EP1174772B1 - Method and device for groupwise single sheet printing in duplex mode - Google Patents

Method and device for groupwise single sheet printing in duplex mode Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1174772B1
EP1174772B1 EP01122470A EP01122470A EP1174772B1 EP 1174772 B1 EP1174772 B1 EP 1174772B1 EP 01122470 A EP01122470 A EP 01122470A EP 01122470 A EP01122470 A EP 01122470A EP 1174772 B1 EP1174772 B1 EP 1174772B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
individual sheets
sheets
printing unit
individual
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01122470A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1174772A3 (en
EP1174772A2 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Oberhoffner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Production Printing Germany GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP1174772A2 publication Critical patent/EP1174772A2/en
Publication of EP1174772A3 publication Critical patent/EP1174772A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1174772B1 publication Critical patent/EP1174772B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/22Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20
    • G03G15/23Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20 specially adapted for copying both sides of an original or for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
    • G03G15/231Arrangements for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
    • G03G15/238Arrangements for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material using more than one reusable electrographic recording member, e.g. single pass duplex copiers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/01Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
    • G03G15/0142Structure of complete machines
    • G03G15/0178Structure of complete machines using more than one reusable electrographic recording member, e.g. one for every monocolour image
    • G03G15/0194Structure of complete machines using more than one reusable electrographic recording member, e.g. one for every monocolour image primary transfer to the final recording medium
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00016Special arrangement of entire apparatus
    • G03G2215/00021Plural substantially independent image forming units in cooperation, e.g. for duplex, colour or high-speed simplex
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/01Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies
    • G03G2215/0103Plural electrographic recording members

