EP0507661A1 - Device for removing flat objects from a pile of such objects, especially for envelopes - Google Patents

Device for removing flat objects from a pile of such objects, especially for envelopes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0507661A1
EP0507661A1 EP92400876A EP92400876A EP0507661A1 EP 0507661 A1 EP0507661 A1 EP 0507661A1 EP 92400876 A EP92400876 A EP 92400876A EP 92400876 A EP92400876 A EP 92400876A EP 0507661 A1 EP0507661 A1 EP 0507661A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
envelopes
stack
selector
bands
distributor
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP92400876A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0507661B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Darchis
Laurent Baufreton
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.)
LA POSTE AUTONOME DE DROIT PUBLIC Ets
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LA POSTE AUTONOME DE DROIT PUBLIC Ets
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Publication of EP0507661A1 publication Critical patent/EP0507661A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/12—Suction bands, belts, or tables moving relatively to the pile
    • B65H3/124—Suction bands or belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
    • B65H2301/32—Orientation of handled material
    • B65H2301/321—Standing on edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2406/00—Means using fluid
    • B65H2406/30—Suction means
    • B65H2406/32—Suction belts
    • B65H2406/322—Suction distributing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1916—Envelopes and articles of mail

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for extracting one by one flat objects from a stack of such objects, and applies more particularly although not exclusively, to a device for unstacking letter envelopes, beforehand arranged in a stack, for the purpose of delivering these letters in a transfer circuit inside a facility where these envelopes are indexed according to their destination addresses and then routed into receiving boxes or the like, where these letters are rows before being transported to their distribution locations.
  • the subject of the present invention is a device which makes it possible to improve even more simply than in the already known solutions, the adjustment and control at will of the parameters taken into account, whether it is the spacing of the envelopes , in unit unstacking mode or in the covering of these envelopes, when these are distributed in a tiled mode, in all cases avoiding variations which may occur in the presentation of these envelopes in front of the unstacking head and in allowing the identification of faults due to the heterogeneity of the stack and intervention on the means of extracting the envelopes, making it possible to remedy them, thanks to a modification of the region of these envelopes on which an effect ensuring the training of these and the conditions under which they are removed from the stack.
  • the device considered comprising a belt for advancing a stack of flat objects, in particular letter envelopes, and a side jogging edge for these objects, this device being provided with a drive, which consists of at least one strip, controlled in rotation by rollers, with parallel axes, the strip having a perforated surface to allow a flow of air sucked through the strip, to be pressed thereon first object of the stack then moving it parallel to itself with the drive member, is characterized in that the drive member consists of two neighboring parallel bands, driven synchronously on the rollers and separated, view of the stack, through an intermediate free space, in that a control member is mounted between the drive rollers and connected to a suction fan, and in that this control member comprises a selector which itself surrounds a rotary distributor, this selector being provided in order to move at will the place where, thanks to the fan, a flow of suction air occurs through the drive member, in particular at the right of determined zones of the bands and in the intermediate free space.
  • a drive which consists
  • the distributor comprises a tubular element, movable in rotation about its axis, subject to the movement of the bands, this distributor, axially perforated, cooperating with a fixed diffusion grid, provided with compartments provided between the distributor and the selector and the bands drive, this grid comprising orifices formed in line with these strips.
  • the selector is constituted by a second element in the form of a perforated tube, mounted coaxially with the distributor and moving thereon, in order to open or close neighboring compartments but separated from the grid. diffusion.
  • the distributor is permanently connected to the suction fan.
  • the strips cooperate, downstream of the selector, with a bent permanent suction duct, this duct comprising an internal switching valve in direct communication with the interior of the dispenser.
  • the device comprises a set of logic indicators, of the pulse wheel type, sensor, optical detector or similar measuring device, locating the relative position of the objects delivered by the battery, to act on the drive member.
  • the reference 1 designates as a whole part of a mail sorting installation, in particular of letter envelopes such as 2, joined to each other so as to rest by their lower edges on a table support 3, thereby forming a substantially homogeneous stack of such envelopes.
  • the latter may all have the same format or, where appropriate, different formats, both in height and in width, these envelopes nevertheless constituting, in all cases, consecutive flat objects, previously stored one behind the other to constitute the aforementioned stack.
  • the stack of envelopes 2 is pressed by its front face against a displacement carriage 4, schematically represented in the drawing, capable of moving above the table 3 in the direction of the arrow 5 by means of a carpet or d 'A toothed belt 6, driven in relative movement relative to the table 3.
  • the envelopes 2 are aligned in the stack relative to a vertical reference plane, by means of a lateral edge 7, ensuring the proper jogging of the envelopes in the stack during their movement under the effect of the thrust of the carriage 4, in the direction of a device 8 for the extraction one by one or in tiled formation of these envelopes out of the stack in accordance with the present invention and the detail of the realization will be explained more fully below.
  • this extraction device 8 comprises a drive member 9, in continuous movement, preferably constituted by means of two narrower, perforated and parallel strips 10 and 11, these strips being mounted on drive rollers and common guides, respectively 12, 13 and 14, arranged so that these bands permanently delimit between them an intermediate free space 15.
  • the device comprises a control member 16, consisting of two coaxial and perforated tube elements 17 and 18, able to be controlled in rotation about their common axis, the relative position of the internal tube 18 or distributor, being controlled step by step by means of a self-synchronous motor 19, mounted at the lower end of this tube, while the external tube 17 or selector, is controlled from a ring 20, driven from a motor 21 and a transmission belt 22, the assembly being arranged such that this motor 21 drives the tube 17, independently of the rollers 12 to 14, and consequently of the bands 10 and 11.
  • the interior of the tubes 17 and 18 is also permanently connected to a fan 23, capable of creating a vacuum due to the air drawn inside these tubes and of causing, through a diffusion grid 24, mounted between the control member 16 and the facing surface of the movable bands 10 and 11, the appropriate plating of the first envelope 2 being in the stack in contact with these bands.
  • the installation also comprises, at the outlet of the extraction device 8, a conveyor for moving the envelopes 2, in particular for driving the latter in the continuation of a sorting installation where the device is mounted, this path being constituted by means of two parallel belts 25a and 25b, pinched together with the aid of rollers 26, the assembly driving the envelopes as and when they are distributed between these belts by the extraction device.
  • the envelopes 2 are delivered from this device so that their front edge 27 is distant from one envelope to the next, of a length 11 determined and adjustable; alternatively, these envelopes can be distributed so that the front edge 27 of one is spaced from the rear edge of the previous one by a distance 12 also constant and predetermined; finally, the device can be adjusted so that the successive envelopes 2 overlap each other to be placed in "tiled" formation, by adjusting the overlap distance 13 from one envelope to the next, whatever the relative format, possibly different, from these envelopes.
  • the installation also includes a control and regulation station 29, receiving in particular, by means of a connection 30, electrical information from a coding wheel 31, carried by a support 32, the position of which is arranged so that the wheel is slightly flush with the free space 15 which separates the strips 10 and 11 in front of the device, this wheel thus being in contact with the opposite face of each first envelope of the stack as and measure that the latter advances and that the envelopes which it contains are one by one extracted by means of the device.
  • the autosynchronous motor 19 of the distributor 18 and the drive motor 21 of the selector, as well as the fan 23 are then respectively controlled by means of connections respectively identified in the drawing of FIG. 1 under the references 33, 34 and 35. From station 29, the motors 19 and 21 are thus both controlled in a coordinated manner, being controlled by the speed of movement of the strips 10 and 11.
  • FIGs 2, 3 and 4 specify in more detail the structure of the various means involved in the production of the extraction device 8.
  • the two parallel strips 10 and 11 of the member drive 9 each of these bands being provided with a plurality of holes 36 for the passage of the air sucked through the bands in the diffusion grid 24.
  • the guide rollers 12 to 14 (only two of which 13 and 14 are seen in Figure 2) advantageously have at their opposite ends an extra thickness 37, comprising a surface condition suitable for synchronous driving and without sliding of the strips 10 and 11.
  • a sheet 38 In the space 15 provided between them, is advantageously arranged a sheet 38, provided with longitudinal slots 39 for the passage of the sucked air, ensuring proper plating of the first casing 2 of the stack over practically the entire height thereof, which corresponds to the size in the same direction of the device, also avoiding roughness or protrusions which could otherwise hamper the extraction of the envelopes and if necessary deteriorate them during their relative displacement under the effect of their entrainment by the bands.
  • the diffusion grid 24 is constituted by means of a housing 40 of substantially trapezoidal shape with triangular section, the front face of the grid, of larger dimensions, being substantially in contact with the strips 10 and 11, while its opposite face is connects to the cylindrical profile of the control member 16, in particular to the external tube 17 thereof.
  • the internal part of the housing 40 is partitioned by means of walls, respectively vertical 41 and horizontal 42, so as to delimit between them open compartments 43, extending from one face to the other of the housing, making communicate the region where the bands move and that located inside the member 16, in connection with the fan 23.
  • the embodiment of the encoder wheel 31 comprising in particular a plurality of holes 44 distributed along a circumference in the surface of this wheel, so that a beam of 'illumination 45 from an appropriate source can pass through the wheel when the latter has one of these holes 44 in line with this beam then received by a sensor 46, connected by this connection 30 to the control station 29.
  • the support 32 of the wheel 30 is advantageously mounted oscillating about an axis 47, carried by a frame 48, the latter comprising a stop face 49 against which the support is normally applied under the effect of a spring 50, the wheel being able to move slightly in the opposite direction against this spring under the effect of the pressure of the stack of envelopes 2 when using the device.
  • the control member 16 is also associated with a bent conduit 51 delimiting an internal housing 52 for mounting a valve 53, normally applied against a seat 54 provided inside the conduit 51, in particular due to the reminder of the rod 55 of this duct towards this seat under the effect of a spring 56, the valve being lifted from its seat when the fan 23 causes in the duct 51 a sufficient vacuum.
  • the duct 51 has an opening 57, disposed opposite the bands 10 and 11, in a region thereof lying downstream of the diffusion grid 24 relative to the direction of movement of these bands , resulting from the rotation of the rollers 12, 13 and 14, identified by the direction of the arrows 58.
  • a proximity detector 57a is disposed in the opening 57 in the vicinity of the strips 10 and 11, preferably in the intermediate region 15 which separates, to control the proper positioning of the envelope 2 treated and in particular its contact with the bands downstream of the diffusion grid 24 in the direction of movement of these envelopes.
  • Figures 5 to 8 specify the particular structure adopted for the control member 16 with its external 17 and internal 18 tubes, forming selector and distributor respectively.
  • the inner tube 18 has a fitting 59 with the self-synchronous drive motor 19, making it possible to orient the relative position of this tube around its axis 60, by pivoting it around this axis relative to the support table 3 the assembly, preferably on a bearing 61 mounted between the outer wall of this tube and a housing 62 in which the latter extends at its lower end.
  • the tube 18 is held by a similar bearing 63 provided in a spacer plate 64, in which are in particular mounted the axes of the guide and drive rollers 12 to 14.
  • the external tube or selector 17 is in the same way, maintained and guided on bearings 65 and 66 and comprises the toothed ring 20 in engagement, by means of a belt 22, with a pinion 67, itself driven by the motor 21 (see also Figure 1).
  • the tubes 17 and 18 of the member 16 also have orifices 71, provided in their side walls and whose height dimensions are substantially equal to those of the compartments 43 formed in the diffusion grid 24 between the partitions 41 and 42 of the latter.
  • These orifices 71 are offset on the circumference of the two tubes so that, depending on the relative position of the internal tube 18 relative to the external tube 17, at least some of these compartments are scanned successively, the angular distribution and opening of which vary, not only at each complete rotation of the inner tube 18, but also of the relative position of the outer tube 17 which, as the case may be, thus makes it possible to close or uncover the corresponding compartments.
  • the operation of the device for continuously extracting flat objects and in particular mail envelopes from a stack of such envelopes in particular in order to arrange the latter in a determined formation, either tiled where they partially overlap with an adjustable but exactly defined overlap distance, or in which these envelopes have their front edges distant from one envelope to the next by a chosen length, or even where they present between them a constant spacing, whatever the relative size of the treated envelopes, can be easily deduced from the above description.
  • the stack of envelopes 2 resting on the support table 3 is jogged thereon by pressing on the side bank 7, and at the same time, gradually pushed towards the extraction device 8, by means of the carriage 4 and the carpet d 'drive or toothed belt 6, controlling the movement of the latter, the envelopes 2 being in front of the drive member 9 of the extraction device 8 with their front faces located substantially in a vertical plane.
  • the compartments 43 thus formed in the grid 24 are either open and in this case shown in the Figures without shading, that is to say that they are such that the air sucked in by the fan 23 can pass through the perforations 36 of the bands 10 and 11 to the right of these compartments, by sucking the region of the bands opposite, either closed and shown then hatched, in this case preventing air from being sucked through these same compartments.
  • An arrow indicates in each Figure the direction of movement of the strips 10 and 11 and therefore that of the envelopes entrained by the latter.
  • the sequence according to which the compartments 43 are open or closed depends on the relative position of the tubes 17 and 18 of the control member 16 with respect to their common vertical axis 60 and on the facing of the compartments 43 d 'a closed part of these tubes, or on the contrary of an opening 71 thereof, the compartment concerned being open when the openings 71 of the two tubes coincide in front of this compartment.
  • the arrangement of the extraction device 8 is determined so that the strips 10 and 11 delimit, on either side of the intermediate space 15 which separates the latter, drive zones dynamics of the mail envelope to be processed taken from the stack which appears in front of the strips, as opposed to the static area which corresponds to the space 15 between these strips.
  • the selector and the distributor of the control member 16 Prior to unstacking the envelopes 2 from the stack gradually formed on the table 3 and bearing against the lateral edge 7, the selector and the distributor of the control member 16 are arranged in a relative position such that all the compartments 43 of grid 24 are closed, tubes 17 and 18 correspondents with no opening 71 to the rights of these compartments.
  • the unstacking of the envelopes 2 in the first case corresponds to an implementation of the control member 16 and in particular of the selector 17 and of the distributor 18 according to relative positions of these the latter for which the compartments 43 of the diffusion grid 24 are brought under the opening or closing conditions illustrated in the diagrams of FIG. 9.
  • compartments BI, BII and BIII located opposite the static zone 15 between the strips 10 and 11, are closed, only being open some of the compartments of the lines A and C, arranged opposite the dynamic zones of the drive member 9 and, moreover, symmetrically with respect to the line B.
  • the device according to the invention also makes it possible, in the embodiment mentioned above, to vary the overlap distance of the envelopes as and when they are removed, the distributor 18 being in this case moved in the selector 17 such that, as illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, are successively open, in addition to the compartments AIII and CIII, the compartments AII and CII; or even at the same time as the latter, the compartments AI and CI, these successive positions of the dispenser making it possible in particular to press the envelopes on the strips at different times from one variant to another and consequently to modify the overlap distance mutual envelopes.
  • the greater the number of open compartments the more the covering of the envelopes is spread out.
  • Figures 10 to 12 relate, in contrast to Figure 9, to the case where the envelopes must this time be delivered one by one and no longer in tiled formation.
  • the distributor 18 is controlled in rotation inside the selector 17 so that, Contrary to what prevailed in the previously described variant, the compartments 43 of the diffusion grid 24 along the line B opposite the static area 15 between the movable drive bands 10 and 11, are gradually opened, according to a sequence carrying out successively the opening of the compartments BI, then BII and finally BIII as illustrated respectively in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, by ensuring a progressive but increasingly accentuated plating of the first envelope 2 on the drive belts .
  • the air permanently sucked through the opening 57 provided downstream of the diffusion grid releases from its seat the valve 53, allowing to exert on the envelope, when it passes in front of this opening , an additional suction, in particular when this envelope, which is too significantly shifted to the right of the device, has not been sufficiently displaced during its passage in front of the diffusion grid 24, so that it does not reach under conditions suitable belts 24 and 25 provided to drive the envelope in the rest of the installation.
  • the device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to modify, on demand, the mode of distribution of the envelopes, the latter being able to be separated or overlapping each other, the unstacking of these envelopes being able to be carried out at very high speed, reaching up to twenty-two. letters per second, the weight of the envelopes can vary from 3 to 35 g. and their thickness from 0.15 to 5 mm and their format from 140 to 235 mm in width and 90 to 165 mm in height.
  • the combination of the distributor, the selector of the diffusion grid and the bent fixed suction duct provided downstream of this grid in the direction of movement of the envelopes makes it possible to vary at will the place where the suction of the first envelope in the stack and its contacting against the drive belts, by varying the opening of the beam and its scanning speed, successively taking the sample and then translating the envelope, ensuring according to the chosen mode separation of the envelopes as they are unstacked or their partial covering.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)

