EP1320076B1 - Device for protecting a printing module in a mail processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has protection frame (6) for the print mechanism in a non-secure region and a transverse motion arrangement for a print module (7), which is protected from unauthorized access. A protective cap (73) is attached to the print carriage (74) and encloses a region of the variable position printing module to be protected, whose movement is limited by the walls (63,65,66) of a box inside the supporting frame.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for protecting a printing module in a mail processing apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is suitable for devices with a safety housing, which inside a security area and a non-security area having a pressure module in the non-safety area is movably arranged and protected against unauthorized access must become. It comes especially in franking machines, Addressing machines and other mail processing equipment with a Ink jet printing device used.

Applicant's thermal transfer postage meter T1000 has a fixed in the housing thermal transfer print head for printing a franking imprint. The franking imprint includes one previously entered and stored postal information including the Postage fee data for carriage of the letter and will be in the security area produced and printed inside the case. An am Enclosed outside compartment limits a non-safety area and serves to accommodate a removable ribbon cassette. While a door leading to the compartment can be opened at any time can, the access to the security area of the printing device through prevents a safety housing (US 4,767,228).

If a franking machine is to be opened for repair purposes, Tearing screws of the safety housing must be destroyed. In Franking machines and other mail processing equipment with a Security enclosures can also use seals or plastic parts as further access protection for the microprocessor control and the control lines the fixed printhead are used. To a repair that requires opening the safety enclosure, must tear screws of the safety housing, seals or the the access protection plastic parts are replaced.

The franking machine JetMail® of the applicant is with a base and with equipped with a removable meter. Only the latter is by a appropriately trained housing protected against misuse. In contrast, the housing of the base, which has a mail transport device and an inkjet printing device, none Have protective function and can be trained repair friendly. Since the ink tank is separated from the printhead and replaced can be replaced, eliminates a replacement of the printhead. Also do not need any special security measures for the printhead or for protection of the drive and data signals, when using a special piezo inkjet printhead a security print is printed with a mark, which is a review of the Authenticity of the security impression allowed (US 6,041,704).

Also in franking machines with a security housing, i. without Separate housing for base and separable meter, are already Inkjet printheads used in the printing module (for example, in the mymail® of the Applicant, in the Personal Post ™ of Pitney Bowes and the PortoStar of Neopost). An ink tank and a bubble jet printhead are integrated in a removable ink cartridge as is for example, from the ½ inch ink cartridges from Hewlet Packard is already known. Because inside the security case a Non-safety area is designed for the print module, a must Hatch in the safety enclosure can be opened by the user, to remove or replace an empty ink cartridge. Because of the thus enabled access to the printing mechanism and, if appropriate to the printer electronics or contacting the ink cartridge can new ways to create a fake security print result. Some postal authorities have stricter requirements on the approval of franking machines, which causes their manufacturers to To equip such ink cartridges with additional security means or to take appropriate protective measures, so that neither indirectly via manipulated ink cartridges or directly to the printing process Can be influenced to print franking imprints, without paying for it.

In addition to the purely electronic solutions are already known, the mechanically prevent inadmissible during the printing process another printing device is controlled with the print data. After US 6,102,534 or EP 875 861 A2 can be a franking machine for Franking printing can only be operated when a hatch is closed is. However, the hatch must still be opened to an empty one Remove or replace the ink cartridge. A security area inside the device housing is none of the aforementioned Solutions specially protected.

European patent application EP 881 086 A2 discloses a secure printing device with removable printhead. Changing the printhead takes place in a change position instead, into which the printhead is moved and where it passes through an opening in the Security housing is accessible. In the exchange position is a possible Manipulation of the cables by a physical separation of the data and Control lines from the printhead prevented.

The user of a franking machine should continue to have the opportunity get to remove or replace an ink cartridge, without that by a required opening a possibility of manipulation exists to penetrate into the inner security area.

The invention is based on the object, a housing structure with internal chassis parts to develop which the internal security area cover and a non-safety area movably arranged Protecting the print module from unauthorized access the latter should cause only low production costs. In addition, should the risk of accident in the case of authorized access can be eliminated.

The object is achieved with the features of the arrangement according to the claim 1 solved.

