EP0661175B2 - Automatic document feeder for folding and/or inserting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the specific field mail processing. It specifically targets a folding and inserting machine as described in patents EP-O-352,692 and EP-O-485,797 in the name of the applicant, equipped with an automatic document feeder.

These office machines usually feature mounted on their chassis, a power supply device in documents, an empty envelope store and a loaded envelope exit device. In each loaded envelope has been inserted at least one document folded or not.

Generally, the feeder is a charger that works, either manually document, either automatically, one by one, documents stacked in this feeder, no combination possible.

The invention proposes to improve this device document feed by adding it other modes of operation to improve even more machine performance folder / inserter, while making it more user-friendly, easy to use and easily customizable to suit the real needs of the user.

To this end, it relates to a folding machine and feeder equipped with an automatic document feeder and having a first coupled path to a document entry and feeding a module two folding pockets associated with a set of folding rollers, a second path coupled to an inlet of empty envelopes and feeding an insertion module itself coupled to the folding to receive the issued documents, a third path coupled to a loaded envelope outlet and closed, and at the insertion station, and equipped with means for closing the envelopes, as well as a circuit general command. The entry of documents is topped in the automatic feeder, two loading bins capable of cooperating with this input according to different operating modes, individually or in combination with each other, using a set of detectors and drive components, managed by a microprocessor programmed from the general control circuit by through an input / output interface circuit housed in this feeder. One of the loading bins has a movable floor capable of occupying, either a closed position for automatic insertion of documents, i.e. an open position for a manual introduction of documents, via a cam mechanism driven by a motor driven by the general link control circuit with the input / output interface circuit while the other loading bin is not convertible.

Loading bins can be used, manual sheet feed mode, or automatic sheet feed mode, and this independently of one another, or in combination one with the other.

This arrangement thus provides the machine with folding and insertion, great flexibility of use obtained with a large choice of operating modes, associated with a wide choice of categories of documents (dimensions, grammages, quality, type, ...). Using multiple loading bins in modes automatic, with possible loading in time masked, further increases the yield of this machine.

The possible transformation of the loading bin reduces the total number of bins while facilitating operating mode combinations mixed. Using a dual-function bin on the first floor row, facing the machine user, makes the machine particularly practical to use and improves ergonomics of the latter.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique d'une plieuse/inséreuse équipée d'un alimenteur automatique de documents conforme à l'invention;
• les figures 2 et 3 représentent deux vues en coupe schématiques de l'alimenteur illustré sur la figure 1, respectivement dans les modes automatiques et semi-automatiques de fonctionnement;
• les figures 4 et 5 représentent deux vues en coupe schématiques d'un mécanisme de commande à cames incorporé à l'alimenteur illustré sur les figures 2 et 3, occupant des positions correspondant à ces figures respectivement;
• et la figure 6 représente un schéma fonctionnel de commande de l'alimenteur illustré sur les figures précédentes.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of example with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a folder / inserter equipped with an automatic document feeder according to the invention;
• Figures 2 and 3 show two schematic sectional views of the feeder illustrated in Figure 1, respectively in the automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation;
• Figures 4 and 5 show two schematic sectional views of a cam control mechanism incorporated in the feeder illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, occupying positions corresponding to these figures respectively;
• and FIG. 6 represents a functional diagram of control of the feeder illustrated in the preceding figures.

According to Figure 1, the folding machine and of insertion according to the invention serves to ensure the setting under envelope of documents such as mail folds, preferably as and when making these folds. It is part of the equipment of a secretariat where it constitutes one of the machines available of the person working in this position. The machine according to the invention is simply placed on the work plan of the psote being made easily accessible for the person in this position, especially for the presentation folds which it ensures the envelope.

The machine has a ply inlet 1 located at the base of a feeder 100, a magazine 2 of envelopes empty and an outlet 3 of loaded and closed envelopes, which are formed on a machine frame 5. The chassis 5 is formed in two parts called upper chassis 5A and lower chassis 5B. The chassis above its open underside and is hinged on the 5B lower chassis with open upper side, around a 5C axis. This 5C axis is carried by the lower chassis and is close to its back wall, considering the machine installed in a secretarial station. The 5A upper chassis is also locked on the lower chassis 5B which it then closes by means known unlockable, not shown.

