WO2014120076A1

WO2014120076A1 - Method and apparatus for enveloping

Info

Publication number: WO2014120076A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/050116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Per Swartz; Jonny Mejdahl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-31
Filing date: 2014-01-30
Publication date: 2014-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2015-07-31
Also published as: SE1350113A1; SE537495C2

Abstract

The invention relates to an enveloping apparatus (1) comprising means for completing envelopes from individual sheets (A), into which sheets (A) at least one insert (I) is inserted, said means comprising a folding device (2) with at least three rollers (3', 3", 3") for feeding and folding said sheet (A), a guide (9, 9') arranged to achieve a bending of said sheet (A), a stop member (13, 13') in conjunction with said guide (9, 9') for deciding where on said sheet (A) folding shall be effected. Said folding device (2) comprising a first roller (3') driven by a motor (M), which first roller (3') in engagement with a second roller (3") feeds the sheet (A) to said guide (9, 9') and in conjunction with a third roller (3"') folds said sheet (A).

Description

Method and apparatus for enveloping

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an enveloping apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for enveloping inserts according to the method specified in claim 8. The invention relates to the manufacturing industry of enveloping machines and/or printers. The invention is, however, not restricted to this.

BACKGROUND

Enveloping of inserts is today done in different ways with different complexity of the apparatuses. A plurality of rollers of different types is typically used to fold sheets of paper to envelopes and/or to fold inserts so that they fit inside the folded envelope. Known enveloping apparatuses may have problems with positioning inserts in the envelopes and can sometimes be perceived as time-consuming, complicated to both manufacture and to use, and expensive. It is thus desirable to achieve an enveloping apparatus with good positioning capability of inserts, which has less complexity, which is cost-efficient, time-efficient and user-friendly. Patent FR2724642 discloses a folding apparatus for folding envelopes out of individual sheets with inserts enclosed in the completed envelope. The folding apparatus comprises four rollers, wherein a first roller is movably arranged to create a space between the first and a second roller. The purpose of the space between the rollers is to let the sheets fall by means of gravity between the rollers and on down into a pocket, which causes a bending of the sheet. The sheet is kept immovable in the pocket while inserts are fed towards the sheet, after which the movably arranged roller is positioned in engagement with said second roller. The bent sheet and inserts are then fed between the second roller in conjunction with a third roller, which causes a first folding. The folded sheet together with inserts are placed in a second pocket and are then fed between the second roller in conjunction with a fourth roller and thereby causes a second fold- ing. FR2724642 discloses an apparatus for folding envelopes with inserts which facilitates the positioning of the inserts in the envelope. The construction shown in FR2724642 relies however on gravity, which means that the reliability in operation cannot be guaranteed. The construction may therefore also result in paper jam and slow paper handling. It can also be considered time- consuming to fold the sheet twice in order to complete an envelope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need remains to achieve the herein described enveloping apparatus specified in the preamble of claim 1, so that it is time-efficient, reliable, user-friendly and cost-efficient.

The object is further to develop prior art to achieve an enveloping apparatus, which comprises less components than prior art, which facilitates the manufacturing of the enveloping apparatus and results in a non-bulky enveloping apparatus.

The object of the invention is also to achieve an enveloping apparatus, which in an easy and time-efficient way positions inserts in a correct position inside the envelope.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned objects have been solved by the in the introduction defined enveloping apparatus, according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

This way is achieved an enveloping apparatus where the same driven roller, in conjunction with two different rollers, both feeds and folds sheets. The folding device of the enveloping apparatus completes an envelope in a fast and easy way by one folding. This way is achieved a compact non-bulky enveloping apparatus, which comprises as few components as possible, which in turn results in lower manufacturing costs. The enveloping apparatus is less complex and results in an easy handling during use and service.

Preferably, the individual axes of the rollers are arranged in parallel to each other, where an imaginary first line between the axis of the first and the second rollers intersects a second imag- inary line between the axis of the first and the third rollers, substantially perpendicularly.

This way is achieved a compact enveloping apparatus where inserts can be transported along a straight transport line in an efficient way and where the third roller interacts with the first roller to eject a completed envelope containing an insert on to a sealing module.