Within the security enclosure there is at least one security area and at least one non-safety area, which by an opening in the safety housing is accessible. The aforementioned Opening and the non-safety area are, for example, in the upper housing part of the security housing and are from the security area spaced as far as possible inside the security enclosure. The security area is preferably located at the bottom of the security housing. A printing module is movably arranged in the support frame and mechanically protected against unauthorized access. It will based on the consideration that all control and data lines for the printing module continues in a flexible ribbon cable without special Sheath be performed. One on the print carriage of the Pressure module attached protective cap is moved when the print carriage by means of transverse movement means transversely to the mailpiece transport direction is moved. The protective cap is for enclosing a to be protected Formed area of the variable-pressure printing module. By a device construction with internal chassis parts is the security area protected inside the security housing against unauthorized access. Surrounded by at least two spaced apart chassis shells the security area. A support frame for the printing mechanism in the Non-safety area relies on at least one functional edge from at least one chassis shell. Through this construction will be the weight and the forces acting on the pressure mechanism over the Support frame on the chassis upper shell and of the latter on the Chassis lower shell derived on the lower housing part.

Advantageously, the printing mechanics for the service and for the Ink cartridge change easily accessible. After entering an unauthorized Signal is the print carriage with the ink cartridge in one Shifting position shifted from the ink cartridge or removed can be exchanged. A cover is provided for the user which covers the aforementioned opening. The cover is not Part of the safety housing and can be opened or removed at any time become. When the cover has been opened or removed is, the transverse movement means at a transverse movement of the printing module prevented. Although the flexible ribbon cable lies under the opening, when the print carriage is brought to a printing position for printing, however, the protective cap prevents access to the data and control lines in the ribbon cable. The print carriage becomes during printing not moved. In any other position, in which the carriage at closed cover can be brought, is the aforementioned Opening through the protective cap is not or not completely closed. The protective cap is for enclosing a protected area formed of the variable-pressure printing module. The protective cap is on Carriage attaches and closes the aforementioned opening in Housing only partially, according to the movement of the carriage in Direction to the print position to or away.

Figur 1,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine,

Figur 2,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Chassisanordnung,

Figur 3,

perspektivische Ansicht von montierten Chassisteilen,

Figur 4,

Draufsicht auf eine Frankiermaschine, die in einer XZ-Ebene geschnitten ist, mit Druckmodul in Druckposition,

Figur 5,

Draufsicht auf eine Frankiermaschine, die in einer XZ-Ebene geschnitten ist, mit Druckmodul in Kartuschenwechselposition,

Figur 6,

perspektivische Ansicht von vorn oben rechts einer aufgeschnittenen Frankiermaschine,

Figur 7,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Schutzkappe nach einer zweiten Variante,

Figur 8a, b,

perspektivische Ansichten einer Schutzkappe nach einer dritten Variante.

Figur 9a,

perspektivische Ansicht von vorn oben rechts auf das Druckmodul nach einer vierten Variante in Druckposition,

Figur 9b,

Seitenansicht von rechts auf den Führungskanal des Druckmoduls nach der vierten Variante,

Figur 9c,

Draufsicht auf das Druckmodul nach der vierten Variante,

Figur 9d,

Seitenansicht von links auf das Druckmodul nach der vierten Variante in Druckposition,

Figur 10a,

perspektivische Ansicht von hinten auf das Druckmodul nach der vierten Variante in Druckposition,

Figur 10b,

perspektivische Ansicht von hinten auf das Druckmodul nach der vierten Variante in Kartuschenwechselposition,

Figur 11a,

perspektivische Ansicht von vorn auf das Druckmodul nach einer fünften Variante,

Figur 11b,

Seitenansicht von links auf das Druckmodul nach der fünften Variante in Druckposition,

Figur 11c,

Seitenansicht von links auf das Druckmodul nach der fünften Variante in Kartuschenwechselposition.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1,

Perspective view of a franking machine,

FIG. 2,

perspective view of a chassis assembly,

FIG. 3,

perspective view of mounted chassis parts,

FIG. 4,

Top view of a franking machine, which is cut in an XZ plane, with printing module in printing position,

FIG. 5,

Top view of a franking machine, which is cut in an XZ plane, with printing module in cartridge exchange position,

FIG. 6,

perspective view from the top right front of a cut franking machine,

FIG. 7,

Perspective view of a protective cap according to a second variant,

FIG. 8a, b,

perspective views of a protective cap according to a third variant.

