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EP0485932B1 - Device for opening envelopes - Google Patents

Device for opening envelopes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0485932B1
EP0485932B1 EP91119193A EP91119193A EP0485932B1 EP 0485932 B1 EP0485932 B1 EP 0485932B1 EP 91119193 A EP91119193 A EP 91119193A EP 91119193 A EP91119193 A EP 91119193A EP 0485932 B1 EP0485932 B1 EP 0485932B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flap
envelope
cone
axis
drive roller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91119193A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0485932A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Dimur
Jean-Claude Haroutel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0485932A1 publication Critical patent/EP0485932A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0485932B1 publication Critical patent/EP0485932B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43M—BUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M3/00—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes
    • B43M3/04—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes automatic
    • B43M3/045—Devices for inserting documents into envelopes automatic for envelopes with only one flap

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for opening postal envelopes each consisting of a body and a flap connected by a fold, the flap being folded against the body when the envelope is to be opened.
  • This type of device is generally incorporated in a mail processing machine, realizing: loading, then closing, then franking of envelopes. It must open envelopes at a high rate, adapted to that of loading. Its operation must be very reliable, even in the presence of envelopes with small defects such as accidental sticking points between the flap and the body of an envelope, to avoid jamming requiring the machine to stop and intervention of an operator.
  • This device has several drawbacks.
  • the movement of each envelope is discontinuous since it arrives horizontally and departs vertically.
  • the operation of the rollers is itself discontinuous.
  • One of them is mounted on a pivoting arm having a rest position in which the rollers are spaced to allow the arrival of an envelope; and a working position, in which the rollers are clamped and rotate to drive the envelope.
  • this known device is sensitive to the presence of accidental bonding points between the flap and the body of an envelope.
  • the scraper is inserted between the flap and the body of the envelope, there is a risk of tearing the flap, and therefore of jamming.
  • This device needs to be adjusted for each type of casing, because the position of the casing relative to the scraper must be such that the scraper fits securely under the flap, and such that the rollers can tighten the envelope without tightening the flap. If the envelope is smaller, the two rollers may no longer be able to extract it from the chute. If the envelope is larger, the end of the flap may protrude beyond the end of the scraper. In this case, the scraper can never be inserted between the flap and the body of the envelope. The position of the end of the scraper must also be adjusted according to the thickness of the envelopes to be opened. The proper functioning of this known device therefore requires precise adjustments, depending on the dimensions of the envelopes and their flaps.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a device which does not have the drawbacks of this known device.
  • the device thus characterized has a particularly low probability of stuffing because the point of contact of the edge of the flap with the cone moves both on the cone and on the edge of the flap as the envelope is drawn into the device. The contact point moves towards the base of the cone and towards the tip of the flap. As this movement progresses, the flap is separated from the body by the cone. There is no collision.
  • the cone being in contact with the body of the envelope according to one of its generatrices, and being free in rotation, it rolls on this surface, since the envelope moves under the action of the roller d 'training.
  • This rolling movement has the effect of reducing the resistance encountered by the body of the envelope in contact with the cone.
  • the rotation of the cone facilitates the insertion of the cone into the space between the body and the flap, because it increases the relative speed of the surface of the cone relative to the flap, on the contact points of the cone and of the flap. This increase in relative speed reduces the sliding friction of the cone on the surface of the flap, and facilitates the breaking of the accidental bonding points, which clearly reduces the risks of jamming.
  • the axis of rotation of the cone is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope when it is introduced into the device, so that the cone fits into the space created between the flap and the body by presenting its base more than its top.
  • the device thus characterized makes it possible to further reduce the risks of jamming.
  • the radius of curvature of the cone at the point of contact with the flap is increased by the inclination.
  • the displacement of the cone relative to the envelope creates forces directed towards the fold and does not create forces directed in the direction opposite to the fold. So it creates forces that tend to open the flap but do not tend to tear the flap at the fold.
  • the means for spreading further comprise a movable support, provided with a spring, for supporting the cone by applying to it a force directed towards the drive roller, so that during the interval between two openings envelope the cone is brought into contact with the drive roller and is rotated by friction on this roller.
  • the drive roller has, in the area where it is in contact with the cone, a section made of a wear-resistant material.
  • the device thus characterized rotates the cone, during the interval between two envelope openings, which allows the cone to already have a rotational movement when it comes into contact with the body and the flap of an envelope .
  • the cone thus has a greater speed of rotation than if it were provided only by friction on the body of the envelope.
  • An increase in the relative speed of the cone relative to the flap reduces the frictional force on the contact points of the cone and the flap and, therefore, further reduces the risk of jamming.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the arrival of an envelope to be opened and a first step of the opening consisting of arching the body 1 of the envelope, without arching the flap 2, to create a space 9 between the body 1 and the flap 2.
  • the envelope is brought into the device, in a direction represented by the arrow 13, by a transfer device not shown, comprising a chute 4 in the shape of a U.
  • the envelope slides in the chute 4 along the fold 8 connecting the flap 2 to the body 1.
  • the body 1 is inserted between a drive roller 11 and a counter roller 12.
  • the drive roller 11 is driven by a motor not shown, around an axis of rotation E which is parallel to the plane of the body 1 and orthogonal to the fold 8.
  • the drive roller 11 rolls on the side of the envelope where the flap 2 is not folded back.
  • the counter-roller 12 rolls on the side where the flap 2 is folded, without rolling on the latter. .
  • the drive roller 11 has a length such that it rolls over a major part of the surface of the envelope, but not on the region close to the fold 8.
  • the counter-roller 12 is located near the end of the roll 11 which is furthest from the region of the fold 8.
  • a crazy roller 5 is located opposite the drive roller 11, near its end closest to the fold 8, but the roller 11 is not long enough to be able to touch the roller 5.
  • the roller 5 has a edge which rolls on the flap 2 parallel to the fold 8 and near this fold 8.
  • the roller 5 has an axis of rotation G which is parallel to the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11.
  • the diameter of the roller 5 is such that the edge enters the cylindrical volume defined by the straight lines generating the drive roller 11, so that an envelope passing between the drive roller 11 and the roller 5 is not pinched between them but is arched by the end of the roller 11 and by the roller 5 , around an axis approximately parallel to the fold 8.
  • the body 1 undergoes this bending because it is retained by the counter-roller 12.
  • the flap 2 is not retained by the counter-roller 12, it remains approximately flat , therefore a space 9 is created between the body and the flap 2.
  • the flap 2 therefore undergoes an opening beginning according to the arrow 3.
  • the counter-roller 12 is free to rotate about an axis F which is slightly inclined relative to the axis E of the roller 11, in the direction of movement of the casing, so that the counter-roller 12 exerts on the body 1 a force tending to bring it closer to the idler roller (5).
  • the edge of the roller 5 has two parts: a frusto-conical part 6 and a cylindrical part 7. The frusto-conical part 6 is closest to the roller 11.
  • This shape of the edge of the roller 5 allows an envelope to be put back in place under the action of the force exerted by the counter roller 12 in the direction of the roller 5, if the casing moves away from the bottom of the chute 4 and rises on the frustoconical part 6 of the roller 5 instead of remaining in contact with the cylindrical part 7 of its song.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second step in the operation of this same exemplary embodiment, by not representing all the parts for greater clarity.
  • the counter-roller 12 and the chute 4 are not shown.
  • FIG. 2 represents: a cone 20, intended to perfect the opening of the envelope; a first guide 31 in the form of an angle iron, and a second guide 30 in the form of a pin, intended to guide an envelope leaving the device, keeping it open at right angles.
