EP0903244A2 - Printing Device and Method for the Printout on a Printing Medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves using a stationary print head, and a transport arrangement which is moved in at least one alternative printing position (II), and is controlled by a control mechanism (40) in such way, that the print carrier (3) is transported in a first X direction, and that the transport arrangement is moved back in Y direction, vertically to the X direction, to a first printing position (I), when all print orders have been processed. The method involves using a print head which is not moved during printing, and a transport arrangement (1) for the print carrier, which is adjustable in print direction. The transport arrangement is moved in at least one alternative printing position (II), and is controlled by a control mechanism in such way, that the print carrier is transported in a first X direction, and that the transport arrangement is moved back in Y direction, vertically to the X direction, to a first printing position (I), when all print orders have been processed.

Description

The invention relates to a printing device and a method for the Print on a print medium. The printing device is for a variety Can be used for printing tasks when printing on record carriers. The record carrier or letter becomes the invention Printing device supplied, which is a transport and auxiliary device has to the record carrier or letter during the To transport printing and thereby in a defined position hold. If the abbreviation is followed by the word letter, mail item or printing medium is used, this of course includes all types Envelopes or other record carriers. As a record carrier can be mail, index cards, labels or self-adhesive Strips of paper or similar material are used become. The printing device is particularly suitable for printing on Letters are provided in a franking / addressing machine.

For larger volumes of mail, the processing of mail, such as Letters, cards, packages, etc. usually by using two independent printing facilities before subsequent posting made at the carrier. The lettering of the postal items with The addresses of the sender and the recipient are in general and regardless of franking with a cheaper Printer (open system). Franking machines print monetary values and must therefore have a high security standard against manipulation exhibit (closed system). The use of both Systems make post processing correspondingly expensive.

In DE 40 37 186 A1 an is also independent of one Self-service addressing printer device that works with postage meters suggest. The printout is made on one or more Strips, in particular self-adhesive labels. The postal customers should also apply a bar code to the mail Sort and distribute mail items automatically. Here is again a personal computer containing the address file required to additionally print the addresses. It is provided the cod data logic "alpha 39" addressing printer for both the analog lettering of the address, as well as for the barcode print use together. Franking is with this However, printing device not possible. The device is for public Establishments such as post offices etc. The self-service address coding imprinter here with a special franking machine be coupled with which postage can be franked at a lower cost. It is uncertain whether the post offices actually grant a cash discount, so that prefer the customers and this system or whether further from these Customers use a stamp to clear post. A Security check, if the franking machine is used, whether also the letter correctly addressed with the device or actually a another letter that is not addressed with this device is franked also not given, because the coupling is only for fee reduction electronically via interfaces with the Franking machines. A check of the letter weight would also have to be carried out with a scale before franking. Consequently three different devices would be required without the franking is ensured with the correct postage fee. It is not possible the same printing device for several different Use printing tasks.

A franking module was proposed in DE 40 18 166 A1, of both types of data, i.e. Franking data and address data or parts of these prints as a barcode. This device is in a slot a drive tray of a personal computer. in the The franking module is at the end of a feed slot for the letters a stop to which the letters are inserted, and a light barrier is available. The light barrier activated for the Duration of the printing process a holding device which the letter in fixed this position. The printing unit reprints in the vertical direction below and can be coupled to a strip encoder for Franking of mail that deviates from a standard size. In The connection to the personal computer is labeled Letter with addresses and the call of the franking program in the Operator guidance. That works with franking Processor system of the franking module independently and stores the Billing Information. The letter must be lengthways in one Insertion slot are inserted, but in which only letters with certain standardized dimensions fit. The device is for SOHO use (Soft Offices Home Offices). It is disadvantageous that only label and frank letters in standard size in the device leave and that otherwise the printout on a self-adhesive Stripes must be done. This means that there is no high volume of mail edit because the printed strips are glued on manually have to..

Also in the utility model G94 20 734.8 there is an arrangement for a franking machine has been proposed, with one each separate printing device a strip with the franking imprint and a second strip can be printed with the address. Doing so circumvented the difficulty of moving a printing device too have to. The mechanically immovable arrangement of the printer module cannot be freely adapted to other printing tasks. The Stripes must be stuck on a record carrier, but not is recognized as admissible by every mail carrier because Manipulations cannot be completely ruled out.

In all such machines, the print carrier on one The printing device is guided along and in one pass Franking or address printed.

It is common to see the print carrier lying flat either for example US 5,467,709 or standing on an edge on the To guide the printing device (DE 25 24 670 C2, US 5,025,386, DE 196 05 014 C1 and DE 196 05 015 C1). In any case, it is important that the print carrier and the printing device to each other in one defined position so that the impression at the intended Job and with sufficient quality.

In the case of horizontal transport, a relatively large contact area is required in accordance with the largest print carrier format used, which in turn requires a correspondingly large footprint for the machine. In the solution according to US Pat. No. 5,467,709, printing is carried out without contact by means of an ink print head which can be moved into a second position in order to print on a franking strip. The print head should be moved and must therefore be relatively small and light. An ink tank can be arranged directly on the printhead and is moved with it. If another printing position had to be controlled, for example to print an address, the ink consumption would be higher and the printhead including the ink tank would have to be replaced even more frequently. The print head must be easily accessible for replacement. In addition, the printhead must be protected from drying out during longer breaks, but this is only possible using a precisely fitting cleaning and sealing station. For cleaning, a third position is approached, which is relatively far away from one of the two printing positions. Only slow movements are possible. Alternating printing of address and franking stamp would be practically only very slow with such a device.
The letter lies on a longitudinal guide plate, which has a conveyor belt. The longitudinal guide plate is provided with a recess adapted to the conveyor belt and with a rectangular recess for the ink print head, over the diagonal of which the row of nozzles of the ink print head runs. The conveyor belt, the length guide plate and the ink print head are arranged above the letter. The letter is transported clamped between the driven conveyor belt and spring-loaded pressure rollers. The resilient pressure rollers and a pressure roller resiliently mounted in the printing area are arranged under the letter. The spring travel of the pressure rollers and the pressure plate corresponds to the maximum thickness of the letters, which can vary between 0.2 mm and 20 mm. The spring force must be sufficient for the entire weight range of the letters - approximately 20 to 1000 g - and also for the letters to lie sufficiently flat in the area of the recess for the print head. Due to the clamping, however, hard parts contained in the mail piece, such as metal clips on documents, can pass through the envelope, which leads to a reduction in the distance of the surface of the envelope from the printhead or can even damage it.
For the non-contact ink printing process, a constant, as small as possible distance between the print carrier and the ink print head must be maintained, so that on the one hand misaligned splashes have little effect and on the other hand the print carrier does not touch the nozzle surface and thus lubricants are avoided. However, there is still the risk of smearing if the letter leaves the area of the recess and then inevitably slides along the longitudinal guide plate.
In the case of rapidly changing mixed mail, all of these conditions cannot be met.

