EP1244065A1 - Franking machine with retrofittable scale - Google Patents

Abstract

A franking machine has a casing made from a first casing part (1.1) that is designed to apply a weighing unit that can be retrofit. The first casing part defines a bay (2) in the casing designed for inserting the weighing unit. Near the bay there are fastening devices (3) designed for fastening a second casing part (1.2) for sealing off the bay.

Description

The invention relates to a franking machine with a housing made of at least one first housing part, which is designed to attach a retrofittable weighing unit is.

Conventional franking machines can be based on the volume of mail to be processed can be roughly divided into two groups. The ones designed for a larger volume of mail Franking machines are usually equipped with a transport mechanism for the equipped for processing letter. On the other hand, the letter must be sent to franking machines for a smaller volume of mail, for example in the range of less than 20 to 30 letters per day, usually manually inserted and removed.

A scale is usually provided for both types. It serves for determination the weight of the letter or parcel to be franked, since this usually changes the required postage value is determined. Usually the postage value to be printed is automatically from the franking machine using those supplied by the scale Measured data determined.

While the franking machines for larger mail volumes are usually standard an inaccessible scale built into the housing for weighing the For small letters, franking machines can usually include letters can also be equipped with a separate scale that can be connected via a cable or the like is connected to the franking machine and next to the franking machine can be set up.

Especially in smaller offices or the like, for which the latter type of franking machine there is often a space problem. The next to the franking machine additional scales to be set up are therefore usually rather annoying.

In order to solve this space problem, the franking machine is proposed in US Pat. No. 4,787,046 to install on the scale. Should determine the weight of a letter is inserted into the franking machine. The scale determines the weight then by taking the weight of the postage meter simply from the reading withdraws.

However, this design has the disadvantage, on the one hand, that it creates a very large volume Object arises, not least from an aesthetic point of view is desirable. On the other hand, the scale must be given the considerable weight the franking machine can be made relatively robust. It also has to be significant Effort for the design of the balance or the measuring technology can be operated because the entire system is relatively susceptible to high vibration amplitudes due to the high masses is.

Another attempt to alleviate the problem of cramped space is over known from EP 0 405 358 B1, in which a scale with a vertical letter slot flanged to the back of the franking machine. Because of the vertically aligned Letter slot into which the letters to be weighed must be inserted, the franking machine takes up a somewhat reduced footprint with the scale one, but this is still relatively high. In addition, this scale can only Letters up to a certain thickness can be processed. Larger mail pieces can so as not to be weighed. Your weight may need to be on a separate Scales can be determined. But the larger the letter slot is, the largest possible number of different ones To be able to process mail piece thicknesses, the more expansive it becomes the entire franking machine with scales.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of a franking machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be easily retrofitted the weighing unit ensures the smallest possible configuration.

This task is based on a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1 by those specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 Features solved.

The invention is based on the technical teaching that a small-scale Franking machine with easy to retrofit weighing unit receives when the first Housing part defines an indentation in the housing, which for inserting the weighing unit is formed, and in the region of the recess first fastening means are provided for fastening a second closing the indentation Housing part are formed.

It has been shown that it is possible to change the first housing part as a result To arrange the interior of the franking machine so that it is a Has indentation into which a retrofittable weighing unit can be inserted, without significantly increasing the volume of the franking machine comes. The design as an indentation of the first housing part ensures that the first housing part or the housing of the franking machine remain closed can to ensure compliance with any security requirements related to seclusion to ensure the interior of the franking machine.

The first fastening means advantageously allow the indentation to close or cover the second housing part so that the visual impression given by the franking machine through the indentation is not disturbed with the fasteners even if no weighing unit is mounted.

The indentation can be adapted to weighing units of any type. That's the way it is for example, it can be adapted to a weighing unit in which the mail, for example the letter is weighed standing. With such a weighing unit appropriate holder is then provided for this purpose as a postal item support. Such a weighing unit is then usually in one of the substantially vertical running side walls of the franking machine can be integrated.