Abstract

Device for removing, one by one, flat objects from a pile of such objects, especially constituted by mail envelopes (2), including a belt (6) and a lateral jogging edge (7), an entrainment member (9) consisting of at least one band, driven in continuous rotation by rollers (12-14), the band having a perforated surface for allowing a stream of air sucked through the band, so as to press against the latter the first object of the pile, thereby moving it parallel to itself. According to the invention, this device is characterised in that the entrainment member (9) consists of two adjacent parallel bands (10 and 11) which are synchronously entrained over the rollers and separated by an intermediate free space (15), in that a drive member (16) is mounted between the rollers (12-14), is brought into communication with a suction fan (23) and includes a selector (17) which itself surrounds a rotary distributor (18), this selector (17) being provided so as to move, as desired, the location at which, by virtue of the fan, a flow of suction air is produced through the entrainment member, especially in line with predetermined zones of the bands and in the free space. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention est relative à un dispositif permettant d'extraire un à un des objets plats à partir d'une pile de tels objets, et s'applique plus particulièrement quoique non exclusivement, à un dispositif de dépilage d'enveloppes de lettres, préalablement disposées selon une pile, en vue de délivrer ces lettres dans un circuit de transfert à l'intérieur d'une installation où ces enveloppes sont indexées en fonction de leurs adresses de destination puis aiguillées dans des boîtiers ou analogues de réception, où ces lettres sont rangées avant d'être acheminées vers leurs lieux de distribution.The present invention relates to a device for extracting one by one flat objects from a stack of such objects, and applies more particularly although not exclusively, to a device for unstacking letter envelopes, beforehand arranged in a stack, for the purpose of delivering these letters in a transfer circuit inside a facility where these envelopes are indexed according to their destination addresses and then routed into receiving boxes or the like, where these letters are rows before being transported to their distribution locations.

On connaît déjà des appareils de distribution et en particulier de dépilage de lettres, permettant de délivrer celles-ci une à une avec un écartement donné et généralement constant entre le bord avant de ces lettres dans le sens de leur avance, ou encore en formation tuilée où chaque enveloppe recouvre partiellement l'enveloppe suivante, ces enveloppes formant ainsi une suite continue à la sortie du dispositif. Toutefois, ces appareils connus, à fonctionnement électro-mécanique, présentent des inconvénients en particulier du fait d'une régularité non parfaite, difficile à rectifier, dans l'espacement des enveloppes à la sortie du dispositif, notamment si les lettres à traiter provenant de la pile présentent des formats et des positionnements variables de l'une à l'autre. En outre, ces appareils ne permettent d'assurer que des cadences relativement réduites.We already know dispensing devices and in particular unstacking letters, to deliver them one by one with a given and generally constant spacing between the front edge of these letters in the direction of their advance, or in tiled formation where each envelope partially covers the following envelope, these envelopes thus forming a continuous series on leaving the device. However, these known devices, with electro-mechanical operation, have drawbacks in particular due to an imperfect regularity, difficult to rectify, in the spacing of the envelopes at the outlet of the device, in particular if the letters to be processed originating from the stack have variable formats and positions from one to the other. In addition, these devices only ensure relatively low rates.