Suitably, a sensor is arranged to detect the position of the folded sheet. The sensor is connected to the motor of the first roller and when the folded sheet is at a predetermined position, the rotational speed of the first roller is reduced.

Alternatively, a sensor is arranged to detect the position of the folded sheet and at the predetermined position of the folded sheet, the rotational speed of the first roller is reduced to zero and the first roller is completely stopped. Suitably, two sensors are arranged in a couple to detect the position of the folded sheet and at a first predetermined position of the folded sheet, the rotational speed of the first roller is reduced. A second predetermined position of the folded sheet is further identified, whereby the rotational speed of the first roller is reduced to zero and the first roller is completely stopped.

Suitably, the sensor is arranged downstream the first and the third roller. Alternatively, the sensor is arranged at the guide.

Thus is the insertion of inserts into the folded sheet facilitated. Preferably, the third roller is movably arranged relative to the first roller to achieve a gap between the first and the third roller.

Alternatively, the third roller is arranged so that a fixed gap is achieved between the first and the third roller. This way the folded sheet can be slightly opened, the folding angle can increase and a plurality of inserts may easily be fed into the folded sheet as close to the folding line as possible. Thus is guaranteed that inserted inserts are correctly positioned in a pile inside the completed envelope.

Suitably, the third roller is arranged at a movable arm. Alternatively, the third roller is resiliently arranged at a fixed arm.

This way is achieved a simple design movable device for the third roller and thus a user-friendly enveloping apparatus, which is easy to, for example, clean and service.

Preferably, at least the first roller comprises aluminium.

Alternatively, at least the first roller comprises composite material. Thereby is achieved a light roller, which makes it easier to drive the whole folding device and easier to reduce the rotational speed of the first roller and thus also the rotational speed of the second and the third roller, when inserting inserts.

Suitably, the enveloping apparatus can be coupled to a printer comprising different paper trays for different paper sizes. This way, the present enveloping apparatus can be used in an efficient way with pre-printed sheets and inserts, and larger sized papers may further be used as sheets for the completion of envelopes and smaller sized papers may be used for inserts. This means that inserts do not have to be folded in order to fit inside the completed envelope. An enveloping apparatus is further achieved wherein the sheet may be provided with an applied frame of toner when being fed into the enveloping apparatus, which frame may be used to achieve an initial adhesion of the envelope already in the folding device of the enveloping apparatus. This results in a time- and cost-efficient solution.

The above stated objects of the invention have also been solved by means of the method defined in the introduction according to the steps specified in claim 8.

Thereby is achieved a method, which quickly and easily completes an envelope from an individ- ual sheet and positions inserts in a correct position inside the completed envelope.

Suitably, the method comprises the step to, after the step of reducing the rotational speed of the first roller, also move the third roller so that a gap is created between the first and the third roller.

The folded sheet is this way allowed to be slightly opened and a plurality of inserts can easily and efficiently be fed into the folded sheet, as close to the folding line as possible. Thereby is achieved an insertion of inserts, which results in the inserts being correctly positioned in a pile inside the completed envelope.

The step of inserting the at least one insert into the folded sheet suitably means inserting a plurality of inserts arranged in a pile. This way is achieved a time-efficient method for completing envelopes comprising inserts.

The step of inserting the at least one insert into the folded sheet suitably means inserting a plurality of inserts, one by one sequentially after each other. This way is achieved a method, which ensures that every insert is positioned as well as possible inside the completed envelope.

DESCPRITION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will hereby be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. la-Id schematically shows a first embodiment of the invention with a folding device comprising a movably arranged third roller;

Fig. 2 schematically shows en enveloping apparatus comprising the folding device as showed in Fig. la-Id and conveyors for the sheet and the insert;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of the invention with a folding device comprising a first and a second sensor and insertion of a plurality of inserts, one by one;

Fig. 4a-4b schematically shows a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention relating to the movably arranged third roller; and

