EP1046517B1 - Device to reproduce writing - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine comprises a pantograph (13) with an tracer element such as a fountain pen or similar. Two arms (30a, 30b) of the pantograph are coupled to rotation drives (32a, 32b) that are controlled electrically and also have a control mechanism (33) tha delivers electrical commands to the arms such that the pen follows the path of a predetermined manuscript or signature.

Description

The invention relates to a writing reproduction machine intended to bring a special personalization to automated mail by ensuring reproduction with an ink pen designer, for example, of signatures, initials, even polite expressions.

The invention relates more particularly to a reproduction machine pantograph writing and aims to improve the control system of this pantograph.

There are several known pantograph writing reproduction machines. Such a system is generally considered preferable, for this use, to that of a plotter operating in X-Y, relatively slow when it comes to reproduce irregular curves such as those encountered in handwriting and / or signature.

In the field of machines of this kind, the French patent FR-A-2 420 437 describes a pantograph with two branches each comprising two articulated end-to-end and joined by a joint in the vicinity to which is attached the tracer element which can be constituted by a simple ink pen. The mechanism is provided with feelers arranged to follow the edges of an endless flexible ribbon which constitutes a sort of cam command for execution of signatures. Scrolling the tape conditions the movement of each probe and consequently of each branch of the pantograph.

In other known systems, the endless ribbon is replaced by a circular wooden tray with an ornate outline to control the movements of the two branches of the pantograph and therefore the path of the tracer element.

Of course, the ribbon or the circular tray or more generally the element constituting the control cam is representative of a signature given. The development of such an element requires complicated operations and costly.

In addition, it is difficult to envisage with such a system of reproducing something other than a simple signature, such as a formula of adequate politeness. In particular, depending on the nature of the mail, the formula of suitable support can change, which, for the same signature, may require developing a plurality of cams.

The invention makes it possible to solve all these problems by proposing a motorization of the pantograph.

More particularly, the invention relates to a reproduction machine of writing, in particular of signature, of the type comprising a pantograph bearing a tracer element such as a stylographer or the like, characterized in that two branches of said pantograph are respectively provided with axes of maneuver coupled to respective rotary drive means, electrically controlled and in that it further comprises means for control of said drive means, capable of delivering information electrics representative of a predetermined handwritten plot.

The pantograph can have two branches with two articulated elements joined by a joint in the vicinity of which is attached said tracer element. The two ends of these two branches are respectively provided with the aforementioned operating axes, driven by two electric motors. Preferably, stepper motors are used ordered in open loop. However, motors can also be used. direct current controlled in position by optical encoder or the like or contactless motors slaved in the same way.

Preferably, each motor is coupled to an operating axis correspondent of the pantograph by a reducing mechanism. This mechanism reducer can for example consist of a worm screw fixed to the shaft of the motor and a pinion or toothed sector secured to the operating axis. Other reducers can be used, for example with toothed belts or gears, this list not being exhaustive. We can also consider remove reducers using high torque motors, in gear direct on each operating axis.

The control means advantageously include a memory in which is stored representative information of trips synchronized between the two motors. It is the reading and decoding of information registered in this memory, in a predetermined order and at the rate of a clock, which controls the movement of the two motors and therefore the movement of the stylographer carried by the end of the pantograph. Memory therefore advantageously replaces the cam system previously used. The memory can be a preprogrammed read only memory and contain information to reconstruct, for example, both a signature and an appropriate support formula. Packaging in form of a read only memory is advantageous insofar as this can easily be integrated into a removable module that can be replaced by another similar module containing information representative of another route predetermined, namely another signature and / or another formula. Memory also contains information to control the lifting of the pantograph so that the pen is not always in contact with the sheet of paper, if necessary for the desired reproduction.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the pantograph has a lifting lever made up of several articulated elements, the lever being controlled by an electric actuator such as a motor or a electromagnet associated with a cam. The cam operates the lever, which is attached to the two aforementioned branches of the pantograph, preferably at the point of articulation of these two branches.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale de la machine dans laquelle les éléments mécaniques de celle-ci sont représentés vus de dessus, les composants électroniques étant représentés sous forme d'un schéma bloc ;
• la figure 2 est une coupe II-II de la figure 1, le pantographe en position de fonctionnement ;
• la figure 3 est une coupe III-III de la figure 1, et
• la figure 4 est une coupe IV-IV de la figure 1, le stylographe étant relevé.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of a writing reproduction machine in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a general view of the machine in which the mechanical elements thereof are shown seen from above, the electronic components being shown in the form of a block diagram;
• Figure 2 is a section II-II of Figure 1, the pantograph in the operating position;
• FIG. 3 is a section III-III of FIG. 1, and
• Figure 4 is a section IV-IV of Figure 1, the stylograph being raised.