  • the section of the cone 20 through a plane passing through its axis of symmetry C is a triangle having, at the top of the cone, an angle of approximately 30 °.
  • the cone 20 has a vertex 21 which is rounded and which is directed towards the fold 8.
  • the cone 20 is free to rotate about its axis of symmetry C. It is located opposite the drive roller 11, and rolls on the face of the body 1 of the envelope, where the flap 2 is folded back. It is in contact with the body 1 along one of the generatrices of this cone. The friction of the body 1 on the cone 20 causes the latter to rotate. On the other hand, as will appear below, the cone 20 is also rotated, in the same direction, by friction on the drive roller 11 during the interval between the openings of two successive envelopes.
  • the cone 20 enters the space 9 created between the flap 2 and the body 1 by the arching of the body 1 during the first operating step.
  • the cone 20 pushes back the flap 2 by rotating it around the fold 8, according to arrow 3.
  • the opening movement is very gradual because the point of contact of the cone 20 with the edge of the flap 2 moves along this edge .
  • the flap 2 always has a triangle or trapezoid shape, therefore the edge of the flap 2 has a linear shape inclined relative to the fold 8. Because of the inclination of this shape, the contact point moves to the surface of the cone 20 as it approaches its base, as the contact point approaches the top of the flap.
  • the diameter of the cone 20 increasing towards its base, the cone 20 therefore spreads more and more the edge of the flap 2 relative to the body 1, smoothly.
  • the axis of symmetry and rotation C makes an angle of about 17 °, with respect to an oxz plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope when it is brought into the device, so that the cone 20 is inserted into the space 9 presenting its base more before its summit 21 , vis-à-vis the space 9.
  • the radius of curvature of the cone 20 at the point of contact with the flap 2 is greater, which reduces the pressure on these contact points and therefore reduces the risk of tearing.
  • the frictional force of the cone 20 on the flap 2 tends to move the latter in the direction of the roller 5, while, if the inclination of the cone 20 was reversed, that is to say if the cone 20 was inserted in the space 9 with the apex 21 in front, the friction of the cone 20 on the flap 2 would tend to move the flap 2 away from the roller 5 by pulling on the fold 8 and could therefore cause a tear in the flap 2 in some cases where the flap would resist opening due to incidental sticking points.
  • the axis C of symmetry and rotation of the cone 20 is inclined about 17 ° relative to a plane oyz coincident with the plane of the envelope when it is brought into the device. This inclination makes it possible to make the cone 20 tangent to the body 1 of the envelope according to one of the generatrices of the cone 20, in order to press the cone 20 as far as possible against the body 1. It therefore has the maximum chance of fitting into space 9 created by bending.
  • the end of the guides 31 and 30 is close to the cone 20, so that they take over from the cone 20 to keep the envelope open.
  • the guide 31 is formed by two walls constituting an angle, so that its concave part can match the convex part of a right angle formed by the body 1 and the flap 2 of the open envelope.
  • the guide 30 has the shape of a spindle consisting of a cylindrical rod terminated by a rounded conical tip 32, to penetrate into the space 9 following the cone 20 and maintain the opening obtained by the cone 20. This opening is close to 90 °, relative to the body 1.
  • the body 1 of the envelope slides between a wall of the guide 31 and the guide 30; while the flap 2 slides between the other wall of the guide 31, and the guide 30.
  • the guide 31 and the guide 30 guide the envelope in translation, while keeping it open, in a direction represented by the arrow 19 and which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11.
  • this direction is in the extension of the guide direction of the chute 4 at the entrance to the device, this latter direction being represented by the arrow 13.
  • FIG. 3 represents a more detailed front view of this exemplary embodiment, with all the parts and an envelope which is about to be opened.
  • the envelope is brought in the direction of translation represented by the arrow 13, along the chute 4, by means of two drive rollers 50 and 51, driven by a motor not shown.
  • one of the sides of the chute 4, the side located closest to the drive roller 11, has an enlarged surface near the roller 11 to constitute a deflector 47.
  • This deflector 47 guides the face of the envelope, where the flap 2 is not folded, so that it is tangent to the surface of the roller 11.
  • the other flank ends in a sharp cut 48, a little before the roller 11 so as not to hinder the opening of the flap 2 of an envelope.
  • the drive roller 11 consists of three superimposed parts having the same diameter: a rubber part 26, because it is located opposite the counter-roller 12 and it must adhere to each envelope to train him; a part 27 made of a wear-resistant material, situated opposite the base of the cone 20, this base rubbing against the part 27 during the interval separating two envelope openings; and a part 28 of aluminum treated to be hard on the surface, this part 28 having only a role of guiding the envelope.
  • the end of the drive roller 11, on the side of the idler roller 5, has a flat face 33 secured to a drive shaft 29.
  • This flat face 33 is at a certain distance from the flat face of the roller 5 most close, which allows the body 1 and the flap of the envelope to pass between the roller 5 and the roller 11, without being tight, but by arching the body 1.
  • the counter-roller 12 is supported by an arm 44 pivoting around a fixed axis 43 which is a cylinder whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the axis E of the roller 11.
  • the arm 44 applies the counter-roller 12 in direction of the part 26 of the roller 11, under the action of a pin spring 42 having one end in abutment on a lug of the arm 44, and another end in abutment on a fixed arm 40.
  • the cone 20 is supported by an arm 45 also pivoting about the fixed axis 43.
  • the arm 45 applies the cone 20 in the direction of the part 27 of the drive roller 11, under the action of a pin spring 41 having one end in abutment on a lug of the arm 45, and another end abutment on the fixed arm 40.
  • the height of the arms 44 and 45, and associated springs 41 and 42, is such that these elements do not hinder the passage of the tip of the flap 2 during the opening of the envelope.
  • This figure also shows the inclination, of approximately 17 °, of the axis C of the cone 20 relative to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope, when it is brought into the device.
  • FIG. 4 represents a top view of this exemplary embodiment, with all of its parts, but without an envelope.
  • the arm 44 is separated so that the counter-roller 12 does not impede the visibility of the cone 20 and the roller 5.
  • the drive rollers 50 and 51 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the chute 4 located at the entrance to the device.
  • the guides 30 and 31 are located in the extension of the chute 4.
  • FIG. 4 shows the relative arrangement of the axes C, E, G respectively of the cone, of the drive roller 11, and of the idler roller 5. It appears that the axis C of the cone 20 and the axis G of the roller 5 are located on either side of a plane perpendicular to the plane of an envelope brought into the device, and passing through the axis E of the drive roller 11. During normal operation of the device, the arm 44 carrying the counter -roll 12 is brought towards the roller 11 by the spring 41. The axis F of the counter-roller 12 then occupies a position which is represented by the point F 'in FIG. 4, and which is located in the plane of the arm 44 .
  • this point F ' is located near the axis C of the cone 20, that is to say on the same side as the axis C with respect to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope and passing through the axis E.
  • This arrangement of the axis of rotation G of the idler 5, and of the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11 has the effect of slightly arching the body of an envelope around the axis E. This bending facilitates the creation of the space 9, shown in the previous figures, between the flap 2 and the body 1 of an envelope.
  • Figure 5 shows a side view of this embodiment, more detailed, with a section along the view direction VV.
  • the envelope is represented at the moment when the cone 20 enters the space 9 created between the body 1 and the flap 2 by the bending which the idler roller 5 collaborates with the drive roller 11.
  • the envelope is driven in the direction indicated by arrow 13, that is to say moving away from the observer.
  • This figure also shows the bending produced by the counter-roller 12, the drive roller 11 and the roller 5, bending which appears in particular on the top of the figure: part of the body 1 is not perpendicular to the plane of the figure because of this bending around the axis E of the roller 11.
  • the flap 2 has a triangular shape.
  • the edge of the flap 2 is in contact with the cone 20 at a contact point 52.
  • the point 52 moves both on the cone 20 and on the edge of the flap 2 as the envelope is driven in the device.
  • Point 52 moves towards the tip of the flap 2 and it moves towards the base of the cone 20.
  • the flap 2 is moved away from the body 1 by the cone 20 without it there is the slightest collision during this movement. There is therefore very little risk of tearing.
  • the region of the cone 20 located near the drive roller 11 includes a generator 49 which is tangent to the surface of the body 1.
  • the cone 20 shaves the surface of the body 1 and has all the chances of entering the space 9 between the flap 2 and the body 1.