Fig. 5 schematically shows a fifth embodiment with three fixedly arranged rollers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will hereby be described by means of embodiments. Details in the schematic drawings may represent the same type of detail but in different drawings with the same reference numeral. Also, drawings with details lacking reference numerals may appear, but may then correspond to details in other drawings having reference numerals. Details with no importance to the invention may have been excluded from certain drawings for clarity reasons. Fig. la-Id shows a folding device 2 of an enveloping apparatus 1, which feeds and folds a sheet A to complete an envelope into which a plurality of inserts I are inserted, which have been arranged in a pile prior to the insertion. The folding device 2 comprises three rollers 3', 3", 3"' having an aluminium core and an envelope surface 5 comprising a rubber material. A first roller 3' is driven by a motor M and a second roller 3" and a third roller 3"' are rotating in conjunction with the first roller 3', in an opposite direction relative to the first roller. The respective roller each has an axis 7', 7", 7"', which axes 7', 7", 7"' are arranged in parallel, where a first imaginary line X between axis 7' and axis 7" perpendicularly intersects a second imaginary line Y between axis 7' and axis 7"'. The folding device 2 also comprises a guide 9, which is arranged angled to- ward the feed path of the sheet A. At the guide 9 is also an adjustable stop member 13 arranged. In Fig. la-Id the guide 9 comprises two plates 15', 15", which together with the stop member 13 forms a pocket. In Fig. la the sheet A is first fed between the first roller 3' and the second roller 3" on to the guide 9 until the front edge 17 of the sheet A touches the stop member 13 of the guide 9. The sheet A then has a bending and when the first roller 3' and the second roller 3" continues to feed the sheet A, the angular condition between the sheet A, the three rollers 3', 3", 3"' and the guide 9 together with the opposing force of the stop member 13, causes the sheet A to bend more and more. Finally, the sheet A has a bending, which is fed between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' causing a folding. This way, the same driven roller 3' has both fed the sheet A for bending and achieved a folding in a subsequent step. By adjust- ing the stop member 13 of the guide 9, it can be changed where on the sheet A the folding is done, and thus how the completed envelope looks. In Fig. lb is shown how the sheet A has been folded and fed between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' until the sheet A has reached a predetermined position P, which is identified by a sensor 19 arranged downstream of the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'. The sensor 19 is connected to the motor M, which drives the first roller 3', and at the predetermined position P of the folded sheet A the sensor 19 communicates with the motor M and the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is reduced to zero, such that the roller is still. The feeding of the sheet A is thus stopped, both between the first roller 3' and the second roller 3", and between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'. Fig. lc shows the sheet A at the predetermined position P and also shows the third roller 3"' being movably arranged along a straight line L in direction away from the first roller 3'. When the rota- tional speed of the first roller 3' has been reduced to zero, the position of the third roller 3"' is adjusted such that a gap 21 is created between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'. The gap 21 between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' causes the folded sheet A to open slightly and the folding angle (the angle between the opposite halves of the folded sheet) is increased. This makes it easier to insert the inserts I into the folded sheet A and the inserted inserts I obtain a correct position as close to the folding line as possible. When the insertion of the inserts I is finished, and the enveloping apparatus 1 identifies a new sheet A on its way (this is not further described and is not shown in the drawings), the position of the third roller 3"' is again adjusted so that the distance between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' is minimized. This is shown in Fig. Id. This way, the sheet A and the inserts I are pressed between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'. Furthermore, the rotation of the first roller 3' is started, wherein the sheet A together with the inserts I are fed between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' on to a sealing module (not shown).

In Fig. 2 the enveloping apparatus 1 is shown, comprising amongst others the folding device 2 and conveyors 23', 23" for sheets A and inserts I. The enveloping apparatus 1 is attached to a printer 25 comprising different paper trays for different paper sizes (not shown). A larger paper size (i.e A3) is used as the sheet being completed to an envelope while a smaller paper size (i.e A4) is used as the inserts I. This way, the inserts I can be fed directly from the printer 25 via the conveyor 23" into the folded sheet A, without having to fold the inserts I in order to fit inside the folded sheet A. The enveloping apparatus 1 comprises readers (not shown), which identify the format of the paper (sheets and inserts) fed into the enveloping apparatus 1 and which, by means of a computer (not shown), direct the paper to the respective conveyor 23', 23". The sheet A for completion of an envelope is conveyed along a first conveyor 23' to the folding device 2 and is fed between the first roller 3' and the second roller 3". The inserts I are conveyed along a second conveyor 23" and inserted into the folded sheet A, between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'.