The writing machine 11 illustrated in the drawings comprises a pantograph 13 carrying a tracer element 14 in this case a fountain pen. This pantograph evolves over a flat surface 15 on which one can put a sheet of paper 16. Processing mechanisms of known sheets can be adapted to successively present the documents to initial on this surface. These mechanisms are not part of the invention and will therefore not be described in detail.

The pantograph shown here is a pantograph with two branches 19a, 19b, additionally provided with a lifting lever 22. Each branch has two rectilinear elements articulated end-to-end. Thus, the branch 19a comprises a first element 23a connected by a hinge 24a to a second element 25a which carries at its other end a support 29 capable of receiving the stylographer 14. The other branch has a first element 23b similar to that (23a) of branch 19a and a second element 25b connected to the first element 23b, by a hinge 24b. The other end of the second element 25b is connected to the second element 25a of the branch 19a by a hinge 28 located near the stylograph support 29. Thus, the two branches 19a, 19b are joined by joint 28, which is in the vicinity of the tracer element 14. Each branch is further provided with an axis of operation 30a, 30b, more particularly an axis extending perpendicular to the corresponding branch and secured to the end of the first element 23a or 23b opposite the articulation 24a or 24b. These axes of maneuver are respectively coupled to drive means in separate rotation 32a, 32b, electrically controlled. The machine is supplemented by control means 33 of these drive means, suitable to deliver electrical information representative of a handwritten trace predetermined. More specifically, the drive means include two electric motors 34a, 34b respectively mechanically coupled to the two maneuvering axes 30a, 30b mentioned above via, in the example described, a corresponding reduction mechanism 35a, 35b. Such a reducing mechanism here comprises a worm screw 36 fixed to the end of the motor shaft and a toothed sector 37, forming a pinion, integral with the operating axis.

In the example, the axis of rotation of the toothed sector coincides with the axis above-mentioned maneuver. The two motors are here advantageously motors step-by-step which have the advantage of being able to be ordered in a loop open in one direction or the other with great precision in position and displacement.

A tension spring 39 is pre-stressed between the elements 23a, 23b, for catching up.

The lifting lever 22 has several rectilinear elements articulated end-to-end. The element 40 is mounted on a pivot 41 so as to be able tilt in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface 15 on which we place the piece of paper. One of its ends is in contact with a cam 42 driven by a motor 43. This one turns half a turn each time it receives a control pulse, which has the effect of placing the cam in two possible positions and therefore to tilt the element 40 towards either of two possible positions. The other end of this element is connected by a hinge 44 to a second rectilinear element 45, itself connected by a hinge 46 to a third rectilinear element 47. The end opposite of the latter is attached to the two branches 19a, 19b of the pantograph at the junction point of the two elements 25a, 25b located near the support 29 for stylographer. The purpose of this arrangement is to support the branches of the pantograph and therefore the stylographer by holding the latter at a certain height above the flat surface in case of non-writing and in letting it rest on it, and therefore on the paper surface in case writing. Joints 44 and 46 have perpendicular pins to elements 40, 45 and 47 constituting the lifting lever 22.

Figures 2 to 4 show better the structure of the branches, the articulations between their elements, their attachment and their junction with the lifting lever 22. It can be seen that the articulation 24a which connects the elements 23a and 25a is a ball joint. Ball 50a is retained in a hole through element 25a and is partially engaged in a smaller hole of element 23a by being urged to bear on the perimeter of this hole by a leaf spring 52a fixed to a small column integral with the element 23a. The spring itself has a hole in which the ball 52a is partially engaged. The assembly is the same for the articulation 24b which connects the elements 23b and 25b. It is a ball joint in which the ball 50b is retained in a through hole of element 25b and is partially engaged in a larger hole small of element 23b while being pressed against the perimeter of this hole by a leaf spring 52b fixed to a small column integral with the element 23b. The spring has a hole in which the ball is partially engaged. The elements 25a and 25b meet at the joint 28 made up of two tubular sliding rings 54, 55, shouldered, coaxial. The rings are of different diameters and engaged one inside the other. The ring 55 of larger diameter is mounted in a hole in the element 25a while the ring 54 of smaller diameter is mounted in a hole in element 25b. The two rings are assembled by a screw 56 axially passing through the ring 54 and protruding upward. A nut 57 and a washer 58 hold the two rings one inside the other around the screw. In addition, a leaf spring 60 is mounted between a support 62 and the articulation 28. The support 62 is itself installed on the element 23a by means of a small ball bearing 64. The spring ends, on the side of the joint 28, with a fork which bears on washer 58. The force that the spring is likely to exert on the joint 28 (thus urging the stylographer towards the sheet of paper) is adjusted by a button screw 66 mounted on the support 62 and of which the end is supported on the spring.