Landscapes

  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif pour ouvrir des enveloppes postales constituées chacune d'un corps et d'un rabat reliés par un pli, le rabat étant replié contre le corps lorsque l'enveloppe est à ouvrir. Ce type de dispositif est incorporé généralement dans une machine de traitement de courrier, réalisant : un chargement, puis une fermeture, puis un affranchissement des enveloppes. Il doit ouvrir des enveloppes à une cadence élevée, adaptée à celle du chargement. Son fonctionnement doit être très fiable, même en présence d'enveloppes comportant des petits défauts tels que des points de collage accidentel entre le rabat et le corps d'une enveloppe, pour éviter un bourrage nécessitant l'arrêt de la machine et l'intervention d'un opérateur.The invention relates to a device for opening postal envelopes each consisting of a body and a flap connected by a fold, the flap being folded against the body when the envelope is to be opened. This type of device is generally incorporated in a mail processing machine, realizing: loading, then closing, then franking of envelopes. It must open envelopes at a high rate, adapted to that of loading. Its operation must be very reliable, even in the presence of envelopes with small defects such as accidental sticking points between the flap and the body of an envelope, to avoid jamming requiring the machine to stop and intervention of an operator.

La demande de brevet français n°2 598 975 décrit un dispositif pour ouvrir des enveloppes, comportant :

  • un convoyeur pour apporter des enveloppes le long d'une goulotte horizontale, le pli de chaque enveloppe glissant le long de cette goulotte;
  • des rouleaux pour extraire une enveloppe de la goulotte, selon un chemin vertical;
  • un racleur fixe, parallèle aux axes des rouleaux, coopérant avec les rouleaux pour cambrer le corps d'une enveloppe sans cambrer le rabat, afin de créer un espace entre le corps et le rabat, puis s'insérant dans cet espace et faisant pivoter le rabat de 180°, grâce au mouvement de translation de l'enveloppe par rapport au racleur;
  • des moyens pour emporter une enveloppe en la maintenant ouverte, après qu'elle soit sortie des rouleaux.
French patent application No. 2,598,975 describes a device for opening envelopes, comprising:
  • a conveyor for bringing envelopes along a horizontal chute, the fold of each envelope sliding along this chute;
  • rollers for extracting an envelope from the chute, along a vertical path;
  • a fixed scraper, parallel to the axes of the rollers, cooperating with the rollers to camber the body of an envelope without arching the flap, in order to create a space between the body and the flap, then inserting into this space and rotating the 180 ° flap, thanks to the translational movement of the envelope relative to the scraper;
  • means for carrying an envelope while keeping it open, after it has come out of the rollers.

Ce dispositif a plusieurs inconvénients. Le mouvement de chaque enveloppe est discontinu puisqu'elle arrive horizontalement et repart verticalement. Le fonctionnement des rouleaux est, lui-même, discontinu. L'un d'eux est monté sur un bras pivotant ayant une position de repos dans laquelle les rouleaux sont espacés pour permettre l'arrivée d'une enveloppe; et une position de travail, dans laquelle les rouleaux sont serrés et tournent pour entraîner l'enveloppe. Ces discontinuités de mouvement limitent la cadence de fonctionnement du dispositif.This device has several drawbacks. The movement of each envelope is discontinuous since it arrives horizontally and departs vertically. The operation of the rollers is itself discontinuous. One of them is mounted on a pivoting arm having a rest position in which the rollers are spaced to allow the arrival of an envelope; and a working position, in which the rollers are clamped and rotate to drive the envelope. These discontinuities of movement limit the rate of operation of the device.

L'action du racleur écartant le rabat du corps de l'enveloppe et le faisant pivoter de 180°, est très brutale car le racleur heurte le fond du pli reliant le rabat au corps de l'enveloppe, avant que le rabat ne se mette à pivoter.The action of the scraper spreading the flap from the body of the envelope and rotating it 180 °, is very brutal because the scraper strikes the bottom of the fold connecting the flap to the body of the envelope, before the flap starts to rotate.

En outre, ce dispositif connu est sensible à la présence de points de collage accidentel entre le rabat et le corps d'une enveloppe. Au moment où le racleur s'insère entre le rabat et le corps de l'enveloppe, il y a un risque de déchirure du rabat, et donc de bourrage.In addition, this known device is sensitive to the presence of accidental bonding points between the flap and the body of an envelope. When the scraper is inserted between the flap and the body of the envelope, there is a risk of tearing the flap, and therefore of jamming.

Ce dispositif nécessite d'être réglé pour chaque type d'enveloppe, car la position de l'enveloppe par rapport au racleur doit être telle que le racleur s'insère de manière certaine sous le rabat, et telle que les rouleaux puissent serrer l'enveloppe sans serrer le rabat. Si l'enveloppe est de taille plus réduite, les deux rouleaux risquent de ne plus pouvoir l'extraire de la goulotte. Si l'enveloppe est de taille plus grande, l'extrémité du rabat risque de dépasser l'extrémité du racleur. Dans ce cas, le racleur ne pourra jamais s'insérer entre le rabat et le corps de l'enveloppe. La position de l'extrémité du racleur doit être réglée aussi en fonction de l'épaisseur des enveloppes à ouvrir. Le bon fonctionnement de ce dispositif connu nécessite donc des réglages précis, en fonction des dimensions des enveloppes et de leurs rabats.This device needs to be adjusted for each type of casing, because the position of the casing relative to the scraper must be such that the scraper fits securely under the flap, and such that the rollers can tighten the envelope without tightening the flap. If the envelope is smaller, the two rollers may no longer be able to extract it from the chute. If the envelope is larger, the end of the flap may protrude beyond the end of the scraper. In this case, the scraper can never be inserted between the flap and the body of the envelope. The position of the end of the scraper must also be adjusted according to the thickness of the envelopes to be opened. The proper functioning of this known device therefore requires precise adjustments, depending on the dimensions of the envelopes and their flaps.

Le fait que la direction de sortie des enveloppes ouvertes est perpendiculaire à la direction d'arrivée des enveloppes à ouvrir complique l'intégration de ce dispositif dans une machine de traitement de courrier, parce qu'il ne peut être intégré à un poste classique de transfert, dans lequel les enveloppes suivent une direction constante.The fact that the direction of exit of the open envelopes is perpendicular to the direction of arrival of the envelopes to be opened complicates the integration of this device into a mail processing machine, because it cannot be integrated into a conventional mailing station. transfer, in which the envelopes follow a constant direction.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif qui n'ait pas les inconvénients de ce dispositif connu.The object of the invention is to propose a device which does not have the drawbacks of this known device.

L'objet de l'invention est un dispositif pour ouvrir des enveloppes constituées chacune d'un corps et d'un rabat reliés par un pli, le rabat étant replié contre le corps lorsque l'enveloppe est à ouvrir; comportant :

  • des moyens pour apporter des enveloppes à ouvrir;
  • des moyens pour cambrer le corps d'une enveloppe sans cambrer le rabat afin de créer un espace entre le corps et le rabat;
  • des moyens pour écarter le rabat du corps en s'insérant dans cet espace;
  • des moyens pour emporter une enveloppe en la maintenant ouverte;
   caractérisé en ce que les moyens pour écarter le rabat et le corps comportent un cône, libre en rotation autour de son axe de symétrie, et roulant sur la face, du corps de l'enveloppe, où est replié le rabat, en étant en contact avec le corps de l'enveloppe selon l'une des génératrices de ce cône; et en ce que le sommet du cône est arrondi et est dirigé vers le pli.The object of the invention is a device for opening envelopes each consisting of a body and a flap connected by a fold, the flap being folded against the body when the envelope is to be opened; comprising:
  • means for bringing envelopes to be opened;
  • means for arching the body of an envelope without arching the flap to create a space between the body and the flap;
  • means for moving the flap away from the body by inserting it into this space;
  • means for carrying an envelope while keeping it open;
characterized in that the means for spreading the flap and the body comprise a cone, free to rotate about its axis of symmetry, and rolling on the face, of the body of the envelope, where the flap is folded, being in contact with the body of the envelope according to one of the generatrices of this cone; and in that the top of the cone is rounded and is directed towards the fold.

