GB2219575A - Paper folding apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

rI, C - A rI, C:. r', - PAPER FOLDING APPARATUS This invention relates to

paper folding apparatus. The invention may be applied in a folder inserter machine.

The applicants see a need for a compact, table top folder inserter which can be used in an automatic mode, or a semi-automatic mode as well as allowing the insertion of additional documents via a second insert tray. Examples of earlier proposed arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,471,598 and U.K. Patent No. 2183214.

According to the present invention, there is provided paper folding apparatus including control means'for controlling the operation of the machine, means for transporting a stationery item along a paper path, a buckle chute having opposed end regions of which one is generally open to a folding chute arranged in use to receive a portion of said stationery item to effect a fold therein and the other end includes deflector means arranged in use to deflect an oncoming stationery item to continue along said path, location means for reversibly locating the buckle chute adjacent said paper path with either said open end or said deflector means presented to said path and orientation detection means associated with said location means for determining which of said open end and deflector means are presented to said path and for outputting a signal to said control means.

Preferably, said orientation detection means comprises a microswitch which co-operates with a latch portion on the buckle chute to sense the orientation of the buckle chute.

Preferably, said buckle chute includes adjustable stop means to enable the effective length of the folding chute to be pr-set.

In an embodiment for folding and inserting stationery items into envelopes, the control means is operable to select one of at least two feed sequences for the stationery item and the envelope and the selection of the feed sequences is made in accordance with the output from said orientation detection means.

In an embodiment, the paper folding apparatus may include two buckle chutes at spaced positions along said paper path and each having associated therewith respective orientation detection means which output a signal to the control means.

The apparatus may be provided with a wetter system for wetting the flap of an envelope in a sealing apparatus, said system comprising a wiper element including a portion of fluid retentive material, a container having a generally porous upper surface, means for moving said wiper element into and out of fluid transfer engagement therewith, a reservoir in flow communication with said container, wherein, in use, the level of the fluid within the reservoir is at or below the level of the upper surface of the container.

Preferably, the reservoir is located within the body of the sealing apparatus and has a sight glass portion visible from outside the apparatus. The reservoir also preferably includes a fluid filling spout accessible from outside the apparatus. The lower end of the spout preferably projects below the inner surface of the upper wall of the reservoir to define a preset fill level.

The embodiment of wetter system described and illustrated herein reduces the risk of spillage if the machine incorporating the wetter system is tipped. The illustrated embodiment also makes it easier for the wetter system to be bled simply by disconnecting a tube which connects the reservoir to the container.

A non-limiting example of a folder inserter machine will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the. accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the folder inserter machine with various items removed for clarity, for illustrating the principal feed rolls and the feed paths for the inserts and the envelopeswithin the machine; Figure 2 is a schematic side view similar to that of Figure 1, but illustrating the principal drive trains, the feed trays for the primary and secondary inserts and the first and second reversible buckle chutes; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the control system for the folder inserter machine of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a view of the control panel for the folder inserter machine of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the second insert tray and associated equipment; Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a partially folded primary insert held stationary for insertion of the second insert; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the double detect/2nd insert device; Figure 8 is a detailed view of the double detect/2nd insert device showing the adjustment arm thereof; Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a reversible buckle chute; Figure 10 is a schematic view showing the location of the microswitch which detects the presence and orientation of the buckle chute of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the 1 envelope throat opening and drive mechanism; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of the linkages of the mechanism shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of the wiper plate and wetter system; Figure 14 is a section view showing parts of the system of Figure 13; and Figure 15 is a detailed view of the felt container of the system of Figures 13 and 14.