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for printing single sheets in a printer or in a copier, wherein a double-sided printing process takes place on individual sheets. Furthermore, the invention relates to a printing or copying machine.
  • High-performance printers can be operated in so-called duplex mode, which is also called duplex color spot operation.
  • duplex mode single sheets are printed on both sides. If only one print is made on one side and two different colors on the other side, it is called duplex printing with three printing. If two prints are made on both sides of the single sheet, this is called duplex printing with four printing.
  • duplex printing systems with at least two printing units are known from US 4,591,884 A.
  • Another high-performance printing device with two printing units is known from WO 91/13386 A1. It has two printing units and turning channels for turning the single sheets. Each printing unit is assigned a transfer printing path. The two transfer transport paths are connected to one another via a connecting channel.
  • FIG. 1 shows a high-performance printer 10, which is used for the rapid printing of individual sheets of paper.
  • the high-performance printer 10 includes a first, lower printing unit D1 and a second, upper printing unit D2. Both printing units D1, D2 work according to the known electrographic process with the same transfer printing speed.
  • the printing units D1, D2 are followed by fixing devices, which are indicated schematically in Figure 1 by two pairs of rollers 12, 14.
  • a paper input 16 connected, which contains a plurality of reservoirs 18 to 24 with individual sheets and an external paper input channel 26, can be fed via the outside of the individual sheets. About a transport channel 27 individual sheets are fed to an input section 28.
  • a paper output 30 is connected to the high-performance printer 10, which contains a plurality of output containers 32 to 36. Furthermore, two output channels 38, 40 are provided, via which individual sheets can be output to further processing stations.
  • the high-performance printer 10 delivers the printed single sheets over the discharge section 42.
  • the printing units D1, D2 each Umtik-transport paths 44, 46 are assigned, which are each set by drives so that the supplied single sheets on the printing units D1, D2 have their transfer printing speed. Both transfer transport paths 44, 46 are connected to each other via a connecting channel 48.
  • the transport path around the first printing unit D1 is supplemented to form a ring R1 by a feed channel 50, via which individual sheets can also be fed from the input section 28 to the second transfer printing path 46.
  • the transport path for the second printing unit D2 is supplemented in a similar manner to form a ring R2 by a discharge channel 52, via which individual sheets printed by the printing unit D1 can be fed to the delivery section 42.
  • a first switch W1 is arranged, which allows individual sheets from the input section 28 optionally to the first transfer transport path 44 or the feed channel 50 are supplied. Another variant is that on the feed channel 50 in the direction the switch W1 transported sheets can be supplied to the first transfer printing path 44.
  • a second shunt W2 and a third shunt W3 are arranged at the ends of the connecting channel 48 and connect the adjacent transport paths 44, 48, 52 and 46, 48, 50, respectively.
  • a fourth shunt W4 is located in the vicinity of the dispensing section 42 and connects the adjacent transport routes.
  • the paper dispenser 30 includes a fifth shunt W5, which operates as a turning device. Furthermore, it should be noted on a Aus Kunststoff Anlagen 54, which are supplied via a switch W6 Committee single sheets.
  • various modes of the high-performance printer 10 can be realized.
  • the relevant operating modes are duplex printing with four printing and duplex printing with three printing.
  • FIGS. 2 to 9 show various operating phases in duplex printing operation with four printing operations. For reasons of clarity, a multiplicity of components, which were explained in connection with FIG. 1, have been omitted from the figures. However, it is readily apparent how the operations shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 are realized by the components shown in more detail in FIG.
  • the front and back of the cut sheets are printed with different color patterns.
  • the printing units D1 and D2 can print different colored printed images.
  • a group of six individual sheets B1 to B6 are fed via the input section 28 and the switch W1 (see in each case FIG. 1) and moved along the first transfer printing path 44 past the lower printing unit D1, wherein the first page is printed with a first color, indicated by dots. While the first cut sheet B1 has almost reached the switch W2 and the connection channel 48, the last cut sheet B6 of the group is still in or in front of the input section 28.
  • FIG. 3 shows that the sheets successively pass through the connecting channel 48 and are fed to the second printing unit D2 for printing via the second transfer printing transport path 46.
  • a higher transport speed than the transfer printing speed is preferably present in order to convey the single sheets on the path between the two printing units D1, D2 in the shortest possible time.
  • the single sheets B1 to B6 are decelerated again to transfer printing speed.
  • the printing unit D2 is on the already printed by the printing unit D1 page another print with a different color, e.g. Red, upset.
  • this second printing is characterized by longitudinal lines.
  • FIG. 4 shows the operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 has been further conveyed after printing and has been turned over at the switch W4 with a turning function. Thereafter, the single sheets B1 to B6 are sequentially conveyed along the discharge channel 52 again in the direction of the first printing unit D1. It should be noted that the sixth individual sheet B6 is still in a sufficient safety distance before the first sheet B1 on the way towards the connecting channel 48.
  • FIG. 5 shows the operating phase in which the sixth individual sheet B6 is printed by the second printing unit D2, while the first single sheet B1 has already passed through the connecting channel 48 and is now conveyed along the feed channel 50 becomes. All single sheets B1 to B6 are turned at the switch W4.
  • FIG. 6 shows the first single sheet B1 shortly before being fed to the first printing unit D1.
  • the conveying speed for the single sheet B1 is again set to the transfer printing speed.
  • the other single sheets B2 to B6 are still promoted at increased speed.
  • Figure 7 shows that the cut sheets B1 and B2 are printed for the third time, i. the first printing unit prints on the other side of the single sheets, illustrated in FIG. 7 by dots.
  • the sixth single sheet B6 is still in the connecting channel 48, but has a sufficiently large safety distance from the following single sheet B1.
  • the first single sheet B1 'of the following group is already supplied to be introduced after the passage of the single sheet B6 to the switch W1 in the first transfer printing path 44.
  • FIG. 8 shows the re-feeding of the single sheet B1 as well as the further single sheets B2 to B6 of the first group to the printing group D2.
  • the fourth pressure is applied. It can be seen on the right in the image that the individual sheets B1 ', B2', B3 'of the following group are fed to the first transfer printing path 44 at the switch W1.
  • the distance between the last single sheet B6 of the first group and the first single sheet B1 'of the second group corresponds to the predetermined distance a of the single sheets at Umtik nie.
  • FIG. 9 shows an operating phase in which the first group of individual sheets B1 to B6 are printed by the second printing unit D2 (indicated by horizontal lines in FIG FIG. 9) and subsequently conveyed via the output section 42 into the paper output 30 and deposited there.
  • the second group of individual sheets B1 'to B6' is subsequently already printed by the first printing unit D1.
  • the turning does not necessarily take place at the switch W4, but can also be carried out on the turnouts W2, W3 or, if equipped appropriately, on switch W1, provided that the associated drive elements can perform a turning function.
  • a turning process is explained below with reference to the shunt W4.
  • the respective single sheet is first transported past the switch W4 on a first transport path in a transport direction in the direction of the switch W5. Subsequently, the transport direction is reversed and the respective single sheet is conveyed in the direction of the discharge channel 52.
  • a similar mode of operation is possible for the further points W1, W2, W3.
  • Another variant is to choose the path of the group of individual sheets differently, for example by the group first the printing unit D2, then the printing unit D1, after subsequent turning turn printing unit D2, then fed to printing unit D1 and the single sheets are output via the discharge channel 52 ,
  • FIG. 10 shows the feeding of the first group of individual sheets B1 to B6 from the paper input 16 to the first printing unit D1, which prints the single sheets B1 to B6 with a first color (shown dotted), for example with a black color.
  • the feeding speed may be higher than the transfer printing speed, but this higher speed must be be reduced to the transfer printing speed when reaching the first printing unit D1.
  • FIG. 11 shows the turning of the individual sheets on the shunt W2 (see FIG. 1), wherein the single sheet B1 is first conveyed in the direction of the shunt W4, then the transport direction is reversed and the single sheet B1 is transported in the direction of the connecting channel 48.
  • a higher transport speed can be selected.
  • FIG. 12 shows that the individual sheets B1 to B6 are conveyed along the first closed transport path R1.
  • FIG. 13 shows the printing of the back side of the single sheets B1 to B6 by the printing unit D1.
  • Figure 14 shows the promotion of the individual sheets B1 to B6 via the connecting channel 48 to the second transport path 46, wherein no turning takes place.
  • the individual sheets B1 ', B2' of the following group are already provided via the paper input 16.
  • FIG. 15 shows the printing of the one side of the single sheets B1 to B6 by the second printing unit D2.
  • the first printing unit D1 the single sheets are already supplied to the following group, i. the first single sheet B1 'of the following group follows the last single sheet B6 of the first group.
  • Figure 16 shows the removal of the individual sheets B1 to B6 of the first group in the paper output 30, wherein no turning and a so-called face-down storage takes place.
  • the individual sheets B1 'to B6' of the following group are in an operating phase, as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 17 shows the further depositing of the individual sheets B1 to B6 of the first group and the printing of the individual sheets B1 'to B6' of the following group.
  • the group of cut sheets can first be fed to the second printing unit D2 and printed a first time; then the single sheets are fed again along the closed second transport path R2 to the second printing unit D2, wherein the single sheets were previously turned, for example, at the switch W4; then the single sheets are fed without turning the first printing unit D1 via the connecting channel 48 and printed. Subsequently, the three-fold printed single sheets are issued.
  • FIGS. 18 to 28 show various operating phases in the case of duplex printing operation with four-times printing, with individual sheets being conveyed alternately to the first transport ring R1 or the second transport ring R2. For reasons of clarity, a multiplicity of components, which were explained in connection with FIG. 1, have been omitted from the figures. However, it is readily apparent how the operations shown in FIGS. 18 to 28 are realized by the components shown in more detail in FIG.
  • the front and back of the cut sheets are printed with different color patterns.
  • the printing units D1 and D2 can print different colored printed images.
  • a group of eleven cut sheets B1 to B11 are fed from the paper input 16 via the input section 28 and the shunt W1 (see, respectively, Figure 1) and along the first transfer transport path 44 past the lower printing unit D1, wherein the first side is printed with a first color, indicated by dots. While the first cut sheet B1 has almost reached the switch W2 and the connection channel 48, the last cut sheet B11 of the group is still in the paper input 16 before the input section 28.
  • FIG. 19 shows that the individual sheets successively pass through the connecting channel 48 and are fed to the second printing unit D2 for printing via the second transfer printing transport path 46.
  • a higher transport speed than the transfer printing speed is present to convey the single sheets on the path between the two printing units D1, D2 in the shortest possible time.
  • the single sheets B1 to B11 are decelerated again to transfer printing speed.
  • the printing unit D2 is on the already printed by the printing unit D1 page another print with a different color, e.g. Red, upset.
  • this second printing is characterized by longitudinal lines.
  • FIG. 20 shows the operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 has been further conveyed after printing and has been turned over at the switch W4 with a turning function. Thereafter, the single sheets B1 to B11 are successively conveyed within the ring R2 along the discharge channel 52 again in the direction of the first printing unit D1. It should be noted that the eleventh single sheet B11 is still in the unprinted state before the input section 28 and the single sheet B6 and the following single sheets B7, B8, B9 have not yet passed through the connecting channel 48.
  • FIG. 21 shows an operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 at the diverter W2 is interposed between the individual sheets B6 and B7 is threaded and is conveyed in the connecting channel 48 upwards.
  • the individual sheets B1 to B11 are conveyed after leaving the printing unit D1 at a higher speed than the transfer printing speed up to the printing unit D2. This increases the distance between the individual sheets. This distance is used in the invention for threading coming from the printing unit D2 and arranged at the beginning of the group of individual sheets.
  • FIG. 22 shows the operating state in which the cut sheet B1 is conveyed in the direction of the first printing unit D1 after leaving the turnaround W3.
  • the single sheet B6, however, has been promoted in the direction of the printing unit D2.
  • the following single sheet B7 is just deflected by the switch W3 in the direction of printing unit D2.
  • the single sheet B2 has been threaded between the individual sheets B7 and B8 and is conveyed upwards in the connecting channel 48.
  • FIG. 23 shows the first single sheet B1 shortly before feeding to the first printing unit D1.
  • the conveying speed for the single sheet B1 is again set to the transfer printing speed.
  • the other single sheets B2, B3, B4 in the ring R1 are still promoted at increased speed.
  • the cut sheet B4 has been inserted at the turnout W3 between the cut sheets B9 and B10.
  • FIG. 24 shows that the single sheets B1 and B2 are printed for the third time, ie the first printing unit D1 prints on the other side of the single sheets, illustrated by dots in FIG.
  • the eleventh single sheet B11 is still in the connecting channel 48 and is deflected for printing in the direction of printing unit D2.
  • the single sheet B6 is inserted between the single sheets B11 and B1 and is conveyed in the connecting channel 48 upwards.
  • FIG. 25 shows the re-feeding of the single sheet B1 as well as the further single sheets B2 and the still following sheets B3 to B11 of the first group to the printing group D2.
  • the single sheet B7 is inserted in the connecting channel 48 between the single sheets B1 and B2.
  • FIG. 26 shows the operating phase in which a first part of the single sheets B1, B2, B3 of the first group is printed by the second printing unit D2, indicated by horizontal lines.
  • the individual sheets B10 and B11 are inserted in the manner of a zipper system between the individual sheets B4 and B5 or B5 and B6 in the connecting channel 48.
  • Figure 27 shows that the single sheets provided with a fourth print image, e.g. the single sheets B1, B2, are conveyed via the output section 42 in the paper output 30 and stored there.
  • a subsequent Gurppe of individual sheets B1 'to B11' is conveyed from the paper input 16.
  • the group of cut sheets B1 'to B11' then passes through the high-performance printer in the manner described for the first group of cut sheets B1 to B11.
  • FIG. 28 shows the common transport of individual sheets B3 to B11 of the first group as well as of the single sheets B1 ', B2' and B3 'of the following second group. Both printing units D1 and D2 are utilized to almost 100% in the illustrated mode of operation.
  • the turning does not necessarily take place at the switch W4, but can also be carried out at the turnouts W2, W3 or, if the equipment is suitable, also at the turnout W1, provided that the associated turnout W1 Drive elements can perform a turning function.
  • a turning process is explained below with reference to the shunt W4. The respective single sheet is first transported past the switch W4 on a first transport path in a transport direction in the direction of the switch W5. Subsequently, the transport direction is reversed and the respective single sheet is conveyed in the direction of the discharge channel 52.
  • a similar mode of operation is possible for the further points W1, W2, W3.
  • Another variant is to choose the path of the group of individual sheets differently, for example by the group first the printing unit D2, then the printing unit D1, after subsequent turning turn printing unit D2, then fed to printing unit D1 and the single sheets are output via the discharge channel 52 ,
  • the group of single sheets in this mode first passes through the first transfer transport path 44, then the connection channel 48, the second transfer transport path 46, the discharge channel 52, again the connection channel 48, the feed channel 50 and the first transfer transport path 44 and then output at the output section 42.
  • the switch W2 When returning the printed by the second printing unit D2 single sheets to the first printing unit D1 single sheets are threaded on the switch W2 in the manner described and fed to the switch W3 either the first ring R1 or the second ring R2.
  • the group-wise printing of the single sheets is achieved that the first printing unit D1 is 100% utilized, ie for the printing unit D1 is an uninterrupted printing operation before.
  • the maximum number of individual sheets of a group depends on the total length of the transport path in the printing system.
  • the predetermined number of individual sheets of a group results to N ⁇ INT ⁇ L 44 + L 46 + L 48 + L 50 + L 52 L B + a ⁇ .
  • L 44 is the length of the first transfer transport path 44
  • L 46 the length of the second transfer transport path 46
  • L 48 the length of the connecting channel 48
  • L 50 the length of the feed channel 50
  • L 52 the length of the discharge channel 52
  • L B the Seen length of the single sheet in the transport direction
  • a is the distance between two consecutive single sheets at Umtig nie.
  • the switch W3 is actuated when leaving the single sheets at each cut sheet to supply the successive single sheets alternately the first or the second printing unit D1 or D2.
  • the single sheet B1 and the following single sheets are transported from the shunt W6 to the shunt W2 at Umtik founded printed on the printing unit D1 for the third time and thread between the single sheets B6 and B7 and the following single sheets, which have a corresponding distance from each other.
  • the single sheets B1 and the following single sheets are conveyed at an increased speed to the printing unit D2.
  • the single sheets are again transported at an increased speed over the shunt W4 in the direction of the paper exit 30.
  • the single sheets are selectively turned to place them in one of the output compartments 32, 34, 36 with the front down (face down) or front up (face up).
  • the last cut sheet B11 of the first group of cut sheets has passed the common path in the connection channel 48 and the first cut sheet B1 'of the following group of pens can be fed.
  • the stream of single sheets is closed.
  • the advantage is that no special control effort is required when threading the switch W2. Rather, the return transport of the individual sheets from the upper printing unit D2 for lower printing unit D1 at a constant speed.
  • the disadvantage is that tolerances in the distances between the individual sheets within the group can not be compensated and so a jam during threading can occur.
  • the single sheet B1 to be led from the printing unit D2 to the printing unit D1 is to be threaded between the individual sheets B6 and B7 on the switch W2.
  • the distance between the individual sheets B6 and B7 and the following individual sheets is the same as the short nominal distance.
  • the single sheet B1 is transported after leaving the switch W4 with reversing function with such great speed in the direction of the switch W2 that it arrives sufficiently early in front of the switch W2, preferably before the cut sheet B6 has passed the switch W2.
  • the single sheet B1 is stopped briefly or slowed in its speed. The further transport of the single sheet B1 is then triggered by the single sheet B6.
  • a signal is generated when leaving the rear end of the cut sheet B6, which preferably causes the transport of the single sheet B1 in the connecting channel 48 at the same speed with which the cut sheet B6 is promoted.
  • the single sheet B1 thus threads at the same increased speed between the individual sheets B6 and B7 as the transport speed of the single sheet B6 in the connecting channel 48.
  • this pair of rollers and the subsequent in the connecting channel 48 in its transport speed reduced to transfer printing speed, since the cut sheet B7 is still partially in the range of the first printing unit D1, for example, in a Decurler. Consequently, the single sheet B1 is reduced in its speed to the speed of the single sheet B7.
  • the cut sheet B7 leaves the printing area, preferably the area of the decurler, in the printing unit D1, it can be transported at increased speed again. Also, the single sheet B1 is then transported forward at an increased speed and reaches the transport path 50. The single sheet B1 is transported at a consistently increased speed to the area at the switch W6 and then controlled down to transfer printing speed. The time to reduce the transport speed of the single sheet B1 can be matched to the leading single sheet B11. Then, the gap between the end of the cut sheet B11 and the beginning of the cut sheet B1 can be set at the nominal pitch or slightly larger.
  • the other single sheets B2, B3 etc. within the group of individual sheets are transported in a similar manner as has been described for the single sheet B1.
  • controlled threading takes place at the shunt W2. This reduces the risk of congestion during threading and the distance between the individual sheets can be minimized.
  • the disadvantage is the increased control and control effort when threading.
  • the leaves can be threaded controlled on the switch W2, a second transport control path in the region of the switch W1 is required in addition to a transport control path in the region of the switch W2.
  • the operations and transport speeds of the single sheets from the input 16 to the switch W4 are consistent with those described in ungetriggered operation.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Einzelblättern in einem Drucker oder in einem Kopierer, wobei ein beidseitiger Druckvorgang auf Einzelblättern erfolgt. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Druck- oder Kopiergerät.The invention relates to a method for printing single sheets in a printer or in a copier, wherein a double-sided printing process takes place on individual sheets. Furthermore, the invention relates to a printing or copying machine.

Hochleistungsdrucker können im sogenannten Duplexbetrieb betrieben werden, der auch Duplex-Farbspot-Betrieb genannt wird. Bei dieser Betriebsart werden Einzelblätter beidseitig bedruckt. Wenn auf der einen Seite nur ein Druck und auf der anderen Seite zwei Drucke mit unterschiedlichen Farben erfolgen, so spricht man vom Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit dreimaligem Bedrucken. Wenn auf beiden Seiten des Einzelblattes jeweils zwei Drucke erfolgen, so spricht man vom Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken.High-performance printers can be operated in so-called duplex mode, which is also called duplex color spot operation. In this mode, single sheets are printed on both sides. If only one print is made on one side and two different colors on the other side, it is called duplex printing with three printing. If two prints are made on both sides of the single sheet, this is called duplex printing with four printing.

