EP0901109A2 - System for handling mail with a franking and address printing machine and method for combined franking and address printing - Google Patents

Abstract

The mail handling system uses a digital printer (20) with a single printing head for addressing and franking each letter (3) during successive printing cycles, with rotation of the letter through 180 degrees between the latter, the control signals for the printing head provided by a control device which is switched from the addressing mode into the franking mode upon operation of the letter rotation device (40).

Description

The invention relates to a mail processing system with a franking and Addressing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 specified type and a method for combined franking and Address printing in accordance with the preamble of claim 8 specified type. If the word letter, Postpiece or print carrier is used, of course, this excludes all types to envelopes or other record carriers. As a record carrier can be mail, index cards, labels or self-adhesive Strips of paper or similar material can be used.

From a medium to high number of letters to be sent or other mail items are franking machines in the usual way Franking of the postal goods used. Unlike other printers a franking machine is suitable for processing filled Envelopes, possibly of very different types Format.

Modern franking machines use digital printing units. For example, the applicant's franking machine T1000 Thermal printing unit. With this it is possible in principle, any Text and special characters may also be printed rotated, but only in Franking stamp printing area. DE 42 24 955 A1 is a switchover the franking machine is provided on internal cost center printing, whereby the same printhead for this print job as for the print job Franking is used. However, this franking machine is not in able to print address information.

Postal regulations in most countries also preclude that the address information can be in the amount of the franking imprint. There Franking machines for printing in the address area of the envelope are not trained, an additional device for address printing would have to be used. This can be done using standard printing units that either installed in the office printer (e.g. laser printer) or in special addressing machines, e.g. an address label using a thermal printing unit produce. Such standard printing units are either too slow or inflexible or do not allow the processing of filled envelopes of different sizes (mixed mail). The address imprints are usually from separate fast addressing machines applied to the unfilled letter. Numerous letters, before all business mail, although with so-called window envelopes sent, with the address already printed on the letter and by an envelope window becomes visible. However, such a letter works impersonal and is unsuitable for advertising purposes (direct marketing) viewed (DE OS 38 08 178). As a result, it ultimately becomes the stake from separate special addressing machines for filled envelopes required.

Apart from the problems, matching machines for one Developing mixed mail processing system is the use of two separately working machines in one system for outgoing mail processing represents a significant investment. In addition to the necessary two machines also take up the corresponding floor space double maintenance. This increases the costs for such systems.

In general, a mail processing system consists of a number various devices, for example an automatic feed station, a dynamic scale, a franking machine and one Letter filing. The devices are either controlled centrally or pedal in communication with each other. Some mail processing machines also consist of stations with their own intelligence. The base station of the Systems is a franking machine, for example JetMail® from Applicant, which are also controlled by a personal computer can, such as the one under the title: Postal Processing System with a printing machine base station controlled by a personal computer in the unpublished application 197 11 998.0 is described in more detail. This enables the processing of filled letters of different thickness and different formats with medium up to large shipping quantities.

For the printing device of the JetMail®, an embodiment has already been proposed which, in the case of non-horizontal, approximately vertical letter transport, enables franking and address printing by means of a common ink jet print head which can be adjusted in its position between two recesses behind a guide plate or by means of two separate ink jet print heads (DE 196 05 014 C1 and DE 196 05 015 C1.
The mechanics required for a variant with a common adjustable ink jet print head would have to be controlled in such a way that the letter transport is interrupted and an adjustment to a second position takes place after the printing of the first print image has been completed. Then printing could continue. In this second position, however, an inkjet printhead cannot be sealed by an appropriate RDS. It would first have to be moved back to the first position in the Y direction.
On the one hand, this second position does not allow the printing of a long second print image for the address if the first print image to be printed during the transport of the letter in the transport direction (X direction) already has a large length, i.e. for example a franking stamp, city name / date stamp and a Advertising slogan and another field for shipping information or personal message. On the other hand, the width of the second printed image orthogonal to the transport direction, ie in the Y direction, is limited. It could happen that the remaining space for the second printed image is too small. If the length for the second printed image were greater, this would appear as an overlap from a vertical point of view, ie opposite to the Y direction. However, such a vertical overlap can be produced with two inkjet printheads, since the printing of the second printed image would have to start before the printing of the first printed image has been completed.
For this other variant with two inkjet printheads, two cleaning and sealing stations (RDS) and corresponding actuators, sensors, control and ink supply means in duplicate are also required. It is still difficult at present to produce reliable, high-width, high-resolution inkjet printheads at low cost. An inexpensive franking machine cannot be manufactured according to this principle.

The object of the invention is an arrangement for an inexpensive To create mail processing system with a machine that is flexible is designed for various printing tasks. The one to be developed The method is intended to enable printing of stamp images which overlap vertically.

The invention is based on the subtask for a non-contact Print using an inkjet printhead Printing device and method for printing on a printing medium create at least the pressure of two apart Stamp images with only one stationary print head allow that has a standardized print width without the Printing device additional movable machine elements are necessary. A machine is to be developed that has the franking functions and addressing outgoing mail. Nevertheless, the mechanics should be as simple as possible.

The object is achieved with the features of claims 1 and 8. According to the invention, before or after the printing device Rotary station arranged in the mail processing system, with which a Print carriers can be rotated by approx. 180 ° before or after printing can. Franking both printing tasks for the above functions or Addressing is carried out sequentially according to the invention. Doing so only one printing device suitable for digital printing used, which is controlled by a control device, which also The turning station controls via a cutting point in such a way that the print carriers rotated to the digital printing device in a predetermined manner become. The print media are preferably letters, especially filled ones Envelopes of various sizes and weights (mixed mail). For Carrying out two different printing tasks with one and the At least two passes of the same are carried out in the same printing device Envelopes through the printing device, being for at least one Printing the envelope by 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides is rotated.

The control device which is connected to the rotary station in terms of interface controls the turning station so that the envelopes are rotated in a predetermined Way to be applied to the digital printing device. On the side of the franking and addressing machine on which the Envelopes (print carriers) are placed, sensors are arranged, which are connected to the control device. The control device is programmed the printing device between the corresponding modes to switch for the respective printing task, whereby for the at least a printing task a correspondingly modified pressure control is provided is. The control device controls via another interface the printing device, if necessary, further stations of the mail processing system. Means for generating a are in the control device the address or franking print images and performing a pass arranged for appropriate printing so the printing device with one rotated by 180 ° compared to the other print image Print image is applied. The next to the invention Turning station additionally used in the mail processing system Means are sensors and means of essentially electronic and Control technology type. The invention thus avoids advantageously Way large mechanical changes in the guide plate for two print heads or additional movable machine elements in the Printing device for the common printhead.

1. Variante: Der Brief wird nach dem Drehen an die Seite (im Folgenden rechte Seite genannt) der Maschine angelegt, die er beim ersten Durchlauf verlassen hat.

2. Variante: Der Brief wird nach dem Drehen an die gleiche Seite (linke Seite) angelegt, wie beim ersten Durchlauf.

After the first passage of the letter through the printing device for printing the first printed image, the letter is turned in the plane of its flat sides by 180 ° by a turning station so that the second print image is applied to the first printed image by the same print head with appropriate control of the print signals Print image is printed rotated by 180 °. The renewed application to the printing device can be done in two process variants:

1st variant: After turning, the letter is placed on the side (hereinafter called the right side) of the machine that it left during the first pass.

2nd variant: After turning, the letter is placed on the same side (left side) as in the first pass.

The system with the arrangement according to the invention at least from the above two stations and is corresponding switchable. It can be used either individually or as a franking system Addressing system or as a combination of franking and Addressing systems are operated. In addition to the runs with printing according to a particular printing task is optional one or more passes are provided without printing. The latter allows you to create the envelope or to leave the Printing device on another of the two possible sides Make need.

The arrangement advantageously requires neither another Inkjet printhead in the printing device of the franking machine base station yet another printing station to do one additional printing task. The printing device is especially for Printing of letters provided and thus part of a combined Franking / addressing machine, which is the base station of the whole Systems represents. The letter transport mechanism of the printing device runs downstream in the usual way and is mechanically like this designed that the letter transport direction can be easily reversed. The letter becomes upstream after reversing the direction of transport transported.

