EP2452824A1 - Modular printer with a removable box-shaped component - Google Patents

Abstract

The control unit of the pressure equipment is provided, which is programmed for change-over of an operating mode to maintenance mode, and hence ensures reduced danger of injury for the operator.

Description

The invention relates to a modular printer device with a removable box-shaped unit, according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1. Under a printer device is to be understood a device that is equipped for printing on flat to be printed goods during the passage of the flat goods through the device is. The invention allows the removal of a box-shaped unit from the printing device, jam of flat goods to be printed in the transport path and disturbances of the flow of flat goods, for cleaning the sensors and the transport elements and for emptying the ink collection container and for maintenance of the transport unit of the printing device. The invention is suitable for use in franking machines, postage metering systems and the like. suitable printing devices or mail processing systems.

From the European patent application EP 2072272 A2 a transport device for flat goods to be printed is known, which has a roller mounted on a driven conveyor belt, which is supported on a support plate, wherein the flat goods to be printed are pressed against gravity against the conveyor belt in the support area from below by means of support strips. The flat goods are transported during printing in the transport direction past at least one print head of a printing module and printed by the print head from above through a printing window, which is arranged at the edge of the conveyor belt in a housing part of the printing device.

From the European patent application EP 2072268 A2 a device for pressing flat goods to a transport module is known, wherein a recording medium for pressure elements is arranged under a feed table and at least one of the pressure elements is mounted with a plurality of individual resilient components on the recording medium or wherein a plurality of pressure elements in the transport direction below the conveyor belt are arranged on the recording medium.

From the European patent application EP 2072263 A2 a device for the free spraying of an ink jet print head is known, which consists of a feed table with a counter to a spring force deflectable shaft support, which is equipped with at least one free-injection shaft.

From the German patent 102005052151 B3 a device for the free spraying of an ink jet print head is known, which is used in the franking machine of the type Centormail® Applicant. The spill ink is taken up by a nonwoven fabric of the ink receptacle, whereby the nonwoven fabric becomes dirty, and therefore, the contents of the ink receptacle are also called ink sump. The ink sump is arranged below a cleaning and sealing station and designed as a drawer. The ink sump is already accessed via a separate compartment.

From the European patent application EP 2072271 A2 a device for pressing flat goods to a transport module is known, wherein the pressure device is mounted in a housing lower shell and equipped with lowerable pressure elements which act through an opening in a feed table for flat goods on the flat material to be printed with a spring force. On the lower housing shell, an actuating element is arranged to actuate a lowering device, which are attached to the pressure elements. Lowering does not yet allow access to the sensors, transport elements and pressure elements, but to the inkjet printheads. A touch of the same could lead to a disturbing electrical charge.

Known solutions for a postage meter lower or lower the bottom transport unit to clear an existing paper jam. For the operator who puts his fingers in the franking machine for this purpose, there is a risk of injury. However, access to the sensors, transport elements and pressure elements is still difficult or impossible.

Access to the ink sump is also via a separate compartment. However, if the operator forgot to reinsert the sump tray after a web change, it may contaminate the environment of the machine and the machine itself.

The invention has for its object to provide an arrangement which allows maintenance of a printer device, without the disadvantages known from the prior art occur. An operator of the printing device should be given the opportunity to change the fleece in the ink sump, replace the elements of the pressure unit and to clean the transport path. It should also allow access to the sensors and facilitate the collection of dust. This is on the one hand to avoid contact and thus electrical charging of the inkjet printheads and on the other hand, the risk of injury to the operator can be reduced. In addition, drying of the inkjet printheads during maintenance should be prevented.

The object is achieved with the features of a modular printer device according to the patent claim 1.

• eine Druckvorrichtung mit einem verfahrbaren Druckwagen, welcher mit mindestens einem Tintenstrahldruckkopf bestückt ist,
• eine Steuereinheit des Druckergeräts, die zur Umschaltung von einem Betriebsmodus in einen Wartungsmodus und zur Ansteuerung eines ersten Motors zum Verschieben des Druckwagens in y-Richtung quer zur Transportrichtung x eines flachen Guts programmiert ist, wobei dessen Ansteuerung nach dem Umschalten solange fortgesetzt wird, bis von dem mindestens einen Tintenstrahldruckkopf eine Dichtposition erreicht worden ist, in welcher ein Austrocknen des Tintenstrahldruckkopfes durch eine Reinigungs- und Dichtstation verhindert wird,
• ein Verriegelungsmittel des Druckergeräts,
• ein mechanisches Verbindungselement, welches an einer Gehäusewand einer kastenförmigen Baueinheit angeformt ist, wobei die kastenförmige Baueinheit im Betriebsmodus in das Druckergerät eingeschoben ist und im Wartungsmodus aus dem Druckergerät entfernt werden kann, sowie
• einem Auslösemittel, welches auf das Verriegelungsmittel mit einer ersten und zweiten Kraftkomponente einwirkt,
  1. i) wobei durch eine im Betriebsmodus in z-Richtung wirksame erste Kraftkomponente das Verriegelungsmittel und das mechanische Verbindungselement miteinander in Eingriff gebracht sind, um die in das Druckergerät eingeschobene kastenförmigen Baueinheit an dem Druckergerät zu verriegeln und
  2. ii) wobei durch eine im Wartungsmodus entgegengesetzt zur z-Richtung wirksame zweiten Kraftkomponente das Verriegelungsmittel und das mechanische Verbindungselement außer Eingriff gebracht sind, um die in das Druckergerät eingeschobene kastenförmige Baueinheit zu entriegeln, bevor letztere aus dem Druckergerät entfernt werden kann.

