EP0604317A1 - Device for setting the print wheels of a franking machine - Google Patents

Device for setting the print wheels of a franking machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0604317A1
EP0604317A1 EP93403145A EP93403145A EP0604317A1 EP 0604317 A1 EP0604317 A1 EP 0604317A1 EP 93403145 A EP93403145 A EP 93403145A EP 93403145 A EP93403145 A EP 93403145A EP 0604317 A1 EP0604317 A1 EP 0604317A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
head
module
motors
control module
pinions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93403145A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0604317B1 (en
Inventor
Serge Benard
Michel Gravillon
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
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Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0604317A1 publication Critical patent/EP0604317A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0604317B1 publication Critical patent/EP0604317B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • G07B17/00508—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 the device for adjusting 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 marries 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.
  • the document FR-A-2.335.002 describes a franking machine of the aforementioned type with a device for adjusting the value wheels, with manual control for each wheel.
  • This device comprises, identically between each wheel and its control, appropriate transmission means, which are with driving pinions coupled with one another and with manual control, with one or more driven pinions coupled with each other and with the wheel concerned, and with two racks coupled l to one another and to one of the driving and driven gables.
  • the device for controlling the position of the different knurls is mounted, with the motors assigned to this function, in the print head. It makes the print head relatively large and heavy, which makes it more difficult to transport.
  • the removable print head is an access security module prohibited for the user or any other person not authorized by the Postal Administration. It therefore requires the intervention of the authorized person for any maintenance problem essentially concerning this adjustment device for the knobs, with a large and complex number of parts.
  • This device has the disadvantage of still lacking compactness as well as convenience and flexibility of positioning.
  • racks are also disadvantageous because a rack can only have a back and forth movement and not a continuous movement. It follows for example that if one wishes to display a zero on a printing wheel after having printed a 9, it is then necessary to control the displacement of the associated rack for the whole of its stroke. The necessary adjustment times are therefore generally important.
  • this control module is equipped with at least one centering finger which is prominent with respect to said driving pinions and in the direction of the head, this centering finger being provided for engaging, when the module is tilted in its position before engagement, in a corresponding orifice of the rotary drum.
  • this same centering finger is also provided for, when the module is in the position before engagement and this finger is then engaged in said orifice, act on a device for unlocking the rollers.
  • FIG. 1 to 4 it is a franking machine which comprises on the one hand a fixed base 1 and on the other hand a removable head 2.
  • the head 2 forms a security module, the different parts of which are mounted in a quasi-closed box 3, of access not accessible to the user. It contains the rotary printing drum 4 which itself comprises several adjustable knobs 5 intended for printing the adjustable values (date, price, etc.).
  • the head 2 In the working position, the head 2 is placed against the base 1, and centered in this position by means of a protruding pin 6 secured to the base 1.
  • the axis 7 of this pin coincides with the axis of rotation of the drum 4, the spindle 6 also serving as a drive member for rotating this drum.
  • a light 8 is provided in the underside of the base to allow passage, during the rotation of the drum, to the printing flat 9 which carries the different values to be printed 10, including for example the different numbers or letters carried by the knobs 5.
  • a slot 12 is introduced for introducing the pleats to be franked.
  • This keyboard is connected to an electronic control card which, depending on the data entered by the keyboard, causes the rotation of several small electric motors M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., each of these motors being affected. when setting a respective dial.
  • the motor M3 is assigned to adjusting the position of the wheel 5 shown in the drawing.
  • each of these motors carries a small pinion 14 which rotates a larger pinion driving R3. It is therefore provided, in the base 1, a pinion driving R1, R2, R3, R4, ..., by motor M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., and therefore by thumb wheel 5.
  • All these driving pinions R1, R2, R3, ..., are rotatably mounted around a common axis 15, and they as a whole form a block 16 with a quasi-cylindrical outline of axis 15.
  • these driving pinions are all of the same diameter, so that this block 16 is of circular cylindrical contour with rectilinear generatrices and parallel to the axis 15.
  • all the motors M1, M2, M3, M4, ... are arranged in an arc of a circle around this block of driving pinions 16.
  • the various motors are, in the direction of the axis 15, placed in staggered rows for minimal bulk.
  • the motors M1 and M3 are, in this direction 15, placed near the block 16, and their shaft 13 carrying the pinion 14 is therefore a rather short shaft, while the motors M2 and M4 are placed, always in this direction 15, behind the motors M1 and M3, and their shaft is therefore rather long.
  • all of this set of motors M1, M2, M3, ..., and this block 16 of driving pinions are part of a module 17 for adjusting the adjustment of the knobs 5 which is pivotally mounted, from back to front and vice versa in the direction of the axis 7 of the head 2, around an axis of rotation 18.
  • the “retracted” position, or rear tilted position, is that shown in FIG. 1.
  • the block of driving pinions 16 is disengaged, and is therefore not engaged on the respective first driven pinions 19 which, as we will describe it below, are the first links of the kinematic chains 20 with gears which can drive in rotation the respective knobs 5 for the adjustment of these.
  • the "advanced" position, or tilted front position, is that shown in Figures 2 and 4. All the large driving pinions, such as the pinion R3, of block 16 are then engaged on the first driven pinion, such as the corresponding pinion 19, of the respective kinematic link with gears 20 associated with the respective wheel 5 and which is included in the head 2.
  • This kinematic chain 20 is a gear chain by toothed wheels.
  • the large driving pinion R3 which therefore forms part of the base, meshes on the first pinion 19 of the kinematic chain with gears 20, which forms part of the head.
  • This pinion 19 is itself integral with a coaxial pinion 21 which itself drives, via an intermediate pinion 22, the pinion 23 which is integral with the printing wheel 5 and coaxial with the latter.
  • this pinion 23 rotates, by means of a pinion 24, a toothed coding wheel 25.
  • the position of this position coding wheel 25 is detected by an opto-electronic sensor 26 in the shape of a stirrup, the output signal is processed by an electronic card 27, integral in this example with the drum 4 and which measures the position of the number or letter 10 of the wheel 5 and compares it to that pre-displayed by the aforementioned control keyboard in order to act in consequence on the rotation of the motor M3.
  • the chassis 28 for supporting the tilting control module 17 is mounted on two elastic metal plates 29, 30, forming together a "V "which connects the frame 28 to the tilting axis 18 ( Figures 1 to 2).
  • the control module 17 is thus mounted on an elastic support 29, 30, which guarantees a positive and therefore flawless gearing of the driving pinions R1, R2, R3, ..., integral with the tilting module 17, on the pinions input 19 of the kinematic chains 20 associated with the different knobs 5 of the drum 4.
  • the frame 28 of this block 17 is further provided with a centering finger 31 ( Figures 6 to 9) with conical end 32.
  • This centering finger 31 is, relative to the chassis 28, protruding in the direction of the head 2 and, when the control module 17 is tilted forward, according to FIGS. 2 to 8, in the engagement position, it comes s insert ( Figure 9) in a corresponding oblong hole 33 provided for this purpose in a tab 4A of the rotary printing drum 4.
  • this centering finger 31, and elastic support blades 29, 30 makes it possible to always ensure correct positioning of the module 17 when the meshing of the driving pinions integral with this block on the driven pinions integral with the drum 4 (see Fig. 3).
  • an electric motor 34A is provided which is fixed in the base and the direction of rotation of which is controlled, from the base keyboard and its associated electronic card, in one direction as in the other.
  • a pinion 36 which drives another pinion 37 secured to an endless screw 38 with an axis parallel to that of the head 2 and mounted idly in rotation in two end bearings 39 and 40.
  • the tilting frame 28 is itself integral with a nut 41, fixed in rotation, which is engaged on the rotary screw 38. In itself well known manner, the rotation of the motor 34, and therefore of the screw 38, causes moving the nut 41 along the screw 38 in one direction as in the other.
  • the centering finger 31 also serves, when it is advanced to penetrate the orifice, as a control finger for unlocking the knobs 5 of the printing drum 4.
  • the franking machine therefore also comprises, and as it should be, a device for locking the rollers 5, this device, a simplified but plausible example of which is shown in FIG. 9, which is not in itself part of the present invention.
  • the pinions 23 which are respectively integral with the different printing knobs 5 are normally locked in position by the conjugate teeth 42 of a tilting bracket 43, which is integral with the printing drum 4 and which is returned to its position (shown in solid lines) for locking the rollers 5 by powerful return springs 44.
  • the tilting of the stirrup 43 in its position (shown in dotted lines) for unlocking the rollers 5 is controlled by a "L" shaped lever 45, mounted tilting around an axis 46 orthogonal to the axis 47 of tilting of the stirrup 43, one end 48 of which abuts against a stop 49 integral with stirrup 43, and the other end 50 of which is free and is designed to be pushed back, as indicated by the arrow and therefore clockwise, by the finger 31.32 when the latter is advanced to, as shown in dotted lines, finally come into lateral support against this free end 50 of the lever 45.
  • this finger 31 not only serves as a centering member of the control unit 17, but also control unit unlocking the knobs 5, unlocking which is necessary to proceed, according to the invention, to adjusting these knobs from the keyboard of the base 1.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)