In preferred, because simply designed and thus easy to manufacture, variants is the indentation for receiving one with an essentially horizontal one Postal unit provided weighing unit. Not just from a manufacturing point of view but also in terms of ergonomic operation A particularly simple configuration results if the indentation is on the top of the housing is arranged. The mail to be weighed can then be simple on the weighing unit arranged on the top of the franking machine housing be placed.

In particularly advantageous variants of the franking machine according to the invention provided that the first fastening means are designed for fastening the weighing unit are. This functional integration reduces the manufacturing effort the franking machine even further.

The first fastening means can be on a special carrier or the like be arranged, which is fastened inside the franking machine to a sufficient to achieve stable foundation of the weighing unit. This stable foundation is especially in changing climatic conditions, especially Things necessary for good measurement results in the event of temperature fluctuations. The fasteners can then in such a case, for example, by a protrude several corresponding recesses in the housing of the franking machine.

The first fastening means are preferably arranged on the first housing part, which further simplifies production. Here is just ensure that the first housing part at least in the area of the indentation is sufficiently stiff to have a sufficiently firm, deformation-free foundation for the weighing unit. A particularly simple configuration arises when the first fastening means directly on the first Housing part are molded or molded into this.

The first fastening means can be designed in any way. You can for both a form-fit and a force-fit as well as a form and be a non-positive connection. For example, they can be a component a screw connection. Because of the simple and quick assembly preferably provided that the first fastening means to achieve a Plug connection and additionally or alternatively to achieve a snap connection when interacting with corresponding counterparts on the one to be fastened Components are formed.

The first fastening means can, for example, have a corresponding recess define on or in the first housing part, in which then a corresponding Counterpart can be inserted. Furthermore, the counterpart or the first fastener with appropriately resilient projections or the projections associated with the projections, which a mutual engagement and thus enable the formation of a snap connection.

The first fastening means preferably comprise at least one pin-like fastening element. This can be easily molded onto the first housing part. moreover point in particular when the housing is required to be closed to corresponding recesses in the first housing part the advantage that they do not protrude into the housing interior with a sufficiently large effective length and accordingly allow a larger free space inside the housing.

In the case of favorable variants of the franking machine according to the invention, the indentation is one closing second housing part is provided, which over the first fastening means is releasably attached to the first housing part. With a view to simple Manufacturing with as few different parts as possible is preferred provided that the second housing part or at least part of the second housing part is formed to form the postal item support of the weighing unit. This leaves achieve a design with simple means, in which the visual impression with the weighing unit installed, not or only insignificantly from the visual impression differs when the weighing unit is not installed.

If only part of the second housing part forms the postal item support, it is preferably provided that that the second housing part is one for forming the postal item support of the weighing unit provided shell and at least one intermediate element releasably connected thereto comprises, which then carries second fasteners that work together are formed with the first fastening means. Then the weighing unit must be installed, only the second housing part of the first housing part be removed, the intermediate element removed and the shell on the Weighing unit designed to accommodate the bowl can be placed before or after the weighing unit has been inserted into the indentation.

The intermediate element is then preferably configured such that it overlaps the edge region of the second housing part adjoining the first housing part extends so that after its removal there is a sufficiently large gap between the on the assembled weighing unit and the first housing part, which ensures that the postal service pad does not cover the first housing part during operation touches what would otherwise falsify the measurement result.

It is preferably provided that electrical connection means in the region of the indentation are provided for connecting the weighing unit, so that the retrofitting the weighing unit can be carried out particularly easily and quickly.

The franking machine is preferably already arranged in the indentation Weighing unit provided, in which further preferably the postal item support of at least a part of the second housing part is formed.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Frankiermaschine;

Figur 2

einen Teilschnitt durch die Frankiermaschine aus Figur 1 entlang Linie II-II;

Figur 3

das Detail III aus Figur 2;

Figur 4

einen Teilschnitt durch die Frankiermaschine aus Figur 1 mit montierter Wiegeeinheit;

Figur 5

einen Teilschnitt durch ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Frankiermaschine;

Figur 6

einen Teilschnitt durch die Frankiermaschine aus Figur 4 mit montierter Wiegeeinheit.