Le dispositif ainsi caractérisé a une probabilité de bourrage particulièrement faible car le point de contact du bord du rabat avec le cône se déplace à la fois sur le cône et sur le bord du rabat au fur et à mesure que l'enveloppe est entraînée dans le dispositif. Le point de contact se déplace vers la base du cône et vers la pointe du rabat. Au fur et à mesure de ce déplacement le rabat est écarté du corps par le cône. Il n'y a pas de heurt.The device thus characterized has a particularly low probability of stuffing because the point of contact of the edge of the flap with the cone moves both on the cone and on the edge of the flap as the envelope is drawn into the device. The contact point moves towards the base of the cone and towards the tip of the flap. As this movement progresses, the flap is separated from the body by the cone. There is no collision.

D'autre part, le cône étant en contact avec le corps de l'enveloppe selon l'une de ses génératrices, et étant libre en rotation, il roule sur cette surface, puisque l'enveloppe se déplace sous l'action du rouleau d'entraînement. Ce mouvement de roulement a pour effet de diminuer la résistance rencontrée par le corps de l'enveloppe au contact du cône. D'autre part, la rotation du cône facilite l'insertion du cône dans l'espace entre le corps et le rabat, car il augmente la vitesse relative de la surface du cône par rapport au rabat, sur les points de contact du cône et du rabat. Cette augmentation de vitesse relative réduit le frottement de glissement du cône à la surface du rabat, et facilite la rupture des points de collage accidentel, ce qui diminue nettement les risques de bourrage.On the other hand, the cone being in contact with the body of the envelope according to one of its generatrices, and being free in rotation, it rolls on this surface, since the envelope moves under the action of the roller d 'training. This rolling movement has the effect of reducing the resistance encountered by the body of the envelope in contact with the cone. On the other hand, the rotation of the cone facilitates the insertion of the cone into the space between the body and the flap, because it increases the relative speed of the surface of the cone relative to the flap, on the contact points of the cone and of the flap. This increase in relative speed reduces the sliding friction of the cone on the surface of the flap, and facilitates the breaking of the accidental bonding points, which clearly reduces the risks of jamming.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'axe de rotation du cône est incliné par rapport à un plan orthogonal au plan de l'enveloppe lorsqu'elle est introduite dans le dispositif, de telle sorte que le cône s'insère dans l'espace créé entre le rabat et le corps en présentant sa base plus avant que son sommet.According to another characteristic, the axis of rotation of the cone is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope when it is introduced into the device, so that the cone fits into the space created between the flap and the body by presenting its base more than its top.

Le dispositif ainsi caractérisé permet de réduire encore plus les risques de bourrage. Le rayon de courbure du cône au point de contact avec le rabat est augmenté par l'inclinaison. En outre, en cas de résistance due à des points de collage accidentel, le déplacement du cône relativement à l'enveloppe crée des forces dirigées vers le pli et ne crée pas de forces dirigées dans la direction opposée au pli. Donc il crée des forces qui tendent à ouvrir le rabat mais ne tendent pas à déchirer le rabat au niveau du pli.The device thus characterized makes it possible to further reduce the risks of jamming. The radius of curvature of the cone at the point of contact with the flap is increased by the inclination. In addition, in the event of resistance due to accidental sticking points, the displacement of the cone relative to the envelope creates forces directed towards the fold and does not create forces directed in the direction opposite to the fold. So it creates forces that tend to open the flap but do not tend to tear the flap at the fold.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens pour écarter comportent en outre un support mobile, muni d'un ressort, pour supporter le cône en lui appliquant une force dirigée vers le rouleau d'entraînement, de telle sorte que pendant l'intervalle entre deux ouvertures d'enveloppe le cône est ramené en contact avec le rouleau d'entraînement et est mis en rotation par frottement sur ce rouleau. Le rouleau d'entraînement comporte, dans la zone où il est en contact avec le cône, un tronçon constitué d'une matière résistant à l'usure.According to another characteristic, the means for spreading further comprise a movable support, provided with a spring, for supporting the cone by applying to it a force directed towards the drive roller, so that during the interval between two openings envelope the cone is brought into contact with the drive roller and is rotated by friction on this roller. The drive roller has, in the area where it is in contact with the cone, a section made of a wear-resistant material.

Le dispositif ainsi caractérisé met en rotation le cône, pendant l'intervalle entre deux ouvertures d'enveloppe, ce qui permet au cône d'avoir déjà un mouvement de rotation lorsqu'il entre en contact avec le corps et le rabat d'une enveloppe. Le cône a ainsi une vitesse de rotation plus importante que si elle était fournie uniquement par le frottement sur le corps de l'enveloppe. Une augmentation de la vitesse relative du cône par rapport au rabat, réduit la force de frottement sur les points de contact du cône et du rabat et, par conséquent, diminue encore le risque de bourrage.The device thus characterized rotates the cone, during the interval between two envelope openings, which allows the cone to already have a rotational movement when it comes into contact with the body and the flap of an envelope . The cone thus has a greater speed of rotation than if it were provided only by friction on the body of the envelope. An increase in the relative speed of the cone relative to the flap, reduces the frictional force on the contact points of the cone and the flap and, therefore, further reduces the risk of jamming.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres caractéristiques apparaîtront à l'aide de la description, ci-dessous, d'un exemple de réalisation et à l'aide des figures l'accompagnant :

  • les figures 1 et 2 illustrent le fonctionnement de cet exemple de réalisation, en omettant de représenter certaines pièces, pour plus de clarté;
  • la figure 3 représente une vue de face de cet exemple de réalisation, avec toutes ses pièces;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus de cet exemple de réalisation, avec toutes ses pièces, mais l'une de celles-ci étant écartée pour améliorer la visibilité des autres pièces;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue de côté de cet exemple de réalisation, avec une coupe.
The invention will be better understood and other characteristics will appear from the description below of an exemplary embodiment and from the accompanying figures:
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the operation of this embodiment, omitting to represent certain parts, for clarity;
  • FIG. 3 represents a front view of this exemplary embodiment, with all of its parts;
  • FIG. 4 represents a top view of this exemplary embodiment, with all of its parts, but one of these being discarded to improve the visibility of the other parts;
  • FIG. 5 represents a side view of this exemplary embodiment, with a section.

La figure 1 illustre l'arrivée d'une enveloppe à ouvrir et une première étape de l'ouverture consistant à cambrer le corps 1 de l'enveloppe, sans cambrer le rabat 2, pour créer un espace 9 entre le corps 1 et le rabat 2. L'enveloppe est apportée dans le dispositif, selon une direction représentée par la flèche 13, par un dispositif de transfert non représenté, comportant une goulotte 4 en forme de U. L'enveloppe glisse dans la goulotte 4 le long du pli 8 reliant le rabat 2 au corps 1.Figure 1 illustrates the arrival of an envelope to be opened and a first step of the opening consisting of arching the body 1 of the envelope, without arching the flap 2, to create a space 9 between the body 1 and the flap 2. The envelope is brought into the device, in a direction represented by the arrow 13, by a transfer device not shown, comprising a chute 4 in the shape of a U. The envelope slides in the chute 4 along the fold 8 connecting the flap 2 to the body 1.

