distance between the feed rollers 21.1, 21.2 increases. If this distance decreases again, the trigger position is shifted against the direction of travel 52 mentioned, i.e. to the left.
  • Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of the active connection 50.
  • a feed roller 21.2 which is a feed roller 21.2, in particular the lower one stored in a holder 55 stationary.
  • the other, upper feed roller 21.1 is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner via a holding arm 57 and a guide 58.
  • a compression spring 60 elastically presses the upper roller 21.1 against the lower roller 21.2.
  • the two rollers 21 rotate in the direction of the arrow and pull the respective mail item 15 in the direction of the arrow 52.
  • a thicker envelope is shown as mail piece 15 with a plurality of paper sheets lying inside.
  • the trigger fork 22 is rotatably attached to the support 62, which is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner in the direction of the arrow 63.
  • a prestressed tension spring 64 constantly pulls the support 62 in the direction of the rollers 21.
  • the mounting arm 57 and the support 62 are non-positively connected via a Bowden cable 66, which is held by two assigned brackets 68, 69.
  • the described first embodiment of the operative connection 50 uses the Bowden cable 66 as a flexible, mechanical connecting element. This is a functionally clear, but practically quite complex type.
  • FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the operative connection 50.
  • a light barrier 73, 74 works together with the displaceably mounted mounting arm 57. This light barrier responds as soon as a predetermined deflection of the mounting arm 57 is reached.
  • the resulting electrical response signal is transmitted via connection 76 to an electromechanical converter 78, e.g. a tie rod magnet. This shifts the support 62 to the right in the direction of arrow 63.
  • FIG. 6 shows a third, preferred embodiment of the operative connection 50. This consists of the combination of two rotatably mounted levers 80 and 81, which are shown next to one another, for the sake of clarity, separately from one another. The respective rest position is extended and the maximum deflection position is shown in dashed lines.
  • the fixed points of the arrangement form three stationary axes 85, 86, 87, the section of which is shown in black over the entire surface.
  • the lower roller 21.2 of the pair of rollers 21 is mounted on the first axis 85, the first lever 80 on the second axis 86 and the second lever 81 on the third axis 87.
  • This second lever is simultaneously inserted via an elongated hole 89 over the second axis 86 .
  • the first lever 80 carries a fourth axis 92 on which the upper roller 21.1 of the pair of rollers 21 is mounted.
  • the lever 80 is spring-loaded so that this upper roller 21.1 presses elastically from above continuously against the lower, rigidly mounted first roller 21.2.
  • Each mail piece 15 passing through in the direction of arrow 52 presses the upper roller 21.1 against its weight and the spring force mentioned, depending on its thickness.
  • the maximum deflection is indicated by the letter D and is, for example, about 12 mm. Due to the deflection of the roller 21.1, the first lever 80 rotates about the second axis 86, up to the maximum deflection shown in dashed lines.
  • the first lever 80 now has an upwardly projecting arm 94, which carries a pin 95, aligned parallel to the axes 85, 86, 87, 92.
  • This pin 95 engages in a cam slot 98 of the second lever 81, specifically with it little play.
  • the cam slot 98 is dimensioned and aligned such that the pin 95 moves freely in this slot 98 when the first lever 80 is only slightly deflected or the arm 94 is slightly rotated about the second axis 86, without the second lever 81 in its basic position change.
  • the pin 94 reaches the upper part of the cam slot 98 and moves the second lever 81 depending on the thickness of the mail piece 15 more or less far in the direction of the maximum deflection position shown in dashed lines.
  • the second lever 81 has a further elongated hole 99 at its lower end.
  • the trigger fork 22 is fastened in this elongated hole in such a way that the individual fixed setting corresponding to its working speed can be selected for each franking machine 10.
  • the trigger fork 22 itself can be rotated about the set point 100 and is connected to the coupling 42 via the flexible shaft (not shown). After each actuation of the franking machine 10, the coupling 42 causes the actuation fork 22 to be reset to its basic position, in which, as shown, it points vertically downward.
  • the second lever 81 obviously corresponds to the mentioned support 62 (FIGS. 3, 4, 5).
  • the linear, horizontal displaceability of the support is replaced by the rotation of the lever 81 about the third axis 87.
  • the slot 99 in the lever 81 enables the as described individual fixed adjustment of the trigger point of the trigger fork 22.
  • the elongated hole 99 thus forms, together with a fixing screw, an adjusting device for the fine adjustment of the distance d of the value stamp 30 from the leading edge of the mail pieces 15 of small thickness (FIG. 2).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Tests Of Electronic Circuits (AREA)
  • Testing Or Measuring Of Semiconductors Or The Like (AREA)
  • Semiconductor Integrated Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