It was created a modular printer device, which allows a removal of a box-shaped unit and having the following means:

• a printing device with a movable printing carriage, which is equipped with at least one ink jet print head,
• a control unit of the printer device, which is programmed for switching from an operating mode to a maintenance mode and for driving a first motor for moving the print carriage in the y-direction transverse to the transport direction x of a flat Guts, wherein the drive is continued after switching until from the at least one inkjet printhead has been given a sealing position in which drying out of the inkjet printhead by a cleaning and sealing station is prevented,
• a locking means of the printing device,
• a mechanical connecting element, which is integrally formed on a housing wall of a box-shaped unit, wherein the box-shaped unit is inserted in the operating mode in the printer device and can be removed in maintenance mode from the printer device, and
• a triggering means, which acts on the locking means with a first and second force component,
  1. i) wherein the locking means and the mechanical connecting element are engaged with each other by a first force component operating in the z-direction in the operating mode in order to lock the box-shaped structural unit inserted into the printer device to the printer device and
  2. ii) wherein a locking in the maintenance mode opposite to the z-direction second force component, the locking means and the mechanical connection element are disengaged to unlock the inserted into the printer device box-shaped assembly, before the latter can be removed from the printer device.

The printer device has a housing upper shell, below which a housing lower shell and a box-shaped assembly are arranged adjacent to each other. The latter can be removed depending on predetermined conditions. In the operating mode, the box-shaped unit is locked by a locking means and can not be removed. Under a box-shaped assembly, which is inserted into the printing device to be understood a compact, removable unit from the operator, which includes a feed tray for flat goods, with an opening for a number of pressure elements of a pressure unit, with openings for guides and with a free-jet slot per inkjet printhead , having a molded ink sump container and with a lowering device for lowering the pressure unit. The box-shaped unit is guided like a drawer during insertion by guide means and allows in maintenance mode easy access to the ink sump and to the pressure unit.

In the operating mode, ie not removed box-shaped assembly, access to some modules of the drawer is at least difficult and there is no access to an inkjet print head or to the conveyor belt, or sensors in the transport path of the printer device. The control unit, which is intended to switch from an operating mode to a maintenance mode, waits for user input via a user interface. For example, after actuation of an actuating means, a changeover to the maintenance mode takes place. It is provided that via the release means, the locking means is unlocked in maintenance mode to release the box-shaped assembly. In maintenance mode, the transport unit of the printing device is switched off. Due to a removal of the box-shaped unit both the conveyor belt and the transport path of the printing device, as well as the modules of the box-shaped unit are accessible.

The box-shaped assembly is supported on two guide means, which protrude on the front of the housing lower shell through a first and a second opening to the front. The upper housing shell encloses the transport unit, that is, the drive unit with a conveyor belt, which faces a lowerable pressure device of the box-shaped unit in the operating case.

The box-shaped unit is designed for the maintenance case of the lower housing shell weglich or displaceable and runs on the two guide means, which protrude from the lower housing shell. Depending on the occurrence of predetermined conditions, the structural unit can be removed by the operator from a printer device, for example a franking machine, which provides access to the sensors in the transport path and enables their maintenance or cleaning of the transport path. The box-shaped unit has an ink sump container. This is understood to mean a large ink reservoir for receiving ink which accumulates as waste during the free-injection cycles in the area of the cleaning and sealing station and in the printing area during the passage of goods. The ink reservoir is preferably designed as a container projecting on the rear side of the box-shaped unit with internally inserted ink-mat, which in operation projects into a third opening on the front side of the housing lower shell.

The first opening is post-upstream near the left side wall of the apparatus, the second opening is post-down near the right side wall of the apparatus, and the third opening is located to the left of the second opening. The guide means, which protrude from the lower housing shell are supported by a first frame wall, which is also arranged in the lower housing shell at a distance from the frame rear wall. The first frame wall has a corresponding opening to support the first guide means.