On the other hand, it is from DE 24 24 670 C2 a system for Processing of outgoing mail letters of different weights and different dimensions known, in which the letters by means be transported upright on a transport track. The transport track has driven roller pairs and a conveyor belt. In the area the letter is shaped by the conveyor belt before franking of a friction belt is grasped and guided to a Postage drum or pressure roller with counter pressure roller transported. The counter pressure roller is on a movable Printing floor stored, its distance from the printing roller corresponding to the thickness of the franking device straight continuous letter is adjustable. Apart from that Printing rollers will no longer meet the increased requirements in the future enough, the pressure floor contains a considerable number of moving components. That means overcoming the Mass inertia a correspondingly large amount of energy.

A franking machine is also known, compare US 5,025,386, in which the letters are upright, slightly inclined on a wraparound Conveyor belt to be transported. The letters are on one Guide block in which a print window is provided. in the Print window, a thermal print head is height and side shiftable arranged, with which the franking imprint on the letter line by line he follows. The effort for the thermal print head adjustment is considerable. The size of the print window must be the maximum length and width be adapted to the printed image. The single letter is up to the Print window moved and then stopped and using a Pressure plate against the guide plate or that Print window pressed. The pressure plate is driven by a motor Gear transmission and a crank joint driven. That is a relative great mechanical effort and the counter pressure forces to be applied for thermal printing are also great. After printing the letter was released and forwarded. It is obvious that with this intermittent operation only low letter throughput rates are reachable. Clamping creates the above again mentioned disadvantages when metal parts or other hard parts on Document contained in the envelope.

It is also known to franking machines in a system for address and Include franking imprint. So is from US 5,200,903 known, address and stamp imprint in a fast printing device to make, the printing device two separate printheads or a single one with a corresponding one Has printing width, the print medium over the entire printing width is accordingly moved past the printing device.

Postal machines are already known which are used for a non-horizontal Mail transport using franking and address printing two inkjet printheads or by means of a common behind a guide plate in its position between two recesses adjustable inkjet print head (DE 196 05 014 C1 and DE 196 05 015 C1. For the one variant with two inkjet printheads but then also two cleaning and sealing stations (RDS) and corresponding actuators, sensors, control and Duplicate ink supply means required. The one for the other variant with a common adjustable Inkjet printhead required mechanics is very complex, because if the sealing station is not approached exactly, the print head can dry out. In addition, the problems can occur again which have already been explained in connection with US 5,467,709.

The invention is based on the object of an arrangement for Printing device by means of a suitable for a digital printing process Ink printhead and a method for printing on one To create print media that are at least the pressure of two from each other allow removed stamp images. The associated Mechanism for the printing device, with one during printing stationary in a relatively small recess in a guide plate arranged ink print head should also be as simple as possible. An additional task is to close the printing device in this way develop that they are used more universally for imprints can be made by printing other data is made possible, so that the printing device is not exclusively is provided for franking and address data.

The object is achieved with the features of claims 1 and 7.

According to the invention, a position-variable transport device together with the print medium (e.g. envelope) shifted relative to the printhead. The machine preferably has via a NON IMPACT printing process with improved printing technology. With a franking machine equipped in this way it becomes possible In addition to the franking imprint, a machine-readable imprint or to print address printing. The printhead is used during the Printing does not move, but only during the printing breaks by one Axis in a predetermined position to a single cleaning and Sealing station pivoted, short distances can be achieved.

A print carrier arrives in the displaceable transport device, for example a letter envelope, to a (letter) stop on one Conveyor belt. The transport device with the aforementioned The stop is gradually shiftable for the further printing process arranged and controlled by a trigger electronics.

A mechanical auxiliary device that prevents accidental Print carrier offset or letter removal in and between the Prevents printing phases before the end of the last printing process, acts with the conveyor belt within the sliding transport device together. The print carrier is preferably, for example a letter envelope, transported standing on the conveyor belt.

A first variant of the device according to the invention with above said auxiliary device allows during transport of the print medium through the transport device a guide of the print medium without Clamping and is equally suitable for guiding the Print carrier along a vertical to the reference plane positive or negative inclined guide plate.

A second variant of the device according to the invention uses one another embodiment of the aforementioned auxiliary device, which for Leadership is formed by clamping a mail item.

In a first variant of the printing process it is provided that the Letter while printing in the direction of transport and then opposite to this can be moved. After a first one Printing process, the printing being in a first predetermined If there is a distance from the edge of the print carrier, there will be a return of the print media, in particular letter, and an attitude for the second printing. The second and each other Printing takes place in a second or further predetermined one Distance from the edge. This can be used for further printing processes Print media can be completely printed. The order of printing, For example, for internal cost center printing or Printing addresses or barcodes is for every printing job programmed. In the case of a user dialog, the printing task is via the menu selectable. In particular, the franking before / or after the Printing of a machine-readable code or the recipient's address done automatically.

In a second variant of the printing process it is provided that the Letter while printing and then only in the transport direction is not moved opposite to this. The print head is immobile arranged and is not moved during printing. A Sequence of printing tasks can consist of a franking imprint Barcode and address imprint in different positions on the letter to apply. A letter movement is carried out until the Franking imprint is completed, the imprint in columns he follows. Then an alternative print position is activated, by placing the letter in an appropriate position to to print a code or the address again in columns.

