EP1004058B1 - Printing system and printing method for producing a mixed colour sheet sequence - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a printer or copier system for performance-based creation of a specified sequence of sheets of monochrome and / or color printed single sheets and a printing process for generating a monochrome and colored leaf sequence.

For electrophotographic color printers with high Print quality as e.g. known from EP-A1-0 629 931 are the problem that both monochrome Printing operation as well as in color printing operation for the Creation of a print sheet always takes the same time becomes. This means that the so-called performance, i.e. the Speed efficiency of the printer itself Full color printing oriented. If such a printer in Mixed operation is used for most of the time occurring monochrome print too slow.

With high-performance electrophotographic printing with 70 pages per minute or more include those to be processed Print jobs mostly monochrome prints. Just one small part of the print job is colored. For example, occur that a large number of within a print job is printed by black and white follow-up sheets and that then e.g. when making a brochure, a full color image must be printed out. When creating a such brochure the usual color printing facilities used, they are relatively slow, because how already executed the printing performance at the Color printing performance oriented. such Color printing devices are also complicated and costly and ineffective for mixed operation used.

Color printing devices with which one or two colors with can be printed at high speed, e.g. from the US-A-5,526,107. With the known Color printing device becomes continuous paper of a transfer printing station a photoconductor cylinder fed on two surfaces each electrophotographic units for generating has different colored toner images. At the transfer location the continuous paper is on the front with a first Color printed, then the continuous paper is deflected and a printing point opposite the transfer printing point on same photoconductor cylinder supplied and there with the back printed.

From US-A-5,596,416 a printing device is known in which several similar color printing devices are arranged. Each of the color printing devices is for monochrome and colored Suitable for printing, with parallel processing printing images is possible.

All the known color printing devices have in common that their performance is based on color printing and that is why the Printing devices for mixed operation cannot be used economically are.

The object of the invention is a multicolor printing or To provide copier system with high printing performance, which is particularly suitable for mixed operation, and its Performance is based on the maximum printing performance in monochrome Operation oriented.

This object is achieved by the method according to the invention Claim 1 and by the printing or copying system according to Claim 5 solved. Advantageous embodiments the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

By the proposed coupling of a high printing speed working digital monochrome printer, e.g. a black and white printer or a maximum of two colors printing printer (highlight color printer) with a digital Full color printers can also be used for mixed print jobs which the leaf sequences have individual color pages included, at high speed and particularly create economically.

A higher-level control unit sends the ones to be printed Pages to the respective printing unit and ensures that the right one in a common paper output stream final page sequence is established.

According to the invention, it was recognized that the electronic and mechanical coupling of the monochrome, - or Highlight color printing units on the one hand and the Full color printing unit on the other hand is possible mixed Print jobs that are monochrome, or Highlight color data and on the other hand full color data, with high performance and with a high degree of utilization to generate two printing units.

The control unit controls the printing units during creation of the mixed print job depending on the incoming Data stream so that both printing units, as far as the sequence which allows single sheets in the print job, in parallel operation work. The desired control and control target of Control is parallel operation.

For this purpose, the original data stream becomes the monochrome (Black and white) and the color information for each Printing unit assigned and organized in time. The common one Paper path then guides the printed single sheets correctly sorted into a common storage (e.g. external, in Output tray of the faster monochrome printer, in the Output tray of the color printer) or in the form of a sheet / scale / or packet stream into one Nachverarbeitungsanlage. One of the digital Printing or digital copying machines with printing function too take over the collecting function through their internal paper path and / or additional print information on the controlled Create sheet (e.g. front color, back black - White or any other combination). The Interfaces are designed such that the printer or Copier according to the respective performance requirements of the Operator can be used. To different To smooth out power peaks (e.g. a high sequence of monochrome or colored pages) can be the common Paper path contain a buffer function. The buffer function can be realized, for example, through a collecting subject, from which the printed sheets can be used individually or in Package form can be output again. The paper path too itself can be used as a buffer due to its distance. For continuous paper processing printers, buffers are in the form of Known paper loops. Through the buffer function the System productivity increased.

Both sheet printers can be used as printing units (Cut sheet printer) as well as printers with continuous paper work (fanfold printer). at Fanfold printer is the use of cutters required.

The sheet stream generated by the color printer is in one preferred embodiment via a suitable Interface, e.g. via a paper path coupling module in the Output area of the monochrome or highlight color printer initiated. There the colored printed sheets in correct sequence in the from the monochrome or Highlight color printer printed sheet stream inserted. The Monochrome or highlight color printer is used in this Embodiment as a mixing device. An advantage of this embodiment is that the High-speed printing in monochrome, or Highlight color printing unit by feeding the full color printed sheets is not affected.

In another advantageous embodiment the full-color printed sheets in a clipboard stored. By caching it is possible to Print full color pages in stock and then selectively in the Leaf flow of the monochrome or highlight color printing unit feed. Despite one versus the monochrome or Highlight color printing unit slower printing speed of the Full color printing unit then remains the printing speed of the Overall system high for mixed print jobs. The Buffering can be done in the full color printing unit or in Monochrome, or highlight color printing is done, preferred but in one connected between the printers Paper path coupling module. It can be stacked in a stack The sheets are clipboarded or via a corresponding buffer transport route that a certain number of single sheets.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sheet stream generated by the color printer via a suitable Interface, e.g. via a paper path coupling module with a Buffer, in the input area of the monochrome or Highlight color printer initiated. The full color printed Sheets are then inside the monochrome or Highlight color printer optionally at the transfer station and / or at the fuser, possibly several at a time such stations, passed by or there again monochrome or two-color printed at high speed. The full-color printed sheets are in the from Monochrome or highlight color printer printed sheet stream inserted.

The invention is in connection with a Highlight color printer particularly advantageous; because applications with a high proportion of two-tone prints are in the range high-performance electrographic printing. The Page costs and printing performance are then all in one Printing system according to the invention particularly cheap, namely high Low cost performance.

Further embodiments of the invention are in the Drawings are shown and are shown below For example, described in more detail.

