Device for selecting mailpieces

Abstract

A mailpiece selector device for separating mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and for transporting them downstream, the device comprising at least a first guide co-operating with a plurality of opposite selector rollers to select said mailpieces one-by-one and to transport them downstream, said first guide being comb-shaped and able to pivot about a first pivot axis in opposition to first resilient return means, one end of at least one tooth of the comb being coated with a wear-resistant material.

1 . A mailpiece selector device for separating mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and for transporting them downstream, wherein said mailpiece selector device comprises at least a first guide co-operating with a plurality of opposite selector rollers to select said mailpieces one-by-one and to transport them downstream, said first guide being comb-shaped and able to pivot about a first pivot axis in opposition to first resilient return means and said first guide being comb-shaped, wherein one end of at least one tooth of the comb being coated with a wear-resistant material. 
   
   
       2 . A mailpiece selector device according to  claim 1 , wherein said material is a ceramic or a carbide. 
   
   
       3 . A mailpiece selector device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second guide mounted to pivot about a second pivot axis in opposition to second resilient return means. 
   
   
       4 . A mailpiece selector device according to  claim 3 , wherein said second pivot axis and said first pivot axis form a common pivot axis. 
   
   
       5 . A mailpiece selector device according to  claim 3 , wherein said second pivot axis is offset upstream relative to said first pivot axis. 
   
   
       6 . A mailpiece selector device according to  claim 3 , wherein said second guide is comb-shaped, an elastomer blade being fastened to each of the teeth of the comb. 
   
   
       7 . A mailpiece feeder for a franking machine, which feeder includes a mailpiece selector device according to  claim 1 .