EP0352693B1 - Envelope sealing device - Google Patents

Envelope sealing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0352693B1
EP0352693B1 EP89113563A EP89113563A EP0352693B1 EP 0352693 B1 EP0352693 B1 EP 0352693B1 EP 89113563 A EP89113563 A EP 89113563A EP 89113563 A EP89113563 A EP 89113563A EP 0352693 B1 EP0352693 B1 EP 0352693B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
path
envelope
pair
envelopes
closing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89113563A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0352693A1 (en
Inventor
Marek Krasuski
Bernard Prugnolle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Alcatel Satman SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA, Alcatel Satman SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0352693A1 publication Critical patent/EP0352693A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0352693B1 publication Critical patent/EP0352693B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43M—BUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M5/00—Devices for closing envelopes
    • B43M5/04—Devices for closing envelopes automatic
    • B43M5/042—Devices for closing envelopes automatic for envelopes with only one flap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to automatic mail processing installations. It relates, in particular for such installations, to a device for closing envelopes that have previously been loaded.
  • Such a device for closing loaded envelopes can be integrated into an inserting machine or simply be coupled to the output of an inserting machine.
  • the machine to insert the envelopes are presented open in a loading station which also receives folded documents coming to be inserted in the envelopes. After loading, they are evacuated open from the loading station.
  • the device which ensures their closure can in turn directly feed a franking machine or simply deliver them to a storage store.
  • the roller is driven in a first direction for the transfer of an envelope on the table, where it is stopped by the suitable stop and has its fold folded and moistened or glued, then in the opposite direction, while the pressure plate is made active against the roller, for the closure of the flap by the rollers.
  • the closed envelope is discharged by driving the motor in the first direction.
  • the envelope closing devices receive the envelopes which are presented to it separated from each other and with their flap open. They ensure the wetting of the gummed part of the flaps, and their folding towards the body of the envelope, for closing the envelopes.
  • the French utility certificate n ° 219532 decrees such a known device.
  • the envelopes to be closed are received on a platform, with the body of the envelopes resting and driven on the platform, while their flap projects beyond the platform and falls freely.
  • a deflector guides the flap between a wetting member and an associated counter pressure member, mounted under the platform.
  • This wetting member has a wick soaking in a reserve of water.
  • the counter pressure member bends and firmly pushes the gummed region of the flap against the wick for wetting the gummed region by friction on the wick.
  • This counter pressure member extends beyond the wetting member or is associated with another deflector, to continue the range of the flap and guide it through an opening provided in the platform.
  • a pressure counter plate ensures beyond this opening the sealing of the flap on the body of the envelope.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device for closing envelopes which avoids these drawbacks and which has reliable operation.
  • putting the pair of pressing elements in the working position ensures a substantially folding at 90 ° to the envelope flap, then positioned at the front of this pair of presser elements, while the retraction of the envelope on the path between the pair of presser elements causes the flap to fold completely over the envelope body and the closure of the envelope.
  • the device according to the invention comprises a substantially linear envelope path 1, represented by a dashed line, on which the envelopes are closed during their movement.
  • This path of envelopes 1 is defined by a platform 10, a first set of rollers 11A, 11B interposed on the platform and a second set of rollers 12A, 12B beyond the platform.
  • the two sets of rollers 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B constitute the means for driving the envelopes on the path 1.
  • the open envelopes present at entrance 13 of the path are flat on the path, with their bodies at the front.
  • the mode of arrival of the envelopes at the entrance 13 of the path is independent of the mode of closing the envelopes, as produced by the device according to the invention. It has therefore not been illustrated and is not described. It is simply indicated that the input 13 can be equipped with an envelope loading station, then received empty and open from a store, or can simply receive the previously loaded envelopes which are presented to it open.
  • a motor 17 ensures the movement of the envelopes on path 1.
  • the motor is controlled to be driven in one direction of rotation or the other. It is coupled to the rollers 11A and 12A which are located above the path 1.
  • This motor is a stepping motor or a direct current motor, to ensure the displacement in one direction and the other of each envelope on the path; it makes it possible to know the position of each envelope at any desired time, by counting its steps or the steps of an associated encoder.
  • the other two rollers 11B and 12B associated with the aforementioned drive rollers 11A and 12A are mounted slightly retractable below the path 1 and are individually controlled to come into pressure against the roller 11A or 12A concerned. Such an arrangement then makes it possible to equip the input 13 of the path 1 with an envelope loading station, if desired.
  • the envelope closing device comprises, mounted on the path 1, between the two sets of rollers 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B a wetting assembly 2 and a flap folding and envelope closing assembly 3.
  • the wetting assembly 2 has a wetting element 20, mounted below the path 1 and an associated wetting deflector 21 mounted above the path 1.
  • the wetting element 20 is shown constituted by a wetting roller d 'horizontal axis. This roller partially dips in the water of a reserve tank 22. Its periphery remains in slight shrinkage below the path 1.
  • the wetting deflector 21 is of semi-cylindrical shape. It is carried at the end of a support 23 hinged at its opposite end about an axis 23A and pivotally controlled by a lever 24 for actuating this support.
  • the anchor deflector is thus pivoted, facing the path 1 and the anchor roller 20, between a cleared position above the path, which is its rest position in which it is shown and an obstacle position through the path 1, which is its wetting position not shown in FIG. 1.
  • the wetting deflector 21 In its wetting position, the wetting deflector 21 is interposed on the path, between the wetting roller 20 and the sets of rollers 11A, 11B; it comes a short distance in front of the wetting roller, without however coming into contact with it, with its periphery coming under the path lower than the upper level of the wetting roller 20. It is shown in diagram B of FIG. 2 , in this wetting position.
  • the assembly for folding the flap and closing the envelopes 3 is mounted between the wetting assembly 2 and the second set of rollers 12A, 12B. It comprises a pair of pressing elements 30 and 31, constituted by two rollers maintained elastically in pressure one against the other. These pressure rollers are mounted on an end part of a pair of bent arms, substantially L-shaped, 32. The pair of arms is articulated at its other end part around an axis 32A. It is controlled around this axis to rotate the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 between a rest position and a working position facing the path 1. In its rest position, the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 is completely out of the way; its two rollers pressing against each other are one above the other and both above path 1, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the pair of pressure rollers In its working position, the pair of pressure rollers is on the other hand interposed on path 1; its rollers pressing against each other are on either side of the path, as can be seen in diagrams C and D of FIG. 2, the lower roller coming below the path, and flush with it, the upper roller then taking the place occupied by the lower roller at rest.