Le corps 1 est inséré entre un rouleau d'entraînement 11 et un contre-rouleau 12. Le rouleau d'entraînement 11 est mû par un moteur non représenté, autour d'un axe de rotation E qui est parallèle au plan du corps 1 et orthogonal au pli 8. Le rouleau d'entraînement 11 roule sur la face de l'enveloppe où n'est pas replié le rabat 2. Le contre-rouleau 12 roule sur la face où est replié le rabat 2, sans rouler sur ce dernier. Le rouleau d'entraînement 11 a une longueur telle qu'il roule sur une majeure partie de la surface de l'enveloppe, mais pas sur la région proche du pli 8. Le contre-rouleau 12 est situé à proximité de l'extrémité du rouleau 11 qui est la plus éloignée de la région du pli 8. Un galet fou 5 est situé en vis-à-vis du rouleau d'entraînement 11, a proximité de son extrémité la plus proche du pli 8, mais le rouleau 11 n'est pas assez long pour pouvoir toucher le galet 5. Le galet 5 a un chant qui roule sur le rabat 2 parallèlement au pli 8 et à proximité de ce pli 8.The body 1 is inserted between a drive roller 11 and a counter roller 12. The drive roller 11 is driven by a motor not shown, around an axis of rotation E which is parallel to the plane of the body 1 and orthogonal to the fold 8. The drive roller 11 rolls on the side of the envelope where the flap 2 is not folded back. The counter-roller 12 rolls on the side where the flap 2 is folded, without rolling on the latter. . The drive roller 11 has a length such that it rolls over a major part of the surface of the envelope, but not on the region close to the fold 8. The counter-roller 12 is located near the end of the roll 11 which is furthest from the region of the fold 8. A crazy roller 5 is located opposite the drive roller 11, near its end closest to the fold 8, but the roller 11 is not long enough to be able to touch the roller 5. The roller 5 has a edge which rolls on the flap 2 parallel to the fold 8 and near this fold 8.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, le galet 5 a un axe de rotation G qui est parallèle à l'axe de rotation E du rouleau d'entraînement 11. Le diamètre du galet 5 est tel que le chant pénètre dans le volume cylindrique défini par les droites génératrices du rouleau d'entraînement 11, de telle sorte qu'une enveloppe passant entre le rouleau d'entraînement 11 et le galet 5 n'est pas pincée entre eux mais est cambrée par l'extrémité du rouleau 11 et par le galet 5, autour d'un axe approximativement parallèle au pli 8. Le corps 1 subit ce cambrage parce qu'il est retenu par le contre-rouleau 12. Le rabat 2 n'est pas retenu par le contre-rouleau 12, il reste approximativement plan, par conséquent un espace 9 est créé entre le corps et le rabat 2. Le rabat 2 subit donc un début d'ouverture selon la flèche 3. L'enveloppe étant entraînée par le rouleau 11, elle met en rotation le galet 5, celui-ci oppose donc une résistance minimale, pendant cet amorçage de l'ouverture de l'enveloppe.In this exemplary embodiment, the roller 5 has an axis of rotation G which is parallel to the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11. The diameter of the roller 5 is such that the edge enters the cylindrical volume defined by the straight lines generating the drive roller 11, so that an envelope passing between the drive roller 11 and the roller 5 is not pinched between them but is arched by the end of the roller 11 and by the roller 5 , around an axis approximately parallel to the fold 8. The body 1 undergoes this bending because it is retained by the counter-roller 12. The flap 2 is not retained by the counter-roller 12, it remains approximately flat , therefore a space 9 is created between the body and the flap 2. The flap 2 therefore undergoes an opening beginning according to the arrow 3. The envelope being driven by the roller 11, it rotates the roller 5, that -this therefore offers minimal resistance, during this initiation of the opening of the envelope.

Le contre-rouleau 12 est libre en rotation autour d'un axe F qui est légèrement incliné par rapport à l'axe E du rouleau 11, dans la direction de déplacement de l'enveloppe, de telle sorte que le contre-rouleau 12 exerce sur le corps 1 une force tendant à le rapprocher du galet fou (5). Le chant du galet 5 comporte deux parties : une partie tronconique 6 et une partie cylindrique 7. La partie tronconique 6 est la plus proche du rouleau 11. Cette forme du chant du galet 5 permet à une enveloppe de se remettre en place, sous l'action de la force exercée par le contre-rouleau 12 en direction du galet 5, si jamais l'enveloppe s'éloigne du fond de la goulotte 4 et monte sur la partie tronconique 6 du galet 5 au lieu de rester en contact avec la partie cylindrique 7 de son chant.The counter-roller 12 is free to rotate about an axis F which is slightly inclined relative to the axis E of the roller 11, in the direction of movement of the casing, so that the counter-roller 12 exerts on the body 1 a force tending to bring it closer to the idler roller (5). The edge of the roller 5 has two parts: a frusto-conical part 6 and a cylindrical part 7. The frusto-conical part 6 is closest to the roller 11. This shape of the edge of the roller 5 allows an envelope to be put back in place under the action of the force exerted by the counter roller 12 in the direction of the roller 5, if the casing moves away from the bottom of the chute 4 and rises on the frustoconical part 6 of the roller 5 instead of remaining in contact with the cylindrical part 7 of its song.

La figure 2 illustre une seconde étape du fonctionnement de ce même exemple de réalisation, en ne représentant pas toutes les pièces pour plus de clarté. Le contre-rouleau 12 et la goulotte 4 ne sont pas représentés. Par contre, la figure 2 représente : un cône 20, destiné à parfaire l'ouverture de l'enveloppe; un premier guide 31 en forme de cornière, et un second guide 30 en forme de broche, destinés à guider une enveloppe sortant du dispositif, en la maintenant ouverte à angle droit.FIG. 2 illustrates a second step in the operation of this same exemplary embodiment, by not representing all the parts for greater clarity. The counter-roller 12 and the chute 4 are not shown. On the other hand, FIG. 2 represents: a cone 20, intended to perfect the opening of the envelope; a first guide 31 in the form of an angle iron, and a second guide 30 in the form of a pin, intended to guide an envelope leaving the device, keeping it open at right angles.

La section du cône 20 par un plan passant par son axe de symétrie C est un triangle ayant, au sommet du cône, un angle de 30° environ. Le cône 20 a un sommet 21 qui est arrondi et qui est dirigé vers le pli 8.Le cône 20 est libre en rotation autour de son axe de symétrie C. Il est situé en vis-à-vis du rouleau d'entraînement 11, et roule sur la face du corps 1 de l'enveloppe, où est replié le rabat 2. Il est en contact avec le corps 1 selon l'une des génératrices de ce cône. Le frottement du corps 1 sur le cône 20 entraîne ce dernier en rotation. D'autre part, comme il apparaîtra plus loin, le cône 20 est aussi mis en rotation, dans le même sens, par frottement sur le rouleau d'entraînement 11 pendant l'intervalle entre les ouvertures de deux enveloppes successives.The section of the cone 20 through a plane passing through its axis of symmetry C is a triangle having, at the top of the cone, an angle of approximately 30 °. The cone 20 has a vertex 21 which is rounded and which is directed towards the fold 8. The cone 20 is free to rotate about its axis of symmetry C. It is located opposite the drive roller 11, and rolls on the face of the body 1 of the envelope, where the flap 2 is folded back. It is in contact with the body 1 along one of the generatrices of this cone. The friction of the body 1 on the cone 20 causes the latter to rotate. On the other hand, as will appear below, the cone 20 is also rotated, in the same direction, by friction on the drive roller 11 during the interval between the openings of two successive envelopes.

Le cône 20 pénètre dans l'espace 9 créé entre le rabat 2 et le corps 1 par le cambrage du corps 1 au cours de la première étape de fonctionnement. Le cône 20 repousse le rabat 2 en le faisant pivoter autour du pli 8, selon la flèche 3. Le mouvement d'ouverture est très progressif car le point de contact du cône 20 avec le bord du rabat 2 se déplace le long de ce bord. Le rabat 2 a toujours une forme de triangle ou de trapèze, par conséquent le bord du rabat 2 a une forme linéaire inclinée par rapport au pli 8. A cause de l'inclinaison de cette forme, le point de contact se déplace à la surface du cône 20 en se rapprochant de sa base, au fur et à mesure que le point de contact se rapproche du sommet du rabat. Le diamètre du cône 20 augmentant vers sa base, le cône 20 écarte donc de plus en plus le bord du rabat 2 par rapport au corps 1, sans heurt.The cone 20 enters the space 9 created between the flap 2 and the body 1 by the arching of the body 1 during the first operating step. The cone 20 pushes back the flap 2 by rotating it around the fold 8, according to arrow 3. The opening movement is very gradual because the point of contact of the cone 20 with the edge of the flap 2 moves along this edge . The flap 2 always has a triangle or trapezoid shape, therefore the edge of the flap 2 has a linear shape inclined relative to the fold 8. Because of the inclination of this shape, the contact point moves to the surface of the cone 20 as it approaches its base, as the contact point approaches the top of the flap. The diameter of the cone 20 increasing towards its base, the cone 20 therefore spreads more and more the edge of the flap 2 relative to the body 1, smoothly.