A second frame wall is disposed orthogonal to the frame rear wall and extends near the center of the housing lower shell to connect the first frame wall to the frame rear wall. The second frame wall is formed as an angle which is fixedly mounted with one of the two legs in the lower housing shell and protrudes with the other leg in the upper housing shell to the front area. The standing in the lower housing shell leg has a maximum width, which corresponds to the aforementioned distance and a height that extends beyond the height of the housing lower shell.

A fourth opening is located to the left of the third opening on the front of the housing lower shell. The first frame wall has two corresponding openings which lie on the rear side of the front side of the housing lower shell opposite the third and fourth openings. The box-shaped unit has a rearwardly projecting mechanical connecting element, which projects into the fourth opening in the operating case. The assembly remains locked during the printing process by means of the mechanical connector and the locking means. The assembly can only be removed by the operator if, after switching from the operating mode to the maintenance mode, a first motor is activated by the control unit and the print carriage is moved to a sealing position via drive means coupled to the motor. A cleaning and sealing station prevents the inkjet printheads from drying out in the sealing position. This is particularly advantageous in a resting phase and in a removed for a longer period of time unit. An advantage of a printing head moved into the sealing position is that an operator can not deliver any electrical discharge to the print head electronics after removal of the box-shaped structural unit, which could destroy the latter.

The lock is then unlocked when the print carriage enters the sealing position. The movement of the print carriage, which is controlled by a control unit, acts via a triggering means on a locking means. A first sensor is operatively connected to a microcomputer via an input / output unit of the control unit to determine whether the print carriage is in the sealing position. When the print carriage gets close to it, a first switching point is exceeded in order to release the locking of the assembly via the locking means, while the microcomputer continues to drive the first motor until the sealing position is reached.

In all other cases, if the print carriage does not come close to the sealing position and if the first switching point is not exceeded, the assembly remains locked.

After removal of the assembly, the operator now also has access to the sensors in the transport path for the purpose of their cleaning and to eliminate a jam of flat goods, such as mail pieces (letter jam).

When the assembly is removed on the one hand, an exchange of the ink mat and on the other hand, an exchange of the lower transport unit (brush) by the operator possible.

A first sensor (photocell, microswitch ...) may be placed at a first position to provide a signal to the control unit in response to the position of the triggering means or the carriage.

An additional switch is located at a suitable location within the apparatus to detect presence of the ink sump container with the cover properly closed and to interrupt the flow of current in the absence of it. A software error could not lead to an unintentional movement of the print carriage, if the assembly is not inserted into the device. Advantageously, the risk of injury to the operator is thus reduced when removed unit. In addition, the unused device goes into a standby mode after a predetermined time. A power switch is connected to a power supply unit to re-energize the device before switching to the operating mode.

The ink sump container is elongated and thereby extended in the y direction and should be provided with a lid which leaves only certain areas open and prevents falling out of the web.

The preferred embodiment allows a reconnection of the power supply of the device and a switch to the operating mode only with lid for ink sump cover attached.

For the ink sump container, embodiments are possible in which the ink sump shell is firmly arranged in the box-shaped unit and filled with a non-woven or in which a separate non-woven tray is used.

Figur 1 a,

Perspektivische Prinzipdarstellung eines Druckergeräts bei eingescho-bener kastenförmiger Baueinheit,

Figur 1b,

Perspektivische Prinzipdarstellung eines Druckergeräts bei herausge-zogener kastenförmiger Baueinheit,

Figur 2a,

Draufsicht auf das parallel zur x/y-Ebene geschnitten dargestellte Druckergeräts bei eingeschobener kastenförmiger Baueinheit und abgenommener Gehäuseoberschale,

Figur 2b,

Draufsicht auf das parallel zur x/y-Ebene geschnitten dargestellte Druckergeräts bei herausgezogener kastenförmiger Baueinheit und abgenommener Gehäuseoberschale,

Figur 3a,

Seitenansicht von links auf das parallel zur y/z-Ebene geschnitten dargestellte druckende Gerät bei eingeschobener kastenförmiger Baueinheit im Betriebsmodus, Schnitt durch das druckende Geräts an der Linie AA' der Fig.2b,

Figur 3b,

Seitenansicht von links auf das parallel zur y/z-Ebene geschnitten dargestellte Gerät bei eingeschobener kastenförmiger Baueinheit im Wartungsmodus,

Figur 4,

Draufsicht auf das durch die Gehäuseoberschale parallel zur x/y-Ebene geschnittene Gerät ohne kastenförmige Baueinheit,