Abstract

Device for adjusting the position of the printing wheels (5) incorporated within a removable head (2) of a franking machine. A rocking control module (17) mounted on elastic supports (29) is provided in the base (1). It carries motors (M1, M2, M3, M4) mounted in a circular arc around the cylindrical block (16) of driving pinions (R3). When this module (17) is rocked forwards, it engages with kinematic links (20) with pinions (19, 21, 22, 23) which enable the printing wheels (5) to be rotated. <IMAGE>

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 le dispositif de réglage 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 the device for adjusting 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 marries 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.

Le document FR-A-2.335.002 décrit une machine à affranchir du type précité avec un dispositif de réglage des molettes de valeur, à commande manuelle pour chaque molette. Ce dispositif comporte, identiquement entre chaque molette et sa commande, des moyens de transmission appropriés, qui sont à pignons menants couplés les uns avec les autres et à la commande manuelle, à un ou des pignons menés couplés les uns avec les autres et à la molette concernée, et à deux crémaillères couplées l'une à l'autre et à l'un des pignons menants et menés.The document FR-A-2.335.002 describes a franking machine of the aforementioned type with a device for adjusting the value wheels, with manual control for each wheel. This device comprises, identically between each wheel and its control, appropriate transmission means, which are with driving pinions coupled with one another and with manual control, with one or more driven pinions coupled with each other and with the wheel concerned, and with two racks coupled l to one another and to one of the driving and driven gables.

D'autres machines à affranchir sont non plus à commande manuelle de réglage en position de chaque molette mais à commande automatique. Cette commande automatique est effectuée à partir du clavier de la machine et à travers des circuits logiques de commande reliés à un moteur d'entraînement de l'un des pignons menants tels que précités.Other franking machines are no longer with manual control for adjusting the position of each dial but with automatic control. This automatic control is carried out from the keyboard of the machine and through logic control circuits connected to a drive motor of one of the driving pinions as mentioned above.

Dans les machines à affranchir à tête amovible, le dispositif de commande de réglage de position des différentes molettes est monté, avec les moteurs affectés à cette fonction, dans la tête d'impression. Il rend la tête d'impression relativement volumineuse et lourde, ce qui la rend plus difficile à transporter. En outre, la tête d'impression amovible est un module de sécurité d'accès interdit pour l'usager ou toute autre personne non habilitée par l'Administration Postale. Elle nécessite en conséquence l'intervention de la personne habilitée pour tout problème de maintenance concernant essentiellement ce dispositif de réglage des molettes, à nombre de pièces important et complexe.In franking machines with removable head, the device for controlling the position of the different knurls is mounted, with the motors assigned to this function, in the print head. It makes the print head relatively large and heavy, which makes it more difficult to transport. In addition, the removable print head is an access security module prohibited for the user or any other person not authorized by the Postal Administration. It therefore requires the intervention of the authorized person for any maintenance problem essentially concerning this adjustment device for the knobs, with a large and complex number of parts.