Entrance 1 of folds and magazine 2 of envelopes voids are defined on the top wall of the chassis upper 5A, with entrance 1 more forward than the store 2 empty envelopes. The exit 3 of the envelopes loaded and closed is set at the bottom and front of the lower chassis 5B. Mail folds made up are thus easily introduced on input 1, while closed envelopes are easily taken from the exit 3; empty envelopes are loaded per pack in store 2 which constitutes the entry of empty envelopes and avoids an introduction manual of each empty envelope on this entry empty envelopes.

At entrance 1 of the folds corresponds a path 10 of folds in the machine, which feeds a functional module folding 11. The folding module 11 is two folding pockets 12 and 13 associated with a set of folding rollers 14. This path 10 defines the trajectory folds transferred from input 1 to the folding 11. It forms an elbow guiding the folds from input 1 to the rear part of the upper chassis 5A, to supply the folding module, partially assembled in the rear part of chassis 5A and for the other part in that of chassis 5B. This folding module ensures itself at the end of the path 10, a folding of the trajectory folds during the folding that it performs.

At store 2 of empty envelopes, constituting the entry of empty envelopes, corresponds to a path 20 empty envelopes in the machine. This path 20 cut the path 10 of the folds to reach the part substantially median of the machine. He has a trajectory broken, substantially S-shaped and fitted with a means for opening the flap of empty envelopes, 21.

At the exit 3 of closed envelopes, corresponds a path 30 of loaded envelopes. This path 30 is substantially linear; it extends over the exit 3, between the upper and lower chassis 5A, 5B, from the front part of the machine up to path 20 of empty envelopes and is substantially aligned with the folds out of the folding module 11. This path 30 is equipped with a functional loading module 32 folds in empty envelopes, of a functional module for wetting the flaps 32 and a module folding and closing the flaps 33.

The folding modules 11, loading 31 and anchorage 32 are said to be functional because they become disorganized with the opening of the upper chassis 5A on the lower chassis 5B.

A control circuit 6 defines the commands machine during a control cycle, connection with an interface circuit 62 specific to the feeder 100.

Different elements of the machine are specified below, relative to the document feeding part.

Input 1 of the plies on the machine is equipped with display unit which extends above the upper chassis 5A, with a slight tilt, foot in front, on the vertical. This display consists of the feeder automatic object of the present invention.

On the outside of the chassis, the inlet chute 1 is integral of the feeder is flared, to facilitate the introduction folds. Inside the chassis it is coupled to the path 10 and is equipped to constitute controlled access on path 19 of the folds.

Path 10 of the folds is defined by two sets of drive rollers 15A, 16A with their two sets of counter-rollers associated 15B, 16B and an intermediate chute guide 17, which is bent and formed by a pair of deflectors. It may include a chute coupling, not shown, between the set of rollers and counter-rollers 16A, 16B and the folding module. This chute coupling is substantially linear; she is interrupted for path 20 of empty envelopes, which cuts path 10 of the folds at its level, or does not extend only on one side of this path 20. The rollers and counter-rollers 15A, 15B and 16A and 16B and the chute 17 are mounted in the upper chassis 5A.

The pair of sets of rollers and counter-rollers 15A, 15B is mounted with a set of shutter fingers 18 on the end part of chute 1 inside the chassis 5A, to constitute a controlled access to path 10 of folds.

The 15A roller set is mounted on one side of the chute 1, it comes across the foot of the input tray slightly inside the chute 1. The set of counter-rollers 15B is pivotally mounted on the other side of the chute 1, facing the set of rollers 15A. It is carried by an axis resting in a window allowing its deflection opposite the set of rollers 15A. The game of rollers 15 is controlled by a pair of arms 19 articulated around an axis 19A carried by the upper chassis 5A. It pivots around this axis 19A between a position out of chute 1 and without contact with the clearance rollers 15A, which is its rest position, and a position where it comes into the chute 1, and under pressure against the set of rollers 15A, which is its control position.

The shutter finger set 18 is also pivotally mounted opposite the inlet chute 1, under the pair of sets of rollers 15A and counter-rollers 15B.

It is advantageously carried by the pair of arms 19 controlling the set of counter-rollers 15B, for a same simultaneous control. It then pivots around axis 19A between an obstructed position through the chute 1, which it closes, which is its rest position, and a cleared position out of the chute, which is its position control.