The folder inserter illustrated herein may be used in an automatic mode in which sheets are automatically fed into the machine, folded and inserted into an envelope, or a semi-automatic mode in which the sheets are fed manually into the machine to be folded and inserted into an envelope. In either automatic or semi-automatic mode the machine allows the insertion of documents via a second (manual) insert tray. The machine may also be used in a fold-only mode.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the machine comprises two side chassis members 10 between which are supported the principal drive rollers of the machine. Each chassis member 10 carries a latch plate 11 with separate latch portions 12, 14 for supporting a primary feed tray 16 in a position for automatic feed and semi-automatic feed respectively. When in its automatic feed position (the upper position as viewed in Figure 2) the primary feed tray 16 is located in the upper position in Figure 2 in close proximity to a separator roller 18 and co-operates therewith in a known manner to feed sheets stacked on the primary feed tray 16 towards the bite defined between feed rollers 20, 22 in seriatim fashion. The separator is driven via a clutch (not shown) controlled by the machine control (not shown in Figures 1 or 2). When the primary feed tray 16 is located in its semi-automatic mode for manual insertion of 7- inserts, (the lower position in Figure 2) the primary feed tray is spaced from the separator roller 18 and is aligned with the common tangent of the feed rollers 20 and 22. Each latch portion 12, 14 has a microswitch 15, 17 respectively (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) associated therewith which senses the presence of the primary feed tray 16 and signals this to the machine control 25 (not shown in Figures 1 or 2). Referring to Figure 2 it will be noted that the feed roller 20 is driven but the feed roller 22 is spring-loaded to engage the driven feed roller 20. After passing between feed rollers 20, 22 an insert is presented to a first reversibde buckle chute 24. The buckle chute 24 is removably and reversibly located between two latch plates 26 located one an each side chassis member 10 respectively. As will be discussed in more detail later, the reversible buckle chute 24 may either be located between the latch plates 26 so that it presents a deflector portion 23 to an advancing insert (as shown in Frigure 2) or so that it presents the open end 30 of the buckle chute thereto. Two microswitches 29, 31 (not shown in Figures I or 2) detect the presence (microswitch 29) and orientation (microswitch 31) of the buckle chute 24 and send appropriate signals to the machine control 25. With the first buckle chute in the position shown in Figure 2, the leading edge of an insert passing through rollers 20 and 22 will be deflected to pass through the bite defined by rollers 22 and 32, roller 32 being driven. If the buckle chute 24 is reversed the leading edge of the insert will travel through the open end 30 of the buckle chute 24 until it reaches the end or a stop therein, whereupon further feeding of the insert will cause -a midor trailing portion to buckle and becorne folded between the bite of the rollers 22 and 32.

After passing the rollers 22 and 32 the insert (in folded or unfolded condition depending upon the position of the first buckle chute '74) is presented to a second reversible buckle chute 34 of similar form to the first buckle chute and being supported between latch plates 36 attached to the chassis members 10. Microswitche 35 and 37 (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) sense the presence andorientation of the second buckle chute 34_ respectively. In the position shown in Figure 2, the leading edge of the insert will pass through the open end 36 of the buckle chute 34 until it reaches the stop therein and then buckle to be folded by the bite between feed roller 32 and feed roller 38. If the second buckle chute 34 is inserted the other way around, a primary insert passing, between rollers 22 and 32 will be deflected by the deflector portion 35 ther eon so that the leading edge of the primary insert (folded or unfolded dependent on the orientation of the first buckle chute 24) is directed to pass into the bite between rollers 32 and 38.

The feed roller 38 is spring-loaded into engagement with feed roller 32 and imovement of the feed roller 38 away From engagement with the feed roller 32 is sensed by a double detect and second insert sensing device 39 (not shown in Figure or 2) which will be described in -nore detail below. Briefly, the device 39 outputs to the machine control 25 a first signal when a normal insert is introduced between rollers 32 and 38 and a second signal %vhen two or more inserts are introduced bet-aeen these rollers. The first sensing action is required when a second insert is to be included as this signal causes the machine control to halt progress of the primary insert through the rollers 32 and 38 until the second insert - has been positioned in the leading fold of the primary insert. The second sensing action is required to signal that more than one insert has been fed and to cause the machine control 25 to stop the machine and to signal on the control panel 47 (not shown in Figure I or 2) that a double insert -has occurred.

Above the second buckle chute 34 a second insert tray _'O is pivotally supported on the chassis member 10. The troy 40 assists an v operator to insert manually a second insert into the leading fold of a primary insert when the primary insert is stationery and its leading edge gripped between rollers 32 and 38. The construction and operation of the second insert tray will be described in more detail later. Briefly, the second insert tray 40 is capable of limited pivotting movement about its leading (i.e. left-hand in Figure 2) portion, and the tray 40 is biased in the counterclockwise sense by means of a spring 42. A microswitch 43 (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) senses deflection of the second insert tray 40, and signals to the machine control 25. The machine control 25 is arranged so that, when the machine is in second insert mode and the primary insert is held between the rollers 32 and 38, release of the second insert tray from its downwardly defi-ected position signals the machine control 25 to continue drive of rollers 32 and 38 and the remainder of the rollers which drive the insert into the envelope following a short, pre-set delay.

At'L2r leaving the rollers 32 and 38, the insert (folded or unfolded, with or Without insert) engages a deflector plate 44 (see Figure tached to the chassis members 10 at 46. The plate 44 1) pivot31ly gt'L deflects when engaged 5y the insert and activates a through be3,r sensor 45 knot shown in Figures 1 o r 2).

