FR2625006A1 - MODULAR MAIL SENDING MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine comprises a multitude of modules, each module performing a particular function of processing an envelope. The modules are placed inside a processing station. The modules include a scale module 13 having means for weighing an envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the processing station and ejecting it from this station, a postage meter module 15. comprising printing means for printing a sign on the envelope, a platen module 21 having means for the envelope to come into contact with the printing means, and an inking module 19 having means for ink is deposited on the printing medium of the postage meter module. The modules operate independently of each other. A tape module 17 is incorporated which includes means for positioning a tape to print indicia. A knife module 230 is further included which includes means 242 for cutting a portion of the web following the printing of the signs.

Description

* 1.

  The present invention relates to printing systems such as machines for sending mail with a franking device, systems which are used for printing information on a sheet-like medium and, more particularly, a mailing system. printing in which the information printed on the medium in form

  of sheet is subject to a variable parameter the

  such as printing a postal value on a

  envelope, the value being linked to its weight.

  In the area of mail processing, it is most desirable for a system operator to be

  able to supply courier processing equipment

  a lot of "mixed mail", that is to say a lot consisting of a large number of envelopes of different characteristics, in particular in terms of thickness and * weight. The ability of a mail processing system to handle a large amount of mixed mail is 2.

  effect that the system operator does not need to execute

  ter the preliminary step of pre-sorting, mail.

  It is further desirable that the processing equipment

  The courier is able to weigh the individual envelopes and fix the appropriate postal value in accordance with their weight. It is generally considered an advantage that the mail processing equipment can print a quality sign on envelopes whose thickness varies between that of a postcard and

about 6 millimeters.

  We know how to provide mail processing equipment consisting of an input device for delivering envelopes to a set in series.

  transport. This set deposits the envelope on a balan-

  this for weighing. After sufficient time to ensure an accurate reading of the envelope weight balance, the transport assembly again takes control of the envelope and supplies it to a mailing machine. The mailing machine is most generally made up of an integral transport set

  and a drum-type franking apparatus

  nant of impression. The transport assembly of the machine assu-

  control the speed of the envelopes by making the necessary speed settings so that the speed of crossing the envelopes is adapted to the printing speed of the drum of the franking machine in order to obtain a good impression of the signs . We know that the postage meter includes a mechanism for composing values under the control of the balance.

  whose function is to ensure that it regulates the mechanics

  printing of the franking machine so that it prints the appropriate postal rate on the envelope

  compliance with the weight determined by the scale.

  The mail processing system described above 3. has as main features (a) the ability to

  process a wide variety of envelope materials

  particulars, especially with regard to thickness and weight, (b) to be as fast as possible in terms of envelopes per second, (c) to apply simultaneously

  quality postal signs. The described milking system

  Mail suffers from several limiting factors.

  tior. regarding the increase in flow compared

  at the cost of the system. One of these factors is the time ne-

  stop to transport the envelopes from a processing station

  to another. Another limiting factor is reflected

  the time required to obtain a precise weight at the

  balance. While it is conceivable to decrease fac-

  such as transport time and weighing time by incorporating advanced system techniques, it is to be feared that small improvements in system throughput due to such incorporation can only be achieved at the cost of an increase disproportionate to

system cost.

  A possible alternative to increasing the throughput of mail processing systems of this type would be to provide multiple scales and an appropriate transport system such that the scales are used in

  sandwich course. Such an arrangement could allow the overlap

  processing operations or functions of the

  system to achieve a significant increase in throughput.

  However, such a variant represents additional costs.

  both in terms of equipment and complexity

of the system.

  The subject of the present invention is a machine for dispatching mail having a greater capacity for debit, partially due to the presence in the machine of a single processing station in which an envelope can be weighed and a postal value applied. The mailing machine includes a set 4.

  of transport to correctly place an envelope

  eg in the treatment center. The envelope is inserted

  in the transport assembly by a device for introducing

  tion appropriate, for example by an introducer

  tion of mixed mail. After the envelope has been weighed and printed in the processing station, the transport assembly takes control of the envelope again and

  ejects it from the shipping machine.

  According to another object of the present invention,

  the processing station of the courier shipping machine

  rier includes an integral balance, intended to receive

  the transport assembly, an envelope sealing assembly

  eg complementary to the transport set supplied as an option, a printing plate which can move vertically and

  a support assembly of a fixed postage meter

  xed appropriately. By using a trading post-

  Multi-function, the speed of the shipping machine

  tion of the mail is significantly increased by facilitating a minimum delay between the operations exerted on each envelope and by eliminating the transport time which have

  need multiple treatment station systems.