Afin d'éviter de tels inconvénients, la Société Demanderesse a déjà proposé, selon le document FR-A-2.665.782, un dispositif de réglage de molettes d'impression d'une tête de machine à affranchir, dans laquelle la tête est amovible sur une base et comporte un tambour d'impression équipé desdites molettes et porté sur une extrémité dite avant d'un fourreau ayant son autre extrémité dite arrière saillante sur l'arrière de la tête, et la base présente un emplacement avant pour la tête et comporte un mécanisme d'entraînement, des circuits de commande dits carte de commande couplée au mécanisme d'entraînement, et une broche rotative couplée au mécanisme d'entraînement et partiellement saillante dans l'emplacement pour la tête, pour recevoir ledit fourreau sur elle et entraîner le tambour, ce dispositif comportant :

  • un ensemble moteur, à au moins un moteur de commande et au moins un pignon menant, couplé à ladite carte de commande,
  • une pluralité de pignons menés, chacun couplé à l'une des différentes molettes d'impression, avec laquelle il est monté dans la tête, et
  • une pluralité de tiges coulissantes, à crémaillères dites avant et arrière, montées dans ladite tête avec la crémaillère avant de chacune d'elles en prise sur l'un des pignons menés et lui transmettant une commande reçue de l'ensemble moteur.

Selon ce document FR-A-2.665.782 :
  • l'ensemble moteur est monté dans la base, dans un logement d'interface juste à l'arrière de l'emplacement avant pour la tête et à la périphérie de la broche et du fourreau engagé sur ladite broche,
  • et les crémaillères arrière des tiges coulissantes sont au moins partiellement saillantes, sur l'arrière de la tête et engagées avec l'extrémité arrière du fourreau dans la base,
  • cet ensemble moteur étant ainsi susceptible de venir en prise avec les crémaillères arrière desdites tiges et constituant dans ladite base un module commande de réglage des molettes de la tête.
In order to avoid such disadvantages, the Applicant Company has already proposed, according to document FR-A-2,665,782, a device for adjusting the printing knobs of a franking machine head, in which the head is removable on a base and comprises a printing drum fitted with said wheels and carried on a so-called front end of a sheath having its other so-called rear end protruding from the back of the head, and the base has a front location for the head and includes a drive mechanism, control circuits called control card coupled to the drive mechanism, and a pin rotary coupled to the drive mechanism and partially projecting in the location for the head, to receive said sheath on it and drive the drum, this device comprising:
  • a motor assembly, with at least one control motor and at least one driving pinion, coupled to said control card,
  • a plurality of driven pinions, each coupled to one of the different printing wheels, with which it is mounted in the head, and
  • a plurality of sliding rods, with said front and rear racks, mounted in said head with the front rack of each of them engaged on one of the driven pinions and transmitting to it a command received from the motor assembly.

According to this document FR-A-2.665.782:
  • the motor assembly is mounted in the base, in an interface housing just behind the front location for the head and at the periphery of the spindle and of the sleeve engaged on said spindle,
  • and the rear racks of the sliding rods are at least partially projecting, on the rear of the head and engaged with the rear end of the sheath in the base,
  • this motor assembly thus being capable of coming into engagement with the rear racks of said rods and constituting in said base a control module for adjusting the knurls of the head.

Ce dispositif a pour inconvénient de manquer encore de compacité ainsi que de commodité et de souplesse de positionnement.This device has the disadvantage of still lacking compactness as well as convenience and flexibility of positioning.

L'utilisation de crémaillères est par ailleurs pénalisante du fait qu'une crémaillère ne peut avoir qu'un mouvement de va-et-vient et non pas un mouvement continu. Il en résulte par exemple que si l'on désire afficher un zéro sur une molette d'impression après avoir imprimé un 9, il est alors nécessaire de commander le déplacement de la crémaillère associée de la totalité de sa course. Les temps de réglage nécessaires sont donc globalement importants.The use of racks is also disadvantageous because a rack can only have a back and forth movement and not a continuous movement. It follows for example that if one wishes to display a zero on a printing wheel after having printed a 9, it is then necessary to control the displacement of the associated rack for the whole of its stroke. The necessary adjustment times are therefore generally important.

L'invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients. Elle se rapporte à cet effet à un dispositif de réglage en position des molettes d'impression d'une tête de machine à affranchir, cette tête étant amovible par rapport à une base et comportant un tambour d'impression équipé desdites molettes, un module de commande de réglage de la position de chacune de ces molettes étant prévu dans la base et comportant plusieurs moteurs à commande extérieure, dont un moteur par molette à régler en position, chacun de ces moteurs entrainant au moins un pignon menant respectif prévu lui-aussi dans ladite base et apte à venir s'engrener sur une liaison cinématique à engrenages, elle même prévue dans ladite tête et agissant sur une roue dentée, ou pignon mené, solidaire de ladite molette pour régler la position de cette dernière, ce dispositif de réglage étant caractérisé en ce que :

  • . ladite liaison cinématique est une liaison à pignons constituant un train d'engrenage rotatifs ;
  • . lesdits pignons menants sont coaxiaux et parallèles, formant dans leur ensemble un bloc à contour quasi-cylindrique, et lesdits moteurs sont disposés en arc de cercle autour de ce bloc pour former avec ce dernier ledit module de commande de réglage ;
  • . ce module de commande est prévu basculant entre une position reculée arrière où lesdits pignons menants sont débrayés et éloignés des trains d ' engrenage respectifs compris dans la tête, et une position avancée avant où ces mêmes pignons sont en position d'engrènement sur ces mêmes trains d'engrenages ; et
  • . ce même module de commande est monté sur un ou plusieurs supports élastiques qui assurent sa liaison avec son axe de basculement.
The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. To this end, it relates to a device for adjusting the position of the printing wheels of a franking machine head, this head being removable with respect to a base and comprising a printing drum equipped with said wheels, a module for control for adjusting the position of each of these knobs being provided in the base and comprising several motors with external control, including one motor per knurl to be adjusted in position, each of these motors driving at least one respective driving pinion also provided in said base and able to mesh with a kinematic gear link, itself provided in said head and acting on a toothed wheel, or driven pinion, integral with said wheel to adjust the position of the latter, this adjustment device being characterized in that:
  • . said kinematic link is a pinion link constituting a rotary gear train;
  • . said driving pinions are coaxial and parallel, forming as a whole a block with a quasi-cylindrical contour, and said motors are arranged in an arc of a circle around this block to form with the latter said adjustment control module;
  • . this control module is provided tilting between a rear rear position where said driving pinions are disengaged and distant from the respective gear trains included in the head, and an advanced position before where these same pinions are in the engagement position on these same trains gears; and
  • . this same control module is mounted on one or more elastic supports which ensure its connection with its tilting axis.