The deflector plate 44 causes the insert to pass into the bite er passing defined by rollers 50 and 52, of which roller 50 is driven. Aft fra-n rollers 50 and 52 the insert is urged into engagernent with a drive roller 54 by means of two spaced spring steel fingers 56 located at the lower edge of the deflector plate 44. The description thus far describes how the insert reaches the point where it enters the envelope. The feed path for.the envelop. e to this sa-ne point will now he described.

Referring to Figure 1, an envelope hopper 53 is releasably secured to the chassis by means of a peg and slot arrangement. An separator roller 60 driven via a clutch (not shown and pre-tfeed roller (not i' v - shown) co-operate with the hopper 58 in knovin manner to feed the 1 envelopes seriatim from the hopper with their flaps uppermost and trailing. The envelopes pass along a deck 62 past a flapper 64 which ensures that the flap of the envelope is opened. Passage of the envelope. ed by a through beam sensor 63 (not shown in past the flapper is detect Figures 1 or 2) associated with the flapper and a signal is supplied to the machine control 25. When the machine is in a folding mode, the machine control 25 causes an insert to be drawn from the primary feed tray 16 by separator roller 18 driven via a clutch mechanism (not shown) and supplied via the rollers 20, 221 32-1 38y 501 52 to drive roller 54. The train of rollers 205 22? 321 38, 50 and 52 are driven directly from the machine motor which is associated with roller 20. The clutch mechanism is actuated in accordance with signals output by the machine control 25. After passing under 'the flap-Der 641, the envelope passes between the bite of rollers 66 and 68, of which 66 is driven. Thence the envelope passes beneath a pair of spaced fincers 70 which are pivotally mounted on the chassis and bear on the upper surface of the envelope and maintain the flap of the envelope open whilst the insert is inserted into the envelope. A 'It e r passing beneath the fingers -10, the envelope passes bet,..Jeen drive roller 54 and a dr.ven rolHer 72. The driven roller 72 is moved out of engagement to halt movement of the envelope by means of the solenoid actuator arrangernent 73 of an envelope throat opening and drive mechanism (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) to be described in greater detail below. The rnechanism effCCts disengagement of the roller 72 at the same tirne as urging the fingers 70 against the flap of an envelope to ensure that the envelope is held in a fully open position whilst the insert is inserted. Disengagement of the roller 72 and downward urging -:)f the fingers is effected by the -n3c.hirie control 25 when the presence of an envelope Is detected hy an end envelope sensor 74 which is attac-,ec to an arm 76 adjustably mounted on a structural cross member 78 spanning the chassis members 10. The arm is adjusted for different lengths of envelope so that, in operation of the machine, a given envelope is caused to stop with its thrO@L in the correct position for insertion of the insert (i.e. with the throat of the envelope adjacent or immediately downstream of the contact of the roller 54 and the fingers 56 of the deflector plate 44). Beyond the rollers 72 is a lower roller 80 which is driven from roller 72 by means of an C-ring driven (not shown), and an upper roller 81-1 which is pivotally secured by means of a pair of links 84 to the shaft of roller 54. Adjacent the lower roller 80 the deck 62 is cranked downwardly and adjacent the upper roller 82 the deck is cranked upwardly so as to be inclined upwardly with respect to the horizontal. The positions of th e 1 82, rollers 54 12 and the stagg2red positions of the rollers 8.0 anU together with the profle of the deck 62 in the region serve to flex th e envelope so that its front surface is concave and this has been found by to increase the size of the throat opening of the envelope the applicants 1. before insertion of the insert.

The envelope is halted in readiness for the insert 'kwh:ch has been passing along the paper path defined by rollers 20, 222, 321, 38, 50 and' 52), with the fingers 70 holding the flap open and the throat 0Dening maxirnised by the above 3rrange.ment. The drive roller 514, in c3nju-i::-. iin Wit.h the fingers 56 on the lower end of;-he deflector plate 44 then drives the insert into the envelope.