In addition to the letter turning station according to the invention can in the mail processing system further known stations arranged become. In an alternative variant to the first variant, a Returning the mail flow to the entry point not within but outside the printing device. A turning station can be in the Feedback loop arranged at any position or be integrated into a suitable station. The structure of the mail processing system from suitable stations and a turning station, advantageously enables a cost-effective adaptation of the system different customer requirements.

Figur 1a, 1b,

Verfahrensabläufe mit einer erfindungsgemäßen ersten Anordnung mit Drehstation nach der Druckeinrichtung,

Figur 2a, 2b,

Verfahrensabläufe mit einer erfindungsgemäßen zweiten Anordnung mit Drehstation vor der Druckeinrichtung,

Figur 3a, 3b,

Details der erfindungsgemäßen Drehstation in Vorderansicht und Seitenansicht für die erste Anordnung,

Figur 3c, 3d,

Details der erfindungsgemäßen Drehstation in Vorderansicht und Seitenansicht für eine weitere Anordnung,

Figur 3e, 3f,

Details einer alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Drehstation in Vorderansicht und Seitenansicht für die erste Anordnung,

Figur 4a,

Details der erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung,

Figur 4b,

Blockschaltbild zur Ansteuerung der Druckeinrichtung und Drehstation,

Figur 5a,

Variante der Einbindung in ein Postbearbeitungssystem mit einer Druckeinrichtung, welche einen Brief sowohl stromabwärts als auch stromaufwärts transportieren kann,

Figur 5b,

Variante der Einbindung in ein Postbearbeitungssystem mit einer Druckeinrichtung, welche einen Brief außschließlich stromabwärts transportiert.

Figur 6a, 6b,

Verdeutlichung der Drucksteuerung für verschiedene Modi.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1a, 1b,

Process sequences with a first arrangement according to the invention with a turning station after the printing device,

2a, 2b,

Process sequences with a second arrangement according to the invention with a turning station in front of the printing device,

3a, 3b,

Details of the turning station according to the invention in front view and side view for the first arrangement,

Figure 3c, 3d,

Details of the turning station according to the invention in front view and side view for a further arrangement,

3e, 3f,

Details of an alternative turning station according to the invention in front view and side view for the first arrangement,

Figure 4a,

Details of the printing device according to the invention,

Figure 4b,

Block diagram for controlling the printing device and turning station,

Figure 5a,

Variant of integration into a mail processing system with a printing device, which can transport a letter both downstream and upstream,

Figure 5b,

Variant of the integration into a mail processing system with a printing device that only transports a letter downstream.

6a, 6b,

Clarification of pressure control for different modes.

According to the invention, a method is provided for printing each of the two print images through a separate pass through the print carrier 3 the same printing device 20 of a franking and addressing machine FAM takes place, with the print carrier on again for the further run the same printing device 20 is applied that the respective Movement phase or orientation of the print medium by sensors distinguishable and a corresponding mode switch is made that rotated at one of the two runs created print carrier generates the print control signals for a print image which is compared to the printed image of the other Pass is rotated by 180 ° and that when printing the Print control signals of the print images of both runs a single Print head 4 of the digital printing device 20 are supplied.

The letter turning station generally has the function of the letter in the plane of its flat sides by 180 ° in order to pull in again to enable the FAM franking and addressing machine. There are two basic arrangements according to a first and second arrangement variant possible with two modes of operation a) and b):

In a first arrangement variant, the turning station 40 is located downstream after the printing device 20. This first arrangement variant its function will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1a and b. The Letter surface becomes the first pass to a guide plate created which contains a recess for the printhead. The letter is rotated 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and then like this turned that it stands on the edge. After completing the first The letter runs through the franking and addressing machine fed to the letter rotary box of the turning station, rotated and by the Franking and addressing machine for the second pass again moved in. From a functional point of view, the letter rotary box is behind the Franking and addressing machine arranged. After the second The letter passes through the franking and addressing machine final. Depending on which side he leaves the machine, the two design variants according to FIG. 1a or 1b result.

Schritt 100,

Eingabe der Adresse in eine Steuereinrichtung 1 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 101,

Zuführen eines zur Adresse zugehörigen Briefkuvertes an eine Transportanfangsposition, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht und gewendet auf der Kante stehend an eine Führungsplatte bzw. Anlegestelle an der linken Seite der Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM angelegt wird,

Schritt 102,

Generieren des Druckbildes für die Adresse in der Steuereinrichtung 1 und Ausführen eines ersten Durchlaufes mit Adressendruck, wobei ein Druckkopf 4 der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem im Ergebnis um 180° gedrehten Druckbild beaufschlagt wird, so daß auf der Briefkuvertoberfläche die Adresse spaltenweise von rechts nach links gedruckt wird und wobei der Brieftransport stromabwärts in Transportrichtung zur Drehstation 40 erfolgt;

Schritt 103,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zur Drehstation 40;

Schritt 104,

Drehen des Briefkuvertes in der Drehstation 40, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht wird;

Schritt 105a,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zum erneuten Anlegen an die Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 106a,

Umschalten der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM zum Frankieren, wobei die Transportrichtung durch die Druckeinrichtung 20 umgekehrt ist, um das Briefkuvert zur Transportanfangsstelle zurückzutransportieren, und wobei der Aufdruck auf die Briefkuvertoberfläche im zweiten Durchlauf durch die Druckeinrichtung 20 mit einem ungedrehten Druckbild und spaltenweise von links nach rechts erfolgt;

Schritt 107a,

Entnahme des adressierten und frankierten Briefkuvertes aus der Druckeinrichtung 20 an der vorgenannten Anlegestelle.

FIG. 1a shows the following procedure for a first arrangement according to the invention with a turning station 40 after the printing device 20:

Step 100,

Entering the address in a control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, the letter envelope being turned through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102,

Generation of the print image for the address in the control device 1 and execution of a first pass with address printing, whereby a print head 4 of the print device 20 is acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the address on the envelope surface from column to column from right to left is printed and the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the rotary station 40;

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station 40;

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station 40, the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105a,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM for renewed application;

Step 106a,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, the direction of transport being reversed by the printing device 20 in order to transport the envelope back to the start of transport, and the printing on the surface of the letter envelope in the second pass through the printing device 20 with an unrotated print image and columns from left to right done on the right;

Step 107a,

Removal of the addressed and franked envelope from the printing device 20 at the aforementioned jetty.

Preferably, step 100 includes entering the address in the control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM one Sub-step to deliver an address from a database 90 one Personal computers for control device 1. Under address there is a corresponding complete information regarding name and place of residence of the letter recipient understood. The address input can alternatively also using the keyboard of a personal computer or the FAM keyboard done manually and is only repeated once if necessary Personal computer checked for correctness of information.

In the variant of Figure 1a it is assumed that the letter on the left input side of the machine turned and rotated by 180 ° is created so that the letter surface in the first pass from Print head of the franking and addressing machine FAM in columns in the usual printing direction (from right to left) can be printed. Correspondingly, in the first pass, one is rotated by 180 ° Printed image printed. Then the letter in the subordinate Letter turning station rotated. The letter surface is in the second pass from the franking and addressing machine with an unrotated one Print image but columns from left to right, i.e. in one for Franking machines for printing franking stamps in an unusual way printed. The letter is delivered to the landing stage, i.e. the left input side removed from the franking and addressing machine and does not yet arrive once in the mailbox. It is advantageous in this variant according to Figure 1a that the letter rotary box always has to carry out the same workflow and also has no possibility of removal for the letter in the system on the right got to. The letter is subject to only two passes and one rotation. The The total throughput time is the lowest of all variants.

