EP0960359B1 - Printing or duplicating apparatus optionally operating with magnetic or non magnetic toner - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a printer or copier for Printing on a record carrier with magnetically readable or magnetically unreadable toner in a single device.

In the USA in particular, it is customary to print checks or financial documents with magnetically readable toner so that the documents can be read using the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) method.
Magnetically readable toner, so-called MICR toner, generally contains ferromagnetic particles (soft magnetic particles) with a tight hysteresis loop made of pure iron or other magnetizable substances such as ferrites, iron oxide or magnetite.
So MICR developer mixtures are used for a wide variety of applications. B. as components 90-99% iron powder (Iron powder), 2-3.5% resins (styrene / acrylic copolymer resin), 0.7-1.4% polymers (styrene / acrylatic copolymer) and 10-20% iron oxide (Iron oxides) or, for example, MICR toner with 30-50% styrene / acrylic copolymer resin, 10-20% styrene / acrylate copolymer, 10-30% iron oxyide, 3-7% 1-propene polymer, 3-7% epoxy resin , 1-3% lithium stearate and 0.5-2% tetraalkyl ammonium compound. For the black coloring (carbon black), for example 0.1-1% plastic pigments (polyvinylidene fluoride) can be contained.

The following is for a MICR-enabled, magnetically readable Toner The term "magnetic" toner is used. As "Non-magnetic" toner is a magnetically unreadable Toner, e.g. B. a common standard toner.

The complex composition of MICR developer mix or Toner required for processing in an electrographic Printer a special adaptation of the printing process involved aggregates such. B. the developer station, the Transfer station, the photoconductor and the fuser. Among other things that is why it was previously considered necessary for printing use separate printers with MICR toner. These printers are for processing MICR toner only designed with a processing of usual, not magnetically readable toner is not possible. For creation mixed printers therefore used two printers, namely a MICR-capable printer and a common printer, or it was only a MICR-capable for printing Printer used. Both procedures are uneconomical and require considerable effort.

It is known from US-A-4,097,139, at one Copier to provide a replaceable developer station, to process toners with different colors, such different colored toners, however, have a chemical almost identical composition and differ alone in the pigment color. There is no need for an exchange Adaptation of the processing process.

From EP-A-0 357 086 an electrophotographic recording device is known which works with different toners to produce toner images of different colors. For this purpose, it contains, in a first exemplary embodiment, exchangeable developer stations with different toners, namely a black toners containing a magnetic component and a color toner, which mainly contains resin. Depending on the type of toner used, the fusing temperature on the fusing roller is adjusted in order to avoid an offset effect in the fusing station. For this purpose, the developer stations have a lever which interacts with corresponding switches in the receiving area of the developer station and by means of which the fixing temperature is set.
In a second exemplary embodiment, the recording device contains two developer stations which can be activated as a function of an actuation signal via a motorized device and which, in order to set the fixing temperature, have a lever which actuates corresponding switches when inserted.

Notes on the alternative use of MICR toner and standard toner while optimizing the electrophotographic processes are not removable.

US-A-5,036,362 describes a sequential Development process with MICR toner and not mechanical Standard toner in an electrophotographic Recorder. For this purpose, along one tape-shaped photoconductor with two developer stations Magnetic brushes for MICR toner and non-magnetic toner arranged that work simultaneously, the MICR toner developer station creates black border lines and the developer station with standard toner the areas colors between the MICR border lines. Without toner-dependent adjustment of the electrophotographic Process parameters are then transferred together Toner image on the recording medium.

The object of the invention is therefore a printing or To provide copier, in which with one and the same Applies a print with magnetically readable toner, so-called MICR toner, and magnetically unreadable toner is possible.

This task is one of the characteristics of the Claims 1 to 4 solved.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the Subclaims marked.

