EP2597624B1 - Franking and/or address printing machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a franking and / or addressing machine.
There is known an arrangement of the aforementioned type, see DE 197 12 077 C1 , in which the print carrier upright, adjacent to a guide plate with a printing window, transported by means of attached to a circulating conveyor belt pressure elements and printed by means of an ink jet print head located behind the printing window. In the entry area of the usual print carrier a strip magazine is arranged transversely to the guide plate and at a distance from the same larger than the largest permitted thickness of the otherwise usual print carrier. The strip-shaped print carrier - in the following simply strips - are output from the magazine obliquely to the transport direction and above the conveying plane of the conveyor belt to the guide plate. For this purpose, the strip magazine is provided with a separate drive motor, reduction gear and drive roller. In the guide plate, a recess is provided in the impact area of the strip, into which a specially shaped guide part is inserted. The center of the exit opening for the strips from the magazine, the center of the guide part and the center of the printing window are approximately at a height.

As can be seen from the facts described above, this solution is limited only to a special complex transport system and the technical design effort is also significant. The output ratios do not allow reloading during operation.

On the other hand, a modular strip encoder is known, see DE 202 18 855 U1 which is designed to be connectable to a mail processing machine. The strip transmitter consists of a shaft carrier and a removable strip receiving shaft, which is adapted in its length to different strip lengths. In the shaft support a trigger unit and sensors are integrated, which are electrically connected to a control unit of the mail processing machine. The trigger unit comprises a stepper motor, which can be controlled by software with the respective take-off speed according to the different machine variants. A built-in sensor in the shaft support checks whether a strip has been pulled off or whether there is a strip in the strip guide. The strip receiving shaft has at the beginning of a mechanical lock, with which the maximum capacity is set. In the exit region of the strip receiving shaft, two levers movable counter to a spring force are mounted between the upper outer wall and the inner wall. The spring-loaded levers extend to the outlet opening and press the strip against a take-off roller.
When inserting single or fewer strips, there is a risk that the strips are pushed too far, bent over at a retaining piece, and thus - in the case of a strip - triggered a fault mode or - with several strips - a separation becomes impossible.
In addition to the technical equipment expense for a separate drive for the strip sensor, the coordination between ejection speed and the transport speed of the mail processing machine is problematic. Offset between speeds may cause print offsets in the print image. The maximum offset occurs when the drive in the strip transmitter is switched off immediately after separation. Depending on the geometrical dimensions in the area between the strip ejection and the printing area, with a corresponding strip length it can happen that part of the strip is still in the strip dispenser while the front part of the strip is already being printed. It is obvious that reloading during operation is also not possible here.

Furthermore, a tape dispenser for mail processing machines is known, see US 6,773,524 B2 consisting essentially of a strip magazine in which the strips are consecutive standing with their front edge on a bottom plate placing. The mail processing machine has a transport system that consists of several parallel, upper and lower, on rollers actively driven, circulating conveyor belts. The strip magazine has an adapted slot in the middle of one of the upper conveyor belts in the outermost region of the front drive roller. The strip withdrawal position is produced by means of an electromagnet which pulls the slot of the magazine into the engagement region of this conveyor belt. If the electromagnet is de-energized, the magazine remains swung and there is no strip deduction. The withdrawn strip is first entrained by the upper conveyor belt through the slot between the base plate and conveyor belt, then applies with its leading edge on the lower conveyor belt and is deflected by the same so that it is detected and continued between the upper and lower conveyor belt. In the subsequent printing position of the strip section located there is only on the lower conveyor belt opposite the printheads. An appropriately trained counter pressure element may be required.
The strips must be at a certain angle to the bottom plate, so that they are not overly curved and reach the slot to the conveyor belt safely. If they are wavy or have no smooth cutting edge, this can lead to malfunction. Different flexural stiffnesses of the strips may also be detrimental. Even with this solution, there is a risk that when inserting single or a few strips the same already be pushed into the exit slot, which has the previously mentioned error result. The transport system is complex and requires precise coordination between the upper and lower conveyor belts.