Figur 1a, 1b,

Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung für jeweils unterschiedliche Druckpositionen, gemäß einer ersten Variante,

Figur 1c, 1d,

Details der erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung,

Figur 2a,

Ansicht einer Hilfsvorrichtung zur Führung ohne Klemmung an der Führungsplatte der Druckeinrichtung gemäß der ersten Variante,

Figur 2b,

Schnitt entlang der Linie AA' durch die Hilfsvorrichtung an der Führungsplatte, gemäß der ersten Variante,

Figur 2c,

Schematische Luftführungsanordnung der Hilfsvorrichtung bei der Führungsplatte, nach der ersten Variante, und deren Steuerung,

Figur 3,

Blockschaltbild eines Frankierautomaten mit der erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung,

Figur 4,

Aufdrucke auf einem Briefkuvert,

Figur 5,

Ablaufplan einer stufenweisen Verschiebung des Briefanschlages bei unterschiedlichen Druckaufgaben,

Figur 6a, b, c,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Transporteinrichtung mit verschiebbaren Briefanschlag mit Hilfsvorrichtung zur Klemmung nach einer zweiten Variante,

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,

Views of a printing device according to the invention for different printing positions, according to a first variant,

1c, 1d,

Details of the printing device according to the invention,

Figure 2a,

View of an auxiliary device for guiding without clamping on the guide plate of the printing device according to the first variant,

Figure 2b,

Section along the line AA 'through the auxiliary device on the guide plate, according to the first variant,

Figure 2c,

Schematic air duct arrangement of the auxiliary device in the guide plate, according to the first variant, and its control,

Figure 3,

Block diagram of a franking machine with the printing device according to the invention,

Figure 4,

Imprints on an envelope,

Figure 5,

Flowchart of a gradual shift of the letter post for different printing tasks,

Figure 6a, b, c,

perspective view of a transport device with sliding letter stop with auxiliary device for clamping according to a second variant,

In the figures Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views of the Printing device according to the invention according to the first variant in two phases are shown for different printing positions. The print head 4 is preferably an ink jet print head and will not moved during printing. A guide plate 2 in The housing has a recess for the printhead 4. The housing 9 is with a sliding transport device 1 for mail items equipped, which should be transported. Through the Slidable transport device 1 is the printing device for different printing tasks, for example for printing Franking and / or address printing, suitable. The sliding Transport device 1 has at least one conveyor belt 10 and an auxiliary device 20.

1c shows details of the printing device according to the invention the movable transport device 1, which is in an intermediate phase the transition from one printing position to another Print position is shown.

1d shows a perspective view of the invention Contraption. The X axis of a Cartesian coordinate system shows downstream, i.e. in the direction of transport of the print carriers, which have a length in the X direction. The Y axis of the Cartesian Coordinate system points in the direction of the width of the print carrier, which are printed in any area of the X / Y area. The Z axis of the Cartesian coordinate system points in the direction of Thickness of the print carrier 3, whose expansion in thickness by Width of the conveyor belt 10 are limited. A print carrier is for example a letter envelope 3. The - shown in Fig. 1d - Position of the envelope 3 in an additional upstream feeder device 30 requires the application of the Printing area of the envelope 3 to a guide plate 32. Die Print area is the area of the X / Y area that prints shall be. It is not visible when an envelope 3 is attached. The envelope 3 is also upside down and then continues to Printhead 4 transported. While printing in the first Printing position I, the envelope passes parallel to the guide plate 2 transported in the X direction. A mechanical shift of the Transport device 1 against the y direction enables that Leaving the first printing position I to reach another one Print position II.

A controller 40 is one with sensors and actuators Moving means 8 and the means of transport 7, 11a connected. The Transport means 7 and the displacement means 8 in the printing device are mechanical with the movable transport device 1 coupled in at least one alternative printing position II of one Control 40 can be controlled, in the alternative printing position II the means of transport 7, 11a the print carrier 3 during printing transported downstream. It is provided that the print carrier 3rd transported at least downstream in the X direction and that orthogonally in the Y direction, the movable transport device 1 in a first printing position I based on the Y coordinate of one Cartesian coordinate system is reset when all Printing tasks have been processed.

In order to present the details of a variant of the displacement means 8, which the mechanical displacement of the transport device 1 in Y direction, some details of the transport device were made 1, such as the conveyor belt 10, not in FIG. 1c drawn.

On a plate 90 that functions as a base, the orthogonal Guide plate 2 and at a distance to another plate 80, which is arranged parallel to the guide plate 2. These aforementioned Panels 2, 80, 90 form a chassis for the slidable Transport device 1 and by the in Figures 1a and 1b shown housing 9 enclosed. In the plates 2 and 80 are Openings or means for guiding the displaceable Transport device 1 and for receiving the displacement means 8 molded or provided. For example, longitudinal openings 85, 86, 87, 88 for coupling pieces 82, guide pieces 112 and for a Sensor piece 113 for determining the phase of the shift from one printing position to the next printing position in the aforementioned Panels embedded. The displacement means 8 close at least mechanical parts 81, 82 and a motor 84. Preferably the aforementioned means are used twice or three times to achieve the To be able to carry out displacement without tilting. Is visible in 1c still a second motor 83 attached to the plate 90, the Axis 89 is arranged perpendicular to the plate 80. If applicable another motor attached to plate 90 but behind (not visible) the guide plate 2 arranged. Alternatively, in another Variant behind the guide plate 2 two motors but in front of the plate 80 only one motor can be arranged. The aforementioned mechanical Parts 81, 82 and the associated motor are connected to one another via a Axis 89 and possibly a gearbox coupled, the engine forces over a coupling piece 82 on the displaceable transport device 1 Act. The above-mentioned displacement means 8 can with a Holding device cooperate or be designed itself that both an offset and a defined stop in one Print position is enabled.

In the simplest case shown, part 81 is a cam disk and the part 82 at least one pin-shaped coupling piece, which in a longitudinal opening 85 of the plates 2 and 80 along one Orthogonal slidably slides to plate 90. The sliding Transport device 1 has a frame 110 with side plates 111 for receiving and driving the conveyor belt 10 and at least an auxiliary device for guiding mail items 3. To the Side plates 111 are at least one coupling piece 82, Guide pieces 112 and an attachment part for the transmitter 113 attached, which with the longitudinal openings 85, 86, 87, 88 in the store the aforementioned plates 2.80 of the chassis. The coupling piece 82 slides on the rotatable cam disk 81 displaceable transport device 1, which thereby contrary to Gravity is moved. The cam 81 is shaped so that a curvature outwards when the cam disk 81 rotates Resetting the displaceable transport device 1 into a first one Printing position I allowed. This phase of deferral is carried out according to shown in Figure 1c.

After reaching the first printing position I shown in FIG. 1a could, for example, a franking stamp from the print head 4 be printed on. The cam 81 is shaped so that a further curvature inward when the cam disk 81 rotates The displaceable transport device 1 falls back into a second one Printing position II allowed.

In this second printing position II - shown in FIG. 1b - could for example, an address can be printed. Another Rotation of the cam 81 is the aforementioned curvature outside the resetting of the movable transport device 1 in a first printing position I.