Figur 5a,

Schaltungsanordnung eines in einen Wartungsmodus umgeschalteten Geräts,

Figur 5b,

Detail eines Geräts, das in einen Betriebsmodus umgeschaltet ist, ,

Figur 6,

Perspektivische Darstellung eines Details des Geräts von hinten rechts im Betriebsmodus, mit dem Auslösemittel und mit dem Verriegelungs-mittel,

Figur 7,

Perspektivische Darstellung eines Details des Geräts von hinten links im Wartungsmodus, mit dem Druckwagen in der Dichtposition und mit einer Durchlichtschranke, die durch den Druckwagen betätigt wird,

Figur 8,

Perspektivische Darstellung eines Details des Geräts ohne Druck-wagen,

Figur 9a,

Draufsicht auf ein Detail des Geräts mit eingeschobener kastenförmiger Baueinheit,

Figur 9b,

Draufsicht auf den Kunststoffträger des Geräts mit dem Mikroschalter im Zustand einer eingeschobenen kastenförmigen Baueinheit,

Figur 9c,

Draufsicht auf den Kunststoffträger des Geräts mit dem Mikroschalter im Zustand während des Einschiebens der kastenförmigen Baueinheit,

Figur 10,

Perspektivische Darstellung perspektivische Darstellung des Deckels.

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 a,

Perspective schematic diagram of a printing device with a box-shaped unit,

FIG. 1b,

Perspective schematic diagram of a printer device with a withdrawn box-shaped structural unit,

FIG. 2a,

Top view of the printer device cut in parallel to the x / y plane with inserted box-shaped assembly and removed housing upper shell,

FIG. 2b,

Top view of the printer device cut in parallel to the x / y plane with the box-shaped assembly removed and the housing top shell removed,

FIG. 3a,

Side view from the left on the parallel to the y / z plane shown printing device with inserted box-shaped assembly in the operating mode, section through the printing device on the line AA 'the 2b .

FIG. 3b,

Side view from the left on the parallel to the y / z-plane cut device shown with inserted box-shaped unit in maintenance mode,

FIG. 4,

Top view of the device cut through the upper housing shell parallel to the x / y plane without a box-shaped structural unit,

FIG. 5a,

Circuit arrangement of a device switched into a maintenance mode,

FIG. 5b,

Detail of a device that is switched to an operating mode,

FIG. 6,

Perspective view of a detail of the device from the rear right in the operating mode, with the release means and with the locking means,

FIG. 7,

Perspective view of a detail of the device from the rear left in the maintenance mode, with the print carriage in the sealing position and with a photoelectric sensor, which is actuated by the print carriage,

FIG. 8,

Perspective view of a detail of the device without pushcart,

FIG. 9a,

Top view of a detail of the device with inserted box-shaped unit,

FIG. 9b,

Top view of the plastic carrier of the device with the micro-switch in the state of an inserted box-shaped unit,

FIG. 9c,

Top view of the plastic carrier of the device with the micro-switch in the state during insertion of the box-shaped assembly,

FIG. 10,

Perspective view perspective view of the lid.

In the FIG. 1a is a printer device 1 with inserted box-shaped unit 3 in a perspective schematic representation of the front left top shown. The printer device has an upper housing shell 12, unterhab which a housing lower shell 4 is drawn adjacent to the box-shaped unit 3 in the y-direction. The upper housing shell 12 is non-destructively mounted non-destructively in the z direction on the lower housing shell 4. The housing lower shell 4 forms a rear lower part of the printer device and closes at the back and laterally with the housing upper shell. The drawer-like removable box-shaped module 3 is housed in the front lower part of the printer device and has a plurality of pressure elements B on. In the front part below the upper housing shell 12, a conveyor belt 2 of a transport unit is visible, which is used for transporting mail pieces in the x-direction (transport direction) in the print mode, wherein the x, y and z directions form a Cartesian coordinate system. The pressure elements B press a flat piece P to be printed on the conveyor belt 2 from below, ie in the z direction, as soon as the piece P is fed to the printer device 1. The print mode is a special mode of operation of the printer apparatus in which the at least one ink jet print head is positioned in the front part of the housing upper shell 12.

In the FIG. 1b is a printer device 1 with the box-shaped unit 3 pulled out in a perspective schematic representation of the front left upper shown. In the maintenance mode - in contrast to the print mode - the at least one inkjet printhead is positioned in the rear part of the upper housing shell 12, after which it was moved there transversely to the transport direction, ie in the y-direction. The box-shaped assembly 3 is drawn away from the housing lower shell 4, which is why two guide means 41 and 42 are visible. The latter are designed as rails on which the box-shaped unit is supported in the operating mode. They protrude on the front of the lower housing shell through the first opening 4.1 and second opening 4.2 forward.