The set of counter-rollers 15B and the set of shutter fingers 18 being in their rest position, the fold introduced on input 1, slides along the input tray 1A, fits between sets of rollers and counter-rollers 15A, 15B and comes to rest on the set of shutter fingers 18 which closes the chute 1. This set of shutter fingers also plays the role of jogging stopper for many documents introduced at the same time into the chute input 1. This set of shutter fingers in its position rest isolates input 1 and internal path 10. In its operating position, the set of shutter fingers is cleared and opens chute 1, while the game of counter-rollers 15B under pressure on the set of rollers 15A allows the training of the fold on the path 10 of folds.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of arms 19 is articulated around the axis 19A carried by the upper chassis 5A, substantially at the level of its lower part and median. This pair of arms extends up the upper frame, on both sides of the chute angled 17. Its upper end serves as a stop for the axis of the set of rollers 15B, so that this set of rollers 15B remains at a distance from the roller set 15A or comes elastically in pressure against him. She wears below this end the set of shutter fingers that comes, from the inside of the elbow defined by the chute 17, fit between this chute 17 and the chute input by isolating them or which fades below of the roller set 15A. This pair of arms 19 extends beyond of the hinge pin in the lower chassis for his order. Each arm has a substantially profiled in L with the articulation axis at an intermediate point of the large leg of the L. This pair of arms 19 operates the shutter fingers 18 and the counter-rollers 15B, giving an activation delay to the counter-rollers 15B with respect to the fingers 18.

The folding module 11, the path 10 of the folds, the entry 2 of the empty envelopes and their path 20, the path 30 of envelopes loaded with the modules of wetting 32 and closing 33 as well as the circuit command 6 are described in detail in the patent EP-O-352 692.

The invention particularly specifies the constitution of the entry 1 of the folds inside the feeder even 100. This document feeder has two loading bins 101, 102 formed inside of a feeder body 103. This feeder body has a support plate 104 flanked by two lateral flanges 105, 106 covered respectively by two hubcaps 107, 108. It adjusts and snap onto the upper wall of the upper chassis 5A via two front fixing lugs 109 and two side blade locking lugs flexible not shown (see Figures 1A, 1B and 2).

• un fond basculant 113 surmonté d'une filière 113A constitué d'un patin lui-même recouvert d'un revêtement rugueux de séparation et articulé autour d'un axe 119 de pivotement fixé aux flasques 105 106;
• un plateau presseur 111 ajouré et articulé sur les flasques 105, 106 par deux pions de pivotement 130, à l'encontre d'un ressort de rappel 112;
• deux margeurs 136A, 136B coulissant en synchronisme au moyen d'une crémaillère non représentée, sur le plateau presseur 111;
• un arceau d'appui 139 pour le maintien en position inclinée des documents 151 dans le prolongement immédiat des margeurs 136A, 136B, fixé à ses extrémités aux flasques latéraux 105, 106;
• un galet 110 de prise de documents 151, entraíné par le moteur de commande 10A par l'intermédiaire d'un embrayage non représenté.

The loading tank 101 essentially consists of:

• a tilting bottom 113 surmounted by a die 113A consisting of a shoe itself covered with a rough separation coating and articulated around a pivot axis 119 fixed to the flanges 105 106;
• a perforated pressure plate 111 articulated on the flanges 105, 106 by two pivot pins 130, against a return spring 112;
• two feeders 136A, 136B sliding in synchronism by means of a rack, not shown, on the pressure plate 111;
• a support arch 139 for maintaining the inclined position of the documents 151 in the immediate extension of the feeders 136A, 136B, fixed at its ends to the side plates 105, 106;
• a roller 110 for taking documents 151, driven by the control motor 10A via a clutch not shown.

• un fond fixe 123 faisant partie intégrante de la plaque de support 104, doté d'une filière 123A constitué d'un patin lui-même recouvert d'un revêtement rugueux de séparation;
• un plateau presseur 121 ajouré et articulé sur les flasques 105, 106 par deux pions de pivotement 140, à l'encontre d'un ressort de rappel 122;
• deux margeurs 146A, 146B coulissant en synchronisme au moyen d'une crémaillère non représentée sur le plateau presseur 121;
• un arceau d'appui 149 pour le maintien en position inclinée des documents dans le prolongement immédiat des margeurs 146A, 146B, fixé à ses extrémités aux flasques latéraux 105, 106;
• un galet 120 de prise de documents 152, entraíné par le moteur de commande 10A par l'intermédiaire d'un embrayage non représenté.