The device comprises two levers (80, 81) which rotate about rigid shafts (86, 87). A lower draw-in roller (21.2) is supported on a third rigid shaft (85). The upper draw-in roller (21.1) is mounted on a lever (80) and is pressed elastically against the lower roller (21.1). Letters to be franked travel in the direction of the arrow (52) and force the two rollers (21.1, 21.2) apart up to a maximum width D. One lever (80) has a pin (95) on one arm which engages in a curved slot (98) in the other lever (81). At widths between zero and 3 mm, for example, the pin (95) moves freely in the curved slot (98). At greater widths, the pin (95) strikes against the edge of the slot and presses the other lever (81) in the direction of the deflection position represented by the dashed line. The franking machine is set in operation by a starting lever (22) rotatably mounted in an elongated hole (99) in the other lever (81). When this lever (81) is pivoted, the corresponding actuating time is altered, as result of which the franking stamp is printed later on thick envelopes than on thin ones. This improves the quality of the impression.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Auslösen einer Frankiermaschine entsprechend dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a device for triggering a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Frankiermaschinen stehen heute weltweit im Einsatz und sind damit wohlbekannt. Eine Beschreibung einer solchen Maschine findet sich beispielsweise in Hasler Review 11 (1978), No. 1, 2-7, R. Grünig, "Hasler Mailmaster F204 Franking Machine".Franking machines are in use worldwide today and are therefore well known. A description of such a machine can be found, for example, in Hasler Review 11 (1978), No. 1, 2-7, R. Grünig, "Hasler Mailmaster F204 Franking Machine".

Fig. 1 zeigt nach dieser Beschreibung als Stand der Technik eine Frankiermaschine 10, die sich modular aus einer Antriebseinheit 11, einem Frankierwerk 12 und einem Zuführapparat 13 zusammensetzt. Dazu kommt ein Auffangbehälter 14. Die zu frankierenden Poststücke 15, z.B. gefüllte Briefkuverts, liegen als Stapel zwischen einem Einlaufkeil 16 und einem Separator 17. Ein rotierendes Einzugsegment 18 zieht seriell den jeweils untersten Brief nach rechts ab und führt ihn einem Transportwalzenpaar 19 und einem Kuvertschliesser 20 zu. In der Antriebseinheit 11 erfasst ein Einzugwalzenpaar 21 das Poststück 15. Dieses betätigt hierdurch eine Auslösegabel 22, die in Wirkverbindung mit einem Antrieb steht, der wiederum einen Druckrotor 23 in eine einzige Umdrehung versetzt. Bei dieser Umdrehung färbt eine Färbeinrichtung 24 den Rotor 23 ein, worauf dieser auf dem durchlaufenden Brief abrollt und hierbei den Frankaturstempel anbringt. Eine Gegendruckwalze 24 stützt hierbei den Brief 15 unabhängig von dessen Dicke. Der Brief wird schliesslich durch zwei Auswerfrollen 25 in den Auffangbehälter 14 ausgeworfen.1 shows, according to this description, as prior art a franking machine 10 which is composed of a drive unit 11, a franking unit 12 and a feed apparatus 13 in a modular manner. In addition there is a collecting container 14. The mail pieces 15 to be franked, for example filled letter envelopes, lie as a stack between an inlet wedge 16 and a separator 17. A rotating feed segment 18 serially pulls the bottom letter to the right and leads it to a pair of transport rollers 19 and an envelope closer 20 to. In the drive unit 11, a pair of feed rollers 21 detects the mail item 15. This thereby actuates a release fork 22 which is operatively connected to a drive which in turn sets a pressure rotor 23 in a single revolution. During this rotation, a coloring device 24 dyes the rotor 23, whereupon the latter rolls on the continuous letter and thereby attaches the franking stamp. A counter pressure roller 24 supports the letter 15 regardless of its thickness. The letter is finally ejected into the collecting container 14 by two ejection rollers 25.