Between the first opening 4.1 and the second opening 4.2 are a third opening 4.3 and fourth opening 4.4. The first opening is post-upstream near the left side panel of the apparatus, the second opening is post-down near the right side panel of the apparatus, and the third opening is located to the left of the second opening. The pressure elements B are part of a lowerable pressure device 30 of the box-shaped unit 3, which also has an ink reservoir, whose arrangement is described below with reference to FIG FIG. 2a is explained.

In the FIG. 2a is a plan view of the parallel to the x / y-plane cut printer device shown with inserted box-shaped unit 3, that is shown in the operating case. The removed housing upper shell 12 is shown in dashed lines to illustrate their location. The box-shaped assembly 3 has on its rear side a mechanical connecting element 3.4 and an ink reservoir 3.03, wherein the mechanical connecting element 3.4 is formed as a hook, which projects in the operating case in the fourth opening on the front of the housing lower shell 4. The box-shaped unit 3 is equipped with a feed table which has an opening for the pressure elements of the pressure device 30 at the top. The latter already goes from the European patent application EP 2072268 A2 in which the "device for pressing flat goods to a transport module" is described in more detail.

The print carriage 24 has a first and second cavity 24.1 and 24.2, for insertion of an ink cartridge. The upper housing shell 12 contains a transport unit or drive unit with a conveyor belt, which are fastened to a chassis, which partially already from the European patent application EP 2072272 A2 of the title: "Transport device for flat goods to be printed".

A print carriage 24, which is drawn in the printing position, can be moved by a motor 71 fastened to a rear wall 46 of the chassis via a spindle drive consisting of a part of the print carriage and a spindle 72, not shown in detail, in the y direction. The frame wall 46 serves to fasten the rails on which the print carriage 24 runs, which is already known from the European patent application EP 2072272 A2 evident. For clarity, were in the FIG. 2a only the guide means 41, 42 shown for guiding the box-shaped unit and omitted the aforementioned rails on which the print carriage 24 runs.

The frame rear wall 46 serves at least for supporting and possibly also for fastening both the first rail 41 and the second rail 42. A first frame wall 45 has a corresponding opening in order to support the first rail 41. A second frame wall 44 is disposed orthogonal to the frame rear wall 46 and extends near the center of the housing lower shell 4 to connect the first frame wall to the frame rear wall. The second frame wall 44 is formed as an angle which is fixedly mounted with its one leg in the lower housing shell and protrudes with its other leg in the upper housing shell to its front area. The standing in the lower housing shell leg has a width which corresponds to the aforementioned distance and a height which projects beyond the height of the housing lower shell. A perspective view of the second frame wall 44 is also more specific to the European patent application EP 2072272 A2 removable.

The ink reservoir 3.03 is formed as a rearwardly projecting onto the drawer 3 container with internally inserted inked nonwoven, which protrudes in the inserted state into the third opening on the front of the housing lower shell 4.

In the FIG. 2b is a plan view of the parallel to the x / y-plane cut printer device 1 shown in pulled out box-shaped assembly 3 - ie in maintenance mode - and shown removed housing top shell. The location of the removed housing upper shell 12 is again indicated by dashed lines. The print carriage 24, which is not shown in dashed lines, is located in the in the sealing position. At the back of the box-shaped assembly 3, a hook is formed as a mechanical connecting element 3.4 and an ink reservoir 3.03. In the feed table at the top of the box-shaped unit 3, an opening for the pressure elements of the pressure device 30 is formed. The ink reservoir 3.03 is in the operating mode between the second rail 42 and the second frame wall 44, which are mounted on the rack rear wall 46, which is in the housing lower shell 4. The ink reservoir 3.03 extends below the pressure device 30, which was indicated by dashed lines. In the printing area is located below each of the inkjet printheads, a free-jet shaft on a counter to a spring force deflectable shaft support 14. Details of the European patent application EP 2072263 A2 of the title: "Device for On the left side of the second frame wall 44, a locking means 43 is provided, which is rotatably mounted on the one of the frame rear wall 46 facing the end about a rotation axis 431 and at the other of the first frame wall 45 facing the end of a hook 434 Its function will be described below on the basis of Fig. 3a which is a section through the printing device on the line AA 'of FIG. 2b shows.