Fig. 3 shows a similar folding device 2 as in fig. la-Id, wherein respective roller 3', 3", 3"' each has an axis 7', 7", 7"', which axes 7', 7", 7"' are arranged in parallel, where a first imaginary line X between axis 7' and axis 7" intersect a second imaginary line Y between axis 7' and axis 7"' substantially perpendicularly. The folding device 2 has a first sensor 19' and a second sensor 19". The first sensor 19' identifies a first predetermined position P' for the folded sheet A, at which first predetermined position P' the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is reduced in a first step. When the folded sheet A reaches a second predetermined position P" for the folded sheet A, identified by the second sensor 19", the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is reduced to zero, such that the first roller 3' is still. The reduction of the rotational speed of the first roller 3' at the first predetermined position P' for the folded sheet A, facilitates the reduction of the rotational speed of the first roller 3' at the second predetermined position P" for the folded sheet A. Fig.3 further shows a plurality of inserts I inserted one by one after each other sequentially.

Fig. 4a-b show a third and a fourth embodiment related to the movable arrangement of the third roller 3"'. Fig. 4a shows the third roller 3"' resiliently arranged on an arm 27 extending along the straight line L (see Fig. lc), comprising an electromagnetic device (not shown), which affects a spring (not shown), wherein the third roller 3"' is moved along a straight line intersecting the axes 7' and 7"'. The electromagnetic device is connected to a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the third roller 3"' to be moved when the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is zero. In Fig. 4b the third roller 3"' is arranged on a pivotable arm 29, which arm 29 comprises an electromagnetic device 31. The position of the movable arm 29 is adjusted by means of the electromagnetic device 31 and the third roller 3"' is moved along a curved trajectory, such that the distance between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' is adjusted and the gap 21 is formed.

Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment wherein the rollers 3', 3", 3"' are arranged so that an imaginary first line X between the axis 7' and the axis 7" intersects an imaginary second line Y between the axis 7' and the axis 7"' at an angle of 85 degrees. All of the three rollers 3', 3", 3"' in Fig. 5 are fixedly arranged relative to each other, so that a fixed gap 33 is achieved between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"'. Fig. 5 further shows a first guide 9' comprising a support 35, at which an adjustable stop member 13' is arranged. The guide 9' further comprises a movable arm 37, with which the sheet A is held against the support 35. The sheet A is in Fig. 5 fed between the first roller 3' and the second roller 3" on to the guide 9' towards the guide stop member 13'. The sheet A has a bending and as the first roller 3' and the second roller 3" continues to feed the sheet A, the angular condition between the sheet A, the three rollers 3', 3", 3"' and the guide 9' causes the sheet A to keep bending and finally be fed in between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' and be folded. At the guide 9' a sensor 19"' is arranged, which is connected to the motor M driving the first roller 3'. The sensor 19"' identifies a predetermined position P'" for the folded sheet A, at which predetermined position P'" the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is reduced. When the rotational speed of the first roller 3' has been reduced, an insert I is inserted into the folded sheet A. A second guide 39 is arranged in connection with the second roller 3", which guide 39 positions the insert I during insertion into the folded sheet A and prevents the insert I from being affected by the second roller 3". When the insertion is finished, and the enveloping apparatus 1 identifies a new sheet A on its way (this is not further described and is not shown in the drawings), the rotational speed of the first roller 3' is increased and the sheet A with the insert I is fed between the first roller 3' and the third roller 3"' on to a sealing module (not shown), which is not further described herein.

The invention should not be regarded as limited by the above described embodiments, but other embodiments which also disclose the inventive concept exists within the scope of the invention or combinations of the embodiments described herein may be combined into one embod- iment. Of course, there may be other examples of the invention but they should be interpreted by the appended claims. The rollers, for example, may comprise other suitable material than aluminium or composite and their envelope surface may be coated with other materials than rubber material. The number of inserted inserts may vary and may be done with inserts arranged in a pile or one by one after each other sequentially. The rollers may also be arranged, such that an imaginary first line between the axis of the first roller and the axis of the second roller intersects an imaginary second line between the axis of the first roller and the axis of the third roller at an angle within the range of 75-95 degrees, preferably 80-92 degrees. Furthermore, the fixed gap between the first roller and the third roller may be excluded. The third roller may thereby engage the first roller. The guide may also have one or more plates in a non- metallic material.