Verschiedene Duplexdrucksysteme mit mindestens zwei Druckwerken sind aus der US 4,591,884 A bekannt. Ein weiteres Hochleistungsdruckgerät mit zwei Druckwerken ist aus der WO 91/13386 A1 bekannt. Es weist zwei Druckwerke und Wendekanäle zum Wenden der Einzelblätter auf. Jedem Druckwerk ist ein Umdruck-Transportweg zugeordnet. Die beiden Umdrucktransportwege sind über einen Verbindungskanal miteinander verbunden.Various duplex printing systems with at least two printing units are known from US 4,591,884 A. Another high-performance printing device with two printing units is known from WO 91/13386 A1. It has two printing units and turning channels for turning the single sheets. Each printing unit is assigned a transfer printing path. The two transfer transport paths are connected to one another via a connecting channel.

Werden in einem derartigen Hochleistungsdruckgerät mit zwei Druckwerken die Einzelblätter so zugeführt, daß zwischen zwei Einzelblättern der Abstand größer als die Länge eines Einzelblattes in Transportrichtung gesehen ist, so wird zwischen zwei Einzelblättern ein Sicherheitsabstand geschaffen, der es gestattet, beim Transport der Einzelblätter an Kreuzungsstellen der Blatttransportwege in Lücken zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Einzelblättern ein weiteres Einzelblatt einzuschleusen. Bei dieser Vorgehensweise ist jedoch der Blattdurchsatz aufgrund der relativ großen Blattabstände relativ gering.If the single sheets are fed in such a high-performance printing device with two printing units so that between two single sheets, the distance is greater than the length of a single sheet seen in the transport direction, a safety distance is created between two individual sheets, which allows, during transport of the individual sheets at intersections Sheet transport paths in gaps between two successive single sheets to infiltrate another single sheet. In this approach, however, is the Sheet throughput relatively low due to the relatively large blade pitches.

Aus der US 5,159,395 ist ein Druckgerät mit nur einem Druckwerk bekannt, in dem ebenfalls zwischen aufeinanderfolgende Einzelblätter eines Blattstroms Abstände geschaffen werden, um weitere Einzelblätter nachträglich in den Blattstrom einzuschleusen.From US Pat. No. 5,159,395, a printing device with only one printing unit is known in which distances are also created between successive individual sheets of a sheet flow in order to subsequently introduce further individual sheets into the sheet flow.

Aus der US 5,337,135 ist ein weiteres Druckgerät mit nur einem Druckwerk bekannt, in dem ein erster Druckbetriebszustand mit einem ersten, relativ engem Blattabstand vorgesehen ist und ein zweiter Betriebszustand mit einem zweiten, größeren Blattabstand, wobei im zweiten Betriebszustand wiederum nachfolgende Blätter in einen vorhandenen Blattstrom eingeschleust werden.From US 5,337,135 another printing device with only one printing unit is known in which a first printing operation is provided with a first, relatively narrow blade pitch and a second operating state with a second, larger blade spacing, wherein in the second operating state in turn subsequent leaves in an existing sheet flow be introduced.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Einzelblättern in einem Drucker oder in einem Kopierer in der Betriebsart Duplex-Druckbetrieb anzugeben, bei dem ein hoher Durchsatz von Einzelblättern bei geringem Verschleiß und verringerter Staugefahr erreicht wird.It is an object of the invention to provide a method for printing single sheets in a printer or in a copier in the duplex printing mode, in which a high throughput of single sheets with low wear and reduced congestion is achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung werden im folgenden anhand der Zeichnung erläutert. Darin zeigt:

Figur 1
schematisch den Aufbau eines Hochleistungsdruckers, bei dem die Erfindung verwirklicht ist,
Figuren 2 bis 9
Betriebsphasen des Duplex-Druckbetriebs mit viermaligem Bedrucken,
Figuren 10 bis 17
Betriebsphasen des Duplex-Druckbetriebs mit dreimaligem Bedrucken, und
Figuren 18 bis 28
Betriebsphasen mit viermaligem Bedrucken und abwechselndem Zuführen von Einzelblättern dem ersten oder dem zweiten Transportring.
Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:
FIG. 1
schematically the construction of a high-performance printer, in which the invention is realized,
FIGS. 2 to 9
Operating phases of duplex printing operation with four printing,
FIGS. 10 to 17
Operating phases of duplex printing with triple printing, and
FIGS. 18 to 28
Operating phases with four printing on and alternating feed of single sheets to the first or the second transport ring.

In Figur 1 ist ein Hochleistungsdrucker 10 dargestellt, der zum schnellen Drucken von Einzelblättern aus Papier dient. Der Hochleistungsdrucker 10 enthält ein erstes, unteres Druckwerk D1 sowie ein zweites, oberes Druckwerk D2. Beide Druckwerke D1, D2 arbeiten nach dem bekannten elektrografischen Verfahren mit gleicher Umdruckgeschwindigkeit. Den Druckwerken D1, D2 sind Fixiereinrichtungen nachgeschaltet, die schematisch in der Figur 1 durch zwei Rollenpaare 12, 14 angedeutet sind. An den Hochleistungsdrucker 10 ist eine Papiereingabe 16 angeschlossen, die mehrere Vorratsbehälter 18 bis 24 mit Einzelblättern sowie einen externen Papiereingabekanal 26 enthält, über den von außen Einzelblätter zugeführt werden können. Über einen Transportkanal 27 werden Einzelblätter einem Eingabeabschnitt 28 zugeführt. Ausgabeseitig ist an den Hochleistungsdrucker 10 eine Papierausgabe 30 angeschlossen, die mehrere Ausgabebehälter 32 bis 36 enthält. Ferner sind zwei Ausgabekanäle 38, 40 vorgesehen, über die Einzelblätter an weiterverarbeitende Stationen ausgegeben werden können. Der Hochleistungsdrucker 10 gibt die bedruckten Einzelblätter über den Ausgababschnitt 42 ab.FIG. 1 shows a high-performance printer 10, which is used for the rapid printing of individual sheets of paper. The high-performance printer 10 includes a first, lower printing unit D1 and a second, upper printing unit D2. Both printing units D1, D2 work according to the known electrographic process with the same transfer printing speed. The printing units D1, D2 are followed by fixing devices, which are indicated schematically in Figure 1 by two pairs of rollers 12, 14. To the high-performance printer 10 is a paper input 16 connected, which contains a plurality of reservoirs 18 to 24 with individual sheets and an external paper input channel 26, can be fed via the outside of the individual sheets. About a transport channel 27 individual sheets are fed to an input section 28. On the output side, a paper output 30 is connected to the high-performance printer 10, which contains a plurality of output containers 32 to 36. Furthermore, two output channels 38, 40 are provided, via which individual sheets can be output to further processing stations. The high-performance printer 10 delivers the printed single sheets over the discharge section 42.

Im Inneren des Hochleistungsdruckers 10 sind Transportwege für den Transport der Einzelblätter angeordnet, durch die verschiedene Betriebsarten des Hochleistungsdruckers realisiert werden. Den Druckwerken D1, D2 sind jeweils Umdruck-Transportwege 44, 46 zugeordnet, die jeweils durch Antriebe so eingestellt sind, daß die zugeführten Einzelblätter an den Druckwerken D1, D2 ihre Umdruckgeschwindigkeit haben. Beide Umdruck-Transportwege 44, 46 sind über einen Verbindungskanal 48 miteinander verbunden. Der Transportweg um das erste Druckwerk D1 ist zu einem Ring R1 durch einen Zuführkanal 50 ergänzt, über den auch Einzelblätter vom Eingabeabschnitt 28 dem zweiten Umdruck-Transportweg 46 zugeführt werden können. Der Transportweg für das zweite Druckwerk D2 wird auf ähnliche Weise zu einem Ring R2 durch einen Abführkanal 52 ergänzt, über den vom Druckwerk D1 bedruckte Einzelblätter dem Ausgabeabschnitt 42 zugeführt werden können.Inside the high-performance printer 10 transport paths for the transport of the single sheets are arranged, are realized by the different modes of the high-performance printer. The printing units D1, D2 each Umdruck-transport paths 44, 46 are assigned, which are each set by drives so that the supplied single sheets on the printing units D1, D2 have their transfer printing speed. Both transfer transport paths 44, 46 are connected to each other via a connecting channel 48. The transport path around the first printing unit D1 is supplemented to form a ring R1 by a feed channel 50, via which individual sheets can also be fed from the input section 28 to the second transfer printing path 46. The transport path for the second printing unit D2 is supplemented in a similar manner to form a ring R2 by a discharge channel 52, via which individual sheets printed by the printing unit D1 can be fed to the delivery section 42.

Zwischen dem Eingabeabschnitt 28, dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 und dem Zuführkanal 50 ist eine erste Weiche W1 angeordnet, die es ermöglicht, daß Einzelblätter vom Eingabeabschnitt 28 wahlweise dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 oder dem Zuführkanal 50 zugeführt werden. Eine weitere Variante besteht darin, daß auf dem Zuführkanal 50 in Richtung der Weiche W1 transportierte Einzelblätter dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 zugeführt werden können.Between the input section 28, the first transfer transport path 44 and the feed channel 50, a first switch W1 is arranged, which allows individual sheets from the input section 28 optionally to the first transfer transport path 44 or the feed channel 50 are supplied. Another variant is that on the feed channel 50 in the direction the switch W1 transported sheets can be supplied to the first transfer printing path 44.

Weiterhin sind eine zweite Weiche W2 und eine dritte Weiche W3 an den Enden des Verbindungskanals 48 angeordnet und verbinden jeweils die angrenzenden Transportwege 44, 48, 52 bzw. 46, 48, 50. Eine vierte Weiche W4 befindet sich in der Nähe des Ausgabeabschnitts 42 und verbindet die angrenzenden Transportwege. Die Papierausgabe 30 enthält eine fünfte Weiche W5, die als Wendevorrichtung arbeitet. Ferner ist noch auf eine Aussteuereinrichtung 54 hinzuweisen, der über eine Weiche W6 Ausschuß-Einzelblätter zugeführt werden.Furthermore, a second shunt W2 and a third shunt W3 are arranged at the ends of the connecting channel 48 and connect the adjacent transport paths 44, 48, 52 and 46, 48, 50, respectively. A fourth shunt W4 is located in the vicinity of the dispensing section 42 and connects the adjacent transport routes. The paper dispenser 30 includes a fifth shunt W5, which operates as a turning device. Furthermore, it should be noted on a Aussteuereinrichtung 54, which are supplied via a switch W6 Committee single sheets.

Durch die in Figur 1 beschriebene Anordnung können verschiedene Betriebsarten des Hochleistungsdruckers 10 verwirklicht werden. Unter diesen Betriebsarten sind auch die hier relevanten Betriebsarten Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken sowie der Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit dreimaligem Bedrucken.By the arrangement described in Figure 1, various modes of the high-performance printer 10 can be realized. Among these operating modes, the relevant operating modes are duplex printing with four printing and duplex printing with three printing.