FIG. 9a,

perspective view from the top front right on the printing module according to a fourth variant in printing position,

FIG. 9b,

Side view from the right on the guide channel of the printing module according to the fourth variant,

FIG. 9c,

Top view of the printing module according to the fourth variant,

FIG. 9d,

Side view from the left onto the printing module according to the fourth variant in printing position,

FIG. 10a

perspective view from the rear of the printing module according to the fourth variant in printing position,

FIG. 10b,

perspective view from the rear of the printing module according to the fourth variant in cartridge exchange position,

FIG. 11a,

perspective view from the front of the printing module according to a fifth variant,

FIG. 11b,

Side view from the left onto the printing module according to the fifth variant in printing position,

FIG. 11c,

Side view from the left onto the printing module according to the fifth variant in cartridge change position.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a franking machine from the top front left. The plan view in the X direction on the YZ plane in the Cartesian coordinate system corresponds to a view of the franking machine from the front. The plan view opposite to the Y direction on the XZ plane in the Cartesian coordinate system corresponds to a view of the franking machine from above. The plan view in the Z-direction on the XY plane in the Cartesian coordinate system corresponds to a view of the franking machine from the left on their inbox page 27. A lower housing part 1 is with its bottom not shown on the XZ plane or on a plane parallel to the XZ plane.
A removable upper housing part 2 is arranged in the Y direction over the lower housing part 1. The franking machine has a split front. The front side 25, the incoming mail side 27 and the mail exit side 28 (not visible) of the housing upper part 2 have a slot-shaped opening 21 for a postal item to be franked, which can be fed in the Z direction. Below the opening 21 is a separately removable housing part 29 with a Brieflauffläche. The upper side of the housing has an inclined surface 22 towards the front side 25, which is suitable for receiving a user interface (not shown). On the housing upper side 23, which adjoins the inclined housing surface 22 in the X direction and which is delimited by a housing rear side 26, an opening 24 is arranged. For the user - not shown in FIG. 1 - flap is provided as a cover which covers the aforementioned opening 24 and can be opened or removed at any time. After entering an unauthorized signal, a printing module is moved to a position adjacent to the printing position, from which an ink cartridge can be removed or replaced. Only an authorized person, for example a service technician, may remove further housing parts. After removing the lower housing part 1 and upper part 2, a chassis arrangement which has a number of chassis parts arranged in the Y direction over a housing lower part 1 remains.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a chassis assembly in exploded view, which interconnects on a circuit board 4 mechanically protects elements 142 in the inner security area belonging to the control unit of the postage meter and for which heat dissipation is enabled by forced convection of air flow to the outside. Over a formed for protection and support purposes lower shell 3 and the circuit board 4, an upper shell 5 is arranged, which is shaped according to protection and support purposes. The upper shell 5 may comprise a group of arranged in a row outer vents, which are preferably formed slot-shaped on the outer edge. The lower shell 3 consists of a parallel to the lower housing part 1 shielding and support plate 31 and a rear side of the housing 26 parallel angled rear shield and support plate member 36 having at least one opening 39 for discharging a heated air flow to the outside. At least one component 41 is arranged in the Y direction over the printed circuit board 4 and accessible through an opening 32 in the angled rear shielding and support plate part 36. The aforementioned externally accessible component 41 is, for example, a plug / socket for a power plug cable. At least one group 42 of (only partially visible) components is arranged in the Y direction over the printed circuit board 4 and can be tamperproof covered by the upper shell 5 can be placed over it. Another group of (not visible) components on the underside of the circuit board 4 is covered in the assembled state by the lower shell 3 box-shaped. The aforementioned group 42 of components and the further group of (non-visible) components on the underside of the printed circuit board are thus arranged from the outside completely inaccessible and belong to the inner security area. The Abschirmund support plate 31 is parallel to the XZ plane and has at its side edges to the incoming page 27 and the post output side 28 angled and thereby parallel to the XY plane side edge surfaces 37 and 38. The rear shield and support plate member 36 is parallel to the YZ Level and has at the side edges to the inbox page 27 and the post output side 28 angled and thereby parallel to the XY plane side edge surfaces 33 and 34 (not visible). The lower shell 3 has an Abschirm- and support plate 31 and the housing front side 25 parallel angled and thereby extending to the functional edge parallel to the YZ plane front side sheet metal part 35 which has a parallel to the xz plane apron 34. The transition to the aforementioned apron 34 of the lower shell 3 is the one functional edge of the lower shell 3, which is spaced apart from the other functional edge 54 of the upper shell 5 in the assembled state. The lower shell 3 serves on the one hand for transmitting power to the lower housing part 1 and on the other hand for power dissipation and compliance with the EMC