L'axe de symétrie et de rotation C fait un angle d'environ 17°, par rapport à un plan oxz orthogonal au plan de l'enveloppe lorsqu'elle est apportée dans le dispositif, de telle sorte que le cône 20 s'insère dans l'espace 9 en présentant sa base plus avant que son sommet 21, vis-à-vis de l'espace 9. Ainsi le rayon de courbure du cône 20 au point de contact avec le rabat 2 est plus important, ce qui réduit la pression sur ces points de contact et donc réduit le risque de déchirure. D'autre part, la force de frottement du cône 20 sur le rabat 2 tend à déplacer celui-ci en direction du galet 5, alors que, si l'inclinaison du cône 20 était inversée, c'est-à-dire si le cône 20 s'insérait dans l'espace 9 avec le sommet 21 en avant, le frottement du cône 20 sur le rabat 2 tendrait à éloigner le rabat 2 du galet 5 en tirant sur le pli 8 et pourrait donc provoquer une déchirure du rabat 2 dans certains cas où le rabat résisterait à l'ouverture, à cause de points de collage incidentels.The axis of symmetry and rotation C makes an angle of about 17 °, with respect to an oxz plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope when it is brought into the device, so that the cone 20 is inserted into the space 9 presenting its base more before its summit 21 , vis-à-vis the space 9. Thus the radius of curvature of the cone 20 at the point of contact with the flap 2 is greater, which reduces the pressure on these contact points and therefore reduces the risk of tearing. On the other hand, the frictional force of the cone 20 on the flap 2 tends to move the latter in the direction of the roller 5, while, if the inclination of the cone 20 was reversed, that is to say if the cone 20 was inserted in the space 9 with the apex 21 in front, the friction of the cone 20 on the flap 2 would tend to move the flap 2 away from the roller 5 by pulling on the fold 8 and could therefore cause a tear in the flap 2 in some cases where the flap would resist opening due to incidental sticking points.

L'axe C de symétrie et de rotation du cône 20 est incliné d'environ 17° par rapport à un plan oyz confondu avec le plan de l'enveloppe lorsqu'elle est apportée dans le dispositif. Cette inclinaison permet de rendre le cône 20 tangent au corps 1 de l'enveloppe selon l'une des génératrices du cône 20, pour plaquer au maximum le cône 20 contre le corps 1. Il a ainsi le maximum de chances de s'insérer dans l'espace 9 créé par le cambrage.The axis C of symmetry and rotation of the cone 20 is inclined about 17 ° relative to a plane oyz coincident with the plane of the envelope when it is brought into the device. This inclination makes it possible to make the cone 20 tangent to the body 1 of the envelope according to one of the generatrices of the cone 20, in order to press the cone 20 as far as possible against the body 1. It therefore has the maximum chance of fitting into space 9 created by bending.

L'extrémité des guides 31 et 30 est proche du cône 20, de telle sorte qu'ils prennent le relai du cône 20 pour maintenir ouverte l'enveloppe. Le guide 31 est formé de deux parois constituant une cornière, de telle sorte que sa partie concave peut épouser la partie convexe d'un angle droit formé par le corps 1 et le rabat 2 de l'enveloppe ouverte. Le guide 30 a la forme d'une broche constituée d'une tige cylindrique terminée par une pointe conique arrondie 32, pour pénétrer dans l'espace 9 à la suite du cône 20 et maintenir l'ouverture obtenue par le cône 20. Cette ouverture est proche de 90°, par rapport au corps 1.The end of the guides 31 and 30 is close to the cone 20, so that they take over from the cone 20 to keep the envelope open. The guide 31 is formed by two walls constituting an angle, so that its concave part can match the convex part of a right angle formed by the body 1 and the flap 2 of the open envelope. The guide 30 has the shape of a spindle consisting of a cylindrical rod terminated by a rounded conical tip 32, to penetrate into the space 9 following the cone 20 and maintain the opening obtained by the cone 20. This opening is close to 90 °, relative to the body 1.

Le corps 1 de l'enveloppe glisse entre une paroi du guide 31, et le guide 30; alors que le rabat 2 glisse entre l'autre paroi du guide 31, et le guide 30.The body 1 of the envelope slides between a wall of the guide 31 and the guide 30; while the flap 2 slides between the other wall of the guide 31, and the guide 30.

Le guide 31 et le guide 30 guident l'enveloppe en translation, en la maintenant ouverte, selon une direction représentée par la flèche 19 et qui est orthogonale à l'axe de rotation E du rouleau d'entraînement 11. Dans un mode de réalisation préférentiel, cette direction est dans le prolongement de la direction de guidage de la goulotte 4 à l'entrée du dispositif, cette dernière direction étant représentée par la flèche 13.The guide 31 and the guide 30 guide the envelope in translation, while keeping it open, in a direction represented by the arrow 19 and which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11. In one embodiment preferential, this direction is in the extension of the guide direction of the chute 4 at the entrance to the device, this latter direction being represented by the arrow 13.

La figure 3 représente une vue de face plus détaillée de cet exemple de réalisation, avec toutes les pièces et une enveloppe qui est sur le point d'être ouverte. L'enveloppe est apportée selon la direction de translation représentée par la flèche 13, le long de la goulotte 4, au moyen de deux rouleaux d'entraînement 50 et 51, mûs par un moteur non représenté. Sur cette figure, il apparaît que l'un des flancs de la goulotte 4, le flanc situé le plus près du rouleau d'entraînement 11, a une surface élargie à proximité du rouleau 11 pour constituer un déflecteur 47. Ce déflecteur 47 guide la face de l'enveloppe, où n'est pas replié le rabat 2, de telle sorte qu'elle soit tangente à la surface du rouleau 11. A cette même extrémité de la goulotte 4, l'autre flanc se termine par une coupe franche 48, un peu avant le rouleau 11 pour ne pas gêner l'ouverture du rabat 2 d'une enveloppe.FIG. 3 represents a more detailed front view of this exemplary embodiment, with all the parts and an envelope which is about to be opened. The envelope is brought in the direction of translation represented by the arrow 13, along the chute 4, by means of two drive rollers 50 and 51, driven by a motor not shown. In this figure, it appears that one of the sides of the chute 4, the side located closest to the drive roller 11, has an enlarged surface near the roller 11 to constitute a deflector 47. This deflector 47 guides the face of the envelope, where the flap 2 is not folded, so that it is tangent to the surface of the roller 11. At this same end of the chute 4, the other flank ends in a sharp cut 48, a little before the roller 11 so as not to hinder the opening of the flap 2 of an envelope.

Le rouleau d'entraînement 11 est constitué de trois parties superposées ayant le même diamètre : une partie 26 en caoutchouc, parce qu'elle est située en vis-à-vis du contre-rouleau 12 et qu'elle doit adhérer à chaque enveloppe pour l'entraîner; une partie 27 constituée d'une matière résistant à l'usure, située en vis-à-vis de la base du cône 20, cette base frottant sur la partie 27 pendant l'intervalle séparant deux ouvertures d'enveloppe; et une partie 28 en aluminium traité pour être dur en surface, cette partie 28 n'ayant qu'un rôle de guidage de l'enveloppe.The drive roller 11 consists of three superimposed parts having the same diameter: a rubber part 26, because it is located opposite the counter-roller 12 and it must adhere to each envelope to train him; a part 27 made of a wear-resistant material, situated opposite the base of the cone 20, this base rubbing against the part 27 during the interval separating two envelope openings; and a part 28 of aluminum treated to be hard on the surface, this part 28 having only a role of guiding the envelope.