  In general, the scale is mounted in isolation on the base of the shipping machine and a multitude of

  slots are provided in the weighing plate of the balance.

  On the plate a multitude of support elements are shown

  tees that have the general shape of a C. To the elements of sup-

  port is attached an envelope clamping assembly which

  tit an envelope on the weighing plate during the operations-

  weighing tior.s and facilitates the transport of the envelope.

  The transport assembly is made up of a multi-

  study of rollers supported independently of each other

  others by the base of the shipping machine, in a way

  re which allows them to take a vertical engagement position

  position (high position) in communication with the clamping assembly in a vertical disengagement position 5. (low position) free of communication with the clamping assembly. Each roller is aligned so as to be partially disposed in a respective slot in the

  high position. A dual-drive motor assembly

  directional communicates with each roller via an endless belt. This set includes a one way clutch

  which acts with the transport assembly so that the ac-

  actuation of the motor in a first direction results in the fact that the belt imparts a driving force to each roller and that actuation of the motor in the second direction results in the transport assembly repositioning

  the rollers in the second position.

  The sealing assembly is mounted in the mailing machine by hanging on a part of the weighing plate of the scale and comprises a multitude of sealing elements which can be selectively placed in a first position by being biased towards the bottom and a second position being placed in a position

  of withdrawal in the top direction. In the first posi-

  tion, a multitude of sealing elements are stressed.

  tees against transport rollers.

  The mailing machine further includes a vertically movable platen which

  is mounted on the base of the machine and arranged in a way

  re to act in cooperation with a postage meter

  mounted on its support assembly.

  A tape module is a means for supporting a tape track in a generally cantilever fashion in order to extend below the device module

  postage located on one side of this tape module.

  The tape module can be selectively placed in a first position such that the tape track is located longitudinally below and vertically between

  the means of printing the module of the franking machine

  and the turntable. In a second position of the strip module, the strip track is placed longitudinally below and longitudinally in spaced relation

  with the printing medium of the display unit module

  chissement and of the plate module. The tape module has a tape feed which can selectively provide the track with one of two types of tape for

  printing by the postage meter module

  is lying. The mailing machine further includes an inking mechanism for depositing ink on

  the printing elements of the machine.

  Other possibilities and advantages of the present

  te invention will appear or will be presented in the des-

  detailed description of the invention.

  The present invention will be well understood during

  the following description made in conjunction with the drawings

  attached in which: Figure 1 is an exploded sectional view of a

  mail forwarding machine according to the present invention

  tion; Figure 2 is a top view of the shipping machine;

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part

  tie of a balance module and a transport module according to the present invention;

  Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the machine

  no mail forwarding; FIG. 5 is a side section of the support element of the chassis of the transport module;

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a module

  platinum according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inking module according to the present invention; Figure 8 is an elevational view of a tape module according to the present invention; 7.

  Figure 9 is a partial perspective view

ve of the tape module;

  Figure 10 is a side elevation of the mo-

tape dule;

  Figure 11 is a side elevation of a mo-

  cutting dule according to the present invention; Figure 12 is a side elevation of the

mail forwarding machine.

  The mailing machine with franking apparatus according to the present invention employs a new modular architecture. More specifically, the

  mail forwarding machine consists of sub-

  systems that are not interdependent. Therefore

  quent, the machine can be configured to include only the subsystem modules that are necessary to meet specific functional needs for a given environment or alternatively, the machine can be

  configured to incorporate all of the sub modules

  systems, providing maximum application flexibility.

  0 For example, in the case where the employment environment is limited to the processing of a uniform mail, the balance module which is described below, can be omitted in

  an important part of the mailing machine without-

  affect the performance of the remaining modules or

system controller.

  In connection with Figures 1 and 2, a machine

  for dispatching mail, represented in its large li-

  referenced 11, used according to the present invention

  tion a balance module 13, a transport module 12, a franking device module 15, a module 17

  tape feed, an inking module 19, and a mo-

  platinum plate 21. The modules are placed inside the shipping machine 11 so that the balance module 13 is located in front of parallel support walls 33 and 35. The walls 33 and 35 are fixed at the 8. base 30 of the machine being spaced laterally from one another. On the base plate 30, the inking module 19 is mounted between the support walls 33 and 35. Above the inking module 19, the module 15 of the franking device is mounted on the walls 33 and 35. The plate module 21 is mounted on the base 30

  just below a framing portion of the camera

  crossing 15 which will be described later. In addition, on the wall 35 is mounted the tape supply module 17 which operates in cooperation in the present

  embodiment with a banister cutting mechanism 230

  of. In connection with FIGS. 1 and 3, the balance module 13 most suitable for the present invention is the elastic type which is more fully described in French patent application No. 8809413, which is incorporated here.

  for reference. In short, the elastic type balance

  as described in this application, uses the principle of harmonic vibrations in order to determine the weight of an article. A fixed platform (comprising elements 37, 40, 43, 45, 47 and 49) is made to oscillate

  under the effect of an initial excitation (not shown here).