standards. The upper chassis shell 5 is delimited on the front side in the Y direction by the functional edge 54 and parallel to the front side or by a functional edge 541 parallel to the rear in the Y direction. The functional edge 54 of the upper chassis shell 5 is inverted U-shaped, ie ∩-shaped, designed and has an inner disposed near the front side wall 53 and an outer front side wall 55. From the functional edge 54 of the chassis upper shell 5 is the other Funktions-shaped functional edge 541st with an inner sidewall 531 and an outer rear sidewall 551 spaced in the X direction. Depending on a side wall 57 and 58 limits the chassis upper shell 5 poststromein- or post-current output side. A plate 56 lying parallel to the shielding and support plate 31 divides the inner cavity into a lower cavity and an upper cavity 60. The lower cavity (not visible) is provided for receiving accounting and control electronics for printing and is part of the internal security area. The upper cavity 60 is provided for receiving a pressure mechanism. In the plate 56, an opening 561 is arranged for cable entry.
In addition, a box 59 may be disposed on the chassis upper shell 5 extending, for example, in the X direction to the box rear wall 596 and bounded in the Z direction, ie downstream, by a box side wall 598, ie, post upstream, by a box side wall 599 becomes. If the box 59, as shown, has a box bottom 590, then in the latter at least one opening 591 is provided for electrical cables. The box 59 has for example in the X direction to the box back wall 596 a greater length than in the Z direction. The box side wall 599 is located in the middle of the length in the Z direction on the outer side wall 551, wherein all the walls preferably have a same height in the Y direction.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of assembled chassis parts 3, 4, 5 and 6. In the assembled state, the printed circuit board 4 equipped with components of the groups 42 and 45 rests on the apron 34 of the lower shell 3 at the front. On the circuit board 4, the chassis upper shell 5 is supported with its side walls. Each of the side walls 57 and 58 are equipped with fastening means 571 and 572 or - not visible - fasteners 581 and 582 to attach the chassis upper shell 5 poststromausgangsseitig to the chassis lower shell 3. Above its functional edges 54, 541, a support frame 6 is arranged as a further chassis part for supporting the pressure mechanism. The support frame 6 is limited poststromein- or post-current output side by side walls 67 and 68, respectively. The support frame 6 has a length in the Z-direction from one side wall 67 to the other 68, which is divided centrally by a partition wall 63 into two rectangular boxes, ie in a lying on the postal power input side box with a first base and one at the Poststromausgangsseite located box with a second base, wherein the box located on the postal power input side box has a smaller footprint than the box located on the Poststromausgangsseite box. The box located at the mail flow entrance side is bounded by an X direction rear wall 62, the partition wall 63, a front wall 64 and the side wall 67 and has a bottom plate 61 with the first base. The dividing wall 63 merges in the X direction into a side wall of the box located at the post-stream exit side, the side wall being flush with the side wall 599 of the box located thereunder. The box disposed above also has a front wall 65 and a rear X wall 66. All of the aforementioned walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 are cut open in elevation to reveal portions of the printing mechanism. A mail piece (not shown) is transported in the transporting direction Z by a driven transport drum (shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6) which is disposed opposite at least one spring-loaded counter pressure roller 11 (shown in Figs. 3 and 6). The visible in a window-like opening 291 a Brieflauffläche 290 of the separately removable housing part 29 counter-pressure roller 11 is not driven. A plate of the housing part 29 having the cross-over contact surface 290 is supported on the first functional edge 54 of the upper chassis shell 5.
A printing module 7 has a protective cap 73 and carries at least one replaceable ink cartridge 72, which can be fastened on a printing carriage 74. The protective cap 73 has two side walls 733, 739 and a rear side wall 736 and a ceiling plate 731. The latter has a sealing and guide strip 732.
A filled envelope is moved at a predetermined speed during printing in the transporting direction Z by means of a transfer drum protruding through an opening 692 in a bottom plate 611 of the support frame 6. The box located on the postflow exit side has, parallel to the dividing wall 63, a further dividing wall 69 extending in the X direction for limiting the bottom plate 611 in the Z direction. Both dividing walls 63, 69 have opposite in the vicinity of the printing position opposite in the Z-direction spaced openings 631, 691 for the transport drum. Between the partition wall 69 and the poststromausgangsseitigen side wall 68 may be disposed on the same plane as the bottom plate 61, a further base plate 612 through which a mail piece to be franked, in a manner not shown - in Fig. 1 shown - slit-shaped opening 21 of the housing upper part 2 inserted, that is supplied in the Z direction, is limited in its thickness from the letter transfer surface 290 in the Y direction.
The side wall 57 and the side wall 58 (not shown) are provided with bolts 571 and 581 (not visible) as fastening means. The bolt is rotatably mounted in a bearing opening 371 or 381 (not visible) of the side edge surfaces 37 and 38 (not visible) about which the upper chassis shell 5 is rotatable when the remaining fastening means 572 and 582 (not visible) are released. Common fasteners include breakaway bolts or sealed screws.