In den Figuren 2 bis 9 sind verschiedene Betriebsphasen beim Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken dargestellt. Aus Übersichtsgründen sind in den Figuren eine Vielzahl von Komponenten, welche in Verbindung mit Figur 1 erläutert wurden, weggelassen worden. Es ist jedoch leicht erkennbar, wie die in den Figuren 2 bis 9 gezeigten Betriebsabläufe durch die in der ausführlicheren Darstellung nach Figur 1 gezeigten Komponenten realisiert werden.FIGS. 2 to 9 show various operating phases in duplex printing operation with four printing operations. For reasons of clarity, a multiplicity of components, which were explained in connection with FIG. 1, have been omitted from the figures. However, it is readily apparent how the operations shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 are realized by the components shown in more detail in FIG.

Wie erwähnt werden beim Duplex-Druckbetrieb die Vorderseite und die Rückseite der Einzelblätter mit Bildmustern verschiedener Farbe bedruckt. Selbstverständlich ist hierfür Voraussetzung, daß die Druckwerke D1 und D2 verschiedenfarbige Druckbilder drucken können. In der in Figur 2 gezeigten ersten Betriebsphase werden eine Gruppe von sechs Einzelblättern B1 bis B6 über den Eingabeabschnitt 28 und die Weiche W1 (vgl. hierzu jeweils Figur 1) eingezogen und längs dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 am unteren Druckwerk D1 vorbeigeführt, wobei die erste Seite mit einer ersten Farbe, angedeutet durch Punkte, bedruckt wird. Während das erste Einzelblatt B1 nahezu die Weiche W2 und den Verbindungskanal 48 erreicht hat, befindet sich das letzte Einzelblatt B6 der Gruppe noch im bzw. vor dem Eingabeabschnitt 28.As mentioned, in duplex printing, the front and back of the cut sheets are printed with different color patterns. Of course, this is a prerequisite that the printing units D1 and D2 can print different colored printed images. In the first operating phase shown in FIG. 2, a group of six individual sheets B1 to B6 are fed via the input section 28 and the switch W1 (see in each case FIG. 1) and moved along the first transfer printing path 44 past the lower printing unit D1, wherein the first page is printed with a first color, indicated by dots. While the first cut sheet B1 has almost reached the switch W2 and the connection channel 48, the last cut sheet B6 of the group is still in or in front of the input section 28.

Figur 3 zeigt, daß die Blätter nacheinander den Verbindungskanal 48 durchsetzen und über den zweiten Umdruck-Transportweg 46 dem zweiten Druckwerk D2 zum Bedrucken zugeführt werden. Beim Durchlauf des Verbindungskanals 48 ist vorzugsweise eine höhere Transportgeschwindigkeit als die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit vorhanden, um die Einzelblätter auf der Wegstrecke zwischen den beiden Druckwerken D1, D2 in möglichst kurzer Zeit zu befördern. Kurz vor dem Erreichen des Druckwerks D2 werden die Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 wieder auf Umdruckgeschwindigkeit abgebremst. Am Druckwerk D2 wird auf die durch das Druckwerk D1 bereits bedruckte Seite ein weiterer Druck mit einer anderen Farbe, z.B. Rot, aufgebracht. In Figur 3 ist dieser zweite Druckvorgang durch Längsstriche gekennzeichnet.FIG. 3 shows that the sheets successively pass through the connecting channel 48 and are fed to the second printing unit D2 for printing via the second transfer printing transport path 46. During the passage of the connecting channel 48, a higher transport speed than the transfer printing speed is preferably present in order to convey the single sheets on the path between the two printing units D1, D2 in the shortest possible time. Shortly before reaching the printing unit D2, the single sheets B1 to B6 are decelerated again to transfer printing speed. At the printing unit D2 is on the already printed by the printing unit D1 page another print with a different color, e.g. Red, upset. In Figure 3, this second printing is characterized by longitudinal lines.

Figur 4 zeigt die Betriebsphase, bei der das erste Einzelblatt B1 nach dem Bedrucken weitergefördert und an der Weiche W4 mit Wendefunktion gewendet worden ist. Danach werden die Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 nacheinander längs des Abführkanals 52 wieder in Richtung des ersten Druckwerks D1 gefördert. Zu beachten ist, daß sich das sechste Einzelblatt B6 noch in einem ausreichenden Sicherheitsabstand vor dem ersten Blatt B1 auf dem Weg in Richtung Verbindungskanal 48 befindet.FIG. 4 shows the operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 has been further conveyed after printing and has been turned over at the switch W4 with a turning function. Thereafter, the single sheets B1 to B6 are sequentially conveyed along the discharge channel 52 again in the direction of the first printing unit D1. It should be noted that the sixth individual sheet B6 is still in a sufficient safety distance before the first sheet B1 on the way towards the connecting channel 48.

Figur 5 zeigt die Betriebsphase, bei der das sechste Einzelblatt B6 durch das zweite Druckwerk D2 bedruckt wird, während das erste Einzelblatt B1 bereits den Verbindungskanal 48 durchlaufen hat und nunmehr entlang dem Zuführkanal 50 gefördert wird. Sämtliche Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 werden an der Weiche W4 gewendet.FIG. 5 shows the operating phase in which the sixth individual sheet B6 is printed by the second printing unit D2, while the first single sheet B1 has already passed through the connecting channel 48 and is now conveyed along the feed channel 50 becomes. All single sheets B1 to B6 are turned at the switch W4.

Figur 6 zeigt das erste Einzelblatt B1 kurz vor dem Zuführen zum ersten Druckwerk D1. Die Fördergeschwindigkeit für das Einzelblatt B1 wird wieder auf die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit eingestellt. Die weiteren Einzelblätter B2 bis B6 werden noch mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit gefördert.FIG. 6 shows the first single sheet B1 shortly before being fed to the first printing unit D1. The conveying speed for the single sheet B1 is again set to the transfer printing speed. The other single sheets B2 to B6 are still promoted at increased speed.

Figur 7 zeigt, daß die Einzelblätter B1 und B2 zum dritten mal bedruckt werden, d.h. das erste Druckwerk bedruckt die andere Seite der Einzelblätter, in Figur 7 durch Punkte verdeutlicht. Das sechste Einzelblatt B6 befindet sich noch im Verbindungskanal 48, hat jedoch einen ausreichend großen Sicherheitsabstand vom nachfolgenden Einzelblatt B1.Figure 7 shows that the cut sheets B1 and B2 are printed for the third time, i. the first printing unit prints on the other side of the single sheets, illustrated in FIG. 7 by dots. The sixth single sheet B6 is still in the connecting channel 48, but has a sufficiently large safety distance from the following single sheet B1.

Im Bildteil rechts ist zu erkennen, daß in der Papiereingabe 16 bereits das erste Einzelblatt B1' der nachfolgenden Gruppe zugeführt wird, um im Anschluß an den Vorbeilauf des Einzelblatts B6 an der Weiche W1 in den ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 eingeschleust zu werden.In the image part on the right it can be seen that in the paper input 16, the first single sheet B1 'of the following group is already supplied to be introduced after the passage of the single sheet B6 to the switch W1 in the first transfer printing path 44.

Figur 8 zeigt das erneute Zuführen des Einzelblatts B1 sowie der weiteren Einzelblätter B2 bis B6 der ersten Gruppe zum Druckwerk D2. An diesem Druckwerk D2 wird der vierte Druck aufgebracht. Rechts im Bild ist zu erkennen, daß die Einzelblätter B1', B2', B3' der nachfolgenden Gruppe an der Weiche W1 dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 zugeführt werden. Der Abstand zwischen dem letzten Einzelblatt B6 der ersten Gruppe und dem ersten Einzelblatt B1' der zweiten Gruppe entspricht dem vorbestimmten Abstand a der Einzelblätter bei Umdruckgeschwindigkeit.FIG. 8 shows the re-feeding of the single sheet B1 as well as the further single sheets B2 to B6 of the first group to the printing group D2. At this printing unit D2, the fourth pressure is applied. It can be seen on the right in the image that the individual sheets B1 ', B2', B3 'of the following group are fed to the first transfer printing path 44 at the switch W1. The distance between the last single sheet B6 of the first group and the first single sheet B1 'of the second group corresponds to the predetermined distance a of the single sheets at Umdruckgeschwindigkeit.

Figur 9 zeigt eine Betriebsphase, bei der die erste Gruppe von Einzelblättern B1 bis B6 durch das zweite Druckwerk D2 bedruckt werden (gekennzeichnet durch waagrechte Striche in Figur 9) und anschließend über den Ausgabeabschnitt 42 in die Papierausgabe 30 befördert und dort abgelegt werden. Die zweite Gruppe von Einzelblättern B1' bis B6' wird nachfolgend bereits vom ersten Druckwerk D1 bedruckt.FIG. 9 shows an operating phase in which the first group of individual sheets B1 to B6 are printed by the second printing unit D2 (indicated by horizontal lines in FIG FIG. 9) and subsequently conveyed via the output section 42 into the paper output 30 and deposited there. The second group of individual sheets B1 'to B6' is subsequently already printed by the first printing unit D1.

Es sind zahlreiche Varianten für das gruppenweise Bedrucken von Einzelblättern im Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken möglich. So muß das Wenden nicht unbedingt an der Weiche W4 erfolgen, sondern kann auch an den Weichen W2, W3 oder bei geeigneter Ausstattung auch an Weiche W1 durchgeführt werden, unter der Voraussetzung, daß die zugehörigen Antriebselemente eine Wendefunktion ausführen können. Ein Wendevorgang sei im folgenden anhand der Weiche W4 erläutert. Das jeweilige Einzelblatt wird zunächst an der Weiche W4 vorbei auf einem ersten Transportweg in einer Transportrichtung in Richtung Weiche W5 transportiert. Anschließend wird die Transportrichtung umgekehrt und das jeweilige Einzelblatt wird in Richtung des Abführkanals 52 gefördert. Eine ähnliche Funktionsweise ist für die weiteren Weichen W1, W2, W3 möglich.Numerous variants are possible for the group-wise printing of single sheets in duplex printing with four printing. Thus, the turning does not necessarily take place at the switch W4, but can also be carried out on the turnouts W2, W3 or, if equipped appropriately, on switch W1, provided that the associated drive elements can perform a turning function. A turning process is explained below with reference to the shunt W4. The respective single sheet is first transported past the switch W4 on a first transport path in a transport direction in the direction of the switch W5. Subsequently, the transport direction is reversed and the respective single sheet is conveyed in the direction of the discharge channel 52. A similar mode of operation is possible for the further points W1, W2, W3.

Eine weitere Variante liegt darin, den Weg der Gruppe von Einzelblättern anders zu wählen, beispielsweise indem die Gruppe zuerst dem Druckwerk D2, dann dem Druckwerk D1, nach anschließendem Wenden wiederum Druckwerk D2, dann Druckwerk D1 zugeführt und die Einzelblätter über den Abführkanal 52 ausgegeben werden.Another variant is to choose the path of the group of individual sheets differently, for example by the group first the printing unit D2, then the printing unit D1, after subsequent turning turn printing unit D2, then fed to printing unit D1 and the single sheets are output via the discharge channel 52 ,

Im folgenden wird der Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit dreimaligem Bedrucken anhand der Figuren 10 bis 17 erläutert. In Figur 10 ist das Zuführen der ersten Gruppe von Einzelblättern B1 bis B6 aus der Papiereingabe 16 zum ersten Druckwerk D1 dargestellt, welches die Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 mit einer ersten Farbe bedruckt (gepunktet dargestellt), z.B. mit einer schwarzen Farbe. Die Zuführgeschwindigkeit kann höher als die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit sein, jedoch muß diese höhere Geschwindigkeit beim Erreichen des ersten Druckwerkes D1 auf die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit reduziert werden.In the following, the duplex printing operation with three printing on the basis of Figures 10 to 17 will be explained. FIG. 10 shows the feeding of the first group of individual sheets B1 to B6 from the paper input 16 to the first printing unit D1, which prints the single sheets B1 to B6 with a first color (shown dotted), for example with a black color. The feeding speed may be higher than the transfer printing speed, but this higher speed must be be reduced to the transfer printing speed when reaching the first printing unit D1.