Fig. 2 zeigt den beispielsweisen Abdruck einer Frankiermaschine 10 auf einem Poststück 15, insbesondere einem Brief. Der Abdruck besteht aus einem Wertstempel 30, einem Datumstempel 31 und zwei Hinweisstempeln 32, 33. Diese Stempel sollen entsprechend den geltenden postalischen Vorschriften möglichst parallel zur Oberkante 115 des jeweiligen Briefes 15 und in einem günstigen Abstand d von der Einlaufkante 116 entfernt als "sauberer" Druck angebracht sein. Der Abstand d beträgt bei dünnen Briefen beispielsweise 10 mm.2 shows the example of a franking machine 10 being imprinted on a piece of mail 15, in particular a letter. The imprint consists of a value stamp 30, a date stamp 31 and two information stamps 32, 33. According to the applicable postal regulations, these stamps should be as "cleaner" as possible as parallel to the upper edge 115 of the respective letter 15 and at a favorable distance d from the leading edge 116. Pressure. For thin letters, the distance d is, for example, 10 mm.

Wie die Praxis zeigt, variiert der Abstand d in Abhängigkeit von der Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der jeweiligen Frankiermaschine 10. Besitzt die Maschine einen schnelleren Durchlauf als eine gleiche, jedoch langsamere Maschine, so rutscht der Abdruck auf dem Kuvert nach links, d.h. der Abstand d wird grösser. Die Frankiermaschinen 10 besitzen daher eine Einstellmöglichkeit zum Einstellen der jeweils gewünschten Auslöseposition der Auslösegabel 22. Hierdurch lässt sich die genannte Abhängigkeit des Abstandes d von der Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der jeweiligen Maschine fix ausgleichen.As practice shows, the distance d varies depending on the working speed of the respective franking machine 10. If the machine has a faster throughput than an identical but slower machine, the imprint on the envelope slides to the left, ie the distance d increases . The franking machines 10 therefore have a setting option for setting the respectively desired trigger position of the trigger fork 22. This allows the aforementioned dependency of the distance d on the working speed of the respective machine to be compensated for in a fixed manner.

Die Praxis zeigt nun weiter, dass die Lage und die Qualität des Wertstempels 30 von der Dicke des jeweiligen Poststückes 15 abhängen.Practice further shows that the position and the quality of the value stamp 30 depend on the thickness of the respective mail item 15.

Es ist damit die Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung anzugeben, mit der eine gleichbleibende Druckqualität für jede Art von Poststück, d.h. für dünne und dicke Briefe, Klebetikette, Postkarten usw. sichergestellt wird.It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a device with which a constant print quality for each type of mail item, i.e. for thin and thick letters, adhesive labels, postcards, etc.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist gegeben durch den kennzeichnenden Teil von Anspruch 1. Die anderen Ansprüche geben Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung an. Die Lösung erfüllt auf diese Weise die erwähnte Aufgabe, was einer Verbesserung der entsprechend ausgerüsteten Frankiermaschinen 10 entspricht.The solution to this problem is given by the characterizing part of claim 1. The other claims indicate embodiments of the invention. In this way, the solution fulfills the aforementioned task, which corresponds to an improvement in the appropriately equipped franking machines 10.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand von vier weiteren Figuren beispielsweise näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 3 - einfaches Blockschaltbild einer Antriebseinheit 11 und eines Frankierwerkes 12 einer Frankiermaschine 10
  • Fig. 4 - erste Ausführungsform einer Wirkverbindung
  • Fig. 5 - zweite Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung
  • Fig. 6 - dritte Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung.
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to four further figures, for example. Show it:
  • 3 - simple block diagram of a drive unit 11 and a franking unit 12 of a franking machine 10
  • Fig. 4 - first embodiment of an active connection
  • Fig. 5 - second embodiment of the operative connection
  • Fig. 6 - third embodiment of the operative connection.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein einfaches Blockschaltbild der entsprechend Fig. 1 bekannten Antriebseinheit 11 und des Frankierwerkes 12 einer Frankiermaschine 10. Diese Maschine umfasst ein Einzugwalzenpaar 21, einen Auslöser 122 mit der Auslösegabel 22, einen Antriebsmotor 40, eine Kupplung 42 und den Druckrotor 23. Diese Einheiten sind durch Wirkverbindungen miteinander verbunden, die als Balkenpfeile dargestellt sind.FIG. 3 shows a simple block diagram of the drive unit 11 known from FIG. 1 and the franking mechanism 12 of a franking machine 10. This machine comprises a pair of feed rollers 21, a trigger 122 with the trigger fork 22, a drive motor 40, a clutch 42 and the pressure rotor 23. These units are connected to each other by active connections, which are shown as bar arrows.