The transmitter piece 113 is one with the displaceable Transport device 1 connected part, which is designed so that it allows detection of the position with sensors 91, 92 for Determination of the phase of the displacement of the transport device 1 from one print position to the next print position. Preferably that is Transducer piece 113 with one of the side plates 111 of the frame 110 of the transport device 1 firmly connected. The sensors 91, 92 are on plate 80 (or alternatively on guide plate 2) in immediate proximity to the longitudinal opening 88 for the transmitter 113 arranged. The controller 40 contains trigger electronics, which with the sensors and drives and possibly other actuators electrically connected is. At the ends of one of the side plates 111 are motors 11a and 11b arranged to the transport movement of a Envelope or a similar print carrier in the X direction or contrary to effect. Alternatively, a single one switchable drive, for example a DC motor 11a be used.

The perspective view of the device according to the invention the first variant with the movable transport device 1 according to Figure 1d leaves further details of the printing device recognize, in particular, the conveyor belt 10 and the Drive rollers 11, 11 'for the motors 11a and 11b of the Transport device 1 shown. On the other hand, the above explained parts of the device 8, which the enable mechanical displacement of the transport device 1. The The machine could stand on a horizontal surface Reference plane on which a perpendicular falls vertically. The sliding Transport device 1 includes an auxiliary device which one negative or positive compared to the vertical to the reference plane inclined guide plate 2 is arranged. Because of the auxiliary device the footprint can also be the reference surface at an angle cut, i.e. the machine can be tilted without the Function of the machine would be impaired. At the preferred - in Figures 1a to 2c explained first variant of the printing device is the aforementioned auxiliary device 18, 19, 20, or 18 ', 19', 20 'for Leadership trained without clamping a mail piece, what is explained in more detail below.

The displaceable transport device 1 according to FIG. 1d closes an auxiliary device on one opposite the solder to the reference plane negatively inclined guide plate, which by suction of the Print carrier surface allows guidance without clamping. Alternatively, the angle of inclination α can be positive or zero. in the the latter case (α = 0) is a vertical letter transport. Next to the first transport and guiding means 20 additionally exists further transport and guidance means 20 'in the auxiliary device. Both are according to the invention on both sides of the ink jet print head 4 arranged that a tightening of the print carrier surface to be printed 300 is done. The tightening is with very light print media 3, especially thin letters, possible with the same effectiveness, as with thicker print media 3 or letters. By the aforementioned Transport and guide means 20, 20 'becomes a vacuum on both sides to the printing area on parts of the print carrier surface exercised, the first transport and guiding means 20 at a distance parts of the print carrier surface facing the printing area 300 exerts a negative pressure and with one in the transport direction increasing leadership is equipped, as well as being the further Transport and guidance means 20 'a vacuum on parts of the Print carrier surface near the contact edge of the print carrier on the Conveyor belt surface and parallel to the direction of transport of the Conveyor belt exercises.

If the inclination is negative, the inclination of the guide plate is below 90 ° to the reference plane and the print carrier 3 has an application position on guide means of the guide plate 2, which also by Means are maintained that exert a negative pressure. In the device, the guide plate can also advantageously be exactly 90 ° or have a positive inclination to the reference plane. In the Version with exactly 90 ° is the guide plate in the plumb line. Doing so already a minimization compared to the version with a positive inclination the friction between the pressure carrier 3 and the others Guide means 23 reached, which have no means of transport. Such other guide means 23 are, for example, slide rails 231. This positive inclination (0 ° ≤ α 〈10 °) of the zx plane to the reference plane can already be done by tilting the base of the machine caused. The advantage of the invention is also that this skew has no negative impact on print quality would have.

A negative inclination results in the lowest friction losses and practically no material wear. Such an inclination makes it easier also rotating and depositing the mail items after the Print, so that the imprint after storing it in plan view is visible. The additional attachment device 30 has with respect to the guide plate 2 a positive inclination, i.e. the Inclination of a - in Fig. 1d - guide plate 32 is over 90 ° to the reference plane and the print carrier 3 has already passed through here gravity maintains a secure position on the guide means the feed guide plate 32. The feed auxiliary device 30 instructs the guide plate 32 preferably slide rails 33, which is a positive slope or vertical to a negative Adapt the inclination of the guide plate 2. The drive means 35 for the Transport of the print medium 3 in the application aid 30 are on arranged a housing part 34. A is also preferred Conveyor belt used, but there are no requirements for the Accuracy of the transport of the recording medium 3 by means of Attachment device 30.

A parallel to the positioning aid 30 also preceded - Not shown - strip dispenser places the strip on the other means of transport and guidance, which from the time of creation a negative pressure on parts of the print carrier surface near the contact edge 31 of the print carrier on the surface of the conveyor belt 10 and exercises parallel to the direction of transport of the conveyor belt 201. The strip dispenser device is preferably constructed as in FIG the unpublished German application 197 12 077.6 with the title: "Arrangement for printing strip-shaped print carriers" is explained in more detail. It can, if necessary, just like that Auxiliary device 30 a positive inclination or vertical to one adapt negative slope.

The negative pressure-generating transport and guide means of the guide plate 2 with negative inclination hold the pressure carrier 3 transferred by the application aid 30 against the effect of gravity, first avoid a high initial pressure p _a - generated by the suction power of the pump 12 - to prevent the pressure carrier from falling over Conveyor belt 10 and then secure the tightening later in the course of the transport by an increase in the guide with an increasing suction area ΣA on the pressure carrier surface 300 and with a simultaneously decreasing pressure p. It is provided that the pressure p 'of the second transport and guide means 20' of the auxiliary device near the contact edge 31 is not reduced. Advantageously, overextension or tearing of the surface to be printed is avoided by a push in the vertical direction on the conveyor belt 10. Lifting even thin print media from the contact edge 31 is likewise reliably avoided and an additional sensor 9 can therefore be dispensed with. At the same time, the interaction with the conveyor belt 10 of the transport means 1 guarantees a slip-free transport in the transport direction.

The recessed area in the guide plate 2 has at least a recess 21 for an ink print head 4, the nozzle plane is arranged parallel to the guide plate 2. The guide plate 2 or the auxiliary device with the means 20, 20 ', 231 are behind the Recess 21 in the transport direction (downstream) like a frame designed that the pressure carrier 3 at the level of this recess 21st touch-free and the drying of the ink pressure points in the Printing area 211 is not hindered.

To help the ink dry quickly, one is Air jet expelling agent is provided. This will make solvent evaporation accelerates and the evaporating solvent the ink drains away quickly. The air jet expelling means is 121 preferably part of the motor suction pump 12. The air jet is directed to the surface 300 of the print carrier. The blow with the Air jet also accelerates the detachment of the print medium from the Guide means and the rotation in the desired storage position.