Common to all solutions is the choice between an operating mode where printed with magnetic toner and an operating mode in which with non-magnetic Toner is printed. The operating mode is via a Operational control selected or defined. With the Operational control is functionally related Process control depending on the set Operating mode Setting values of the process parameters from am Sub-units involved in the printing process, such as B. the Photoconductor drum, the developer station, the transfer printing station and the fuser. Setting values of the Process parameters can be: the bias voltage between Developer station and photoconductor, charging the Photoconductor, the corotron voltage or the intermediate exposure in the area of the transfer station and the fusing temperature in the Fuser. These setting values are Adapted depending on the operating mode. Via a control panel calling the operating mode either automatically or from Hand.

In a first solution, the device contains a replaceable one Developer station, two stationary in a second solution switchable developer stations, in a third solution one Developer station, depending on the operating mode Toner is supplied and a fourth solution Developer station with several individually switchable Developer chambers.

The solutions according to the invention enable printing with magnetic and non-magnetic toner with only one multifunctional device. This enables flexible and economical use of equipment with faster Possibility of adaptation to the current task.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention Developer station an active identification arrangement assigned in which all functionally relevant can be called up Operating states of the developer station are stored. These are e.g. B. the accumulated operating time, the type of contained toner, which are to be set during use Operating parameters with the associated setting values that Manufacturing identifier including part number, history and Number of prints in the different modes Pages. Among other things, this enables an automatic adjustment of the Device to the type of toner used and exact tracking of malfunctions, what in the case of service and at Returns analysis is of considerable advantage. Furthermore z. B. an exact one for billing purposes in the leasing company Registration of consumables.

The operational safety is advantageous in another Embodiment increased in that the device Locking device for selective locking of individual Contains operating modes or functions. So z. B. ensure that only with magnetic toner can be printed if the user is authorized and that Device has been released for this.

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings are shown and are exemplified below described.

Fig. 1 ein schematisches Blockbild eines multifunktionalen elektrografischen Druckgerätes zum wahlweisen Betrieb mit magnetischem oder nichtmagnetischem Toner,

Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckgerätes mit einer Aufnahmevorrichtung zur alternativen, austauschbaren Aufnahme einer magnetischen oder nichtmagnetischen Toner enthaltenden Entwicklerstation,

Fig. 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckgerätes mit zwei Entwicklerstationen,

Fig. 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckgerätes mit einer Entwicklerstationen zum alternativen Zuführen von magnetischem oder nichtmagnetischem Toner und

Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckgerätes mit einer mehrere Entwicklerkammern aufweisenden Entwicklerstation.

Show it:

1 is a schematic block diagram of a multifunctional electrographic printing device for optional operation with magnetic or non-magnetic toner,

2 shows a schematic representation of a printing device with a receiving device for the alternative, exchangeable receiving of a developer station containing magnetic or non-magnetic toner,

3 shows a schematic illustration of a printing device with two developer stations,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a printing device with a developer station for the alternative supply of magnetic or non-magnetic toner and

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a printing device with a developer station having a plurality of developer chambers.

An electrographic printing device for optional operation with magnetic or non-magnetic toner is in its Structural structure shown in Figure 1. It contains the necessary for the electrophotographic printing process and for example, described in more detail in US-A-5,546,178 Sub-units. These are essentially: one Photoconductor assembly FL for the generation of latent ones Charge images on a photoconductor drum, with the help a charging device, the photoconductor drum first charged and then via an LED character generator or a laser is exposed; a developer station ES to Coloring the latent charge images with toner Toner images arise; a transfer station US for transfer printing the toner images on recording media z. B. paper with Using a transfer corotron; a fuser in the FX by pressure and heat or by lightning fixation the loose ones Toner images are fixed on the recording medium and a paper transport system PT for transporting the Record carrier by the device.

So that the record carrier with one and the same device optionally with magnetic or non-magnetic toner can be printed is according to the representation of the Figure 2 shows the developer station ES in a receiving device AV of device D interchangeably stored. The The receiving device contains rails or bearing elements KST, which with appropriate brackets of the Developer station housing and interact it enable the developer station ES along the rails pull out of the device housing and onto a transport table To take TP. Then another developer station be inserted. Depending on the desired operating mode, it will be like this a developer station containing magnetic toner or a developer station containing non-magnetic toner in the Device arranged.