Further preferred variants result from the subclaims or the description below of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which refers to the attached drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the franking machine according to the invention;

Figure 2

a partial section through the franking machine of Figure 1 along line II-II;

Figure 3

the detail III from Figure 2;

Figure 4

a partial section through the franking machine of Figure 1 with the weighing unit installed;

Figure 5

a partial section through a further preferred embodiment of the franking machine according to the invention;

Figure 6

a partial section through the franking machine of Figure 4 with mounted weighing unit.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the Franking machine 1 according to the invention with a first housing part 1.1 and a attached to it second housing part 1.2, which is another top of the franking machine 1 arranged recess 2 of the first housing part 1.1 covers.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, there are first fastening means in the region of the indentation in the form of mounting pins 3 provided on the first housing part 1.1 are molded. These mounting pins 3 each sit in a bore 4 of a Fastening arm 5, which in turn is molded onto the second housing part 1.2.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the fastening arm 5 has in the region of the bore 4 four longitudinal slots 6 distributed around its circumference, which extend up to its first Extend end 5.1 facing housing part. This means that the first Housing part 1.1 facing end 5.1 of the mounting arm 5 four mounting tabs 5.2 formed, which can spring in the radial direction.

A circumferential notch 5.3 is provided on the inside of the bore 4, into which a circumferential, bulging projection 3.1 is engaged on the fastening pin 3. This creates a plug and snap connection that is easy to manufacture or to be solved by the second housing part 1.2 in the direction 7 to the first Housing part 1.1 plugged on or against the direction 7 of the first housing part 1.1 is deducted.

In the present case there are four fastening pins arranged in the corner areas of the indentation 3 provided. However, it is understood that with other variants any other number of such fasteners can also be provided.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elements for the plug connection in other variants can also be arranged in reverse. So the mounting pin also on a corresponding mounting arm of the second housing part be arranged and a corresponding recess in the first housing part be provided.

As can also be seen in FIG. 2, there is a in the rear region of the indentation 2 Connection device 8 is provided, via which one to be inserted into the indentation 2 Weighing unit with the processing unit (not shown) of the franking machine 1 can be connected.

FIG. 4 shows the franking machine 1 from FIG. 2 with one inserted into the indentation 2 Weighing unit in the form of a scale 9, the scale housing 10 and a Cover shell 11 having a horizontal mail item support 11.1. The cover shell 11 is connected to the scale housing 10 only via a load cell 12 and points otherwise there are no points of contact with the scale housing 10. The cover 11 is further arranged so that it has no contact with the first housing part 1.1, to prevent this from falsifying the measurement results.

On the underside of the scale housing 10, recesses 13 are provided in feet 14. into which the mounting pins 3 can be inserted. The mounting pins 3 thus serve not only for fastening the second housing part 1.2 but also the attachment of the scale 9.

The feet 14 are made of an elastic plastic, for example rubber, so that they are elastic in the area of the projection 3.1 of the respective fastening pin 3 can be deformed. The elasticity of the feet 14 causes a holding force, through which the scale 9 is attached to the first housing part 1.1.

A connector 15 is in the connection device 8 in the first housing part 1.1 of the scale 9, so that the scale 9 with the processing unit (not shown) the franking machine 1 is connected.

Figure 5 shows a partial section through a further preferred embodiment of the Franking machine 1 'according to the invention, which in its basic structure and its basic function is the same as that from FIGS. 1 to 4, so that only the differences will be discussed here.

One difference is that in the area of the indentation 2 'of the first housing part 1.1 'first fastening means in the form of simple cylindrical fastening pins 3 'are provided, which are molded onto the first housing part 1.1'. These mounting pins 3 'each sit in a likewise cylindrical bore 4' of a fastening arm 5 ', which in turn is molded onto the second housing part 1.2'. The Fastening pins 3 'have a slight oversize compared to bores 4' in the fastening arms 5 ', which have a certain elasticity, so that a frictional connector is created.

Another difference is that the second housing part is made in two parts is. It has a shell 16 and an intermediate element 17 which are detachable with one another are connected. The detachable connection is also a frictional connection Plug connection formed. For this purpose, cylindrical shells are formed on the shell 16 Connecting pins 18 with a slight oversize in cylindrical bores 19 in a certain Connecting arms 20 of the intermediate element 17 having elasticity.

