EP1440816A1 - Separator for supply unit of a franking machine - Google Patents

Separator for supply unit of a franking machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1440816A1
EP1440816A1 EP04290152A EP04290152A EP1440816A1 EP 1440816 A1 EP1440816 A1 EP 1440816A1 EP 04290152 A EP04290152 A EP 04290152A EP 04290152 A EP04290152 A EP 04290152A EP 1440816 A1 EP1440816 A1 EP 1440816A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
separator
envelopes
separator according
flexible part
envelope
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04290152A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pascal Charropin
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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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP1440816A1 publication Critical patent/EP1440816A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43MBUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M5/00Devices for closing envelopes
    • B43M5/04Devices for closing envelopes automatic
    • B43M5/042Devices for closing envelopes automatic for envelopes with only one flap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates exclusively to the field of mail processing and it relates more particularly to a separator integrated into a mail item supply module a franking machine.
  • a device for moistening envelope flaps intended to be integrated into a module supply of mail items to a machine franking and comprising a separator to separate the flap of the envelope of the envelope body and of the suction means arranged just in front of the separator for in cooperation with a pressing finger press the envelope towards these means and detach the flap from the casing body and facilitate thus its passage under the separator.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a separator for moistening device which overcomes this residual drawback by not requiring no adjustment on the part of the operator.
  • a goal of the invention is also to make this separator in a simple and inexpensive manner expensive and whose integration into a conventional structure feeder with high processing rate can be obtained without difficulty.
  • a separator to separate envelope flaps of envelope bodies including the active area of separation is formed by a flexible part which has an edge device advantageously arranged at a table transport of envelopes.
  • the closed envelopes whose flaps are imperfectly glued are treated without jamming or tearing and without the intervention of a operator, and the envelopes to be closed (with flaps folded or nested) whose flaps are separated from the body of the envelope always remain perfectly guided under the separator.
  • the flexible part can be produced by plastic overmolding of a weak steel wire diameter or by molding of a silicone type elastomer.
  • this flexible part is detachable from a part rigid separator. It can be connected to said rigid part by a fixing means, of the slide or rail type for example, or else simply articulated on said rigid part by a hinge.
  • the fixing means is advantageously made of plastic material.
  • the invention also relates to a wetting device incorporating such an improved separator and a power supply module in articles of mail of a franking machine provided of such a wetting device.
  • FIGS 1, 2A and 2B schematically show in perspective, side and front, an article supply module mail intended to be placed at the entrance of a overcome.
  • a module can of course also be integrated directly to this machine.
  • Mail items 10 that can be processed by this module are preferably envelopes with open shutters (also called nested), folded down or closed. But, it can also be simple documents (for example in A4 format) on which will be then directly printed a postal imprint.
  • the power module includes in addition to its parts usual documents reception and selection (no shown), a moistening device formed successively (this is to say from upstream to downstream relative to the direction of advance of mail items) by a separator 12 to separate the shutter from the envelope 10A of the body of the envelope 10B and a moistener 14, placed just behind this separator, to moisten this flap once the flap 10A separated from the body of the envelope 10B.
  • This dampener is by example formed by a brush or brush 14A whose end rests on the surface of a water tank 14B arranged under a table 16 of transport of mail items through the module power supply, the wetting of a flap then being carried out during passage between the brush and the tank.
  • Drive means 18A, 18B are conventionally arranged both at the inlet of the separator to transport the mail items beyond the separator to the moistener and level or at the exit of the separator to convey them to the entrance of the franking machine or the next module of the franking machine mail processing, in principle a printing module of a postal imprint (not shown), when the feed module is built into this machine.
  • the input rollers of the printing module act as closing means for envelopes previously moistened, unless the module supply does not have its own closing means.
  • the moistening device also includes means suction 20, arranged under the transport table 16 and the suction mouth 16A leads to the passage of the flaps envelopes, just in front of the separator and downstream of the rolls of transport 18A, to allow a particularly easy detachment of these flaps relative to the bodies of the envelopes, in particular in the case of thick envelopes.
  • this moistening device further comprises a presser 30 articulated on the feeder frame against elastic means (not shown) and intended to compress the flap of the envelopes in direction of the opening 16A of the suction duct during their passage above this conduit.
  • the feeder is advantageously provided with a groove 32 formed in the table transport 16, all along a reference wall 34 of this feeder.
  • This wall 34 for jogging mail items further includes, under the transport table, a fixed deflector 36 delta wing profile to guide and fold down gradually the flap of these envelopes from their initial position at 90 ° to a terminal position close to 30 ° allowing their passage under the separator and their wetting in the best conditions (see Figures 2A and 2B).
  • the separator 12 has in its zone active separation of a flexible part 12A, advantageously detachable, the peripheral edge 38 of which is disposed at the level of the transport table 16.
  • this flexible part is made by plastic overmolding of a small diameter steel wire (of the order millimeter).
  • a silicone type elastomer is also possible.
  • Its articulation on the rigid part 12B of the separator can be achieved by means a slide 40 or any other similar element such as a rail or more simply by a hinge. This means of attachment between the flexible 12A and rigid 12B parts of the separator is advantageously in a plastic material.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 the passage of envelopes with folded shutters is first illustrated in figure 3.
  • these envelopes which rest initially on the drive rollers 18A are directed towards the separator 12 which performs its normal separation function between the body 10B and flap 10A of the envelope, the body passing above of the separator and the flap 10A, pressed towards the surface inclined 28, passing below to allow its wetting ulterior.
  • the separator of the invention provides a large improvement in the treatment of closed envelopes.
  • These envelopes that may have an imperfect 10C area bonded which is source in the prior art of unwanted contacts no more problems with the separator improved separator configuration of the invention.
  • the envelope flap 10A has a possibility of escape which did not exist with a rigid structure not leaving no freedom to this component. Indeed the front of an evil envelope closed can be inserted under the separator in the same way as a open envelope.
  • the separator allows without any adjustment to avoid jamming of the envelopes at the shutters poorly closed. Likewise, nothing prevents the passage of simple A4 documents in particular.
  • the simplicity of means used allows their integration into a structure conventional feeder or franking machine without no structural changes. Simply replace the separator existing by the separator of the invention likewise dimension and shape with the exception of its active part which is rendered flexible.