  • the envelope closing device further comprises means for detecting the position of each envelope on the path 1.
  • These means comprise a counter 40 triggered by counting by an envelope detection cell 41 and coupled to the motor control 17 which it counts the rotation steps, or those of the associated encoder.
  • the envelope detection cell 41 is mounted substantially at the entry 13 of the path or between the entry 13 and the wetting assembly 2. It triggers the counting of the engine steps preferably as soon as an envelope arrives foot at the front is present opposite it, but can just as well trigger this counting when the envelope present opposite it leaves it.
  • the counter 40 counts the steps of rotation of the motor 17, whatever its direction of rotation; the evolution of its state reflects the distance traveled by each envelope on path 1, since the start of the count. Such a counting of the motor steps makes it easy to detect the position of the envelopes along the path, whatever the format of these envelopes.
  • the counter 40 defines during a closing cycle for each envelope the successive steps for controlling the device. It is used for controlling the motor 17 itself, in particular for reversing its direction of rotation, and for controlling the damper deflector 21 and that of the pressure rollers 30 and 31.
  • a link 42 between the counter 40 and the cell 41 translates the counting command issued by the cell.
  • a link in dashed lines 43 between the counter 40 and the motor 17 translates their coupling for on the one hand the counting of the engine pitches and for the other hand the possible stopping and the reversal of the direction of rotation of the engine.
  • a link in dashed lines 44 between the counter 40 and the lever 24 for actuating the support 23 of the anchor deflector 21 translates their coupling, for setting and maintaining in the wetting position of this deflector.
  • Another link in dashed lines 45 between the counter 40 and the pair of arms 32 of the pressure rollers 30 and 31 reflects their coupling for putting and maintaining in the working position this pair of pressure rollers.
  • connections 44 and 45 show diagrammatically the controls, not shown, carried out by individual electromagnets or, as a variant, by individual cams mounted on the same shaft driven in rotation over a complete revolution by an auxiliary motor.
  • the auxiliary motor is preferably a stepping motor; its rotation, always in the same direction, is done step by step from the start of the count.
  • This auxiliary engine is stopped by detecting a reference position, called zero position, of this camshaft.
  • the detection of the position of each envelope on the path can be ensured by a series of cells analogous to cell 41 delivering, through a logic circuit, the appropriate control signals on the links 43 to 45.
  • Diagram A illustrates the step in advance of the envelope 5 on the path 1 from the entrance 13 where it was previously presented and detected by the cell 41.
  • the rollers 11A and 12A are driven according to the arrow 18A and make advance the envelope on the path according to arrow 58A.
  • the body 50 of the envelope passes, foot in front, in the wetting assembly 2 including the deflector is in its rest position and in the folding and closing assembly, the pressure rollers 30, 31 are also in their rest position, to advance between the rollers 12A, 12B.
  • the envelope flap 51 still present between the rollers 11A, 11B will leave them.
  • the cell 41 makes it possible to detect the successive positions of the envelope on the path to trigger the successive stages of control of this cycle.
  • Diagram B illustrates the step for controlling the wetting of the flap 51 which takes place when the envelope is detected in its represented position known as wetting, for which its flap enters the wetting assembly 2.
  • wetting the wetting deflector
  • the wetting deflector is actuated in its wetting position, during a possible stop, or not, of the advance of the envelope.
  • the wetting deflector is in abutment against the non-gummed face of the flap 51, which it bends slightly on the fold line 53, forcing the gummed face against the wetting roller 20.
  • the wetting takes place with the advance of the envelope according to arrow 58A above.
  • Diagram C illustrates the folding control step of the flap 51, which takes place when the envelope is detected in its corresponding so-called folding position.
  • the previously wet flap which has left the wetting assembly, is opposite the pressure rollers 30, 31, with its fold line 53 just in front of them.
  • the wetting deflector 21 returns to the rest position, the rollers 11A and 12A are no longer driven and lead to the envelope being stopped in advance, while the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 is actuated in its working position, as shown.
  • the lower roller 31 of this pair of pressure rollers comes to bear against the non-gummed and non-wetted face of the flap 51, in order to produce a first fold of the flap.
  • the flap slides over the periphery of the roller 31 and folds 90 ° on the fold line 53, extending substantially vertically under the path, just in front of the pressure rollers 30, 31.
  • a time delay defines the envelope downtime in its folding position for the duration of the actuation of the pair of pressure rollers in its working position and initiates the closing step.
  • Diagram D illustrates this closing step.
  • the rollers 11A and 12A are again driven but in the opposite direction, according to arrow 18B, from the previous direction and cause the envelope to move back on the path, according to arrow 58B.
  • This decline in the envelope causes the end of the folding of the flap against the body of the envelope and passes, fold line 53 at the head, the envelope between the pressure rollers 30, 31 for its closure.
  • the end of this step is given by detection of a retreat distance from the envelope sufficient for closing the envelope; it triggers the step of ejecting the closed envelope.
  • Diagram E illustrates this step of ejecting the closed envelope, from the detection of the envelope in its so-called closed flap position which causes a new reversal of the direction of rotation of the rollers 11A, 12A.
  • These rollers then driven along the arrow 18A again advance the closed envelope on the way.
  • the closed envelope progresses between the rollers 12A, 12B; the closed flap on the body passes between the pressure rollers and leaves them and passes between the rollers 12A and 12B.
  • the closed envelope leaves the rollers 12A, 12B, it falls from the path 1 in the receiving compartment, while the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 returns to its rest position.
  • the ejection step can directly extend the closing step according to diagram D, while maintaining the drive of the rollers 11A and 12A, according to arrow 18B, for a complete return of the envelope to the path to the entrance 13. Under these conditions, the backward movement of the envelope on the path, having given rise to the closure of the envelope, is maintained and provision is made for the exit of closed envelopes, no longer opposite from entrance 13 on path 1 but on the same side as entrance 13. Maintaining the recoil of the closed envelope causes it to pass through the assembly wetting 2, whose wetting deflector is in its rest position and which therefore has no effect on this envelope, then between the rollers 11A, 11B.
  • the closed envelope leaves the rollers 11A, 11B, it leaves the path to fall into a receiving compartment similar to the aforementioned, while the pair of pressure rollers returns to its rest position.
  • the arrival of each envelope to be closed on the inlet 13 of the path is made according to an inclined trajectory defined above the path 1 and emerging at an angle on the path between the rollers 11A and 11B.
  • the main advantage of the closure device lies in its simplicity of design and implementation and its small size. It leads to robust and inexpensive equipment.
  • the pair of pressing elements consists of the upper roller 30 and an elongated section profile replacing the aforementioned lower roller 31.
  • This profile extends the action of the aforementioned lower roller, facing the envelope path, in particular for envelope flaps of different lengths.