A pair of insert fingers 86 are adjustably mounted on a Dsectioned shaft 88 and each insert finger 86 includes a grub screw or similar (not shown) so that the positions of the insert fincers 36 in the transverse direction may be adjusted and the fingers locked. The sh31Ft,s non- rot3t3bly held in the respective ends of two links 90 provided ine 3Lt each end of the shaft. The other ends of the links 90 inc.lude elonc..3ted 12- bores which surround the axis of the roller 50. The direction of elongation is generally in the vertical sense as viewed in Figure 1. This means that the shaft 88 is capable of simple pivotal movement about the axis of the roller 50 as well as tilting movement about an axis perpendicular '-hereto (and parallel to the direction of movement of an insert beneath the fingers 36. Because the slots are elongated in the vertical sense only, the insert fingers 86 are maintained at substantially the same loncitudinal position with respect to an insert so that when an insert passes 'eneath the fingers 86, the leading edge of the insert passes under both fingers at the same time. The 'fingers 86 bear downwardly under gravity ank-I ensure that, as an insert passes underneath the fingers, the forward outer corners of the insert are urged against the envelope to reduce the possi'--iiity o, the insert corners snagging the throat of the envelope during inser,-ion. The insert fingers 80 are adjusted, prior to operation of te 'olde r inserter, so that they bear on the longitudinally outer edges Of 'the insert. The mounting of the fingers 36 allows each to apply subs tan t,,-='.y the sarne downward load on the associated edge of the insert irrespective of the position of the Othier I inger 96. This Form of Independent sus2e,s;on is believed to provide better ant-snagging or anti-jam properte--- than previously proposed arrangements.

Once the insert has been inserted into the enveIc--e the.

deflector plate 44 returns to its rest position and in doing so relesSeE the associated through beam sensor 45 which signals the machine 25 to re-engage roller 72 and withdraw fingers 70 upwardly to allow unimpeded passage of the next envelope. Also, the deflector 44 -he machine control to cause a wiper plate actuator 97 (no-, shown signals It in Figures I or 2) to raise the wiper plate 98 in readiness 'or the ---ezilinq -ion. On re-engagement of roller 72 with roller 54, the enve.j2e:s oper3t passed towards the sealing -nechani3ln Of the machine. The r.

13- Y passes along the inclined portion of the deck and when the fold between the flap and the envelope body passes a microswitch 90 positioned above the deck a signal is sent to the machine control 25 which causes the wiper plate actuator 87 to draw the wiper plate 89 down onto the rear surface of the flap thus moistening the gum on the flap. A fuller explanation of the wiper plate and associated equipment follows below. The envelope, still rearside upwards and flap trailing, after passing microswitch 90 passes between rollers 92 and 94, and 96 and 98 (of which 92 and 96 are driven) to be deflected by an end plate 100 having an adjustable stop 102. After leaving rolls 96 and 98 trailing edge and flap of the envelope fail downwardly to be driven by rollers 93 and 104 downwardly into the bite between rollers 106 and 108 of which roller 106 is driven and roller 108 is spring-biased into engagement with roller 106. It will be understood that the path of the envelope up the end plate 100 and back mean that it enters rollers 98 and 104, and 106 and 108 with the flap end of the envelope leading and thuc rollers 93 to 108 effect closure and sealing of the envelope. Alter leaving rollers 106 and 108 the envelope is discharged from the machine via discharge chute liO.

Having described the b2Sir- elernents of 'the folder inserter, the control functions of the inserter and various parts of the machine will be described in more detail.

Referring to Figure 3, the machine control 25 is in the for-n ol a microprocessor which controls operation of the Machine. Operator cornmands are entered by means of a control panel 112 (illustrated in detail in Figure 4) which includes a 4 digit liquid crystal display 114 for displaying a resettable count number of operations completed, and "mode" and "check" annunciators 116 provided at the left and right 112nd sides of the display respectively. The panel 112 also includes control keys 113 for programming the folder inserter to perform the desired oper3tions.

In "Auto" mode (selected by pressing the "Auto" control button) inserts are fed automatically, seriatim from the primary feed tray 16 and inserted into envelopes fed seriatim from the envelope hop!Der 58. Each folding and inserting sequence commences with actuation of the envelope feed drive clutch 119 to cause the envelope separator ro.'--r 00 to feed an envelope to a position ready for insertion of an insert. The appropriate position is sensed by end of envelope sensor 74 whereupon the machine. control 25 de-activates the drive to the envelope by means of the solenoid actuator mechanism 73. The signal fPo..-n end of envelope sensor 74 also signals the machine control 25 to actuate the wiper plate actuator 87 to lift the wiper plate 88 in preparation for the next envelope. In the folding modes, when an envelope passes the flapper 64 on its way to the insertion position, the microswitch 63 associated therewith signals the machine control which causes the insert separator roller 13 to deliver an insert from the primary feed tray 16 to be folded as necessary by the -ed with the envelope. -When the insert buckle chutes 24 and 34 and insert has been inserted, the rnicroswit-ch '- ,5 associated with the deflector plate 44 sion..-ils to the machine control 25 which reactivates 'the drive to the filled envelope by means -, )f the solenoid actuator mechanisrn 73.