Figur 11 zeigt das Wenden der Einzelblätter an der Weiche W2 (vgl. Figur 1), wobei das Einzelblatt B1 zunächst in Richtung der Weiche W4 gefördert, dann die Transportrichtung umgekehrt und das Einzelblatt B1 in Richtung des Verbindungskanals 48 transportiert wird. Beim Transport außerhalb der Druckwerke D1, D2 kann wiederum eine höhere Transportgeschwindigkeit gewählt werden.11 shows the turning of the individual sheets on the shunt W2 (see FIG. 1), wherein the single sheet B1 is first conveyed in the direction of the shunt W4, then the transport direction is reversed and the single sheet B1 is transported in the direction of the connecting channel 48. When transporting outside the printing units D1, D2, in turn, a higher transport speed can be selected.

Figur 12 zeigt, daß die Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 längs des ersten geschlossenen Transportwegs R1 gefördert werden.FIG. 12 shows that the individual sheets B1 to B6 are conveyed along the first closed transport path R1.

Figur 13 zeigt das Bedrucken der Rückseite der Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 durch das Druckwerk D1.FIG. 13 shows the printing of the back side of the single sheets B1 to B6 by the printing unit D1.

Figur 14 zeigt die Förderung der Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 über den Verbindungskanal 48 hin zum zweiten Transportweg 46, wobei kein Wenden erfolgt. Rechts in Figur 14 ist zu erkennen, daß die Einzelblätter B1', B2' der nachfolgenden Gruppe über die Papiereingabe 16 bereits bereitgestellt werden.Figure 14 shows the promotion of the individual sheets B1 to B6 via the connecting channel 48 to the second transport path 46, wherein no turning takes place. On the right in FIG. 14 it can be seen that the individual sheets B1 ', B2' of the following group are already provided via the paper input 16.

Figur 15 zeigt das Bedrucken der einen Seite der Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 durch das zweite Druckwerk D2. Dem ersten Druckwerk D1 werden bereits die Einzelblätter der nachfolgenden Gruppe zugeführt, d.h. das erste Einzelblatt B1' der nachfolgenden Gruppe schließt sich an das letzte Einzelblatt B6 der ersten Gruppe an.FIG. 15 shows the printing of the one side of the single sheets B1 to B6 by the second printing unit D2. The first printing unit D1, the single sheets are already supplied to the following group, i. the first single sheet B1 'of the following group follows the last single sheet B6 of the first group.

Figur 16 zeigt die Abförderung der Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 der ersten Gruppe in die Papierausgabe 30, wobei kein Wenden und eine sogenannte Face-Down-Ablage erfolgt. Die Einzelblätter B1' bis B6' der nachfolgenden Gruppe befinden sich in einer Betriebsphase, wie sie in Figur 11 dargestellt ist.Figure 16 shows the removal of the individual sheets B1 to B6 of the first group in the paper output 30, wherein no turning and a so-called face-down storage takes place. The individual sheets B1 'to B6' of the following group are in an operating phase, as shown in FIG.

Figur 17 zeigt das weitere Ablegen der Einzelblätter B1 bis B6 der ersten Gruppe und das Bedrucken der Einzelblätter B1' bis B6' der nachfolgenden Gruppe.FIG. 17 shows the further depositing of the individual sheets B1 to B6 of the first group and the printing of the individual sheets B1 'to B6' of the following group.

Auch bei diesem Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit dreimaligem Bedrucken sind mehrere Varianten denkbar. Z.B. kann die Gruppe von Einzelblättern zuerst dem zweiten Druckwerk D2 zugeführt und ein erstes mal bedruckt werden; dann werden die Einzelblätter längs des geschlossenen zweiten Transportwegs R2 dem zweiten Druckwerk D2 erneut zugeführt, wobei die Einzelblätter vorher gewendet wurden, beispielsweise an der Weiche W4; sodann werden die Einzelblätter ohne Wenden dem ersten Druckwerk D1 über den Verbindungskanal 48 zugeführt und bedruckt. Anschließend werden die dreimalig bedruckten Einzelblätter ausgegeben.Also in this duplex printing operation with three printing several variants are conceivable. For example, the group of cut sheets can first be fed to the second printing unit D2 and printed a first time; then the single sheets are fed again along the closed second transport path R2 to the second printing unit D2, wherein the single sheets were previously turned, for example, at the switch W4; then the single sheets are fed without turning the first printing unit D1 via the connecting channel 48 and printed. Subsequently, the three-fold printed single sheets are issued.

In den Figuren 18 bis 28 sind verschiedene Betriebsphasen beim Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken dargestellt, wobei Einzelblätter abwechselnd dem ersten Transportring R1 oder dem zweiten Tranportring R2 zugefördert werden. Aus Übersichtsgründen sind in den Figuren eine Vielzahl von Komponenten, welche in Verbindung mit Figur 1 erläutert wurden, weggelassen worden. Es ist jedoch leicht erkennbar, wie die in den Figuren 18 bis 28 gezeigten Betriebsabläufe durch die in der ausführlicheren Darstellung nach Figur 1 gezeigten Komponenten realisiert werden.FIGS. 18 to 28 show various operating phases in the case of duplex printing operation with four-times printing, with individual sheets being conveyed alternately to the first transport ring R1 or the second transport ring R2. For reasons of clarity, a multiplicity of components, which were explained in connection with FIG. 1, have been omitted from the figures. However, it is readily apparent how the operations shown in FIGS. 18 to 28 are realized by the components shown in more detail in FIG.

Wie erwähnt werden beim Duplex-Druckbetrieb die Vorderseite und die Rückseite der Einzelblätter mit Bildmustern verschiedener Farbe bedruckt. Selbstverständlich ist hierfür Voraussetzung, daß die Druckwerke D1 und D2 verschiedenfarbige Druckbilder drucken können. In der in Figur 18 gezeigten ersten Betriebsphase werden eine Gruppe von elf Einzelblättern B1 bis B11 aus der Papiereingabe 16 über den Eingabeabschnitt 28 und die Weiche W1 (vgl. hierzu jeweils Figur 1) eingezogen und längs dem ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 am unteren Druckwerk D1 vorbeigeführt, wobei die erste Seite mit einer ersten Farbe, angedeutet durch Punkte, bedruckt wird. Während das erste Einzelblatt B1 nahezu die Weiche W2 und den Verbindungskanal 48 erreicht hat, befindet sich das letzte Einzelblatt B11 der Gruppe noch vor dem Eingabeabschnitt 28 in der Papiereingabe 16.As mentioned, in duplex printing, the front and back of the cut sheets are printed with different color patterns. Of course, this is a prerequisite that the printing units D1 and D2 can print different colored printed images. In the first operating phase shown in Figure 18, a group of eleven cut sheets B1 to B11 are fed from the paper input 16 via the input section 28 and the shunt W1 (see, respectively, Figure 1) and along the first transfer transport path 44 past the lower printing unit D1, wherein the first side is printed with a first color, indicated by dots. While the first cut sheet B1 has almost reached the switch W2 and the connection channel 48, the last cut sheet B11 of the group is still in the paper input 16 before the input section 28.

Figur 19 zeigt, daß die Einzelblätter nacheinander den Verbindungskanal 48 durchlaufen und über den zweiten Umdruck-Transportweg 46 dem zweiten Druckwerk D2 zum Bedrucken zugeführt werden. Beim Durchlauf des Verbindungskanals 48 ist eine höhere Transportgeschwindigkeit als die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit vorhanden, um die Einzelblätter auf der Wegstrecke zwischen den beiden Druckwerken D1, D2 in möglichst kurzer Zeit zu befördern. Kurz vor dem Erreichen des Druckwerks D2 werden die Einzelblätter B1 bis B11 wieder auf Umdruckgeschwindigkeit abgebremst. Am Druckwerk D2 wird auf die durch das Druckwerk D1 bereits bedruckte Seite ein weiterer Druck mit einer anderen Farbe, z.B. Rot, aufgebracht. In Figur 3 ist dieser zweite Druckvorgang durch Längsstriche gekennzeichnet.FIG. 19 shows that the individual sheets successively pass through the connecting channel 48 and are fed to the second printing unit D2 for printing via the second transfer printing transport path 46. During the passage of the connecting channel 48, a higher transport speed than the transfer printing speed is present to convey the single sheets on the path between the two printing units D1, D2 in the shortest possible time. Shortly before reaching the printing unit D2, the single sheets B1 to B11 are decelerated again to transfer printing speed. At the printing unit D2 is on the already printed by the printing unit D1 page another print with a different color, e.g. Red, upset. In Figure 3, this second printing is characterized by longitudinal lines.

Figur 20 zeigt die Betriebsphase, bei der das erste Einzelblatt B1 nach dem Bedrucken weitergefördert und an der Weiche W4 mit Wendefunktion gewendet worden ist. Danach werden die Einzelblätter B1 bis B11 nacheinander innerhalb des Ringes R2 längs des Abführkanals 52 wieder in Richtung des ersten Druckwerks D1 gefördert. Zu beachten ist, daß sich das elfte Einzelblatt B11 noch vor dem Eingabeabschnitt 28 im unbedruckten Zustand befindet und das Einzelblatt B6 sowie die folgenden Einzelblätter B7, B8, B9 noch nicht den Verbindungskanal 48 durchlaufen haben.FIG. 20 shows the operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 has been further conveyed after printing and has been turned over at the switch W4 with a turning function. Thereafter, the single sheets B1 to B11 are successively conveyed within the ring R2 along the discharge channel 52 again in the direction of the first printing unit D1. It should be noted that the eleventh single sheet B11 is still in the unprinted state before the input section 28 and the single sheet B6 and the following single sheets B7, B8, B9 have not yet passed through the connecting channel 48.

Figur 21 zeigt eine Betriebsphase, bei der das erste Einzelblatt B1 an der Weiche W2 zwischen die Einzelblätter B6 und B7 eingefädelt ist und im Verbindungskanal 48 nach oben gefördert wird. Wie erwähnt werden die Einzelblätter B1 bis B11 nach dem Verlassen des Druckwerks D1 mit höherer Geschwindigkeit als die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit bis zum Druckwerk D2 gefördert. Dadurch vergrößert sich der Abstand zwischen den Einzelblättern. Dieser Abstand wird bei der Erfindung zum Einfädeln der vom Druckwerk D2 herkommenden und am Anfang der Gruppe angeordneten Einzelblättern genutzt.FIG. 21 shows an operating phase in which the first single sheet B1 at the diverter W2 is interposed between the individual sheets B6 and B7 is threaded and is conveyed in the connecting channel 48 upwards. As mentioned, the individual sheets B1 to B11 are conveyed after leaving the printing unit D1 at a higher speed than the transfer printing speed up to the printing unit D2. This increases the distance between the individual sheets. This distance is used in the invention for threading coming from the printing unit D2 and arranged at the beginning of the group of individual sheets.