In addition, a transport module is called, see DE 10 2007 060 789 A1 , Which is arranged above a feed table and in a conventional manner has a conveyor belt for flat print carrier. Coming from the feed table, the print carriers are pressed against the conveyor belt by means of pressure elements arranged resiliently below the conveyor belt, preferably brush elements. Due to a large number of such pressure elements, a correspondingly large pressure surface is achieved, whereby approach errors in the printed image are largely avoided, see also Fig.2 and 3 ,

Finally, a transport device for flat items to be printed is known, see DE 10 2008 032 804 A1 comprising a roller mounted driven circulating conveyor belt. Between one end of a bearing plate of a roller carrier and a first molding plate are a number of axially parallel spacers and between the other end of the bearing plate and a second molding plate are also arranged a number of axially parallel spacers. The spacers are all the same and designed as bearing shafts. Depending on a clamping means is attached to the ends of the bearing plate of the roller carrier and formed for transmitting power from a pull rod. For defined deflection of the roller carrier with a corresponding load on the bearing plate, a mechanical tension is transmitted via the clamping means on the two ends of the bearing plate. The drawbar is provided with clamping and adjusting means for setting a defined tension, see also Fig.2 and 3 ,

Both latter solutions are coordinated with each other a compact transport device for franking machines with small to medium mail throughput, see also design registration with the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, file reference 001292361-0001 and Fig.1 to 3 ,

Purpose of the invention is an increase in print quality and reliability with reduced technical complexity; In addition, low wear and low maintenance are sought.

The invention is based on the object to provide an arrangement of the type mentioned, which is provided without separate drive means with an easily replaceable Streifengebermodul for strips of different length and thickness and bending stiffness and which gets along in the transport with the sensors for the otherwise usual print carrier same print quality.
Adverse effects due to insertion errors in single or few strips should be ruled out in terms of equipment. A refill of strips during the trigger should be possible.
The object is achieved with the features of the arrangement according to the protection claim 1 and the dependent claims.
Due to the laterally offset arrangement of the module to the transport module, the strip-shaped print carrier - in the further strip - already at the trigger the magazine aligned side edge adjacent. Thus, the longitudinal edge of the strip and transport track are parallel to each other and further ensured the required print image distance to the longitudinal edge of the strip. The wider version of the strips allows the unchanged maintenance of the usual pressure range and the existing transport conditions including sensors. The intended for the transport edge region of the strip and thus the module offset, based on empirical studies as wide - at least one third of the printing area width - chosen to ensure safe transport through the transport module. The edge area can conveniently be provided with a mark - arrow - to facilitate the correct filling of the magazine. The additional space is also suitable for advertising purposes. In self-adhesive design of the strip, a subdivision of the same suitably to the transport strip is advantageous; This facilitates the later withdrawal of the printed part.
The special design of the module according to the invention allows the optional equipment of the franking machine with or without tape printing and without additional space requirements.
The inclusion of the flap in the entrance of the device housing in the strip magazine makes it possible to keep the opening for the strip input as small as possible to close the housing access-safe and easily fit the module.
By adjusting the magazine from the pivoted position to the trigger position and back using a stepper motor with gear and associated toothed segment on an axis with Ansteuerkurvenprofil latching is achieved for each position; a holding current is omitted. It is obvious that thereby a continuous adjustment of the exit conditions according to the strip quality is possible.
The division of the bottom of the magazine in a rigid smooth part and in a rotatable angled part prevents in the pivoted position of the magazine pushing through individual strips during filling and ensures in retrospect secure separation. In the withdrawal position of the rigid smooth part of the bottom wall is initially resiliently on the conveyor belt, the lock is closed. Then the stripped strip is pressed into the lock. In this way, an adapted elastic lock for strips of different thickness is formed and each allows the exit of only one strip. Since only the pressure range of the pressure lever is decisive for the trigger, can be recharged easily during the withdrawal operation.

The combination of magazine with pressure lever and rigid smooth fitting part of the bottom wall and associated baffle with spring tabs above the letter thickness lock causes in the trigger position at least three times contacting the strip with the conveyor belt and thus a high security against loss and transport safety.
The equipment of the magazine with a feeler lever with two switching flags and associated light barriers allows in the pivoted position a simple level control with respect to vacancy or overfilling.