Avantageusement en outre, ce module de commande est équipé d'au moins un doigt de centrage qui est proéminent par rapport auxdits pignons menants et en direction de la tête, ce doigt de centrage étant prévu pour s'engager, lorsque le module est basculé en sa position avant d'engrènement, dans un orifice correspondant du tambour rotatif.Advantageously also, this control module is equipped with at least one centering finger which is prominent with respect to said driving pinions and in the direction of the head, this centering finger being provided for engaging, when the module is tilted in its position before engagement, in a corresponding orifice of the rotary drum.

Préférentiellement en outre, ce même doigt de centrage est aussi prévu pour, lorsque le module est en position avant d'engrènement et que ce doigt est alors engagé dans ledit orifice, agir sur un dispositif de déverrouillage des molettes.Preferably also, this same centering finger is also provided for, when the module is in the position before engagement and this finger is then engaged in said orifice, act on a device for unlocking the rollers.

De toute façon, l'invention sera bien comprise, et ses avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront mieux, lors de la description suivante d'un exemple non limitatif de réalisation, en référence au dessin schématique annexé dans lequel :

  • . Figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale très dépouillée montrant, dans une machine à affranchir conforme à l'invention, une majeure partie des éléments de cette invention, le module de commande de réglage des molettes étant en position arrière, reculée au maximum à l'intérieur de la base ;
  • . Figure 2 est une vue semblable à Figure 1, avec le même module de commande basculé au maximum vers l'avant, et donc en prise sur le train de pignons menés associés à chaque molette ;
  • . Figure 3 est une vue partielle de dessus correspondant aux Figures 1 et 2 et montrant la coopération de pignons menants et menés ;
  • . Figure 4 est une vue en perspective très partielle du tambour d'impression avec une des molettes en position de réglage selon Figure 2 ;
  • . Figures 5 et 6 sont respectivement une vue en bout et une vue de côté du bloc-support du module de commande, les moteurs et engrenages n'y étant pas représentés pour plus de clarté ;
  • . Figures 7 et 8 sont des vues de côté, dépouillées comme en Figure 6, montrant ce bloc-support et son mécanisme de commande de basculement, respectivement en position reculée au maximum et en position avancée au maximum ; et
  • . Figure 9 est une perspective schématique et assez libre montrant le rôle supplémentaire de déverrouillage des molettes qui incombe au doigt de centrage du module de commande.
In any case, the invention will be well understood, and its advantages and characteristics will become more apparent from the following description of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended schematic drawing in which:
  • . Figure 1 is a very stripped longitudinal sectional view showing, in a franking machine according to the invention, most of the elements of this invention, the control module for adjusting the rollers being in the rear position, moved back as far as possible 'inside the base;
  • . Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, with the same control module tilted as far forward, and therefore engaged on the gear train driven associated with each wheel;
  • . Figure 3 is a partial top view corresponding to Figures 1 and 2 and showing the cooperation of driving and driven pinions;
  • . Figure 4 is a very partial perspective view of the printing drum with one of the knobs in the adjustment position according to Figure 2;
  • . Figures 5 and 6 are respectively an end view and a side view of the support block of the control module, the motors and gears not being shown for clarity;
  • . Figures 7 and 8 are side views, stripped as in Figure 6, showing this support block and its tilting control mechanism, respectively in the retracted position at maximum and in the advanced position at maximum; and
  • . Figure 9 is a schematic and fairly free perspective showing the additional role of unlocking the wheels which falls to the centering finger of the control module.

En se référant aux Figures 1 à 4, il s'agit d'une machine à affranchir qui comporte d'une part une base fixe 1 et d'autre part une tête amovible 2.Referring to Figures 1 to 4, it is a franking machine which comprises on the one hand a fixed base 1 and on the other hand a removable head 2.

La tête 2 forme un module de sécurité dont les différentes parties sont montées dans un boitier quasi-fermé 3, d'accès non accessible pour l'usager. Elle contient le tambour d'impression rotatif 4 qui lui-même comporte plusieurs molettes réglables 5 destinées à l'impression des valeurs réglables (date, prix, ...).The head 2 forms a security module, the different parts of which are mounted in a quasi-closed box 3, of access not accessible to the user. It contains the rotary printing drum 4 which itself comprises several adjustable knobs 5 intended for printing the adjustable values (date, price, etc.).

En position de travail, la tête 2 est accolée contre la base 1, et centrée en cette position au moyen d'une broche proéminente 6 solidaire de la base 1. L'axe 7 de cette broche est confondu avec l'axe de rotation du tambour 4, la broche 6 servant en outre d'organe d'entrainement en rotation de ce tambour.In the working position, the head 2 is placed against the base 1, and centered in this position by means of a protruding pin 6 secured to the base 1. The axis 7 of this pin coincides with the axis of rotation of the drum 4, the spindle 6 also serving as a drive member for rotating this drum.

Une lumière 8 est prévue dans la face inférieure de la base pour livrer passage, au cours de la rotation du tambour, au méplat d'impression 9 qui porte les différentes valeurs à imprimer 10, dont par exemple les différents chiffres ou lettres portés par les molettes 5.A light 8 is provided in the underside of the base to allow passage, during the rotation of the drum, to the printing flat 9 which carries the different values to be printed 10, including for example the different numbers or letters carried by the knobs 5.

Entre cette face inférieure qui contient la lumière 8 et un contre-rouleau d'impression 11 solidaire de la base 1 est ménagée une fente 12 d'introduction des plis à affranchir.Between this lower face which contains the lumen 8 and a printing counter-roller 11 secured to the base 1, a slot 12 is introduced for introducing the pleats to be franked.