  The oscillation frequency depends mainly on the mass

  total of the platform and everything related to it

  nected, for example an envelope residing on the platform

  shape, and the elastic constant of the platform. he

  As a result, the mass of an envelope can be determined.

  eg lying on the platform and which can be assigned a weight by comparing the oscillation obtained after

  from the stay of the envelope to the known nominal oscillation.

  To be brief, the part of module 13 described here represents

  presents the portion of the elastic type balance which is described in the application cited above which is necessary to illustrate the mutual relations between the

  scale and mail sending machine 11.

9.

  In particular in connection with the fig-

  res 1, 2 and 3, the balance module 13 is of the elastic type

  that and comprises a weighing plate 37 supported by vertical uprights 40 at one of their ends. The other end of each upright 40 is fixed to a counter

  plate 42. The base 30 of the courier shipping machine

  rier has a multitude of pillars 36 for supporting the

  lance, each pillar 36 comprising a flexible element 34.

  Each element 34 is fixed to the counterplate 42 so as to

  create a circuit for module 13 which is isolated from the base

is 30.

  The weighing plate 37 is generally rectangular

  laire and has a recess 38 extending longitudinally-

  ment which is formed on the rear side of the plate; in the plate are aligned a multitude of slots 41 of

  same axis (not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity).

  A first flange 43 having the general shape of a C is fixed on the rear side of the weighing plate, laterally to one side of the recess 38. A second flange 45 having the

  general shape of a C is attached to the rear side of the plate

  than 37, laterally to the other side of the recess 38. A

  support beam 47 is fixed at its ends to the bri-

  respective ones 43 and 45. Mounted in rotation by conventional means on the beam 47 are a multitude of clamping elements 49, each being placed so as to be situated above a respective slot 41. Each element

  clamp 49 includes a mounting arm 51 rotatably mounted

  tion on the beam 47 at one end and biased in the downward direction by conventional means such as a spring. At the other end of the arm 51 is fixed a flange element 53 having the general shape of an arc, dimensioned laterally so as to prevent it from entering.

in a respective slot 41.

  It will be noted that insofar as one does not wish to

  not include the weighing function, the lo module problem. balance, described above, including the possibilities

  mentioned in the patent applications men-

  mentioned here can be eliminated. The only modification or substitution necessary is the use of a transport plate, of construction similar to the weighing plate 37, a plate which can be fixed directly to the base 30 of the mail forwarding machine and which includes the

  flanges 43 and 45, the beam 47 and the clamping elements

  ge 49. The elements 43, 45, 47 and 49 are maintained, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, of

  so as to interact with the transport module in a way

re which is described below.

  It will be noted that, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the preferred embodiment of the present 1. invention comprises a sealing module, shown in

  outline by reference 42. The seal module-

  ment 30 consists of a support element 44 having the general shape of an L. The support element 44 is fixed to

  one of its ends at the base 30 of the shipping machine

  tion of the mail. The other end of the element 44 rotatably supports a multitude of sealing elements 46 which

  are biased in the downward direction by a spring

  pectif 48. The sealing elements 46 are aligned longi-

  tudinally, being generally staggered and behaving

  tent tab 56. A solenoid 50 is attached to the element

  support 44 so that its piston arm 52 abuts

  be part of a transfer link 54 mounted in

  sliding on the element 44. The link 54 abuts partially-

  Lement against the lug 56 of the respective element of seal-

  is lying. The actuation of the solenoid 50 has the effect that the arm 52 moves the link 54, causing the rotation of the sealing elements 46 while being spaced from the plate

  Weighing 37 during the weighing process.

  In connection with Figures 2, 3 and 4, the module

  of transport -12 is made up of a number of firsts.