The thus protected security area can still have a high security area internally. Encapsulation of the high-security area by means of another housing provides additional mechanical protection. For postage meters, a security module has been developed for such a high-security area, which is equipped with a canceling unit, with a cryptographic unit for securing the postage fee data to be printed and with its own security housing.
The lower chassis shell 3 has ventilation openings 39 in the rear shielding and support sheet metal part 36 and possibly not shown ventilation openings in the printed circuit board 4 near the component 41.

4 shows a plan view of a postage meter machine, which is cut in an XZ plane, the position of the printing module clarified in print position. The latter is in the middle case the support frame over the area between the two aforementioned Function edges 54, 541 of the chassis upper shell. The case back 26 is suitably designed to be discharged through the Dissipate heat dissipation of the components heated airflow and with provided appropriate connector sockets to pluggable power cord and telephone and interface cables, etc. At the Case back 26 of the housing upper part 2 is a corresponding Component 41 disposed on the circuit board 4, wherein the chassis lower shell 3 and the chassis upper shell 5 on a security area limit the circuit board 4. Parallel to the rear of the housing 26 is the Rear side wall 66 of the box 63, 65, 66, 69 of the support frame, which for receiving the printing module and the transport drum 12th is predetermined. The latter is located near the front 25 and shown cut by the axis of rotation. The treads on the Outer diameter of the transport drum protrude in part in the box 62, 63, 64 and 67th with the bottom surface 61 and in the box with the side walls 68, 69th and with the bottom surface 612, which is near the inbox side 27 and inbox 28 are arranged. The axis of rotation of Transport drum 12 is parallel to the X-axis. On the back to the 26th facing side, the transport drum 12 has an opening in which the cartridge 72 is shown partially driven. In the Base plate 611 is an opening 692 in the region of the transport drum 12 provided, through which a force from the transport drum 12 is applied to the mailpiece to the postal item in the Z direction transport. One intended for the franking pressure opening is because The cartridge position is not visible, but so close to the opening 692 lie that both openings adjoin one another. The box 63, 65, 66, 69 of the support frame, which for receiving the printing module is provided has a cable feed-through opening 601 in the bottom plate 611, which are provided in the X direction from that for the franking pressure Opening is removed. This opening 601 is located within the the protective cap 73 covered area. The protective cap 73 is on attached to a print carriage 74 having an interface 77 for at least a removable ink cartridge 72 carries. The protective cap 73 has two side walls 733, 739 and a rear side wall 736 and a (in 4 not visible) ceiling plate 731. A flexible ribbon cable 76th connects the control located in the security area to the print head drive electronics 75 on the print carriage 74th If now the Print carriage 74 is moved to a stop plate 78 and thus reached the printing position, then the track for the flexible Ribbon cable 76 from the cable feed-through opening 601 to the terminal stretched on the print head drive electronics 75.

5 shows a plan view of a postage meter machine shown in FIG. 5, which is cut in an XZ plane, the position of the printing module clarified in cartridge change position. The latter is located in middle box 63, 65, 66 and 69 of the support frame over the area between the aforementioned functional edge 541 of the chassis upper shell and the case rear wall 26 located toward the case back 66. The protective cap 73 with side walls 733, 739 and the rear wall 736 is the print carriage 74 away from the stop plate 78 in the X direction method, wherein the rear side wall 736 to achieve the Cartridge change position brought close to the box back wall 66 becomes. In this case, the distance for the flexible ribbon cable 76 from the cable passage opening 601 until connected to the print head drive electronics 75 compressed. The cartridge 72 is now of the Opening 70 in the bottom plate 611 of the middle box of the support frame so far removed that they just under the opening in the upper housing part lies. The protective cap 73 is for enclosing the protective variable range and not disturbing for one Replacing the cartridge 72 formed.