2a shows a view of the auxiliary device on the Guide plate according to the first variant. The print carrier 3 (not has not yet been detected by sensor 72 and the Conveyor belts 201, 201 'of the transport and guide means 20, 20' are not yet active and remain in the drawn Starting position. Here is one side of the conveyor belts 201, 201 'without the openings 202, 202' in the area between the Holding rails 205 and 208 and the other side of the conveyor belts 201, 201 'with the openings 202, 202' outside the aforementioned The majority of the area behind the guide plate 2. A surface part 200, 200 'of the conveyor belts 201, 201' with the openings 202, 202 ' is then immediately in front of the detection range of the sensor 72 Surface part 200, 200 'of the conveyor belts reaches the Surface part 300 of the print carrier 3 in contact when an application of the print carrier 3 by the - not shown here - Anlegehilfsvorrichtung 30 was detected by the sensor 72 and the Conveyor belts 201, 201 'are set in motion.

A negative pressure is created by means of the transport and guiding means 20, 20 ' on both sides of the printing area on parts of the print carrier surface exercised, the first means of transport and guidance 20 between the holding rails 205 and 208 along the line I-I ' an increase h with respect to the guidance of the sucked parts of the Surface 300 of the print carrier 3 causes while the further Transport and guidance means 20 'the parts of the surface 300 of the Holds print carrier 3 near the contact edge 31.

The width of the conveyor belt 201 'or the further transport and Guide means 20 'is max. 8 mm. The recess 21 for the Inkjet print head 4 starts at a distance of about 9 mm from the Application edge 31 on the surface of the conveyor belt 10 it is ensured that the pressure is already at a distance of approx. 10 mm from the contact edge 31 on the surface 300 of the print carrier 3 Such a requirement exists, for example, with Franking of postal items.

The width of the conveyor belt 201 or the first conveyor and In contrast, guide means 20 can vary. When cutting along the line I-I 'through the first transport and guidance means 20 of the Auxiliary device on the guide plate, there is a corresponding Representation as in the section through the line A-A 'of the auxiliary device.

2b is a section through the line A-A 'of the auxiliary device shown the guide plate. On the axis 28 of the drive 25 a drive roller 19 'attached, which the conveyor belt 201' drives. The conveyor belt 201 'is around the guide plate 2 stored around by means of guide rollers 18 'and has a predetermined Length. It lies on the suction housing 204 'or the perforated plate 206' of the transport and guiding means 20 'of the auxiliary device in an air-closing manner on. One side of the conveyor belt 201 'without the Openings 202 'lie in the area between the holding rails 205 and 208 and closes the suction space 203 'or the openings of the Perforated plate 206 'until the conveyor belt 201' from the drive 25 in a synchronous movement to the transport movement of the conveyor belt 10 is offset. A shaft 24 connects the axis 28 of the Drive 25 with the axis 29 of the drive roller 19 for the Conveyor belt 201. Both axes 28 and 29 are at an angle β to each other. The shaft 24 can be flexible or as a cardan shaft be trained.

The conveyor belt 201 'runs over guide rollers 18' and one Drive roller 19 'at the same transport speed as that - shown in Fig. 1b - conveyor belt 10, as soon as by means of a sensor 8 Print carrier 3 is detected. Preferably both drives of the Transport means 1 and the auxiliary device coupled together. On Drive 25 of the auxiliary device for the drive roller 19 'works synchronized with the drive of the drive roller 11 '. The drive 25 is for this connected to a controller 40, which has a corresponding Switching or clutch controls.

2c shows a schematic arrangement for guiding the air Auxiliary device for the guide plate and its control. The Air is sucked in by a suction pump 12 with a hose 27 and connector 26 starting from successive ones arranged one after the other Medium pressure hose 13, controlled valve 14, pressure hose 15, nozzle 16 and intake duct 17 for the auxiliary device 20 and by means of pressure hose 13 'arranged one after the other, uncontrolled valve 14 ', pressure hose 15', nozzle 16 'and Intake duct 17 'for the auxiliary device 20'. The transport and Guide means 20, 20 'are provided with a suction space 203, 203' equipped for air flow through the intake duct, the nozzle, the Pressure hose to the respective valve and then on over the Pressure hoses 13 and 27 to the motor suction pump 12. The latter also works a blower 121 to accelerate ink drying. Alternatively, a second motor suction pump 12 'can also be used be, then the hose connector 26 and the Drop the pressure hose 27 to the motor suction pump 12.

The controller 40 is at least on the input side with the sensors 6 and 71, 72 and 91, 92 and at least on the output side with the Drives 11a including motors or other suitable actuators, 25, 83, 84, with the controllable valve 14 and with the Motor suction pump 12 connected. The drives 11a and 25 are preferably DC motors to which the supply voltage with the required polarity is supplied.

If the pressure exceeds a predetermined negative pressure Increasing the vacuum, the valve 14 draws secondary air from the environment. The size of the predetermined negative pressure is from the controller controllable. The uncontrolled valve 14 'draws secondary air from the Environment when a fixed amount of negative pressure is exceeded, the fixed negative pressure becoming stronger is than the negative pressure set by means of the controllable valve 14. The controllable valve 14 is controlled so that the Exertion of force to overcome the transport and Guide means 20 exerted static friction when advancing Transport becomes less and less, so that neither tearing nor one Lift off the print medium can be done, but only the Tightening the surface of the print carrier results.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automatic franking machine with the shown printing device according to the invention. A first assembly B contains the printing device according to the invention. A second Module C contains meter 50 and controls module B (Base) the print head 4 and the transport devices 7, 8 with the Auxiliary device 20 and a cleaning and sealing station 61 (RDS). The meter 50 contains the central processing unit 53 (CPU), storage means 54 (Sp) for program memory, data memory, cliché memory, Postal register etc. and a clock / date unit 55 (U / D), Input / output unit 56 (I / O) with keyboard 52 and display unit 51, Interfaces 57 (SE1) for connecting a W scale and optional serial interfaces 58 (SE2) for the connection of a Personal computer PC and a special interface 59 (SE3, SE4) to module B.