Dans les versions évoluées de tels dispositifs, il est sans doute possible d'améliorer leurs performances, en permettant une meilleure adaptation aux variations rencontrées dans les formats ou les paramètres qui gouvernent l'espacement ou le recouvrement des lettres. Toutefois, ces réalisations ne sont pas encore totalement satisfaisantes, en ne permettant pas un réglage précis des paramètres qui déterminent l'espacement ou le recouvrement des enveloppes.In the advanced versions of such devices, it is undoubtedly possible to improve their performance, by allowing better adaptation to the variations encountered in the formats or parameters which govern the spacing or overlapping of letters. However, these embodiments are not yet completely satisfactory, by not allowing precise adjustment of the parameters which determine the spacing or the covering of the envelopes.

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif qui permet d'améliorer de façon simple encore plus que dans les solutions déjà connues, le réglage et le contrôle à volonté des paramètres pris en compte, qu'il s'agisse de l'écartement des enveloppes, en mode de dépilage unitaire ou du recouvrement de ces enveloppes, lorsque celles-ci sont distribuées suivant un mode tuilé, en s'affranchissant dans tous les cas des variations susceptibles de survenir dans la présentation de ces enveloppes devant la tête de dépilage et en permettant un repérage des défauts dûs à l'hétérogénéité de la pile et une intervention sur les moyens d'extraction des enveloppes, permettant d'y rémédier, grâce à une modification de la région de ces enveloppes sur laquelle s'exerce un effet assurant l'entraînement de celles-ci et aux conditions dans lesquelles ces dernières sont retirées de la pile.The subject of the present invention is a device which makes it possible to improve even more simply than in the already known solutions, the adjustment and control at will of the parameters taken into account, whether it is the spacing of the envelopes , in unit unstacking mode or in the covering of these envelopes, when these are distributed in a tiled mode, in all cases avoiding variations which may occur in the presentation of these envelopes in front of the unstacking head and in allowing the identification of faults due to the heterogeneity of the stack and intervention on the means of extracting the envelopes, making it possible to remedy them, thanks to a modification of the region of these envelopes on which an effect ensuring the training of these and the conditions under which they are removed from the stack.

A cet effet, le dispositif considéré, comportant un tapis d'avance d'une pile d'objets plats, notamment d'enveloppes de lettres, et une rive de taquage latéral de ces objets, ce dispositif étant muni d'un organe d'entraînement, lequel est constitué d'au moins une bande, commandée en rotation par des rouleaux, à axes parallèles, la bande présentant une surface perforée pour autoriser un flux d'air aspiré à travers la bande, à plaquer sur celle-ci le premier objet de la pile en le déplaçant alors parallèlement à lui-même avec l'organe d'entraînement, se caractérise en ce que l'organe d'entraînement est constitué de deux bandes parallèles voisines, entraînées en synchronisme sur les rouleaux et séparées, en regard de la pile, par un espace libre intermédiaire, en ce qu'un organe de commande est monté entre les rouleaux d'entraînement et mis en liaison avec un ventilateur d'aspiration, et en ce que cet organe de commande comporte un sélecteur qui entoure lui-même un distributeur rotatif, ce sélecteur étant prévu afin de déplacer à volonté l'endroit où se produit grâce au ventilateur un débit d'air d'aspiration à travers l'organe d'entraînement, notamment au droit de zones déterminées des bandes et dans l'espace libre intermédiaire.To this end, the device considered, comprising a belt for advancing a stack of flat objects, in particular letter envelopes, and a side jogging edge for these objects, this device being provided with a drive, which consists of at least one strip, controlled in rotation by rollers, with parallel axes, the strip having a perforated surface to allow a flow of air sucked through the strip, to be pressed thereon first object of the stack then moving it parallel to itself with the drive member, is characterized in that the drive member consists of two neighboring parallel bands, driven synchronously on the rollers and separated, view of the stack, through an intermediate free space, in that a control member is mounted between the drive rollers and connected to a suction fan, and in that this control member comprises a selector which itself surrounds a rotary distributor, this selector being provided in order to move at will the place where, thanks to the fan, a flow of suction air occurs through the drive member, in particular at the right of determined zones of the bands and in the intermediate free space.

Avantageusement, le distributeur comporte un élément tubulaire, mobile en rotation autour de son axe, asservi au déplacement des bandes, ce distributeur, ajouré axialement, coopérant avec une grille de diffusion fixe, munie de compartiments prévus entre le distributeur et le sélecteur et les bandes d'entraînement, cette grille comportant des orifices ménagés au droit de ces bandes.Advantageously, the distributor comprises a tubular element, movable in rotation about its axis, subject to the movement of the bands, this distributor, axially perforated, cooperating with a fixed diffusion grid, provided with compartments provided between the distributor and the selector and the bands drive, this grid comprising orifices formed in line with these strips.

Selon une autre caractéristique du dispositif considéré, le sélecteur est constitué par un second élément en forme de tube ajouré, monté coaxialement au distributeur et se déplaçant sur celui-ci, afin d'ouvrir ou de fermer des compartiments voisins mais séparés de la grille de diffusion.According to another characteristic of the device considered, the selector is constituted by a second element in the form of a perforated tube, mounted coaxially with the distributor and moving thereon, in order to open or close neighboring compartments but separated from the grid. diffusion.

De préférence et selon une autre caractéristique, le distributeur est raccordé en permanence au ventilateur d'aspiration.Preferably and according to another characteristic, the distributor is permanently connected to the suction fan.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique, les bandes coopèrent, en aval du sélecteur, avec un conduit coudé d'aspiration permanente, ce conduit comprenant un clapet de commutation interne en communication directe avec l'intérieur du distributeur.According to yet another characteristic, the strips cooperate, downstream of the selector, with a bent permanent suction duct, this duct comprising an internal switching valve in direct communication with the interior of the dispenser.

De préférence également et selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le dispositif comporte un ensemble d'indicateurs logiques, du genre roue à impulsions, capteur, détecteur optique ou appareil de mesure analogue, repérant la position relative des objets délivrés par la pile, pour agir sur l'organe d'entraînement.Also preferably and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a set of logic indicators, of the pulse wheel type, sensor, optical detector or similar measuring device, locating the relative position of the objects delivered by the battery, to act on the drive member.

D'autres caractéristiques d'un dispositif pour l'extraction automatique un à un d'objets plats à partir d'une pile formée par de tels objets, apparaîtront encore à travers la description qui suit, d'un exemple de réalisation donné à titre indicatif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • La Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'une installation de tri de courrier, comportant un dispositif d'extraction d'enveloppes à partir d'une pile, établi conformément à l'invention.
  • La Figure 2 est une vue de face à plus grande échelle de la partie avant du dispositif, illustrant plus particulièrement les bandes d'entraînement et les moyens de commande de celles-ci, ainsi que la position relative du distributeur par rapport à ces bandes.
  • La Figure 3 est une vue de dessus et en coupe partielle du dispositif.
  • La Figure 4 est une autre vue de dessus, plus schématique, du même dispositif mais à échelle légèrement différente, permettant, en combinaison avec la vue de la Figure 3, de mieux expliquer le fonctionnement du dispositif.
  • La Figure 5 et 6 sont des vues de détail en coupe axiale partielle, selon deux directions perpendiculaires, du distributeur d'air et du sélecteur, montés en regard des bandes d'entraînement.
  • Les Figures 7 et 8 sont d'autres vues de détail, en élévation avec arrachement partiel, du sélecteur et du distributeur montés dans celui-ci.
  • Les Figures 9 à 12 sont des vues schématiques de face, de la grille de diffusion prévue en avant du distributeur en regard des bandes d'entraînement, illustrant notamment selon une série de positions successives repérées 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D etc..., la répartition des ouvertures réalisées dans cette grille selon les orientations relatives du distributeur et du sélecteur.
Other characteristics of a device for the automatic extraction, one by one, of flat objects from a stack formed by such objects, will become more apparent from the following description of an example of realization given as an indication and not limiting, with reference to the attached drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a mail sorting installation, comprising a device for extracting envelopes from a stack, established in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a front view on a larger scale of the front part of the device, illustrating more particularly the drive belts and the control means thereof, as well as the relative position of the dispenser relative to these bands.
  • Figure 3 is a top view and partial section of the device.
  • Figure 4 is another top view, more schematic, of the same device but on a slightly different scale, allowing, in combination with the view of Figure 3, to better explain the operation of the device.
  • Figure 5 and 6 are detail views in partial axial section, in two perpendicular directions, of the air distributor and the selector, mounted opposite the drive belts.
  • Figures 7 and 8 are other detail views, in elevation with partial cutaway, of the selector and the distributor mounted therein.
  • Figures 9 to 12 are schematic front views of the diffusion grid provided in front of the dispenser opposite the drive belts, illustrating in particular according to a series of successive positions marked 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 10C , 10D etc ..., the distribution of the openings made in this grid according to the relative orientations of the distributor and the selector.