All sub-assemblies are available via a data bus DB a device control in connection. The device control is constructed in a modular manner and contains one via microprocessors Controlled HM main module based on the master-slave principle the other modules of the device control as operational control controls. Coupled with the main module HM via the data bus DB is a microprocessor-controlled process control PS in the form of a submodule, in particular the electrophotographic Process controls and u. a. depending on the operating mode (Printing with magnetic or non-magnetic toner) Setting values of the process parameters from those on the printing process sub-aggregates involved. These process parameters are for example the bias voltage in the developer station ES between developer station and photoconductor drum, the Charge the photoconductor drum and the fixing temperature in the fuser. To explain the Process parameters and the function of a device control in the General reference is made to US-A-5124732.

Depending on whether with magnetic or with non-magnetic Toner is printed, these setting values are different and must be set accordingly. For example When printing with magnetic toner, the following setting values set: bias voltage 235V, charging voltage at the 480V photoconductor drum, maximum fusing temperature (> 210 degrees Celsius) and switching off the intermediate exposure. The corresponding setting values are when printing with a standard non-magnetic toner: bias voltage 200V, Charging voltage at the photoconductor drum 520V, Fixing temperature maximum (<200 degrees Celsius) and Intermediate exposure activated in the transfer printing station.

The device control also contains a with the main module HM control panel coupled via a data bus BF, which as microprocessor controlled personal computer control panel is designed and as an input and display device for the operating data or the setting values of the process parameters has an input screen (touch screen). The Control panel BF in turn is connected to a via a data bus Memory SP in connection in which the setting values of the process parameters to be set depending on the operating mode Form of retrievable tables are stored.

For processing and preparation by an external The device contains the print data supplied by the host a controller SRA, its structure and function for example, is described in more detail in US-A-5124732. He can have a scalable raster architecture. The Controller SRA is in the usual way via a data bus the device control and thus with the main module HM coupled.

In particular the developer station and thus the one in it contained or processed with the developer station The toner can be identified automatically Device control have an identification arrangement.

This consists in the one shown in FIG Embodiment from a on the housing Identifier KE attached to developer station e.g. in Form of a barcode and one of the receiving device for the Developer station in the device assigned to the scanning device AT, which are designed in the form of an optical scanning device can be. Feels when inserting the developer station ES the scanner AT from the identification element KE and delivers the Identification data to the process control PS Further processing. The type of developer station will then be is displayed in the BF control panel. In addition, the captured Data used to set the Select process parameters automatically or the corresponding setting values.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the identification arrangement contains one on the Developer station arranged microprocessor-controlled chip CP with a non-volatile memory EP (EEPROM) for Storage of operating data of the developer station as well a communication interface KS for detachable functional connection of the microprocessor-controlled chip CP with process control PS. The Communication interface KS can be a common one Data interface included with a CAN bus. in the The installed state of the developer station communicates the Process control PS with the microprocessor-controlled chips CP by retrieving operating data from the memory EP or updated in the memory EP.

In the non-volatile memory EP can be called up and all function-relevant operating states of the Developer station can be saved. These are e.g. B. the run-up time, type of toner contained, the operating parameters to be set during use with the associated setting values, including the manufacturing identifier Part number, history and number of in the different operating modes printed pages. This enables among other things an automatic adaptation of the device to the used toner type and an exact tracking of Malfunctions, what in the case of service and at Returns analysis is of considerable advantage. Furthermore, e.g. B. for the purpose of billing in the leasing company an exact Detection of consumables possible.

The data can be called up via the BF control panel, can be entered and displayed or they are over the process control PS is automatically detected and stored in the memory EP filed or updated there.

In order to be able to selectively block individual operating modes, the device as part of the device control a locking device exhibit. According to the representation of this contains Figure 1, the controller SRA a memory area for Recording of data characterizing the locked operating mode e.g. B. in the form of a data word. The entry of the data word e.g. can be secured via the control panel BF, so that the Entry is only possible by authorized persons. A Test facility, in this case the main module HM, tests at Calling an operating mode z. B. when commissioning the Device, by comparing the in the SBK memory area stored data with the called operating mode characteristic data from the control panel BF, whether a locked operating mode exists and locks if present a locked operating mode the printing operation. This The locked state is then displayed in the BF control panel. So z. B. ensure that only then magnetic toner can be printed when the user is authorized and the device has been released for this.