The module B contains a trigger electronics in the controller 40 41 (AE) and a print head control electronics 42 (DS) for the associated Printhead 4 and a power supply and not shown Power electronics LE. The printhead does not turn on during printing emotional. The encoder 6 supplies an encoder signal to the pressure control electronics 42, the trigger electronics 41 and the meter 50. Die Sensors 71 and 72 detect the letter position in the letter transport X-direction and sensors 91 and 92 detect when moving the transport device 1 by means of displacement 8 in the Y direction Print position. The controller 40 controls displacement means 8 in the Y direction for the respective printing position, the transport means 7 in the X direction and, if necessary, opposite and coordinated accordingly the means 12, 14 and 25 of the auxiliary device (HV), which the Letter in the applied position on the contact edge 31 of the transport device 1 stops and faces an unintended undefined Keeps slipping. Alternatively, the auxiliary device is activated synchronized with the means of transport 7 in the X direction or opposite to the X direction, for example by reversing the Polarity of the supply voltage applied to a common one Drive (Figures 6a to c).

The drive for transporting the print medium in the X direction is in Coordination with the encoder 6 in conjunction with a Slotted disc 5 detected transport movement. The trigger electronics 41 (AE) triggers the activity of the auxiliary device (HV), which holds the letter 3 resting on the contact edge 31, and switches the drives of the transport device 1 and shifting means 8. The CPU 53 of the meter 50 causes in the procedures Franking, address printing or internal cost center printing or in another printing task via the trigger electronics 41 (AE) Control 40 and the aforementioned shifting means 8 gradual displacement of the contact edge 31 by means of at least of an engine 84.

Figure 4 shows the view of the surface of a finished printed Envelopes 3. This surface is during the application to the Guide plate 2 not visible. In the first printing position I will be for example, the postmark 301, the city name / date stamp one after the other 302 and an advertising slogan 303 from the printhead 3 printed. If the mail carrier so desires, one can second printing position II, for example, an encrypted number code 304 or a comparable machine-readable code 306 printed become.

The stamp image can of course also be designed completely differently. The The digital printing process used is flexible for all printing tasks customizable. Then, if necessary, in the third Print position III, for example, the address in an address field 305 to be printed.

This method is particularly suitable for large A4-sized envelopes, since the distance between two positions is sufficient so that the print areas I and II do not have to overlap in the X direction. A backward movement against the current direction can thus be completely dispensed with.
In the case of smaller letter formats, the window envelope has now become established, so that the addresses can also be printed out when the letter text is printed out and consequently need not be printed out by the device according to the invention. Up to now, only a few postal authorities have required the printing of a number code or bar code 304, which is also an identification of the valid postage fee payment that can be checked by Swiss Post. However, barcode 306 for automated mail distribution can also be additionally applied to a window envelope with the method according to the invention.

It is still difficult at present to be inexpensive reliable Inkjet printheads with a large print width and high resolution to manufacture. The invention advantageously requires neither another inkjet printhead yet another printing device for the To complete such a printing task.

Such a barcode 306 is for both small and Large-format envelopes interesting and can be used on all envelopes be printed, for example, if a second or possibly a fourth position, with a relative positioning from envelope 3 to print head 4.

According to the invention, the second and each further position is at one approximately vertical transport of envelopes through the Earth's gravity reached. When the aforementioned cam 81 is accordingly rotated further in the manner set out above or in comparable shifting means solved a corresponding lock with which the letter transport device in one position is held, all envelopes fall regardless of their weight same format quickly in the new position. The letter will not released from the auxiliary device when the conveyor belt after falls down. The fall time for 10 cm is approx. 0.15 sec, which is a max. Cycle time of approx. 60 print media per minute allowed.

With only two printing positions to be approached, the transport device can stopped by shock absorbers when changing position, which in simplest case are designed as - not shown - rubber buffers, on which the side plates 111 of the frame 110 strike. Alternatively can the coupling pieces 82, which with their sliding nipples in longitudinal openings of the plate 80 and the guide plate 2 to the predetermined position slide onto buffers arranged on the circumference of the cam disk to meet. Or the coupling pieces 82 can have sections 115 be shock-absorbing on the side plates 111, which is special is advantageous for several printing positions to be approached.

The propulsion of the letter movement in the X direction is during the free If and during the backward movement slowed down or stopped to the offset of the printing positions to each other in the letter transport direction to minimize. The stop time is for processing any Print media formats, i.e. designed for mixed mail and is sufficient to intercept possible vibrations, which when changing position can occur briefly.

If necessary, for example when verifying the franking stamp a code 304 is to be printed, which is directly under the Franking stamp can be in the breaks between each Print positions by means of the drive means 11b, 11 'a drive for Moving the letter back into the former in the transport device 1 Starting position of the X coordinate opposite to the X direction done with a slower movement. Alternatively, you can the drive means 11a, 11 are used when the drive for example is a DC motor.

The letter transport device 1 is in accordance with gravity movably arranged on the guide plate 2, i.e. one of the force vectors acts in a vertical direction. The guide plate 2 has one Recess 21 for the print head 4. The print head 4 will not moved during printing. The auxiliary device is arranged like a frame around the printing area 211, close to the letter to hold the guide plate 2 without the vertical fall of the To hinder letter transport device 1 when changing position and without smearing the freshly printed image. In the The filling unit is a letter contact edge 31 for each additional one Printing process arranged gradually shiftable, the Shifting means 8 can be controlled by the release electronics 41 AE.

It is provided that the printing device with a device 7 for the transport of the print medium in two opposite directions is equipped with the after feeding to the first printing process before each further printing operation on the same printing medium 3 manual or automatic return of the print medium 3 in the Starting position with respect to the X coordinate. It is beneficial that the auxiliary device HV the premature removal of the print medium 3 prevented and the print carrier 3 only after the end of the last Releases printing process.

At least one further sensor (not shown) is connected to the Controller 40 connected to connect in the printing breaks with the RD station 61 the cleaning and sealing process for the Control inkjet 4. The printhead is in the Print breaks in a predetermined position to a cleaning and Sealing station pivoted, the pivoting around an in Direction of transport lying axis and the sealing cap of the Cleaning and sealing station is then moved towards the print head. Since the printhead does not change position, it becomes more advantageous Only one RD station is required and this is always the case near the printhead, regardless of which one you are going to editing printing tasks, accessible when needed. A suitable one RD station was entitled: Arrangement for cleaning a Ink jet print head in the German application 197 26 643.6-2 suggested.