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  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention concerne les installations de traitement automatique de courrier. Elle porte, en particulier pour de telles installations, sur un dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes ayant précédemment été chargées.The present invention relates to automatic mail processing installations. It relates, in particular for such installations, to a device for closing envelopes that have previously been loaded.

Un tel dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes chargées peut être intégré dans une machine à insérer ou être simplement couplé à la sortie d'une machine à insérer. Dans la machine à insérer les enveloppes sont présentées ouvertes dans un poste de chargement qui reçoit également des documents pliés venant s'insérer dans les enveloppes. Après chargement, elles son évacuées ouvertes du poste de chargement. Le dispositif qui assure leur fermeture peut à son tour alimenter directement une machine à affranchir ou simplement les délivrer à un magasin de stockage.Such a device for closing loaded envelopes can be integrated into an inserting machine or simply be coupled to the output of an inserting machine. In the machine to insert the envelopes are presented open in a loading station which also receives folded documents coming to be inserted in the envelopes. After loading, they are evacuated open from the loading station. The device which ensures their closure can in turn directly feed a franking machine or simply deliver them to a storage store.

On connaît par le document EP-A-153 162 un dispositif selon le préambule de la revendication 1. Il comporte:

  • une table recevant à plat chaque enveloppe à fermer,
  • une paire de galets à l'avant de la table pour le transfert sur la table des enveloppes à fermer,
  • une butée rétractable et une butée fixe, pour l'arrêt d'une petite ou grande enveloppe avec la pliure de son rabat au niveau du bord avant de la table,
  • un élément de pliage, en forme de plaque montée en regard du bord de la table et pivotante entre une position haute et une position basse par rapport à ce bord avant de la table, qui plie le rabat de l'enveloppe arrêtée et permet le dépôt de colle ou d'eau pour sa fermeture,
  • un rouleau monté sous la table, avec sa périphérie affleurant au centre de la table, et une plaque de pression associée, montée effaçable en regard de ce rouleau, pour la fermeture du rabat,
  • un moteur réversible entraînant les galets d'alimentation et le rouleau.
Document EP-A-153 162 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1. It comprises:
  • a table receiving each envelope flat to close,
  • a pair of rollers at the front of the table for transferring envelopes to be closed onto the table,
  • a retractable stop and a fixed stop, for stopping a small or large envelope with the fold of its flap at the front edge of the table,
  • a folding element, in the form of a plate mounted opposite the edge of the table and pivoting between a high position and a low position relative to this front edge of the table, which folds the flap of the stopped envelope and allows deposition glue or water to close it,
  • a roller mounted under the table, with its periphery flush with the center of the table, and an associated pressure plate, erasable mounted opposite this roller, for closing the flap,
  • a reversible motor driving the feed rollers and the roller.

Le rouleau est entraîné dans un premier sens pour le transfert d'une enveloppe sur la table, où elle est arrêtée par la butée convenable et a son rabat plié et humecté ou encollé, puis dans le sens inverse, alors que la plaque de pression est rendue active contre le rouleau, pour la fermeture du rabat par les galets. L'enveloppe fermée est déchargée par entraînement du moteur dans le premier sens.The roller is driven in a first direction for the transfer of an envelope on the table, where it is stopped by the suitable stop and has its fold folded and moistened or glued, then in the opposite direction, while the pressure plate is made active against the roller, for the closure of the flap by the rollers. The closed envelope is discharged by driving the motor in the first direction.

D'une manière connue, les dispositifs de fermeture d'enveloppes reçoivent les enveloppes qui lui sont présentées séparées les unes des autres et avec leur rabat ouvert. Ils assurent le mouillage de la partie gommée des rabats, et leur pliage vers le corps de l'enveloppe, pour la fermeture des enveloppes. Le certificat d'utilité français n° 219532 décret un tel dispositif connu.In a known manner, the envelope closing devices receive the envelopes which are presented to it separated from each other and with their flap open. They ensure the wetting of the gummed part of the flaps, and their folding towards the body of the envelope, for closing the envelopes. The French utility certificate n ° 219532 decrees such a known device.

Dans le mode de réalisation décrit dans ce document, les enveloppes à fermer sont reçues sur une plate-forme, avec le corps des enveloppes reposant et entraîné sur la plate-forme, tandis que leur rabat déborde de la plate-forme et retombe librement. Au cours du déplacement de chaque enveloppe sur la plate-forme, un déflecteur vient guider le rabat entre un organe de mouillage et un contre organe de pression associé, montés sous la plate-forme. Cet organe de mouillage est à mèche trempant dans une réserve d'eau. Le contre organe de pression plie et pousse fermement la région gommée du rabat contre la mèche pour le mouillage de la région gommée par frottement sur la mèche.In the embodiment described in this document, the envelopes to be closed are received on a platform, with the body of the envelopes resting and driven on the platform, while their flap projects beyond the platform and falls freely. During the movement of each envelope on the platform, a deflector guides the flap between a wetting member and an associated counter pressure member, mounted under the platform. This wetting member has a wick soaking in a reserve of water. The counter pressure member bends and firmly pushes the gummed region of the flap against the wick for wetting the gummed region by friction on the wick.

Ce contre organe de pression se prolonge au-delà de l'organe de mouillage ou est associé à un autre déflecteur, pour continuer le plage du rabat et le guider à travers une ouverture prévue dans la plate-forme. Une contre plaque de pression assure au-delà de cette ouverture le scellement du rabat sur le corps de l'enveloppe.This counter pressure member extends beyond the wetting member or is associated with another deflector, to continue the range of the flap and guide it through an opening provided in the platform. A pressure counter plate ensures beyond this opening the sealing of the flap on the body of the envelope.

Ces pièces assurant le guidage convenable du rabat et l'application ferme de sa région gommée contre la mèche ont des profilés de forme complexe ; leur réalisation est peu commode et coûteuse. Elles conduisent en outre à un dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes présentant un encombrement relativement important.These parts ensuring proper guidance of the flap and the firm application of its gummed region against the wick have profiles of complex shape; their realization is inconvenient and costly. They also lead to a device for closing envelopes having a relatively large size.

La présente invention a pour but de réaliser un dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes évitant ces inconvénients et qui présente un fonctionnement fiable.The object of the present invention is to provide a device for closing envelopes which avoids these drawbacks and which has reliable operation.

Ce but est atteint par le dispositif tel qu'il est défini dans la revendication 1.This object is achieved by the device as defined in claim 1.

Dans ce dispositif selon l'invention, la mise de la paire d'éléments presseurs en position de travail assure un pliage sensiblement à 90° du rabat d'enveloppe, venant alors se positionner à l'avant de cette paire d'éléments presseurs, tandis que le recul de l'enveloppe sur le chemin entre la paire d'éléments presseurs provoque le pliage complet du rabat sur le corps d'enveloppe et la fermeture de l'enveloppe.In this device according to the invention, putting the pair of pressing elements in the working position ensures a substantially folding at 90 ° to the envelope flap, then positioned at the front of this pair of presser elements, while the retraction of the envelope on the path between the pair of presser elements causes the flap to fold completely over the envelope body and the closure of the envelope.

Les caractéristiques et les avantages de la présente invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après d'un exemple de réalisation illustré dans le dessin ci-annexé. Dans ce dessin :

  • La figure 1 illustre schématiquement le dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes selon la présente invention,
  • La figure 2 montre sous forme de schémas A à E les étapes successives de fonctionnement de ce dispositif.
The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below of an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing. In this drawing:
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the device for closing envelopes according to the present invention,
  • FIG. 2 shows in the form of diagrams A to E the successive stages of operation of this device.