Schritt 100,

Eingabe der Adresse in die Steuereinrichtung 1 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 101,

Zuführen eines zur Adresse zugehörigen Briefkuvertes an eine Transportanfangsposition, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht und gewendet auf der Kante stehend an eine Führungsplatte bzw. Anlegestelle an der linken Seite der Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM angelegt wird,

Schritt 102,

Generieren des Druckbildes für die Adresse in der Steuereinrichtung 1 und Ausführen eines ersten Durchlaufes mit Adressendruck, wobei der Druckkopf 4 der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem im Ergebnis um 180° gedrehten Druckbild beaufschlagt wird, so daß auf der Briefkuvertoberfläche die Adresse spaltenweise von rechts nach links gedruckt wird und wobei der Brieftransport stromabwärts in Transportrichtung zur Drehstation 40 erfolgt;

Schritt 103,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zur Drehstation 40;

Schritt 104,

Drehen des Briefkuvertes in der Drehstation 40, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht wird;

Schritt 105b,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zum erneuten Anlegen an die Druckeinrichtung 20 der FAM und Umschalten der Transportrichtung zum Rücktransport, wobei das Briefkuvert nachdem es aus dem Briefdrehkasten von der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM wieder eingezogen wurde, in einem zweiten Durchlauf ohne ein Drucken in die vorgenannte Transportanfangsposition zurücktransportiert wird;

Schritt 106b,

Umschalten der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM zum Frankieren, wobei das Briefkuvert durch die Druckeinrichtung 20 in einen dritten Durchlauf gleichsinnig dem ersten Briefdurchlauf transportiert und mit einem ungedrehten Druckbild und spaltenweise von rechts nach links in ansich bekannter Weise bedruckt wird;

Schritt 107b,

Entnahme des adressierten und frankierten Briefkuvertes aus der Drehstation 40 an einer Ausgabestelle.

1b shows the following modified method sequence for a first arrangement according to the invention with a turning station 40 after the printing device 20:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, the letter envelope being turned through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102,

Generation of the print image for the address in the control device 1 and execution of a first pass with address printing, the print head 4 of the print device 20 being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the address on the envelope surface from column to column from right to left is printed and the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the rotary station 40;

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station 40;

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station 40, the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105b,

Feeding the envelope to the FAM printing device 20 again and switching the transport direction for return transport, the envelope being transported back into the aforementioned transport start position in a second pass without printing after it has been drawn in again by the franking and addressing machine FAM becomes;

Step 106b,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM for franking, the envelope being transported by the printing device 20 in a third pass in the same direction as the first pass of the letter and printed with a non-rotated print image and columns by column from right to left in a manner known per se;

Step 107b,

Removal of the addressed and franked envelope from the turning station 40 at an issuing point.

In this process variant - shown in FIG. 1b remarkable that the envelope after it came out of the mailbox retracted from the franking and addressing machine was in a second pass without printing to the print home position is transported back. At the same time the rotary box takes the turning station 40 again its starting position. For the third The transport direction of the letter is switched once again. The letter is now transported in the same direction as the first letter pass and with a non-rotated print image and columns from right to right left, i.e. in the for franking machines for printing franking stamps printed in the usual way. It arrives at the end of the third Passes back into the letter box, but not this time returns to the franking and addressing machine. The latter will most easily achieved by the fact that after the third letter pass Sensor 50 detects the letter in the rotary box 50 and, based on this, the Letter transport mechanism of the franking and addressing machine remains switched off until the letter is removed from the letter box. It is irrelevant whether the letter is rotated again. Advantageous is with this variant that the sequence of the pressure control signals at Franking does not have to be changed and synchronization of the Print control signals with letter transport only ever for one Transport direction must be guaranteed. The letter is subject to three Passes and a turn. The total lead time is something higher compared to the first variant. At a low Mail volumes, where anyway the franking and to addressing letters are created individually, the length of the Overall lead time is not an important factor.

Figures 2a and 2b are based on a second invention Arrangement with the turning station 40 in front of the printing device 20. The Mail rotary box is in front of the franking and printing station Addressing machine, i.e. on the input side. The letter is turned back through 180 ° the plane of its flat sides turned and turned towards the guide plate with its edge on the lower contact surface 413 of the letter rotary box standing with its surface to be printed on the rear wall 412 of the letter turntable. The mailbox is made by a Motor driven tilted and gliding after overcoming static friction on the lower support surface 413 to the transport start position within the franking and addressing machine. There is also a sub-variant, at who only turned the letter but not turned it with his to be printed Surface to be applied to the rear wall 412 of the letter rotary box can. The mailbox then performs the required rotation, before the letter from the franking and addressing machine for the first one Pass to print the address is fed. The control of the print head takes place in the first pass from normal operation a franking machine deviating from a one rotated by 180 ° Printed image, i.e. just like the previous versions has already been described. After the first run is complete the transport direction is reversed and there is a second pass without printing. The letter is sent back to the mailbox output, rotated and for the third pass to print the Franking stamp again from the franking and addressing machine moved in. Thus, in the first and third passages of letters Transport direction when printing same as in the second embodiment according to variant 1b. This second variant results for the further process further sub-variants:

Schritt 100,

Eingabe der Adresse in die Steuereinrichtung 1 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 101a,

Zuführen eines zur Adresse zugehörigen Briefkuvertes an eine Drehstation 40 vor der Druckeinrichtung 20, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht und gewendet auf der Kante stehend an eine Anlegestelle angelegt wird, und einer Transportanfangs-position der Druckeinrichtung 20 zugeführt wird;

Schritt 102,

Generieren des Druckbildes für die Adresse in der Steuereinrichtung 1 und Ausführen eines ersten Durchlaufes mit Adressendruck, wobei der Druckkopf 4 der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem im Ergebnis um 180° gedrehten Druckbild beaufschlagt wird, so daß auf der Briefkuvertoberfläche die Adresse spaltenweise von rechts nach links gedruckt wird und wobei der Brieftransport stromabwärts in Transportrichtung erfolgt;

Schritt 103a,

Stoppen des Transportes in Transportrichtung in der Druckeinrichtung 20 und Umschalten der Druckeinrichtung 20 zum Rücktransport, wobei das Briefkuvert in einem zweiten Durchlauf ohne ein Drucken in die vorgenannte Drehstation 40 zurücktransportiert wird;

Schritt 104,

Drehen des Briefkuvertes in der Drehstation 40, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht wird;

Schritt 105,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zum erneuten Anlegen an die Druckeinrichtung 20;

Schritt 106b,

Umschalten der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM zum Frankieren, wobei das Briefkuvert durch die Druckeinrichtung 20 in einen dritten Durchlauf gleichsinnig dem ersten Briefdurchlauf transportiert und mit einem ungedrehten Druckbild und spaltenweise von rechts nach links in ansich bekannter Weise bedruckt wird;

Schritt 107,

Entnahme des adressierten und frankierten Briefkuvertes von einer Ausgabestelle der Druckeinrichtung 20.

FIG. 2a shows the following procedure for a second arrangement according to the invention with a turning station 40 in front of the printing device 20:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101a,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a turning station 40 in front of the printing device 20, the letter envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down at a jetty, and a transport start position of the printing device 20 is fed;

Step 102,

Generation of the print image for the address in the control device 1 and execution of a first pass with address printing, the print head 4 of the print device 20 being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the address on the envelope surface from column to column from right to left is printed and the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction;

Step 103a,

Stopping the transport in the transport direction in the printing device 20 and switching the printing device 20 for return transport, the envelope being transported back in a second pass without printing to the aforementioned turning station 40;

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station 40, the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device 20 for renewed application;

Step 106b,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM for franking, the envelope being transported by the printing device 20 in a third pass in the same direction as the first pass of the letter and printed with a non-rotated print image and columns by column from right to left in a manner known per se;

Step 107,

Removing the addressed and franked envelope from an output point of the printing device 20.

In this variant of the method according to FIG. 2a, after the the first pass reverses the transport direction of the letter. On second pass begins without printing. To At the end of the second pass, the letter arrives in the rotary box and is rotated by 180 °. For a third run, the Direction of transport of the letter is reversed again and the letter is franked in the usual way. At the end of the third run the letter will be on the opposite side of the franking and Addressing machine issued and does not get into the Mail rotary box. The letter is subject to three passes and one rotation.

In a process sub-variant developed for the second arrangement variant is after step 101a in an optional further one Step 101b provided, by means of the rotary station 40, a rotation of the Envelopes 3 always before being fed to the printing device 20 to execute. This allows the use of an automatic feeder always the same regardless of the printing task aligned to feed. Such a process sub-variant is from the Figure 2b can be seen. The remaining steps 102 to 107 are analogous to how already explained for the variant according to FIG. 2a.

In a further process sub-variant 2c) for operating the second As an alternative to step 107, arrangement variants are step 108 for a fourth pass without printing and a step 109 for removal intended. The previous procedures are the same as the previously explained process variants. Just at the end of the procedure, the envelope 3 is again removed before removal Turning station 40 supplied. This is the direction of transport of the letter switched again. To illustrate a corresponding variant steps 108 and 109 have been drawn in with dashed lines in FIG. 2b. The envelope is then removed to the left of the franking and Addressing machine FAM from the rotary box.