Fig. 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines elektrografischen Druckgerätesystems aus einem monochromen Einzelblatt-Hochleistungsdrucker und einem Einzelblatt-Farbdrucker die miteinander über ein Papierweg-Koppelmodul gekoppelt sind, wobei die Blattsammeleinrichtung im monochromen Einzelblatt-Hochleistungsdrucker integriert angeordnet ist.

Fig. 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 1, bei dem das Papierweg-Koppelmodul das farbig bedruckte Einzelblatt dem Einzelblatt-Farbdrucker derart zuführt, daß es erneut bedruckt werden kann,

Fig. 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 1, mit einem einen Blattpufferspeicher und eine Papierweiche enthaltenden Papierweg-Koppelmodul,

Fig. 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 1, mit einem einen Blattpufferspeicher und einen gemeinsamen Ausgabepfad für die Blattfolge enthaltenden Papierweg-Koppelmodul,

Fig. 5 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 1, wobei die Blattsammeleinrichtung im farbigen Einzelblatt-Hochleistungsdrucker integriert angeordnet ist,

Fig. 6 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines elektrografischen Druckgerätesystems aus einem monochromen Endlos-Hochleistungsdrucker mit zugehöriger Schneideeinrichtung und einem Einzelblatt-Farbdrucker, die miteinander über ein Papierweg-Koppelmodul gekoppelt sind, das einen gemeinsamen Ausgangspfad zur Blattsammeleinrichtung aufweist,

Fig. 7 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 6, bei dem das Papierweg-Koppelmodul einen Blattpufferspeicher für die farbigen Einzelblätter aufweist,

Fig. 8 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines elektrografischen Druckgerätesystems aus einem monochromen Endlos-Hochleistungsdrucker und einem Endlos-Farbdrucker mit zugehörigen Schneideeinrichtungen, die miteinander über ein Papierweg-Koppelmodul gekoppelt sind, das einen gemeinsamen Ausgangspfad aufweist und einen Blattpufferspeicher für die farbigen Einzelblätter,

Fig. 9 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Druckgerätesystems entsprechend der Fig. 8, bei dem das Papierweg-Koppelmodul einen gemeinsamen Ausgangspfad zu einer Blattsammeleinrichtung aufweist,

Fig. 10 ein schematisches Blockschaltbild einer Steuerung für das elektrografische Druckgerätesystem aus zwei jeweils einen Datencontroller aufweisenden Druckgeräten,

Fig. 11 ein schematisches Blockschaltbild einer Steuerung für das elektrografische Druckgerätesystem aus zwei Druckgeräten mit einem gemeinsamen Datencontroller,

Fig. 12 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines elektrografischen Druckgerätesystems aus einem Highlight-Color Einzelblatt-Hochleistungsdrucker und einem Einzelblatt-Vollfarbdrucker, deren Papiertransportwege auf der Ausgabeseite des Highlight Color-Drucksystems miteinander verbunden sind,

Fig. 13 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines elektrografischen Druckgerätesystems aus einem Highlight-Color Einzelblatt-Hochleistungsdrucker und einem Einzelblatt-Vollfarbdrucker die, deren Papiertransportwege auf der Eingabeseite des Highlight Color-Drucksystems miteinander verbunden sind,

Fig. 14 ein Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 13, das zusätzlich einen Sondertransportweg für Aufzeichnungsträger an zwei Druckwegen vorbei enthält und

Fig. 15 ein gegenüber Figur 14 vereinfachtes Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem statt dem Highlight Color-Drucksystem ein monochromes Drucksystem mit nur einer Aufzeichnungsfarbe vorgesehen ist.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an electrographic printing device system from a monochrome single sheet high-performance printer and a single sheet color printer which are coupled to one another via a paper path coupling module, the sheet collecting device being arranged integrated in the monochrome single sheet high-performance printer.

2 is a schematic sectional view of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 1, in which the paper path coupling module feeds the color-printed single sheet to the single-sheet color printer in such a way that it can be printed again,

3 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 1, with a paper path coupling module containing a sheet buffer memory and a paper switch,

4 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 1, with a paper path coupling module containing a sheet buffer memory and a common output path for the sheet sequence,

5 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 1, the sheet collecting device being arranged integrated in the colored single-sheet high-performance printer,

6 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an electrographic printing device system comprising a monochrome continuous high-performance printer with associated cutting device and a single-sheet color printer, which are coupled to one another via a paper path coupling module which has a common output path to the sheet collecting device,

7 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 6, in which the paper path coupling module has a sheet buffer memory for the colored single sheets,

8 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an electrographic printing device system comprising a monochrome continuous high-performance printer and an endless color printer with associated cutting devices, which are coupled to one another via a paper path coupling module which has a common output path and a sheet buffer memory for the colored single sheets,

9 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an embodiment of a printing device system corresponding to FIG. 8, in which the paper path coupling module has a common output path to a sheet collecting device,

10 shows a schematic block diagram of a controller for the electrographic printing device system comprising two printing devices each having a data controller,

11 shows a schematic block diagram of a control for the electrographic printing device system comprising two printing devices with a common data controller,

12 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an electrographic printing device system comprising a Highlight Color single-sheet high-performance printer and a single-sheet full-color printer, the paper transport paths of which are connected to one another on the output side of the Highlight Color printing system,

13 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an electrographic printing device system comprising a Highlight Color single-sheet high-performance printer and a single-sheet full-color printer whose paper transport paths are connected to one another on the input side of the Highlight Color printing system,

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment according to FIG. 13, which additionally contains a special transport path for record carriers past two print paths and

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment which is simplified compared to FIG. 14, in which a monochrome printing system with only one recording color is provided instead of the highlight color printing system.

For the purposes of the present description, the term "Monochrome printing unit" mostly understood as a printing unit which can only print a single color. In contrast, there is a printing unit that can print two colors referred to as a so-called highlight printing unit. For the purpose of However, the invention can be used in the following Embodiments often take a monochrome printing unit a highlight printing unit and vice versa. In contrast, under a color printing unit is a Full color printing unit understood with which all primary colors can be generated. Such color printing units can be used as YMCK printing units be built up and for example a yellow (Y), one magenta (M), one cyan (C) and one black (K) have printing electographic transfer printing station. Also corresponding full-color ink printing units or, if applicable Offset printing devices could be provided for this.

