EP1224082B1 - Printing module for two printing substrates and distributors equipped with modules of this type - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing module includes a prism-shaped frame (8), two of its adjacent faces (10A, 10B) each defining a guiding path for a printing substrate (3A, 3B), the forward movement of the printing substrates being effected towards the extremity (11) of the two faces; two printing heads (30A, 30B) each placed on one of the paths; and bars (16A, 16B) for guiding and moving (20A-27A) each printing substrate on its path. Also relates to automatic distributors of printed or pre-printed substrates having printing modules of this type.

Description

The present invention relates to a module printing for at least two printing media, as well as distributors of these media or labels fitted with one or more modules printing.

In a label dispenser, for example, the function of such a print module will be to deliver two labels printed consecutively from either of the two print media through a single distribution slot, with preferably the possibility of also issuing pre-printed labels.

So far, the cost of a printhead, particularly thermal, was high and the solution which was therefore retained consisted of a mechanism with a single print head and two paths different in advance for the two supports printing. This solution required a system complicated to bring the two supports alternately next to the print head.

SE-A-8 500 911 1 describes a printing module for at least two printing supports, the printing module comprising a frame, two paths guide for print media, printing means, and means of driving each print medium on its way beforehand.

The object of the present invention is to provide a other simpler solution regarding advance and guiding the print media, based on the implementation of two printheads, with preferably the possibility of making each of them inoperative for a simple distribution function of preprinted materials.

• un bâti en forme sensiblement de prisme dont deux faces adjacentes définissent chacune un chemin de guidage pour l'un des supports d'impression, l'avance des supports d'impression se faisant en direction de l'extrémité commune aux deux faces ;
• deux têtes d'impression ménagées chacune sur l'un des chemins ; et
• des moyens de guidage et des moyens d'entraínement de chaque support d'impression dans son chemin d'avance.

It offers a printing module for at least two printing supports, characterized in that it comprises:

• a frame substantially in the form of a prism, of which two adjacent faces each define a guide path for one of the printing supports, the advance of the printing supports being in the direction of the end common to the two faces;
• two print heads each provided on one of the paths; and
• guide means and means for driving each print medium in its path of advance.

This prism-shaped configuration allows in particular to successively guide the supports of paper through a single distribution slot. She also makes it possible to provide a cutting means common for print media placed downstream of the end of the frame where the supports meet printing. We can thus replace the modules of the existing distributors which originally included a single print head. Preferably, each print head can be raised to the off position service, for a simple distribution function.

Another advantage is the fact that the means of driving the supports can be accommodated inside the frame, each print head can be arranged on a removable head support arranged opposite the exterior of the frame and comprising means of attachment to the latter.

Another characteristic of the invention resides in what the print module is expected to be able to be loaded on at least one of its paths adaptable print media, each media for this purpose consisting of a succession differentiated areas, for example by their color, each area can be printed and / or cut, from so that the final support can consist of a zone alone, in less than all of these areas, or in the all of these areas.

The print module exposed above was more particularly designed as part of a more general relating to vending machines print media printed therein or preprinted, and the present invention therefore relates to also these distributors.

Such a distributor is therefore characterized, according to the invention, in that it comprises at least one of said printing modules.

In an advantageous embodiment, the distributor is a block consisting of a chest rectangular with a door on the front opening laterally, which door includes a touch keyboard, screen, means for payment in cash and by card, and a distribution bowl, at least two modules being placed side by side and point down in the trunk so that it is directly accessible from the outside after opening from the door, and to communicate with said exit bowl in the door.

For particularly postal applications, the dispenser can be provided with a built-in scale in its upper wall, for the supply of postage labels.

• la Fig. 1 montre schématiquement de côté les éléments fonctionnels du module selon l'invention ;
• la Fig. 2 est une vue en élévation en perspective de trois quart montrant le module, selon un mode de réalisation, installé sur un châssis de distributeur et montrant le massicot en position ouverte ;
• la Fig. 3 est une vue similaire à la Fig. 2, mais montrant le module de l'autre côté par rapport à la Fig. 2, et dans laquelle le massicot est en position fermée de fonctionnement ;
• la Fig. 4 est une vue en perspective latérale du module, avec certains éléments non représentés, illustrant notamment les moyens d'entraínement de l'un des supports d'impression ;
• la Fig. 5A est une vue en perspective du massicot du module selon l'invention en position ouverte ;
• la Fig. 5B est une vue en perspective du massicot de la Fig. 5A en position fermée de fonctionnement ;
• la Fig. 6A est une vue en perspective de dessous montrant en éclaté la fixation de la tête d'impression sur le support d'impression ;
• la Fig. 6B est une vue en perspective en élévation du support de tête d'impression de la figure 5A montrant le rouleau d'entraínement libre en position relevée ;
• la Fig. 6C est une vue en perspective arrière du support de tête d'impression montrant son rouleau d'entraínement libre en position de fonctionnement ; et
• les Figs. 7a et 7b sont des vues en perspective représentant un même distributeur automatique selon l'invention, avec sa façade respectivement en position fermée et en position ouverte.