In the case of the above-mentioned sub-variants according to FIG basically a rotation of the letter through the letter rotary box. Just a turned but untwisted letter must therefore be before the first Pass to be fed to the letter rotary box. The feed takes place thus in a manner that is the same for all printing tasks and can be replaced by a automatic feeding station within a mail processing system be performed. In an advantageous manner, the letter rotary box in the automatic feeding station can be integrated. The letter is subject to now two turns in the letter rotary box and again the one above mentioned three passes through the printing device, the first and third pass printing.

There are two for the aforementioned process sub-variant 2c) Advantages. The delivery and removal of the letter are done as in variant 1a) on the same side of the franking and Addressing machine. For example, this can be done directly with the back a room wall or other device. Furthermore can, as with process variant 1b), in both letter runs Transport direction when printing is the same. However, it follows due to the fourth run an additional movement phase for the letter.

The process variant 1a) requires a different sequence of the print control signals in both letter runs and the transport direction during printing is opposite, but the total run time resulting from the sum of the individual runs is advantageously minimal.
Depending on the specific application, where the priorities between space requirements, costs for integration into an existing system, total throughput time, print quality, etc. can be set differently, a suitable variant of the method according to the invention is thus available. Further variants can be seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b.

The letter turning station 40 according to the invention is intended to be based on the first Arrangement variant in the system after the printing device 20 closer to be discribed. From the to the approximately vertical Letter transport trained printing device is used for simplification only the conveyor belt 10 shown, on which the letter to Turning station 40 arrives. The letter is on the contact edge 31 and is transported in the letter transport direction (X direction) and then slides in the letter rotary box 41 designed for receiving letters Preferred variant of the approximately vertical letter transport the letter turning station 40 consists of a letter turning box 41 which rotatably mounted on a frame 42 and motor 43 is driven. In Figure 3b, these details are the inventive Turning station 40 shown in side view. The frame 42 is in one Rack 45 stored.

For the sake of clarity, only the details are shown in FIG. 3a Letter rotary box 41 and frame 45 of the rotary station according to the invention in Shown front view. The letter rotary box 41 is drawn in bold a first letter receiving position and - thinly drawn - in one second letter delivery position shown. In the first letter receiving position takes the top edge of the letter rotary box 41 with respect to one Parallels to the letter transport direction (X direction) or contact edge 31 a negative angle 0 ° <-α ≤ 45 °, so that after a first Pass recorded envelope 3 to a stop 49 of the Mailbox 41 slips. On the frame 45 of the turning station 40 is a Sensor 50 for detecting one accommodated in the rotary box 41 Envelope 3 arranged.

In the thinly drawn second letter delivery position, the top edge takes of the letter rotary box 41 with respect to a parallel to the letter transport direction (X direction) or contact edge 31 a positive Angle 45 ° ≥ β ≥ 20 °, so that for a second pass turned envelope 3 on the conveyor belt 10 of the printing device 10 slips back.

The letter rotary box consists of a rear wall 412 and one lower and upper contact surface 411, 413. On the sides it remains for the letter feed and discharge open. With its rear wall 412 it is so far the vertical inclined (angular range 5 ° <γ <45 °) that the letter through his weight exerts a force component on the rear wall and thus abuts against this, while its lower edge rests on the lower The surface of the mailbox is resting. The necessary one Angle against the vertical is preferably γ = 18 °. The outer Dimensions of the letter rotary box 41 depend on the largest Letter formats that should be recorded and rotated with this. The letter pickup is detected by a sensor 50. Is to preferably a reflex light barrier in a recess 44 of the Frame 42 arranged, which is only in the receiving position of the letter turntable 41 opposite a recess 414 of the letter rotary box 41 lies and which then through these recesses 44 and 414 of Frame 42 and the letter turntable 41 through a recorded Letter 3 detected. The rotary drive comprises an electric motor 43 and associated sensors 51, 52, which indicate that the respective End position for a rotation according to the letter pick-up / delivery position detect. The rotation is counter-clockwise a pivot point DP1, which is in the upper half of the rear wall 412 lies. The rear wall 412 can be divided into four quadrants. For one Arrangement of the letter turning station 40 downstream after the printing device The pivot point DP1 lies in the second quadrant, preferably near a diagonal between the corners of the letter box, wherein one of the two corners has the stop 49.

The letter turning station 40 has sensors 50, 51 and 52 as well as at least a motor 43, which via an interface circuit 18 with a Control device 1 are connected (shown in Figure 4b), which the Motor 43 controls accordingly, the rotary box 41 in the second Letter delivery position moved. The control device 1 receives from one Sensor 37 a signal when the letter from the right of the printing device 20th has been supplied. On the basis of this signal, the motor 43 becomes the Letter turning station 40 is controlled in such a way that the letter turning box 41 takes up his first letter receiving position again.

For an arrangement of the letter turning station 40 upstream in front of the Printing device 20 - as they are for the process variants according to the Figures 2a and 2b is a prerequisite - are those in Figures 3a and 3b to mirror the details shown on a drawn vertical and then result in a principle of the same type but correspondingly mirror-symmetrical Arrangement that has not been shown in extra figures.

Another arrangement variant of the letter turning station 40, which is based on 3c and 3d is illustrated is suitable for an arrangement the letter turning station 40 according to Figure 5b somewhere in the mail stream before or after the printing device 20. The letter is on one side of the Letter turning station 40 accepted but on the other side of the Letter turning station 40 delivered. For this purpose, the pivot point DP1 'is in the upper half of the box in the first quadrant, preferably close to one Diagonals between two corners of the letter turntable, with none of the has the stop 49 at both corners. With such an arrangement variant, the letter turning station 40 also consists of a Mail rotary box 41, which is rotatably mounted in a frame 42 and is driven by a motor 43. In Figure 3d, these details are the Turning station 40 according to the invention again shown in side view, the letter rotary box is drawn in the letter receiving position, which is shown in bold in FIG. 3c. In the first letter receiving position takes the top edge of the letter rotary box 41 with respect to one Parallels to the letter transport direction (X direction) or contact edge 31 again a negative angle 0 ° <-α ≤ 45 °, so that after a first pass recorded envelope 3 to a stop 49 of the Mailbox 41 slips. The letter is taken up by the Sensor 50 detects, whereupon control device 1 detects motor 43 causes the rotary box 41 to rotate clockwise to execute. In the second - thinly drawn in Figure 3c The letter delivery position takes the upper edge of the letter receiving box 41 with respect to a parallel to the letter transport direction (X direction) or Contact edge 31 now also a negative angle 45 ° ≥ -β ≥ 20 °, so that the turned envelope 3 on the conveyor belt 60 one subsequent transport device slips.

According to another arrangement variant with approximately vertical Mail transport - which is illustrated by Figures 3e and 3f - the letter turning station 40 also consists of a letter turning box 41, which is rotatably mounted in a frame 42 and motor 43 is driven. These details of the invention are shown in FIG. 3f Turning station 40 shown in side view. However, the frame 42 is additionally mounted in a frame 45 so as to be displaceable by motor 46.

For the sake of clarity, only the details are shown in FIG. 3e the letter rotary box 41 and the frame 45 of the invention Turning station 40 shown in front view. The letter rotary box 41 is - bolded - in a first letter receiving position and - thin drawn - shown in a second letter delivery position. In the The first letter receiving position takes the top edge of the letter receiving box 41 with respect to a parallel to the letter transport direction (X direction) a negative angle 0 ° <- α ≤ 45 °, so that after envelope 3 received in a first pass again to one Stop 49 slides. In the thinly drawn second letter delivery position takes up the top edge of the mailbox 41 a parallel to the letter transport direction (X direction) a positive one Angle 45 ° ≥ β ≥ 30 °, so that for a second pass turned envelope 3 on the conveyor belt 10 of the printing device 10 slides back. In this preferred embodiment, the letter rotary box 41 through the rotary drive 43 and the drive 46 approximately guided on the path of an ellipse counterclockwise, whereby whose major axis is at an angle δ or in the simplest case is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction. For such a drive an electric motor 46, for example, possibly via a transmission gear coupled to a gear 48 which is on a rack 47 is running. The rack 47 is in the frame 45 at an angle δ <45 ° Transport direction attached. The frame 42 for the mailbox 41 is firmly connected to the drives 43 and 46 and slides rail-guided (not shown) according to the angle δ on one Straight lines parallel to the rack 47 when the drive 46 is activated.