Figur 22 zeigt den Betriebszustand, bei dem das Einzelblatt B1 nach dem Verlassen der Wende W3 in Richtung des ersten Druckwerks D1 gefördert wird. Das Einzelblatt B6 ist dagegen in Richtung des Druckwerks D2 gefördert worden. Das nachfolgende Einzelblatt B7 wird soeben durch die Weiche W3 in Richtung Druckwerk D2 umgelenkt. Das Einzelblatt B2 ist zwischen die Einzelblätter B7 und B8 eingefädelt worden und wird im Verbindungskanal 48 nach oben gefördert.FIG. 22 shows the operating state in which the cut sheet B1 is conveyed in the direction of the first printing unit D1 after leaving the turnaround W3. The single sheet B6, however, has been promoted in the direction of the printing unit D2. The following single sheet B7 is just deflected by the switch W3 in the direction of printing unit D2. The single sheet B2 has been threaded between the individual sheets B7 and B8 and is conveyed upwards in the connecting channel 48.

Figur 23 zeigt das erste Einzelblatt B1 kurz vor dem Zuführen zum ersten Druckwerk D1. Die Fördergeschwindigkeit für das Einzelblatt B1 wird wieder auf die Umdruckgeschwindigkeit eingestellt. Die weiteren Einzelblätter B2, B3, B4 im Ring R1 werden noch mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit gefördert. Das Einzelblatt B4 ist an der Weiche W3 zwischen die Einzelblätter B9 und B10 eingefügt worden.FIG. 23 shows the first single sheet B1 shortly before feeding to the first printing unit D1. The conveying speed for the single sheet B1 is again set to the transfer printing speed. The other single sheets B2, B3, B4 in the ring R1 are still promoted at increased speed. The cut sheet B4 has been inserted at the turnout W3 between the cut sheets B9 and B10.

Figur 24 zeigt, daß die Einzelblätter B1 und B2 zum dritten mal bedruckt werden, d.h. das erste Druckwerk D1 bedruckt die andere Seite der Einzelblätter, in Figur 8 durch Punkte verdeutlicht. Das elfte Einzelblatt B11 befindet sich noch im Verbindungskanal 48 und wird zum Bedrucken in Richtung Druckwerk D2 umgelenkt. Das Einzelblatt B6 ist zwischen die Einzelblätter B11 und B1 eingefügt und wird im Verbindungskanal 48 nach oben gefördert.FIG. 24 shows that the single sheets B1 and B2 are printed for the third time, ie the first printing unit D1 prints on the other side of the single sheets, illustrated by dots in FIG. The eleventh single sheet B11 is still in the connecting channel 48 and is deflected for printing in the direction of printing unit D2. The single sheet B6 is inserted between the single sheets B11 and B1 and is conveyed in the connecting channel 48 upwards.

Figur 25 zeigt das erneute Zuführen des Einzelblatts B1 sowie der weiteren Einzelblätter B2 und der noch folgenden Blätter B3 bis B11 der ersten Gruppe zum Druckwerk D2. Das Einzelblatt B7 ist im Verbindungskanal 48 zwischen die Einzelblätter B1 und B2 eingefügt.FIG. 25 shows the re-feeding of the single sheet B1 as well as the further single sheets B2 and the still following sheets B3 to B11 of the first group to the printing group D2. The single sheet B7 is inserted in the connecting channel 48 between the single sheets B1 and B2.

Figur 26 zeigt die Betriebsphase, bei der ein erster Teil der Einzelblätter B1, B2, B3 der ersten Gruppe durch das zweite Druckwerk D2 bedruckt ist, angedeutet durch waagrechte Striche. Die Einzelblätter B10 und B11 werden nach Art eines Reißverschlußsystems zwischen die Einzelblätter B4 und B5 bzw. B5 und B6 im Verbindungskanal 48 eingefügt.FIG. 26 shows the operating phase in which a first part of the single sheets B1, B2, B3 of the first group is printed by the second printing unit D2, indicated by horizontal lines. The individual sheets B10 and B11 are inserted in the manner of a zipper system between the individual sheets B4 and B5 or B5 and B6 in the connecting channel 48.

Figur 27 zeigt, daß die mit einem vierten Druckbild versehenen Einzelblätter, z.B. die Einzelblätter B1, B2, über den Ausgabeabschnitt 42 in die Papierausgabe 30 gefördert und dort abgelegt werden. Eine nachfolgende Gurppe von Einzelblättern B1' bis B11' wird aus der Papiereingabe 16 gefördert. Das Einzelblatt B1' schließt sich unmittelbar an das letzte Einzelblatt B11 der ersten Gruppe an. Die Gruppe von Einzelblättern B1' bis B11' durchläuft dann den Hochleistungsdrucker in der für die erste Gruppe von Einzelblättern B1 bis B11 beschriebenen Weise.Figure 27 shows that the single sheets provided with a fourth print image, e.g. the single sheets B1, B2, are conveyed via the output section 42 in the paper output 30 and stored there. A subsequent Gurppe of individual sheets B1 'to B11' is conveyed from the paper input 16. The single sheet B1 'immediately follows the last single sheet B11 of the first group. The group of cut sheets B1 'to B11' then passes through the high-performance printer in the manner described for the first group of cut sheets B1 to B11.

Figur 28 zeigt den gemeinsamen Transport von Einzelblättern B3 bis B11 der ersten Gruppe sowie der Einzelblätter B1', B2' und B3' der nachfolgenden zweiten Gruppe. Beide Druckwerke D1 und D2 werden bei der gezeigten Betriebsweise zu nahezu 100 % ausgelastet.FIG. 28 shows the common transport of individual sheets B3 to B11 of the first group as well as of the single sheets B1 ', B2' and B3 'of the following second group. Both printing units D1 and D2 are utilized to almost 100% in the illustrated mode of operation.

Es sind zahlreiche Varianten für das gruppenweise Bedrucken von Einzelblättern im Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit viermaligem Bedrucken möglich. So muß das Wenden nicht unbedingt an der Weiche W4 erfolgen, sondern kann auch an den Weichen W2, W3 oder bei geeigneter Ausstattung auch an Weiche W1 durchgeführt werden, unter der Voraussetzung, daß die zugehörigen Antriebselemente eine Wendefunktion ausführen können. Ein Wendevorgang sei im folgenden anhand der Weiche W4 erläutert. Das jeweilige Einzelblatt wird zunächst an der Weiche W4 vorbei auf einem ersten Transportweg in einer Transportrichtung in Richtung Weiche W5 transportiert. Anschließend wird die Transportrichtung umgekehrt und das jeweilige Einzelblatt wird in Richtung des Abführkanals 52 gefördert. Eine ähnliche Funktionsweise ist für die weiteren Weichen W1, W2, W3 möglich.Numerous variants are possible for the group-wise printing of single sheets in duplex printing with four printing. Thus, the turning does not necessarily take place at the switch W4, but can also be carried out at the turnouts W2, W3 or, if the equipment is suitable, also at the turnout W1, provided that the associated turnout W1 Drive elements can perform a turning function. A turning process is explained below with reference to the shunt W4. The respective single sheet is first transported past the switch W4 on a first transport path in a transport direction in the direction of the switch W5. Subsequently, the transport direction is reversed and the respective single sheet is conveyed in the direction of the discharge channel 52. A similar mode of operation is possible for the further points W1, W2, W3.

Eine weitere Variante liegt darin, den Weg der Gruppe von Einzelblättern anders zu wählen, beispielsweise indem die Gruppe zuerst dem Druckwerk D2, dann dem Druckwerk D1, nach anschließendem Wenden wiederum Druckwerk D2, dann Druckwerk D1 zugeführt und die Einzelblätter über den Abführkanal 52 ausgegeben werden.Another variant is to choose the path of the group of individual sheets differently, for example by the group first the printing unit D2, then the printing unit D1, after subsequent turning turn printing unit D2, then fed to printing unit D1 and the single sheets are output via the discharge channel 52 ,

Im folgenden wird der Duplex-Druckbetrieb mit dreimaligem Bedrucken anhand der Figur 1 erläutert. Die Gruppe von Einzelblättern durchläuft bei dieser Betriebsart zunächst den ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44, dann den Verbindungskanal 48, den zweiten Umdruck-Transportweg 46, den Abführkanal 52, erneut den Verbindungskanal 48, den Zuführkanal 50 und den ersten Umdruck-Transportweg 44 und wird dann am Ausgabeabschnitt 42 ausgegeben. Bei der Rückführung der vom zweiten Druckwerk D2 bedruckten Einzelblätter zum ersten Druckwerk D1 werden Einzelblätter an der Weiche W2 in der beschriebenen Weise eingefädelt und an der Weiche W3 entweder dem ersten Ring R1 oder dem zweiten Ring R2 zugeführt.In the following, the duplex printing operation with three printing will be explained with reference to FIG. The group of single sheets in this mode first passes through the first transfer transport path 44, then the connection channel 48, the second transfer transport path 46, the discharge channel 52, again the connection channel 48, the feed channel 50 and the first transfer transport path 44 and then output at the output section 42. When returning the printed by the second printing unit D2 single sheets to the first printing unit D1 single sheets are threaded on the switch W2 in the manner described and fed to the switch W3 either the first ring R1 or the second ring R2.

Wie anhand des Ausführungsbeispiels nach den Figuren 1 und 18 bis 28 zu erkennen ist, wird beim gruppenweisen Bedrucken der Einzelblätter erreicht, daß das erste Druckwerk D1 zu 100 % ausgelastet wird, d.h. für das Druckwerk D1 liegt ein unterbrechungsfreier Druckbetrieb vor. Die maximale Zahl von Einzelblättern einer Gruppe ist von der Gesamtlänge des Transportweges im Drucksystem abhängig. Die vorbestimmte Zahl von Einzelblättern einer Gruppe ergibt sich zu N INT { L 44 + L 46 + L 48 + L 50 + L 52 L B + a } ,

Figure imgb0001

wobei L44 die Länge des ersten Umdruck-Transportweges 44, L46 die Länge des zweiten Umdruck-Transportweges 46, L48 die Länge des Verbindungskanals 48, L50 die Länge des Zuführkanals 50, L52 die Länge des Abfuhrkanals 52, LB die Länge des Einzelblattes in Transportrichtung gesehen und a der Abstand zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgender Einzelblätter bei Umdruckgeschwindigkeit ist.As can be seen with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 18 to 28, the group-wise printing of the single sheets is achieved that the first printing unit D1 is 100% utilized, ie for the printing unit D1 is an uninterrupted printing operation before. The maximum number of individual sheets of a group depends on the total length of the transport path in the printing system. The predetermined number of individual sheets of a group results to N INT { L 44 + L 46 + L 48 + L 50 + L 52 L B + a } .
Figure imgb0001

where L 44 is the length of the first transfer transport path 44, L 46 the length of the second transfer transport path 46, L 48 the length of the connecting channel 48, L 50 the length of the feed channel 50, L 52 the length of the discharge channel 52, L B the Seen length of the single sheet in the transport direction and a is the distance between two consecutive single sheets at Umdruckgeschwindigkeit.