The present invention will be better understood and other advantages will become apparent in the light of the description which follows of an exemplary embodiment, description made with reference to the drawings in which:

• Fig. 1 schematically shows from the side the functional elements of the module according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 is a perspective elevation view of three quarters showing the module, according to one embodiment, installed on a distributor frame and showing the cutter in the open position;
• Fig. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the module on the other side with respect to FIG. 2, and in which the cutter is in the closed operating position;
• Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of the module, with certain elements not shown, illustrating in particular the drive means of one of the print media;
• Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the cutter of the module according to the invention in the open position;
• Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 5A in the closed operating position;
• Fig. 6A is a perspective view from below exploded showing the attachment of the print head to the print medium;
• Fig. 6B is a perspective view in elevation of the print head support of Figure 5A showing the free drive roller in the raised position;
• Fig. 6C is a rear perspective view of the print head support showing its free drive roller in the operating position; and
• Figs. 7a and 7b are perspective views showing the same automatic dispenser according to the invention, with its front respectively in the closed position and in the open position.

In Fig. 1 are shown from the side schematically the functional elements of the module 1 according to the invention as well as the two distribution rollers 2A and 2B each for one print media, respectively 3A, 3B, and the front wall 4 of a distributor, which is provided a distribution slot 5. The rollers of distribution 2A, 2B, are fixed on the chassis 7 of the distributor (see Fig. 2). This one delivers consecutively, as instructed by a unit central, labels printed 6 on support 3A or on the support 3B through a single slot of distribution 5.

According to the invention, the printing module 1 is characterized by a frame 8 in the form of substantially prism whose base 9 is here triangular and extends in the plane of FIG. 1. Two of the faces of the prism, referenced 10A and 10B, which are adjacent, are each used as a guide path print media 3A and 3B respectively, the two paths joining at the common end 11 of these two faces facing the slot 5 of the dispenser. The inclination of the faces 10A, 10B at the extremity 11, with respect to their median plane, is lower than in the rest of frame 8 so that minimize the size of the frame 8 and best guide the print media next to slot 5 of the distributor. The module 1 comprises downstream a frame 8 a cutter 15 for cutting print media who show up for distribution. This cutter will described later in detail. In a manner known per se and not detailed here, each print medium 3A, 3B, is guided laterally by guide bars 16A, 16B, U-shaped, flared at the end input, and adjustable transversely to be adapted to the width of the print media (see also Figs. 3 and 4).

In the frame 8 of the module are housed means which are independent for each print media 3A, 3B, including for media printing 3A 20A stepping motor meshing a series of toothed gears 21A, 22A, 23A and 24A, the latter in turn meshing with the end part 25A (see also Fig. 4), of a drive roller 26A having an outer surface of non-slip material intended for come into contact with the print media. Frame 8 of module has for this purpose a window of positioning 27A for the roller 26A so that its drive surface is raised from the face 10A of the frame 8 to be thus susceptible actually drive the printing medium 3A. Toothed gears and stepper motors are fitted on pins or ends of spindles projecting from the wall forming the base 9 of the frame 8. Likewise the roller 26A drive has at each of its ends an axis of rotation (such as 28 in Figure 4) guided in a corresponding hole in the frame 8. The 20A motor is suitable for advancing or retreating the support 3A print on its guide path in function instructions received from the central control unit from the distributor.

For training the 3B print medium, drive means (not shown on the similar figures are provided, arranged symmetrically with respect to a parallel median plane in the plane of FIG. 1 on the opposite triangular wall to the wall 9 of the frame 8, and adapted to cause a drive roller 26B also arranged in a positioning window 27B (see Fig. 1).

According to the invention, provision is made for each support 3A, 3B printers, thermal print head respectively 30A, 30B, of the desired width, fixed on a removable head support 31A, 31B, and positioned opposite the drive roller 26A, 26B combined so that the roller also forms anvil at the time of printing by the head printing.