L'extrémité du rouleau d'entraînement 11, du côté du galet fou 5, comporte une face plane 33 solidaire d'un arbre d'entraînement 29. Cette face plane 33 est à une certaine distance de la face plane du galet 5 la plus proche, ce qui permet au corps 1 et au rabat de l'enveloppe de passer entre le galet 5 et le rouleau 11, sans être serrés, mais en cambrant le corps 1.The end of the drive roller 11, on the side of the idler roller 5, has a flat face 33 secured to a drive shaft 29. This flat face 33 is at a certain distance from the flat face of the roller 5 most close, which allows the body 1 and the flap of the envelope to pass between the roller 5 and the roller 11, without being tight, but by arching the body 1.

Le contre-rouleau 12 est supporté par un bras 44 pivotant autour d'un axe fixe 43 qui est un cylindre dont l'axe de symétrie est parallèle à l'axe E du rouleau 11. Le bras 44 applique le contre-rouleau 12 en direction de la partie 26 du rouleau 11, sous l'action d'un ressort en épingle 42 ayant une extrémité en butée sur un ergot du bras 44, et une autre extrémité en butée sur un bras fixe 40. Le cône 20 est supporté par un bras 45 pivotant lui-aussi autour de l'axe fixe 43. Le bras 45 applique le cône 20 en direction de la partie 27 du rouleau d'entraînement 11, sous l'action d'un ressort en épingle 41 ayant une extrémité en butée sur un ergot du bras 45, et une autre extrémité en butée sur le bras fixe 40. La hauteur des bras 44 et 45, et des ressorts associés 41 et 42, est telle que ces éléments ne gênent pas le passage de la pointe du rabat 2 pendant l'ouverture de l'enveloppe.The counter-roller 12 is supported by an arm 44 pivoting around a fixed axis 43 which is a cylinder whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the axis E of the roller 11. The arm 44 applies the counter-roller 12 in direction of the part 26 of the roller 11, under the action of a pin spring 42 having one end in abutment on a lug of the arm 44, and another end in abutment on a fixed arm 40. The cone 20 is supported by an arm 45 also pivoting about the fixed axis 43. The arm 45 applies the cone 20 in the direction of the part 27 of the drive roller 11, under the action of a pin spring 41 having one end in abutment on a lug of the arm 45, and another end abutment on the fixed arm 40. The height of the arms 44 and 45, and associated springs 41 and 42, is such that these elements do not hinder the passage of the tip of the flap 2 during the opening of the envelope.

Cette figure montre aussi l'inclinaison, d'environ 17°, de l'axe C du cône 20 par rapport à un plan orthogonal au plan de l'enveloppe, quand elle est apportée dans le dispositif.This figure also shows the inclination, of approximately 17 °, of the axis C of the cone 20 relative to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope, when it is brought into the device.

La figure 4 représente une vue de dessus de cet exemple de réalisation, avec toutes ses pièces, mais sans enveloppe. Le bras 44 est écarté pour que le contre-rouleau 12 ne gêne la visibilité du cône 20 et du galet 5. Les rouleaux d'entraînement 50 et 51 sont disposés symétriquement par rapport à la goulotte 4 située à l'entrée du dispositif. Les guides 30 et 31 sont situés dans le prolongement de la goulotte 4.FIG. 4 represents a top view of this exemplary embodiment, with all of its parts, but without an envelope. The arm 44 is separated so that the counter-roller 12 does not impede the visibility of the cone 20 and the roller 5. The drive rollers 50 and 51 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the chute 4 located at the entrance to the device. The guides 30 and 31 are located in the extension of the chute 4.

Cette figure 4 montre la disposition relative des axes C, E, G respectivement du cone, du rouleau d'entraînement 11, et du galet fou 5. Il apparaît que l'axe C du cône 20 et l'axe G du galet 5 sont situés de part et d'autre d'un plan perpendiculaire au plan d'une enveloppe apportée dans le dispositif, et passant par l'axe E du rouleau d'entraînement 11. Pendant le fonctionnement normal du dispositif, le bras 44 portant le contre-rouleau 12 est ramené vers le rouleau 11 par le ressort 41. L'axe F du contre-rouleau 12 occupe alors une position qui est représentée par le point F' sur la figure 4, et qui est située dans le plan du bras 44. Il apparaît que ce point F' est situé à proximité de l'axe C du cône 20, c'est-à-dire du même côté que l'axe C par rapport à un plan orthogonal au plan de l'enveloppe et passant par l'axe E. Cette disposition de l'axe de rotation G du galet fou 5, et de l'axe de rotation E du rouleau d'entraînement 11 a pour effet de cambrer légèrement le corps d'une enveloppe autour de l'axe E. Ce cambrage facilite la création de l'espace 9, représenté sur les figures précédentes, entre le rabat 2 et le corps 1 d'une enveloppe.This FIG. 4 shows the relative arrangement of the axes C, E, G respectively of the cone, of the drive roller 11, and of the idler roller 5. It appears that the axis C of the cone 20 and the axis G of the roller 5 are located on either side of a plane perpendicular to the plane of an envelope brought into the device, and passing through the axis E of the drive roller 11. During normal operation of the device, the arm 44 carrying the counter -roll 12 is brought towards the roller 11 by the spring 41. The axis F of the counter-roller 12 then occupies a position which is represented by the point F 'in FIG. 4, and which is located in the plane of the arm 44 . It seems that this point F 'is located near the axis C of the cone 20, that is to say on the same side as the axis C with respect to a plane orthogonal to the plane of the envelope and passing through the axis E. This arrangement of the axis of rotation G of the idler 5, and of the axis of rotation E of the drive roller 11 has the effect of slightly arching the body of an envelope around the axis E. This bending facilitates the creation of the space 9, shown in the previous figures, between the flap 2 and the body 1 of an envelope.

La figure 5 représente une vue de côté de cet exemple de réalisation, plus détaillée, avec une coupe selon la direction de vue VV. L'enveloppe est représentée à l'instant où le cône 20 pénètre dans l'espace 9 créé entre le corps 1 et le rabat 2 par le cambrage que réalise le galet fou 5 collaborant avec le rouleau d'entraînement 11. L'enveloppe est entraînée selon la direction indiquée par la flèche 13, c'est-à-dire s'éloignant de l'observateur. Cette figure montre en outre le cambrage réalisé par le contre-rouleau 12, le rouleau d'entraînement 11 et le galet 5, cambrage qui apparaît notamment sur le haut de la figure : une partie du corps 1 n'est pas perpendiculaire au plan de la figure à cause de ce cambrage autour de l'axe E du rouleau 11.Figure 5 shows a side view of this embodiment, more detailed, with a section along the view direction VV. The envelope is represented at the moment when the cone 20 enters the space 9 created between the body 1 and the flap 2 by the bending which the idler roller 5 collaborates with the drive roller 11. The envelope is driven in the direction indicated by arrow 13, that is to say moving away from the observer. This figure also shows the bending produced by the counter-roller 12, the drive roller 11 and the roller 5, bending which appears in particular on the top of the figure: part of the body 1 is not perpendicular to the plane of the figure because of this bending around the axis E of the roller 11.

Dans cet exemple, le rabat 2 a une forme triangulaire. Le bord du rabat 2 est en contact avec le cône 20 en un point de contact 52. Le point 52 se déplace à la fois sur le cône 20 et sur le bord du rabat 2 au fur et à mesure que l'enveloppe est entraînée dans le dispositif. Le point 52 se déplace vers la pointe du rabat 2 et il se déplace vers la base du cône 20. Au fur et à mesure de ce déplacement du point 52, le rabat 2 est écarté du corps 1 par le cône 20 sans qu'il y ait le moindre heurt au cours de ce mouvement. Il y a donc très peu de risques de déchirure.In this example, the flap 2 has a triangular shape. The edge of the flap 2 is in contact with the cone 20 at a contact point 52. The point 52 moves both on the cone 20 and on the edge of the flap 2 as the envelope is driven in the device. Point 52 moves towards the tip of the flap 2 and it moves towards the base of the cone 20. As this point 52 moves, the flap 2 is moved away from the body 1 by the cone 20 without it there is the slightest collision during this movement. There is therefore very little risk of tearing.