The printing or shown in Figures 1 to 9 Copier systems for the performance-adjusted creation of a predetermined sequence of sheets made of monochrome and / or colored printed single sheets basically contain one with high Print speed of about 50, 100, 200, 400 pages per Minute or more digital monochrome printing unit working 10 and a slower, digital color printing unit 11 with a usual printing speed of about 30, 50, or 100 Pages per minute. Both printing units are independent, individually controllable units are formed either as modules or as independent printers. You point each with a paper transport channel 12 or 13 Paper transport elements on, which for printing on the Record carriers 14 and 15 required aggregates such as Exposure device, developer station, fixing station etc. arranged along these paper transport channels 12 and 13 are. The digital electrographic printer 10 and 11 are constructed in the usual manner. You can as Single sheet printer or as a continuous printer with associated Cutting device can be designed or as a digital Copiers with a print data input. Between A controllable paper path coupling module is arranged in printers 10, 11 16. It also contains one or more Paper transport channels 17 with associated Paper transport elements (rolls, etc.), each with the Paper transport channels 12, 13 of the printing units 10, 11 can be coupled mechanically or functionally. The paper path coupling module 16 can be an independent unit in the form of a Be formed module, or as one in one of the printing units 10, 11 integrated part. In principle, that connects Paper path coupling module 16, the paper transport channels 12 and 13 the printing units 10, 11. Depending on the embodiment, it takes over the printed single sheets from the paper channel of one Printing unit (e.g. the color printer 11) and leads them to the Paper channel of the other printing unit (e.g. the monochrome Printer 10) too, where they are mixed as monochrome and color Job in a common sheet collecting device 18 (stacker) are stored (Figures 1, 2, 3, 5), or else it takes over the printed single sheets from both printing units 10, 11 (Figures 4, 6-9) and directs them with the intended one Sheet sequence sequence to a common output path 19 (Figures 4, 6-9). Be coupled to the output path 19 can a post-processing device e.g. a Binding device or a sheet collecting device 18 in the form a truck.

One shown in Figures 10 and 11 and later in more detail explained, higher-level control unit points to the printing units 10, 11 to the single sheets to be printed, which are then in the common sheet collecting device 18 or the Post-processing facility can be collected as a job. Around a speed-optimized creation of the print job enable, an original data stream becomes one external data source the monochrome and the color information separated, assigned to the respective printing unit and timed organized. In this way, one can performance-adjusted, time-saving and economical Achieve system operation. It is aimed at largely parallel operation of the printing units 10, 11.

Regarding the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9 in detail:

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the electrographic printing device system consists of the monochrome single sheet high performance printer 10 and the Cut-sheet color printer 11, which with each other over the Paper path coupling module 16 are coupled. The paper path coupling module 16 takes over from the color printing unit 11 color printed single sheets 15 and leads them time-organized the paper channel 12 of the monochrome printing unit 10 to. The sheet collecting device 18 is in monochrome Single-sheet high-performance printers integrated and arranged consists of two storage compartments there, each can be used individually for mixed job creation. there a storage compartment can be used as temporary storage, while the other is being filled.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the paper path coupling module 16 the color printed single sheet Paper transport channel 12 of the monochrome printing unit 10 before actual electrographic unit too, so that it can be printed if necessary. The Sheet collecting device 18 corresponds to FIG. 1 educated. In this embodiment it is advantageous if the monochrome printing unit is a contactless one Fixing methods such as a flash fixation, one Radiation fixation or fixation with solvent (so-called cold fixation), because the pre-printed Color page is then from the fixing process of the monochrome printing unit not adversely affected.

The paper path coupling module 16 contains in the printing device system 3 a sheet buffer memory 20 and a switchable paper switch 21 in the paper transport channel 17. The sheet buffer memory 20 is designed to be controllable and consists of a controllable single sheet storage container with associated transport elements for temporarily storing the printed colored single sheets. Through the buffer function different performance peaks of the printing units 10, 11 smooth. During the monochrome printing of the Single sheets in the fast monochrome printing unit 10 are with the slow color printing unit 11 already the colored ones Single sheets created and in the sheet buffer memory 20 cached until the sequence is correct Paper transport channel 12 of the monochrome printing unit 10 be fed. The buffer function can, for example can also be realized through a collecting subject from which the printed sheets as required individually or in a package be issued again. The electromagnetically switchable Paper switch 21 enables feeding depending on the switching position the colored single sheets via the paper transport channel 12 either directly to the sheet collecting device 18 or to reprint in an area before electrographic Printing unit 22.

In the embodiment of the printing device system corresponding to Figure 4, contains the paper path coupling module 16 a sheet buffer memory 20 and a common one Output path 19. The colored and monochrome single sheets are merged in the paper path coupling module 16 and output in the correct sequence via the output path 19. With the Output path 19 can be coupled Post-processing device e.g. in form of a Binding means.

The pressure device system of Figure 5 corresponds in principle to that the figure 1. In contrast, the Sheet collecting device 18 in the colored single sheet printer 11 arranged integrated.

The electrographic printing device systems of FIGS. 6 and 7 contain a monochrome as monochrome printing units 10 Endless high performance printer with associated Cutting device 23 for sheet-like separation of the tape-shaped recording medium. The paper path coupling modules 16 have a common output path 19. This is 6 with an external sheet collecting device 29 connected in the form of a stacker. In the embodiment FIG. 7 additionally contains the paper path coupling module 16 another sheet buffer memory 20. Otherwise this corresponds to Function of the pressure equipment systems the embodiment of Figure 4. In the paper path coupling module 16 sheets be cached in advance with relatively slower Speed were pre-printed by the color printing unit 11. These sheets can then be placed in the time and position Sheet stream of the monochrome printer 10 are fed. in the Post-processing stacker 29 are the colored and the monochrome printed sheets then in the order of Print job filed in order.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 8 and 9, can the monochrome printing unit 10 and the colored Printing unit 11 as continuous printing units with associated cutting device 23 be formed. In the example of FIG. 8 paper path switch module 16 includes a sheet buffer memory 20 for the color pages and a common output path 19, in the example of FIG. 9, a common output path 19 which is coupled to a sheet collecting device 29. The Functions correspond to those of Figures 6 and 7. Also in one of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 8 of course, a sheet collecting device 29 is provided be or a buffer memory 20 according to FIGS. 7 and 9.