Fig.1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine gemäß Geschmacksmustereintragung 001292361-0001 mit Konfektionierung für Streifendruck,

Fig.2

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Transporteinrichtung eines Transportmoduls gemäß DE 10 2008 032 804 A1 und Fig.2 mit einem Modul für streifenförmige Druckträger,

Fig.3

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Gegendruckeinrichtung für das Transportmodul gemäß DE 10 2007 060 789 A1 und Fig.3 mit einem Modul für streifenförmige Druckträger,

Fig.4

Details des Eingangsbereiches mit Briefdickenschleuse oben in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig.5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Moduls für streifenförmige Druckträger, entgegen der Transportrichtung von hinten rechts gesehen,

Fig.6

Details zu Fig.4 und 5, teilweise im Schnitt,

Fig.7

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Moduls für streifenförmige Druckträger mit Schrittmotor zur definierten Einstellung des Moduls zum Transportband, in Transportrichtung von vorn links gesehen,

Fig.8

eine Explosivdarstellung eines Moduls gemäß Fig.7,

Fig.9

eine Seitenansicht des Moduls außerhalb - weggeschwenkt - des Eingriffsbereiches des Transportbandes im Schnitt,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht des Moduls im Eingriffsbereich - Abzugspositiondes Transportbandes im Schnitt,

Fig.11

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Magazins in Transportrichtung von vorn links gesehen,

Fig.12

eine Explosivdarstellung - teilweise - eines Magazins gemäß Fig.11 mit Einzelheiten zur Füllstandskontrolle.

The invention will be explained in more detail below the embodiment.
Show it:

Fig.1

a perspective view of a franking machine according to registered design 001292361-0001 with packaging for strip printing,

Fig.2

a perspective view of the transport device of a transport module according to DE 10 2008 032 804 A1 and Fig.2 with a module for strip-shaped print carrier,

Figure 3

a perspective view of a counter-pressure device for the transport module according to DE 10 2007 060 789 A1 and Figure 3 with a module for strip-shaped print carrier,

Figure 4

Details of the entrance area with letter thickness lock above in perspective view,

Figure 5

a perspective view of a module for strip-shaped print carrier, seen against the transport direction from the rear right,

Figure 6

Details too Figure 4 and 5 , partly in section,

Figure 7

a perspective view of a module for strip-shaped print carrier with stepper motor for defined adjustment of the module to the conveyor belt, seen in the transport direction from the front left,

Figure 8

an exploded view of a module according to Figure 7 .

Figure 9

a side view of the module outside - swung away - the engagement region of the conveyor belt in section,

Fig. 10

a side view of the module in the engagement area - deduction position of the conveyor belt in section,

Figure 11

a perspective view of a magazine in the transport direction seen from the front left,

Figure 12

an exploded view - partially - of a magazine according to Figure 11 with details on level control.

According to Fig.1 is a franking machine 0 laterally above the entrance area 02 in the device housing 01 with a flap 011 provided. The flap 011 can be pivoted so that an upwardly open filling opening of a magazine 21 - see Figure 5 - for strips 3 arises, see detail. The flap 011 is at the same time the rear wall of the magazine 21 and coupled with the U-shaped upper front wall 2110 so non-positively that it is pivoted at the same time when closing the flap 011 inward.
If the franking machine 0 is not assembled for strip printing, then the flap 011 remains permanently closed and locked in such a way that manipulation of the franking machine 0 via this route is not possible.
The input area 02 of the franking machine 0 has a so-called letter-thickness lock, which is formed by a top plate 021 and a bottom plate 022, see also Figure 3 , The distance between these two plates 021, 022 determines the maximum letter thickness, for example 10 mm. Depending on the comfort of an additional equipment of the entrance area 02 with means for letter thickness detection is possible.
Andeutungsweise the counter-pressure device 10 of the transport module 1 can be seen in the lower part of the franking machine 0, see also Fig. 3 ,