Der Motor 40 läuft dauernd und treibt dabei das Einzugwalzenpaar 21 an. Dessen Walzen 21.1 und 21.2 sind vertikal übereinander angeordnet. Die untere Walze 21.2 ist starr gelagert, während die obere Walze 21.1 federnd aufgehängt ist, so dass sie im Ruhezustand elastisch gegen die untere Walze 21.2 drückt. Sobald ein Brief 15 horizontal in Richtung des Pfeiles 52 eingezogen wird, wird dieser Brief zwischen den beiden Walzen federnd eingeklemmt. Der sich hierdurch jeweils einstellende unterschiedliche Abstand der Walzen 21 entspricht damit der Dicke des jeweiligen Briefes 15. Die federnde Aufhängung der oberen Walze 21.1 ist durch einen vertikalen Doppelpfeil 27 angedeutet.The motor 40 runs continuously and drives the pair of feed rollers 21. Its rollers 21.1 and 21.2 are arranged vertically one above the other. The lower roller 21.2 is rigidly supported, while the upper roller 21.1 is resiliently suspended, so that it presses elastically against the lower roller 21.2 in the idle state. As soon as a letter 15 is drawn in horizontally in the direction of arrow 52, this letter is clamped resiliently between the two rollers. The resulting different distance between the rollers 21 thus corresponds to the thickness of the respective letter 15. The resilient suspension of the upper roller 21. 1 is indicated by a vertical double arrow 27.

Der Motor 40 treibt weiter ständig einen Teil der Kupplung 42 an. Diese ist beispielsweise als Schlingfederkupplung ausgebildet, die mechanisch durch den Auslöser 122 ausgelöst wird (Pfeil 61). Sobald die Kupplung 42 greift, beginnt der Druckrotor 23 aus dem Stand zu beschleunigen, mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit zu rotieren und wieder bis zum Stillstand abzubremsen. Dabei führt er eine einzige, vollständige Umdrehung aus.The motor 40 continues to drive part of the clutch 42. This is designed, for example, as a wrap spring clutch that is triggered mechanically by the trigger 122 (arrow 61). As soon as the clutch 42 engages, the pressure rotor 23 begins to accelerate from a standing position, rotate at a constant speed and again up to to brake to a standstill. It does one complete revolution.

Die Auslösegabel 22 des Auslösers 122 wird, wie anhand von Fig. 1 beschrieben, jeweils betätigt, wenn ein Poststück 15 auf dem gestrichelt dargestellten Durchlaufweg 28 die Frankiermaschine 10 durchquert. Der Druckrotor 23 arbeitet damit in einem reinen Start/Stopp-Betrieb, der durch die Poststücke 15 über den Auslöser 122 und die Kupplung 42 gesteuert wird.As described with reference to FIG. 1, the trigger fork 22 of the trigger 122 is actuated each time a mail item 15 passes through the franking machine 10 on the path 28 shown in broken lines. The pressure rotor 23 thus operates in a pure start / stop mode, which is controlled by the mail items 15 via the trigger 122 and the clutch 42.

Die Auslösegabel 22 ist an einem verschiebbaren Support 62 drehbar gelagert. Die Gabel 22 hängt mit ihrem freien Ende nach unten. Ihre Achse ist über eine flexible Welle (nicht dargestellt) mit der Kupplung 42 verbunden, was durch den genannten Pfeil 61 symbolisch dargestellt ist. Die Auslösegabel 22 löst bei Drehung über diese Welle jeweils die Kupplung 42 aus. Die Gabel 22 besitzt bevorzugt zwei oder mehr gleiche, starr miteinander verbundene Hebel bzw. Zinken, die quer zum Durchlaufweg 28 angeordnet sind. Der Support 62 ist in Richtung des Durchlaufweges 28 linear verschiebbar, was durch den Doppelpfeil 63 angedeutet ist. Der Support 62 ist weiter durch eine Wirkverbindung 50 mit dem Einzugwalzenpaar 21 verbunden, was durch einen entsprechend bezeichneten Balkenpfeil dargestellt ist.The trigger fork 22 is rotatably mounted on a displaceable support 62. The free end of the fork 22 hangs down. Its axis is connected to the coupling 42 via a flexible shaft (not shown), which is symbolically represented by the arrow 61 mentioned. The trigger fork 22 triggers the clutch 42 when rotating via this shaft. The fork 22 preferably has two or more identical levers or tines which are rigidly connected to one another and are arranged transversely to the passage 28. The support 62 is linearly displaceable in the direction of the path 28, which is indicated by the double arrow 63. The support 62 is further connected to the feed roller pair 21 by an operative connection 50, which is represented by a correspondingly designated bar arrow.