Sur la Figure 1, la référence 1 désigne dans son ensemble une partie d'une installation de tri du courrier, notamment d'enveloppes de lettres telles que 2, accolées les unes aux autres de manière à reposer par leurs bords inférieurs sur une table de support 3, en formant ainsi une pile sensiblement homogène de telles enveloppes. Ces dernières peuvent toutes présenter le même format ou, le cas échéant, des formats différents, aussi bien en hauteur qu'en largeur, ces enveloppes constituant néanmoins, dans tous les cas, des objets plats consécutifs, préalablement stockés l'un derrière l'autre pour constituer la pile précitée.In FIG. 1, the reference 1 designates as a whole part of a mail sorting installation, in particular of letter envelopes such as 2, joined to each other so as to rest by their lower edges on a table support 3, thereby forming a substantially homogeneous stack of such envelopes. The latter may all have the same format or, where appropriate, different formats, both in height and in width, these envelopes nevertheless constituting, in all cases, consecutive flat objects, previously stored one behind the other to constitute the aforementioned stack.

La pile des enveloppes 2 est appuyée par sa face antérieure contre un chariot de déplacement 4, schématiquement représenté sur le dessin, susceptible de se déplacer au-dessus de la table 3 dans le sens de la flèche 5 au moyen d'un tapis ou d'une courroie crantée 6, entraînée en défilement relatif par rapport à la table 3. Les enveloppes 2 sont alignées dans la pile par rapport à un plan vertical de référence, au moyen d'une rive latérale 7, assurant le taquage convenable des enveloppes dans la pile lors de leur déplacement sous l'effet de la poussée du chariot 4, en direction d'un dispositif 8 pour l'extraction une à une ou en formation tuilée de ces enveloppes hors de la pile conformément à la présente invention et dont le détail de la réalisation sera explicité plus complètement ci-après.The stack of envelopes 2 is pressed by its front face against a displacement carriage 4, schematically represented in the drawing, capable of moving above the table 3 in the direction of the arrow 5 by means of a carpet or d 'A toothed belt 6, driven in relative movement relative to the table 3. The envelopes 2 are aligned in the stack relative to a vertical reference plane, by means of a lateral edge 7, ensuring the proper jogging of the envelopes in the stack during their movement under the effect of the thrust of the carriage 4, in the direction of a device 8 for the extraction one by one or in tiled formation of these envelopes out of the stack in accordance with the present invention and the detail of the realization will be explained more fully below.

Notamment, ce dispositif d'extraction 8 comporte un organe d'entraînement 9, en déplacement continu, constitué de préférence au moyen de deux bandes plus étroites, perforées et parallèles 10 et 11, ces bandes étant montées sur des rouleaux d'entraînement et de guidage communs, respectivement 12, 13 et 14, agencés de telle sorte que ces bandes délimitent en permanence entre elles un espace libre intermédiaire 15.In particular, this extraction device 8 comprises a drive member 9, in continuous movement, preferably constituted by means of two narrower, perforated and parallel strips 10 and 11, these strips being mounted on drive rollers and common guides, respectively 12, 13 and 14, arranged so that these bands permanently delimit between them an intermediate free space 15.

En regard de ces bandes 10 et 11, le dispositif comporte un organe de commande 16, constitué de deux éléments de tube coaxiaux et ajourés 17 et 18, aptes à être commandés en rotation autour de leur axe commun, la position relative du tube interne 18 ou distributeur, étant commandée pas à pas au moyen d'un moteur autosynchrone 19, monté à l'extrémité inférieure de ce tube, tandis que le tube externe 17 ou sélecteur, est commandé à partir d'une couronne 20, entraînée à partir d'un moteur 21 et d'une courroie de transmission 22, l'ensemble étant agencé de telle sorte que ce moteur 21 entraîne le tube 17, indépendamment des rouleaux 12 à 14, et par suite des bandes 10 et 11.Opposite these bands 10 and 11, the device comprises a control member 16, consisting of two coaxial and perforated tube elements 17 and 18, able to be controlled in rotation about their common axis, the relative position of the internal tube 18 or distributor, being controlled step by step by means of a self-synchronous motor 19, mounted at the lower end of this tube, while the external tube 17 or selector, is controlled from a ring 20, driven from a motor 21 and a transmission belt 22, the assembly being arranged such that this motor 21 drives the tube 17, independently of the rollers 12 to 14, and consequently of the bands 10 and 11.

L'intérieur des tubes 17 et 18 est par ailleurs mis en liaison permanente avec un ventilateur 23, apte à créer une dépression due à l'air aspiré à l'intérieur de ces tubes et à provoquer, à travers une grille de diffusion 24, montée entre l'organe de commande 16 et la surface en regard des bandes mobiles 10 et 11, le plaquage approprié de la première enveloppe 2 se trouvant dans la pile au contact de ces bandes.The interior of the tubes 17 and 18 is also permanently connected to a fan 23, capable of creating a vacuum due to the air drawn inside these tubes and of causing, through a diffusion grid 24, mounted between the control member 16 and the facing surface of the movable bands 10 and 11, the appropriate plating of the first envelope 2 being in the stack in contact with these bands.

L'installation comporte par ailleurs, à la sortie du dispositif d'extraction 8, un convoyeur de déplacement des enveloppes 2, notamment pour entraîner ces dernières dans la suite d'une installation de tri où se trouve monté le dispositif, ce chemin étant constitué au moyen de deux courroies parallèles 25a et 25b, pincées entre elles à l'aide de galets 26, l'ensemble entraînant les enveloppes au fur et à mesure qu'elles sont distribuées entre ces courroies par le dispositif d'extraction. Selon le cas, les enveloppes 2 sont délivrées à partir de ce dispositif de telle sorte que leur bord avant 27 soit distant d'une enveloppe à la suivante, d'une longueur 11 déterminée et ajustable ; en variante, ces enveloppes peuvent être distribuées de telle sorte que le bord avant 27 de l'une soit écarté du bord arrière de la précédente d'une distance 12 également constante et prédéterminée ; enfin, le dispositif peut être réglé de telle sorte que les enveloppes 2 successives se chevauchent mutuellement pour se placer en formation "tuilée", en ajustant la distance de recouvrement 13 d'une enveloppe à la suivante, quel que soit le format relatif, éventuellement différent, de ces enveloppes.The installation also comprises, at the outlet of the extraction device 8, a conveyor for moving the envelopes 2, in particular for driving the latter in the continuation of a sorting installation where the device is mounted, this path being constituted by means of two parallel belts 25a and 25b, pinched together with the aid of rollers 26, the assembly driving the envelopes as and when they are distributed between these belts by the extraction device. Depending on the case, the envelopes 2 are delivered from this device so that their front edge 27 is distant from one envelope to the next, of a length 11 determined and adjustable; alternatively, these envelopes can be distributed so that the front edge 27 of one is spaced from the rear edge of the previous one by a distance 12 also constant and predetermined; finally, the device can be adjusted so that the successive envelopes 2 overlap each other to be placed in "tiled" formation, by adjusting the overlap distance 13 from one envelope to the next, whatever the relative format, possibly different, from these envelopes.

Enfin, l'installation comporte également un poste de commande et de régulation 29, recevant en particulier, au moyen d'une connexion 30, des informations électriques à partir d'une roue codeuse 31, portée par un support 32, dont la position est aménagée de manière à ce que la roue affleure légèrement dans l'espace libre 15 qui sépare les bandes 10 et 11 en avant du dispositif, cette roue étant ainsi en contact avec la face en regard de chaque première enveloppe de la pile au fur et à mesure que cette dernière avance et que les enveloppes qu'elle contient sont une à une extraites au moyen du dispositif. A partir du poste 29, sont alors commandés respectivement le moteur autosynchrone 19 du distributeur 18 et le moteur d'entraînement 21 du sélecteur, ainsi que le ventilateur 23, au moyen de liaisons respectivement repérées sur le dessin de la Figure 1 sous les références 33, 34 et 35. Depuis le poste 29, les moteurs 19 et 21 sont ainsi l'un et l'autre commandés de façon coordonnée, en étant asservis à la vitesse de déplacement des bandes 10 et 11.Finally, the installation also includes a control and regulation station 29, receiving in particular, by means of a connection 30, electrical information from a coding wheel 31, carried by a support 32, the position of which is arranged so that the wheel is slightly flush with the free space 15 which separates the strips 10 and 11 in front of the device, this wheel thus being in contact with the opposite face of each first envelope of the stack as and measure that the latter advances and that the envelopes which it contains are one by one extracted by means of the device. AT from station 29, the autosynchronous motor 19 of the distributor 18 and the drive motor 21 of the selector, as well as the fan 23, are then respectively controlled by means of connections respectively identified in the drawing of FIG. 1 under the references 33, 34 and 35. From station 29, the motors 19 and 21 are thus both controlled in a coordinated manner, being controlled by the speed of movement of the strips 10 and 11.

Les Figures 2, 3 et 4 précisent avec plus de détails la structure des divers moyens entrant dans la réalisation du dispositif d'extraction 8. Ainsi et sur la Figure 2, on retrouve les deux bandes parallèles 10 et 11 de l'organe d'entraînement 9, chacune de ces bandes étant munie d'une pluralité de trous 36 pour le passage de l'air aspiré à travers les bandes dans la grille de diffusion 24. Les rouleaux de guidage 12 à 14 (dont deux seulement 13 et 14 sont vus sur la Figure 2) présentent avantageusement à leurs extrémités opposées une surépaisseur 37, comportant un état de surface approprié à l'entraînement synchrone et sans glissement des bandes 10 et 11. Dans l'espace 15 prévu entre ces dernières, est avantageusement disposée une tôle 38, munie de fentes longitudinales 39 pour le passage de l'air aspiré, en assurant le plaquage convenable de la première enveloppe 2 de la pile sur pratiquement toute la hauteur de celle-ci, qui correspond à l'encombrement dans le même sens du dispositif, en évitant en outre des aspérités ou saillies qui pourraient autrement gêner l'extraction des enveloppes et le cas échéant les détériorer lors de leur déplacement relatif sous l'effet de leur entraînement par les bandes.Figures 2, 3 and 4 specify in more detail the structure of the various means involved in the production of the extraction device 8. Thus and in Figure 2, there are the two parallel strips 10 and 11 of the member drive 9, each of these bands being provided with a plurality of holes 36 for the passage of the air sucked through the bands in the diffusion grid 24. The guide rollers 12 to 14 (only two of which 13 and 14 are seen in Figure 2) advantageously have at their opposite ends an extra thickness 37, comprising a surface condition suitable for synchronous driving and without sliding of the strips 10 and 11. In the space 15 provided between them, is advantageously arranged a sheet 38, provided with longitudinal slots 39 for the passage of the sucked air, ensuring proper plating of the first casing 2 of the stack over practically the entire height thereof, which corresponds to the size in the same direction of the device, also avoiding roughness or protrusions which could otherwise hamper the extraction of the envelopes and if necessary deteriorate them during their relative displacement under the effect of their entrainment by the bands.