For additional pre-printed single sheets to be created To be able to deliver a print job directly is analogous to Embodiments of Figures 1 to 7 also possible e.g. to replace the color printing unit 11 by an insert device, in which the templates are stacked and from which the templates in the manner described above via the paper path coupling module 16 of the common sheet collecting device 18 be fed. The insertion device (= insertion device) can also be used as an additional device in addition to the color printing unit 11 and be arranged via a separate paper transport channel are in communication with the paper path coupling module 16. Sheets are then in each case in the insertion device of the differently printed type saved, deducted individually and precisely in the sheet stream of the connected printer inserted.

Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 be provided, the color printer 11 as a continuous printer train and the monochrome printer 10 as a single sheet printer.

control Panel

Serve to control the printing system Synchronous control devices as shown in block diagrams in Figures 10 and 11 are shown.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 has both monochrome printing unit 10 as well as the color printing unit 11 its own data controller 24/1 and 24/2. The control the electrographic units 22/1 and 22/2 take place respectively via a conventional device control 25/1 or 25/2. The basic structure of data controller and device control is known for example from EP-B1-0239845. Since both printing units 10 and 11 each have a data controller or each have a device control, they can also can be operated independently of each other as separate devices.

In the system, the two printing units 10 and 11 are after Master-slave principle with each other via a communication module coupled to a device control level 26. Doing so preferably the faster monochrome printing unit 10 with its data controller 24/1 the master function. This The principle is also general in EP-B1-0239845 described.

With the two data controllers 24/1 and 24/2 and the Communication module 26 via data lines (data buses) is a print server 27 is functionally connected to one integrated job separator 28. The print server 27 in turn communicates with an external data source e.g. B. a PC, a data network or a host. Also about Control lines is coupled to the printing units 10 and 11 the paper path coupling module 16.

The function of the synchronous control device is like follows:

The print data coming from the external source are saved in the Job separator 28 of the print server 27 in monochrome and colored Separate print job data and each for sequence management Print page a specific address or a distinctive one Characteristic assigned. This data then becomes the Data controllers 24/1 and 24/2 of the respective printing units 10, 11 transferred. At the same time, the master printing unit, in this case the monochrome printing unit 10, the sequence of the Print pages communicated as sequence data from the print server 27. The master printer 10 now controls via the communication module 26 to the color printer 11 with the paper path coupling module 16, that the printed color pages at the right time via the paper path coupling module 16 to the monochrome Delivered printed pages in the context of the Figures 1 to 9 described way. It may be necessary be that the color pages in the paper path coupling module 16 in the Sheet buffer memory 20 or in the paper transport channel be cached. This is the right time taking into account the different Print speeds of the printing units 10, 11 and Sheet sequence of the job to be created with a corresponding microprocessor-controlled computing device calculates the component of the device control 25 or the Data controller 24/1 or the job separator 28 can. The synchronous control strives for one Parallel operation of the printing units. Does the job contain e.g. first 10 monochrome pages and then a color page the printing units 10, 11 operated in parallel and the ink side cached until the 10th monochrome page is created has been. Then the color page is over the corresponding one Paper transport channel fed to the sheet collecting device and so the joint job was formed.

In the embodiment of the synchronous control device 11, the monochrome printing unit 10 has a common data controller 24/3 for both printing units 10 and 11 on. The job separator can also be integrated in it. In in this case the print server 27 sends all print data this data controller 24/3, which separates the job and in turn, the color printing unit 11 analogous to Controls embodiment of Figure 10. On Communication module 26 is also in this constellation required to control the timing of the Ensure print pages in the correct sequence. On common data controller 24/3 for both printing units 10 and 11 can then because of the lower controller effort Be an advantage if relative to monochrome printing very little color is printed. However, instead of monochrome printing unit 11 also integrated in the color printing unit 12 his.

In Figure 12, a printing system is shown, which in basic structure of the embodiment of FIG. 1 equivalent. The color printing unit 11 is about Paper path coupling module 16 with the output area of the Printing unit 10 connected. It can be a single sheet color printing unit or an endless color printing unit with downstream cutting device. The printing unit 10 consists essentially of an input station 30, one Printing station 38 and an output station 49. In the Printing station 38 there are two transfer printing stations D1, D2, each printing monochrome. With this highlight color printing station can handle a large part of the print data supplied to it in a first color, e.g. Black, printed and selected data with a second color, e.g. Red to this Highlight areas on the printed material. A such a printing station is not able on the one hand To produce full color printing, on the other hand, can be an im Page yield essentially the same as a achieve the corresponding monochrome printing unit. To one Highlight color printing station in an inventive The print server or the Job Separator is able to extract from the original print data stream of the network or host computer highlight color print data can be recognized and fed to the highlight color printing unit 10. The controller 25/1 of the highlight color printing unit 10 leads the associated data then the two Transfer printing stations D1 and D2, the first transfer printing station D1 for example, data of the color black and the second Transfer station D2 data of the color red.

The printing unit 10 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to that of the Applicant known printer with two printing units, which is described in WO 98/18052 A1.

The printing station 38 of the printing unit 10 is variable in this respect held as the two transfer printing stations D1, D2 each are interchangeable. Thus, the printing station 38 can further from a highlight color printing station to one overall only monochrome printing station be converted, for example by both Transfer station D1 as well as transfer station D2 in the same Color, e.g. Black, print. Because of this convertibility there are a variety of possible printing applications, so that overall a very flexible printing system is created. With the Printing station 38 can have a variety of modes of operation be performed.

The first transfer printing path 35, a connecting channel 37 and a Feed channel 39 form a first ring R1, that of the first Transfer station D1 is assigned. Form accordingly second transfer path 41, the discharge channel 40 and the Connection channel 37 a second ring R2, that of the second Transfer station D2 is assigned. The two rings R1 and R2 thus have a common path section, the Connection channel 37, on, and form an 8-way structure.