Die Wirkverbindung 50 bildet eine zwangsläufige Verbindung bevorzugt mechanischer Art. Sie wirkt so, dass sich die Triggerposition des Auslösers 122 in Richtung des Durchlaufs der Poststücke 15 verschiebt, d.h. in der Darstellung von Fig. 3 nach rechts, wenn sich der gegenseitige Abstand der Einzugwalzen 21.1, 21.2 vergrössert. Verringert sich dieser Abstand wieder, dann wird die Triggerposition entgegen der genannten Durchlaufrichtung 52 verschoben, d.h. nach links.The active connection 50 forms an inevitable connection, preferably of a mechanical type. It acts in such a way that the trigger position of the trigger 122 shifts in the direction of the passage of the mail pieces 15, i.e. 3 to the right when the mutual distance between the feed rollers 21.1, 21.2 increases. If this distance decreases again, the trigger position is shifted against the direction of travel 52 mentioned, i.e. to the left.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung 50. Die eine Einzugwalze 21.2, insbesondere die untere, ist in einer Halterung 55 ortsfest gelagert. Die andere, obere Einzugwalze 21.1 ist über einen Halterrungsarm 57 und eine Führung 58 linear verschieblich gelagert. Eine Druckfeder 60 drückt die obere Walze 21.1 elastisch gegen die untere Walze 21.2. Die beiden Walzen 21 drehen sich in Pfeilrichtung und ziehen das jeweilige Poststück 15 in Richtung des Pfeiles 52 ein. In Fig. 4 ist als Poststück 15 beispielsweise ein dickeres Kuvert gezeigt mit einer Vielzahl innen liegender Papierblätter.Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of the active connection 50. Which is a feed roller 21.2, in particular the lower one stored in a holder 55 stationary. The other, upper feed roller 21.1 is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner via a holding arm 57 and a guide 58. A compression spring 60 elastically presses the upper roller 21.1 against the lower roller 21.2. The two rollers 21 rotate in the direction of the arrow and pull the respective mail item 15 in the direction of the arrow 52. In Fig. 4, for example, a thicker envelope is shown as mail piece 15 with a plurality of paper sheets lying inside.

Die Auslösegabel 22 ist entsprechend Fig. 3 ein einseitig gelagerter Hebel, dessen freies Ende nach unten ragt. Die Auslösegabel 22 ist drehbar am Support 62 befestigt, der in Richtung des Pfeiles 63 linear verschieblich gelagert ist. Eine vorgespannte Zugfeder 64 zieht den Support 62 ständig in Richtung der Walzen 21. Der Halterungsarm 57 und der Support 62 sind über einen Bowdenzug 66 kraftschlüssig verbunden, der von zwei zugeordneten Halterungen 68, 69 gehalten wird.3 is a one-sided lever, the free end of which projects downward. The trigger fork 22 is rotatably attached to the support 62, which is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner in the direction of the arrow 63. A prestressed tension spring 64 constantly pulls the support 62 in the direction of the rollers 21. The mounting arm 57 and the support 62 are non-positively connected via a Bowden cable 66, which is held by two assigned brackets 68, 69.

Die beschriebene erste Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung 50 verwendet den Bowdenzug 66 als flexibles, mechanisches Verbindungselement. Dies ist eine funktionsmässig klare, jedoch praktisch recht aufwendige Art.The described first embodiment of the operative connection 50 uses the Bowden cable 66 as a flexible, mechanical connecting element. This is a functionally clear, but practically quite complex type.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung 50. In diesem Fall arbeitet eine Lichtschranke 73, 74 mit dem verschieblich gelagerten Halterungsarm 57 zusammen. Diese Lichtschranke spricht an, sobald eine vorgegebene Auslenkung des Halterungsarmes 57 erreicht wird. Das entstehende, elektrische Ansprechsignal wird über die Verbindung 76 zu einem elektromechanischen Wandler 78 übertragen, z.B. einem Zugankermagneten. Dieser verschiebt hierdurch jeweils den Support 62 in Richtung des Pfeiles 63 nach rechts.5 shows a second embodiment of the operative connection 50. In this case, a light barrier 73, 74 works together with the displaceably mounted mounting arm 57. This light barrier responds as soon as a predetermined deflection of the mounting arm 57 is reached. The resulting electrical response signal is transmitted via connection 76 to an electromechanical converter 78, e.g. a tie rod magnet. This shifts the support 62 to the right in the direction of arrow 63.