La grille de diffusion 24 est constituée au moyen d'un boîtier 40 de forme sensiblement trapézoïdale à section triangulaire, la face avant de la grille, de plus grandes dimensions, étant sensiblement au contact des bandes 10 et 11, tandis que sa face opposée se raccorde au profil cylindrique de l'organe de commande 16, en particulier au tube externe 17 de celui-ci. En outre, la partie interne du boîtier 40 est cloisonnée au moyen de parois, respectivement verticales 41 et horizontales 42, de manière à délimiter entre elles des compartiments ouverts 43, s'étendant d'une face à l'autre du boîtier, en faisant communiquer la région où se déplacent les bandes et celle située à l'intérieur de l'organe 16, en liaison avec le ventilateur 23.The diffusion grid 24 is constituted by means of a housing 40 of substantially trapezoidal shape with triangular section, the front face of the grid, of larger dimensions, being substantially in contact with the strips 10 and 11, while its opposite face is connects to the cylindrical profile of the control member 16, in particular to the external tube 17 thereof. In addition, the internal part of the housing 40 is partitioned by means of walls, respectively vertical 41 and horizontal 42, so as to delimit between them open compartments 43, extending from one face to the other of the housing, making communicate the region where the bands move and that located inside the member 16, in connection with the fan 23.

Sur les Figures 2, 3 et 5, on voit également avec plus de détails la réalisation de la roue codeuse 31, comportant notamment une pluralité de trous 44 répartis selon une circonférence dans la surface de cette roue, de telle sorte qu'un faisceau d'éclairement 45 provenant d'une source appropriée puisse traverser la roue lorsque celle-ci présente un de ces trous 44 au droit de ce faisceau alors reçu par un capteur 46, relié par cette connexion 30 au poste de commande 29. Le support 32 de la roue 30 est avantageusement monté oscillant autour d'un axe 47, porté par un bâti 48, celui-ci comportant une face de butée 49 contre laquelle le support est normalement appliqué sous l'effet d'un ressort 50, la roue pouvant se déplacer légèrement en sens inverse à l'encontre de ce ressort sous l'effet de la pression de la pile des enveloppes 2 lors de l'utilisation du dispositif.In Figures 2, 3 and 5, we also see in more detail the embodiment of the encoder wheel 31, comprising in particular a plurality of holes 44 distributed along a circumference in the surface of this wheel, so that a beam of 'illumination 45 from an appropriate source can pass through the wheel when the latter has one of these holes 44 in line with this beam then received by a sensor 46, connected by this connection 30 to the control station 29. The support 32 of the wheel 30 is advantageously mounted oscillating about an axis 47, carried by a frame 48, the latter comprising a stop face 49 against which the support is normally applied under the effect of a spring 50, the wheel being able to move slightly in the opposite direction against this spring under the effect of the pressure of the stack of envelopes 2 when using the device.

L'organe de commande 16 est par ailleurs associé à un conduit coudé 51 délimitant un logement interne 52 pour le montage d'un clapet 53, normalement appliqué contre un siège 54 prévu à l'intérieur du conduit 51, notamment du fait du rappel de la tige 55 de ce conduit vers ce siège sous l'effet d'un ressort 56, le clapet étant soulevé de son siège lorsque le ventilateur 23 provoque dans le conduit 51 une dépression suffisante. Au-delà du clapet 53, le conduit 51 comporte une ouverture 57, disposée en regard des bandes 10 et 11, dans une région de celles-ci se situant en aval de la grille de diffusion 24 par rapport au sens de déplacement de ces bandes, résultant de la rotation des galets 12, 13 et 14, repéré par la direction des flèches 58. Un détecteur de proximité 57a est disposé dans l'ouverture 57 au voisinage des bandes 10 et 11, de préférence dans la région intermédiaire 15 qui les sépare, pour contrôler le positionnement convenable de l'enveloppe 2 traitée et notamment sa mise en contact avec les bandes en aval de la grille de diffusion 24 dans le sens de déplacement de ces enveloppes.The control member 16 is also associated with a bent conduit 51 delimiting an internal housing 52 for mounting a valve 53, normally applied against a seat 54 provided inside the conduit 51, in particular due to the reminder of the rod 55 of this duct towards this seat under the effect of a spring 56, the valve being lifted from its seat when the fan 23 causes in the duct 51 a sufficient vacuum. Beyond the valve 53, the duct 51 has an opening 57, disposed opposite the bands 10 and 11, in a region thereof lying downstream of the diffusion grid 24 relative to the direction of movement of these bands , resulting from the rotation of the rollers 12, 13 and 14, identified by the direction of the arrows 58. A proximity detector 57a is disposed in the opening 57 in the vicinity of the strips 10 and 11, preferably in the intermediate region 15 which separates, to control the proper positioning of the envelope 2 treated and in particular its contact with the bands downstream of the diffusion grid 24 in the direction of movement of these envelopes.

Les Figures 5 à 8 précisent la structure particulière adoptée pour l'organe de commande 16 avec ses tubes externe 17 et interne 18, formant respectivement sélecteur et distributeur.Figures 5 to 8 specify the particular structure adopted for the control member 16 with its external 17 and internal 18 tubes, forming selector and distributor respectively.

Le tube interne 18 comporte un emmanchement 59 avec le moteur d'entraînement autosynchrone 19, permettant d'orienter la position relative de ce tube autour de son axe 60, en le faisant pivoter autour de cet axe par rapport à la table 3 de support de l'ensemble, de préférence sur un roulement 61 monté entre la paroi externe de ce tube et un logement 62 dans lequel celui-ci se prolonge à son extrémité inférieure. A son extrémité opposé, le tube 18 est maintenu par un roulement analogue 63 prévu dans une plaque entretoise 64, dans laquelle sont notamment montés les axes des rouleaux de guidage et d'entraînement 12 à 14.The inner tube 18 has a fitting 59 with the self-synchronous drive motor 19, making it possible to orient the relative position of this tube around its axis 60, by pivoting it around this axis relative to the support table 3 the assembly, preferably on a bearing 61 mounted between the outer wall of this tube and a housing 62 in which the latter extends at its lower end. At its opposite end, the tube 18 is held by a similar bearing 63 provided in a spacer plate 64, in which are in particular mounted the axes of the guide and drive rollers 12 to 14.

Le tube externe ou sélecteur 17 est de la même manière, maintenu et guidé sur des roulements 65 et 66 et comporte la couronne dentée 20 en prise, par l'intermédiaire d'une courroie 22, avec un pignon 67, lui-même entraîné par le moteur 21 (voir aussi la Figure 1).The external tube or selector 17 is in the same way, maintained and guided on bearings 65 and 66 and comprises the toothed ring 20 in engagement, by means of a belt 22, with a pinion 67, itself driven by the motor 21 (see also Figure 1).

Les tubes 17 et 18 de l'organe 16 comportent par ailleurs des orifices 71, prévus dans leurs parois latérales et dont les dimensions en hauteur sont sensiblement égales à celles des compartiments 43 ménagés dans la grille de diffusion 24 entre les cloisons 41 et 42 de cette dernière. Ces orifices 71 sont décalés sur la circonférence des deux tubes de telle sorte que, selon la position relative du tube interne 18 par rapport au tube externe 17, soient balayés successivement certains au moins de ces compartiments dont la répartition angulaire et l'ouverture varient, non seulement à chaque rotation complète du tube interne 18, mais également de la position relative du tube externe 17 qui, selon le cas, permet ainsi de fermer ou de découvrir les compartiments correspondants.The tubes 17 and 18 of the member 16 also have orifices 71, provided in their side walls and whose height dimensions are substantially equal to those of the compartments 43 formed in the diffusion grid 24 between the partitions 41 and 42 of the latter. These orifices 71 are offset on the circumference of the two tubes so that, depending on the relative position of the internal tube 18 relative to the external tube 17, at least some of these compartments are scanned successively, the angular distribution and opening of which vary, not only at each complete rotation of the inner tube 18, but also of the relative position of the outer tube 17 which, as the case may be, thus makes it possible to close or uncover the corresponding compartments.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif d'extraction en continu d'objets plats et notamment d'enveloppes de courrier à partir d'une pile de telles enveloppes, en particulier afin de disposer ces dernières dans une formation déterminée, soit tuilée où elles se recouvrent partiellement avec une distance de chevauchement réglable mais exactement définie, soit dans laquelle ces enveloppes ont leurs bords avant distants d'une enveloppe à la suivante d'une longueur choisie, soit encore où elles présentent entre elles un écartement constant, quel que soit le format relatif des enveloppes traitées, peut être aisément déduit de la description qui précède.The operation of the device for continuously extracting flat objects and in particular mail envelopes from a stack of such envelopes, in particular in order to arrange the latter in a determined formation, either tiled where they partially overlap with an adjustable but exactly defined overlap distance, or in which these envelopes have their front edges distant from one envelope to the next by a chosen length, or even where they present between them a constant spacing, whatever the relative size of the treated envelopes, can be easily deduced from the above description.