The upper part of the mounting screw 56 is surrounded by a sleeve 68 of electrically insulating material. This sleeve is topped with a nut metal 70 (screwed onto screw 56) forming an electrical contact stop at adjustable positioning. The end of element 47 of the lifting lever has a hole through which it is attached to joint 28. More particularly, the screw 56 and the sleeve 68 pass through the hole; a ring game sufficient is provided to allow the lever to occupy two possible positions compared to the pantograph. The elements of the lever and those of the pantograph are electrically conductive material (typically metallic) with the exception of sleeve 68. Furthermore, the pantograph is electrically isolated from the rest of the machine so that electrical contact between said lever and said pantograph is or is not established according to the position of the lever 22. Thus, in FIG. 2, the stylographer (not shown) is assumed to be in contact with the sheet of paper while the element 47 occupies an intermediate position along the sleeve insulating. No electrical contact is made between the lever and the pantograph. In revenge (Figure 4) when the lever 22 is in the high position to raise the pen of the stylographer, an electrical contact is established between the element 47 and the nut 70. Such an electrical contact is therefore representative of a feather lift and exploited as such. As will be seen later, when the lever lowers the pantograph to put the pen in contact with the paper, the contact electric disappears when the pen rests on the sheet of paper, which allows to synchronize the movement or the resumption of the movement of the pantograph with the actual contact of the pen on the paper.

Due to the articulations 44, 46 which follow one another along the lever lifting, the end of element 47 has no other influence on the pantograph than lifting the stylographer in certain circumstances. Especially, when the machine is on standby, the pantograph places the stylograph in a predetermined position with regard to the flat surface and the lifting lever keeps the stylographer above this flat surface, without contact with the paper. At the end of each write, a reset procedure is implemented work to reposition the pantograph in this predetermined position after lifting the stylographer 14. To do this, a program of displacement of the motors is implemented until an optical stop or mechanical is reached, indicating that the pantograph is in position for write again.

In the example shown, the control means 33 comprise a memory M in which information representative of synchronized movements of the two motors 34a, 34b and also of the information representative of the actuation of the motor 43.

Advantageously, this memory M is a read only memory preprogrammed. It is here part of a removable module 75 capable of being connected to the other circuits of the control means 33, via a connector 76 suitable. Thus, a given module 75 containing information representative of a particular signature, possibly accompanied by a suitable handwritten message, can be quickly and at any moment replaced by another similar module containing information representative of another predetermined route consisting for example of another signature and / or other suitable handwritten formula.

The control means 33 comprise, in connection with this memory M, reading and decoding means symbolized here by a processor 78 associated with its program memory Mp, to read and decode information entered in read-only memory, in a predetermined order and to the rhythm of a clock H. The processor is arranged to deliver three control signals, respectively applied to the inputs of three amplifiers 80, 81, 82 whose outputs are respectively connected to motors 34a, 34b and 43.

In the example of the use of stepper motors (and a half-turn motor for the actuation of the lifting lever), the signals delivered by the processor to the different amplifiers are simple impulses, positive or negative, appearing at predetermined times, relative to each other, as the memory is read dead M to the rhythm of the clock. These impulses translate into the displacement of the end of the pantograph carrying the stylograph to reproduce the desired formula and / or signature.

Whenever a feather lift order is prepared by the processor 78 translating the information contained in the memory M, the motor 43 is controlled and the pen is lifted at the same time as the contact electric is established between the element 47 and the nut 70. This contact information is taken into account and "monitored" by the processor while the pantograph moves stylograph to new recovery position writing. This position is for example read in the memory M. Then, the motor 43 is again commanded to lower the lever but the processor does not start reading the information contained in the memory M at the rhythm clock H that when the electrical contact disappears, indicating that the pen is actually in contact with the paper.

Optical sensors 81, 82, 83 respectively opposite parts detectable sectors 37 and lever 40 allow to account for effective positions of the pantograph branches and the lever.