Bei der ersten Ausführungsform (Fig. 4) besteht ein linearer Zusammenhang im Verhältnis 1:1 zwischen der Bewegung des Halterungsarmes 57 und der Bewegung des Supports 62. Bei der zweiten Ausführungsform (Fig. 5) wird dagegen eine Schwelle einfachster Art eingesetzt, die nur zwei Zustände kennt, d.h. Support 62 "nicht verschoben" bzw. Support 62 "verschoben".In the first embodiment (FIG. 4) there is a linear relationship in the ratio 1: 1 between the Movement of the holding arm 57 and the movement of the support 62. In the second embodiment (FIG. 5), on the other hand, a threshold of the simplest type is used, which only knows two states, ie support 62 "not moved" or support 62 "moved".

Fig. 6 zeigt eine dritte, bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung 50. Diese besteht aus der Kombination zweier drehbar gelagerter Hebel 80 und 81, die der Übersichtlichkeit halber nebeneinander, getrennt von einander dargestellt sind. Die jeweilige Ruhestellung ist dabei ausgezogen und die maximale Auslenkstellung gestrichelt gezeichnet.6 shows a third, preferred embodiment of the operative connection 50. This consists of the combination of two rotatably mounted levers 80 and 81, which are shown next to one another, for the sake of clarity, separately from one another. The respective rest position is extended and the maximum deflection position is shown in dashed lines.

Die Fixpunkte der Anordnung bilden drei ortsfest angeordnete Achsen 85, 86, 87, deren Schnitt vollflächig schwarz dargestellt ist. Auf der ersten Achse 85 ist die untere Walze 21.2 des Walzenpaares 21 gelagert, auf der zweiten Achse 86 der erste Hebel 80 und auf der dritten Achse 87 der zweite Hebel 81. Dieser zweite Hebel ist gleichzeitig mittels eines Langloches 89 über die zweite Achse 86 gesteckt. (Entsprechend der gewählten Darstellungsart sind die Achsen 86 und 87 jeweils zweimal gezeichnet.)
   Der erste Hebel 80 trägt eine vierte Achse 92, auf welcher die obere Walze 21.1 des Walzenpaares 21 gelagert ist. Der Hebel 80 ist so federbelastet, dass diese obere Walze 21.1 von oben her elastisch ständig gegen die untere, starr gelagerte erste Walze 21.2 drückt. Jedes in Richtung des Pfeiles 52 durchlaufende Poststück 15 drückt entsprechend seiner Dicke die obere Walze 21.1 gegen deren Gewicht und die genannte Federkraft nach oben. Die maximale Auslenkung ist mit dem Buchstaben D angegeben und beträgt z.B. etwa 12 mm. Durch die Auslenkung der Walze 21.1 dreht der erste Hebel 80 um die zweite Achse 86, maximal bis zur gestrichelt gezeichneten Maximal-Auslenkung.The fixed points of the arrangement form three stationary axes 85, 86, 87, the section of which is shown in black over the entire surface. The lower roller 21.2 of the pair of rollers 21 is mounted on the first axis 85, the first lever 80 on the second axis 86 and the second lever 81 on the third axis 87. This second lever is simultaneously inserted via an elongated hole 89 over the second axis 86 . (Axes 86 and 87 are drawn twice, depending on the type of display selected.)
The first lever 80 carries a fourth axis 92 on which the upper roller 21.1 of the pair of rollers 21 is mounted. The lever 80 is spring-loaded so that this upper roller 21.1 presses elastically from above continuously against the lower, rigidly mounted first roller 21.2. Each mail piece 15 passing through in the direction of arrow 52 presses the upper roller 21.1 against its weight and the spring force mentioned, depending on its thickness. The maximum deflection is indicated by the letter D and is, for example, about 12 mm. Due to the deflection of the roller 21.1, the first lever 80 rotates about the second axis 86, up to the maximum deflection shown in dashed lines.

Der erste Hebel 80 weist nun einen nach oben ragenden Arm 94 auf, der einen Bolzen 95 trägt, parallel ausgerichtet zu den Achsen 85, 86, 87, 92. Dieser Bolzen 95 greift in einen Kurvenschlitz 98 des zweiten Hebels 81 ein, und zwar mit geringem Spiel. Der Kurvenschlitz 98 ist so dimensioniert und ausgerichtet, dass der Bolzen 95 bei geringer Auslenkung des ersten Hebels 80 bzw. bei geringer Drehung des Armes 94 um die zweite Achse 86 sich in diesem Schlitz 98 frei bewegt, ohne den zweiten Hebel 81 in seiner Grundstellung zu verändern.The first lever 80 now has an upwardly projecting arm 94, which carries a pin 95, aligned parallel to the axes 85, 86, 87, 92. This pin 95 engages in a cam slot 98 of the second lever 81, specifically with it little play. The cam slot 98 is dimensioned and aligned such that the pin 95 moves freely in this slot 98 when the first lever 80 is only slightly deflected or the arm 94 is slightly rotated about the second axis 86, without the second lever 81 in its basic position change.