According to Fig.2 is a perspective top view of a transport module 1 with a module 2 for strip 3 shown. The transport module 1 has a guided over rollers circulating conveyor belt 11. The drive roller - unspecified - is arranged in the exit area of the franking machine 0. Two print heads 15 are arranged offset over a printing window 14 that can be printed over the full width of the printing area 32 of the strip 3. The strip 3 is taken with its edge region 31 - transport area - from the conveyor belt 11. The direction of rotation of the conveyor belt 11 runs counterclockwise, see also thick arrow. The letterhead top 16 and the letterhead page 17 serve to guide the usual letters, see also Figure 3 ,

According to Figure 3 the counter-pressure device 10 is arranged non-positively to the conveyor belt 11. A circuit board 13 with transmitting-side lap sensors 131, 132, and 133 is attached to the lateral lettering guide 17 at the bottom. The associated pendent is a board 12 with receiving-side letter flow sensors 121, 122, 123 - not shown - on the letterhead performance 16 above, see Fig.2 ,

The upper front wall 2110 of the magazine 21 is arranged to be resiliently rotatable about the axis 212, see also Figure 7 , The free end of the Umlenklappens 0232 of the baffle 023 for the module 2 protrudes from the plate 021 - letter thickness lock above - in the transport direction next to the conveyor belt 11, see also Figure 4 , The module 2 has a module housing 20 for receiving the magazine 21, see also Figure 5 ,

In Figure 4 is the fitting and fixation of the guide plate 023 for the module 2 in the plate 021 - letter thickness lock above - shown. The baffle 023 terminates in two parallel lobes 0231, 0232. A spring tab 0231 is frictionally against the conveyor belt 11. The Umlenklappen 0232 directs the strip 3 in the engagement region of the counter-pressure device 10. The Umlenklappen 0232 is located close to the conveyor belt 11 and its curvature adapted, see also Figure 10 , The deflection roller 110 for the conveyor belt 11 is provided with an encoder disk - not designated - which serves to measure the distance for the print line to be printed.
In the support frame of the transport module 1 are mounting holes 111 for the mounting pin 2011, see also Figure 7 , the module 2 provided. Thus, a defined position of the module 2 to the transport module 1 is achieved.

In Figure 5 the staggered position of the module 2 or the magazine 21 to the conveyor belt 11 can be seen clearly. For the transport of the strips 3 with the edge region 31 is only the narrower - see dotted - area of the conveyor belt 11. The front wall 211 of the magazine 21 is accordingly - the transport module 1 adapted - disengaged. The magazine 21 is with the pin 213 in the module housing 20, see also Figure 8 , hung up. At least the part 2171 of the bottom wall 217 of the magazine 21 which lies in the engagement region of the conveyor belt 11 is designed as a rigid, smooth part, see detail A. Preferably, a metal plate with a rounded end profile is adhesively bonded with a low coefficient of friction. A corresponding ceramic plate would also be possible.

In Figure 6 are more details too Fig. 4 and 5 shown. In this position, the rear part of the angled part 2172 of the bottom wall 217 is pressed against a contour 0211 in the upper plate 021 of the letter thickness lock 02. As a result, the front part of the angled Part 2172 swung up. The magazine 21 is filled with a stack of strips 3, which is pressed by means of a pressure lever 214 against the front wall 211 of the magazine 21. With the feeler 215, the level is controlled. The strips 3 stand with the lower end edges on the smooth rigid part 2171 of the bottom wall 217. The angled portion 2172 of the bottom wall 217 prevents with its raised front edge a strip exit from the magazine 21. On the lower rear wall 216 of the magazine 21, a function carrier 218 is fixed to a board 2180, see FIGS. 11 and 12 ,

In Figure 7 is a complete module 2 seen from the front left. The module housing 20, see also Figure 3 , is composed of a right part 201 and a left part 202 and contains the magazine 21, see also Figure 8 , The upper movable front wall 2110 of the magazine 21 is rotatably mounted on the axis 212 and tensioned by means of a tension spring 2113. The tension spring 2113 is mounted with one end in a tab 2114 of the front wall 2110 below the axis 212 and secured with the other end in a nose 2021 of the left part 202 of the module housing 20. On the axis 212 of the pressure lever 214 with associated spiral torsion spring 2141 and the sensing lever 215 with associated spiral torsion spring 2151 are also arranged side by side. The axis 212 itself is mounted in lateral walls of the magazine 21. Laterally on the left part 202 of the module housing 20, a stepper motor 22 with gear - not shown - attached, which serves to drive a toothed segment 221.