In the input station 30 are in a manner known per se several storage compartments 36 for stacks of single sheets arranged. They will share a common one Output path 33 emptied and the leaves of this Output path to the input path 31 of the printing station 38 to hand over. The input station can be used as a module be formed, the mechanically to the printing station 38th can be coupled. Sheets can be fed via an input channel 32 can also be supplied from the outside. This feed can either a feed of additional input stations enable or, as already shown in Figure 2, a Feed from the sheet buffer memory 16 or directly from the Color printing unit 11.

In a first operating mode, sheets are unilaterally, i.e. simplex printed by recording sheets from a Input path 31 of the printer via a switch W1 Transfer printing path 35 of the first transfer printing station D1 for printing be fed. Then the leaves in the Fixing station F1 fixed and a discharge channel via switch W2 40 supplied, from there via the discharge channel 40 to the switch W4 and then into the output channel 43. The printed sheets are then directly via the switch 44 the storage compartments 18th fed or previously turned at the turning station 45. Optionally, the printed sheets can be made using a Output switch 46 are fed to an output channel 48, through which the printed sheets for further devices Post-processing, for example a binding device 51 or an external stacker.

In this simplex mode with only one transfer station the second transfer station D2 is not in operation. This Operating mode can be used especially when on the Transfer station D2 is malfunctioning or smaller Service interventions must be carried out. One can do the same second simplex mode are carried out, in which the first transfer station D1 is out of operation and leaves from Input path 31 of the printer via switch W1, a feed channel 39, a switch W3 the transfer path 41 of the second Transfer station D2 are fed for printing. The printed sheets are then in the second Fixing station F2 fixed and again via switch W4 Output channel 43 supplied.

In a third simplex mode with increased Print speed can be almost twice as many sheets are printed as in the first two simplex operating modes. In this third simplex mode Leaves at about twice the speed of the Input station 30 shot into the input path 31 and from the switch W1 alternately directly the first transfer path 35 or fed to the feed channel 39. Then the im Input path 31 consecutive sheets almost simultaneously in the two transfer printing stations D1 and D2 printed and on switch W4 alternately in the original Order supplied to the output channel 43.

In a simplex highlight color mode, leaves are from the input path 31 via the first transfer printing path 35, the first Transfer station D1 for printing in a first color, e.g. Black, fed. From there, the leaves become soft W2 fed to a connecting channel 37 and on over switch W3 the second transfer printing path 41. There a sheet of the transfer station D2 in a second color, e.g. Red, on printed on the same side as in the transfer station D1 and then spent.

In a first duplex mode, sheets of the Input path 31 of the transfer printing station D1 for printing on the Front fed, then via switch W2 one Connection channel 37 supplied and the switch via switch W3 Umdruckweg 41. The sheet can be on switch W2 or switch W3 are turned so that it is in the transfer path 41 of the second Transfer station D2 is printed on the back. This Duplex mode is particularly suitable for monochrome i.e. same color printing of a sheet on the front and Back.

In a highlight color duplex mode, sheets of the Input path 31 via the first transfer printing path 35 of the first transfer printing station D1 for printing the front with the color Black fed. From there, the leaves become soft W2, connecting channel 37 and switch W3 the second transfer printing path 41 fed. There the sheets with the second transfer station D2 also on the front, but with the second color red, printed. The leaves are then over Switch W4 fed to the output channel 43, turned there and transported via switch W4 in the discharge channel 40. From there the sheet is again connected to connecting channel 37 via switch W2 fed and via switch W3 the feed channel 39. From there the sheet becomes again the first transfer printing path 35 via switch W1 fed and on the back with the first transfer station D1 printed. You can then use the sheet in the same way as described above, the second transfer printing station D2 for printing fed to the back with the second color and are then output via the output channel 43.

In the operating mode just described, the sheet in the Turnout area W4 turned. Alternatively, it can Sheet of course also in turnout W2, or turnout W3 be turned.

In an alternative highlight color duplex printing mode could be the sheet printed in duplex from transfer station D1 via the connecting channel 37 for duplex printing in the second color of the second transfer station D2 are supplied. To do this, the sheet would have to be printed with the second color via switch W4 to discharge channel 40 and again the first transfer printing path 35 are fed under turns.

All the operating modes of the Highlight Color printing station described so far 38 to be able to perform Sheet transports (stepper motors) in the feed channel 39 and in Drain channel 40 in two opposite directions drivable. For one later using FIGS. 13 and 14 operating mode to be described, in which leaves through the printing station 38 are guided without the two To go through Umdrucktransportweg 35 and 41 can also in Connection channel 37 a reversible drive can be provided.

In a monochrome duplex mode, in which only with D1 is printed, sheets are again from the input path 31 fed to the D1 via the first transfer printing path 35. The leaves are then the connecting channel 37 via switch W2 and fed to the feed channel 39 via switch W3. Doing so the sheet is turned to turnout W2 or turnout W3, so that it when passing through the first transfer printing path 35 on the Back is printed. The feed channel 39 thus does not work only as a feed channel in the fast simplex operation described above, but also as a duplex return channel, in which the Sheets from the end of the first transfer path 35, i.e. of soft W2 to the beginning of the transfer path 35, i.e. to switch W1 be transported back. For this functionality too the reversible drives in the feed channel 39 are necessary. After double-sided printing on a sheet in the Transfer station D1, the sheet on the discharge channel 40 to Output channel 43 output.

The second transfer station D2 is also able to work alone perform a duplex mode without a sheet of the transfer station D1 is printed. For this the sheet directly via feed channel 39 of the second transfer printing station D2 fed. The discharge channel 40 acts in an analogous manner Feed channel 39 not only as a discharge channel for the transfer station D1 but also as a duplex return channel for Transfer station D2, the sheet from the end of the second Transfer path 41, i.e. from switch W4 back to its entrance, i.e. to turnout W3. Feed channel 39 and Drain channel 40 thereby also have a function of Passing by the transfer station D1 or D2 (so-called bypass function).