Of course, other forms of movement than the above are elliptical suitable for the rotational movement as long as it does the required Enable force play in basically the same way. When separate Use of one motor 43 for the rotary movement but two motors for the shift within the management level (X / Y level), i.e. on Drive 46x in the X direction and a drive 46y in the Y direction can be one optimal curve shape of the resulting movement can be achieved. As an alternative drive is also a single motor with an in itself for Ellyptic cam tracks known lever gear suitable. Thereby is achieved that on the letter and the recording box one in perpendicular direction to the transport direction or acting at an angle δ Accelerating force acts on the letter at the start of the letter Effective centrifugal force is not or no longer effective. The The letter lies on the lower surface of the Mailbox on. Before the top reversal point of the ellipse takes the rotation and displacement component of the letter box to the extent that the rotated letter again mainly the Gravity can follow. Alternatively, it is provided that the Sliding movement component of the letter turntable in its direction is reversed. This is especially for a variant with a horizontal one Mail transport required. Thus, if necessary, a movement are executed, which the letter from the one bearing surface 411 to other support surface 413 conveyed. Such an arrangement variant In principle, it is therefore also suitable for a horizontal application (Horizontal) letter transport in the system.

During a turn, those are attacking in the focus of the letter Centrifugal forces are sufficiently large compared to other forces, for example the vertically downward force of gravity. Because of the Rotational movement effective centrifugal force, the letter 3 is on the support surface 411 of the letter receiving box 41 and is rotated further by this. The easing of the onset in the next movement phase Rotation leads to a predominance of the vertically downward Weight compared to centrifugal force and static friction on the back wall. The letter slides on, braked by the sliding friction on the back wall below until it rotates from the rotated (originally upper) bearing surface 413 of the letter turntable 41 is supported and by this on Conveyor belt 10 slides. The latter sliding process supports the End position of the letter turntable 41, the bearing surface 413 again an angle β with respect to a parallel to the letter transport direction (X direction) occupies.

The advantage of all variants of the letter rotary box is that the Letter not jammed by additional means during rotation or must be sucked in to prevent it from slipping through the open To prevent side walls of the mailbox. The described The balance of power and the resulting letter movement are wide Limits regardless of the size and weight of the letter.

FIG. 4a shows details of the printing device according to the invention for printing a letter envelope 3 standing on an edge 31.
This essentially consists of a conveyor belt 10, a guide plate 2 arranged orthogonally to the transport plane and above it, and an ink print head 4. The envelope 3 is turned and rotated so that its surface rests on the guide rails 23 of the guide plate 2. The guide plate 2 is preferably arranged inclined at an angle γ = 18 ° to the perpendicular. Guide plate 2 and conveyor belt 10 form an angle of 90 ° with one another. The letter envelopes 3 standing on the conveyor belt 10 are inevitably in contact with the guide plate 2 due to the inclined position thereof and are also pressed on by pressure elements 12 which are fastened on the conveyor belt 10. When the conveyor belt 10 moves, the letters 3 slide entrained through the pressing elements 12 along the guide rails 23 of the fixed guide plate 2. An extension 12132 of the pressing elements 12 slides on a backdrop with the deflections 81 and 82, which enables the letter envelope to be pressed on or released before or after printing. A recess 21 for the ink print head 4 is provided in the guide plate 2. The guide plate 2 is set back so far in the transport direction downstream in the area 25 behind the recesses 21 relative to the contact surface for the letter 3 that the printed surface is certainly exposed.

Due to the symmetrical structure of the conveyor belt with the elastic lettering elements can be used in both directions of movement recorded and transported under completely identical conditions become. A sensor 7 or 17 is used to detect the start of a letter and Pressure release in the direction of transport. A sensor 27 or 37 is used for Recognition of the beginning of a letter and triggering of pressure during a letter transport movement upstream, i.e. opposite to the usual transport direction. The transport device consists of a conveyor belt 10 and two rollers 11. One of the rollers 11 is the drive roller. Both Rollers 11 are preferably in a manner not shown as Toothed rollers executed, corresponding to the conveyor belt 10 as Toothed belt, which ensures clear power transmission. The Drive roller 11 with an incremental encoder 5 sits firmly on an axis, likewise not visible. The incremental encoder 5 is, for example, as Slotted disc executed that interacts with a light barrier 6.

FIG. 4b shows a block diagram for controlling the printing device 20 and letter turning station 40. The control device 1 comprises a microprocessor 91 and memory means 92, 93, 94 known per se and a personal computer PC with database 90 for storage the address files and the associated user interface (keyboard, display unit). The personal computer PC is on a data cable 15 and Interface circuit 97 with the microprocessor 91 in communication connection. The control device 1 also has interface circuits 96, 14 at least to sensors 6, 7, 17, 27, 37 and the actuators, for example a drive for the roller 11 and one Cleaning and sealing station RDS for the inkjet printhead, as well to the print head 4 of the base station 20. The basic arrangement and the interaction between the inkjet printhead and the RDS from the unpublished German application 197 26 642.8, entitled: Arrangement for Positioning an Inkjet Printhead and a cleaning and sealing device.

A direct current motor of the drive roller 11 can also be acted upon by a reversed voltage due to the control via the interface circuit 14 and thus possibly also reversible in its direction of rotation. The generation of a printed image rotated as a result can take place by means of a special circuit 95 which is connected in terms of circuitry to the microprocessor 91, the memory means 92, 93 and 94 and to an interface 96. It is provided that the individual print elements of the print head are connected to print electronics within its housing and that the print head can be controlled for purely electronic printing.
A further interface circuit 99 is connected to the right via a data cable 19 with an interface circuit 18 of the letter turning station 40 and allows it to be controlled by the control device 1. Corresponding sensors 50, 51, 52 and actuators 43, 46 of the letter turning station 40 are with corresponding interface transmission / reception circuits 181 , 182 connected. Another peripheral device to the left of the base station FAM with the control device 1 and printing device 20, preferably an automatic feed station 28, is connected to its interface circuit 13 by cable 16 and to an interface circuit 98 of the base station FAM. The not previously published German application 197 11 997.2 shows an embodiment variant suitable for the peripheral interface for several peripheral devices (stations). It has the title: Arrangement for communication between a base station and other stations of a mail processing machine and for their emergency shutdown.

The first solution variant - shown in FIG. 1a - stands out characterized in that the letter system for the second pass on the right side of the machine. As was shown in FIG. 1b, can the letter transport direction after the address has been printed in the second Switch over the run again and then the completely printed letter lead out on the right side of the machine. This process has the Advantage that the left side of the machine through the second letter pass is not touched. For example, if the left side is with a Letter separation, this function is not disturbed. In particular, the order of those stored there as a stack is also determined Outgoing mail not changed.

FIG. 5a shows a mail processing system with an automatic one Feed station 28, with a dynamic scale 24, one with a PC-coupled Franking and addressing machine FAM 20 and with one Turning station 40 shown. The automatic feed station 28 has one on the left End plug 29, which electrically closes the device interface. The right device interface is via a cable 16.2 with the left Device interface of the dynamic scale 24 connected, the right Device interface via a cable 16.1 with the left device interface the franking and addressing machine FAM 20 is coupled. On theirs the right device interface is the left device interface via a cable 19 connected to the turning station 40, the left device interface is completed with an end plug 30. This system has the Possibility of stacking mixed mail and automatic Separation and weight determination. The automatic feeder 28 isolated letters from a stack and leads them to the franking machine base station with the printing device 20, i.e. it serves as a letter feeder. If the stack of letters is different Letter weights, which each require different postage fees namely the additional use of a dynamic scale 24 makes sense, to determine the respective letter weight. The dynamic scale 24 allows a higher throughput of different mail items (Mixed mail) for automatic mail processing. The order of Addressing functions to be performed sequentially according to the invention or franking is in the - shown in Figure 5a - Reverse arrangement variant, in contrast to the first variant of the Procedure (according to Figure 1a).