  11. guide rollers 57 which are rotatably mounted on a frame 58 (which is best seen in Figures 3 and 4). The

  chassis 58 includes support seats 70, each seat

  ge 70 having a local seat 72. A multitude of support elements 74 having the general shape of an L is fixed at one end to the base 30 so as not to interfere

  with counter plate 42 of the balance module. The other ex-

  end of the support element 74 is received in a respective seat 70 of the chassis 58. Each support element 74 comprises a seat 76 having a guide pin 78 biassed vertically in the top direction by a spring 80 residing in its interior . Part of the axis

  guide 78 also partially resides in seat 72.

  Also mounted in rotation on the chassis 58, a multitude of rollers 61 are placed vertically in

  the bottom direction from continuous guide rollers

  gus 57 and between these. Fixed by a conventional means of

  so as not to interfere with the operation of the balancing module

  ce 13 at base 30 of the courier shipping machine

  laugh there is a bidirectional drive motor 63 and

  its associated drive train, represented in its large li-

  indicated by reference 65. An endless belt 69 communicates

  as with the power train 65 which has an arrangement to -em-

  unidirectional clutch, shown in outline

  by reference 67. The endless belt 69 is positioned

  born in a serpentine shape around rollers 57 and 61, ensuring

  motor communication between the motor 63 and the rollers 57.

  When the belt 69 is driven in the direction of introduction of the envelopes of the mailing machine by the drive motor 63, as permitted by the one-way clutch 67, the chassis 58

  takes the nominal or first position, in accordance with

  ment to the stress exerted by the guide pin 78 sol-

  legal by jurisdiction. In the first position, the rollers are positioned by the frame 58 so as to extend through a respective slot 41 and slightly above it in the weighing platform 37. When the belt 69 is driven in the opposite direction to the introduction of the envelopes, the one-way clutch 'prevents further movement of the belt 69, the belt 69 exerting a downward force on the chassis 58, which triumphs over the stressing force exerted by the springs 80. It follows that the frame 58 is moved down to a second position, from which it follows that the rollers 57 are extracted from the slots 41. It will be noted that the drive train 65 comprises

  a winding roller 66 stressed in the conventional manner

  that in such a way that when the chassis 58 is in

  the second position, the winding keeps the running taut

king 69.

  It now appears that, when the rollers 57 are extracted from the slots 41, the clamping elements

  exercise a load on an envelope for the application

  quer on the weighing plate, which helps the weighing process

  sée. When the rollers 57 are partially in the slots, the clamping elements assist in the function

transport.

  In connection with Figures 1, 2, 4 and 12 and more

  particularly with Figure 6, as indicated above

  above, the franking apparatus 15 is mounted between

  the support walls 33 and 35. The apparatus comprises a zo-

  framing located at the front, shown in its large

  lines by the reference 82. On the base 30 of the machine

  ne, just below the framing area 82, is mounted the plate module 21. The module 21 has a support wall 81 fixed to the base 30. A multitude of supports 83 in the form of C and axes of guide 85 are fixed to one face of the support wall 81 in vertical alignment of

  so as to allow a guide rod 87 to slide.

  vertically along a defined vertical path. The rod 87 13. is trapped laterally by the supports 83 and the guide pins 85, and on its upper part is fixed a platinum plate 89. To the platinum plate are also

  fixed in relation laterally spaced from the first and second

  (5 pillar cond 91 and 93, respectively, for rack.

  Fixed above the plate 89, an elastomeric material a

  the general shape of a rectangle of uniform thickness.

  A centering motor 97 is mounted between parallel supports 99 so that the pillars 91 and 93 are outside of the respective supports 99. The motor 97 has a centering shaft 101 which extends axially through it. . At each end of the tree

  drive 101 is fixed a gear 103 placed in a manner

  re to be constantly engaged with a respective pillar of rack 91 and 93. It will be noted that the actuation

  of motor 97 can cause the plate to rise

  tine 89 to bring the elastomer element 85 into con-

  tact with an envelope appropriately placed in the

* projecting framing area of the postage meter

  and in so doing cause the printing of a sign on the envelope. Now in connection with FIGS. 1, 7 and 12, the inking module 19 is placed between the walls of the support 33 and 35 of the mailing machine. A motor mounting plate 111 is fixed vertically to the plate

  base 30. A drive motor 113 is fixed to the plate.

  than 111 so that the output shaft 115 extends through

  towards the plate. Gear 117 is attached to one end

  of the shaft 115 outside of the plate 111. A second

  shot 119 is pivotally mounted on base 30 in constant engagement with gear 117. A set of links

  consisting of a drive shaft, or first biellet-

  te 121, is mounted at one of its ends on the second gear 119. Mounted on the first link 121 are a second link 123 and a third 14.

  connecting rod 125 which are parallel and spaced; a fourth

  me link 127 is pivotally mounted at its respective ends on a respective link 125 and 123. Des

  first and second transfer links 129 and 130, res-

  pectively, are pivotally mounted being spaced from each other, at one end on the fourth link 127. Inside each of the walls of the support 33 and are fixed a first guide axis 135 and a second axis

guide 137.