The loading tank 102 essentially consists of:

• a fixed bottom 123 forming an integral part of the support plate 104, provided with a die 123A consisting of a pad itself covered with a rough separation coating;
• a perforated pressure plate 121 articulated on the flanges 105, 106 by two pivot pins 140, against a return spring 122;
• two feeders 146A, 146B sliding in synchronism by means of a rack not shown on the pressure plate 121;
• a support arch 149 for keeping the documents in an inclined position in the immediate extension of the feeders 146A, 146B, fixed at its ends to the lateral flanges 105, 106;
• a roller 120 for taking documents 152, driven by the control motor 10A via a clutch not shown.

The support plate 104 of the feeder body 103 is extended in its lower part by the chute input 1 of documents from the loading bins 101, 102 (cf. Figures 2 and 3).

This inlet chute contains upstream of the roller motor 15A and its counter-roller 15B, two deflectors 114, 124 and a separator 115.

The automatic feeder is also provided with respective document detectors 116, 126 151, 152, passage detectors 117, 127, as well as detectors 118, 128 of multiple documents by Hall effect.

The pivoting of the bottom 113 of the loading tank 101 and the release of the pressure plate 111 are simultaneously controlled by a 131 mechanism cam control.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, this mechanism has a 131A path cam articulated on a shaft 131B, integral with the flanges 105, 106, a first curved light 135 cooperating with a stop 134 secured to the flanges 105, 106, a second curved light 138 in which a finger slides retraction 137 secured to the tilting bottom 113, as well as a cam surface 131C cooperating with a control pin 111B of the pressure plate 111. This cam mechanism is driven by a motor command 133.

The motor 133 is preferably a stepper motor not controlled in open loop between two positions limits defined by this stop 134 and this path 135. To reach the desired limit position, the motor 133 is launched fully in the appropriate direction.

A manual control mechanism 132 is associated with the presser plate 111 to allow the loading of the tray 101 by releasing this tray, 151. This mechanism includes a loading cam 132A articulated on an axis 132B integral with the flanges 105, 106, and cooperating with a control pin 111A of the presser plate 111 by via a cam surface 132C. A lever 132D press release is mounted on this axis 132B and on the external lateral face of the hubcap 108 (cf. Figures 1A and 1B). On these same figures is shown a 112A grammage selection button paper, mounted on this same external lateral face. This button can occupy several notched positions corresponding at different voltages from the spring of recall 112 on which it acts. Similarly, the bin loading 102 is equipped with a 142 mechanism analog manual control of a control lever 142D and a selection button 122A.

According to another embodiment, this command independent is motorized with a step motor stepped or direct current, controlled by the control circuit 6, 62.

• en mode mixte lorsqu'un mode manuel pour le bac 101 a été choisi, et que le bac 102 n'est pas vide,
• en cyclage entre les deux bacs de chargement lorsque le mode automatique à un bac à été choisi et que les deux bacs ne sont pas vides.

A button 160 for deactivating the detectors 118, 128 of multiple documents is also provided if this detection proves unnecessary (cf. FIG. 1B). In accordance with FIG. 6, the control circuit 6 will use the passage detectors 117, 127 to position and align at the document entry stop, the documents coming from the automatic tray (s) 101, 102, or from the tray automatic 102 and manual tray 101. It acts on the control elements not shown of the rollers 110, 120 for taking documents. These elements are motors or clutches if only one motor is used for the two tanks. The document presence detectors 116, 126 are used by the control circuit via the interface 62 to ensure the operation:

• in mixed mode when a manual mode for tray 101 has been chosen, and that tray 102 is not empty,
• when cycling between the two loading bins when the automatic mode with one bin has been chosen and the two bins are not empty.

• une prise automatique, une par une, des documents déposés dans le bac 101 ou le bac 102; le chargement en temps masqué d'un bac lorsque l'autre est utilisé, permet d'éviter les arrêts nécessaires à l'approvisionnement;
• une prise automatique de documents composés de deux feuilles provenant respectivement des bacs 101, 102;
• une prise manuelle d'un document provenant du bac 101, accompagnée d'une prise automatique d'un document provenant du bac 102 (mode mixte);
• une prise manuelle d'un document provenant du bac 101.

The automatic feeder 100 previously described provides the following different operating modes:

• an automatic pick-up, one by one, of the documents deposited in the tray 101 or the tray 102; the hidden time loading of one bin when the other is used, avoids the stops necessary for supply;
• an automatic take of documents composed of two sheets respectively from trays 101, 102;
• a manual take of a document from tray 101, accompanied by an automatic take of a document from tray 102 (mixed mode);
• taking a document from tray 101 manually.