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  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

An envelope flap separator has a supple component (12A) for its active zone, having an edge (38) on a level with the envelope transporting table (16). The supple component is made from steel wire of small diameter, overmoulded with a plastic material, and it is connected to an adjacent rigid component (12B) by a fixing such as a plastic slider or rail, or by a hinge.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

La présente invention se rapporte exclusivement au domaine du traitement de courrier et elle concerne plus particulièrement un séparateur intégré à un module d'alimentation en articles de courrier d'une machine d'affranchissement.The present invention relates exclusively to the field of mail processing and it relates more particularly to a separator integrated into a mail item supply module a franking machine.

Art antérieurPrior art

On connaít par la demande de brevet française N°01 16680 déposée au nom de la demanderesse, un dispositif d'humectage de volets d'enveloppes destiné à être intégré à un module d'alimentation en articles de courrier d'une machine d'affranchissement et comportant un séparateur pour séparer le volet de l'enveloppe du corps de l'enveloppe et des moyens d'aspiration disposés juste devant le séparateur pour en coopération avec un doigt presseur plaquer l'enveloppe en direction de ces moyens d'aspiration et détacher le volet du corps de l'enveloppe et faciliter ainsi son passage sous le séparateur.We know by the French patent application N ° 01 16680 filed in the name of the plaintiff, a device for moistening envelope flaps intended to be integrated into a module supply of mail items to a machine franking and comprising a separator to separate the flap of the envelope of the envelope body and of the suction means arranged just in front of the separator for in cooperation with a pressing finger press the envelope towards these means and detach the flap from the casing body and facilitate thus its passage under the separator.

Ce dispositif donne globalement satisfaction pour tous les types d'enveloppes. Toutefois, après un très grand nombre de passage d'enveloppes, il se produit un certain relâchement dans la pression exercée par le doigt presseur qui, en particulier lorsque l'enveloppe fermée est imparfaitement collée avec un volet légèrement déformé, peut entraíner un bourrage au niveau du séparateur, source de détérioration de ce volet, si l'opérateur n'effectue pas alors un réglage adéquat.This system gives overall satisfaction for all types of envelopes. However, after a very large number of passage of envelopes, there is a certain loosening in the pressure from the pressure finger which, in particular when the closed envelope is imperfectly glued with a flap slightly deformed, may cause a jam at the separator, source of deterioration of this flap, if the operator does not then make an adequate adjustment.