As seen in more detail in Figs. 6A-6C, showing in particular as an example the support of head 31A, this is removable and can be fixed laterally on the triangular walls 9 of the frame 8 to using two lateral locking hooks 35a, 35b cooperating with notches in the frame 8 formed at this effect (not visible in the figures). A spring 36a, 36b, continuously requests the hook corresponding 35a, 35b in the hanging position, the hooks extending by operating arms 37a, 37b which can be joined together.

The 30A thermal print head is attached to its support using two fixing screws 38a, 38b engaged in holes 39a, 39b of the head support 31A and in threads of said head. The connection to the distributor control unit is done using 40A flexible connection tape and connector 41A disposed on the face 10A of the frame 8 (see Figs. 2 and 3).

The head support 31A, 31B is also equipped with a free drive roller 42 and a mechanism for putting the roller in a operating position in which it comes to print media contact, pressing against roller 26A, 26B, making the head inactive; or in a reverse raised position in which the head is active. The mechanism for switching from one mode "presser" in a "print" mode includes two small springs adapted to hold the roller in either position. We can thus go from simple way to "presser" mode without having to disassemble the print head for example to deliver a preprinted label.

The cutter 15, shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, has a movable front wall 50 provided with a blade 51; and a housing 52 provided with a fixed counter blade 53 and containing a motorized mechanism adapted to move in translation the wall 50 to cut the support 3A or 3B printing. This mechanism includes a motor step by step 55 receiving instructions from operation of the distributor control unit, and successively meshing toothed gears 56 which cooperate with a rack 58 secured to the wall moving front 50. Detection means 57 are also provided in the housing 52 to detect the presence of print media and trigger the cutting operation via the central control unit. The displacement in translation of the wall 50 is guided by two hinge elements 59a, 59b presenting each a bore which cooperates with a lateral axis 60 belonging to the housing 52. This axis 60 is of section circular, also serving as a hinge axis the wall 50 relative to the housing 52, and allowing thus to have access to the motorized mechanism. AT the end opposite the hinge pin 60 is find closing means, for example by snap-fastening, from the wall 50 to the housing 52. The cutter 15 is mounted on module 8 using a hinge 62 (see Fig. 5B), also fixed laterally on the housing 52 on the side of the axis articulation 60. A locking arm 64, cooperating with a suitable organ arranged laterally on the triangular base of the frame 8, allows lock the cutter 15 in the closed position of operation. The open position shown in Fig. 2 facilitates access to the elements of the module especially to switch from mode "printing" in "presser" mode of the printing medium 31A, 31B.

The device operates as follows. The central control unit sends an instruction by example to the 20A stepper motor to advance the 3A printing medium via the means 22A-26A drive. This one will advance until find next to the print head 30A. This one then receives a printing instruction. Ways 22A-26A drive then advance the support printed 6 in the dispensing slot 5 and a instruction is given to the cutter motor 15 to lift the blade 51. To deliver consecutively a label printed from the support 3B printing, the central unit will order in a first step back of the 3A print medium up to the level of the print head 31A then order the same procedure as above for the support 3B. Please note that for movement control in and out of the print media in the modules, a transmissive type optical sensor is advantageously provided on board at least one of the guide bars 16A, 16b, for controlling the print media and read them displacements cooperating with lateral weeding appropriate of it showing variations of the light transmission factor.

Figs. 7A and 7B represent a distributor according to the invention, more specifically a device of distribution and printing whose vocation is to offer automatic customer service a plurality of different services in a limited volume.

This device is in the form of a block compact 100, the dimensions of which can be example of around 60 cm for its width and depth, and 70 cm for its height. It is in the represented form of a distribution block and more specifically intended to equip a post office, and can provide for example, selected from a wide range of possibilities, postage labels, stamps, tickets for shows, receipts for payments by bank card.

Block 100 consists of a chest rectangular, with a front door 101 laterally articulated, and a built-in scale 102 in the upper wall.

Partly mounted in door 101 upper, a keyboard 103 and a touch screen 104 to provision for programming according to selected services and for customers, a coin mechanism 105, a bank card reader 106, a control unit 107, and in the lower part, a distribution bowl 108.

In accordance with the invention, in its volume inside, block 100 includes two modules of the type described above and therefore designated by the same reference 1 as in the figures previous modules which 1 are arranged side by side side, point down, and both communicate in exit with the only 108 bowl.

The modules 1 are arranged so as to be directly accessible from the outside after opening of door 100, Fig. 7B, and for this purpose they are advantageously pivotally mounted in their part lower, so that it can be switched to the exterior to allow full accessibility to each of their two paper paths after lifting the corresponding print head holder.