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG Color printing unit 11 output sheet flow on the Buffer memory 16 in a in the output station 49 of the Monochrome or highlight color printing unit 10 provided Insertion channel 47 initiated. Although the buffer storage here is referred to as a separate device, it can also within the output station 49 of the printing unit 10 or on the output side Color printing unit 11 can be integrated.

The device control of the printer 10 controls the removal of the individual color sheets in the correct sequence, depending on the Sheet sequence from the monochrome or highlight color printing station 38 into the output channel 43 of the printing unit 10 is issued. The monochrome printer 10 is thus used here as a mixing device (merger). The timely Merging the sheet sequences from the color printer 11 and from the printing station 38 of the monochrome printer in the area of the turning station 45 of the printer 10. The on this A mixed order will then be put together optionally via the output switch 46 to the output channel 48 a post-processing device, e.g. a binding device, fed or in one of the storage compartments 18 of the monochrome printer 10 filed.

Operator input via the desired operating mode (Monochrome, highlight color, simplex, duplex etc.) des Monochrome printing unit 10 are possible via the control panel 34. This control panel 34 can also be used to enter whether the Jobs collected in the monochrome printer 10 or through the Output interface 48 further post-processing devices should be fed.

a) über den Zuführkanal 39, den Verbindungskanal 37 und den Abführkanal 40 direkt der Ausgabestation 49 zugeführt, ohne im Druckwerk 10 bedruckt zu werden oder

b)einem der beiden Umdruckwege 35, 41 zum Bedrucken mit den Umdruckstationen D1 bzw. D2 zugeführt. Hierbei können alle zu Figur 12 beschriebenen Betriebsmodi auch mit dem von Farbdruckwerk 11 eingeschleusten Blättern durchgeführt werden.

FIG. 13 shows the coupling of the color printer 11 via the coupling module 16 to the input station 30 of the monochrome highlight color printing unit 10. Sheets that were printed by the color printing unit 11 are thereby fed into the printer 10 via the input channel 32 and then selectively at switch W1 either

a) via the feed channel 39, the connecting channel 37 and the discharge channel 40 fed directly to the output station 49 without being printed in the printing unit 10 or

b) one of the two transfer printing paths 35, 41 fed for printing with the transfer printing stations D1 and D2. Here, all of the operating modes described for FIG. 12 can also be carried out with the sheets introduced by the color printing unit 11.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14 is in addition to the embodiment shown in Figure 13 a special route 42 is provided, in which via an input switch 50 sheets can be inserted. About this way Sheets, which were printed by the color printing unit 11, optionally past the two transfer printing stations D1 and D2 directly to Output station 49 can be smuggled or via soft W1 Printing station 38 for printing in exactly one color (monochrome) or in two colors as highlight color printing. The transport channels 35 assigned to the two rings R1, R2 39 and 41 do not have to be run through with what these paths continuously for printing in the Printing station 10 are available. In the special route 42 can also leaves from the storage compartments 36 on the Three-way switch 50 transported directly to the output station 49 without the transport channels of the rings R1 and R2 to use.

In a somewhat simplified compared to Figure 14 15 is based on the embodiment Transfer station D2 and on its transfer path 41 waived. The printing system 10 is then only monochrome in exactly one color printable with the transfer station D1 but the duplex functionality in which leaves the output side be transferred to the transfer station D1 again. Also at In this embodiment, the special route 42 can be advantageous are used because sheets that are from the color printing unit 11 come, not in the ring system R1 of the transfer station D1 have to be smuggled in. The remaining elements of the Exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 14 can be used here be taken over.

A variety of exemplary embodiments have been described. It is clear that individual elements of the corresponding Descriptive parts and / or figures on others Descriptive parts and / or figures are readily transferable and / or can be combined with one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

monochrome printing unit

11

colored printing unit

12

Paper transport channel (monochrome)

13

Paper transport channel (colored)

14

Record carrier (monochrome printing unit)

15

Record carrier (colored printing unit)

16

Paper path coupling module

17

Paper transport channel (paper path coupling module)

18

Sheet collecting device (stacker)

19

common exit path

20

Sheet buffer

21

Soft paper

22/1, 22/2

electrographic printing unit

23

cutter

24/1, 24/2, 24/3

data controller

25/1, 25/2

device control

26

communication module

27

Print server

28

job separator

29

Post-stacker

30

input station

31

input path

32

input channel

33

output path

34

Control panel

35

first transfer printing path

36

storage compartment

37

connecting channel

38

printing station

39

feed

40

discharge channel

41

second transfer printing path

42

exceptionalism

43

output channel

44

Turning and infeed switch

45

turning station

46

Output soft

47

introduction channel

48

output channel

49

output station

50

Soft input

51

binding means

D1

first transfer station

D2

second transfer station

F1

first fixing device

F2

second fixing device

W1

first switch

W2

second switch

W3

third switch

W4

fourth switch

Claims (39)

1. Method for producing a predetermined sheet sequence of single sheets (14, 15) printed monochromatically and/or multi-coloured in a printer or copier system, wherein

   a) a first sequence of recording media (14) is printed, at a first speed, on one side or both sides monochromatically or in two colours in a monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) with appertaining paper transport channel (12), which printing unit can be individually driven and is fashioned as an independent structural unit;

   b) a second sequence of recording media (15) is printed on one side or both sides in full colour in a colour printing unit (11) with appertaining paper transport channel (13), which printing unit can be individually driven and is fashioned as an independent structural unit, being printed at a second lower speed compared to the first speed,

   c) the first and/or the second sequence of recording media (14, 15) is accepted by a paper path coupling module (16) connectable to the paper transport channels (12, 13) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and the colour printing unit (11),

   d) the sheet sequence of the recording media (14, 15) is produced from the first and from the second sequence of recording media (14, 15) and is supplied to a shared sheet collecting means (18) and/or post-processing means (29) in a predetermined sequence, and wherein