Objet et définition de l'inventionObject and definition of the invention

La présente invention a donc pour objet un séparateur pour dispositif d'humectage qui pallie cet inconvénient résiduel en ne nécessitant aucun réglage de la part de l'opérateur. Un but de l'invention est aussi de réaliser ce séparateur de façon simple et peu coûteuse et dont l'intégration dans une structure conventionnelle d'alimenteur à haute cadence de traitement peut être obtenue sans difficulté.The present invention therefore relates to a separator for moistening device which overcomes this residual drawback by not requiring no adjustment on the part of the operator. A goal of the invention is also to make this separator in a simple and inexpensive manner expensive and whose integration into a conventional structure feeder with high processing rate can be obtained without difficulty.

Ces buts sont atteints par un séparateur pour séparer des volets d'enveloppes de corps d'enveloppes, dont la zone active de séparation est formée par une partie souple qui comporte une arête périphérique disposée avantageusement au niveau d'une table de transport des enveloppes.These goals are achieved by a separator to separate envelope flaps of envelope bodies, including the active area of separation is formed by a flexible part which has an edge device advantageously arranged at a table transport of envelopes.

Ainsi, avec cette configuration particulière de séparateur, les enveloppes fermées dont les volets sont imparfaitement collés sont traitées sans bourrage ou déchirures et sans intervention d'un opérateur, et les enveloppes à fermer (à volets rabattus ou nestées) dont les volets sont séparés du corps de l'enveloppe restent toujours parfaitement guidées sous le séparateur.So, with this particular configuration of separator, the closed envelopes whose flaps are imperfectly glued are treated without jamming or tearing and without the intervention of a operator, and the envelopes to be closed (with flaps folded or nested) whose flaps are separated from the body of the envelope always remain perfectly guided under the separator.

Selon le mode de réalisation envisagé, la partie souple peut être réalisée par surmoulage plastique d'un fil d'acier de faible diamètre ou par moulage d'un élastomère de type silicone.Depending on the embodiment envisaged, the flexible part can be produced by plastic overmolding of a weak steel wire diameter or by molding of a silicone type elastomer.

De préférence, cette partie souple est détachable d'une partie rigide du séparateur. Elle peut être reliée à ladite partie rigide par un moyen de fixation, de type glissière ou rail par exemple, ou encore simplement articulée sur ladite partie rigide par une charnière. Le moyen de fixation est avantageusement en matériau plastique.Preferably, this flexible part is detachable from a part rigid separator. It can be connected to said rigid part by a fixing means, of the slide or rail type for example, or else simply articulated on said rigid part by a hinge. The fixing means is advantageously made of plastic material.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif de mouillage intégrant un tel séparateur perfectionné et un module d'alimentation en articles de courrier d'une machine d'affranchissement pourvue d'un tel dispositif de mouillage. The invention also relates to a wetting device incorporating such an improved separator and a power supply module in articles of mail of a franking machine provided of such a wetting device.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

Les caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront mieux de la description suivante, faite à titre indicatif et non limitatif, en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un alimenteur comportant un séparateur selon l'invention,
  • les figures 2A et 2B sont deux vues en perspective avant de l'alimenteur de la figure 1, mouilleur et table de transport omis,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique illustrant le principe d'ouverture d'une enveloppe à volet rabattu avec le séparateur de la figure 1, et
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique illustrant le principe de traitement d'une enveloppe fermée avec le séparateur de la figure 1.
The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following description, given by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the attached drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feeder comprising a separator according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are two front perspective views of the feeder of FIG. 1, damper and transport table omitted,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the principle of opening an envelope with a folded shutter with the separator of FIG. 1, and
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the principle of treatment of a closed envelope with the separator of FIG. 1.

Description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préférentielDetailed description of a preferred embodiment

Les figures 1, 2A et 2B montrent schématiquement en perspective, de coté et de face, un module d'alimentation en articles de courrier destiné à être disposé en entrée d'une machine à affranchir. Un tel module peut bien entendu aussi être intégré directement à cette machine.Figures 1, 2A and 2B schematically show in perspective, side and front, an article supply module mail intended to be placed at the entrance of a overcome. Such a module can of course also be integrated directly to this machine.

Les articles de courrier 10 pouvant être traités par ce module sont de préférence des enveloppes à volets ouverts (dits aussi nestés), rabattus ou fermés. Mais, il peut s'agir également de simples documents (par exemple au format A4) sur lesquels sera ensuite directement imprimée une empreinte postale.Mail items 10 that can be processed by this module are preferably envelopes with open shutters (also called nested), folded down or closed. But, it can also be simple documents (for example in A4 format) on which will be then directly printed a postal imprint.