Comme illustré dans la figure 1, le dispositif selon l'invention comporte un chemin d'enveloppes 1 sensiblement linéaire, représenté par une ligne en traits mixtes, sur lequel est réalisée la fermeture des enveloppes au cours de leur déplacement. Ce chemin d'enveloppes 1 est défini par une plate-forme 10, un premier jeu de galets 11A, 11B interposé sur la plate-forme et un deuxième jeu de galets 12A, 12B au-delà de la plate-forme. Les deux jeux de galets 11A, 11B et 12A, 12B constituent les moyens d'entraînement des enveloppes sur le chemin 1.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device according to the invention comprises a substantially linear envelope path 1, represented by a dashed line, on which the envelopes are closed during their movement. This path of envelopes 1 is defined by a platform 10, a first set of rollers 11A, 11B interposed on the platform and a second set of rollers 12A, 12B beyond the platform. The two sets of rollers 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B constitute the means for driving the envelopes on the path 1.

Les enveloppes successives présentées ouvertes sur une entrée 13 du chemin, définie au niveau du premier jeu de galets 11A, 11B, sont délivrées fermées sur une sortie 14, opposée à l'entrée 13, définie au-delà du deuxième jeu de galets 12A, 12B. Cette sortie 14 n'est matérialisée par aucun élément sur le chemin 1 ; elle est simplement à une distance du deuxième jeu de galets 12A, 12B, supérieure à la hauteur des enveloppes fermées, pour laquelle les enveloppes ne sont plus en prise entre ces galets 12A, 12B et tombent dans un magasin ou compartiment de réception 15 prévu à leur effet sous le chemin. Un déflecteur incliné 16, appartenant ou non au compartiment de réception 15, guide les enveloppes fermées au cours de leur chute et isole le compartiment de réception des mécanismes du dispositif.The successive envelopes presented open on an entry 13 of the path, defined at the level of the first set of rollers 11A, 11B, are delivered closed on an exit 14, opposite the entry 13, defined beyond the second set of rollers 12A, 12B. This output 14 is not materialized by any element on the path 1; it is simply at a distance from the second set of rollers 12A, 12B, greater than the height of the closed envelopes, for which the envelopes are no longer engaged between these rollers 12A, 12B and fall into a store or receiving compartment 15 provided for their effect under the way. An inclined deflector 16, whether or not belonging to the receiving compartment 15, guides the closed envelopes during their fall and isolates the receiving compartment from the mechanisms of the device.

Les enveloppes ouvertes présentes à l'entrée 13 du chemin sont à plat sur le chemin, avec leur corps à l'avant. La face encollée de leur rabat ouvert, qui est à l'arrière du corps d'enveloppe, est tournée vers le chemin 1.The open envelopes present at entrance 13 of the path are flat on the path, with their bodies at the front. The glued side of their open flap, which is at the rear of the envelope body, faces path 1.

Le mode d'arrivée des enveloppes sur l'entrée 13 du chemin est indépendant du mode de fermeture des enveloppes, tel que réalisé par le dispositif selon l'invention. Il n'a donc pas été illustré et n'est pas décrit. On indique simplement que l'entrée 13 peut être équipée en poste de chargement d'enveloppes, alors reçues vides et ouvertes d'un magasin, ou peut simplement recevoir les enveloppes préalablement chargées qui lui sont présentées ouvertes.The mode of arrival of the envelopes at the entrance 13 of the path is independent of the mode of closing the envelopes, as produced by the device according to the invention. It has therefore not been illustrated and is not described. It is simply indicated that the input 13 can be equipped with an envelope loading station, then received empty and open from a store, or can simply receive the previously loaded envelopes which are presented to it open.

Un moteur l7 assure le déplacement des enveloppes sur le chemin 1. Le moteur est commandé pour être entraîné dans un sens de rotation ou l'autre. Il est couplé aux galets 11A et 12A qui sont situés au-dessus du chemin 1. Ce moteur est un moteur pas à pas ou un moteur à courant continu, pour assurer le déplacement dans un sens et dans l'autre de chaque enveloppe sur le chemin ; il permet de connaître la position de chaque enveloppe à tout moment souhaité, par comptage de ses pas ou des pas d'un codeur associé.A motor 17 ensures the movement of the envelopes on path 1. The motor is controlled to be driven in one direction of rotation or the other. It is coupled to the rollers 11A and 12A which are located above the path 1. This motor is a stepping motor or a direct current motor, to ensure the displacement in one direction and the other of each envelope on the path; it makes it possible to know the position of each envelope at any desired time, by counting its steps or the steps of an associated encoder.

Avantageusement bien que non représenté, les deux autres galets 11B et 12B associés aux galets moteurs précités 11A et 12A sont montés légèrement rétractables au-dessous du chemin 1 et sont commandés individuellement pour venir en pression contre le galet 11A ou 12A concerné. Une telle disposition permet alors d'équiper l'entrée 13 du chemin 1 en poste de chargement d'enveloppes, si souhaité.Advantageously although not shown, the other two rollers 11B and 12B associated with the aforementioned drive rollers 11A and 12A are mounted slightly retractable below the path 1 and are individually controlled to come into pressure against the roller 11A or 12A concerned. Such an arrangement then makes it possible to equip the input 13 of the path 1 with an envelope loading station, if desired.

Le dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes comporte, montés sur le chemin 1, entre les les deux jeux de galets 11A, 11B et 12A, 12B un ensemble de mouillage 2 et un ensemble de pliage de rabat et de fermeture d'enveloppes 3.The envelope closing device comprises, mounted on the path 1, between the two sets of rollers 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B a wetting assembly 2 and a flap folding and envelope closing assembly 3.

L'ensemble de mouillage 2 a un élément de mouillage 20, monté au-dessous du chemin 1 et un déflecteur de mouillage associé 21 monté au-dessus du chemin 1. L'élément de mouillage 20 est montré constitué par un rouleau de mouillage d'axe horizontal. Ce rouleau trempe partiellement dans l'eau d'un bac de réserve 22. Sa périphérie reste en léger retrait au-dessous du chemin 1.The wetting assembly 2 has a wetting element 20, mounted below the path 1 and an associated wetting deflector 21 mounted above the path 1. The wetting element 20 is shown constituted by a wetting roller d 'horizontal axis. This roller partially dips in the water of a reserve tank 22. Its periphery remains in slight shrinkage below the path 1.