• un mode manuel et un mode mixte avec un démarrage immédiat ou par bouton
  • en mode manuel: le bac de chargement 102 est vide, un document 152 est introduit manuellement dans le bac de chargement 101. Le fond baculant 113 est en position ouverte et le plateau presseur 111 est en position dégagée pour placer le bac 101 en configuration manuelle (cf. fig.3). Alors la machine effectue spontanément ou après actionnement du bouton de démarrage, un cycle de pliage de ce document, de son insertion dans une enveloppe vide, et de fermeture éventuelle de l'enveloppe chargée comme indiqué dans le brevet EP-O-352 -692.
  • en mode mixte: des documents 152 sont chargés dans le bac 102. Lorsqu'un document 151 est introduit manuellement dans le bac de chargement 101, un document 152 est spontanément ou après actionnement d'un bouton de démarrage, prélevé du bac 102 pour descendre occuper une position d'entrée. La machine effectue ensuite un cycle de pliage simultané de ces deux documents, de leur insertion simultanée dans une enveloppe vide, et de fermeture éventuelle de l'enveloppe chargée.
• un mode automatique
  Les documents 151, 152 sont chargés dans les bacs 101 et/ou 102. Lorsque le bouton de démarrage est actionné, les documents sont prélevés du bac non vide 101 ou 102, ou de ces deux bacs non vides.
  Dans cette configuration automatique du bac 101, le fond basculant 113 est en position fermée, le plateau presseur 111 et en prise, et la filière est active.
• un mode automatique séquentiel
  Lorsqu'un bac de chargement 101, 102 n'est pas vide au moment de l'actionnement du bouton de démarrage, le fonctionnement automatique est séquentiel, c'est-à-dire avec une utilisation alternée des deux bacs.

The operating mode is selected from the control panel 200 with simple management. Keys and a display not shown allow the user to choose:

• a manual mode and a mixed mode with an immediate start or by button
  • in manual mode : the loading container 102 is empty, a document 152 is manually inserted into the loading container 101. The baculant base 113 is in the open position and the pressure plate 111 is in the released position to place the container 101 in manual configuration (see fig. 3). Then the machine spontaneously performs or after actuation of the start button, a folding cycle of this document, its insertion in an empty envelope, and possible closing of the loaded envelope as indicated in patent EP-O-352 -692 .
  • in mixed mode : documents 152 are loaded into the tray 102. When a document 151 is introduced manually into the loading tray 101, a document 152 is spontaneously or after actuation of a start button, taken from the tray 102 to descend occupy an entry position. The machine then performs a simultaneous folding cycle of these two documents, their simultaneous insertion into an empty envelope, and possible closing of the loaded envelope.
• an automatic mode
  The documents 151, 152 are loaded into the trays 101 and / or 102. When the start button is pressed, the documents are taken from the non-empty tray 101 or 102, or from these two non-empty trays.
  In this automatic configuration of the tray 101, the tilting bottom 113 is in the closed position, the pressure plate 111 and in engagement, and the die is active.
• sequential automatic mode
  When a loading tank 101, 102 is not empty when the start button is actuated, automatic operation is sequential, that is to say with alternating use of the two tanks.

The feeder 100 thus formed has a great compactness combined with interesting ergonomics due to the possible transformation of the loading tank 101 front row, facing the user.

Indeed, only two bins fulfill the functions three non-transformable containers, consisting of a manual bin and two automatic loading bins.

The deflector 114 and the separator 115 can also carry the roller or a support surface of a lever multiple document detection.

In an alternative embodiment, a single device multiple document detection is arranged on the common part of document path 151, 152, marked at P in Figure 2. In this case, a lever measure presses across a document against a surface fixed support. This lever is lifted by a driven cam by a stepping motor during the supply of the document, so as not to hinder the movement of the paper. The planned software management makes it possible to stop the machine in case of duplicate or multiple documents, on the one hand, and to determine the origin of this defect, on the other hand.