Lorsque le tambour 4 ne tourne pas, il est possible de modifier les valeurs 10 portées par les molettes 5 au moyen d'un clavier (non représenté) qui est solidaire de la base 1.When the drum 4 is not rotating, it is possible to modify the values 10 carried by the knobs 5 by means of a keyboard (not shown) which is integral with the base 1.

Ce clavier est relié à une carte électronique de commande qui, en fonction des données entrées par le clavier, provoque l'entrainement en rotation de plusieurs petits moteurs électriques M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., chacun de ces moteurs étant affecté au réglage d'une molette respective. Par exemple, le moteur M3 est affecté au réglage en position de la molette 5 représentée au dessin.This keyboard is connected to an electronic control card which, depending on the data entered by the keyboard, causes the rotation of several small electric motors M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., each of these motors being affected. when setting a respective dial. For example, the motor M3 is assigned to adjusting the position of the wheel 5 shown in the drawing.

L'arbre 13 de chacun de ces moteurs porte un petit pignon 14 qui entraîne en rotation un plus grand pignon menant R3. Il est donc prévu, dans la base 1, un pignon menant R1, R2, R3, R4, ..., par moteur M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., et donc par molette 5.The shaft 13 of each of these motors carries a small pinion 14 which rotates a larger pinion driving R3. It is therefore provided, in the base 1, a pinion driving R1, R2, R3, R4, ..., by motor M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., and therefore by thumb wheel 5.

Tous ces pignons menants R1, R2, R3, ..., sont montés rotatifs autour d'un axe commun 15, et ils forment dans leur ensemble un bloc 16 à contour quasi-cylindrique d'axe 15. Dans l'exemple préférentiel représenté, ces pignons menants sont tous de même diamètre, de sorte que ce bloc 16 est à contour cylindrique circulaire à génératrices rectilignes et parallèles à l'axe 15.All these driving pinions R1, R2, R3, ..., are rotatably mounted around a common axis 15, and they as a whole form a block 16 with a quasi-cylindrical outline of axis 15. In the preferred example shown , these driving pinions are all of the same diameter, so that this block 16 is of circular cylindrical contour with rectilinear generatrices and parallel to the axis 15.

Comme représenté, et selon une caractéristique de l'invention, tous les moteurs M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., sont disposés en arc de cercle autour de ce bloc de pignons menants 16.As shown, and according to a characteristic of the invention, all the motors M1, M2, M3, M4, ..., are arranged in an arc of a circle around this block of driving pinions 16.

Pour un encombrement minimal, ils sont alternativement disposés, parallèlement à l'axe 15, de part et d'autre de ce bloc 16. S'il y a par exemple sept molettes 5 à régler, et donc sept moteurs M et donc sept pignons menants R, il est prévu quatre moteurs M d'un côté du bloc 16 (les quatre moteurs M1 à M4 représentés) et trois autres moteurs M de l'autre côté de ce bloc 16.For a minimum size, they are alternately arranged, parallel to the axis 15, on either side of this block 16. If there are for example seven knobs 5 to be adjusted, and therefore seven motors M and therefore seven pinions leading R, four motors M are provided on one side of the block 16 (the four motors M1 to M4 shown) and three other motors M on the other side of this block 16.

D'un même côté de ce bloc 16, les différents moteurs (M1 à M4 par exemple) sont, dans la direction de l'axe 15, placés en quinconce pour un encombrement minimal. Par exemple, les moteurs M1 et M3 sont, selon cette direction 15, placés près du bloc 16, et leur arbre 13 porteur de pignon 14 est donc un arbre plutôt court, tandis que les moteurs M2 et M4 sont placés, toujours selon cette direction 15, en arrière des moteurs M1 et M3, et leur arbre est donc plutôt long.On the same side of this block 16, the various motors (M1 to M4 for example) are, in the direction of the axis 15, placed in staggered rows for minimal bulk. For example, the motors M1 and M3 are, in this direction 15, placed near the block 16, and their shaft 13 carrying the pinion 14 is therefore a rather short shaft, while the motors M2 and M4 are placed, always in this direction 15, behind the motors M1 and M3, and their shaft is therefore rather long.

Selon une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention, tout cet ensemble de moteurs M1, M2, M3, ..., et ce bloc 16 de pignons menants font partie d'un module 17 de commande de réglage des molettes 5 qui est monté basculant, d'arrière en avant et vice-versa dans la direction de l'axe 7 de la tête 2, autour d'un axe de rotation 18.According to an essential characteristic of the invention, all of this set of motors M1, M2, M3, ..., and this block 16 of driving pinions are part of a module 17 for adjusting the adjustment of the knobs 5 which is pivotally mounted, from back to front and vice versa in the direction of the axis 7 of the head 2, around an axis of rotation 18.

La position "reculée", ou position basculée arrière, est celle représentée en Figure 1. Dans cette position, le bloc de pignons menants 16 est débrayé, et n'est donc pas en prise sur les premiers pignons menés respectifs 19 qui, comme on le décrira ci-après, sont les premiers maillons des chaines cinématiques 20 à engrenages qui peuvent entrainer en rotation les molettes respectives 5 pour le réglage de celles-ci.The “retracted” position, or rear tilted position, is that shown in FIG. 1. In this position, the block of driving pinions 16 is disengaged, and is therefore not engaged on the respective first driven pinions 19 which, as we will describe it below, are the first links of the kinematic chains 20 with gears which can drive in rotation the respective knobs 5 for the adjustment of these.

La position "avancée", ou position basculée avant, est celle représentée en Figures 2 et 4. Tous les grands pignons menants, tel que le pignon R3, du bloc 16 sont alors en prise sur le premier pignon mené, tel que le pignon correspondant 19, de la liaison cinématique respective à engrenages 20 associée à la molette respective 5 et qui est incluse dans la tête 2.The "advanced" position, or tilted front position, is that shown in Figures 2 and 4. All the large driving pinions, such as the pinion R3, of block 16 are then engaged on the first driven pinion, such as the corresponding pinion 19, of the respective kinematic link with gears 20 associated with the respective wheel 5 and which is included in the head 2.

Cette chaîne cinématique 20 est une chaîne à engrenage par roues dentées.This kinematic chain 20 is a gear chain by toothed wheels.