The envelope then passes above microswitch 90 which senses the trailing edge of the envelope and signals to the machine control which. activates the wiper plate actuator 87 to drop the wiper plate 88 dovin to moisten the flap of the envelope. The envelope then passes up end piate 100 to perform a three-point turn so that it passes flap-flirst throuch the sealing rolls 98, 104, 106 and 108. Passage of the envelope past fold sensor 90 also C3USeS 'the machine control 25 to initiate the next foldina and inserting sequence.

In "2nd Insert" rnode 'selected by pressing the "2nd 'nsert" control bUtton). the p3ssage of the &first insert is halted by stopping the motor when the insert is in a part-folded state between rollers 32 and 38 as sensed by Double Detect/2nd Insert device 39 and the drive is restarted only when the microswitch 43 associated with the 2nd insert tray 40 has been depressed and released. A pre-set delay is introduced by the machine control between release of the microswitch 43 restarting the motor. The delay May typically be about 1 second. Otherwise the sequence is similar to that of the "Auto" mode.

In "No Seal" mode (selected by pressing the "No Seal" button), the wiper plate actuator 87 drives the wiper plate 88 upwardly out of the path of the envelope so that the flap thereof is not moistened. The envelopes thus leave the folder inserter without having been sealed. Otherwise the sequence is generally similar to "Auto mode".

In "No Fold" made, it is not necessary to push a control button. Instead, the machine control automatically configures the machine for "No Fold" when both the buckle chute position sensors 31 and 37 signal that the first and second buckle chutes 24 and 34 are both in a no 'fold position, i.e. with both presenting their deflector plates 28, 37 to an onc37n.;--, :,;[-Sert. As well as displaying "No Fold" by rneans of the appropr-ate zlnnunciator 116, the machine control also alters the sequence Of Uper3tion of the insert feed and the envelope feed. In normal fold (single-, douNe-or U-fold) nodes the progress of the the insert through the machine is slowed by each folding action. In this mode of operation, actuation of the insert separator drive clutch 122 to feed an insert from the primary feed tray is initiated when the machine control 25 receives a signal from through bearn sensor 63 signifying that the envelope has passed under te flapper 64. The time taken for the envelope to pass from the flapper to the position at which the insert is inserted is no longer than the time taken for an insert to pass frorn the primary feed tray 16, be folded as desired and to reac;,, the insertion position. In the "No Fold" Y mode however, the insert passes through the machine at a faster speed and thus the machine control 25 does not actuate the insert separator drive clutch 122 until the envelope is i n the position reay for insertion of the insert, this position being detected by the end of envelope detector 74. Once the envelope has been filled, the sequence of operations is similar to "Auto" mode.

In the "Fold Only" mode, set by pressing the "Fold Only" control button, the envelope feed rollers 54, 72, 80 and 82) and the wiper arm 98 are deactivated, but otherwise the sequence is genrally similar to the "Auto" mode.

It will be understood that the modes listed above are not necessarily mutu2ily exclusive. For example the folder inserter May be -ion or operated in "Auto" + "2nd Insert" + "No Seal" modes in combinat "Auto...... No Seal" + "No Fold" -nodes in combination. It should be noted however that in the "2nd Insert" mode, a fold should be executed at the second;uckle chute 34 so that the 2nd insert is received within tie fold of the primary insert to assist insertion of the folded inserts into an envelope.

-hecl-" or - annunC12tors 116 will now be described.

The "C - fault The "No E-nvelopes" annunciator is displayed if the flapper microswitch 63 is not activated within a pre-set delay following start of the cycle. The"No Inserts" annunciator is displayed if the double detect/2nd insert device 39 does not indicate the presence of an insert within a pre-set time after the start of the cycle. The timing, detection and display for the "No Envelopes" and "No Inserts" are controlled by the machine control 2_55.

The 'IrDouble 'Detect" annunciator is displayed if the double detect/2nd insert device 39 sign213 3 double detect to the machine control.

T I lie "Interlock" annunciator is displayed if one or more Of the - 17 primary feed tray 16, the first buckle chute 24 and the second buckle chute 34 are not in their, or one of their, correct positions as sensed by interlock microswitches 15, 17, 59, 29 and 31 respectively. As well as displaying the annunciator for "Interlock", the machine control disables the drive to the rollers of the folder inserter for safety reasons.

Depression of the "Jag" button causes the rollers in the M2Chine to be incremented through a set amount, typically 900. This feature is designed to allow easy release of any jams which might occur in the machine whilst minimising the possibility of injury o the operator arising from clothing or hair getting drawn into the Machine.

Depression of the "Stop" control button stops the oper3tion of the machine.

Depression of the "Env" button causes an envelope to be delivered frorn the envelope hopper 58 to the insert position and, depression of the "1st Insert" button causes a first insert to be de!lvered to the insert Position having ensured that an envelope is in the insert position.