  Each of the transfer links 129 and 130 extends respectively below a guide axis 135 and above a guide axis 137, so that the axes 135 and 137 guide the longitudinal path of movement, respectively. transfer links 129 and 130. The

  guide pins 135 and 137 also provide ver-

  tical. At the front end of each of the trans-

  fert is a well 139 in which there is an ink pad (not shown). At the other end of each

  rods 129 and 130 is formed a rocker surface-

  ment 141. Consequently, one can notice that during.

  actuation of motor 113, the Piellette assembly is

  dragged forward. The axes 135 are placed so that when the plate 139 is placed just below the area

  85 of the franking apparatus 15, the surfaces

  these 141 are brought into forced contact with the axis 135, from where

  it follows that the transfer rods 130 and 129 toggle

  slow upwards, causing the well 139 to rise, which comes into contact with the framing zone 85 of the apparatus 15. ' Now in connection with Figures 1, 4, 8, 9, and 12, the strip module 17 is slidably mounted on the wall 35 along a track 150 formed on the outside of the wall. The module consists of a rail 151 slidably mounted longitudinally to the track 150 so as to define the longitudinal path of movement of the 15. module 17. A support 155 is fixed to the rail 153. A second support 157 having a slot 159 s extending generally in the vertical direction is mounted on the support 155. The support

  includes a rear wall 161, on which are

  tés a first belt drive motor 163 and a se-

  cond 165 tape drive. The 155 support

  takes a first set of support flanges 167 arranged in the longitudinal direction. On each of the flanges 167 pivots the end of a first pivot arm 169. The support 155 comprises a second set of support flanges 171 on which is pivotally mounted, in an identical manner,

  respectively, one end of a second pivot arm-

  ment 173. The other end of each pivot arm 169

  and 173 pivots on a tape guide housing 175.

  The tape guide housing 175 has an inlet 177 opposite an outlet 179. Cantilevered to the housing 175 so as to extend outwards

  from exit 179 of the accommodation, a strip track 181 comprising

  carries a wedge-shaped introduction element 183 which partially extends into the housing 175. The track

  181 and the introduction element 183 are mounted on the parts

  lateral kings of the housing 175 so as to extend laterally

  Lement through the exit 179. It will be noted that the track 181 consists of first and second side walls 174 and 176 in the form of a channel, respectively, a ribbon element 178 being supported in the channel formed by the walls.

  side (see figure 8a). Rotated in the box-

  ment 175 are first and second rollers 185 and

  187 band training, respectively. Rotated

  tlon in housing 175, opposite the first roller

  , there is a first crazy roller 189 and, in a way

  re identical, a second idler roller 191 is rotatably mounted opposite the second roller 187. A flexible shaft 193 makes

  communicate the first motor 163 and the first roller 185.

  and in an identical manner a second flexible shaft 195 16. communicates the second motor 165 and the second roller 187. The housing 175 further comprises a part 197 (with cheek) on which are fixed a multitude of first guide axes 198 and a multitude of second guide axes 199. A set 200 of support for two strips is fixed to the base 30 and rotatably supports the first and second reels of strip 203 and 205, respectively. The first strip reel 203 is arranged so that the guide pins place the strip 203 to introduce it into the housing 175 and the track 181. The strip 203 is placed in the track 181 so as to be trapped between the walls

  side 174 and 176 resting on the ribbon 178. As shown

  felt in FIG. 8 and according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strip 203 is a backing strip

  dirty, introduced with sufficient primer to cover

  dorsal che 180 extends in reverse direction below

  and between the idler roller 191 and the output motor roller 187

  that the action of the roller 187 on the layer 180 has the effect that

  the strip 203 advances and the layer is removed by disengagement.

  The strip 205 is mounted around the axis 198 so as to

  pass between idler roller 189 and drive roller

  ment 185 and to enter runway 181 in order to rest on strip 203 and be trapped between the side walls

174 and 176.

  Optionally, it may be desirable for the strip 203 to be of the type without a backing layer. As indicated in phantom in FIG. 9,

  the strip can optionally be introduced directly in

  be rollers 187 and 191 of track 181.