Sur cette figure, il apparaît aussi que la zone du cône 20 située à proximité du rouleau d'entraînement 11 comporte une génératrice 49 qui est tangente à la surface du corps 1. Ainsi le cône 20 rase la surface du corps 1 et a toutes les chances de pénétrer dans l'espace 9 entre le rabat 2 et le corps 1. Ces figures montrent l'inclinaison de 17° de l'axe de rotation C du cône 20 par rapport au plan de l'enveloppe lorsqu'elle est introduite dans le dispositif.In this figure, it also appears that the region of the cone 20 located near the drive roller 11 includes a generator 49 which is tangent to the surface of the body 1. Thus the cone 20 shaves the surface of the body 1 and has all the chances of entering the space 9 between the flap 2 and the body 1. These figures show the 17 ° inclination of the axis of rotation C of the cone 20 relative to the plane of the envelope when it is introduced into the device.

La portée de l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de réalisation représentés et décrits ci-dessus, de nombreuses variantes sont à la portée de l'homme de l'art. Notamment il est possible d'utiliser d'autres moyens pour apporter des enveloppes à ouvrir et d'autres moyens pour emporter une enveloppe en la maintenant ouverte. Il est possible de modifier l'orientation de l'axe de rotation du cône, et de modifier l'orientation de l'axe de rotation du galet fou.The scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described above, many variants are within the reach of ordinary skill in the art. In particular, it is possible to use other means for bringing envelopes to be opened and other means for carrying an envelope while keeping it open. It is possible to modify the orientation of the axis of rotation of the cone, and to modify the orientation of the axis of rotation of the idler roller.

Claims (8)

  1. Apparatus for opening envelopes each composed of a body (1) and a flap (2) interconnected by a fold (8), the flap being folded down against the body prior to the envelope being opened;
       said apparatus including:
       means (4, 50, 51) for feeding in envelopes to be opened;
       driving and arching means for driving and arching the body (1) of an envelope without arching the flap (2), so as to create a space (9) between the body and the flap;
       separating means (20) for separating the flap (2) from the body (1) by said separating means being inserted into the space; and
       means (30, 31) for removing an envelope while keeping it open;
       said apparatus being characterized in that the separating means for separating the flap (2) from the body (1) include a cone (20) which is free to rotate about its axis of symmetry (C), the cone rolling over the face of the body of the envelope against which the flap is folded down, and being in contact with the body (1) of the envelope along one of the generator lines of the cone; and in that the vertex (21) of the cone (20) is rounded and points towards the fold (8).
  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of rotation (C) of the cone (20) slopes relative to a plane (xoz) orthogonal to the plane of the envelope as fed into the apparatus, so that the cone (20) is inserted into the space (9) created between the body (1) and the flap (2), with the base of the cone leaning further outwards than the vertex (21) thereof.
  3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the driving and arching means include a drive roller (11) which drives the body (1) of the envelope in a direction (13) parallel to the fold (8) connecting the flap to the body, the drive roller rolling over the face opposite from the face against which the flap is folded down, without rolling over the region close to the fold (8);
       in that the separating means further include a moving support (45) equipped with a spring (42) for supporting the cone (20) while applying a force to it that is directed towards the drive roller (11), so that, during the time interval between opening two envelopes, the cone (20) is brought into contact with the drive roller (11) and rotated by friction against the roller; and
       in that the drive roller (11) includes a length (27) made of a material resistant to wear, which length is disposed in the region of the drive roller that makes contact with the cone (20).
  4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the driving and arching means further include:
       a counter-roller (12) situated facing the drive roller (11) and co-operating therewith, and rolling over the face against which the flap is folded down, without rolling over the flap; and
       an idler wheel (5) situated facing the drive roller (11) and having a rim which rolls over the flap (2) close to the fold (8) connecting the flap (2) to the body (1) of the envelope, and which penetrates into the cylindrical volume defined by the straight generator lines of the drive roller (11), so as to arch the body (1) about an axis approximately parallel to the fold (8);
       in that the counter-roller (12) has an axis of rotation (F) which makes a non-zero angle relative to the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11), so as to exert a force on the body (1) urging it towards the idler wheel (5); and
       in that the rim of the idler wheel (5) comprises a cylindrical portion (7) and a truncated cone portion (6) which is the portion nearer to the drive roller (11).
  5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for feeding in an envelope to be opened and the means for removing an envelope while keeping it open each include means (4, 30, 31) for guiding the envelope in translation along the same direction (13, 19) orthogonal to the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11).
  6. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for removing an envelope while keeping it open include:
       a first guide (31) in the form of an angle bar, having its concave portion in contact with the fold (8) interconnecting the body (1) and the flap (2) of the open envelope;
       a second guide (30) in the form of a pin, having its long axis parallel to the axis of the first guide (31), and having a rounded end (32) situated close to the cone (20) so as to be inserted between the body (1) and the flap (2) after the cone; and
       in that the guide direction of the first and second guides (30, 31) is orthogonal to the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11).
  7. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for feeding in envelopes to be opened include a guide in the form of a slideway (4), having its long axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11); and two other drive rollers (50, 51) having their axes of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation (E) of said drive roller (11).
  8. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the axis of rotation (F) of the counter-roller (12) and the axis of rotation (G) of the idler wheel (5) are situated on respective sides of a plane which contains the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11) and which is orthogonal to the plane (yoz) of the body (1) of the envelope as fed into the apparatus, so that the body (1) is further arched about the axis of rotation (E) of the drive roller (11).
EP91119193A 1990-11-16 1991-11-11 Device for opening envelopes Expired - Lifetime EP0485932B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9014297A FR2669270A1 (en) 1990-11-16 1990-11-16 DEVICE FOR OPENING ENVELOPES.
FR9014297 1990-11-16

Publications (2)

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EP0485932A1 EP0485932A1 (en) 1992-05-20
EP0485932B1 true EP0485932B1 (en) 1995-02-15

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EP91119193A Expired - Lifetime EP0485932B1 (en) 1990-11-16 1991-11-11 Device for opening envelopes

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US (1) US5156585A (en)
EP (1) EP0485932B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69107412T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2669270A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9001758D0 (en) * 1990-01-25 1990-03-28 Printed Forms Equip Inserter apparatus
GB9204944D0 (en) * 1992-03-06 1992-04-22 Printed Forms Equip Envelope opener mechanism
US5236408A (en) * 1992-07-21 1993-08-17 International Paper Box Machine Company, Inc. Method and apparatus for forming carton blanks with hemmed edges
US5430990A (en) * 1992-09-18 1995-07-11 Long John A Envelope stuffing apparatus
WO1994027832A1 (en) * 1993-05-21 1994-12-08 Longford Equipment International Limited Envelope stuffing machine
DE19836236A1 (en) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-10 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Device for moistening the glue edge of envelope flaps of envelopes
US6453651B1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-09-24 Todd C. Werner High speed machine for inserting sheets into envelopes
US6718731B1 (en) * 2001-08-01 2004-04-13 Pitney Bowes Inc. High speed machine for inserting sheets into envelopes
EP1468840B1 (en) * 2003-04-14 2010-08-25 Böwe Bell + Howell Company Device for controlling envelope flap during insertion
US7797914B2 (en) * 2007-12-31 2010-09-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and device for holding envelopes during insertion
EP2347917A1 (en) * 2010-01-22 2011-07-27 Neopost Technologies Inserting postal items into envelopes
US12129145B2 (en) * 2021-05-27 2024-10-29 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Enclosing apparatus and image forming system

Family Cites Families (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3935800A (en) * 1974-04-08 1976-02-03 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. Flap separating mechanism
US3974749A (en) * 1975-08-21 1976-08-17 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. Envelope flap separating and distending method and mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69107412D1 (en) 1995-03-23
DE69107412T2 (en) 1995-06-08
FR2669270A1 (en) 1992-05-22
US5156585A (en) 1992-10-20
EP0485932A1 (en) 1992-05-20

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