Übersteigt dagegen die Auslenkung aufgrund eines Poststückes 15 von z.B. mehr als 3 mm Dicke die Länge des Freibereiches, dann erreicht der Bolzen 94 den oberen Teil des Kurvenschlitzes 98 und verschiebt den zweiten Hebel 81 in Abhängigkeit von der Dicke des Poststückes 15 mehr oder weniger weit in Richtung der gestrichelt gezeichneten Maximal-Auslenkstellung.If, on the other hand, the deflection due to a postal item 15 of e.g. more than 3 mm thick the length of the free area, then the pin 94 reaches the upper part of the cam slot 98 and moves the second lever 81 depending on the thickness of the mail piece 15 more or less far in the direction of the maximum deflection position shown in dashed lines.

Der zweite Hebel 81 besitzt an seinem unteren Ende ein weiteres Langloch 99. In diesem Langloch ist die Auslösegabel 22 befestigt, und zwar so, dass für jede Frankiermaschine 10 jeweils die ihrer Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit entsprechende, individuelle Fixeinstellung wählbar ist. Die Auslösegabel 22 selbst ist um den Einstellpunkt 100 drehbar und über die genannte, nicht dargestellte, flexible Welle mit der Kupplung 42 verbunden. Die Kupplung 42 bewirkt nach jedem Auslösen der Frankiermaschine 10 die Rückstellung der Auslösegabel 22 in deren Grundstellung, bei der sie wie dargestellt vertikal nach unten zeigt.The second lever 81 has a further elongated hole 99 at its lower end. The trigger fork 22 is fastened in this elongated hole in such a way that the individual fixed setting corresponding to its working speed can be selected for each franking machine 10. The trigger fork 22 itself can be rotated about the set point 100 and is connected to the coupling 42 via the flexible shaft (not shown). After each actuation of the franking machine 10, the coupling 42 causes the actuation fork 22 to be reset to its basic position, in which, as shown, it points vertically downward.

Der zweite Hebel 81 entspricht bei der dritten Ausführungsform der Wirkverbindung 50 ersichtlich dem genannten Support 62 (Fig. 3, 4, 5). Hierbei ist die lineare, horizontale Verschiebbarkeit des Supports durch die Drehung des Hebels 81 um die dritte Achse 87 ersetzt. Das Langloch 99 im Hebel 81 ermöglicht wie beschrieben die individuelle Fixeinstellung des Auslösepunktes der Auslösegabel 22. Das Langloch 99 bildet damit zusammen mit einer Fixierschraube eine Justiereinrichtung für das Feineinstellen des Abstandes d des Wertstempels 30 von der Einlaufkante der Poststücke 15 geringer Dicke (Fig. 2).In the third embodiment of the operative connection 50, the second lever 81 obviously corresponds to the mentioned support 62 (FIGS. 3, 4, 5). The linear, horizontal displaceability of the support is replaced by the rotation of the lever 81 about the third axis 87. The slot 99 in the lever 81 enables the as described individual fixed adjustment of the trigger point of the trigger fork 22. The elongated hole 99 thus forms, together with a fixing screw, an adjusting device for the fine adjustment of the distance d of the value stamp 30 from the leading edge of the mail pieces 15 of small thickness (FIG. 2).

Neben den erwähnten Varianten sind unter anderem noch folgende Abwandlungen möglich:

  • Statt der oberen 21.1 ist die untere Einzugwalze 21.2 flexibel gelagert, oder es sind beide Walzen auslenkbar.
  • Der genannte Freibereich im Kurvenschlitz 98 (Fig. 6) kann wie beschrieben 3 mm betragen, es kann aber auch kürzer oder länger sein. Allgemein kann die Abhängigkeit der Verschiebung des Supports 62 von der Dicke der Poststücke 15 proportional, unproportional oder erst ab einer gewissen Dicke gegeben sein.
  • Der Auslöser 122 umfasst keine mechanisch zu betätigende Auslösegabel 22, sondern einen elektrischen Sensor, z.B. eine Lichtschranke oder einen sonstigen berürungslosen Detektor.
  • Der Support 62 kann statt linear oder kreisförmig auch entsprechend einer anderer Kurvenform bewegt werden. Der Auslöser 122 muss dabei so montiert sein, dass er sich im wesentlichen parallel zur Laufrichtung der Poststücke 15 bewegt.
In addition to the variants mentioned, the following modifications are also possible:
  • Instead of the upper 21.1, the lower feed roller 21.2 is flexibly mounted, or both rollers can be deflected.
  • The free area mentioned in the curve slot 98 (FIG. 6) can be 3 mm as described, but it can also be shorter or longer. In general, the dependence of the displacement of the support 62 on the thickness of the mail pieces 15 can be proportional, disproportionate or only from a certain thickness.
  • The trigger 122 does not comprise a trigger fork 22 which can be actuated mechanically, but an electrical sensor, for example a light barrier or another non-contact detector.
  • The support 62 can also be moved according to another curve shape instead of linear or circular. The trigger 122 must be mounted in such a way that it moves essentially parallel to the running direction of the mail pieces 15.

Claims (8)

  1. An apparatus for triggering a franking machine (10), with a pair of infeed rollers (21) in which the rollers (21.1, 21.2) are held together resiliently and form a passage through which postal items (15) of variable thickness can pass, with a release trigger (122) adapted to be actuated by a postal item (15) in order in each case to trigger a single rotation of a print rotor (23) and with an adjusting means for fine adjustment of the release position of the release trigger (122), characterised by a support (62) which carries the release trigger (122) and which is displaceable parallel with the path (28) of the postal items (15) and by a power connection (50) which so connects the pair of infeed rollers (21) and the support (62) that the release position of the release trigger (122) is displaced in the direction of movement of the postal items (15) when the gap between rollers (21.1, 21.2) is increased and is displaced against this direction of movement when the said gap diminishes.
  2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the rollers (21.1, 21.2) of the pair of infeed rollers (21) are disposed vertically above each other, the lower roller (21.2) being rigidly mounted while the upper roller (21.1) is mounted so that it can be deflected upwardly.
  3. An apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the power connection (50) is constructed as a Bowden control cable (66).
  4. An apparatus according to Claim 1 and 2, characterised in that the support (62) is constructed as a lever (81) which is mounted to rotate on a rigidly disposed spindle (87) and which has a curved slot (98) and in that the power connection (50) comprises a further lever (80) which (80) is rotatably mounted on a further rigidly disposed spindle (86) and which (80) supports the upper roller (21.1) and which (80) is spring-loaded so that the upper roller (21.1) presses resiliently against the lower rigidly mounted roller (21.2) and which (80) has an arm (94) which (94) carries a bolt (95) and in that the bolt (95) engages the curved slot (98) for the purpose of connecting the two levers (80, 81).
  5. An apparatus according to Claim 4, characterised in that the curved slot (98) is constructed and orientated so that the bolt (95) engages it with minimal clearance and in that the bolt (95) moves freely in the curved slot (98) when the gap between the rollers (21.1, 21.2) is between zero and a fixed abutment value and when the gap exceeds the abutment value, it strikes the walls of the curved slot (98) and presses the lever (81) which serves as a support (62) out of its rest position.
  6. An apparatus according to Claim 4, characterised in that the lever (81) serving as a support (62) includes an elongate hole (99) which serves for fine adjustment of the release position of the release trigger (122).
  7. An apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the release trigger (122) comprises a rotatably suspended release fork (22) which can be mechanically actuated.
  8. An apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the release trigger (122) comprises a contactless sensor which delivers an electrical release signal.
EP91903426A 1990-03-14 1991-02-19 Device for actuating a franking machine Expired - Lifetime EP0472677B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH835/90 1990-03-14
CH83590 1990-03-14
PCT/CH1991/000041 WO1991014238A1 (en) 1990-03-14 1991-02-19 Device for actuating a franking machine

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EP0472677A1 EP0472677A1 (en) 1992-03-04
EP0472677B1 true EP0472677B1 (en) 1994-07-20

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US (1) US5203263A (en)
EP (1) EP0472677B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH05503048A (en)
CA (1) CA2053276C (en)
DE (1) DE59102237D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1991014238A1 (en)

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CA2053276C (en) 1996-08-06
WO1991014238A1 (en) 1991-09-19
DE59102237D1 (en) 1994-08-25
JPH05503048A (en) 1993-05-27
US5203263A (en) 1993-04-20
EP0472677A1 (en) 1992-03-04

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