About the function of the device control in detail:

If the developer station has no identification element or is the operator calls after inserting the corresponding developer station ES for use with magnetic or non-magnetic toner into the cradle AV of the device via the control panel BF the assigned operating mode. The main module HM as Part of the operating control checks when the operation is called magnetic toner based on the content of the Storage area SBK of the controller SRA. After Definition of the operating mode via the operating control calls the main module HM assigned to the operating mode Setting values from the table memory SP of the control panel BF and transmits it via the process control PS Sub-units of the device. Thereafter, the Controller SRA a message about the external data source (host) and printing is released.

Is an identification arrangement for the developer station are provided after inserting the developer station ES in the device the sampled or in the memory EP stored data for process control PS transfer. This reports the data to the main module HM and from there on the control panel BF. The operational control with the main module HM and control panel BF also checks if the operation is scheduled magnetic toner based on the content of the Storage area SBK of the controller SRA. After Definition of the operating mode via the operating control calls the main module HM assigned to the operating mode Setting values from the table memory SP of the control panel BF and transmits it via the process control PS Sub-units of the device. Thereafter, the Controller SRA a message to the external data source host and printing is released.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the device contains two switchable developer stations ES1 and ES2 that run along a photoconductor drum 11 are arranged. Both Developer stations can be analogous to the embodiment of the Figure 2 be designed interchangeable. The one Developer station ES1 contains magnetic toner that other developer station ES2 non-magnetic toner. A trained analogous to the device control of Figure 1 Device control GS activated z. B. by switching on and off the bias voltage or mechanically depending on the selected operating mode the developer stations ES1 and ES2. By activating both developer stations ES1 and ES2 it with appropriate choice of the potential relationships of the In principle, latent charge images on the photoconductor too possible with both the record carrier on one side magnetic as well as non-magnetic toner Printing. The toner images thus generated are then in the Area of the transfer printing station 15 on the recording medium 10 transfer. The others in connection with the Device control of Figure 1 functions such as. B. the blocking function for the operating modes or Identification of the developer station via a Identification arrangement in the case of interchangeability, are applicable accordingly and modified if necessary.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the device contains a developer station ES3 with a feed device for alternative feeding of magnetic or non-magnetic Toner to the developer station ES3 depending on the selected operating mode. The feeder contains two Toner container T1 and T2. The toner container T1 contains magnetic toner and the toner container T2 non-magnetic Toner. Both toner containers are above Toner transport system with controllable valves V1, V2 with the Developer station ES3 in connection. An analogous to Device control of Figure 1 trained device control GS controls via valves V1 and V2 depending on the selected operating mode the toner supply to the developer station ES3 and its function. It must be ensured that the toner types are not in the developer station ES3 mix. Mixing can be prevented if leg Toner type change the developer station ES3 z. B. via a Vacuum device or completely drained mechanically becomes. The generated via the developer station ES3 Toner images are then opened in the area of the transfer printing station 15 transfer the record carrier 10. The others in Connection with the device control of FIG. 1 described functions such as B. the locking function for Operating modes or the identification of the developer station via an identification arrangement in the case of Interchangeability, are modified accordingly and if necessary applicable.

According to the embodiment of Figure 5 can be the invention in a particularly advantageous manner in one Realize printing device, such as that from US-A-5,546,178 is known. The US-A-5,546,178 is part of the Disclosure of this application. The contains Developer station 14 two separately controllable and switchable developer chambers 14/1 and 14/2 for alternative Inclusion of magnetic or non-magnetic toner. For example, the developer chamber 14/1 contains magnetic Toner and the developer chamber 14/2 non-magnetic toner. A developer zone is assigned to the developer chamber 14/1 E1 and the developer chamber 14/2 a developer zone E2. The Developer zones E1 and E2 are in the area of the photoconductor 11 arranged side by side and used to color two Photoconductor areas of the photoconductor 11. Instead of two However, the photoconductor areas of a photoconductor 11 is also Arrangement of two individual photoconductors possible, the z. B. are coupled in terms of drive. On the photoconductor areas generated toner images are in the area of the transfer printing station 15 on side-by-side recording medium webs 10/1 and 10/2 of a single record carrier 10 is reprinted.