Claims

1. Enveloping apparatus (1) comprising means for completing envelopes from individual sheets (A), into which sheets (A) at least one insert (I) is inserted, said means comprising a folding device (2) with at least three rollers (3', 3", 3") for feeding and folding said sheet (A), a guide (9, 9') arranged to achieve a bending of said sheet (A), a stop member (13, 13') in conjunction with said guide (9, 9') for deciding where on said sheet (A) folding shall be effected, characterized by said folding device (2) comprising a first roller (3') driven by a motor (M), which first roller (3') in engagement with a second roller (3") feeds the sheet (A) to said guide (9, 9') and in conjunction with a third roller (3"') folds said sheet (A).

2. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein each respective roller (3', 3", 3"') has an axis (7', 7", 7"'), the axes (7', 7", 7"') are arranged in parallel where a first imaginary line (X) between the axis (7') and the axis (7") intersects an imaginary second line (Y) between the axis (7') and the axis {!'") substantially perpendicularly.

3. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sensor (19, 19', 19", 19"') de- tects the position of the folded sheet (A), which sensor (19, 19', 19", 19"') is connected to the motor (M) for reducing the rotational speed of the first roller (3') at a predetermined position (P, P', P", P'") of the folded sheet (A), so that the folded sheet (A) may receive the at least one insert (I).

4. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to any of claim 1-3, wherein the third roller (3"') is mova- bly arranged relative to the first roller (3') to achieve a gap (21) between the first roller (3') and the third roller (3"') prior to the insertion of the at least one insert (I).

5. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the third roller (3"') is arranged on a movable arm (29).

6. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to any of claim 1-5, wherein at least the first roller (3') comprises aluminium.

7. Enveloping apparatus (1) according to any of claim 1-6, wherein the enveloping apparatus (1) is coupled to a printer (25) comprising different paper trays for different paper sizes, for exam- pie A3 and A4.

8. Method for enveloping pertaining to an enveloping apparatus (1) comprising means for completing envelopes from individual sheets (A), into which sheets (A) at least one insert (I) is inserted, said means comprising a folding device (2) with at least three rollers (3', 3", 3") for feeding and folding said sheet (A), a guide (9, 9') arranged to achieve a bending of said sheet (A), a stop member (13, 13') in conjunction with said guide (9, 9') for deciding where on said sheet (A) folding shall be effected, wherein said folding device (2) comprises a first roller (3') driven by a motor (M), which first roller (3') interacts with a second roller (3") and a third roller (3"'), the method comprising the steps to:

- feed the sheet (A) between the first roller (3') and the second roller (3") and on to the stop member (13, 13') of the guide (9, 9');

- continue the feed between the first roller (3') and the second roller (3") so that the sheet (A) is bended;

- feed the sheet (A) between the first roller (3') and the third roller (3"') so that the sheet (A) is folded; - reduce the rotational speed of the first roller (3') at a predetermined position (P, P', P", P'") of the folded sheet (A);

- insert the at least one insert (I) into the folded sheet (A);

- increase the rotational speed of the first roller (3') to, in conjunction with the third roller (3"'), eject and complete the envelope comprising the at least on insert (I).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises the step to, after the step of reducing the rotational speed of the first roller (3'):

- move the third roller (3"') so that a gap (21) is created between the first roller (3') and the third roller (3"').

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step to, after the step of inserting the at least one insert (I):

- move the third roller (3"') so that the distance between the first roller (3') and the third roller (3"') is minimized.

11. Method according to any of claim 8-10, wherein the step to insert the at least one insert (I) into the folded sheet (A) means inserting a plurality of inserts (I) arranged in a pile.

12. Method according to any of claim 8-10, wherein the step to insert the at least one insert (I) into the folded sheet (A) means inserting a plurality of inserts (I) one by one sequentially after each other.