Le déflecteur de mouillage 21 est de forme semi-cylindrique. Il est porté en bout d'un support 23 articulé à son extrémité opposée autour d'un axe 23A et commandé en pivotement par un levier 24 d'actionnement de ce support. Le déflecteur de mouillage est ainsi rendu pivotant, en regard du chemin 1 et du rouleau de mouillage 20, entre une position effacée au-dessus du chemin, qui est sa position de repos dans laquelle il est montré et une position d'obstacle à travers le chemin 1, qui est sa position de mouillage non montrée dans la figure 1. Dans sa position de mouillage, le déflecteur de mouillage 21 est interposé sur le chemin, entre le rouleau de mouillage 20 et les jeux de galets 11A, 11B ; il vient à faible distance devant le rouleau de mouillage, sans pour autant rentrer en contact avec lui, avec sa périphérie venant sous le chemin plus bas que le niveau supérieur du rouleau de mouillage 20. Il est montré dans le schéma B de la figure 2, dans cette position de mouillage.The wetting deflector 21 is of semi-cylindrical shape. It is carried at the end of a support 23 hinged at its opposite end about an axis 23A and pivotally controlled by a lever 24 for actuating this support. The anchor deflector is thus pivoted, facing the path 1 and the anchor roller 20, between a cleared position above the path, which is its rest position in which it is shown and an obstacle position through the path 1, which is its wetting position not shown in FIG. 1. In its wetting position, the wetting deflector 21 is interposed on the path, between the wetting roller 20 and the sets of rollers 11A, 11B; it comes a short distance in front of the wetting roller, without however coming into contact with it, with its periphery coming under the path lower than the upper level of the wetting roller 20. It is shown in diagram B of FIG. 2 , in this wetting position.

L'ensemble de pliage de rabat et de fermeture des enveloppes 3 est monté entre l'ensemble de mouillage 2 et le deuxième jeu de galets 12A, 12B. Il comporte une paire d'éléments presseurs 30 et 31, constituée par deux rouleaux maintenus élastiquement en pression l'un contre l'autre. Ces rouleaux presseurs sont montés sur une partie terminale d'une paire de bras coudés, sensiblement en L, 32. La paire de bras est articulée à son autre partie terminale autour d'un axe 32A. Elle est commandée autour de cet axe pour faire pivoter la paire de rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 entre une position de repos et une position de travail en regard du chemin 1. Dans sa position de repos, la paire de rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 est totalement hors du chemin ; ses deux rouleaux en pression l'un contre l'autre sont l'un au-dessus de l'autre et tous deux au-dessus du chemin 1, ainsi que montré dans la figure 1. Dans sa position de travail, la paire de rouleaux presseurs est par contre interposée sur le chemin 1 ; ses rouleaux en pression l'un contre l'autre sont de part et d'autre du chemin, ainsi que visible dans les schémas C et D de la figure 2, le rouleau inférieur venant au-dessous du chemin, et l'affleurant, le rouleau supérieur prenant alors la place qu'occupait au repos le rouleau inférieur.The assembly for folding the flap and closing the envelopes 3 is mounted between the wetting assembly 2 and the second set of rollers 12A, 12B. It comprises a pair of pressing elements 30 and 31, constituted by two rollers maintained elastically in pressure one against the other. These pressure rollers are mounted on an end part of a pair of bent arms, substantially L-shaped, 32. The pair of arms is articulated at its other end part around an axis 32A. It is controlled around this axis to rotate the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 between a rest position and a working position facing the path 1. In its rest position, the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 is completely out of the way; its two rollers pressing against each other are one above the other and both above path 1, as shown in Figure 1. In its working position, the pair of pressure rollers is on the other hand interposed on path 1; its rollers pressing against each other are on either side of the path, as can be seen in diagrams C and D of FIG. 2, the lower roller coming below the path, and flush with it, the upper roller then taking the place occupied by the lower roller at rest.

Dans cet ensemble 3, l'actionnement de la paire de rouleaux presseurs de sa position de repos à sa position de travail permet d'assurer le pliage, sensiblement à 90°, du rabat sur le corps de l'enveloppe, son maintien en position de travail permet d'assurer la fermeture de chaque enveloppe, ainsi qu'il sera précisé ci-après.In this assembly 3, the actuation of the pair of pressure rollers from its rest position to its working position makes it possible to fold, substantially at 90 °, the flap on the body of the envelope, keeping it in position of work ensures the closure of each envelope, as will be specified below.

Le dispositif de fermeture d'enveloppes comporte en outre des moyens pour détecter la position de chaque enveloppe sur le chemin 1. Ces moyens comportent un compteur 40 déclenché en comptage par une cellule de détection d'enveloppe 41 et couplé à la commande du moteur 17 dont il compte les pas de rotation, ou ceux du codeur associé. La cellule de détection d'enveloppe 41 est montée sensiblement au niveau de l'entrée 13 du chemin ou entre l'entrée 13 et l'ensemble de mouillage 2. Elle déclenche le comptage des pas du moteur de préférence dès qu'une enveloppe arrivant pied à l'avant est présente en regard d'elle, mais peut tout aussi bien déclencher ce comptage lorsque l'enveloppe présente en regard d'elle la quitte. Le compteur 40 compte les pas de rotation du moteur 17, quel que soit son sens de rotation ; l'évolution de son état traduit la distance parcourue par chaque enveloppe sur le chemin 1, depuis le début du comptage. Un tel comptage des pas de moteur rend aisée la détection de position des enveloppes le long du chemin, quel que soit le format de ces enveloppes.The envelope closing device further comprises means for detecting the position of each envelope on the path 1. These means comprise a counter 40 triggered by counting by an envelope detection cell 41 and coupled to the motor control 17 which it counts the rotation steps, or those of the associated encoder. The envelope detection cell 41 is mounted substantially at the entry 13 of the path or between the entry 13 and the wetting assembly 2. It triggers the counting of the engine steps preferably as soon as an envelope arrives foot at the front is present opposite it, but can just as well trigger this counting when the envelope present opposite it leaves it. The counter 40 counts the steps of rotation of the motor 17, whatever its direction of rotation; the evolution of its state reflects the distance traveled by each envelope on path 1, since the start of the count. Such a counting of the motor steps makes it easy to detect the position of the envelopes along the path, whatever the format of these envelopes.

Le compteur 40 définit au cours d'un cycle de fermeture pour chaque enveloppe les étapes successives de commande du dispositif. Il est utilisé pour la commande du moteur 17 lui-même, en particulier pour une inversion de son sens de rotation, et pour la commande du déflecteur du mouillage 21 et celle des rouleaux presseurs 30 et 31.The counter 40 defines during a closing cycle for each envelope the successive steps for controlling the device. It is used for controlling the motor 17 itself, in particular for reversing its direction of rotation, and for controlling the damper deflector 21 and that of the pressure rollers 30 and 31.