La pile des enveloppes 2 reposant sur la table de support 3 est taquée sur celle-ci par appui sur la rive latérale 7, et en même temps, progressivement poussée en direction du dispositif d'extraction 8, grâce au chariot 4 et au tapis d'entraînement ou courroie crantée 6, commandant le déplacement de ce dernier, les enveloppes 2 se présentant devant l'organe d'entraînement 9 du dispositif d'extraction 8 avec leurs faces avant situées sensiblement dans un plan vertical.The stack of envelopes 2 resting on the support table 3 is jogged thereon by pressing on the side bank 7, and at the same time, gradually pushed towards the extraction device 8, by means of the carriage 4 and the carpet d 'drive or toothed belt 6, controlling the movement of the latter, the envelopes 2 being in front of the drive member 9 of the extraction device 8 with their front faces located substantially in a vertical plane.

Lorsque la première enveloppe 2 vient au contact de l'organe d'entraînement 9, elle rencontre tout d'abord la roue codeuse 31, en repoussant le bras de support 32 portant cette roue à l'encontre du ressort 50, jusqu'au moment où le plan de l'enveloppe vient se positionner à proximité immédiate des bandes d'entraînement 10 et 11, sensiblement en regard de la partie située à droite sur le dessin de la grille de diffusion 24, en même temps que le poste 29 commande le mécanisme d'entraînement des bandes et la mise en route du ventilateur 23.When the first casing 2 comes into contact with the drive member 9, it first meets the coding wheel 31, pushing the support arm 32 carrying this wheel against the spring 50, until the moment where the plane of the envelope is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the drive belts 10 and 11, substantially opposite the part situated to the right in the drawing of the diffusion grid 24, at the same time as the station 29 controls the belt drive mechanism and fan start-up 23.

Sur les Figures 9 à 12, on a schématiquement représenté selon diverses configurations, le profil de la vue de face de la grille 24, et en particulier des compartiments 43 de celle-ci, ménagés entre ses cloisons 41 et 42. Ces compartiments se répartissent ainsi selon trois rangées verticales, repérées respectivement, de la droite vers la gauche sur les dessins, sous les références I, II et III, et également selon des lignes horizontales successives, repérées A, B et C. Bien entendu, il va de soi que le dispositif d'extraction d'enveloppes selon l'invention pourrait utiliser une grille de diffusion comportant un plus grand nombre de compartiments 43 voisins, par exemple égal à douze (trois colonnes et quatre lignes ou inversement), à seize (quatre colonnes et quatre lignes) etc..., en fonction de la taille des enveloppes et des conditions de dépilage souhaitées.In Figures 9 to 12, schematically shown in various configurations, the profile of the front view of the grid 24, and in particular of the compartments 43 thereof, formed between its partitions 41 and 42. These compartments are distributed thus along three vertical rows, marked respectively, from right to left in the drawings, under the references I, II and III, and also along successive horizontal lines, marked A, B and C. Of course, it goes without saying that the envelope extraction device according to the invention could use a diffusion grid comprising a greater number of neighboring compartments 43, for example equal to twelve (three columns and four lines or vice versa), sixteen (four columns and four lines) etc ..., depending on the size of the envelopes and the desired unstacking conditions.

Les compartiments 43 ainsi formés dans la grille 24 sont soit ouverts et dans ce cas représentés sur les Figures sans hâchures, c'est-à-dire qu'ils sont tels que l'air aspiré par le ventilateur 23 peut traverser les perforations 36 des bandes 10 et 11 au droit de ces compartiments, en aspirant la région des bandes en regard, soit fermés et représentés alors hâchurés, en empêchant dans ce cas l'air d'être aspiré à travers ces mêmes compartiments. Une flèche indique sur chaque Figure le sens du déplacement des bandes 10 et 11 et par conséquent celui des enveloppes entraînées par ces dernières.The compartments 43 thus formed in the grid 24 are either open and in this case shown in the Figures without shading, that is to say that they are such that the air sucked in by the fan 23 can pass through the perforations 36 of the bands 10 and 11 to the right of these compartments, by sucking the region of the bands opposite, either closed and shown then hatched, in this case preventing air from being sucked through these same compartments. An arrow indicates in each Figure the direction of movement of the strips 10 and 11 and therefore that of the envelopes entrained by the latter.

La séquence selon laquelle les compartiments 43 sont ouverts ou fermés, dépend de la position relative des tubes 17 et 18 de l'organe de commande 16 vis-à-vis de leur axe vertical commun 60 et de la mise en regard des compartiments 43 d'une partie fermée de ces tubes, ou au contraire d'une ouverture 71 de ceux-ci, le compartiment intéressé étant ouvert lorsque les ouvertures 71 des deux tubes coïncident devant ce compartiment.The sequence according to which the compartments 43 are open or closed depends on the relative position of the tubes 17 and 18 of the control member 16 with respect to their common vertical axis 60 and on the facing of the compartments 43 d 'a closed part of these tubes, or on the contrary of an opening 71 thereof, the compartment concerned being open when the openings 71 of the two tubes coincide in front of this compartment.

D'une façon générale, l'agencement du dispositif d'extraction 8 est déterminé de telle sorte que les bandes 10 et 11 délimitent, de part et d'autre de l'espace intermédiaire 15 qui sépare ces dernières, des zones d'entraînement dynamique de l'enveloppe de courrier à traiter prélevé à partir de la pile qui se présente devant les bandes, par opposition à la zone statique qui correspond à l'espace 15 entre ces bandes.In general, the arrangement of the extraction device 8 is determined so that the strips 10 and 11 delimit, on either side of the intermediate space 15 which separates the latter, drive zones dynamics of the mail envelope to be processed taken from the stack which appears in front of the strips, as opposed to the static area which corresponds to the space 15 between these strips.

Préalablement au dépilage des enveloppes 2 à partir de la pile progressivement formée sur la table 3 et en appui contre la rive latérale 7, le sélecteur et le distributeur de l'organe de commande 16 sont disposés dans une position relative telle que tous les compartiments 43 de la grille 24 soient fermés, les tubes 17 et 18 correspondants ne présentant aucune ouverture 71 au droit de ces compartiments.Prior to unstacking the envelopes 2 from the stack gradually formed on the table 3 and bearing against the lateral edge 7, the selector and the distributor of the control member 16 are arranged in a relative position such that all the compartments 43 of grid 24 are closed, tubes 17 and 18 correspondents with no opening 71 to the rights of these compartments.

Lorsque l'on souhaite provoquer ce dépilage, c'est-à-dire extraire les enveloppes de la pile, deux options sont alors offertes, selon que ces enveloppes vont être délivrées en formation tuilée, en se chevauchant alors mutuellement de l'une à l'autre avec une distance de recouvrement mutuel pouvant être ajustée à la demande, ou encore qu'elles sont extraites une à une, en étant dans ce cas complètement séparées avec une distance qui peut être également modifiée, soit au gré de l'exploitant, soit pour effectuer un rattrapage de position entre deux enveloppes successives lorsque ces dernières se sont mal placées dans la pile et s'appliquent de manière non adéquate contre les bandes d'entraînement 10 et 11.When it is desired to cause this unstacking, that is to say extracting the envelopes from the stack, two options are then offered, depending on whether these envelopes are going to be delivered in tiled formation, then overlapping each other from one to the other with a mutual overlap distance that can be adjusted on demand, or that they are extracted one by one, in this case being completely separated with a distance that can also be modified, either at the discretion of the operator , or to make a position adjustment between two successive envelopes when the latter are placed incorrectly in the stack and are applied inappropriately against the drive belts 10 and 11.

Le dépilage des enveloppes 2 dans le premier cas, c'est-à-dire en formation tuilée, correspond à une mise en oeuvre de l'organe de commande 16 et en particulier du sélecteur 17 et du distributeur 18 selon des positions relatives de ces derniers pour lesquelles les compartiments 43 de la grille de diffusion 24 sont amenés dans les conditions d'ouverture ou de fermeture illustrées sur les schémas de la Figure 9.The unstacking of the envelopes 2 in the first case, that is to say in tiled formation, corresponds to an implementation of the control member 16 and in particular of the selector 17 and of the distributor 18 according to relative positions of these the latter for which the compartments 43 of the diffusion grid 24 are brought under the opening or closing conditions illustrated in the diagrams of FIG. 9.

Dans tous les cas, les compartiments BI, BII et BIII, situés en regard de la zone statique 15 entre les bandes 10 et 11, sont obturés, seuls étant ouverts certains des compartiments des lignes A et C, disposés en face des zones dynamiques de l'organe d'entraînement 9 et de façon d'ailleurs symétrique par rapport à la ligne B.In all cases, the compartments BI, BII and BIII, located opposite the static zone 15 between the strips 10 and 11, are closed, only being open some of the compartments of the lines A and C, arranged opposite the dynamic zones of the drive member 9 and, moreover, symmetrically with respect to the line B.