Comme on le voit en particulier sur la Figure 4, le grand pignon menant R3, qui fait donc partie de la base, engrène sur le premier pignon 19 de la chaîne cinématique à engrenages 20, qui fait partie de la tête.As seen in particular in Figure 4, the large driving pinion R3, which therefore forms part of the base, meshes on the first pinion 19 of the kinematic chain with gears 20, which forms part of the head.

Ce pignon 19 est lui-même solidaire d'un pignon coaxial 21 qui lui-même entraîne, via un pignon intermédiaire 22, le pignon 23 qui est solidaire de la molette d'impression 5 et coaxial à cette dernière.This pinion 19 is itself integral with a coaxial pinion 21 which itself drives, via an intermediate pinion 22, the pinion 23 which is integral with the printing wheel 5 and coaxial with the latter.

En outre, ce pignon 23 entraine en rotation, par l'intermédiaire d'un pignon 24, une roue codeuse dentée 25. La position de cette roue codeuse de position 25 est détectée par un capteur opto-électronique 26 en forme d'étrier dont le signal de sortie est traité par une carte électronique 27, solidaire dans cet exemple du tambour 4 et qui mesure la position du chiffre ou lettre 10 de la molette 5 et la compare à celle préaffichée par le clavier de commande précité afin d'agir en conséquence sur la rotation du moteur M3.In addition, this pinion 23 rotates, by means of a pinion 24, a toothed coding wheel 25. The position of this position coding wheel 25 is detected by an opto-electronic sensor 26 in the shape of a stirrup, the output signal is processed by an electronic card 27, integral in this example with the drum 4 and which measures the position of the number or letter 10 of the wheel 5 and compares it to that pre-displayed by the aforementioned control keyboard in order to act in consequence on the rotation of the motor M3.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, qui est représentée plus spécifiquement aux figures 5 et 6, le châssis 28 de support du module de commande basculant 17 est monté sur deux plaques métalliques élastiques 29, 30, formant à elles-deux un "V" qui relie le châssis 28 à l'axe de basculement 18 (Figures 1 à 2).According to another characteristic of the invention, which is shown more specifically in Figures 5 and 6, the chassis 28 for supporting the tilting control module 17 is mounted on two elastic metal plates 29, 30, forming together a "V "which connects the frame 28 to the tilting axis 18 (Figures 1 to 2).

Le module de commande 17 est ainsi monté sur un support élastique 29, 30, ce qui garantit un engrenage positif et donc sans faille des pignons menants R1, R2, R3, ..., solidaires du module basculant 17, sur les pignons d'entrée 19 des chaînes cinématiques 20 associées aux différentes molettes 5 du tambour 4.The control module 17 is thus mounted on an elastic support 29, 30, which guarantees a positive and therefore flawless gearing of the driving pinions R1, R2, R3, ..., integral with the tilting module 17, on the pinions input 19 of the kinematic chains 20 associated with the different knobs 5 of the drum 4.

Pour guider le module 17 tout en facilitant son engrenage sur les pignons menés 19 du tambour 4, le châssis 28 de ce bloc 17 est en outre muni d'un doigt de centrage 31 (Figures 6 à 9) à extrémité 32 conique.To guide the module 17 while facilitating its gear on the driven pinions 19 of the drum 4, the frame 28 of this block 17 is further provided with a centering finger 31 (Figures 6 to 9) with conical end 32.

Ce doigt de centrage 31 est, par rapport au châssis 28, proéminent en direction de la tête 2 et, lorsque le module de commande 17 est basculé vers l'avant, selon Figures 2 à 8, en position d'engrènement, il vient s'enficher (Figure 9) dans un orifice oblong correspondant 33 prévu à cet effet dans une patte 4A du tambour rotatif d'impression 4.This centering finger 31 is, relative to the chassis 28, protruding in the direction of the head 2 and, when the control module 17 is tilted forward, according to FIGS. 2 to 8, in the engagement position, it comes s insert (Figure 9) in a corresponding oblong hole 33 provided for this purpose in a tab 4A of the rotary printing drum 4.

La combinaison de ce doigt de centrage 31, et des lames élastiques de support 29,30 permet d'assurer toujours un bon positionnement du module 17 au moment de l'engrènement des pignons menants solidaires de ce bloc sur les pignons menés solidaires du tambour 4 (cf.Fig.3).The combination of this centering finger 31, and elastic support blades 29, 30 makes it possible to always ensure correct positioning of the module 17 when the meshing of the driving pinions integral with this block on the driven pinions integral with the drum 4 (see Fig. 3).

En outre, ce montage élastique du châssis 28 du module 17 autorise l'utilisation aisée d'un dispositif progressif et précis de commande de basculement du module 17, du type vis-écrou, qui sera décrit maintenant en référence aux figures 7 et 8 où il est représenté.In addition, this elastic mounting of the chassis 28 of the module 17 authorizes the easy use of a progressive and precise device for tilting control of the module 17, of the screw-nut type, which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 where He is represented.

Sur ces Figures 7 et 8, qui respectivement montrent le châssis basculant 28 en position de recul maximal et en position d'avancée maximale, il est prévu un moteur électrique 34A qui est fixé dans la base et dont le sens de rotation est commandé, à partir du clavier de la base et de sa carte électronique associée, dans un sens comme dans l'autre.In these Figures 7 and 8, which respectively show the tilting frame 28 in the maximum recoil position and in the maximum advance position, an electric motor 34A is provided which is fixed in the base and the direction of rotation of which is controlled, from the base keyboard and its associated electronic card, in one direction as in the other.

Sur l'arbre 35 de ce moteur 34A est fixé un pignon 36 qui entraîne un autre pignon 37 solidaire d'une vis sans fin 38 d'axe parallèle à celui de la tête 2 et montée folle en rotation dans deux palliers d'extrémité 39 et 40.On the shaft 35 of this motor 34A is fixed a pinion 36 which drives another pinion 37 secured to an endless screw 38 with an axis parallel to that of the head 2 and mounted idly in rotation in two end bearings 39 and 40.