Es gibt eine weitere Berechnungsmethode zum Ermitteln der maximalen Zahl von Einzelblättern einer Gruppe. Das Einfädeln der Einzelblätter in den Verbindungskanal 48 kann ungetriggert oder getriggert erfolgen. Bei der ungetriggerten Betriebsart werden die vom Ring R2 herkommenden Einzelblätter in den Verbindungskanal 48 eingefädelt, ohne daß die Einzelblätter angehalten werden. Unter Zuhilfenahme der Figuren 1 und der Figuren 20 und 21 soll diese ungetriggerte Betriebsart näher erläutert werden. Wie erwähnt, wird das Einzelblatt B1 zwischen die Einzelblätter B6 und B7 im Verbindungskanal eingefädelt und nach oben gefördert und dann dem Drucker D1 zugeführt, während die Einzelblätter B6 und B7 dem Druckwerk D2 zugeführt werden (vgl. Figuren 20 und 21). Bei der ungetriggerten Betriebsart wird nun der Abstand zwischen den Einzelblättern ab dem Einzelblatt B6 so groß bemessen, daß das einzufädelnde Einzelblatt B1 mit definierter Geschwindigkeit auf dem Transportweg 52 gefördert wird und ohne anzuhalten zwischen die Einzelblätter B6 und B7 einfädeln kann. Die Geschwindigkeit der Einzelblätter auf dem Transportweg von der Weiche W4 bis zur Weiche W6, wo die Geschwindigkeit wieder auf Umdruckgeschwindigkeit reduziert wird, bleibt bei dieser Betriebsart annähernd konstant.There is another calculation method for determining the maximum number of single sheets of a group. The threading of the individual sheets in the connecting channel 48 can be carried out ungetriggered or triggered. In the ungetriggered mode coming from the ring R2 single sheets are threaded into the connecting channel 48 without the single sheets are stopped. With the aid of Figures 1 and Figures 20 and 21, this ungetriggered mode will be explained in more detail. As mentioned, the cut sheet B1 is threaded between the cut sheets B6 and B7 in the connection channel and conveyed upwardly and then fed to the printer D1, while the cut sheets B6 and B7 are fed to the printing unit D2 (see Figures 20 and 21). In the ungetriggered mode of operation, the distance between the individual sheets starting from the individual sheet B6 is now dimensioned so large that the individual sheet B1 to be threaded is conveyed on the transport path 52 at a defined speed and can thread without stopping between the individual sheets B6 and B7. The speed of the single sheets on the way from the diverter W4 to the diverter W6, where the speed is reduced again to Umdruckgeschwindigkeit remains almost constant in this mode.

Auf dem gemeinsamen Wegstück des Verbindungskanals 48 fädeln nacheinander das Einzelblatt B1 zwischen den Einzelblättern B6 und B7, das Einzelblatt B2 zwischen den Einzelblättern B7 und B8, das Einzelblatt B3 zwischen den Einzelblättern B8 und B9 und so fort ein. Die Weiche W3 wird beim Verlassen der Einzelblätter bei jedem Einzelblatt betätigt, um die aufeinanderfolgenden Einzelblätter abwechselnd dem ersten oder dem zweiten Druckwerk D1 oder D2 zuzuführen.On the common path piece of the connecting channel 48, the single sheet B1 between the individual sheets B6 and B7, the single sheet B2 between the individual sheets B7 and B8, the single sheet B3 between the individual sheets B8 and B9 and so on thread one after the other. The switch W3 is actuated when leaving the single sheets at each cut sheet to supply the successive single sheets alternately the first or the second printing unit D1 or D2.

Das Einzelblatt B1 und die folgenden Einzelblätter werden etwa ab der Weiche W6 bis zur Weiche W2 mit Umdruckgeschwindigkeit transportiert, an dem Druckwerk D1 zum dritten mal bedruckt und fädeln zwischen die Einzelblätter B6 und B7 sowie den folgenden Einzelblättern ein, welche einen entsprechenden Abstand voneinander haben. Nach dem Einfädeln an der Weiche W2 werden die Einzelblätter B1 und die folgenden Einzelblätter mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit zum Druckwerk D2 gefördert. Nach dem Verlassen des oberen Druckwerks D2 werden die Einzelblätter wieder mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit über die Weiche W4 in Richtung Papierausgabe 30 transportiert. An der Weiche W5 werden die Einzelblätter wahlweise gewendet, um sie in einem der Ausgabefächer 32, 34, 36 mit Vorderseite unten (face down) oder Vorderseite oben (face up) abzulegen. In der Zwischenzeit hat das letzte Einzelblatt B11 der ersten Gruppe von Einzelblättern das gemeinsame Wegstück im Verbindungskanal 48 passiert und das erste Einzelblatt B1' der nachfolgenden Elfergruppe kann eingezogen werden. Der Strom von Einzelblättern ist damit geschlossen.The single sheet B1 and the following single sheets are transported from the shunt W6 to the shunt W2 at Umdruckgeschwindigkeit printed on the printing unit D1 for the third time and thread between the single sheets B6 and B7 and the following single sheets, which have a corresponding distance from each other. After threading at the switch W2 the single sheets B1 and the following single sheets are conveyed at an increased speed to the printing unit D2. After leaving the upper printing unit D2, the single sheets are again transported at an increased speed over the shunt W4 in the direction of the paper exit 30. At the switch W5, the single sheets are selectively turned to place them in one of the output compartments 32, 34, 36 with the front down (face down) or front up (face up). In the meantime, the last cut sheet B11 of the first group of cut sheets has passed the common path in the connection channel 48 and the first cut sheet B1 'of the following group of pens can be fed. The stream of single sheets is closed.

Bei der ungetriggerten Betriebsart liegt der Anwendungsvorteil darin, daß kein besonderer Steuerungsaufwand beim Einfädeln an der Weiche W2 erforderlich ist. Vielmehr kann der Rücktransport der Einzelblätter vom oberen Druckwerk D2 zum unteren Druckwerk D1 mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit erfolgen. Nachteilig ist, daß Toleranzen in den Abständen zwischen den Einzelblättern innerhalb der Gruppe nicht ausgeglichen werden können und so ein Stau beim Einfädeln entstehen kann.In the ungetriggered mode of operation, the advantage is that no special control effort is required when threading the switch W2. Rather, the return transport of the individual sheets from the upper printing unit D2 for lower printing unit D1 at a constant speed. The disadvantage is that tolerances in the distances between the individual sheets within the group can not be compensated and so a jam during threading can occur.

Im folgenden wird die getriggerte Betriebsart erläutert. Gemäß den Figuren 20 und 21 ist das vom Druckwerk D2 zum Druckwerk D1 zu führende Einzelblatt B1 zwischen den Einzelblättern B6 und B7 an der Weiche W2 einzufädeln. Bei dieser Betriebsart ist der Abstand zwischen den Einzelblättern B6 und B7 sowie den folgenden Einzelblättern gleich dem kurzen Nominalabstand. Das Einzelblatt B1 wird nach dem Verlassen der Weiche W4 mit Wendefunktion mit so großer Geschwindigkeit in Richtung der Weiche W2 transportiert, daß es ausreichend früh vor der Weiche W2 ankommt, vorzugsweise bevor das Einzelblatt B6 die Weiche W2 passiert hat. An dieser Weiche W2 wird das Einzelblatt B1 kurz angehalten oder in seiner Geschwindigkeit verlangsamt. Der Weitertransport des Einzelblattes B1 wird dann vom Einzelblatt B6 getriggert. Vorzugsweise wird beim Verlassen des hinteren Endes des Einzelblattes B6 ein Signal erzeugt, das den Transport des Einzelblattes B1 in den Verbindungskanal 48 vorzugsweise mit derselben Geschwindigkeit veranlaßt, mit der auch das Einzelblatt B6 gefördert wird. Das Einzelblatt B1 fädelt also mit derselben erhöhten Geschwindigkeit zwischen den Einzelblättern B6 und B7 ein wie die Transportgeschwindigkeit des Einzelblattes B6 im Verbindungskanal 48. Kurz bevor das Einzelblatt B7 das erste Antriebswalzenpaar im Verbindungskanal 48 erreicht, wird dieses Walzenpaar und auch das darauffolgende im Verbindungskanal 48 in seiner Transportgeschwindigkeit auf Umdruckgeschwindigkeit reduziert, da sich das Einzelblatt B7 noch teilweise im Bereich des ersten Druckwerks D1 befindet, beispielsweise in ein Decurler. Demzufolge wird auch das Einzelblatt B1 in seiner Geschwindigkeit auf die Geschwindigkeit des Einzelblatts B7 reduziert. Wenn das Einzelblatt B7 den Druckbereich, vorzugsweise den Bereich des Decurlers, im Druckwerk D1 verläßt, kann es wieder mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit transportiert werden. Auch das Einzelblatt B1 wird dann mit erhöhter Geschwindigkeit vorwärtstransportiert und gelangt zum Transportweg 50. Das Einzelblatt B1 wird mit gleichbleibend erhöhter Geschwindigkeit bis zum Bereich an der Weiche W6 transportiert und dann auf Umdruckgeschwindigkeit heruntergesteuert. Der Zeitpunkt zur Reduktion der Transportgeschwindigkeit des Einzelblattes B1 kann auf das vorauslaufende Einzelblatt B11 abgestimmt sein. Dann kann die Lücke zwischen dem Ende des Einzelblatts B11 und dem Anfang des Einzelblatts B1 auf Nominalabstand oder geringfügig größer eingestellt werden. Die weiteren Einzelblätter B2, B3 etc. innerhalb der Elfergruppe von Einzelblättern werden in ähnlicher Weise transportiert, wie dies für das Einzelblatt B1 beschrieben worden ist.The following explains the triggered mode. According to FIGS. 20 and 21, the single sheet B1 to be led from the printing unit D2 to the printing unit D1 is to be threaded between the individual sheets B6 and B7 on the switch W2. In this operating mode, the distance between the individual sheets B6 and B7 and the following individual sheets is the same as the short nominal distance. The single sheet B1 is transported after leaving the switch W4 with reversing function with such great speed in the direction of the switch W2 that it arrives sufficiently early in front of the switch W2, preferably before the cut sheet B6 has passed the switch W2. At this switch W2 the single sheet B1 is stopped briefly or slowed in its speed. The further transport of the single sheet B1 is then triggered by the single sheet B6. Preferably, a signal is generated when leaving the rear end of the cut sheet B6, which preferably causes the transport of the single sheet B1 in the connecting channel 48 at the same speed with which the cut sheet B6 is promoted. The single sheet B1 thus threads at the same increased speed between the individual sheets B6 and B7 as the transport speed of the single sheet B6 in the connecting channel 48. Shortly before the cut sheet B7 reaches the first pair of drive rollers in the connecting channel 48, this pair of rollers and the subsequent in the connecting channel 48 in its transport speed reduced to transfer printing speed, since the cut sheet B7 is still partially in the range of the first printing unit D1, for example, in a Decurler. Consequently, the single sheet B1 is reduced in its speed to the speed of the single sheet B7. When the cut sheet B7 leaves the printing area, preferably the area of the decurler, in the printing unit D1, it can be transported at increased speed again. Also, the single sheet B1 is then transported forward at an increased speed and reaches the transport path 50. The single sheet B1 is transported at a consistently increased speed to the area at the switch W6 and then controlled down to transfer printing speed. The time to reduce the transport speed of the single sheet B1 can be matched to the leading single sheet B11. Then, the gap between the end of the cut sheet B11 and the beginning of the cut sheet B1 can be set at the nominal pitch or slightly larger. The other single sheets B2, B3 etc. within the group of individual sheets are transported in a similar manner as has been described for the single sheet B1.