In Figure 8 the structure of the module 2 by the exploded view can be seen even more clearly. In particular, it can be seen that the toothed segment 221 forms a unit with an axis 222 with Ansteuerkurvenprofil, which is mounted between the two parts 201, 202 of the module housing 20 parallel to the axis 212. The axis 222 engages with its profile in a counter contour 2112 of the outer front wall 211 of the magazine 21 a. In this way, the distance between the rigid smooth part 2171 of the bottom wall 217 of the magazine 21 to the conveyor belt 11 is continuously adjustable and thus the lock opening for the strip 3 adjustable, see also detail A.

In Figure 9 , In particular detail A, the conditions in weggeschwenktem magazine 21 are shown in a side view in section. In the magazine 21, see also Figure 8 , the stack of strips 3 lies with the foremost strip at the bottom Front wall 211 non-positively - due to Andruckhebel 214 - to. The end face of the angled part 2172 of the bottom wall 217, the outgoing end of the spring tab 0231 and the Umlenklappens 0232 of the baffle 023 are distanced to the conveyor belt 11 as a rule. Exceptionally, it may be desirable to leave the spring tab 0231 in contact with the conveyor belt 11 to safely remove the end of the current stripped strip 3. Here, the contour 2173 would have to be omitted. The front part of the spring tab 0231 is then expediently provided with a sliding layer.
In detail B, the interaction of axis 222 with control profile and counter contour 2112 of the front wall 211 is clearly visible. As long as the protruding part of the eccentric axis 222 meets the bead of the mating contour 2112 of the front wall 211, the magazine 21 remains pivoted. The gear ratios between the gear of the stepping motor 22, toothed segment 221 and axis 222 are selected so that a low-power engine is sufficient and latching is present, thus eliminating a holding current.
As a supplement to Figure 3 the arrangement of the boards 12 and 13 with the associated letter flow sensors 121, 122, 123 and 131, 132, 133 to the conveyor belt 11 and the counter-pressure device 10 can be seen.

In Fig. 10 , in particular detail A, the conditions are shown in Rangan pivoted magazine 21 in a side view in section; that's the deduction position. The magazine 21 is pivoted so far forward that the guide roller 110 projects with the conveyor belt 11 into the recess 2111 of the lower front wall of the magazine 21, see Figure 8 As a result, the foremost strip 3 frictionally abuts against the conveyor belt 11 and is entrained by it by friction, deflected at the bottom of the magazine and thus adapts to the curvature of the guide roller 110. The angled portion 2172 of the bottom wall 217 has left the contour 0211 of the plate 021, whereby its free end falls down and the strip 3 is free. The outgoing end of the spring tab 0231 of the baffle 023 is initially on the conveyor belt 11, before the strip 3 passes in between. The smooth part 2171 forms with its rounded end profile and the conveyor belt 11, first a wedge-shaped closed inlet angle, in which the foremost strip 3 is pressed securely due to the static friction with the conveyor belt 11. Since the magazine 21 is resiliently mounted, the now open inlet angle or the strip lock adapts flexibly to different strip thicknesses. The strip 3 pushes the lock only so far, until this by fits. For the underlying strips enough for the trigger static friction to each other and therefore the feed force is not enough. If the beginning of the strip 3 is in the region of the first sensor pair, the input sensor 121, 131, stripping is signaled. The second sensor pair is the print image sensor 122, 132 and the third sensor pair is the print start sensor 123, 133. The print image sensor 122, 132 is used both for the preparation of the print image and for the control of the magazine position. When the beginning of the strip arrives at the print image sensor 122, the signal for swinging away the magazine 21 to the stepping motor 22 is delayed, see also Figure 7 delivered.
Since the thickness variations of the strips are much lower compared to the usual letters, a much higher print quality is achieved under unchanged transport conditions.
In the view according to Figure 11 the arrangement of the feeler 215 for the level control and the function carrier 218 is shown with the board 2180 to each other. The free leg of the feeler lever 215 is provided at its end with two angled, different lengths switching lugs 2152, 2153, which act on associated photoelectric sensors 2181, 2182 depending on the position of the feeler lever 215. The light barriers 2181, 2182 are designed as fork light barriers with aperture and fixed on the board 2180.
In Fig. 12 are by the partial exploded view, the size ratios of the two switching lugs 2152, 2153 clearly visible. If too many strips 3 are pushed into the magazine 21, then the shorter switching lug 2152 breaks through the light barrier 2182. As many strips 3 must be removed until the light barrier 2182 is free again. At vacancy, the sensing lever 215 so far forward in a recess - not specified - the front wall 211 pivoted that caused by this path ratio, the longer switching flag 2153 even with thin strips 3, the light barrier 2181 safely.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment explained herein. Other other embodiments of the invention can be developed or used, which are encompassed by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