   e) incoming print data are separated into monochromatic and chromatic print job data with a synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) and the respective print job data are communicated to the corresponding printing units (10, 11).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the sequence of the recording media (14, 15) in the sheet sequence is predetermined by a print data stream that contains monochromatic data and/or highlight colour data on the one hand and, on the other hand, chromatic data, wherein the monochromatic data or the highlight colour data are supplied to the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and the chromatic data are supplied to the colour printing unit (11), and the sheet sequence is produced by an electronic controller (27, 24/1, 24/2, 25/1, 25/2) according to the print data stream.
3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the printing units (10, 11) and the paper path coupling module (16) are driven time-organized by a synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2), taking the printing speeds of the printing units (10, 11) and the sequence of the sheet sequence into consideration, such that the production of the sheet sequence ensues speed-optimised given largely parallel operation of the printing units (10, 11).
4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein recording media (15) are printed in stock in the colour printing unit (11), are then stored in a buffer store (16, 20) and are supplied time-exactly into the sequence of the recording media (14) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10).
5. Printer or copier system for producing a predetermined sheet sequence of single sheets (14, 15) printed monochromatically and/or in full colour, wherein the system comprises:

   a) an individually drivable monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) with appertaining paper transport channel (12) and fashioned as independent structural unit for single-sided or two-sided printing of a first recording medium (14) as monochrome or as highlight colour print at a first speed,

   b) an individually drivable colour printing unit (11) with appertaining paper transport channel (13) and fashioned as independent structural unit for single-sided or two-sided full colour printing of a second recording medium (15) at a second lower speed compared to the first speed,

   c) a paper path coupling module (16) connectable to the paper transport channels (12, 13) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and the colour printing unit (11) that accepts the printed first and/or second recording media (14, 15) and supplies them to a shared sheet collecting means (18) end/or post-processing means for the sheet sequence, and

   d) a synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) connected to the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and to the colour printing unit (11), with which incoming print data can be separated into monochromatic and chromatic print job data and the respective print job data can be communicated to the corresponding printing units (10, 11).
6. Printer or copier system according to claim 5, wherein the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) is a single sheet printing unit, and wherein the sequence of recording media (15) from the colour printing unit (11) can be supplied into the output region (49) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10).
7. Printer or copier system according to claim 6, wherein the sheet sequence from the output region (49) can be optionally supplied to a device output (48) or to an internal stacking means (18) of the device.
8. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) drives the printing units (10, 11) and/or the paper path coupling module (16), taking the printing speeds of the printing units (10, 11) and the sequence of the sheet sequence into consideration, such that the production of the sheet sequence ensues speed-optimised given largely utilization of a parallel operation of the printing units (10, 11).
9. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) is connected to the paper path coupling module (16) and/or to a print data source (27, Host).
10. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the sequence of the recording media (15) from the colour printing unit (11) can be supplied into the input region (30) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10).
11. Printer or copier system according to claim 10, wherein at least one transfer printing station (D1, D2), an appertaining transfer printing transport path (35, 41) and a special paper path (42) is provided in the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10), via which special paper path (42) sheets can be transported directly from the input region (30) to an output region (49) bypassing the transfer printing station (D1, D2) and/or the transfer printing transfer path (35, 41) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10).
12. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 11, wherein the synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) comprises a device controller (24/1, 25/1) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and a device controller (25/2) of the colour printing unit (11) that are coupled to one another according to the master-slave principle for controlling the sheet sequence.
13. Printer or copier system according to claim 12, wherein the device controller (25/1) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) is the master.
14. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 13 comprising a controllable buffer store (20) functionally allocated to the paper transport channel (12, 13) of the monochrome or highlight colour printing unit (10) and/or the colour printing unit (11) for the corresponding recording medium (14, 15).
15. Printer or copier system according to claim 14, wherein the buffer store (20) is arranged in the paper transport channel (17) of the paper path coupling module (16).
16. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 15, comprising a synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) having the following features:

    both printing units (10, 11) comprise a data controller (24/1, 24/2), the printing units (10, 11) being in communication with one another in the sense of a master-slave coupling,

    a job separator (28) is provided that, on the one hand, separates the incoming print data of an external data source into monochromatic and chromatic print job data, wherein, for sequence administration, each printed page comprises a specific address or feature, and the respective print job data are then communicated to the corresponding printing units (10, 11), and that, on the other hand, forms sequence data allocated to the sequence of the single sheets and communicates these to the printing unit (10) having the master function, wherein the printing unit (10) having the master function controls the other printing unit (11) and/or the paper path coupling module (16) for producing the sheet sequence.
17. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 16 comprising a synchronous control means (27, 28, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 25/1, 25/2) having the following features:

    one of the printing units (10, 11) comprises a data controller (24/3) shared by both printing units,

    the data controller (24/3) has a job separator (28) allocated to it that, on the one hand, separates the incoming print data of an external data source into monochromatic and chromatic print job data, wherein, for sequence administration, each printed page comprises a specific address or feature, and that, on the other hand, forms sequence data allocated to the sequence of the single sheets, wherein the printing unit (10) with the data controller controls the other printing unit (10) and/or the paper path coupling module (16) for producing the sheet sequence.
18. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 17, wherein one of the two printing units (10, 11) is fashioned as an insert means for acceptance and output of pre-printed single sheets.
19. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 17, wherein the paper path coupling module (16) supplies the printed recording medium (14, 15) to the paper transport channel (12, 13) of the respectively other printing unit such that it can be additionally printed by the accepting printing unit.
20. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 5 to 19, wherein the printing units (10, 11) are fashioned as independently operable electrographic printer devices.
21. Printer or copier system for the performance-adapted production of a predetermined sheet sequence of single sheets (14, 15) printed monochromatically and/or in colour, wherein the system comprises:

    a) an individually drivable monochrome printing unit (10) with appertaining paper transport channel (12) and fashioned as an independent structural unit for single-sided or two-sided mere monochrome printing of a first recording medium (14) and having a first printing speed,

    b) an individually drivable colour printing unit (11) with appertaining paper transport channel (13) and fashioned as an independent structural unit for single-sided or two-sided colour printing of a second recording medium (15) and having a second lower maximum printing speed compared to the first printing speed,

    c) a paper path coupling module (16) connectable to the paper transport channels (12, 13) of the monochrome printing unit (10) and the colour printing unit (11), which coupling module accepts the printed first and/or second recording media (14, 15) and supplies them to a shared sheet collecting means (18) and/or post-processing means (23) for the sheet sequence, and