Schritt 100,

Eingabe der Adresse in die Steuereinrichtung 1 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 101,

Zuführen eines zur Adresse zugehörigen Briefkuvertes an eine Transportanfangsposition, so daß das Briefkuvert gewendet auf der Kante stehend an eine Führungsplatte bzw. Anlegestelle an der linken Seite der Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM angelegt wird,

Schritt 102c,

Umschalten der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM zum Frankieren, wobei der Druckkopf 4 der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem ungedrehten Frankierdruckbild beaufschlagt wird, so daß im ersten Durchlauf auf der Briefkuvert-oberfläche das Frankierdruckbild spaltenweise von rechts nach links in an sich bekannter Weise gedruckt wird, während der Brieftransport stromabwärts in Transportrichtung zur Drehstation 40 erfolgt;

Schritt 103,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zur Drehstation 40;

Schritt 104,

Drehen des Briefkuvertes in der Drehstation 40, wobei das Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht wird;

Schritt 105a,

Zuführen des Briefkuvertes zum erneuten Anlegen an die Druckeinrichtung 20;

Schritt 106c,

Generieren des Druckbildes für die Adresse in der Steuereinrichtung 1 und Ausführen eines zweiten Durchlaufes mit Adressendruck, wobei der Druckkopf (4) der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem im Ergebnis um 180° gedrehten Druckbild beaufschlagt wird und wobei die Transportrichtung umgekehrt ist, so daß auf der Briefkuvertoberfläche die Adresse spaltenweise von links nach rechts gedruckt wird, und wobei das Briefkuvert stromaufwärts zur Transportanfangsposition vor der Anlegestelle an die Druckeinrichtung 20 zurücktransportiert wird;

Schritt 107c,

Entnahme des zur Transportanfangsposition zurücktransportierten frankierten und adressierten Briefkuvertes .

The procedure for combined franking and address printing includes the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, so that the letter envelope is turned upside down and placed against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102c,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, whereby the print head 4 of the printing device 20 is loaded with an unrotated franking print image, so that in the first pass on the surface of the envelope the franking print image is printed column by column from right to left in a manner known per se, while the letter transport takes place downstream in the transport direction to the turning station 40;

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station 40;

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station 40, the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105a,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device 20 for renewed application;

Step 106c,

Generating the print image for the address in the control device 1 and executing a second pass with address printing, the print head (4) of the printing device 20 being acted upon with a print image rotated as a result by 180 ° and the transport direction being reversed, so that on the Letter envelope surface the address is printed column by column from left to right, and wherein the envelope is transported upstream to the transport start position before the landing to the printing device 20;

Step 107c,

Removal of the franked and addressed envelope returned to the transport start position.

In this variant of the method for - shown in FIG. 5a - In the arrangement variant, the letter is turned but not turned in order to carry out franking first. After the first According to the invention, it is detected in the turning station 40 and rotated by 180 ° to the right side of the franking and addressing machine FAM created and drawn in for the second pass, whereby now however, the address is printed. The letter detection by one Sensor 50 causes the FAM to issue address request data to the personal computer PC. The PC contains the order of certain mail recipient addresses are saved in a file, which in the are usually selected from an address database 90. He transmits the addresses in the required order, like the mail pieces in the Batches have been created on the franking and addressing machine FAM. This franking and addressing machine FAM, which is a 180 ° generated rotated print image, now prints the from left to right generated print image for the address on the surface of the envelope on, with the envelope from right to left through the printing device is transported through. The dynamic scale 24, which in the first run the weight to determine the postage value after the second run now serves as a sensor for the Letter removal from the balance 24. Only after detected letter removal the control device 1 of the base station FAM controls the automatic one Feeding station 28 for the purpose of feeding a subsequent one Letter to.

a) umschaltbarer Motor

b) schaltbares Getriebe

c) zwei gegenläufig arbeitende Antriebsmittel (z.B. zwei hintereinander angeordnete Rollen), von denen immer nur jeweils eines aktiv wird.

When using an inkjet printhead that does not require a pressure device, the driver elements must also allow precise letter transport in the opposite direction due to their shape and arrangement. The print head is installed in a motion-neutral manner in relation to the envelope surface to be printed and the transport device. An arrangement at an angle of 90 °, ie perpendicular to the envelope surface, is preferred. The use of an inkjet printhead has the advantage that no contact with the envelope surface is required during printing. In any case, the print head must have a print width that corresponds to the width of the widest of the two print images. At approx. 35 mm, this is usually the address print, while a franking imprint is not wider than 30 mm. Various solutions are possible for switching the letter transport device:

a) switchable motor

b) switchable transmission

c) two oppositely operating drive means (eg two rollers arranged one behind the other), of which only one becomes active at a time.

Switching the direction of movement can be done manually, for example made on the keyboard of the connected personal computer or automatically depending on the letter feed. The latter variant can advantageously be implemented as follows: On both sides of the machine on which the letter will be placed sensors 7, 17, 27 and 37, e.g. Retro-reflective sensors arranged, which detect the letter edge. Speaks a sensor 7 or 37 on the respective side of the machine, a corresponding one Letter introduction signaled on this page. In the case of FIG. 5a The arrangement variant shown is when the letter introduction is signaled automatically switched to franking mode on the left-hand side, but with a signaling on the right side on the Addressing mode switched. To rule out that a sensor on the on the other side, when the letter passes, another switch triggers, at least two sensors are immediately on each side arranged one behind the other. The order of messages from these two sensors clearly determine the letter transport direction. This order that in the first pass the franking imprint and second pass of the address imprint is required for the variant according to Figure 5a that when printing in the second pass, the characters on the Upside down and in sequence with that compared to the first pass last print column of a character are printed. This sequence can also be the other way round (as shown in FIG. 1a).

With an alternative solution variant - shown in FIG. 5b - is in the processing of batches of mail can also be advantageously realized. The turning station is - analogous to FIGS. 3c and 3d - for integration in formed a mail processing system, the printing device 20 a Transport device having a letter only downstream must transport. This eliminates the need for the letter transport mechanism to switch in its direction of movement. Also enough for the detection of the letter edge the ones installed on the left side Sensors 7 and 17. For automatic detection of the first or second letter pass and corresponding print mode switchover An additional sensor system may be located upstream in front of sensors 7 and 17 57, 67 arranged, the existence of a possible first impression notes. The additional sensor system can be designed as a reflection light barrier which are the different types of reflection from envelope surface and any print characters detected. The order position of the Sensor technology is selected so that a possible first impression after rotation of the letter and renewed attachment comes to rest just below her.

Schritt 100,

Eingabe der Adresse in die Steuereinrichtung 1 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 101,

Zuführen eines zur Adresse zugehörigen Briefkuvertes an eine Transportanfangsposition, so daß das Briefkuvert gewendet auf der Kante stehend an eine Führungsplatte bzw. Anlegestelle an der linken Seite der Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM angelegt wird,

Schritt 102c,

Umschalten der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM zum Frankieren, wobei der Druckkopf 4 der Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem ungedrehten Frankierdruckbild beaufschlagt wird, so daß eines ersten Durchlaufes auf der Briefkuvertoberfläche das Frankierdruckbild spaltenweise von rechts nach links in an sich bekannter Weise gedruckt wird, während der Brieftransport stromabwärts in Transportrichtung zur Drehstation 40 erfolgt;

Schritt 103c,

Zuführen mindestens eines Briefkuvertes zur Drehstation 40;

Schritt 104c,

Drehen des mindestens einen Briefkuvertes in der Drehstation 40, wobei das mindestens eine Briefkuvert um 180° in der Ebene seiner Flachseiten gedreht wird;

Schritt 105c,

Zuführen des mindestens einen Briefkuvertes zum erneuten Anlegen an die Druckeinrichtung 20 der Frankier- und Adressiermaschine FAM;

Schritt 106d,

Generieren des Druckbildes für die Adresse in der Steuereinrichtung 1 und Ausführen eines zweiten Durchlaufes mit Adressendruck, wobei die Druckeinrichtung 20, mit einem im Ergebnis um 180° gedrehten Druckbild beaufschlagt wird und wobei jedes Briefkuvert durch die Druckeinrichtung 20 im zweiten Durchlauf gleichsinnig dem ersten Briefdurchlauf transportiert und mit dem gedrehten Druckbild und spaltenweise von rechts nach links bedruckt wird;

Schritt 107,

Entnahme des frankierten und adressierten Briefkuvertes von einer Ausgabestelle der Druckeinrichtung 20.