6 shows a perspective view from the right of a cut open franking machine, with the upper housing part 2 with the slot 21 for supplying mail on the - not visible - post-entry side wall and with the post exit side side wall 28, with the housing part 29 on the front side 25 of the upper housing part 2, with the partition 15 on the lower housing part 1, with the group 51 of openings in the front side wall 55 of the chassis upper shell 5, with the partition wall 63, with the at least one removable ink cartridge 72, with the transport drum 12 and the at least one counter-pressure roller 11 in your Arrangement to each other, the latter being arranged in the space 60 of the chassis upper shell 5, which is separated by the bottom plate 56 from the space 50 for the arranged on the circuit board 4 components in the security area.
The transversely movable to the transport direction Z arranged printing module has in addition to the at least one removable ink cartridge 72, which protrudes in the printing position in part in the transport drum 73, a corresponding print carriage 74. More detailed explanations are the non-prepublished German patent application 100 32 855.5 removable, which the title carries: device for printing on a print carrier.
From the circuit board 4 through the bottom plate 611 through the ribbon cable 76 is guided to the connection to printer driver electronics 75. Not only during printing, that is, when the print carriage 74 for printing with the at least one replaceable ink cartridge 72 is brought into the printing position for printing through an opening 70 of the bottom plate 611, the protective cap 73 prevents access to the data and drive lines in the ribbon cable 76 or printer drive electronics 75. The protective cap 73 is attached to the print carriage 74 and closes the aforementioned opening 24 in the housing, corresponding more or less during the movement of the print carriage toward the printing position or away. In any other position in which the print carriage can be brought, the aforementioned opening 24 is thus not / not completely closed by the protective cap 73, so that there is a risk of accident that when gripped in the aforementioned opening 24 by hand, the print carriage 74 just moved becomes. A cover 20 is therefore required, for example, a flap, but which can be opened at any time. A microswitch 81 then turns off the lateral movement means (not shown) and prevents transverse movement of the print carriage 74. Alternatively, a sensor 82 can be used which detects the flap position 'open' before the shutdown is initiated.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a protective cap 73 ' a second variant. The protective cap 73 'has two side walls 733', 739 'and a ceiling plate 731'. The latter has a sealing and Guide bar 732 'on. Both side walls 733 ', 739' are in the X direction, i.e. to the back 66 of the center box of the support frame towards, formed reduced in area. Optional is in the protective cap 73 ', which is used to enclose a protected area of the variable-pressure module is formed, an opening 730 'for a Replacing at least one ink cartridge 72 provided.

In the figures 8a and b further perspective views of a Protective cap 73 "shown in a third variant 731 "is reduced in length in the X direction and a sealing and Guide strip deleted. To compensate, the protective cap has 73 " according to the third variant also has a rear wall 736 "next two side walls 733 ", 739" and a ceiling plate 731 " the latter can also have an opening 730 "for replacement at least one ink cartridge 72 may be provided. The back wall 736 ", however, is opposite to the first variant shown in FIG formed halved in an XZ plane. The missing second half up to the bottom plate on the back of the cap 73 "is replaced by a Middle plate 737 "of a protective cap lower part added or covered, which with two angled side walls 734 ", 735" in plan view forms an angular lying U-profile. From the center plate 737 "is a top surface 738 "angled so that the side edges of the top surface 738 "parallel to the side edges of the side walls 734", 735 "lie. The length of the side walls 734 "angled from the middle plate 737", 735 "in the X direction is approximately twice as large as the length of the Sidewalls 733 ", 739" in the X direction. This allows a shift of the protective cap lower part to the cap upper part relative to each other. The top surface 738 "of the cap bottom has an angled Stop 7381 ", which shows a displacement of the protective cap lower part limited to the cap top relative to each other. In the Fig. 8a is the ceiling plate 731 "opposite the above edged Below lying U-profile in the X direction shown shifted.

In Fig. 8b is a perspective view of the telescope sliding cap 73 "shown in opposite Direction, i. in the printing position, is shifted. This third variant with telescopic displacement is for mail processing equipment with a low installation depth particularly suitable.

In Fig. 9a is a perspective view from the top front right the printing module shown according to a fourth variant. The printing module 7a has a protective cap 73a attached to the carriage 74a and two Ink cartridges 72a and 72b, which carried by the print carriage 74a become. The latter can from the printing position by the control the transverse movement means 17 from the illustrated printing position into a Ink cartridge change position are moved. On the print car 74a is laterally a carriage 79 attached to a terminal 71 for the ribbon cable 76a. The carriage 79 is mounted in the Z direction on the print carriage 74a. But that should not exclude that alternatively a sled too on the opposite side to the Z direction on the print carriage 74 can be attached. A guide channel 14 extends laterally the pressure module 7a in the X direction and serves for guidance and protection the ribbon cable 76a from unauthorized access to its electrical Cables. In the Y direction, i. upwards, the guide channel 14 bounded by a protective wall 13. In the X-direction is an angle at the end 18 trained. The guide channel 14 with the protective wall 13 and the elbow 18 is fixed to the support frame 6 (not shown). The ribbon cable 76a becomes the non-security area in the Y direction from the security area guided and runs after a folding parallel to the Z direction. In this case, the ribbon cable 76a is folded on the angle piece 18th in that its flat side is arranged parallel to the YZ plane. After another folding, the ribbon cable 76a runs in the guide channel 14 parallel to the X direction. The ribbon cable 76a is included at the terminal 71 lined up in a line parallel to the Z-direction electrical lines and is arranged with its flat side parallelel to the XZ plane.