Other sensors in further stations in front of the base or downstream can also be connected if this should be necessary to coordinate the controls. Light barriers are preferably used as sensors. On Letter stop sensor can be used for approximately vertical letter transport due to the effect of gravity.

a) Druckträgertransport in eine erste Richtung, d.h. in X-Richtung, und Drucken während des Transportes in einer ersten Duckposition,

b1) erste Verschiebung der Druckträgeranlegekante in eine zweite Richtung entgegen der Y-Richtung für die Durchführung einer zweiten Druckaufgabe,

b2) Rückführung des Aufzeichnungsträges in die Ausgangslage vor dem Druck durch Druckträgertransport in eine zweite Richtung und Einstellung einer Geräteroutine für den zweiten Druckvorgang,

c) Druckträgertransport in die erste Richtung, d.h. in X-Richtung, und Drucken während des Transportes in einer zweiten Duckposition,

c1) eine zweite Verschiebung der Druckträgeranlegekante in die zweite Richtung entgegen der Y-Richtung für die Durchführung einer weiteren Druckaufgabe,

c2) Druckträgertransport in die erste Richtung, d.h. in X-Richtung, und Drucken während des Transportes in einer dritten Duckposition, sowie

d) Verschiebung der Druckträgeranlegekante in die Y-Richtung entgegen zur zweiten Richtung, um die Y-Ausgangskoordinate zu erreichen.

A preferred sequence when using the invention, after the letter has been weighed by a scale, transferred to the franking unit and the entry of the destination, automatic generation of the postcode, automatic generation of the corresponding barcode, results in:

a) print carrier transport in a first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during transport in a first print position,

b1) first displacement of the print carrier contact edge in a second direction opposite to the Y direction for carrying out a second printing task,

b2) returning the recording medium to the starting position before printing by printing medium transport in a second direction and setting a device routine for the second printing process,

c) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a second print position,

c1) a second displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the second direction opposite to the Y direction for carrying out a further printing task,

c2) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a third print position, and

d) displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the Y direction opposite to the second direction in order to reach the Y output coordinate.

Before, during or after step b1), stopping the Print carrier transport, which takes place before step b2) is required.

It is envisaged that a return of the print carrier 3 counter the X direction, i.e. against the current direction, before at least one of the other printing processes.

The routine for internal cost center printing is after one appropriate authorization a gradual shift of the Print carrier stop and a return movement of the print carrier in the starting position is provided. Then the Print carrier transport in the first direction again.

Alternatively, the method can also be used in the case of a multi-stage offset the above Include steps in a different order.

a) Druckträgertransport in eine erste Richtung, d.h. in X-Richtung, und Drucken während des Transportes in einer ersten Duckposition,

b) erste Verschiebung der Druckträgeranlegekante in eine zweite Richtung entgegen der Y-Richtung für den Adressendruck,

c) Druckträgertransport in die erste Richtung, d.h. in X-Richtung, und Drucken während des Transportes in einer zweiten Duckposition,

d) Verschiebung der Druckträgeranlegekante in die Y-Richtung entgegen zur zweiten Richtung, um die Y-Ausgangskoordinate zu erreichen.

The following steps are provided for the inventive method according to a second simplified variant:

a) print carrier transport in a first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during transport in a first print position,

b) first displacement of the print carrier contact edge in a second direction counter to the Y direction for address printing,

c) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a second print position,

d) displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the Y direction opposite to the second direction in order to reach the Y output coordinate.

5 shows a sequence of a gradual shift of the Print carrier contact edge 31 in a franking machine after a shown another variant. After the known starting step 307, the sub-steps for initialization and authorization of the machine with, and other known steps, step 309 Userdialog reached to data due to manual or query automatic data entry and accordingly to process. The routine is initially only started in the order Main steps in franking, address printing or cost center printing in Form of a program agreed, which in the memory 54 (Sp) the Postage meter machine 50 is stored. Data entry to everyone Main step can be from a scale and / or from a Personal computer preferably during the execution of the routine done automatically.

In an inquiry step 310, an incoming print carrier becomes detected, which also need not be explained here, takes place a branch to a query step 311 for the first Printing task. If the first printing task is still to be processed, then it branches to a step 314 in order to transport the Carrier in the X direction and the corresponding Print data. Then an optional step 315 a second query step 312 for the second print job branches. In the first query step 311 for the first Print task recognized that this can no longer be processed directly to the second query step 312 for the second printing task branches.

In optional step 315, the transport movement of the Printing medium 3 stopped and reversed in the direction. The correspondingly moved back print carrier 3 is now for another Ready to print, with a corresponding print image for example should appear directly below the franking stamp. After exam in the second query step 312 for the second printing task a step 316 branches to the transport device against the Y direction to move one step. Then printing takes place according to the second printing task, wherein a transport of the Print carrier 3 is made again in the X direction. Subsequently the system branches again to the next query step 313. Will in second query step 312 for the second printing task recognized that this can no longer be worked through, goes directly to the third query step 313 branches for the completion of the third printing task. The Transport device is shifted again by one step (step 318) and then printing corresponding data on that in the X direction transported print carrier 3 performed (step 319).

If all printing tasks have been processed, step 320 is reached in FIG which corresponds to the transport device in the starting position the first printing position I is brought. Then step 309 branched back.

The invention allows, possibly after a credit check, Authorization, the input of all data and more for billing required steps for an unauthorized user Eject print carrier or letter either unprinted or at the letter to an authorized user with his to hold the inserted edge on the lettering edge 31 until all Addresses, barcodes and franking data or cost center data or similar print data is printed.

Another embodiment of the aforementioned auxiliary device, the is designed for guidance with clamping a mail piece now explained with reference to Figures 6a, b and c. Figure 6a shows one perspective view of a transport device with sliding Pressure carrier stop with an auxiliary device for clamping a second variant. The principle of the transport device 1 with an auxiliary device arranged on a conveyor belt 10 means 212 to 217 for pressing a print carrier onto the guide plate 2, was already in the German patent DE 196 05 015 C1 described. In addition there are at least one according to the invention Slide rail 231 and contact rails 234, 235 and 236, which are firmly connected to each other at least like a frame and on the Guide plate 2 together with the other components of the Transport device 1 slidably abut. The guide plate 2 has rails 232 and 233, on which the contact rails 235 and 236 fit smoothly. On one of the guide plates 2 facing side of the frame 110 are contact rails 234, 235 and 236 are firmly connected to the side part 111. You form with that Frame 110 a carriage on or on the rails 232 and 233 of the guide plate 2 is slidably mounted. The slide rails 231 and contact rails 233, 235 and 236 preferably form one Frame with a sufficiently large cutout 211 in the Y direction is correspondingly larger and at least twice the size the recess 21 in the guide plate 2 for the ink jet print head 4 has.