The associated procedure for combined franking and address printing is characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device 1 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, so that the letter envelope is turned upside down and placed against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102c,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, whereby the printhead 4 of the printing device 20 is acted upon by an unrotated franking print image, so that a first pass on the letter envelope surface prints the franking print image column by column from right to left in a manner known per se, during which Letters are transported downstream in the transport direction to the turning station 40;

Step 103c,

Feeding at least one envelope to the turning station 40;

Step 104c,

Rotating the at least one envelope in the turning station 40, the at least one envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105c,

Supplying the at least one envelope for re-application to the printing device 20 of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 106d,

Generation of the print image for the address in the control device 1 and execution of a second pass with address printing, the print device 20 being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result and each envelope being transported by the print device 20 in the second pass in the same direction as the first pass of the letter and is printed with the rotated print image and column by column from right to left;

Step 107,

Removing the franked and addressed envelope from an output point of the printing device 20.

In the first pass, franking takes place in a manner known per se. in the second pass the address is printed, which is why the print control modified accordingly. To the print characters in the second The ability to print throughput in a readable manner is different from that in the Figures 1a to 2b explained process variants a rotation of the printing characters by 180 ° and with corresponding reversal of the Sequence of characters in each line, i.e. the result is a rotation the print image by 180 ° not in the first pass but only in second pass required. The before the second run required letter rotation can be anywhere in the feedback loop of the system. It is possible for a letter turning station 40 for to train stacked letters (mixed mail). From a storage box 22 stacked mixed mail is transported to the turning station 40 and there rotated a total of 180 °. According to that shown in Figure 5b Variant is turning the letter in the mail stream after or before Printing device 20 performed. The franking takes place in the first Run in the usual way. The letter rotation is then when printing to be considered only in the second run.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the pressure control for various Modes using the example of the variant according to FIG. 5b, the printing device only have to transport a letter downstream. The too printing characters, e.g. ASCII text characters are in character storage areas filed. The graphic print data corresponding to the characters are each at an address assigned to the character x saved. The data addressed in this way form this in their bit sequence printing black and white patterns of a print line of this character. The number of data bytes depends on the graphic resolution. For applications in the address area, two bytes per print column are sufficient and 12 such columns form a character, for example. Are the The address pointer is read out data for a print column increments and activates the next data bytes n + 1 etc. to finally read a character with all associated 12 columns has been. When switching the franking mode to the second letter pass a special program is called, which in inventive Manner causes the address pointer for the character x to n + 11 (the last column of the character) and according to the number of Columns (in Example 12) is decremented until it is at n + 0.

The order of the characters is stored in so-called text memories, whose Contents the addresses for the above Are pointers. Since the texts of the Always distinguish between franking imprint and address imprint, According to the invention, the texts are stored in two different memory areas filed, of which only the respective mode is activated accordingly. For the franking imprint, the texts are in the order in the RAM 93 stored in the the first pass through the letter, i.e. a corresponding one Character is in the first memory location to be read. The signs of the Address imprint, however, are in reverse order filed, i.e. a corresponding sign appears on the first to be sent Storage space. The order of the characters in the invention Generation of the print image according to the printing task changed. The program of mode-specific generation is stored in the ROM 92 for the microprocessor 91. The non-volatile memory NVM 94 stores the letter recipient address, which is entered directly into the FAM via keyboard or which previously was transmitted by the PC that has the database 90. According to the Information stored in the NVM is generated by the Microprocessor 91 in the required order Characters from the character memory area of the ROM 92 called and rotated if necessary. Except the reversal of the temporal The order of the columns to be printed is namely for the Address printing also a rotation of the characters to be printed 180 ° required, i.e. bit 15 for the original top one Print position now determines the lowest print position of the corresponding sign. The bit sequence corresponding to a print column is read into a shift register in the manner according to the invention. This storage can take place in series or in parallel, the parallel storage for the sake of speed of work Priority must be given. The shift register now rotates exactly in the Direction in which the bit read in first is read out last etc. The order of the pressure signals within a print column is changed thereby rotated by exactly 180 °. For the first pass, the Rotation of the shift register in the opposite direction, i.e. the The first bit read is also read out as the first pressure signal and forwarded to the printing unit. Alternatively, the use of a Shift registers possible with only one direction of rotation. In this The data flow for the first letter run on the said shift register controlled by.

In Figure 6a, b, the effect of the method is exemplary of the sign "k" represented graphically. Figure 6a shows the imprint of a character "k" immediately after the first letter run. The letter k is here for example part of a line of text in the advertising slogan. The figure 6b shows the imprint of a character "k" immediately after the second Letter pass, with the letter k being part of a letter, for example The text line of the recipient's address is. It is envisaged that Character "k" for the letter k always from the same Character storage area of the ROM 92 read out and for the second Impression is rotated.

The physical implementation of the methods of Reversing the chronological order of the columns to be printed and the Rotation of the printing columns itself is possible in several variants. The Version with discrete components contains at least one ROM 92 as addressable memory, a RAM 93 and a RAM special circuit 95 with a binary counter as a pointer, with a Shift register and a clock. For larger quantities to be manufactured The execution of this discrete structure is particularly advantageous in an ASIC, with the advantage of low assembly costs and high Reliability. In the alternative program-controlled version of the method, a microcontroller is used, for example generally has the functional units CPU, ROM and clock. As Shift registers serve several internal registers of the CPU, one of which at least one also by means of appropriate commands left and right can rotate.

The printing device can also be different from the previous one described embodiment can be realized. The invention is not based on the present embodiment is limited, since obviously others other arrangements or designs of the invention developed or can be used by the same basic idea of Invention based on the appended claims become.

Claims (20)