The FIG. 3a shows a side view from the left on the cut parallel to the y / z plane shown printing device with inserted box-shaped assembly in the operating mode. Under the housing upper shell 12, the conveyor belt 2 passes around a roller 5, which is arranged near the printing area and near the mail stream outlet. The roller is rotatable about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the y-direction. Another role for the conveyor belt, which is located near the print area and near the post office entrance, is not drawn as cut away. In the region opposite to the x-direction, ie before the printing area, the drawn section plane is arranged, which is parallel to the y / z plane. In the area lying in the y direction behind the conveyor belt in the sectional plane, a slider 82 is drawn, which serves as a triggering means for a locking means 43. The slider 82 is formed as a flat elbow and is held by a return spring 87 in the drawn (second) position. The return spring 87 is formed as a tension spring.

The slider 82 is on - in the Fig. 3a not shown - second frame wall slidably mounted in the direction of arrow against the tension spring force. The return spring 87 is attached at its one end to a first mounting portion 827 of the slider 82 and fixed at its other end to the mounting portion 443 of the chassis. The slider 82 has a leg 821 with a slot 820 which extends parallel to the y-direction. Two guide pins 441 and 442 are attached to the second frame wall and project through the slot 820.

The one end of the elongated hole, which faces the rear wall of the housing upper shell 12, lies close to the first fastening portion 827 of the slider 82. The first fastening portion 827 is formed in the z-direction on one side of the leg 821 and has an opening for fastening the tension spring on. On the opposite side of the leg opposite to the z-direction a base is formed approximately at right angles. The from the Leg 821 remote end of the base carries a further attachment portion 825 for attachment of the one end of another tension spring 437. The other end is attached to a mounting portion 435 of the locking means 43. The locking means 43 is designed as an angle lever and arranged in the region of the housing lower shell 4. The pivot point of the bell crank is located in an opening 430 on the distal one end of the first leg 431. At the end of the second leg 432 of the bell crank, a hook 434 is formed whose tip projects in the z direction. The slider 82 of the device reaches a second position as in FIG FIG. 3a is shown in principle. The tension spring 437 fastened to the further fastening section 825 of the slide 82 then exerts a tensile force with one component in the z direction on the locking means 43 and with another component which is directed opposite to the y direction. In the operating mode, therefore, the hook 434 engages in the mechanical connecting element 3.4, which is formed on the outside of the rear side of the box-shaped structural unit 3. The mechanical connecting element 3.4 is drawn as a hook. However, this should not exclude other alternative mechanical fasteners, such as eyelets, flaps or box-shaped hooks reinforced by sidewalls or others. In the position shown, the angle lever is rotatable about its pivot in the clockwise direction, ie in the direction of the black arrow, when the release means is actuated.

Under a flat Good example, a mailpiece to be understood. A mail piece P, which has been supplied to the apparatus, is clamped between the conveyor belt 2 and the pressure elements B of the lowerable pressure device 30 of the drawer 3 and transported by the further movement of the conveyor belt in the transport direction (x-direction) during printing. The pressure elements B are mounted on a support 32 which is resiliently mounted on a bottom plate 38, which is supported at the bottom of the housing of the drawer. For example, a respective guide element 34i and an associated compression spring 37i are provided at the corners of a base 34 in order to be able to process even larger thicknesses of the mailpieces P. The fixing portion 435 is formed in the vicinity of the center of the angle lever 43 and counter to the transporting direction (x-direction). The - in a manner not shown - against a spring force deflectable shaft support 14 is deflected according to the thickness of the mail piece P.

The FIG. 3b shows a side view from the left on the cut parallel to the y / z plane shown device with inserted drawer in maintenance mode. The slider 82 of the apparatus reaches a first position in the maintenance mode in which the return spring 87 attached to the mounting portion 827 is tensioned, as in FIG FIG. 3b is shown in principle. Also attached to the mounting portion 825 of the slider 82 tension spring 437 is stretched and now exerts a tensile force with a component opposite to the z direction on the locking means 43. The tensile force acts with another component, which is directed in the y-direction. Therefore, the locking means 43 unlocks its hook 434 from the mechanical connecting element 3.4 of the drawer 3. The conveyor belt 2 is deflected around the poststromausgangsseitig arranged roller 5 of the housing upper shell 12. In this position, the bellcrank is about its pivot point in the counterclockwise direction, ie rotatable in the direction of the white arrow when the trigger means is actuated.

The deflectable shaft support 14 is deflected in absentia of a mail piece as little as the Andruckelemente B of the lowerable pressure device 30 of the drawer. 3

The FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the cut through the upper housing shell parallel to the x / y plane device without the drawer. The position of the arranged below the upper housing shell guide means 41 and 42 is only indicated. They are therefore only indicated by dashed lines. The conveyor belt and the rollers, which are arranged in the housing upper shell 12, have also been omitted for clarity. Shown is rather the location of the arranged within the housing upper shell rails 48 and 49, on which the print carriage 24 is running when it is moved, for example, in the sealing position. On the print carriage 24, a driver 24.4 is formed, which acts on the integrally formed on the slide 82 projection 824, for displacement of the slide during the process of the print carriage in the sealing position (position I). In the second frame wall 44 of the chassis, a slot is formed through which the projection 824 protrudes in the x direction. The slider 82 is guided by guide pins 441 and 442. When moving the print carriage into the sealing position, the driver 24.4 engages with the projection 824 protruding through the slot, whereby the return spring 87 is tensioned. At the attachment portion 825 of the slider 82, however, the tension spring 437 is attached, which now exerts a pulling force in the y direction on the locking means, as long as the carriage 24 remains in the sealing position.