Une liaison 42 entre le compteur 40 et la cellule 41 traduit la commande de mise en comptage délivrée par la cellule. Une liaison en traits mixtes 43 entre le compteur 40 et le moteur 17 traduit leur couplage pour d'une part le comptage des pas du moteur et pour d'autre part l'arrêt éventuel et l'inversion du sens de rotation du moteur. Une liaison en traits mixtes 44 entre le compteur 40 et le levier 24 d'actionnement du support 23 du déflecteur de mouillage 21 traduit leur couplage, pour la mise et le maintien en position de mouillage de ce déflecteur. Une autre liaison en traits mixtes 45 entre le compteur 40 et la paire de bras 32 des rouleaux presseurs 30 et 31 traduit leur couplage pour la mise et le maintien en position de travail de cette paire de rouleaux presseurs. Ces commandes correspondent à des valeurs particulières définies de l'état du compteur 40, auxquelles correspondent des positions particulières de chaque enveloppe sur le chemin 1.A link 42 between the counter 40 and the cell 41 translates the counting command issued by the cell. A link in dashed lines 43 between the counter 40 and the motor 17 translates their coupling for on the one hand the counting of the engine pitches and for the other hand the possible stopping and the reversal of the direction of rotation of the engine. A link in dashed lines 44 between the counter 40 and the lever 24 for actuating the support 23 of the anchor deflector 21 translates their coupling, for setting and maintaining in the wetting position of this deflector. Another link in dashed lines 45 between the counter 40 and the pair of arms 32 of the pressure rollers 30 and 31 reflects their coupling for putting and maintaining in the working position this pair of pressure rollers. These commands correspond to particular defined values of the state of counter 40, to which correspond particular positions of each envelope on path 1.

Les liaisons 44 et 45 précitées schématisent les commandes non représentées réalisées par des électro aimants individuels ou, en variante, par des cames individuelles montées sur un même arbre entraîné en rotation sur un tour complet par un moteur auxiliaire. Selon cette dernière variante, le moteur auxiliaire est de préférence un moteur pas à pas ; sa rotation, toujours dans le même sens, se fait pas à pas à partir du début du comptage. L'arrêt de ce moteur auxiliaire est assuré par une détection d'une position de référence, dite position zéro, de cet arbre à cames.The aforementioned connections 44 and 45 show diagrammatically the controls, not shown, carried out by individual electromagnets or, as a variant, by individual cams mounted on the same shaft driven in rotation over a complete revolution by an auxiliary motor. According to this latter variant, the auxiliary motor is preferably a stepping motor; its rotation, always in the same direction, is done step by step from the start of the count. This auxiliary engine is stopped by detecting a reference position, called zero position, of this camshaft.

En variante, la détection de la position de chaque enveloppe sur le chemin peut-être assurée par un série de cellules analogues à la cellule 41 délivrant à travers un circuit logique les signaux de commande convenable sur les liaisons 43 à 45.As a variant, the detection of the position of each envelope on the path can be ensured by a series of cells analogous to cell 41 delivering, through a logic circuit, the appropriate control signals on the links 43 to 45.

Les étapes successives d'un cycle de fermeture d'une enveloppe sont illustrées dans les schémas A à E de la figure 2, où les éléments du dispositif sont désignés par leurs références précédentes et l'enveloppe désignée globalement par la référence 5, avec son corps portant la référence 50, son rabat la référence 51, son pied la référence 52 et sa ligne de jonction ou de pliure de son rabat sur son corps la référence 53. Ces références 50 à 53 n'ont pas été portées sur tous les schémas pour éviter des surcharges.The successive stages of an envelope closing cycle are illustrated in diagrams A to E of FIG. 2, where the elements of the device are designated by their previous references and the envelope generally designated by reference 5, with its body bearing the reference 50, its flap the reference 51, its foot the reference 52 and its junction or fold line of its flap on its body the reference 53. These references 50 to 53 have not been shown on all the diagrams to avoid overloading.

Le schéma A illustre l'étape d'avance de l'enveloppe 5 sur le chemin 1 depuis l'entrée 13 où elle a été précédemment présentée et détectée par la cellule 41. Les galets 11A et 12A sont entraînés selon la flèche 18A et font avancer l'enveloppe sur le chemin selon la flèche 58A. Au cours de cette avance, le corps 50 de l'enveloppe passe, pied à l'avant, dans l'ensemble de mouillage 2 dont le déflecteur est dans sa position de repos et dans l'ensemble de pliage et de fermeture dont les rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 sont également dans leur position de repos, pour progresser entre les galets 12A, 12B. Le rabat d'enveloppe 51 encore présent entre les galets 11A, 11B va les quitter. Au cours de cette avance, la cellule 41 permet de détecter les positions successives de l'enveloppe sur le chemin pour déclencher les étapes successives de commande de ce cycle.Diagram A illustrates the step in advance of the envelope 5 on the path 1 from the entrance 13 where it was previously presented and detected by the cell 41. The rollers 11A and 12A are driven according to the arrow 18A and make advance the envelope on the path according to arrow 58A. During this advance, the body 50 of the envelope passes, foot in front, in the wetting assembly 2 including the deflector is in its rest position and in the folding and closing assembly, the pressure rollers 30, 31 are also in their rest position, to advance between the rollers 12A, 12B. The envelope flap 51 still present between the rollers 11A, 11B will leave them. During this advance, the cell 41 makes it possible to detect the successive positions of the envelope on the path to trigger the successive stages of control of this cycle.

Le schéma B illustre l'étape de commande de mouillage du rabat 51 qui a lieu lorsque l'enveloppe est détectée dans sa position représentée dite de mouillage, pour laquelle son rabat rentre dans l'ensemble de mouillage 2. Pour cette position de mouillage de l'enveloppe, le déflecteur de mouillage est actionné dans sa position de mouillage, pendant un possible arrêt, ou non, de l'avance de l'enveloppe. Le déflecteur de mouillage est en appui contre la face non gommée du rabat 51, qu'il plie légèrement sur la ligne de pliure 53 en forçant la face gommée contre le rouleau de mouillage 20. Le mouillage a lieu avec l'avance de l'enveloppe selon la flèche 58A précédente.Diagram B illustrates the step for controlling the wetting of the flap 51 which takes place when the envelope is detected in its represented position known as wetting, for which its flap enters the wetting assembly 2. For this wetting position of envelope, the wetting deflector is actuated in its wetting position, during a possible stop, or not, of the advance of the envelope. The wetting deflector is in abutment against the non-gummed face of the flap 51, which it bends slightly on the fold line 53, forcing the gummed face against the wetting roller 20. The wetting takes place with the advance of the envelope according to arrow 58A above.