Programming a read-only memory integrated into a module 75 likely to be placed on the connector 76 can be done in the manner next. We use a pantograph identical to the one just to be described but devoid of training means. In other words, the axes maneuver 30a, 30b are no longer connected to motors but to encoders high resolution optics. Digital electronic system records the signals at the outputs of the two encoders. For each coder, there are two 90 ° phase shifted square signals to know the displacement in amplitude, speed and direction of rotation. Encoding means translate this information in digital data. This information is stored in a random access memory, the addressing of which is entrusted to a counter controlled by a clock of the same frequency as the clock used in the device described above. A module containing a programmable read-only memory is then connected to this data entry device and the information is transferred from RAM to ROM which is ready to be used.

Alternatively, a system using a scanner can be used to digitize the writing and position it in a corresponding space to the actual dimensions of the pantograph. The writing is analyzed point by point and transformed into digital data which is memorized then transferred from the same way to an exploitable read-only memory. If the ROM is not removable, a reprogrammable read-only memory can be used.

Other variants are also possible. For example, the machine can be simplified. The lifting lever can be removed if care is taken that the entire chassis is mounted with the possibility of tilting around an axis passing substantially through the center of gravity of the device. In these conditions, it is the entire device that pivots to raise or lower the stylographer when you want to write.

Similarly, the lever can be removed if the support 29 is transformed to that it includes means making it possible to raise or lower the stylographer compared to the two branches of the pantograph. A sliding device or "elevator" is mounted at the end of the pantograph and powered by a motor small electric vehicle with appropriate gear reduction to ensure up or down movement of the stylographer.

According to yet another possible variant, a long arm mounted in pendulum can be pressed on the underside of elements 25a, 25b of the pantograph, the arm being provided at its end with a rigid perpendicular rod long enough to cover the average displacement value of a pantograph. At the other end, just move the arm by a motor electric fitted with a cam, a screw or any other system which transforms a rotary movement in rectilinear movement. By this means, we can raise the pantograph at any time regardless of the location of the stylograph.

Claims (16)

1. A machine for reproducing writing, in particular signatures, of the kind comprising a pantograph (13) carrying a tracer such as a fountain pen or the like, characterized in that two branches of said pantograph are respectively provided with operating shafts (30a, 30b) coupled to respective electric rotational drive means (32a, 32b) and in that it further comprises control means (33) for said drive means adapted to deliver electrical information representing a predetermined manuscript writing trace.
2. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said pantograph comprises two branches (19a, 19b) with two articulated members joined together by an articulation (28) near which said tracer is attached and in that two ends of said two branches are respectively provided with said operating shafts.
3. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said drive means comprise two electric motors (34a, 34b) respectively mechanically coupled to said operating shafts (30a, 30b).
4. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the motors (34a, 34b) are stepper motors.
5. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that each motor is coupled to an operating shaft by a speed-reducing mechanism (35a, 35b).
6. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said speed-reducing mechanism comprises a worm screw (36) fixed to the shaft of said motor and a gear or toothed sector (37) coupled to said operating shaft.
7. The reproducing machine claimed in one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said control means comprise a memory (M) storing information representing synchronized movements of the two motors.
8. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said memory (M) is a preprogrammed read-only memory.
9. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said read-only memory is part of a removable module (75) which can be replaced by another similar module containing information representing another predetermined writing trace.
10. The reproducing machine claimed in one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said control means comprise means (78, Mp) for reading and decoding the information stored in said memory (M), in a predetermined order and under the control of a clock (H).
11. The reproducing machine claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pantograph comprises a lifting lever (22) constituted by a plurality of articulated members (40, 45, 47), said lever being controlled by an electric actuator such as a motor (43) or an electromagnet and in that one end of said lever is attached to said two branches.
12. The reproducing machine claimed in the combination of claim 2 with claim 11, characterized in that said lever is attached to the articulation point (28) of the two branches.
13. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 11 or 12 and claim 7, characterized in that said memory (M) also contains information representing the state of said lifting lever (22).
14. The reproducing machine claimed in one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said lifting lever (22) and said pantograph (13) are adapted to make electrical contact between them representing a pen lifting and used as such.
15. The reproducing machine claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the end of said lever attached to the pantograph is engaged over an insulative material sleeve and cooperates with an electrical contact abutment (70) carried by the pantograph and in that at least one member of the pantograph is urged toward a plane surface (15) on which a sheet of paper can be placed.
16. The reproducing machine claimed in one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that each branch (19a, 19b) of the pantograph comprises two members (23a-25a, 23b-25b) connected together by a ball joint (24a, 24b).

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