0

franking machine

01

device housing

011

Flap, laterally in the entrance area of the device housing 01

02

Entrance area of franking machine 0, letter thickness lock

021

Plate, letter thickness lock above

0211

Contour for bottom wall part 2172

022

Plate, letter thickness lock below

023

Guide plate for module 2

0231

spring tabs

0232

Diverter flaps for print carrier 3

1

transport module

10

Counter-pressure device

11

conveyor belt

110

Pulley for conveyor belt 11, with encoder disc

111

Mounting holes for mounting pin 2011

12

Circuit board with letterhead sensors 121, 122, 123, receiver section

121

Input sensor 121 above

122

Print image sensor on top

123

Pressure start sensor above

13

Circuit board with letter flow sensors 131, 132, 133, transmitter part

131

Input sensor below

132

Print image sensor below

133

Pressure start sensor below

14

print window

15

printhead

16

Lettering top

17

Lettering sideways

2

module

20

module housing

201

Module housing right part

2011

mounting pin

202

Module housing left part

2021

Nose for tension spring suspension, rigid

21

magazine

211

Front wall of the magazine 21

2110

upper front wall, rotatable

2111

Recess in the lower front wall 211st

2112

Counter contour to the axis 222

2113

Tension spring for front wall 2110

2114

Flaps for tension spring suspension, movable

212

axis

213

spigot

214

Pressure lever, rotatable

2141

Torsion spring for pressure lever 214

215

Touch lever for level control, rotatable

2151

Torsion spring for feeler 215

2152

Switch tag on feeler 215 for photocell 2182

2153

Switch tag on feeler 215 for photocell 2181

216

lower rear wall of the magazine 21

217

Bottom wall of the magazine 21

2171

rigid, smooth part of the bottom wall 217 with special front profile

2172

Angled portion of the bottom wall 217, rotatable

2173

Contour on the bottom wall outside for spring tabs 0231

218

Function carrier for board 2180 and part 2172

2180

Board for photoelectric sensors and connectors

2181

Photocell for vacancy control

2182

Photocell for overfill control

22

Stepper motor with gear

221

toothed segment

222

Axis with control curve profile

3

Print carrier, strip-shaped; strip

31

Edge area of the print carrier 3, transport area

32

Print area of the print carrier 3

Claims (9)