Le schéma C illustre l'étape de commande de pliure du rabat 51, qui a lieu lorsque de l'enveloppe est détectée dans sa position correspondante dite de pliure. Dans cette position de pliure, le rabat précédemment mouillé, qui a quitté l'ensemble de mouillage, est en regard des rouleaux presseurs 30, 31, avec sa ligne de pliure 53 juste à l'avant d'eux. Pour cette position de pliure, le déflecteur de mouillage 21 repasse en position de repos, les galets 11A et 12A ne sont plus entraînés et conduisent à l'arrêt d'avance de l'enveloppe, tandis que la paire de rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 est actionnée dans sa position de travail, ainsi que représenté. Au cours de cet actionnement le rouleau inférieur 31 de cette paire de rouleaux presseurs vient en appui contre la face non gommée et non mouillée du rabat 51, pour réaliser une première pliure du rabat. Le rabat glisse sur la périphérie du rouleau 31 et se plie à 90° sur la ligne de pliage 53, en s'étendant sensiblement à la verticale sous le chemin, juste à l'avant des rouleaux presseurs 30, 31. Une temporisation définit le temps d'arrêt de l'enveloppe dans sa position de pliage pendant la durée de l'actionnement de la paire de rouleaux presseurs dans sa position de travail et déclenche l'étape de fermeture.Diagram C illustrates the folding control step of the flap 51, which takes place when the envelope is detected in its corresponding so-called folding position. In this fold position, the previously wet flap, which has left the wetting assembly, is opposite the pressure rollers 30, 31, with its fold line 53 just in front of them. For this fold position, the wetting deflector 21 returns to the rest position, the rollers 11A and 12A are no longer driven and lead to the envelope being stopped in advance, while the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 is actuated in its working position, as shown. During this actuation, the lower roller 31 of this pair of pressure rollers comes to bear against the non-gummed and non-wetted face of the flap 51, in order to produce a first fold of the flap. The flap slides over the periphery of the roller 31 and folds 90 ° on the fold line 53, extending substantially vertically under the path, just in front of the pressure rollers 30, 31. A time delay defines the envelope downtime in its folding position for the duration of the actuation of the pair of pressure rollers in its working position and initiates the closing step.

Le schéma D illustre cette étape de fermeture. Les galets 11A et 12A sont à nouveau entraînés mais dans le sens inverse, selon la flèche 18B, du sens précédent et font reculer l'enveloppe sur le chemin, selon la flèche 58B.Diagram D illustrates this closing step. The rollers 11A and 12A are again driven but in the opposite direction, according to arrow 18B, from the previous direction and cause the envelope to move back on the path, according to arrow 58B.

Ce recul de l'enveloppe provoque la fin du pliage du rabat contre le corps de l'enveloppe et fait passer, ligne de pliure 53 en tête, l'enveloppe entre les rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 pour sa fermeture. La fin de cette étape est donnée par détection d'une distance de recul de l'enveloppe suffisante pour la fermeture de l'enveloppe ; elle déclenche l'étape d'éjection de l'enveloppe fermée.This decline in the envelope causes the end of the folding of the flap against the body of the envelope and passes, fold line 53 at the head, the envelope between the pressure rollers 30, 31 for its closure. The end of this step is given by detection of a retreat distance from the envelope sufficient for closing the envelope; it triggers the step of ejecting the closed envelope.

Le schéma E illustre cette étape d'éjection de l'enveloppe fermée, à partir de la détection de l'enveloppe dans sa position dite de rabat fermé qui provoque une nouvelle inversion du sens de rotation des galet 11A, 12A. Ces galets alors entraînés selon la flèche 18A font avancer à nouveau l'enveloppe fermée sur le chemin. Au cours de cette nouvelle avance l'enveloppe fermée progresse entre les galets 12A, 12B ; le rabat fermé sur le corps repasse entre les rouleaux presseurs et les quitte et passe entre les galets 12A et 12B. Quand l'enveloppe fermée quitte les galets 12A, 12B, elle tombe du chemin 1 dans le compartiment de réception, tandis que la paire de rouleaux presseurs 30, 31 repasse dans sa position de repos.Diagram E illustrates this step of ejecting the closed envelope, from the detection of the envelope in its so-called closed flap position which causes a new reversal of the direction of rotation of the rollers 11A, 12A. These rollers then driven along the arrow 18A again advance the closed envelope on the way. During this new advance, the closed envelope progresses between the rollers 12A, 12B; the closed flap on the body passes between the pressure rollers and leaves them and passes between the rollers 12A and 12B. When the closed envelope leaves the rollers 12A, 12B, it falls from the path 1 in the receiving compartment, while the pair of pressure rollers 30, 31 returns to its rest position.

En variante non illustrée, l'étape d'éjection peut directement prolonger l'étape de fermeture selon le schéma D, en maintenant l'entraînement des galets 11A et 12A, selon la flèche 18B, pour un retour complet de l'enveloppe sur le chemin vers l'entrée 13. Dans ces conditions, le recul de l'enveloppe sur le chemin, ayant donné lieu à la fermeture de l'enveloppe, est maintenu et on prévoit la sortie d'enveloppes fermées, non plus à l'opposé de l'entrée 13 sur le chemin 1 mais du même côté que l'entrée 13. Le maintien du recul de l'enveloppe fermée provoque son passage dans l'ensemble de mouillage 2, dont le déflecteur de mouillage est dans sa position de repos et qui est donc sans effet sur cette enveloppe, puis entre les galets 11A, 11B. Quand l'enveloppe fermée quitte les galets 11A, 11B, elle sort du chemin pour tomber dans un compartiment de réception analogue au précité, tandis que la paire de rouleaux presseurs reprend sa position de repos. Avantageusement, dans cette variante l'arrivée de chaque enveloppe à fermer sur l'entrée 13 du chemin se fait selon une trajectoire inclinée définie au-dessus du chemin 1 et débouchant en biais sur le chemin entre les galets 11A et 11B.In a variant not illustrated, the ejection step can directly extend the closing step according to diagram D, while maintaining the drive of the rollers 11A and 12A, according to arrow 18B, for a complete return of the envelope to the path to the entrance 13. Under these conditions, the backward movement of the envelope on the path, having given rise to the closure of the envelope, is maintained and provision is made for the exit of closed envelopes, no longer opposite from entrance 13 on path 1 but on the same side as entrance 13. Maintaining the recoil of the closed envelope causes it to pass through the assembly wetting 2, whose wetting deflector is in its rest position and which therefore has no effect on this envelope, then between the rollers 11A, 11B. When the closed envelope leaves the rollers 11A, 11B, it leaves the path to fall into a receiving compartment similar to the aforementioned, while the pair of pressure rollers returns to its rest position. Advantageously, in this variant the arrival of each envelope to be closed on the inlet 13 of the path is made according to an inclined trajectory defined above the path 1 and emerging at an angle on the path between the rollers 11A and 11B.

L'avantage principal du dispositif de fermeture réside dans sa simplicitié de conception et de mise en oeuvre et son faible encombrement. Il conduit à un matériel robuste et de coût peu élevé.The main advantage of the closure device lies in its simplicity of design and implementation and its small size. It leads to robust and inexpensive equipment.

En variante, non illustrée, la paire d'éléments presseurs est constituée par le rouleau supérieur 30 et un profilé de section allongée remplaçant le rouleau inférieur 31 précité. Ce profilé étend l'action du rouleau inférieur précité, en regard du chemin d'enveloppes, en particulier pour des rabats d'enveloppes de différentes longueurs.As a variant, not illustrated, the pair of pressing elements consists of the upper roller 30 and an elongated section profile replacing the aforementioned lower roller 31. This profile extends the action of the aforementioned lower roller, facing the envelope path, in particular for envelope flaps of different lengths.