Le châssis basculant 28 est lui-même solidaire d'un écrou 41, fixe en rotation, qui est en prise sur la vis rotative 38. De manière en soi bien connue, la rotation du moteur 34, et donc de la vis 38, entraîne le déplacement de l'écrou 41 le long de la vis 38 dans un sens comme dans l'autre.The tilting frame 28 is itself integral with a nut 41, fixed in rotation, which is engaged on the rotary screw 38. In itself well known manner, the rotation of the motor 34, and therefore of the screw 38, causes moving the nut 41 along the screw 38 in one direction as in the other.

Il s'ensuit un basculement progressif et contrôlé du châssis 28 vers l'avant comme vers l'arrière, les lames élastiques 29 et 30 absorbant les différences dues aux positions successives du châssis basculant par rapport à la vis 38 : le déplacement de l'écrou est rectiligne, tandis que le basculement du châssis 28 s'effectue en arc de cercle, autour d'un axe 60 solidaire de l'écrou 41.It follows a progressive and controlled tilting of the frame 28 forwards as well as backwards, the elastic blades 29 and 30 absorbing the differences due to the successive positions of the tilting frame relative to the screw 38: the displacement of the nut is rectilinear, while the tilting of the chassis 28 takes place in an arc of a circle, around an axis 60 integral with the nut 41.

Enfin, selon une autre caractéristique, optionelle mais avantageuse, de l'invention, le doigt de centrage 31 sert aussi, lorsqu'il est avancé pour pénétrer dans l'orifice, de doigt de commande de déverrouillage des molettes 5 du tambour d'impression 4.Finally, according to another characteristic, optional but advantageous, of the invention, the centering finger 31 also serves, when it is advanced to penetrate the orifice, as a control finger for unlocking the knobs 5 of the printing drum 4.

On sait en effet, tel qu'il est par exemple expliqué dans la demande de Brevet en France FR-A-2.665.781 déposée le 7 Août 1990 par la Société Demanderesse, que la tête amovible d'une machine à affranchir doit obligatoirement comporter un dispositif de verrouillage des molettes d'impression qui garantit que, lorsque le tambour est en rotation, le réglage en position des molettes ne puisse être modifié par exemple par une frappe, voulue ou intempestive, au clavier.We know in fact, as it is for example explained in the patent application in France FR-A-2,665,781 filed on August 7, 1990 by the Applicant Company, that the removable head of a franking machine must necessarily include a locking mechanism for the printing wheels which guarantees that, when the drum is in rotation, the setting in position of the wheels cannot be modified, for example by typing, intentionally or inadvertently, on the keyboard.

La machine à affranchir comporte donc elle-aussi, et comme il se doit, un dispositif de verrouillage des molettes 5, ce dispositif, dont un exemple simplifié mais plausible de réalisation est représenté en Figure 9, ne faisant en soi pas partie de la présente invention.The franking machine therefore also comprises, and as it should be, a device for locking the rollers 5, this device, a simplified but plausible example of which is shown in FIG. 9, which is not in itself part of the present invention.

Tel qu'il est représenté sur cette Figure 9, les pignons 23 qui sont respectivement solidaires des différentes molettes d'impression 5 sont normalement bloqués en position par les dents conjuguées 42 d'un étrier basculant 43, qui est solidaire du tambour d'impression 4 et qui est rappelé dans sa position (représentée en traits pleins) de verrouillage des molettes 5 par de puissants ressorts de rappel 44.As shown in this FIG. 9, the pinions 23 which are respectively integral with the different printing knobs 5 are normally locked in position by the conjugate teeth 42 of a tilting bracket 43, which is integral with the printing drum 4 and which is returned to its position (shown in solid lines) for locking the rollers 5 by powerful return springs 44.

Le basculement de l'étrier 43 dans sa position (représentée en pointillés) de déverrouillage des molettes 5 est commandée par un levier en "L" 45, monté basculant autour d'un axe 46 orthogonal à l'axe 47 de basculement de l'étrier 43, dont une première extrémité 48 vient en appui contre une butée 49 solidaire de l'étrier 43, et dont l'autre extrémité 50 est libre et est prévue pour être repoussée, comme indiqué par la flèche et donc dans le sens horaire, par le doigt 31,32 lorsque ce dernier est avancé pour, comme figuré en pointillés, venir finalement en appui latéral contre cette extrémité libre 50 du levier 45. Il apparaît donc bien ici que ce doigt 31 sert non seulement d'organe de centrage du bloc de commande 17, mais encore d'organe de commande du déverrouillage des molettes 5, déverrouillage qui est nécessaire pour procéder, selon l'invention, au réglage de ces molettes à partir du clavier de la base 1.The tilting of the stirrup 43 in its position (shown in dotted lines) for unlocking the rollers 5 is controlled by a "L" shaped lever 45, mounted tilting around an axis 46 orthogonal to the axis 47 of tilting of the stirrup 43, one end 48 of which abuts against a stop 49 integral with stirrup 43, and the other end 50 of which is free and is designed to be pushed back, as indicated by the arrow and therefore clockwise, by the finger 31.32 when the latter is advanced to, as shown in dotted lines, finally come into lateral support against this free end 50 of the lever 45. It therefore appears here that this finger 31 not only serves as a centering member of the control unit 17, but also control unit unlocking the knobs 5, unlocking which is necessary to proceed, according to the invention, to adjusting these knobs from the keyboard of the base 1.

Comme il va de soi, l'invention n'est pas limitée à l'exemple de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit. Elle est bien au contraire susceptible d'être mise en oeuvre sous de multiples autres formes équivalentes.It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described. On the contrary, it is capable of being implemented in multiple other equivalent forms.