The side view shown in Figure 9b from the right on the guide channel of the printing module 7a according to the fourth variant shows an enlarged Section of the guide channel 14 with the carriage 79 and the terminal 71 for the ribbon cable 76a. The ribbon cable 76a is flexible and bent U-shaped in the XY plane. The ribbon cable 76a is used in Moving the print carriage guided within the guide channel 14, the U-shaped arc moves in the X direction or opposite thereto becomes. From the protective wall 13 a parallel channel wall 15 is spaced, wherein the distance D is greater than the smallest permissible bending radius the ribbon cable 76a is.

The plan view of the printing module according to FIG fourth variant clarifies how on the one hand the print head drive electronics (not visible) through the protective cap 73a and on the other hand the ribbon cable 76a through the protective wall 13 against an unauthorized Access from above is protected. For replacing used Ink cartridges, the lock by the operation of the lever 10 a and 10b are opened and then new ink cartridges 72a, 72b in used the print carriage 74 a, wherein the ink jet print heads on the Interfaces 77a and 77b with the printhead drive electronics (not visible) to be contacted. Subsequently, the lock restored by the levers 10a and 10b. Only in the area of Pressure module 7a, the area during the replacement is accessible, the ribbon cable 76a through the protective wall 13 against protected from unauthorized access from above. In the back of the Printing module 7a, the angle 18 is formed so that the 76a ribbon cable outside rather than within the movement space of the Print module 7 a is guided, wherein the movement space through the Walls 63, 65, 66 and 69 of the box within the support frame is limited (Figure 4).

FIG. 9d shows the side view from the left onto the printing module illustrated the fourth variant, wherein the printing module 7a in printing position located. The movement space of the printing module 7a is in the Z direction bounded by a guide wall 19, with the protective wall 13 forms the guide channel. The print carriage 74a carries print head drive electronics 75 (dashed line, not visible), which via interfaces 71a, 71b with the ink cartridges 72a, 72b is connectable and covered by the protective cap 73 a, wherein the slide 79 in a guide slot 191 of the guide wall 19th runs and extends in the X direction.

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view from the rear of FIG Printing module shown according to the fourth variant, wherein the Pressure module 7a is in the printing position.

FIG. 10b is a perspective view from the rear of FIG Printing module according to the fourth variant shown, wherein the pressure module 7a in a position furthest from the printing position for example, in the cartridge change position. The protective cap 73a succeeded in abutment with the inner wall of the elbow 18th Both figures illustrate the convolutions of the parallel to the Z direction guided ribbon cable 76 a, which abuts the elbow 18. For every Change of direction of the ribbon cable 76a requires a convolution.

FIG. 11 a is a perspective view from the front of FIG Printing module shown according to a fifth variant, wherein the Connecting the ribbon cable 76b on the back of the print carriage 74b, i.e. located on the protective cap 73b and the ribbon cable 76b in a to Z-direction parallel line contains strung electrical lines and is arranged with its flat side parallelel to the XZ plane. The Ribbon cable 76b is thereby within the movement space of the printing module 7b, wherein the movement space through the walls 63, 65, 66 and 69 of the box is limited within the support frame (Figure 4). To protect the electrical lines, the ribbon cable 76b is replaced by a special flexible protective jacket 9b against an unauthorized person Access protected. The protective sheath 9b consists of a flattened Hose piece 94b and goes at the one end in the protective cap 73b, which covers the printhead drive electronics serves. The tube piece 94b is for receiving a ribbon conductor 76b formed and preferably has a non-positive and positive connection with the protective cap 73b, which is designed for strain relief is. The protective cap 73b is designed for attachment to the pressure module 7b, wherein the means for attachment are arranged so that the latter from access through the opening 24 are inaccessible. The protective coating 9b leads at the other end to a connector 99b, the For example, via a bracket 98b on the support frame 6 (Fig. 3) attachable is and is designed for strain relief. The hose piece For example, Figure 94b is made of a particularly durable Made of plastic and is flexible. The tube piece 94b has a metallic all-round shield, not shown, for Example a flexible internal copper wire netting.

FIG. 11b shows the side view from the left onto the printing module illustrated the fifth variant, wherein the printing module 7b in printing position located.

FIG. 11b shows the side view from the left onto the printing module illustrated the fifth variant, wherein the pressure module 7b in Cartridge change position is located.