Dans la position illustrée sur la Figure 9A, tous les compartiments de la grille sont fermés, sauf ceux repérés AIII et CIII, qui sont ouverts et situés au droit respectivement des bandes 10 et 11, cette ouverture étant obtenue grâce à un positionnement relatif approprié du distributeur 18 à l'intérieur du sélecteur 17 qui, au contraire, reste fixe par rapport à la grille. La première enveloppe 2 dans la pile est ainsi plaquée contre les bandes au niveau des compartiments ouverts, du fait de l'aspiration du ventilateur 23 au travers des ouvertures 71 et des perforations ménagées dans ces bandes. Ces dernières, fermées sur elles-mêmes et commandées en rotation sur leurs rouleaux 12, 13 et 14, entraînent ainsi l'enveloppe jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité amont de cette dernière, dans le sens de son déplacement, se soit engagée entre les courroies 25a et 25b entraînées par les galets 26 du convoyeur de sortie qui la font échapper au dispositif d'extraction 8. Au cours de ce mouvement de la première enveloppe, son extrémité aval vient à dépasser, à un moment donné, les compartiments AIII et CIII restés ouverts, de telle sorte que l'aspiration d'air à travers les ouvertures 71, alors libérées par la première enveloppe, puissent plaquer celle qui vient en second dans la pile contre les bandes 10 et 11, elles-mêmes entraînées en rotation continue et ainsi de suite aussi longtemps que la pile contient des enveloppes et que le mode d'extraction de ces dernières reste inchangé.In the position illustrated in FIG. 9A, all the compartments of the grid are closed, except those marked AIII and CIII, which are open and located in line with the bands 10 and 11 respectively, this opening being obtained by means of an appropriate relative positioning of the distributor 18 inside the selector 17 which, on the contrary, remains fixed relative to the grid. The first envelope 2 in the stack is thus pressed against the strips at the open compartments, the makes the suction of the fan 23 through the openings 71 and the perforations formed in these strips. The latter, closed on themselves and controlled in rotation on their rollers 12, 13 and 14, thus drive the envelope until the upstream end of the latter, in the direction of its movement, is engaged between the belts 25a and 25b driven by the rollers 26 of the outlet conveyor which make it escape the extraction device 8. During this movement of the first envelope, its downstream end comes to exceed, at a given moment, the compartments AIII and CIII remained open, so that the suction of air through the openings 71, then released by the first envelope, can press the one which comes second in the stack against the strips 10 and 11, themselves driven in continuous rotation and so on as long as the stack contains envelopes and the mode of extraction of these remains unchanged.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet également, dans le mode de mise en oeuvre évoqué ci-dessus, de faire varier la distance de recouvrement des enveloppes au fur et à mesure de leur extraction, le distributeur 18 étant dans ce cas déplacé dans le sélecteur 17 de telle sorte que, comme illustré sur les Figures 9B et 9C, soient successivement ouverts, en plus des compartiments AIII et CIII, les compartiments AII et CII; ou encore en même temps que ces derniers, les compartiments AI et CI, ces positions successives du distributeur permettant notamment de plaquer les enveloppes sur les bandes à des instants différents d'une variante à l'autre et par suite de modifier la distance de recouvrement mutuel des enveloppes. En particulier, plus le nombre des compartiments ouverts est élevé, plus le recouvrement des enveloppes est étalé.The device according to the invention also makes it possible, in the embodiment mentioned above, to vary the overlap distance of the envelopes as and when they are removed, the distributor 18 being in this case moved in the selector 17 such that, as illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, are successively open, in addition to the compartments AIII and CIII, the compartments AII and CII; or even at the same time as the latter, the compartments AI and CI, these successive positions of the dispenser making it possible in particular to press the envelopes on the strips at different times from one variant to another and consequently to modify the overlap distance mutual envelopes. In particular, the greater the number of open compartments, the more the covering of the envelopes is spread out.

Les Figures 10 à 12 se rapportent, par opposition à la Figure 9, au cas où les enveloppes doivent cette fois être délivrées une à une et non plus en formation tuilée.Figures 10 to 12 relate, in contrast to Figure 9, to the case where the envelopes must this time be delivered one by one and no longer in tiled formation.

Dans le cas usuel, représenté sur la Figure 10, le distributeur 18 est commandé en rotation à l'intérieur du sélecteur 17 de telle sorte que, à l'inverse de ce qui prévalait dans la variante précédemment décrite, les compartiments 43 de la grille de diffusion 24 selon la ligne B en regard de la zone statique 15 entre les bandes mobiles d'entraînement 10 et 11, soient progressivement ouverts, selon une séquence réalisant successivement l'ouverture des compartiments BI, puis BII et enfin BIII comme illustré respectivement sur les Figures 10A, 10B et 10C, en assurant un plaquage progressif mais de plus en plus accentué de la première enveloppe 2 sur les bandes d'entraînement. Dans l'instant suivant, la poursuite de la rotation du distributeur dans le sélecteur obture les trois compartiments BI, BII, BIII de la zone statique 15, en même temps que se découvrent les compartiments AIII et CIII au droit des bandes, en provoquant alors et comme dans la variante précédente l'entraînement avec celles-ci de l'enveloppe considérée.In the usual case, represented in FIG. 10, the distributor 18 is controlled in rotation inside the selector 17 so that, Contrary to what prevailed in the previously described variant, the compartments 43 of the diffusion grid 24 along the line B opposite the static area 15 between the movable drive bands 10 and 11, are gradually opened, according to a sequence carrying out successively the opening of the compartments BI, then BII and finally BIII as illustrated respectively in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, by ensuring a progressive but increasingly accentuated plating of the first envelope 2 on the drive belts . In the next instant, the continued rotation of the distributor in the selector closes the three compartments BI, BII, BIII of the static zone 15, at the same time as the compartments AIII and CIII are discovered in line with the bands, thereby causing and as in the previous variant the training with these of the envelope considered.

Dans l'hypothèse cependant où, pour une raison quelconque, l'enveloppe ainsi plaquée puis entraînée se trouve décalée latéralement, du fait notamment d'un mauvais positionnement de celle-ci dans la pile, les mouvements relatifs du distributeur vis-à-vis du sélecteur sont agencés de telle sorte que, dans une première phase, soient ouverts les compartiments BI puis BII de la zone statique (voir Figures 11 A et 11B), de façon exactement semblable à celle prévue dans l'exemple précédent, la phase suivante conduisant à l'ouverture des compartiments AII et CII, puis AIII et CIII, en permettant un entraînement de l'enveloppe se produisant à un instant antérieur, avec rattrapage du décalage précédemment observé.In the hypothesis, however, where, for whatever reason, the envelope thus pressed and then driven is offset laterally, due in particular to a poor positioning of the latter in the stack, the relative movements of the dispenser vis-à-vis of the selector are arranged so that, in a first phase, the compartments BI then BII of the static area are opened (see Figures 11 A and 11B), in exactly the same way as that provided in the previous example, the next phase leading to the opening of the compartments AII and CII, then AIII and CIII, allowing a drive of the envelope occurring at an earlier instant, with compensation for the offset previously observed.

Dans le cas où le décalage latéral de l'enveloppe est encore supérieur, la séquence des opérations d'ouverture et de fermeture des divers compartiments de la grille de distribution est conforme aux schémas illustrés sur la Figure 12, avec dans le cas de la Figure 12A ouverture du compartiment BI dans la zone statique 15, puis successivement ouverture des compartiments AI et CI, AII et CII et enfin AIII et CIII dans les zones dynamiques correspondant aux bandes d'entraînement 10 et 11, la première position réalisant le plaquage de l'enveloppe et les trois suivantes l'entraînement de celles-ci.In the case where the lateral offset of the envelope is still greater, the sequence of opening and closing operations of the various compartments of the distribution grid conforms to the diagrams illustrated in Figure 12, with in the case of Figure 12A opening of the compartment BI in the static zone 15, then successively opening of the compartments AI and CI, AII and CII and finally AIII and CIII in the dynamic zones corresponding to the drive belts 10 and 11, the first position carrying out the plating of the 'envelope and the three following the training of these.

De tels décalages, impliquant la mise en oeuvre de l'une quelconque des trois séquences décrites ci-dessus, peuvent être observés a posteriori par la roue codeuse 31, fixée sur son support 32 tangentiellement au plan de dépilage et qui, mise en rotation par la translation des enveloppes, délivre des trains d'impulsions par l'intermédiaire du capteur 46, transmises au poste de commande 29 et également par le détecteur de proximité 57a monté à l'extrémité du conduit coudé 51, en permettant dans ce cas la mise en oeuvre d'un effort d'aspiration complémentaire consécutivement à l'ouverture du clapet 53.Such shifts, implying the implementation of any of the three sequences described above, can be observed a posteriori by the encoder wheel 31, fixed on its support 32 tangentially to the unstacking plane and which, set in rotation by the translation of the envelopes, delivers pulse trains via the sensor 46, transmitted to the control station 29 and also by the proximity detector 57a mounted at the end of the bent conduit 51, allowing in this case the setting using a complementary suction force following the opening of the valve 53.

Dans ce but, l'air aspiré en permanence à travers l'ouverture 57 prévue en aval de la grille de diffusion, dégage de son siège le clapet 53, en permettant d'exercer sur l'enveloppe, lorsqu'elle passe devant cette ouverture, une aspiration complémentaire, notamment lorsque cette enveloppe, trop notablement décalée vers la droite du dispositif, n'a pas été suffisamment déplacée lors de son passage devant la grille de diffusion 24, de telle sorte qu'elle n'atteint pas dans des conditions convenables les courroies 24 et 25 prévues pour entraîner l'enveloppe dans la suite de l'installation.For this purpose, the air permanently sucked through the opening 57 provided downstream of the diffusion grid, releases from its seat the valve 53, allowing to exert on the envelope, when it passes in front of this opening , an additional suction, in particular when this envelope, which is too significantly shifted to the right of the device, has not been sufficiently displaced during its passage in front of the diffusion grid 24, so that it does not reach under conditions suitable belts 24 and 25 provided to drive the envelope in the rest of the installation.