The FIG. 5a shows a circuit arrangement of the control unit of a switched into a maintenance mode device. The electronic control unit 50 includes a microcomputer 51 which drives at least one driver 596, which is connected via a microswitch 67 to a first motor 61.

The control unit is programmed to switch to maintenance mode due to a corresponding user input via user interface. For this purpose, a separate actuating means 9.1, 9.2 or a keyboard or a touch screen can be used. A power switch 57 is also connected to the control unit 50 to allow the control unit 50 to return to the operating mode. A power supply unit can be arranged as an integral part of the control unit 50 or also - in a manner not shown - separately to the control unit 50 in the printer device 1.

The control unit 50 is connected to input means, such as sensors 21, 22, 23, and at least one manual selection operating means 9.1 and an input confirming means 9.2. At the electronic control unit, a display unit (display) 54, the motors 61, 71, 81 and an actuator 91 are connected. It is provided that the control unit 50 is programmed for switching to the maintenance mode due to an appropriate user input via the user interface.

After switching from the operating mode to the maintenance mode, the microcomputer 51 and via a first driver 596 controls a first motor 61 for moving the carriage 24 transversely to the transport path of a flat item to be printed, with a first sensor 21 reaching a sealing position of the at least one Inkjet printhead signals when reaching a first position of the carriage due to its movement in the y direction. When removing the box-shaped assembly is interrupted via the micro switch 67, the circuit of the first motor 61 so that it can come in maintenance mode no accidents by a transverse displacement of the print carriage.

A second sensor 22 and third sensor 23 are connected to the control unit 50 and also a second motor 71. After the control unit 50 of the printer device is switched to the operating mode, the second motor 71 in a print mode for driving a conveyor belt of the printing device for printing a shallow good driven when the second sensor 22, the presence of a flat Guts and the third sensor 23 the Reaching a triggering position for printing by supplying the flat Guts signaled.

The triggering means is a slide 82, which is shown schematically and in plan view of the leg 821 ( Fig. 5a ). The top of the leg is substantially parallel to the x / y plane. The slider 82 is guided by guide pins 441 and 442 which are fixed on the left side of the second frame wall of the chassis protruding (see also Fig. 4 ).

When the print carriage reaches the sealing position in the maintenance mode, the end of the leg 821 is offset by a distance a in the y-direction and close to the attachment portion 443 of the return spring 87. The end of the slider 82 opposite the y-direction shows the following molded details: a Projection 824 on the slide is used to move the slider when moving the carriage in the sealing position and is in a position I, a mounting portion 825 of the slider 82 for fixing the tension spring 437 and a mounting portion 827 of the slider 82 for attachment of the return spring 87. The tensioned tension spring 437 has a tensile force component in the y-direction, which causes the unlocking.

The first sensor 21 is realized, for example, as a photoelectric barrier and a flag 243 formed on the printing carriage serves to interrupt a light beam of the transmitted light barrier emitted by the light source 21.1. The light source 21.1 is connected to the power supply via a line 19 to the input / output unit 59. The light beam or the remaining light is focused by the lens 21.2 on a light detector 21.3. The latter emits an analog signal in accordance with the received light intensity, which is converted into a digital signal via a nonlinear electronic component. When an adjustable threshold value of the analog signal is exceeded, a digital signal (H level) is output to the control unit 50. At zero level or no signal, the sealing position is reached.

The FIG. 5b shows a detail of the device, which is switched to an operating mode, wherein the slider 82 are used as a triggering means and the sensor 21 in the form of a photoelectric sensor. The integrally formed on the print carriage flag 243 can not contribute to deactivation of the first sensor 21 this time. The slider 82 is due to the action of the return spring 87 so far against the y-direction has been shifted so that the projection 824 of the slider is in position II. The light source 21.1 emits a light beam of maximum intensity, which is focused by the lens 21.2 on a light detector 21.3. The latter emits a maximum signal in accordance with the received light intensity. The projection 824 is effective in the displacement of the slider in the process of the carriage from the drawn position II to the position I. The attachment portion 825 is used to attach the tension spring 437 and the attachment portion 827 serves to attach the return spring 87. The position I is located in the y-direction at a distance a from the position II. The tensioned tension spring 437 has a tensile force component opposite to the y-direction, which causes the lock.