Various aspects of the illustrated embodiment' will now be described in further det3il. It should e understood that these aspects may find other aPplic3tions 'in paper handling app2r2tus and their use is not restricted to folder inserter machines.

Second Insert Tr2V A more detailed description of the second insert tray 40 and associated equipment will now be given with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The second insert tray 40 is pivotally mounted on the chassismernters 10 by pivots 200 (only one of which is seen in Figures 5 and 6) and is capable

0 s of limited pivotting movement etween the limits set!)y the two St P 2021, 204. A typic3f angular extent of movement is 30. The insert tr3y 40 is 5iased in the counterclockwise sense hy the return spring a2 ti enciage 18 Y stop 202 and a microswitch 43 senses movement thereof between the limits.

When the folder inserter is in '12nd Insert" mode the partially folded primary insert stops with the leading fold nipped between the rollers 32 and 38, as shown in Figure 6 and the leading portion of the insert in the folding chute of the second buckle chute 34. Continued passage of the insert 11 and folding thereof about the second insert I? will occur only when the microswitch 43 is released following depression.

An advantage of this arrangement is that it gives the operator as much time as he or she needs properly to align the second insert I? in the leading fold of the insert held between the rollers 32 and 38. [t is particularly important that the operator feels that he or she has control over the machine so that proper 2lignment can take place to re-duce the possibility of jams or mis-feeds. The second insert tr2y thus fulfils two functions:-it serves as a guide to direct the second insert 12 into the first insert Ii and also acts as a control key for the operator to signal to 'the machine control -15 to continue the folding and inserting oper2tion. It will be understood that in certain applications the operator may prefer not to use the tr3y as a guide and m2y instead feed the second insert directly into the leading fold of the first insert 11 and then to "blip" or t2p the second insert tr3y 40 to continue the folding and inserting oper2t.on. Inone embodiment, when the microswitch 43 is released, the machine control 25 introduces a pre-set delay before re-commencing the folding and inserting operation. In another embodiment, 'the machine control 25 may check to see whether the tr2V is depressed again within another preset period. If the second insert tray is depressed within the period the machine control 25 will ag2in innibit the folding and inserting operation until 'the tray is released for longer than the pre-set period.

Double 'Detect _-n(' J Tnsert 19 - Y A more detailed description will now be made of the double detect/2nd insert device 39 with particular reference to Figures 7 and 8. Referring to Figure 7, there are shown the driven roller 32 and the MOV2ble roller 38 biased into engagement with the roller 32. The insert device includes a blanking plate 302 having a pivot 304 by which the plate is pivotally mounted on a chassis member 10, and a slightly oversize hole 305 which - 11its around the axle of the Movable roller 38. When roller 3B is displaced away from the roller 32, the blanking plate 302 is caused to move counterclockwise by an amount proportional to the separation 's' between the rollers 32 and 38. Two through beam Optical detectors are provided; an upper, adjustable ootical detector 306 and a lower optical detector 309 which is fixedly mounted on the chassis. The lower Optical detector 303 is positioned during manufacture of the folder inserter so that, in USP_ 2ny insert passing between rollers 32 and 38 causes the blocking plate to move clear ol the lower optical detector 308 causing a signal to be sent to the machine control 25. When the folder inserter is in 112nd Insert" mode the signal output by the upper optical detector 306 C2USeS ',he M2ChMle control to de-activate the folding mechanism drive

1) 1? -Z 17 (rollers 201, 321 387.550 and 52'/ by stopping the motor.

The adjustable detector 300 is mounted on one end of an adjustment arm 310 (see Figure 8) which has a bearing hole 312 2t its other end by which it is pivotally mounted on pivot 304 of the blocking plate 302. The arm 310 includes a slot 314 which co-operates with a fixed peg to limit the amount of angular movement of the adjustment. arm. The end of the arm adjacent the OPICAC21 detector 306 is provided with 2 Ushaped plastics or rubber strip 315 which co-aperates with a splined or ribbed sh2ft 316 rotat2bly secured to the chassis and which extends through the housing of the folder inserter to carry an adjuster knob 313, located outside the folder inserter. Rotation of the knob drives the:3r-m 310 about the pivot 304 to move the optical detector 306 to the correct position. If an attempt is made to adjust the arm beyond one of its limit positions, the shaft 316 will merely slip against the rubber strip 315.