With that shown in Figure 5 and in US-A-5,546,178 the printing principle described in more detail can Record carrier 10 by moving and turning the Record carrier 10 are printed twice in the printer, either once on the front and once on the back or twice on the front or back.

To print on the front and back (duplex), the Record carrier 10 starting from a supply stack 23 first led to the developer zone E2 where he z. B. on the Front in the assigned transfer area of the Transfer station 15 is printed with non-magnetic toner.

Then the loose front toner image in the fuser 18 fixed and the record carrier 10 in the turning station 28 turned and offset and then, for printing on the Back with magnetic toner, that of the developer zone E2 assigned transfer printing area of transfer printing station 15. The loose back toner image is then again in the Fixing station 18 fixed and stored in the stacker 22.

For double printing on the front or the back the record carrier 10 is not in the area of the turning station turned, but only offset. So that one Document side with non-magnetic and magnetic toner printing. In this way it is possible Body text with non-magnetic toner for printing and MICR-readable Areas selectively with magnetic toner, which the Printing performance significantly increased.

The developer chamber is advantageously filled with Developer zone, which the first time the Printed media, with magnetic toner. By the double pass through the fuser is the magnetic toner image again after applying the fixed non-magnetic toner image together with this, which has a favorable effect on the fixing quality.

A trained analog to the device control of Figure 1 Device control GS controls the developer chambers 14/1 and 14/2 depending on the assigned or selected operating mode. To control the described The GS device control contains one more print sequence Printing sequence control corresponding to that in US-A-5,546,178 described control can be formed. The other in connection with the device control of FIG. 1 described functions such as B. the locking function for Operating modes or the identification of the developer station via an identification arrangement in the case of Interchangeability, are modified accordingly and if necessary applicable.

The invention was based on a described electrophotographic printing device, it is but can also be used with copiers. Instead of one electrophotographic process is also the use of a magnetographic or an electrostatic process possible.

Reference list

FL =

Photoconductor assembly

ES =

Developer station

US =

Transfer station

FX =

Fuser

PT =

Paper transport system

AV =

Cradle

D =

device

KST =

Rail or bearing elements

TP =

Transport table

DB =

Data bus

HM =

Main module (operational control)

PS =

Process control

BF =

Control panel

SP =

Memory, table memory

SRA =

Controller

HOST =

external data source, host

KE =

Identifier

AT =

Scanner

CP =

Identification arrangement, microprocessor controlled chip

EP =

non-volatile memory (EEPROM)

KS =

Communication interface

SBK =

Storage area, locking device

ES1, ES2 =

Developer stations

10 =

Record carrier

11 =

Photoconductor

15 =

Transfer station

ES3 =

Developer station

T1, T2 =

Toner container

V1, V2 =

controllable valves

14 =

Developer station

14/1, 14/2 =

Developer chambers

E1, E2 =

Developer zones

10/1, 10/2 =

Record carrier webs

23 =

Stockpile

18 =

Fuser

28 =

Turning station

22 =

Forklift

Claims (13)

1. Multifunctional printer or copier having an apparatus for printing on a recording medium with MICR toner in a first mode of operation or with non-magnetic toner in a second mode of operation in a single appliance, the apparatus having:

   a holding device (AV) arranged in the appliance to alternatively hold a developer station (ES) which can be interchanged and contains an MICR or non-magnetic toner to produce toner images on a photoconductor,

   a transfer-printing station (US) for transfer-printing the toner images onto the recording medium,

   an operation controller (HM) that defines the mode of operation on the basis of the developer station (ES) in the holding device (AV) and