  In particular in connection with the fig-

  res 10 and 12, the strip module 17 can slide along the track 150 formed in the wall 35 following the movement of the second support 157. On. note that the tape module 17 is placed relative to the framing area 80 of the franking apparatus 15 and to the platen module 21 so that 17. the track 181 is in a first position between the

  zone 80 and module 21. In a second position, the pis-

  te 181 is repositioned below the apparatus 15, being disengaged from the path of the platen plate 89. The position of the track 150 depends on the location of the second

support 157.

  In order to move the second support 157 and therefore place the track 181 in the first position

  (as shown in dash in Figure 12) or in the second-

  position, a motor 210 is fixed to the base 30 of the ma-

  China mail shipping. At the output shaft of the mo-

  tor 210, a pulley 212 is fixed. Mounted in rotation on the wall 35, a double pulley assembly 214 includes a

  first pulley 216 and a second pulley 220. The first

  re pulley 216 is in communication with motor 220 via an endless belt 218 mounted between pulleys 212 and 216. A crank assembly 222 is rotatably mounted on wall 35 and includes a pulley

  224 in communication with pulley 220 of the assembly

  ble 214 via an endless belt 226.

  The assembly 222 also includes a crank arm 228 having a sliding pin 230 mounted in the slot 159 of the

support 157 of the tape module 17.

  The movement of the strip module 17 along the track 150 is effected by causing the motor 210 to rotate the pulley 212 in the direction shown in FIG. 10. The rotation of the pulley 212 is transferred to the pulley 224 of the assembly 222 via assembly 214 by belts 218 and 226. The rotation of the pulley 224

  following U-turns, the module 17 is released

  place from first position to second position. Continued actuation of the motor 210 has the effect that the pulley 224 still rotates to complete the revolution, which results in the return of the module to the first

position.

18.

  In connection with Figure 11, the shipping machine

  tion of the mail of the present invention further comprises a tape knife module 230. Module 230 includes

  a double track 232 mounted outside the wall 33.

  An element 234 is slidably mounted on the track 232.

  A lever arm 236 having a vertically directed slot 238

  Lement is fixed to the element 234. The lever arm 236 comprises

  takes part 240 which extends in horizontal overhang

  and has a rotary blade 242 rotating at its end.

  A profile 244 is mounted on the wall 33 so as to cooperate

with blade 242.

  The knife module 230 is actuated by the motor 210. When the courier shipping machine co-exports the module 230, the double pulley 214 is arranged so that,

  in a first direction (represented by the arrows in the fig-

  re 10), the movement of the pulley 216 is transferred directly

  Tely to the pulley 220 without causing the rotational response of the shaft 246. The displacement in the opposite direction of the pulley 214 caused by a reverse control of the motor 210 results in the fact that the pulley 214 rotates the shaft 246 while the pulley 220 remains fixed. The layout

  formed by the pulley 214 and the shaft 245 can be a cons-

  classic truction with double sliding pulley.

  The shaft 246 extends longitudinally and is shown

  tee rotating in a support member 248 fixed to the base 30 of the mailing machine. Around a part of the shaft 246 generally contiguous with the element 248 is fixed a crank arm 250. The arm 250 has an axis 252 trapped in sliding in the slot 238 of the lever arm 236 so that, during the initial U-turn

  of motor 210 in the opposite direction, acting by the

  through the shaft 246, the lever arm 236 is seen

  moved by axis 252 of the crank arm to a second

  position (shown in dashed line in Figure 11). Here for-

  following the actuation of the motor 210 in the reverse direction 19. the pulley 224 continues to rotate to complete the revolution, which results in the fact that the blade of the rotary knife acts mutually with the profile 244 to cut a segment of the strip 205 which is ejected.

  In the preferred embodiment, it is about

  that the machine 11 operates in such a way that the

  transport 12 receives an envelope from a mechanic

  appropriate introduction mechanism (not shown). The system

  transport position the envelope correctly on the plate

  than weighing in relation to module 15 of the display unit

  chissement. The transport rollers 57 are then brought to be extracted in the manner described above, under the effect of the motor 63. Simultaneously, the inking module 19

  has been activated as described above for application

  quer the printing ink to the framing area of the module 15 and to be brought to the first position before the arrival of

  the envelope. When the envelope arrives in the posi-

  correct tion in the treatment and extraction station

  20. tion of the transport rollers 57, the balance module 13 p

  wraps itself as described in the patent application

  vet français n 88/09413 and will inform the mailing machine

  change in the composition of this device in the way

  described in French patent application No. 88/13973.