Le module d'alimentation comporte outre ses parties habituelles de réception de documents et de sélection (non représentée), un dispositif d'humectage formé successivement (c'est à dire d'amont en aval par rapport à la direction d'avancée des articles de courrier) par un séparateur 12 pour séparer le volet de l'enveloppe 10A du corps de l'enveloppe 10B et un mouilleur 14, placé juste derrière ce séparateur, pour humecter ce volet une fois le volet 10A séparé du corps de l'enveloppe 10B. Ce mouilleur est par exemple formé par un pinceau ou brosse 14A dont l'extrémité repose sur la surface d'un réservoir d'eau 14B disposé sous une table 16 de transport des articles de courrier au travers du module d'alimentation, le mouillage d'un volet étant alors effectué lors de son passage entre le pinceau et le réservoir.The power module includes in addition to its parts usual documents reception and selection (no shown), a moistening device formed successively (this is to say from upstream to downstream relative to the direction of advance of mail items) by a separator 12 to separate the shutter from the envelope 10A of the body of the envelope 10B and a moistener 14, placed just behind this separator, to moisten this flap once the flap 10A separated from the body of the envelope 10B. This dampener is by example formed by a brush or brush 14A whose end rests on the surface of a water tank 14B arranged under a table 16 of transport of mail items through the module power supply, the wetting of a flap then being carried out during passage between the brush and the tank.

Des moyens d'entraínement 18A, 18B sont classiquement disposés à la fois en entrée du séparateur pour transporter les articles de courrier au delà du séparateur jusqu'au mouilleur et au niveau ou en sortie du séparateur pour les convoyer jusqu'à l'entrée de la machine à affranchir ou du module suivant de la machine de traitement de courrier, en principe un module d'impression d'une empreinte postale (non représenté), lorsque le module d'alimentation est intégré à cette machine. En général, les rouleaux d'entrée du module d'impression font office de moyens de fermeture des enveloppes préalablement humectées, à moins que le module d'alimentation ne dispose de ses propres moyens de fermeture.Drive means 18A, 18B are conventionally arranged both at the inlet of the separator to transport the mail items beyond the separator to the moistener and level or at the exit of the separator to convey them to the entrance of the franking machine or the next module of the franking machine mail processing, in principle a printing module of a postal imprint (not shown), when the feed module is built into this machine. In general, the input rollers of the printing module act as closing means for envelopes previously moistened, unless the module supply does not have its own closing means.

Le dispositif d'humectage comporte également des moyens d'aspiration 20, disposés sous la table de transport 16 et dont la bouche d'aspiration 16A débouche sur le passage des volets d'enveloppes, juste devant le séparateur et en aval des rouleaux de transport 18A, pour permettre un détachement particulièrement aisé de ces volets par rapport aux corps des enveloppes, notamment dans le cas d'enveloppes de fortes épaisseurs. Enfin, pour faciliter une fermeture franche des rabats pour les enveloppes fermées et une ouverture franche des rabats pour les enveloppes à volets rabattus, ce dispositif d'humectage comporte en outre presseur 30 articulé sur le bâti de l'alimenteur à l'encontre de moyens élastiques (non représentés) et destiné à comprimer le rabat des enveloppes en direction de l'ouverture 16A du conduit d'aspiration lors de leur passage au dessus de ce conduit. The moistening device also includes means suction 20, arranged under the transport table 16 and the suction mouth 16A leads to the passage of the flaps envelopes, just in front of the separator and downstream of the rolls of transport 18A, to allow a particularly easy detachment of these flaps relative to the bodies of the envelopes, in particular in the case of thick envelopes. Finally, to facilitate a frank closure of the flaps for closed envelopes and a clear opening of the flaps for envelopes with shutters folded down, this moistening device further comprises a presser 30 articulated on the feeder frame against elastic means (not shown) and intended to compress the flap of the envelopes in direction of the opening 16A of the suction duct during their passage above this conduit.

Pour le traitement des enveloppes nestées, l'alimenteur est avantageusement pourvu d'une rainure 32 pratiquée dans la table de transport 16, tout le long d'une paroi de mise en référence 34 de cet alimenteur. Cette paroi 34 de taquage des articles de courrier comporte en outre, sous la table de transport, un déflecteur fixe 36 profilé en forme d'aile delta pour guider et rabattre progressivement le volet de ces enveloppes de leur position initiale à 90° à une position terminale proche de 30° permettant leur passage sous le séparateur et leur mouillage dans les meilleures conditions (voir les figures 2A et 2B).For the treatment of housed envelopes, the feeder is advantageously provided with a groove 32 formed in the table transport 16, all along a reference wall 34 of this feeder. This wall 34 for jogging mail items further includes, under the transport table, a fixed deflector 36 delta wing profile to guide and fold down gradually the flap of these envelopes from their initial position at 90 ° to a terminal position close to 30 ° allowing their passage under the separator and their wetting in the best conditions (see Figures 2A and 2B).