On réalise ainsi un dispositif d'extraction d'objets plats, en particulier d'enveloppes de courrier, à partir d'une pile de tels objets, de conception simple et qui permet dans des conditions parfaitement sûres un dépilage régulier de ces enveloppes, quelles que soient les conditions dans lesquelles ces dernières se présentent devant le dispositif et le mode de dépilage choisi (mode tuilé ou séparation des enveloppes), indépendamment des variations pouvant se produire dans les dimensions, la texture ou le poids de ces enveloppes de l'une à la suivante dans la pile.This produces a device for extracting flat objects, in particular mail envelopes, from a stack of such objects, of simple design and which allows under perfectly safe conditions regular unstacking of these envelopes, whatever whatever the conditions under which they appear before the device and the unstacking mode chosen (tiled mode or separation of the envelopes), regardless of the variations that may occur in the dimensions, texture or weight of these envelopes of one to the next in the stack.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet donc de modifier à la demande le mode de distribution des enveloppes, ces dernières pouvant être séparées ou se recouvrant mutuellement, le dépilage de ces enveloppes pouvant être effectué à très grande cadence, atteignant jusqu'à vingt-deux lettres par seconde, le poids des enveloppes pouvant varier de 3 à 35 g. et leur épaisseur de 0,15 à 5 mm et leur format de 140 à 235 mm en largeur et de 90 à 165 mm en hauteur. La combinaison du distributeur, du sélecteur de la grille de diffusion et du conduit coudé d'aspiration fixe prévu en aval de cette grille dans le sens du déplacement des enveloppes, permet de faire varier à volonté l'endroit où se produit l'aspiration de la première enveloppe dans la pile et sa mise en contact contre les bandes d'entraînement, en faisant varier l'ouverture du faisceau et sa vitesse de balayage, réalisant successivement le prélèvement puis la translation de l'enveloppe, en assurant selon le mode choisi la séparation des enveloppes au fur et à mesure du dépilage ou leur recouvrement partiel.The device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to modify, on demand, the mode of distribution of the envelopes, the latter being able to be separated or overlapping each other, the unstacking of these envelopes being able to be carried out at very high speed, reaching up to twenty-two. letters per second, the weight of the envelopes can vary from 3 to 35 g. and their thickness from 0.15 to 5 mm and their format from 140 to 235 mm in width and 90 to 165 mm in height. The combination of the distributor, the selector of the diffusion grid and the bent fixed suction duct provided downstream of this grid in the direction of movement of the envelopes, makes it possible to vary at will the place where the suction of the first envelope in the stack and its contacting against the drive belts, by varying the opening of the beam and its scanning speed, successively taking the sample and then translating the envelope, ensuring according to the chosen mode separation of the envelopes as they are unstacked or their partial covering.

Bien entendu, il va de soi que l'invention ne se limite pas à l'exemple de réalisation décrit et représenté ci-dessus ; elle en embrasse au contraire toutes les variantes.Of course, it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown above; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

Claims (6)

1 - Dispositif pour l'extraction un à un d'objets plats à partir d'une pile de tels objets, notamment constitués par des enveloppes de courrier (2), comportant un tapis (6) réalisant l'avance de la pile et une rive (7) de taquage latéral de ces objets, ce dispositif étant muni d'un organe d'entraînement, contre lequel s'applique la pile, cet organe étant constitué d'au moins une bande, commandée en rotation continue par des rouleaux d'entraînement (12 à 14), à axes parallèles, la bande présentant une surface perforée pour autoriser un flux d'air aspiré à travers la bande, à plaquer sur celle-ci le premier objet de la pile en le déplaçant alors parallèlement à lui-même avec l'organe d'entraînement, caractérisé en ce que l'organe d'entraînement (9) est constitué de deux bandes parallèles voisines (10 et 11), entraînées en synchronisme sur les rouleaux et séparées, en regard de la pile, par un espace libre intermédiaire (15), en ce qu'un organe de commande (16) est monté entre les rouleaux d'entraînement et mis en liaison avec un ventilateur d'aspiration (23), et en ce que cet organe de commande comporte un sélecteur (17) qui entoure lui-même un distributeur rotatif (18), ce sélecteur étant prévu afin de déplacer à volonté l'endroit où se produit grâce au ventilateur un débit d'air d'aspiration à travers l'organe d'entraînement, notamment au droit de zones déterminées des bandes et dans l'espace libre intermédiaire. 1 - Device for the extraction, one by one, of flat objects from a stack of such objects, in particular constituted by mail envelopes (2), comprising a carpet (6) advancing the stack and a shore (7) for side jogging of these objects, this device being provided with a drive member, against which the battery is applied, this member consisting of at least one strip, controlled in continuous rotation by rollers d drive (12 to 14), with parallel axes, the strip having a perforated surface to allow a flow of air sucked through the strip, to press on it the first object of the stack by moving it parallel to it - even with the drive member, characterized in that the drive member (9) consists of two neighboring parallel bands (10 and 11), driven in synchronism on the rollers and separated, facing the stack , by an intermediate free space (15), in that a control member of (16) is mounted between the drive rollers and connected to a suction fan (23), and in that this control member comprises a selector (17) which itself surrounds a rotary distributor (18 ), this selector being provided in order to move at will the place where, thanks to the ventilator, a flow of suction air occurs through the drive member, in particular at the level of specific zones of the bands and in space free intermediary. 2 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le distributeur comporte un élément tubulaire (18), mobile en rotation autour de son axe (60), asservi au déplacement des bandes (10,11), ce distributeur ajouré axialement, coopérant avec une grille de diffusion fixe (24), munie de compartiments (43) prévus entre le distributeur et le sélecteur et les bandes d'entraînement, cette grille comportant des orifices (71) ménagés au droit de ces bandes. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor comprises a tubular element (18), movable in rotation about its axis (60), slaved to the movement of the strips (10,11), this distributor axially perforated, cooperating with a fixed diffusion grid (24), provided with compartments (43) provided between the distributor and the selector and the drive bands, this grid comprising orifices (71) formed in line with these bands. 3 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le sélecteur (17) comporte un second élément en forme de tube ajouré, monté coaxialement au distributeur et se déplaçant sur celui-ci, afin d'ouvrir ou de fermer en permanence des compartiments (43) voisins mais séparés de la grille de diffusion (24). 3 - Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the selector (17) comprises a second element in the form of a perforated tube, mounted coaxially with the distributor and moving thereon, in order to permanently open or close neighboring compartments (43) but separated from the diffusion grid (24). 4 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le distributeur (18) est raccordé en permanence au ventilateur d'aspiration (23). 4 - Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the distributor (18) is permanently connected to the suction fan (23). 5 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les bandes (10,11) coopèrent, en aval du sélecteur (17), avec un conduit coudé (51) d'aspiration permanente, ce conduit comprenant un clapet de commutation interne (53) en communication directe avec l'intérieur du distributeur. 5 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bands (10,11) cooperate, downstream of the selector (17), with a bent conduit (51) of permanent suction, this conduit comprising an internal switching valve (53) in direct communication with the interior of the dispenser. 6 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un ensemble d'indicateurs logiques, du genre roue à impulsions (31), capteur (57a), détecteur optique (46)..., repérant la position relative des objets délivrés par la pile, pour agir sur l'organe d'entraînement (9). 6 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a set of logic indicators, of the impulse wheel type (31), sensor (57a), optical detector (46) ... , identifying the relative position of the objects delivered by the stack, to act on the drive member (9).
EP19920400876 1991-04-03 1992-03-30 Device for removing flat objects from a pile of such objects, especially for envelopes Expired - Lifetime EP0507661B1 (en)

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FR9104046 1991-04-03
FR9104046A FR2674834B1 (en) 1991-04-03 1991-04-03 DEVICE FOR ONE-TO-ONE EXTRACTION OF FLAT OBJECTS FROM A STACK OF SUCH OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR LETTER ENVELOPES.

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EP0507661A1 true EP0507661A1 (en) 1992-10-07
EP0507661B1 EP0507661B1 (en) 1994-06-08

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FR2721298A1 (en) * 1994-06-20 1995-12-22 Poste Extractor of envelopes from pile
US6123330A (en) * 1995-12-02 2000-09-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method of feeding flat mail for separation by suction of material input
NL1002819C2 (en) * 1996-04-09 1997-10-14 Oce Tech Bv Device for loosening and discharging the top sheet of a stack.
EP0801016A1 (en) * 1996-04-09 1997-10-15 Océ-Technologies B.V. Apparatus for separating and carrying off the topmost sheet of a stack
KR100478335B1 (en) * 1996-04-09 2005-08-23 오세-테크놀로지스 베파우 Top Sheet Separation Transfer Device of Sheet Laminate
US5988626A (en) * 1996-04-09 1999-11-23 Oce-Technologies B.V. Apparatus for separating and carrying off the topmost sheet of a stack
EP0824083A3 (en) * 1996-08-13 1998-09-30 MBO MASCHINENBAU OPPENWEILER BINDER GMBH &amp; CO. Device for removing sheets from a pile and for transporting the sheets away from the pile
EP0824083A2 (en) * 1996-08-13 1998-02-18 MBO MASCHINENBAU OPPENWEILER BINDER GMBH &amp; CO. Device for removing sheets from a pile and for transporting the sheets away from the pile
US6186491B1 (en) * 1998-10-02 2001-02-13 Nec Corporation Sheet feeding apparatus
WO2002060792A2 (en) * 2001-01-30 2002-08-08 Lockheed Martin Corporation Singulation mechanism
WO2002060792A3 (en) * 2001-01-30 2003-04-17 Lockheed Corp Singulation mechanism
EP1403199A2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2004-03-31 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Sheet feeder for a sheet handling machine
EP1403199A3 (en) * 2002-09-27 2005-02-16 Eastman Kodak Company Sheet feeder for a sheet handling machine
CN101434352B (en) * 2007-11-13 2013-04-10 柯尼卡美能达商用科技株式会社 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus provided therewith
NL2003117C2 (en) * 2009-07-02 2011-01-04 Buhrs Zaandam Bv Document seperator and method for the same.
WO2011002297A1 (en) * 2009-07-02 2011-01-06 Buhrs-Zaandam B.V. Document separator and method for the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2674834B1 (en) 1993-07-30
FR2674834A1 (en) 1992-10-09
DE69200177T2 (en) 1994-12-08
DE69200177D1 (en) 1994-07-14
EP0507661B1 (en) 1994-06-08

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