  Following the weighing of the envelope, the platinum module 21 is actuated, as described above, which

  translated by printing a sign on the envelope. Simulta-

  When the module 21 is actuated or after a minimum delay, the transport module 12 can be actuated from

  again to return the rollers 57 to their first posi-

  tion. When the first position is reached by the rollers 57, the envelope is unloaded from the mailing machine. Simultaneously with the beginning of the discharge of the envelope, a new envelope can be

  received by the transport module 12.

  20. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, it is possible, as an option, to print a sign on one of a multitude of tape supports. The tape module 17

  can be placed, as described above, for printing

  pressure of a sign on one of the strips 203 or 205 carried by the module 17. It will be noted that the vertical elevation of the track 181 is below the vertical position of the well 139 with ink pad so that the track 181 does not interfere

  not the operation of the inking module 17.

  If it is desired to print a sign on the strip 205, it is only necessary to activate the motor 97 for driving the plate. Inking can then occur after each cycle of the motor 97. Following printing, the motor 163

  tape drive can bring part of the ban-

  of 205 comprising the sign to be ejected and cut, as described above, by the knife module 230. In order to make an impression on the strip 203, the process described is again followed except for the fact that, before printing, the strip 205 is extracted in the

  reverse by motor 163 so as to expose the ban-

  from 203 to the framing area of the franking machine

  ment, the part of the strip 203 coated with the sign being ejected

  ted under the effect of the belt drive motor 165.

  The present invention is not limited to the examples

  ples of realization which have just been described, it is on the contrary susceptible of modifications and variants

  which will appear to those skilled in the art.