In the figure 9a is in addition to the perspective view of the printing module according to the fourth variant, also an interconnection with a switch 81 represented, at least temporarily in mechanical contact with a Removable cover (not shown) is available. At least the switch 81 or a sensor 82 (shown in phantom) via a drive circuit 83 with a stepper motor 16 for driving the transverse movement means 17th connected. As a transverse movement means 17 is for example a spindle, which cooperates with the print carriage, according to the direction of rotation the spindle to achieve a transverse movement. The switch 81 is on the one hand with a supply voltage (not shown) and on the other connected to the drive circuit 83 and switches the supply voltage too if a cover is the opening for replacing at least one ink cartridge closes. It is intended that the Transverse movement means 17 at a transverse movement of the printing module. 7 be prevented after a cover (not shown) open or has been removed, which the opening (shown in Figure 1) in the housing 2 covers.

Claims (16)

1. An arrangement for the protection of a print module in a post processing appliance having a support frame (6) for the print mechanism in the non-protected area and transverse-movement means (17) for moving the print module (7) in transverse direction, wherein the print module (7) is arranged in support frame (6) transversely movable in relation to the postal-item transport direction (Z) and mechanically protected from unauthorized access and wherein means (81, 82, 83) are provided that prevent the transverse-movement means (17) from moving the print module (7, 7a, 7b) in transverse direction after a cover (20) covering an opening (24) in the upper part of the protective housing (2) has been opened or removed, said opening (24) being provided for exchanging at least one ink cartridge (72, 72a, 72b), characterized in that a protective cap (73, 73', 73", 73a, 73b) is fixed to the print carriage (74, 74a, 74b) and is shaped for enclosing the data and control lines of a flat cable of the movable print module (7, 7a, 7b) the movement range of which is limited by the walls (63, 65, 66 and 69) of a box within the support frame (6).
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the protective cap (73) shaped for enclosing a protective area of the movable print module, there is provided an opening (730) for exchanging at least one ink cartridge (72).
3. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (20) is shaped as an operating means and is provided as a hand guard that can be opened any time.
4. An arrangement according to any of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that, in the upper part of the housing (2), there is arranged a switch (81) that can be operated by cover (20) and that switches off the transverse-movement means while cover (20) is open.
5. An arrangement according to any of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that, in the upper part of the housing (2), there is arranged a sensor (82) that can be triggered by cover (20) in order to switch off the transverse-movement means while cover (20) is open.
6. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two chassis shells (3, 5) spaced from one another enclose a printed circuit board (4) with the protected area, said chassis shells carrying a support frame for the print mechanism in the non-protected area, which causes that the non-protected area with print module (7) and opening (24) in the upper part of the protective housing (2) are spaced from the protected area.
7. An arrangement according to any of claims 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that cover (20) is a flap.
8. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective cap (73') has at least two lateral walls (733', 739') and a cover plate (731').
9. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective cap (73") has at least two lateral walls (733", 739") and a cover plate (731") as well as a back wall (736").
10. An arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover plate (731) of protective cap (73) has a sealing and guide strip (732).
11. An arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the protective cap (73") has an upper part of the protective cap with two lateral walls (733", 739"), a cover plate (731") as well as a half back wall (736") and a lower part of the protective cap with two lateral walls (734", 735") angled from a center plate (737"), wherein the latter replaces the missing half of back wall (736") and wherein a cover surface (738") is angled from center plate (737") so that the lateral edges of cover surface (738") are parallel to the lateral edges of lateral walls (734", 735") and that the cover surface (738") of the lower part of the protective cap, on its end distant from center plate (737"), has an angled limit stop (7381") that limits a shifting of the lower part of the protective cap on the upper part of the protective cap in relation to one another.
12. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that protective cap (73, 73b) covers a print-head driving electronics module (75) and a flat cable (76, 76b), said flat cable (76, 76b) being guided inside the moving space of print module (7, 7b).
13. An arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the flat cable (76b) is protected from unauthorized access by means of a special flexible protective sheathing (9b).
14. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that protective cap (73a) covers a print-head driving electronics module (75) and a flat cable (76a), said flat cable (76a) being guided outside the moving space of print module (7a) in a guide channel (14) having an angle piece (18) on its end in X-direction.
15. An arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the flat cable (76a) is lying on angle piece (18) and has at least one folding; that guide channel (14) comprises a guide wall (19), a protective wall (13) and a channel wall (15) parallel to it, wherein the moving space of print module (7a) is limited in Z-direction by guide wall (19); and that protective wall (13) and channel wall (15) are spaced from one another in such a way that the distance (D) is larger than the smallest permissible bending radius of flat cable (76a).
16. An arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that a slide (79) is fixed laterally to print carriage (74a) and runs in a guiding slot (191) of guide wall (19), wherein the guiding slot (191) extends in X-direction, and that slide (79) is equipped with a connection (71) for the flat cable (76a).

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