   a process controller (PS), which is functionally connected to the operation controller (HM) and, on the basis of the set mode of operation, defines setting values of the process parameters of subunits (FL, US, FX, PT) involved in the printing process.
2. Multifunctional printer or copier having an apparatus for printing on a recording medium (10) with MICR toner in a first mode of operation or with non-magnetic toner in a second mode of operation in a single appliance, the apparatus having:

   at least one developer station (ES1) that processes MICR toner, and at least one developer station (ES2) that processes non-magnetic toner, which, to produce toner images, are designed as developer stations which can be switched on alternatively and are arranged along a photoconductor (11),

   a transfer-printing station (15) for transfer-printing the toner images onto the recording medium,

   an operation controller (HM) that defines the mode of operation and

   a process controller (PS), which is functionally connected to the operation controller (HM) and, on the basis of the set mode of operation, defines setting values of the process parameters of subunits (FL, US, FX, PT) involved in the printing process.
3. Multifunctional printer or copier having an apparatus for printing on a recording medium (10) with MICR toner in a first mode of operation or with non-magnetic toner in a second mode of operation in a single appliance, the apparatus having:

   at least one developer station (ES3) that accepts MICR or non-magnetic toner to produce toner images on a photoconductor,

   a feed apparatus (V1, V2) to feed MICR or non-magnetic toner alternatively to the developer station (ES3) on the basis of the mode of operation,

   a transfer-printing station (15) for transfer-printing the toner images onto the recording medium,

   an operation controller (HM) defining the mode of operation and

   a process controller (PS), which is functionally connected to the operation controller (HM) and, on the basis of the set mode of operation, defines setting values of the process parameters of subunits (FL, US, FX, PT) involved in the printing process.
4. Multifunctional printer or copier having an apparatus for printing on a recording medium (10) with MICR toner in a first mode of operation or with non-magnetic toner in a second mode of operation in a single appliance, the apparatus having:

   a developer station (14) having at least one developer chamber (14/1) that contains MICR toner, and at least one developer chamber (14/2) that contains non-magnetic toner which, to produce toner images on one or more photoconductor areas (E1, E2), are designed as developer chambers which can be switched on alternatively,

   a transfer-printing station (15) for transfer-printing the toner images onto the recording medium,

   an operation controller (HM) defining the mode of operation and

   a process controller (PS), which is functionally connected to the operation controller (HM) and, on the basis of the set mode of operation, defines setting values of the process parameters of subunits (FL, US, FX, PT) involved in the printing process.
5. Multifunctional printer or copier according to Claim 4, in which, in the area of the transfer-printing station (15), at least two recording-medium webs (10/1, 10/2) are guided beside one another, and wherein each of the recording-medium webs is assigned a developer chamber (14/1, 14/2).
6. Multifunctional printer or copier according to one of Claims 1 to 5, having an operating panel (BF) which has an entry apparatus and/or a display apparatus for operating data, including the modes of operation, and which is functionally connected to the operation controller (HM).
7. Multifunctional printer or copier according to either of Claims 1 and 2, having an identification arrangement to identify the developer station.
8. Multifunctional printer or copier according to Claim 7, having an identifying element (KE) assigned to the developer station, and a scanning apparatus (AT), for the identifying element, which is assigned to the appliance (D) and functionally connected to the controllers.
9. Multifunctional printer or copier according to Claim 7, the identification arrangement having a non-volatile memory (EP) which is assigned to the developer station and intended for the storage of operating data, and a communication interface to produce a releasable functional connection between the non-volatile memory (EP) and the controllers.
10. Multifunctional printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, the setting values of the process parameters to be set on the basis of the mode of operation being stored in a memory (SP) in the form of tables that can be called up.
11. Multifunctional printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, having a blocking apparatus to block operating functions selectively.
12. Multifunctional printer or copier according to claim 11, the blocking apparatus having:

    a memory (SBK) to hold data that identifies the blocked mode of operation in such a way that they can be changed,

    a checking apparatus (HM, BF) which, when a mode of operation is called up, uses the data stored in the memory (SBK) to check whether there is a blocked mode of operation present and if so, blocks the printing operation.
13. Multifunctional printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, having a counting apparatus (BF, HM, PS) to register the volume of printing produced in the individual modes of operation.

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