    d) a synchronous control means (28, 24/3) which drives the printing units (10, 11) and the paper path coupling module (16) time-organized, taking the printing speeds of the printing units and the sequence of the sheet sequence into consideration, such that the production of the sheet sequence ensues speed-optimised given best possible utilization of a parallel operation of the printing units (10, 11),

    d1) wherein the synchronous control means (28, 24/3) comprises a job separator (28) which separates incoming print data of an external data source into monochromatic and chromatic print job data and then communicates the monochromatic print job data to the monochrome printing unit (10) and the chromatic print job data to the colour printing unit (11).
22. Printer or copier system according to claim 21 comprising a controllable buffer store (20) functionally allocated to the paper transport channel (12, 13) of the monochrome printing unit (10) and/or the colour printing unit (11) for the corresponding recording medium.
23. Printer or copier system according to claim 22, wherein the buffer store (20) is arranged in the paper transport channel (17) of the paper path coupling module (16).
24. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 23, comprising a synchronous control means having the following features:

    both printing units (10, 11) comprise a data controller (24/1, 24/2), the printing units (10, 11) being in communication with one another in the sense of a master-slave coupling,

    the job separator (28) forms, on the one hand, print job data, wherein, for sequence administration, each printed page comprises a specific address or feature, and then communicates them to the corresponding printing unit (10, 11), and forms, on the other hand, sequence data allocated to the sequence of the single sheets and communicates these to the printing unit (10) having the master function, wherein the printing unit (10) having the master function controls the other printing unit (11) and/or the paper path coupling module (16) for producing the sheet sequence.
25. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 23 comprising a synchronous control means having the following features:

    one of the two printing units (10, 11) comprises a data controller (24/3) shared by both printing units,

    the data controller (24/3) has a job separator (28) allocated to it that, on the one hand, separates the incoming print data of an external data source into monochromatic and chromatic print job data, wherein, for sequence administration, each printed page comprises a specific address or feature, and that, on the other hand, forms sequence data allocated to the sequence of the single sheets, wherein the printing unit (10) with the data controller controls the other printing unit (10) and/or the paper path coupling module (16) for producing the sheet sequence.
26. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 25, wherein the shared sheet collecting means (18) is allocated to one of the two printing units.
27. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 26, wherein the monochrome and/or the colour printing unit (10, 11) is fashioned as a continuous sheet printing unit for printing web-shaped recording media, with a sheet cutting means (23) allocated to the continuous sheet printing unit.
28. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 27, wherein one of the two printing units is fashioned as an insert means for acceptance and output of pre-printed single sheets.
29. Printer or copier system according to one the claims 21 to 27, wherein an insert means for acceptance and output of pre-printed single sheets is allocated to at least one of the two printing units (10, 11).
30. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 29 comprising a paper path coupling module (16) which accepts the recording medium printed by the colour printing unit (11) or the monochrome printing unit (10) and supplies it to the respective other printing unit (10, 11), the sheet collecting means (18) being arranged in the printing unit accepting the printed recording medium.
31. Printer or copier system according to claim 30, wherein the paper path coupling module (16) supplies the printed recording medium to the paper transport channel (12, 13) of the respective other printing unit such that it can be additionally printed by the accepting printing unit.
32. Printer or copier system according to claim 31, wherein the paper path coupling module (16) has a switchable paper shunt (21) with a first switching position in which the recording medium is directly supplied to the sheet collecting means (18) and with a second switching position in which the recording medium is first re-printed and then deposited in the sheet collecting means (18).
33. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 32, wherein the printing units (10, 11) are fashioned as independently operable electrographic printing devices.
34. Printer or copier system according to one of the claims 21 to 33, wherein the paper path coupling module (16) is fashioned as a part of a printing unit.
35. Method for the performance-adapted production of a predetermined sheet sequence of single sheets (14, 15) printed monochromatically and/or in colour, comprising the following steps:

    a) by means of an individually drivable monochrome printing unit (10) with appertaining paper transport channel (12) and fashioned as an independent structural unit a first recording medium (14) is printed on one side or on both sides monochromatically at a first maximum speed,

    b) by means of an individually drivable colour printing unit (11) with appertaining paper transport channel (13) and fashioned as an independent structural unit a second recording medium (15) is printed on one side or on both sides in colour at a second lower maximum printing speed compared to the first printing speed,

    c) the printed first and/or second recording media (14, 15) are accepted by a paper path coupling module (16) connected to the paper transport channels (12, 13) of the monochrome printing unit (10) and the colour printing unit (11) and are supplied to a shared sheet collecting means (18) and/or post-processing means (23) for the sheet sequence, and

    d) taking the printing speeds of the printing units and the sequence of the sheet sequence into consideration, the printing units (10, 11) and the paper path coupling module (16) are driven time-organized by a synchronous control means (28, 24/3) such that the production of the sheet sequence ensues speed-optimised given best possible utilization of a parallel operation of the printing units (10, 11),

    d1) wherein the synchronous control means (28, 24/3) has a job separator (28) with which incoming print data of an external data source are separated into monochromatic and chromatic print job data and then the monochromatic print job data are communicated to the monochrome printing unit (10) and the chromatic print job data are communicated to the colour printing unit (11).
36. Method according to claim 35, wherein the recording media (14, 15) are intermediately stored in a buffer store (20) functionally allocated to the paper transport channel (12, 13) of the monochrome printing unit (10) and/or the colour printing unit (11).
37. Method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein by means of a job separator (28) incoming print data of an external data source are separated into monochromatic and chromatic print job data and then the respective print job data are communicated to the corresponding printing unit (10, 11).
38. Method according to claim 37, wherein both printing units (10, 11) are coupled to one another in a master-slave coupling and wherein sequence data allocated to the sequence of the single sheets are formed and these are communicated to the printing unit (10) having the master function.
39. Method according to claim 38, wherein the printing unit (10) having the master function controls the other printing unit (11) and/or the paper path coupling module (16) for producing the sheet sequence.

Images