Mail processing system with a franking and addressing machine, which has a digital printing device (20), which has a transport device for print carriers (3) and which is controlled by a control device (1) which generates print control signals for a print head (4) which forms the print carrier surface printed with a corresponding print image while the print carrier (3) is being transported past the print head (4), characterized in that that for combined franking and address printing, the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM is connected in terms of interface to a rotary station (40) arranged in the mail processing system and controls the latter in such a way that the print carriers (3) are rotated in a predetermined manner to the digital printing device ( 20) are created, which uses a single print head (4) to carry out both printing tasks for franking or addressing sequentially in separate runs in a predetermined sequence, that sensors (7, 17, 27, 37) connected to the control device (1) are arranged on that side of the franking and addressing machine FAM on which the print media (3) are applied, the control device (1) being programmed which Switching the printing device (20) between the corresponding modes for the respective printing task, and for at least one printing task a correspondingly modified pressure control is carried out by the control device (1) In order to carry out a corresponding pass with franking or address printing, means (91 to 95) are arranged in the control device (1) for generating one of two print images which rotate the print head (4) with one that is 180 ° in comparison with the other print image Print image applied. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor (50) for detecting a pressure carrier (3) accommodated in a rotary box (41) is arranged on the frame (45) of the rotary station (40), that a rotary drive for the rotary box (41 ) is provided, which comprises at least one motor (43) and associated sensors (51, 52) which detect the reaching of the respective end position upon rotation in accordance with the pickup / delivery position, and that the sensors (50, 51, 52) and the at least one motor (43) is connected to the control device (1) via an interface circuit (18), which controls the motor (43), which moves the rotary box (41) from a first receiving position to the second delivery position. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rotary box (41) consists of a rear wall (412) and a lower and upper bearing surface (411, 413) and remains open on the sides and with its rear wall (412) in Angular range 5 ° <γ <45 ° is inclined so far from the vertical that the pressure medium (3) exerts a force component on the rear wall due to its weight and thus rests against it, while it rests with its lower edge on the lower contact surface of the letter receiving box as well that one of the corners of the lower bearing surface (411) has a stop (49). Arrangement according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for the detection of a letter recording by the sensor (50) a reflex light barrier is arranged in a recess (44) of the frame (42), which is only in the receiving position of the rotary box (41) opposite one Recess (414) of the rotary box (41) and which then detects a recorded letter (3) through these recesses (44 and 414) of the frame (42) and the letter rotary box (41). Arrangement according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the motor (43) of the rotary drive is an electric motor and the rotation takes place around a pivot point (DP1, DP1 ') which lies in the upper half of the rear wall (412). Arrangement according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for an arrangement of the rotary station (40) downstream of the printing device (20) the pivot point (DP1) lies in the second quadrant, preferably close to a diagonal between the corners of the rotary box (41) , wherein one of the two corners has the stop (49) and wherein the rotation is counterclockwise about the pivot point (DP1). Arrangement according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for an arrangement of the rotary station (40) in the poststream upstream of the printing device (20) the pivot point (DP1 ') in the first quadrant, preferably close to a diagonal between the corners of the rotary box ( 41) is located, wherein neither of the two corners has the stop (49) and the rotation takes place clockwise around the pivot point (DP1 '). Method for combined franking and address printing with a digital printing device (20), characterized in that that for printing each of the two print images, the print medium (3) is passed through the same print device (20) of a franking and addressing machine FAM separately, the print medium being applied again to the same print device (20) for the further run, that the respective movement phase or orientation of the print carrier can be distinguished by sensors and a corresponding mode switch is carried out, that for one of the two runs when the print carrier (3) is turned, the print control signals are generated for a print image which is rotated by 180 ° in comparison with the print image of the other run, and that the printing control signals of the print images of both passes are fed to a single print head (4) of the digital printing device (20) during printing. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that for printing in the further pass, the print carrier (3) is applied again to the right of the printing device (20), it being fed to the side of the franking and addressing machine FAM which it leaves during the first pass Has. Method according to claim 9, characterized by the steps: Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM; Feeding a print carrier associated with the address to a transport start position so that the print carrier (3) is placed on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM, Switching the franking and addressing machine FAM into a first mode and executing the first pass through the printing device (20), the print head (4) of which is supplied with print control signals from a corresponding print image, so that printing is carried out column by column from right to left while the print medium is transported downstream in the transport direction; Rotating the print carrier by 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides; Feeding the print carrier to the right again to the printing device (20); Switching the franking and addressing machine FAM into a second mode and executing a further pass through the printing device (20), the print head (4) of which is acted upon by printing control signals of a corresponding print image, which is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the first print image, whereby the printing of a corresponding print image on the print carrier surface is carried out in the further pass through the printing device (20) and in columns from left to right, while the print carrier is transported upstream; and Removal of the returned printed media. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that for printing in the further pass, the print carrier (3) is applied again as in the first pass to the left of the printing device (20). Method according to claim 11, characterized by the steps: Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM; Feeding a print carrier associated with the address to a transport start position so that the print carrier (3) is placed on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM, Switching the franking and addressing machine FAM into a first mode and executing the first pass through the printing device (20), the print head (4) of which is supplied with print control signals from a corresponding print image, so that printing is carried out column by column from right to left while the print medium is transported downstream in the transport direction; Rotating the print carrier by 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides; Feeding the print carrier to the left for renewed application to the printing device (20); Switching the franking and addressing machine FAM into a second mode and carrying out the further pass through the printing device (20), the print head (4) of which is acted upon by printing control signals of a corresponding print image, which is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the first print image, whereby the printing of a corresponding print image onto the print carrier surface is carried out in the further pass through the printing device (20) and in columns from right to left, while the print carrier is transported downstream in the transport direction; Removal of the printed print carrier. Method according to claims 8, 11 and 12, characterized in that, in addition to the runs with printing in accordance with a respective printing task, optionally one or more runs without printing the print carrier (3) by the printing device (20) in order to apply of the printing medium (3) or leaving the printing device on another of the two possible sides. Method according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the print carrier (3) is a filled or unfilled letter envelope. Method according to claims 8, 9, 10 and 14, characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Entering the address in a control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, the letter envelope being turned through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM becomes,

Step 102,

Generating the print image for the address in the control device (1) and executing a first pass with address printing, whereby a print head (4) of the print device (20) is acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the surface of the envelope Address is printed in columns from right to left, and the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the turning station (40);

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station (40);

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station (40), the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105a,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM for renewed application;

Step 106a,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, the direction of transport being reversed by the printing device (20) in order to transport the envelope back to the start of transport, and the printing on the surface of the letter envelope in the second pass through the printing device (20) with an unrotated print image and column by column from left to right;

Step 107a,

Removal of the addressed and franked envelope from the printing device (20) at the aforementioned jetty.

Method according to claims 8 and 11 to 14, characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, the letter envelope being turned through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM becomes,

Step 102,

Generating the print image for the address in the control device (1) and executing a first pass with address printing, the print head (4) of the print device (20) being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the surface of the envelope Address is printed in columns from right to left, and the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the turning station (40);

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station (40);

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station (40), the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105b,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM and switching the transport direction for return transport, the envelope after the mailing machine from the franking and addressing machine FAM having been drawn in again in a second pass without one Printing is transported back to the aforementioned transport start position;

Step 106b,

Switching the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, the envelope being transported through the printing device (20) in a third pass in the same direction as the first pass through the letter and being printed in a manner known per se from right to left with an unrotated printed image and columns;

Step 107b,

Removing the addressed and franked envelope from the turning station (40) at an issuing point.

Method according to claims 8 and 11 to 14, characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101a,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a turning station (40) in front of the printing device (20), the letter envelope being turned through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides and turned upside down at a landing point, and a transport start position of the printing device (20 ) is fed;

Step 102,

Generating the print image for the address in the control device (1) and executing a first pass with address printing, the print head (4) of the print device (20) being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, so that the surface of the envelope Address is printed in columns from right to left and the letter is transported downstream in the direction of transport;

Step 103a,

Stopping the transport in the transport direction in the printing device (20) and switching over the printing device (20) for return transport, the envelope being transported back in a second pass without printing to the aforementioned turning station (40);

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station (40), the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device (20) for renewed application;

Step 106b,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM for franking, the envelope being transported by the printing device (20) in a third pass in the same direction as the first pass of the letter and being printed in a manner known per se from right to left with an unrotated printed image and columns;

Step 107,

Removal of the addressed and franked envelope from an output point of the printing device (20).

Method according to claims 8, 9, 10 and 14, characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, so that the letter envelope is turned upside down and placed against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102c,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM to franking, wherein the print head (4) of the printing device (20) is acted upon by an unrotated franking print image, so that in the first pass on the envelope surface the franking print image is printed column by column from right to left in a manner known per se is carried out while the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the turning station (40);

Step 103,

Feeding the envelope to the turning station (40);

Step 104,

Rotating the envelope in the turning station (40), the envelope being rotated through 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105a,

Feeding the envelope to the printing device (20) for renewed application;

Step 106c,

Generation of the print image for the address in the control device (1) and execution of a second pass with address printing, the print head (4) of the print device (20) being acted upon by a print image which has been rotated as a result by 180 ° and the transport direction is reversed, so that the address is printed column by column from left to right on the surface of the envelope and the envelope is transported back upstream to the transport start position in front of the landing to the printing device (20);

Step 107c,

Removal of the franked and addressed envelope returned to the transport start position.

Method according to claims 8, 11, 12 and 14, characterized by the following steps:

Step 100,

Enter the address in the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 101,

Feeding a letter envelope associated with the address to a transport start position, so that the letter envelope is turned upside down and placed against a guide plate or contact point on the left side of the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM,

Step 102c,

Switching of the franking and addressing machine FAM for franking, the print head (4) of the printing device (20) being acted upon by an unrotated franking print image, so that a first pass on the envelope surface of the franking print image is printed column by column from right to left in a manner known per se is carried out while the letter is transported downstream in the transport direction to the turning station (40);

Step 103c,

Feeding at least one envelope to the turning station (40);

Step 104c,

Rotating the at least one envelope in the turning station (40), the at least one envelope being rotated by 180 ° in the plane of its flat sides;

Step 105c,

Supplying the at least one envelope for renewed application to the printing device (20) of the franking and addressing machine FAM;

Step 106d,

Generating the print image for the address in the control device (1) and executing a second pass with address printing, the print device (20) being acted upon with a print image rotated by 180 ° as a result, and each envelope being printed by the print device (20) in the second Pass is transported in the same direction as the first pass of letter and is printed with the rotated print image and columns from right to left;

Step 107,

Removal of the franked and addressed envelope from an output point of the printing device (20).

Method according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the step (100) with respect to the input of the address into the control device (1) of the franking and addressing machine FAM is a sub-step for delivering an address from a database (90) to Control device (1) comprises.

Images