The arm 310 is adjusted so that the blanking platte 302 is sensed by the detector 306 when a double insert is fed. The signal is supplied to the machine control which inhibits further operation of the machine and displays a "Double 'Detect" annunciator. In order to adjust the arm. 310 to the appropriate position, the operator winds the detector down to its lowest position using the knob 318 and then presses the "1st Insert" control button to feed an insert through. When the insert reaches rollers 32 and 38, the machine will stop because the blanking plate 302 will be detected by the detector 306 as the detector is at such a low settling. The operator then winds the detector up until just after the detector is c!e2r of the blanking plate 302 and the machine will recommence oper3tion. The plate will then be at the correct setting.

This arrangernent allows quick, simple and effective setting of the double detection mechanism from outside the machine housing without requiring removal of side pane,13 etc. Also, the operator does not have to see the --novable detector 306 to adjust it to the correct position.

Reversible SL,,c'<Ie Chutes The construction and operation of the first and second buckle chutes 24 and 34 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The I irst and second buckle chutes are of similar form and each comprise spaced upper and lower plates 402, 404 open at one end 406 to define a buckle chute and carrying an integral deflector plate 403 at their other end. An adjustable stop member 410 is provided to allow the operational lenath Of the buckle chute - and thus the length of the 'old - to be adjusted as:-equired. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by use of '-he reversible buckle chutes, no-fold, single fold. Jouble 21 fold or U-folds May be performed by the folder inserter. Each buckle chute has two pairs of latch pieces 412, 414 which allow the buckle chute to be located in the respective latch plates 26, either with the open end 406 or the deflector plate 408 facing the oncoming insert. Interlock microswitches 29 and 31 are associated with each latch plate 36 and signal if either of the first or second buckle chute is not present, respectively. The latch pieces 414 near the open end 406 of each buckle chute have a recess 415 and the microswitch 31; 37 in the latch piece adjacent the particular latch plate provides to the machine control 25 a signal which indicates to the Machine control 25 the orientation of each buckle chute. If the machine control determines that both buckle chutes are oriented with their deflector plates facing the oncoming inserts, the control causes the "No Fold" annunciator to be displayed and effects a change in the sequencing of the feed of the insert and the envelope, as discussed above.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the deflector plate and the buckle chute are integral and thus there are fewer loose parts which can become lost during use. Also, the Machine control automatically sen3es when the machine is in "No Fold" mode and effects the necessary adjustment to the sequencing of the envelope- and insertfeed. The operator thus does not have to remember to set any buttons or make any further adjustments for "No Fold" and this reduces the load on the operator and enhances "user friendliness" of the machine.

Envelooe throat oQenino and drive mechanism The oper.ation and construction of the envelope throat opening and drive mechanism will now be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 11 rollers 54 and 72 are shown of which 54 is driven. Roller '172 is driven by contact with driven roller 54 and rotatably rounted on a shaft 500 which is secured to an eccentric shaft 510 which is pivotally mounted an the chassis side members 10. At one end, the eccentric shaft 510 is secured to a transverse arm 512. Angular movement of the transverse arm 512 moves the. roller 72 into and out of engagement with the roller 54. The transverse arm 512 is pivotally coupled to one end 513 of a link 514, the other end of which is pivotally attached to a fixed structural mernber. The armature of a solenoid ed to the link 514 to move the link and the actuator 73 is connect associated roller between the engaged position and the disengaged position shown in dotted and full lines respectively in Figure 12. It will be seen that the roller 72 is withdrawn below the level of the surrounding deck 62 when the roller 72 is in its withdrawn position. A shaft 516 is -ed to the chassis members 10 and supports two spaced pivotally connect envelope retaining fingers 70. At one end the shaft 510 c=ies a transverse arm 518 which is connected by an overtravel spring 520 to the one end 513 of the link 514. On extension and retraction of the solenoid armature, the envelope retaining fingers 70 are lifted away from. and urged down onto the deck 62 respectively. The overtravel spring ensures jon that the armature of the solenoid actuator 73 is capable of full ren-act the fingers 70. The solenoid actuator irrespective of the orient.3tion Of L 1 includes a compression spring knot shown) biassing the armature to its extended position.

In operation, when the envelope end sensor 74 detects.1he end of an envelope a signal is sent to the machine control 25 which energises the solenoid actuator mechanism 73 to retraclt the armature. thus pivotting link 514 anticlockwise (as seen in Figures 11 and 12). This action rot3tes shafts 500 and 510 clockwise throuah about 9011 withdrawing roller 72 frorn enpaement with driven roller 54 so that further moverrient Of 'the envelope is inhibited. At the sarne time. i.he shaft 516 is rot3ted clockwise so 'that the ervelooe retaining fincers 70 move downwardly to clamp the trailing portion of the envelope against the deck 62.

It will be understood that a single solenoid actuator both disengages the drive to the envelope and clamps it ready for the insert to be inserted.