Selon l'invention, le séparateur 12 comporte dans sa zone active de séparation une partie souple 12A, avantageusement détachable, dont l'arête périphérique 38 est disposée au niveau de la table de transport 16. De préférence, cette partie souple est réalisée par surmoulage plastique d'un fil d'acier de faible diamètre (de l'ordre du millimètre). Bien entendu une réalisation par moulage d'un élastomère de type silicone est aussi envisageable. Son articulation sur la partie rigide 12B du séparateur peut être réalisée au moyen d'une glissière 40 ou de tout autre élément analogue comme un rail ou plus simplement par une charnière. Ce moyen de fixation entre les parties souple 12A et rigide 12B du séparateur est avantageusement en un matériau plastique.According to the invention, the separator 12 has in its zone active separation of a flexible part 12A, advantageously detachable, the peripheral edge 38 of which is disposed at the level of the transport table 16. Preferably, this flexible part is made by plastic overmolding of a small diameter steel wire (of the order millimeter). Of course an embodiment by molding of a silicone type elastomer is also possible. Its articulation on the rigid part 12B of the separator can be achieved by means a slide 40 or any other similar element such as a rail or more simply by a hinge. This means of attachment between the flexible 12A and rigid 12B parts of the separator is advantageously in a plastic material.

Le fonctionnement du séparateur selon l'invention est maintenant explicité en regard des figures 3 et 4. Notamment, le passage d'enveloppes à volets rabattus est tout d'abord illustré à la figure 3. Dans cette position, ces enveloppes qui reposent initialement sur les rouleaux d'entraínement 18A sont dirigées vers le séparateur 12 qui assure sa fonction normale de séparation entre le corps 10B et le volet 10A de l'enveloppe, le corps passant au dessus du séparateur et le volet 10A, plaqué en direction de la surface inclinée 28, passant au dessous pour permettre ainsi son mouillage ultérieur. Cette fonction de séparation traditionnelle est aussi présente avec le passage d'enveloppes nestée, puisque le volet 10A de l'enveloppe, se trouvant sous la table dans la rainure 32, est guidé sous le séparateur 12 puis rabattu vers le mouilleur 14A, 14B par le déflecteur fixe 38, alors que le corps de l'enveloppe 10B, qui maintenant repose seul sur la table de transport 16, passe directement au dessus du séparateur et du mouilleur.The operation of the separator according to the invention is now explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the the passage of envelopes with folded shutters is first illustrated in figure 3. In this position, these envelopes which rest initially on the drive rollers 18A are directed towards the separator 12 which performs its normal separation function between the body 10B and flap 10A of the envelope, the body passing above of the separator and the flap 10A, pressed towards the surface inclined 28, passing below to allow its wetting ulterior. This traditional separation function is also present with the passage of envelopes nested, since the flap 10A of the envelope, located under the table in the groove 32, is guided under the separator 12 then folded back to the wetting machine 14A, 14B by the fixed deflector 38, while the body of the casing 10B, which now rests alone on the transport table 16, pass directly above the separator and the moistener.

Le séparateur de l'invention apporte par contre une grande amélioration dans le traitement des enveloppes fermées. Ces enveloppes qui peuvent présenter une zone 10C imparfaitement collée qui est source dans l'art antérieur de contacts non désirés avec le séparateur, ne posent plus de problèmes avec la configuration de séparateur perfectionné de l'invention. Comme le montre la figure 4, de par la souplesse de la partie active du séparateur, le volet d'enveloppe 10A dispose d'une possibilité de s'échapper qui n'existait pas avec une structure rigide ne laissant aucune liberté à ce volet. En effet, l'avant d'une enveloppe mal fermée peut s'introduire sous le séparateur de la même façon qu'une enveloppe ouverte. Mais, alors qu'une arête de séparation rigide (ayant l'effet d'une lame tranchante) déchirerait le volet d'une enveloppe mal fermée, une arête souple, au contraire, en se déformant sous l'action du passage de ce volet entrouvert, induit une surépaisseur de la partie active du séparateur qui permet de laisser alors s'échapper le volet qui peut se replier sans se déchirer. L'enveloppe mal fermée à volet entrouvert passera donc sans déchirure au dessus du séparateur et donc du mouilleur.The separator of the invention, however, provides a large improvement in the treatment of closed envelopes. These envelopes that may have an imperfect 10C area bonded which is source in the prior art of unwanted contacts no more problems with the separator improved separator configuration of the invention. As the shows figure 4, by the flexibility of the active part of the separator, the envelope flap 10A has a possibility of escape which did not exist with a rigid structure not leaving no freedom to this component. Indeed the front of an evil envelope closed can be inserted under the separator in the same way as a open envelope. But, while a rigid separation edge (having the effect of a sharp blade) would tear the shutter of a envelope poorly closed, a flexible edge, on the contrary, deforming under the action of the passage of this half-open flap, induces a extra thickness of the active part of the separator which allows to leave then escape the shutter which can fold up without tearing. The improperly closed envelope with a ajar flap will therefore pass without tear above the separator and therefore the moistener.