Block 100 can therefore be loaded with four different supports, which come in the form paper roll or paper / silicone complex.

Block 100 can print blank media or partially preprinted, after which these are cutters and transferred to the bowl 108.

Block 100 can also, for supports pre-prints such as stamp sheets, ensure simple dispenser function, head support 31A, 31B of the corresponding paper path then being tilted to activate the roller presser 42 instead of print head 30A, 30B, this operation can be performed manually when loading the roll of preprinted media.

Adaptable print media design further increases the multiplicity of services offered to customers' choice by a block of distribution and printing according to the invention. Each print media can thus include a succession of zones or bands possibly differentiated by their color, for example an area white central between lower bands and upper blue and red. Each zone or band can be printed and cut, the final media to be deliver to customer may consist of a band alone, or in the middle band plus one of the lower or upper bands, or all of the three bands. The bands to be eliminated may receive a marking indicating their cancellation.

Such an adaptable support is for example provided in as a label for postal parcels, to receive in its central area a code for automatic reading such as barcode, while a colored stripe adjacent is intended for manual processing.

Finally, in the case where the printing blocks 1 are equipped with thermal print heads, another differentiation parameter can be used, with regard to the printing color (for example black or red), which can be selected with papers by varying their scrolling speed.

Of course, the distribution block and printing according to the invention can distribute several supports in one operation, for example a sheet of stamps and / or a label postage with a card payment receipt banking.

It goes without saying that variant embodiments are possible, especially in printing modules where print heads can be housed in the rack of the module and the training means arranged accordingly, and where, moreover, the invention is not limited to printheads thermal.

Claims (16)

1. Print module (1) for at least two substrates (3A and 3B), comprising:

   a frame (8) of an approximately prismatic shape of which the two adjacent faces (10A and 10B) each define a guide path for one of the printing substrates, the printing substrates being fed towards the extremity (11) of the two faces;

   two print heads (30A and 30B), each in one the paths, and

   means of guiding (16A and 16B) and means of propelling (20A and 27A) each printing substrate in its feed path.
2. Module according to Claim 1, characterised in that means (15) are arranged downstream from the print heads to cut consecutively one of the printing substrates.
3. Module according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the means of cutting comprise a guillotine (15) mounted on the frame (8) by a hinge (62) allowing it to adopt an open or closed functional position.
4. Module according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterised in that the means of cutting (15) includes means (57) of detecting the presence of the printing substrate.
5. Module according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it has thermal print heads.
6. Module according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each of the print heads can be separately raised to an inoperative position.
7. Module according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the means of driving (20A-27A) are housed inside the frame (8) and comprise for each printing substrate (3A and 3B) a drive roller (26A and 26B) designed to come into contact with the printing substrate and geared to a system of sprockets (21A-24A) driven by a stepping motor (20A).
8. Module according to Claim 7, characterised in that each print head (30A and 30B) faces the outside of the frame (8), each drive roller (27A and 27B) facing the associated print head so as also to form an anvil for the said head.
9. Module according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that each print head (30A and 30B) is mounted on a movable head support (31A and 31B) including means of fixing (35a and 35b) to the frame (8).
10. Module according to Claim 9, characterised in that the head support includes roller (42) which is free to rotate and can adopt a first "functional" position in which the said roller is in contact with the printing substrate, the print head being then inactive, and a second, raised, position in which the said roller is not in contact with the printing substrate, the print head being then in operation, and means of positioning the roller in one or other of these positions.
11. Module according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that at least one of its paths is loaded with adaptable printing substrates, each substrate consisting for this purpose of a succession of differentiated zones, each zone able to be printed and/or cut, so that the final substrate can consist of a single zone, fewer than all of the zones or all of the zones.
12. Module according to Claim 11, characterised in that the said zones of the said adaptable printing substrate are differentiated by their colour.
13. Automatic dispenser of printed substrates, characterised in that it includes at least one print module (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12.
14. Dispenser according to Claim 13, characterised in that it consists of a unit (100) presenting on the front face a door (101) which opens laterally and incorporates a touch-sensitive key pad (103), a screen (104), means of payment (105, 106) in cash or by card and a delivery tray (108), at least two modules (1) being placed side-by-side and point-downwards in the box so as to be directly accessible from the outside after the door (101) is opened and to communicate on exit with the said tray (108) in the door (101).
15. Dispenser according to Claim 14, characterised in that the said print modules (1) are mounted to pivot in their lower sections so as to be able to swing towards the outside to provide accessibility to each of their two paper paths.
16. Dispenser according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterised in that it also includes a weighing machine (102) set into its top surface.

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