Claims (9)

  1. An apparatus for closing envelopes, comprising a substantially linear (5) path (1) receiving open envelopes (5) at an inlet (13) and delivering closed envelopes at an outlet (14), envelope drive means (11A, 11B; 12A, 12B) on the path, and an assembly (3) for folding the flap (51) and closing the envelopes (5) as the envelopes move along the path, said drive means (11A, 11B; 12A, 12B) being coupled to a reversible motor (17) and further comprising means (40, 41) for detecting the position of each envelope on the path (1), said means being coupled to said motor (17) and to said assembly (3) for folding and closing the envelopes, characterized in that said assembly (3) for folding the flap and closing the envelopes comprises a pair of presser elements (30, 31) pivotally mounted relative to said path (1) to pivot between a rest position in which said pair lies off the path, and a working position in which said pair lies across the path with said presser elements being on opposite sides of said path, and in that said detection means (40, 41) are coupled to said motor (17) and to said pair of presser elements to control them, thereby successively ensuring that the pair of presser rollers (30, 31) is held in its rest position while the envelope is moving in a forwards direction along the path (1) from the inlet (13) towards the pair of presser elements (30, 31), and that the pair of presser elements (30, 31) is put into the working position when the flap of the envelope is present level therewith, and substantially simultaneously reversing the direction of displacement of the envelope along said path in order to make it move backward along said path, for the folding and the closing of the flap (51) by the presser elements (30, 31).
  2. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 1, and including a flap moistening assembly (2) having a moistening element and an associated moistening deflector (21), characterized in that said moistening assembly (2) is mounted between the inlet (13) and the pair of pressure elements (30, 3), with said moistening element (20) being on one side of the path and lying substantially flush with the path, and with said moistening deflector (21) pivoting on the other side of the path between a rest position where it lies off the path and an obstacle position where it lies across the path, said moistening deflector being coupled to said means for detecting the position of each envelope to cause it to move into its obstacle position when the flap of the envelope is present level therewith as the envelope moves forward along the path.
  3. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said inlet (13) and said outlet (14) are at opposite ends of said path (1), and in that said means for detecting the position of each envelope (40, 41) are coupled to said reversible motor for the purpose of displacing the envelope along the path in the forwards direction for ejection purposes while the pair of presser elements (30, 31) is held in the working position and after the envelope has reversed at least partially between said presser elements.
  4. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said drive means comprise at least two sets of wheels (11A, 11B; 12A, 12B) pressing against each other and defining said path along which each envelope is displaced flat, foot-first as it moves forwards.
  5. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said means for detecting the position of each envelope comprise an envelope detection cell (41) mounted between the inlet (13) of the path and the moistening assembly (2), and a counter (40) coupled to said cell for the purpose of triggering counting, and to said reversible motor (17) to count unit displacements referred to as "steps" of each envelope along the path, without taking account of the direction of the unit displacements.
  6. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 5, characterized in that said reversible motor is a stepper motor.
  7. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 5, characterized in that said reversible motor is a D.C. motor.
  8. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 3, characterized in that said pair of presser elements comprises two rollers resiliently mounted on a pair of arms to press against each other.
  9. Apparatus for closing envelopes according to claim 3, characterized in that said pair of presser elements comprises a roller and an elongate member which are resiliently mounted on a pair of arms to press against each other.
EP89113563A 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Envelope sealing device Expired - Lifetime EP0352693B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8810117A FR2634729B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1988-07-27 DEVICE FOR CLOSING ENVELOPES
FR8810117 1988-07-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0352693A1 EP0352693A1 (en) 1990-01-31
EP0352693B1 true EP0352693B1 (en) 1993-03-24

Family

ID=9368824

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89113563A Expired - Lifetime EP0352693B1 (en) 1988-07-27 1989-07-24 Envelope sealing device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4932188A (en)
EP (1) EP0352693B1 (en)
DE (1) DE68905546T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2634729B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2647036B1 (en) * 1989-05-22 1991-07-05 Alcatel Satmam DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITIONING OF ARTICLES
DE4030403A1 (en) * 1990-09-26 1992-04-02 Pourhosseini Ashkezari Seyed J Envelope moistener with sponge - has container with water sucked through aperture in intermediary wall
US5056297A (en) * 1990-12-28 1991-10-15 Bell & Howell Phillipsburg Co. Rotary brush flap closer
US5301935A (en) * 1991-07-15 1994-04-12 Duplo Corporation Apparatus for inserting and sealing envelopes with temporary storage pocket
US5290385A (en) * 1992-03-25 1994-03-01 Moore Business Forms, Inc. Multiple set pressure sealer rollers
GB9503427D0 (en) * 1995-02-21 1995-04-12 Printed Forms Equip Envelope closer
NL1003796C2 (en) * 1996-08-13 1998-02-20 Hadewe Bv Device and method for filling and closing envelopes.
US5913796A (en) * 1996-09-04 1999-06-22 International Billing Services, Inc. Sheet packet hold-down apparatus
US5809752A (en) * 1996-12-27 1998-09-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Sealing device for a mailing machine
JPH1120055A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-26 Nagano Japan Radio Co Automatic sealed letter forming device
DE19900686C2 (en) * 1999-01-05 2002-10-24 Francotyp Postalia Ag Arrangement for closing envelopes
US6790303B2 (en) * 2001-12-17 2004-09-14 Pitney Bowes Ltd. Apparatus and method for sealing an envelope
NL1027889C2 (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-27 Neopost Sa Envelope closing device and method for closing an envelope.
DE102008025320B4 (en) * 2008-05-27 2010-03-25 Danfoss A/S Refrigerant compressor

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US2749689A (en) * 1953-07-01 1956-06-12 Union Bag & Paper Corp Sealing machine
NL157555B (en) * 1967-06-29 1978-08-15 Hadewe Eerste Nl Duplicatorfab DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING AND OPENING ENVELOPES.
GB1466976A (en) * 1973-06-22 1977-03-16 Baeuerle Gmbh Mathias Envelope conveyor apparatus
IL57537A0 (en) * 1978-06-19 1979-10-31 Drg Ltd Device and method for folding self-sealing envelope flaps
US4428794A (en) * 1982-08-04 1984-01-31 Xerox Corporation Apparatus for sealing envelopes
JPS60172629A (en) * 1984-02-15 1985-09-06 シルバー精工株式会社 Automatic sealing machine
US4619101A (en) * 1985-12-16 1986-10-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Sheet folding inserting machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE68905546D1 (en) 1993-04-29
FR2634729B1 (en) 1990-09-14
US4932188A (en) 1990-06-12
DE68905546T2 (en) 1993-07-01
EP0352693A1 (en) 1990-01-31
FR2634729A1 (en) 1990-02-02

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