1. Franking and/or addressing machine in which printing media (3) are transported by means of a priorly known transport module (1) with a circulating transport belt (11) driven by rollers and a counter-pressure device (10) with resiliently arranged pressure elements and are printed by means of a print head (15) arranged behind a printing window (14) and in which a module (2) with a magazine (21) for strips (3) is arranged in the entrance area (02) for usual printing media and in the area of contact of the transport belt (11) and in which the transport belt (11) simultaneously serves as drawing-off device, wherein the design of the module with the magazine allows the alternative fitting out of the franking and/or addressing machine with or without strip printing, characterized in that the module (2) with the magazine (21) is arranged laterally offset in relation to the transport belt (11) in such a way that the strips (3) are only caught by the transport belt (11) in a marginal region (31) and that the transport belt (11) is running outside the printing window (14) beside it so that the strips (3) are carried by the transport belt (11) with an area intended for printing (32) past the printing window below it.
2. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that, centrally on the rear side of the magazine (21), there is fixed an axle (212) in parallel to the transport belt plane and that the magazine (21) has, in its entry area, a U-shaped front wall (2110) resiliently and flexibly slewable around this axle (212) while the upper rear wall is formed by a closable flap (011) of the machine housing (01) of the franking machine (0);
   that the magazine (21) as a whole is borne by two studs (213) in the entry area of the module housing (20) in a slewable, adjustable by motor, spring-borne manner so that the exit area can be adjusted;
   that the front wall (211) of the magazine (21) has, in the area of contact of the transport belt (11), an opening (2111) adapted to the transport module (1) and there is provided, behind the opening (2111), a pressure lever (214) spring-mounted, slewably borne on the axle (212);
   that in parallel to the pressure lever (214), there is provided a sensing lever (215) for filling-level check that is also spring-mounted, slewably borne on the axle (212);
   that the lower rear wall (216) of the magazine (21) passes, with an adapted shape, over into the bottom wall (217) that is subdivided into a plane ending part (2171) below the pressure lever (214) and a rotatable part (2172) beside it, wherein the latter part (2172) is angled upward on its free end to such an extent that an escape of one or several printing media (3) upon filling is reliably avoided.
3. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, laterally on the left-hand part (202) of the module housing (20), there is fixed a step motor (22) with a toothed wheel that engages a toothed segment (221) which is connected with an axle (222) having a trigger curve profile by which the axle (222) engages a counter-contour (2112) in the outer front wall (211) of the magazine (21), that the axle (222) is borne in parallel to the axle (212) in the module housing (20) and that the transmission from the toothed wheel to the toothed segment (221) is such that, with the step motor (22), the positions "drawing-off', "swivelled away" and "intermediate position" are self-locking and thereby also the exit conditions - strip gate - for the strips (3) can be set.
4. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, into the upper plate (021) of the usual letter thickness gate, there is fit a guide sheet (023) that extends into and ends in two parallel lobes, namely a spring lobe (0231) and a diverter lobe (0232), wherein the spring lobe (0231) non-positively abuts on the transport belt (11) or the strip (3), respectively, while the diverter lobe (0232) is arranged at a small distance to the transport belt (11) and is adapted to its curvature and serves to divert the strip (3) into the area of action of the counter pressure device (10) for the transport belt (11).
5. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claims 1 and 2 as well as 4, characterized in that the module (2) for the strip-shaped printing media (3) is fixed by means of mounting studs (2011) in related assembly holes (111) of the carrier frame for the transport module (1) and therefore is in a defined position in relation to the transport belt (11).
6. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that the plane rigid part (2171) of the bottom wall (217) of the magazine (21) has a plate made of metal or ceramic with a rounded front profile with a low friction coefficient that forms, in the drawing-off position of the magazine (21), a wedge-shaped, closed but resilient entrance angle with the transport belt (11) into which the frontmost strip (3) is pressed by adhesive friction with the transport belt (11).
7. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claims 2 and 4, characterized in that, in the swiveled-away position of the magazine (21), the rotatable angled part (2172) of the bottom wall (217) of the magazine (21) is pressed with its rear part against a contour (0211) in the upper plate (021) of the letter-thickness gate (02) and thereby is lifted on the front and that, in the drawing-off position, the part (2172) leaves with its rear part the contour (0211) and, due to the force of gravity, turns down onto the plate (021) and thereby releases the strip (3).
8. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that the sensing lever (215) is provided on its free arm with two angled switching lugs (2152, 2153) of different lengths that, depending on the position of the sensing lever (215), act on assigned light barriers (2181, 2182).
9. Franking and/or addressing machine according to Claims 2 and 8, characterized in that the light barriers (2181, 2182) are designed as bifurcate light barriers with aperture and fixed on a circuit board (2180) that is fixed by means of a functional carrier (218) to the lower rear wall (216) of the magazine (21);
   that the shorter switching lug (2152) interrupts the light barrier (2182) in case of overfilling and that the longer switching lug (2153) interrupts the other light barrier (2181) in case of emptiness and that the sensing lever (215) enters into an opening in the front wall (211) of the magazine (21) in such a manner that, with a thin strip (3) already, the light barrier (2181) is reliably released.

Images