The means 212 to 217 of the conveyor belt 10 are with the latter moves and serve to clamp the pressure carrier 3, i.e. to the For example, pressing a letter envelope against a slide rail 231 of the guide means 23. The guide means 23 in this second Variant of the movable transport device 1 in addition to the clamping function a guide function when moving in the Y direction for the print carrier 3 in the X direction, but no transport function.

In Figures 6b and c, the means 212 to 217 of the Conveyor belt 10 explained in more detail. A pressure element 212 has the Print carrier towards a pressure surface 2121 and in opposite Towards a stop surface 2122 on which a retraction element 215 attacks with its thickened end 216. The other end 214 of the Retractor element 215 is 90 ° down on the edge of the Angled side part 111, which at its ends backdrop-like Deflection parts 114 has. These deflection parts 114 act on the one hand via the end 214 of the retraction element 215 to the Pressure element 212 so that it from the guide plate 2nd is moved away. Outside the ends of the side part 111 acts on the other hand, a spring element 217 on the pressure element 212 so a that it is moved to the guide plate 2. On the one hand, in this direction, the pressure element 212 has a stop surface 2123 for the spring element 217, which is on the other hand on a Supporting guide element 213, which means 212, 215, 217th at least partially encased and in which the pressure element 212 is slidably mounted. Each guide element 213 is on the Belt surface attached. The pressure element 212 slides in the guide member 213 in when by the transport movement of the conveyor belt 10, the angled end 214 on the edge of the side part 111 to the backdrop-like arranged at the end Deflection parts 114 is driven. The elongation δ is over transfer the retraction element 215 to the pressure element 212, which from the print carrier surface or from the slide rail 231 on the guide plate 2.

In the preferred variant, there are two behind the guide plate 2 Motors but only one motor 84 arranged in front of the plate 80. The aforementioned mechanical parts 81, 82 and the associated motor 84 are together again via an axis 89 and possibly a gear coupled, the engine forces via a coupling piece 82 on the movable transport device 1 act. Figure 6a shows the first print position I in the phase before moving.

In the simplest case shown, part 81 is again one Cam and the part 82 at least one pin-shaped Coupling piece, which in a longitudinal opening 85 of the plates 2 and 80 slidably slides along an orthogonal to plate 90. Between the coupling piece and the side part 111 is where appropriate The aforementioned part 82 is stepped with respect to its section 115 shaped to slide the angled end 214 of the Retractor element 215 on the edge of the side part too enable.

The displaceable transport device 1 has the frame 110 Side plates 111 for receiving and driving the conveyor belt 10 and at least one auxiliary device for guiding mail items 3 on. At least one coupling piece on the side plates 111 82, guide pieces 112 and an attachment part for the transmitter 113 attached, which with the longitudinal openings 85, 86, 87, 88 in the store the aforementioned plates 2, 80 of the chassis. On the rotatable Cam 81 slides the coupling piece 82 of the slidable Transport device 1, which thereby counteracts gravity is moved. The cam 81 is shaped so that a curvature to the outside when the cam disk 81 rotates displaceable transport device 1 in a first printing position I allowed. The frame 110 with the side parts 111 is around an amount γ in the Y direction is raised against gravity. Such a phase of resetting is shown in FIG. 6c pictured.

The aforementioned displacement means 8 can also be used as an alternative to the above mentioned arrangement be formed, but always both an offset as well as a defined stop in a printing position is made possible.

A jamming auxiliary device (HV) the premature removal of the Pressure carrier 3 prevented and the pressure carrier 3 only after completion the last printing process can also be an alternative to the above mentioned arrangement be formed. In the simplest - not illustrated - case, the auxiliary device (HV) is used as a wire bracket formed on a side plate 111 of the frame 110 is resiliently pressed to the supplied print carrier 3 the movable carriage that slides on the guide plate 2 hold.

The invention is not based on the present embodiment an edge standing print media limited. Rather is one Number of variants conceivable, which of the solution shown Use also with fundamentally different types do.

Claims (10)

Method for printing on a print carrier with a print head and with a transport device for the print carrier, the print head not being moved during printing, characterized in that a displaceably arranged transport device (1) in at least one alternative printing position (II) is arranged in the printing device. is moved and can be controlled by a controller 40 in such a way that the print carrier (3) transports at least downstream in a first X direction and that, orthogonally to this, the displaceable transport device (1) in a first printing position (I) in relation to the Y direction Y coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system is reset when all printing tasks have been completed. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the steps: a) print carrier transport in a first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during transport in a first print position, b) first displacement of the print carrier contact edge in a second direction counter to the Y direction for address printing, c) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a second print position, d) displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the Y direction opposite to the second direction in order to reach the Y output coordinate. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the steps: a) print carrier transport in a first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during transport in a first print position, b1) first displacement of the print carrier contact edge in a second direction opposite to the Y direction for carrying out a second printing task, b2) returning the recording medium to the starting position before printing by printing medium transport opposite to the first direction and setting a device routine for the second printing process, c) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a second print position, c1) a second displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the second direction opposite to the Y direction for carrying out a further printing task, c2) print carrier transport in the first direction, ie in the X direction, and printing during the transport in a third print position, and d) displacement of the print carrier contact edge in the Y direction opposite to the second direction in order to reach the Y output coordinate. Method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a printing process is assigned to each printing task and that before each further printing process, the transport device (1), which can be shifted in stages, is brought into the required position relative to the print head by the action of gravity by means of shifting means (8) before using a trigger electronics of the control (40) the printing is carried out with simultaneous downstream transport movement of the print carrier (3). Method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the printing medium (3) is returned against the X direction, that is to say against the current direction, before at least one of the further printing processes. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that before, during or after step b1) the printing medium transport is stopped, which is necessary before step b2). Printing device for printing on a print carrier with a print head and with a transport device (1) for the print carrier (3) comprising a transport means (7), the print head (4) not being moved during printing,
characterized in that a control (40) is connected to sensors and actuators of a displacement means (8) and the transport means (7) and that the transport means (7) and the displacement means (8) in the printing device are mechanically connected to a displaceable transport device (1) are coupled, which can be controlled in at least one alternative printing position (II) by a controller (40), wherein in the alternative printing position (II) the transport means (7) transports the printing medium (3) downstream when printing. Printing device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the transport means (7) transports a print carrier (3) standing on the edge downstream during printing and in that an auxiliary device (HV) prevents premature removal of the pressure carrier (3) and the pressure carrier (3) only releases after the end of the last printing process and that contactless printing takes place by means of an ink print head (4). Printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the auxiliary device (HV) is designed for guiding without clamping the printing medium (3). Printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the auxiliary device (HV) is designed for guiding by clamping the printing medium (3).

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