Claims (14)

1. Folding and insertion machine provided with an automatic document feeder (100) and including a first path (10) coupled to a document entry (1) and feeding a folder module (11) with two folder pockets (12, 13) associated with a set of folder rollers (14), a second path (20) coupled to an empty envelope entry (2) and feeding an inserter module (31) coupled to the folder module (11) to receive the issued documents, a third path (30) coupled to a filled and closed envelope exit (3) and to the inserter module and having means (32, 33) for closing envelopes, as well as a general control circuit (6), characterized in that in this automatic feeder (100), the document entry (1) is surmounted by two loading bins (101, 102) adapted to cooperate with said entry (1) in different modes of operation, individually or in combination with one another, using a set of sensors (116, 117, 118; 216, 217, 218) and drive members (133, 10A) controlled by a programmed microprocessor of the control circuit (6) via an input/output interface circuit (62) provided in said feeder (100), and in that one of the loading bins (101) has a movable bottom (113) adapted to assume either a closed position for automatic introduction of documents or an open position for manual introduction of documents, using a cam control mechanism (131) driven by a motor (133) and controlled by the general control circuit (6) which is connected to the input/output interface circuit (62) while the other loading bin (102) is a non-convertible loading bin.
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first loading bin that is the closest to the control panel (200) of the machine is a convertible loading bin (101) with a tilting bottom (113).
3. Machine according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the feeder consists of a body comprising a support plate (104) with two side flanges (105, 106) covered by two respective embellishers (107, 108) and fitting and clipping to the top wall of the upper frame (SA) of the machine via two front fixing lugs (109) and two flexible blade side locking lugs.
4. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the loading bin (101) with a movable bottom includes:

   a tilting bottom (113) surmounted by a plate (113A) constituted by a skid covered with a rough separator coating and pivoted on a spindle (119) fixed to the flanges (105, 106);

   a perforated pressure plate (111) pivoted on the flanges (105, 106) by two pivot pins (130), said plate pivoting against the action of a return spring (112);

   two feeders (136A, 136B) sliding synchronously by means of a rack (not shown) over the pressure plate (111);

   a supporting hoop (139) for maintaining documents (151) in an inclined position in alignment with and adjacent to said feeders (136A, 136B) and fixed at its ends to the side flanges (105, 106);

   a document (151) picking roller (110) driven by the control motor (10A) through a clutch.
5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-convertible loading bin (102) includes:

   a fixed bottom (123) which is an integral part of the support plate (104) provided with a plate (123A) constituted by a skid covered with a rough separator coating;

   a perforated pressure plate (121) pivoted on the flanges (105, 106) by two pivot pins (140), said plate pivoting against the action of a return spring (122);

   two feeders (146A, 146B) sliding synchronously by means of a rack (not shown) over the pressure plate (121);

   a supporting hoop (149) for maintaining documents in an inclined position in alignment with and adjacent to the feeders (146A, 146B), fixed at its ends to the side flanges (105, 106);

   a document (152) picking roller (120) driven by the control motor (10A) through a clutch.
6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the feeder has a body (103) including a support plate (104) which extends at its lower end by an entry chute (1) for documents from the loading bins (101, 102).
7. Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the entry chute (1) encloses document deflectors (114, 124) and separators (115).
8. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the feeder comprises sensors (116, 126) for detecting the presence of documents, sensors (117, 127) for detecting the passage of documents and sensors (118, 128) for detecting multiple documents.
9. Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that pivoting of the bottom (113) of the loading bin (101) and disengagement of the pressure plate (111) are commanded simultaneously by a cam mechanism (131).
10. Machine according to claims 3, 4 and 9, characterized in that the mechanism (131) includes a cam-path (131A) pivoted on a shaft (131B) fastened to the flanges (105, 106) and having a first curved opening (135) cooperating with an abutment (134) fastened to the flanges (105, 106), a second curved opening (138) in which slides a retractor finger (137) fastened to the tilting bottom (113) and a cam surface (131C) cooperating with a control pin (111B) of the pressure plate (111).
11. Machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the cam mechanism (131) is driven by a stepper motor (133) with open loop control for movement between two limiting positions defined by the abutment (134) and the path (135).
12. Machine according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that a manual control mechanism (132) is associated with the pressure plate (111) to enable loading of the bin (101) with documents (151) by disengagement of said plate, said mechanism including a loading cam (132A) pivoted on a spindle (132B) fastened to the flanges (105, 106) and cooperating with a control pin (111A) of the pressure plate (111) through a cam surface (132C), a pressure plate disengagement lever (132D) being mounted on said spindle (132B) and on the outside lateral surface of the embellisher (108).
13. Machine according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that paper substance selectors (112A, 122A) act on return springs (112, 122) of the pressure plates (111, 121) in various detent positions.
14. Machine according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that a button (160) for disabling said multiple document sensors (118, 128) is provided near the control panel (200), the selectors (122A, 122A) and the pressure plate disengagement levers (132D, 142D).

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