The intermediate element 17 extends into the gap 21 between the shell 16 and into the first housing part 1.1 ', so that the shell 16 has no contact with the first Has housing part 1.1 '.

As can also be seen in FIG. 5, there is a connection device in the region of the indentation 2 ' 8 'is provided, via the one to be inserted into the indentation 2' Weighing unit with the processing unit (not shown) of the franking machine 1 'can be connected.

FIG. 6 shows the franking machine 1 'from FIG. 5 with one inserted into the indentation 2' Weighing unit in the form of a scale 9 ', a scale housing 10' and has a cover shell, which is formed by the shell 16. The shell 16 forms with its horizontal surface, a horizontal postal service pad 16.1.

The bowl 16 is fastened to a crossbeam 22, which is only connected to the scale housing 10 ' connected via a load cell 12 'and no other points of contact with the scale housing 10 '. The shell 16 is further arranged so that it does not Has contact to the first housing part 1.1 'to prevent the Measurement results are falsified. This is simply caused by the intermediate element 17 has been removed and now the gap 21 between the shell 16 and the first housing part 1.1 'is free.

The shell 16 is simply cylindrical over the cylindrical connecting pins 18 Bores 23 of the cross member 22 having a certain elasticity are inserted. The Connecting pins 18 also have a slight oversize to the bores 23, so that here also a frictional connection between the cross member 22 and the Shell 16 is made.

Recesses 13 'are in turn on the underside of the scale housing 10' a certain elastic feet 14 'are provided, in which the fastening pins 3 'can be introduced. The fastening pins 3 'also point here slight excess to the recesses 13 ', so that here too a frictional There is a connection between the scale 9 'and the first housing part 1.1'. The Fastening pins 3 'thus also serve not only for fastening the second housing part here 1.2 'but also the attachment of the scale 9'.

In the connection device 8 'in the first housing part 1.1' is still a connector 15 'of the scale 9' inserted, so that the scale 9 'with the - not shown - Processing unit of the franking machine 1 'is connected.

Claims (12)

Franking machine with a housing made of at least a first housing part (1.1; 1.1 '), which is designed for attaching a retrofittable weighing unit (9; 9'), characterized in that the first housing part (1.1; 1.1 ') has an indentation (2; 2 ') defined in the housing, which is designed for inserting the weighing unit (9; 9'), and in the area of the indentation (2; 2 ') there are provided first fastening means (3; 3') which are used to fasten the indentation (2 ; 2 ') closing second housing part (1.2; 1.2') are formed. Franking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the indentation (2; 2 ') is designed to receive a weighing unit (9; 9') provided with an essentially horizontally extending postal item support (11.1; 16.1), the indentation (2; 2 ') is preferably arranged on the top of the housing. Franking machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fastening means (3; 3 ') are designed for fastening the weighing unit (9; 9'). Franking machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the first fastening means (3; 3 ') are arranged on the first housing part (1.1; 1.1'). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening means (3; 3 ') are designed to achieve a plug-in and / or snap connection. Franking machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the first fastening means comprise at least one pin-like fastening element (3; 3 '). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second housing part (1.2; 1.2 ') closing the indentation (2; 2') is provided, which is detachably fastened to the first housing part via the first fastening means (3; 3 ') , Postage meter according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one part (16) of the second housing part (1.2 ') is designed to form the postal item support (16.1) of the weighing unit (9'). Franking machine according to Claim 8, characterized in that the second housing part (1.2 ') comprises a shell (16) provided for forming the postal item support (16.1) of the weighing unit (9') and at least one intermediate element (17) detachably connected thereto, which second fastening means (4 ', 5'), which are designed to cooperate with the first fastening means (3 '). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrical connection means (8; 8 ') for connecting the weighing unit (9; 9') are provided in the region of the indentation (2; 2 '). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a weighing unit (9; 9 ') is arranged in the indentation (2; 2'). Franking machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the postal item support (16.1) of the weighing unit (9 ') is formed by at least one part (16) of the second housing part (1.2').

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