Bei der getriggerten Betriebsart erfolgt ein kontrolliertes Einfädeln an der Weiche W2. Damit reduziert sich die Staugefahr beim Einfädeln und der Abstand zwischen den Einzelblättern kann minimiert werden. Nachteilig ist der erhöhte Regel- und Steueraufwand beim Einfädeln.In the triggered mode, controlled threading takes place at the shunt W2. This reduces the risk of congestion during threading and the distance between the individual sheets can be minimized. The disadvantage is the increased control and control effort when threading.

Bislang wurde der Duplex-Druckbetrieb beschrieben, wobei eine vorbestimmte Zahl von Einzelblättern, vorzugsweise elf, zu einer Gruppe zusammengefaßt ist und diese Gruppe beidseitig von den Druckwerken D1 und D2 bedruckt wird. Es ist eine weitere, durch die beigefügten Ansprüche umfaßte Betriebsart möglich, bei der kein gruppenweiser Transport der Einzelblätter erfolgt, sondern ein kontinuierliches Zuführen von Einzelblättern. Diese Betriebsart wird kontinuierliche Betriebsart genannt. Bei dieser kontinuierlichen Betriebsart wird nur jedes zweite Einzelblatt aus der Papiereingabe 16 eingezogen, d.h. der Abstand zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden eingezogenen Einzelblättern ist gleich der jeweiligen Blattlänge plus dem Nominalabstand. Die so entstehenden Lücken zwischen den Einzelblättern werden nacheinander durch vorauslaufende, bereits zweimal bedruckte Einzelblätter aufgefüllt. Auf diese Weise wird ein kontinuierlicher Einzelblattstrom erzeugt und die Druckwerke D1, D2 werden optimal genutzt. Damit die Blätter an der Weiche W2 kontrolliert eingefädelt werden können, ist neben einer Transportregelstrecke im Bereich der Weiche W2 eine zweite Transportregelstrecke im Bereich der Weiche W1 erforderlich. Die Abläufe und Transportgeschwindigkeiten der Einzelblätter von der Eingabe 16 bis zur Weiche W4 stimmen mit denen überein, wie sie beim ungetriggerten Betrieb beschrieben worden sind.So far, the duplex printing operation has been described, wherein a predetermined number of individual sheets, preferably eleven, is combined into one group and this group is printed on both sides of the printing units D1 and D2. There is another mode of operation encompassed by the appended claims, in which no groupwise transport of the single sheets takes place, but a continuous feeding of single sheets. This mode is called continuous mode. In this continuous mode, only every other single sheet is fed from paper feed 16, ie, the distance between two successive drawn sheets is equal to the respective sheet length plus the nominal distance. The resulting gaps between the individual sheets are successively through leading, already twice printed single sheets refilled. In this way, a continuous single-sheet flow is generated and the printing units D1, D2 are used optimally. Thus, the leaves can be threaded controlled on the switch W2, a second transport control path in the region of the switch W1 is required in addition to a transport control path in the region of the switch W2. The operations and transport speeds of the single sheets from the input 16 to the switch W4 are consistent with those described in ungetriggered operation.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
HochleistungsdruckerHigh-performance printers
12, 1412, 14
Fixiereinrichtungfixing
1616
Papiereingabepaper input
18 - 2418-24
Vorratsbehälterreservoir
2626
PapiereingabekanalPaper input channel
2727
Transportkanaltransport channel
2828
Eingabeabschnittinput section
3030
Papierausgabepaper output
32 - 3632 - 36
Papierbehälterpaper Trays
38, 4038, 40
Ausgabekanäleoutput channels
4242
Ausgabeabschnittoutput section
4444
erster Umdruck-Transportwegfirst transfer transport route
4646
zweiter Umdruck-Transportwegsecond transfer transport path
4848
Verbindungskanalconnecting channel
5050
Zuführkanalfeed
5252
Abführkanaldischarge channel
5454
Aussteuereinrichtungoff control means
W1 - W4W1 - W4
Weichengive way
R1R1
erster geschlossener Transportweg (Ring)first closed transport route (ring)
R2R2
zweiter geschlossener Transportweg (Ring)second closed transport route (ring)
D1D1
erstes Druckwerkfirst printing unit
D2D2
zweites Druckwerksecond printing unit

Claims (20)

  1. A method for printing individual sheets in a printer or in a copier,
    in which the individual sheets are successively supplied to a first printing unit (D1) for printing on a first side with a first colour,
    subsequently, the individual sheets are successively supplied to a second printing unit (D2) for printing with a second colour on the first side,
    and in which the individual sheets, while being turned over, are successively re-supplied to the first printing unit (D1) for printing with the first colour on the second side,
    wherein, at transfer printing speed, the individual sheets have a predetermined nominal spacing (a) from one another that is smaller than the length of an individual sheet as viewed in a transport direction,
    wherein in a continuous operating mode only every second individual sheet is pulled in from the paper input (16), and
    wherein the gaps between the individual sheets arising as a result of the distance of pulled in individual sheets are successively filled by preceding already printed individual sheets.
  2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distance between two successive individual sheets pulled in from the paper input (16) is equal to the respective sheet length plus the nominal spacing (a).
  3. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a continuous stream of individual sheets is generated, by means of which the two printing units (D1, D2) are charged to capacity in a time-optimized fashion.
  4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual sheets are transported from the paper input (16) via a first shunt (W1) arranged in an input section (28) to the first printing unit (D1), and wherein for a controlled threading-in of the individual sheets at a second shunt (W2) arranged between the printing units (D1, D2) a transport speed regulating path is provided in the area of the second shunt (W2).
  5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
    - the individual sheets are supplied to the first printing unit (D1) from an input section (28) via a first transfer printing transport path (44) to which a connecting channel (48) is connected, via which the individual sheets are supplied to a second transfer printing transport path (46) for the second printing unit (D2),
    - the second transfer printing transport path (46) ends into an output section (42), a discharge channel (52) being provided between the output section (42) and one end of the connecting channel (48) for the transport of the individual sheets, and wherein
    - a delivery channel (50) is arranged between the input section (28) and the other end of the connecting channel (48).
  6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the individual sheet to be threaded-in is slowed down in speed or stopped in front of the entry to the connecting channel (48).
  7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the group of individual sheets is first passed through the first transfer printing transport path (44), then the connecting channel (48), the second transfer printing transport path (46), the discharge channel (52), again the connecting channel (48), the delivery channel (50), the first transfer printing transport path (44), the connecting channel (48) and the second transfer printing transport path (46) and are then output at the output section (42).
  8. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual sheets are electrographically printed in both printing units (D1, D2).
  9. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first colour is different from the second colour.
  10. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during the transport of the individual sheets the distance between the individual sheets is substantially maintained at the printing units (D1, D2).
  11. A printer or copier device having a continuous operating mode,
    comprising means which are adapted to successively supply individual sheets to a first printing unit (D1) for printing on a first side with a first colour,
    subsequently, to supply the individual sheets to a second printing unit (D2) for printing with a second colour on the first side,
    and to successively re-supply the individual sheets, while being turned over, to the first printing unit (D1) for printing with the first colour on the second side,
    wherein at transfer printing speed, the individual sheets have a predetermined nominal spacing (a) from one another that is smaller than the length of an individual sheet as viewed in a transport direction,
    wherein in the continuous operating mode only every second individual sheet is pulled in from the paper input (16), and
    wherein the gaps between the individual sheets arising as a result of the distance of pulled-in individual sheets are successively filled by preceding already printed individual sheets.
  12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the distance between two successive individual sheets pulled in from the paper input (16) is equal to the respective sheet length plus the nominal spacing (a).
  13. The device according to one of the claims 11 or 12, wherein a continuous stream of individual sheets is generated, by means of which the two printing units (D1, D2) are charged to capacity in a time-optimized fashion.
  14. The device according to one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the individual sheets from the paper input (16) are transported via a first shunt (W1) arranged in an input section (28) to the first printing unit (D1), and wherein for a controlled threading-in of the individual sheets at a second shunt (W2) arranged between the printing units (D1, D2) a transport speed regulating path is provided in the area of the second shunt (W2).
  15. The device according to claim 14, wherein in the area of the first shunt (W1) a further transport speed regulating path is provided.
  16. The device according to one of the claims 11 to 15, wherein between a first transfer printing transport path (44) allocated to the first printing unit (D1) and a second transfer printing transport path (46) allocated to the second printing unit (D2) a connecting channel (48) is provided at which a second and a third shunt (W2, W3) are arranged, via which the two transfer printing transport paths (44, 46) are connected to a delivery channel (50) and a discharge channel (52).
  17. The device according to claim 16, wherein a fourth shunt (W4) is arranged between the second transfer printing transport path (46) and the discharge channel (52).
  18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the second, the third and/or the fourth shunt (W2 to W4) fulfil a turn-over function for an individual sheet.
  19. The device according to one of the claims 11 to 18, wherein the first transfer printing transport path (44), the connecting channel (48) and the delivery channel (50) form a first closed transport path (R1).
  20. The device according to one of the claims 11 to 19, wherein the second transfer printing transport path (46), the connecting channel (48) and the discharge channel (52) form a second closed transport path (R2) for individual sheets.
EP01122470A 1998-03-31 1999-03-31 Method and device for groupwise single sheet printing in duplex mode Expired - Lifetime EP1174772B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19814384 1998-03-31
DE19814384 1998-03-31
DE19836746 1998-08-13
DE19836746 1998-08-13
EP99917943A EP1068560B1 (en) 1998-03-31 1999-03-31 Method for printing individual sheets in groups using the duplex method

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EP1174772A3 EP1174772A3 (en) 2002-12-04
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EP (2) EP1068560B1 (en)
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US6647239B2 (en) 2003-11-11
EP1174772A3 (en) 2002-12-04
DE59913765D1 (en) 2006-09-21
WO1999050715A1 (en) 1999-10-07
US20020081120A1 (en) 2002-06-27
DE59901193D1 (en) 2002-05-16
JP4456757B2 (en) 2010-04-28
US6259884B1 (en) 2001-07-10
EP1068560A1 (en) 2001-01-17
JP2002510068A (en) 2002-04-02
EP1174772A2 (en) 2002-01-23
EP1068560B1 (en) 2002-04-10

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