When the insert has been inserted in the envelope, the microswitch 45 associated with the deflector plate 44 sends a sign al to the machine control 25 which de-energises the solenoid actuator mechanism 73 so that the roller 72 re-engages driven roller 54 and envelope retaining fingers 70 are moved upwardly, off the deck 62.

WIDer olate and wetter svrtem Referring to Figures 13, 14 and 15, the wiper plate 88 is pivot31!V mounted at 600 to the chassis side members 10 and carries at one enc a wiper pad 602 of fluid retaining material such as fell. An actuator arm 604 connects the wiper plate 88 to a solenoid actuator 87. The wi)er plate 88, wiper pad 602 and arm 604 are arranged so that they balance about point 60,0. In the rest position of the solenoid actuator 87, the wiper pad rests against a felt container 606 in fluid transfer contact; on 9CtU3'Lljn the solenoid actuator lifts the wiper plate of the felt container 6C6 to allow an envelope to pass between the wiper pad 86 and the felt container 606.

Tine felt container 606 comprises a generally rectangular, open-topped housing 608 provided with a water inlet 610 in its bottom wall. A fluid retaining material 012 is housed within the housing 608 and topped Jy a grid 614 which prevents the material 612 from bulging.

Referring to 'Figure 15, sluices 616 are provided to either side of the housing.50,33 for collecting any fluid that should spill over the edge of the housino The felt container 606 is r-nounted between the chassis members 10 bene3th the wiper pad 88.

A flexible tube 618 interconnects the felt container 606 with a reservoir 620. The reservoir is of generally rectangular form and includes at one end a transparent sight glass 622 which projects through the casing of the machine to allow an operator to see how much water remains in the reservoir. In its upper wall, the reservoir 620 includes a filling spout 624. The lower end 625 of the filling. spout projects downwardly from the inner upper wall of the reservoir to limit the upper level of water in the reservoir.

In use, the reservoir is located at the side of the machine with its spout 624 projecting through the casing of the machine and the main part of the reservoir at roughly the same level as the felt container 606. Water in the reservoir 620 passes to the felt container 606 via tube 618 and saturates the material therein. When the wiper pad 602 is in contact with the upper surface of the material in the felt container 606, water is transferred to the wiper pad 602 by capillary action.

An advantage of this arrangement over previous arrangements is that the reservoir does not operate an the gravity feed principle. It is therefore possible tO re-J-111 the apparatus with little or no spillage. Also the naciine ma\, be transDorted with a reduced risk of spillage.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. - Paper folding apparatus including control means for controlling the operation of the machine, means for transporting a stationery item along a paper path, a buckle chute having opposed end regions of which one is generally open to a folding chute arranged in use to receive a portion of said stationery item to effect a fold therein and the other end includes deflector means arranged in use to deflect an oncoming stationery item to continue along said path, location means for reversibly locating the buckle chute adjacent said paper path with either said open end or said deflector means presented to said path and orientation detection means associated with said location means for determining which of said open end and deflector means are presented to said path and for outputting a signal to said control means.

2. Paper folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said orientation detection means comprises a microswitch which cooperates with a latch portion on the buckle chute to sense the orientation of the buckle chute.

3. Paper folding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said buckle chute includes adjustable stop means to enable the effective length of the folding chute to be preset.

4. Paper folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for folding and inserting a stationery item into an envelope, wherein the control means is operable to select one of at least two feed sequences for the stationery item and the envelope, and the selection of the feed sequences is made in accordance with the output from said orientation detection means.

5. Paper folding apparatus according to any one of claims I to 3, which includes two buckle chutes at spaced positions along said paper path and each having associated therewith respective orientation detection means which output a signal to the control means.

6. A paper folding apparatus accordin g to any one of claims 1 to 5 and further including a wetter system for wetting the flap of an envelope in a sealing apparatus, said wetter system comprising a wiper element including a portion of fluid retentive material, a container having a generally porous upper surface, means for moving said wiper element into and out of fluid transfer engagement therewith, a reservoir in flow communication with said container, wherein, in use, the level of the fluid within the reservoir is at or belnw the level of the upper surface of the container.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reservoir is located within the body of the sealing apparatus and has a sight glass portion visible from outside the apparatus.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, which further includes a fluid filling spout.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the lower end of the spout projects below the inner surface of the upper wall of the reservoir to define a pre-set fill level.

Published l989atThePa-,,F;ntOf,ce.Sta:-.e House. 66 -- Hig.-.H,,Iborn-!. Dndor,-W'lR4TP Further copies maybe obtained from The PatentOffice, Sales Branch, SL Mary Cray. Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray, Kent, Con, 1/87