21. 2625006

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1 - Mail forwarding machine made up of a multitude of modules, each module being mounted in the machine to form a single processing station, characterized in that the modules include a balance module (13) having means for weighing an envelope, a transport nodule (12) having means for positioning the envelope in the processing station and ejecting it, and a module (15) of franking apparatus to print a sign on the envelope. 2 - Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the modules operate so as not to interfere with the operation of the other modules and in that they can execute their respective actions on the envelope while it is in the station treatment. 3 - Machine according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the module (15) of franking apparatus comprising printing means for printing one. sign on the envelope and a platinum module (21) having means for causing the envelope to come into contact with the printing means of the franking unit module, where the modules operate in a ma - generally independent of each other, do not interfere with the operation of another module and can execute their respective actions on the envelope while it is in the processing station. 4- mail sending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises: - a base (30) and support walls (33,35), r.le balance module (13) having means for weighing an envelope comprising: - a weighing plate (37) in which are formed a multitude of slots (41) and a recess (38), 22. 2625006 - support means (36) for supporting the weighing plate weighing in relation to vertical spacing with the base of the shipping machine; - said transport module (12) having means for positioning the envelope in the treatment station and ejecting it from this station, comprising: - a chassis (58), - a multitude of rollers (57) mounted in rotation on the chassis, - support means (74) for supporting the chassis below the weighing plate - and selectively placing the chassis in a first position so that a portion of the rollers extend through the slots of the weighing plate or in a second position so that the rollers are generally repositioned below the weighing plate, - the chassis and the chassis support means being generally placed between the base (30) of the mail forwarding machine and weighing plate (37), - said franking machine mndlle (15) having a framing area (82) and a printing printer (139) located in the framing area for print a sign on the envelope, the framing area being in vertical alignment, in tin t spaced above, with the recess in the weighing plate; said platinum mold (21) comprising: - a platinum plate (89), 30. - an elastomer element (95) which can be fixed to a first surface of the platinum plate, - support means ( 91, 93) to support the platinum plate so that the elastomeric element 353 is opposite the framing zone (82) of the module (15) of the franking apparatus and so that the platinum plate can be selectively placed in a first position where the elastomer element is 23. 2625006 elastomer is very close to the printing means of the franking unit module and in a second position where the elastomer element is generally located below the weighing plate of the balance module and in that the modules operate generally independently of one another, do not interfere with the operation of another module and can perform their respective actions on 1 .'wrapped while in the treatment center. - Machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it further comprises an inking module (19) having means for causing the printing ink to be deposited on the means of printing of the franking unit module, so that the means of the inking module operate in a manner generally independent of another module and that, when the inking module is not in use, - it does not interfere with the operation of another module. 6 - Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said inking module (19) is mounted on the base plate (30) of the franking machine generally below the franking module (15). 7 - Machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that it further comprises. a strip module (17) having means for positioning a strip (203; 205) for the printing of signs by the module (15) of the franking apparatus and the plate module (21) so that the strip module operates generally independently of any other module and having means for repositioning it so that when not in use, it does not interfere with the operation of another module. 8 - Machine according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a knife module (230) having means for cutting part of the strip following the printing of signs on its top so that the module resources work cooperatively. with 24. the tape module so that, when the printed tape is ejected, the tape module in response causes the cutting by the cutting orcies of the printed portion of the tape. 9 - Machine according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that the inking module (19) comprises an ink pad well (139) and means, (Figure 7) for selectively placing the well in a first position below and at the rear of the franking unit module and in a second position for bringing the well into contact with the printing means of the franking module . - Machine according to any one of Claims 7-9, characterized in that said tape module (17) provides a printing tape (203; 205), said machine comprising: - a tape track (181) , - means (155, 157) for supporting the strip track in a general manner of a cantilever so as to extend generally below the module of the franking apparatus 23 and the well ink pad when this well is in the second position, the support means being placed laterally to the module of the franking machine; - strip positioning means for selectively placing the support means in a first position longitudinally below and vertically between the framing zone (82) of the module of the franking apparatus and the element in elastomer (95) of the platinum module and in a second position longitudinally below and longitudinally in spacing relation with the framing zone of the module of the franking apparatus and the elastomer element of the platinum module; - a means (183; for introducing tape to selectively introduce the printing tape into the tape track so that the printing tape is inside the track when the latter is in the second position, the strip is vertically opposite by means of printing of the module of the franking machine 25. 11. -Machine according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that it further comprises a knife module (230) comprising: - a support element (234) slidably mounted on one of the support walls (33) of the mail forwarding machine so that this element knife support can be moved by sliding in the longitudinal direction to the end of the tape track of the tape module; - a rotating knife blade (242) mounted in rotation on the knife support element , - means (210, 236) for alternately moving the knife support element on the strip track of the mod bard ule: and - means for the cutting surface to act mutually with the blade of the rotary knife. 12 - Machine according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that it further comprises a sealing means (42) comprising means (46) for providing the envelopes with a generally uniform sealing force, transversely to the envelope. 13 - Machine according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the balance module (13) further comprises clamping means (49) for fixing the envelope to the weighing plate (37) .. 14 - Machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping means (.49) further comprises means (51) for biasing the envelope against the rollers of the transport module when a chassis of this module is in a first position. - Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the platinum module (21) comprises a platinum plate, an elastomer element (95) being fixed to a first surface of the platinum plate, and means for support of the platinum plate in order to maintain it in a first position and in a second elevation position. 26. 16 - platinum module according to claim, characterized in that the support means of the platinum plate comprise a support wall (81), a rack pillar (91-; 93) fixed to the platinum plate at a end, means (83, 85, 87) for guiding and limiting the movement of the platinum plate to a defined vertical path, and a drive motor (97) having a gear (103) fixed to its output shaft ( 101) and in constant contact with the rack pillar. 17 - Machine according to claim 3 or 15, characterized in that said platinum module comprises a base (30), a support wall (81) fixed to the base, a drive motor (97) fixed to the base and comprising an output shaft (101) and gears (103) attached to the respective ends of the output shaft, a guide rod (87) mounted vertically to slide on the support wall, a plate plate (89) attached to the guide rod, and rack pillars (91; 93) fixed at one end to the platinum plate and in constant engagement with a respective gear. 18 - Platinum module (21), for use in a machine according to any one of claims   1-17, characterized in that it comprises a plate (89), an elastomer element (95) fixed to a first surface of the platinum plate, and means for supporting the platinum plate in order to keep it in a first   position and in a second elevation position.   27. 19 - Platinum module according to claim 18, characterized in that the support means for the platinum plate comprise a support wall (81), a rack pillar (91; 93) fixed to the platinum plate at one end, means (83, 85, 87) for guiding and limiting the movement of the platen plate to a defined vertical path and a drive motor (97) having a gear O103) fixed to its output shaft ( 101) and in constant grip with the rack pillar.   - Platinum module for use in   a machine according to any one of claims 1-   17, characterized in that it comprises a base (30), a   support wall (81) fixed to the base, a driving motor   ment i97) fixed to the base and comprising an output shaft (101) and gears (103) fixed to the respective ends of the output shaft, a guide rod (87) mounted vertically to slide on the support wall, a plate of plate (89) fixed to the guide rod, and pillars with rack (91; 93) fixed at one end to the plate of plate and engaged finds with a respective gear.