Avec la structure de l'invention, il est donc possible de traiter aussi bien des enveloppes collées que non collées, qu'elles soient à volets rabattus ou à volets nestés. Notamment, le séparateur permet sans aucun réglage d'éviter un bourrage des enveloppes aux volets mal fermés. De même, rien ne s'oppose au passage de simples documents de format A4 notamment. En outre, la simplicité des moyens mis en oeuvre permet leur intégration dans une structure conventionnelle d'alimenteur ou de machine à affranchir sans aucune modification de structure. Il suffit simplement de remplacer le séparateur existant par le séparateur de l'invention de même dimension et forme à l'exception de sa partie active qui est rendu souple.With the structure of the invention, it is therefore possible to treat both glued and unglued envelopes, whether shutters folded down or with shutters nested. In particular, the separator allows without any adjustment to avoid jamming of the envelopes at the shutters poorly closed. Likewise, nothing prevents the passage of simple A4 documents in particular. In addition, the simplicity of means used allows their integration into a structure conventional feeder or franking machine without no structural changes. Simply replace the separator existing by the separator of the invention likewise dimension and shape with the exception of its active part which is rendered flexible.

Claims (10)

Séparateur (12) pour séparer des volets d'enveloppes (10A) de corps d'enveloppes (10B), dont la zone active de séparation est formée par une partie souple (12A).Separator (12) for separating envelope flaps (10A) body of envelopes (10B), the active separation zone of which is formed by a flexible part (12A). Séparateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple comporte une arête périphérique (38) disposée au niveau d'une table (16) de transport des enveloppes.Separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible part comprises a peripheral edge (38) disposed at a table (16) for transporting the envelopes. Séparateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple est réalisée par surmoulage plastique d'un fil d'acier de faible diamètre.Separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible part is produced by plastic overmolding of a steel wire of small diameter. Séparateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple est réalisée par moulage d'un élastomère de type silicone.Separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible part is produced by molding a silicone type elastomer. Séparateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple est détachable d'une partie rigide (12B) du séparateur.Separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible part is detachable from a rigid part (12B) of the separator. Séparateur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple est reliée à ladite partie rigide par un moyen de fixation (40) de type glissière ou rail par exemple.Separator according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said flexible part is connected to the said rigid part by a fixing means (40) of the slide or rail type for example. Séparateur selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de fixation est en matériau plastique.Separator according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing means is made of plastic material. Séparateur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie souple est articulée sur ladite partie rigide par une charnière.Separator according to claim 5, characterized in that said flexible part is articulated on said rigid part by a hinge. Dispositif de mouillage de volets d'enveloppes comportant un séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8.Device for wetting envelope flaps comprising a separator according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Module d'alimentation en articles de courrier d'une machine d'affranchissement comportant un dispositif de mouillage de volets d'enveloppes selon la revendication 9.Mail item supply module franking machine comprising a device for wetting envelope flaps according to claim 9.
EP04290152A 2003-01-23 2004-01-21 Separator for supply unit of a franking machine Withdrawn EP1440816A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0300705 2003-01-23
FR0300705A FR2850323A1 (en) 2003-01-23 2003-01-23 SEPARATOR DEVICE FOR FEEDING MACHINE FEEDER

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EP1440816A1 true EP1440816A1 (en) 2004-07-28

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FR (1) FR2850323A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2909309B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2009-02-27 Neopost Technologies Sa DEVICE FOR SELECTING ENVELOPE FLAPS FOR WETTING.

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US7442276B2 (en) 2008-10-28
FR2850323A1 (en) 2004-07-30

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