Claims (6)

1 - Dispositif de réglage en position des molettes d'impression (5) d'une tête (2) de machine à affranchir, cette tête étant amovible par rapport à une base (1) et comportant un tambour d'impression (4) équipé desdites molettes (5), un module (17) de commande de réglage de la position de chacune de ces molettes (5) étant prévu dans la base (1) et comportant plusieurs moteurs (M1,M2,M3,M4,...) à commande extérieure, dont un moteur (M3) par molette (5) à régler en position, chacun (M3) de ces moteurs entrainant au moins un pignon menant respectif (R3) prévu lui-aussi dans ladite base et apte à venir s'engrener sur une liaison cinématique à engrenages (20), elle même prévue dans ladite tête (2) et agissant sur une roue dentée, ou pignon mené (23), solidaire de ladite molette (5) pour régler la position de cette dernière,
caractérisé en ce que : . ladite liaison cinématique (20) est une liaison à pignons (19,21,22) constituant un train d'engrenage rotatifs ; . lesdits pignons menants (R3) sont coaxiaux et parallèles, formant dans leur ensemble un bloc (16) à contour quasi-cylindrique, et lesdits moteurs (M1,M2,M3,M4,...) sont disposés en arc de cercle autour de ce bloc (16) pour former avec ce dernier ledit module de commande de réglage (17); . ce module de commande (17) est prévu basculant entre une position reculée arrière où lesdits pignons menants (R3) sont débrayés et éloignés des trains d'engrenage respectifs (20) compris dans la tête (2), et une position avancée avant où ces mêmes pignons (R3) sont en position d'engrènement sur ces mêmes trains d'engrenages (20); et . ce même module de commande (17) est monté sur un ou plusieurs supports élastiques (29,30) qui assurent sa liaison avec son axe de basculement (18). 1 - Device for adjusting the position of the printing knobs (5) of a head (2) of a franking machine, this head being removable relative to a base (1) and comprising a printing drum (4) equipped said knobs (5), a module (17) for adjusting the position of each of these knobs (5) being provided in the base (1) and comprising several motors (M1, M2, M3, M4, ... ) externally controlled, including a motor (M3) by thumb wheel (5) to be adjusted in position, each (M3) of these motors driving at least one respective driving pinion (R3) also provided in said base and able to come s '' meshing on a kinematic link with gears (20), itself provided in said head (2) and acting on a toothed wheel, or driven pinion (23), integral with said wheel (5) to adjust the position of the latter,
characterized in that: . said kinematic link (20) is a pinion link (19,21,22) constituting a rotary gear train; . said driving pinions (R3) are coaxial and parallel, forming as a whole a block (16) with quasi-cylindrical contour, and said motors (M1, M2, M3, M4, ...) are arranged in an arc of a circle around this block (16) for forming therewith said adjustment control module (17); . this control module (17) is provided tilting between a rear rear position where said driving pinions (R3) are disengaged and distant from the respective gear trains (20) included in the head (2), and an advanced position before where these same pinions (R3) are in engagement position on these same gear trains (20); and . this same control module (17) is mounted on one or more elastic supports (29, 30) which ensure its connection with its tilting axis (18). 2 - Dispositif de réglage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ce module de commande (17) est équipé d'au moins un doigt de centrage (31) qui est proéminent par rapport auxdits pignons menants (R3) et en direction de la tête (2), ce doigt de centrage (31) étant prévu pour s'engager, lorsque le module (17) est basculé en sa position avant d'engrènement, dans un orifice oblong correspondant (33) d'une patte (4A) du tambour (4). 2 - Adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that this control module (17) is equipped with at least one centering finger (31) which is prominent with respect to said driving pinions (R3) and in the direction of the head (2), this centering finger (31) being designed to engage, when the module (17) is tilted in its position before engagement, in a corresponding oblong orifice (33) of a tab (4A) of the drum (4). 3 - Dispositif de réglage selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ce même doigt de centrage (31) est aussi prévu pour, lorsque le module (17) est en position avant d'engrènement et que ce doigt est alors engagé dans ledit orifice (33), agir sur un dispositif (45,43) de déverrouillage des molettes (5). 3 - Adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that this same centering finger (31) is also provided for, when the module (17) is in position before engagement and that this finger is then engaged in said orifice (33), act on a device (45,43) for unlocking the rollers (5). 4 - Dispositif de réglage selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moteurs (M1,M2,M3,M4,...) sont disposés de part et d'autre dudit bloc quasi-cylindrique (16), et en quinconce les uns par rapport aux autres d'un même côté dudit bloc (16). 4 - Adjustment device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said motors (M1, M2, M3, M4, ...) are arranged on either side of said quasi-cylindrical block (16) , and staggered with respect to each other on the same side of said block (16). 5 - Dispositif de réglage selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que lesdits supports élastiques du module de commande (17) sont constituées par deux lames élastiques (29, 30) disposées en "V". 5 - Adjustment device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said elastic supports of the control module (17) are constituted by two elastic blades (29, 30) arranged in "V". 6 - Dispositif de réglage selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le basculement dudit module (17) est réalisé de manière controlée à l'aide d'un système (34 à 41) d'entrainement à vis-écrou (38, 41). 6 - Adjustment device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tilting of said module (17) is carried out in a controlled manner using a system (34 to 41) of screw drive- nut (38, 41).
EP93403145A 1992-12-22 1993-12-22 Device for setting the print wheels of a franking machine Expired - Lifetime EP0604317B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9215495A FR2699710B1 (en) 1992-12-22 1992-12-22 Device for adjusting print wheels in a postage meter.
FR9215495 1992-12-22

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EP0604317A1 true EP0604317A1 (en) 1994-06-29
EP0604317B1 EP0604317B1 (en) 1996-11-20

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EP93403145A Expired - Lifetime EP0604317B1 (en) 1992-12-22 1993-12-22 Device for setting the print wheels of a franking machine

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US (1) US5402717A (en)
EP (1) EP0604317B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69306091T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2699710B1 (en)

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CN1945633B (en) * 2006-10-25 2011-03-23 上海邮政科学研究院 Postage machine for batch processing large size envelopes

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DE102011008859B3 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-06-06 Paul Leibinger Gmbh & Co. Kg numbering

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US4723486A (en) * 1984-11-05 1988-02-09 Societe D'etude Et De Construction D'appareils De Precision (S.E.C.A.P.) Device for automatic angular positioning of a plurality of indexable rotary machine elements, and a machine comprising a device of this type, especially a postal franking machine
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0604317B1 (en) 1996-11-20
DE69306091T2 (en) 1997-03-20
US5402717A (en) 1995-04-04
DE69306091D1 (en) 1997-01-02
FR2699710B1 (en) 1995-02-10
FR2699710A1 (en) 1994-06-24

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