Alternatively, the first sensor 21 may be realized as a microswitch and the projection 243 serves to actuate the microswitch.

The FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device from behind in the operating mode, with the triggering means and with the locking means. As trigger means again a slider 82 * is used, which acts on the locking means 43 *. The slider 82 * has two attachment portions 825 * and 827 * for attaching the two extension springs 437 * and 87 * and a projection 824 *. The projection 824 * is used to move the slider from the drawn position II to the position I during the process of the carriage (not shown) in the sealing position. In the second frame wall 44 * of the chassis, a slot 440 * running in the y-direction is worked through which the projection 824 * protrudes in the x-direction and can be displaced in the y-direction together with the slide 82 *. As a locking means an angle lever is used, which locks the box-shaped unit in the operating mode with its lever arm.

The pressure elements B * of the box-shaped unit 3 * lie in the y-direction next to the deflectable shaft support 14 *. The box-shaped unit 3 * carries on the back of a box-shaped hook 3.4 * in which the hook 434 * on the lever arm of the locking means 43 * engages. Near the post-downstream side of the box-shaped unit 3 * extends at the rear of an ink fountain shell 3.3 * in the y direction. The latter has an ink reservoir 3.03 * and a lid not shown. As the first sensor 21 * a photoelectric sensor is used, which is directly actuated by the print carriage (not shown) as soon as the sealing position is reached.

The FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device from the rear left in the maintenance mode, with the print carriage 24 * in the sealing position and with the photoelectric sensor 21 *, which is actuated by the print carriage 24 *. On the print carriage a flag 243 * is formed, which interrupts the light beam of the photoelectric sensor 21 * when the sealing position is reached. The print car 24 * is in the FIG. 7 shown in the sealing position. The print carriage 24 * is arranged on two rails 48 * and 49 * in the y-direction and displaceable opposite. A spindle 72 * serves to drive the print carriage and is arranged below the rail 48 *, ie opposite to the z-direction. On the - viewed from the rear - right side wall of the carriage 24 *, ie on the side closest to the second frame wall 44 * of the chassis when the box-shaped assembly is inserted, a non-visible slide bearing and a slide bearing 245 * and a spindle nut 244 * formed. Another slide bearing 246 * is formed on the right side wall opposite the left side wall of the print carriage 24 *. The displaceable print carriage 24 * is thus stored in three points. One slide bearing 246 * slides on rail 49 * and the other two slide bearings slide on rail 48 *. The plain bearings are adapted to the profile of the rails. The rails are designed as sliding rods and have a round, preferably a circular profile.

The FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device from the rear left with inserted box-shaped assembly 3 *. The latter is plugged when inserting - in a manner not shown - on the guide means 41 * and 42 *. The latter are preferably realized as sliding rods, but are possible to other designs. As a sensor for the box-shaped assembly, a microswitch 67 * is used. The device is switched by the microcomputer from maintenance mode to the operating mode as soon as the box-shaped assembly is inserted and the microswitch is actuated by a flag 3.32 *, which is integrally formed on a lid 3.31 *, wherein the lid with the shell 3.3 * is positively connected and despite an opening 3.310 * the ink reservoir 3.03 * at least partially covered. The flag is formed on the y-directional end of the lid 3.31 * of the ink sump container 3.3 * (seen from the rear on the left side), on the side which is furthest away when the box-shaped assembly of the second frame wall 44 * is inserted. The latter has a window-shaped slot 440 *, through the - in the Fig. 6 shown way - the projection of the slider protrudes.

The FIG. 9a shows a plan view of a detail of the device with inserted box-shaped assembly. The detail relates to a plastic support 47 * for a microswitch 67 * which is used as a sensor for detecting the proper insertion of the box-shaped structural unit 3 *. The plastic carrier 47 * has a mounting surface in the x / y plane for the microswitch. Since - as shown - the lid 3.31 * is mounted locked on the ink sump container, the microswitch is actuated and a circuit with the cable 611 * between the first driver 569 * and the first motor 61 * is closed. An insertion of the box-shaped unit 3 * is not correct, for example, if before the insertion of the lid 3.31 * was not placed on the ink sump container 3.3 * and fixed. The aforementioned circuit is then open.

The FIG. 9b shows a plan view of the plastic support of the device with the micro-switch in the state of an inserted and proper box-shaped assembly. The microswitch 67 * used as a sensor has a resilient actuating arm 671 *, which is actuated by a bevelled side edge 3.321 * of the lug 3.32 *. The microswitch 67 * outputs a signal to cause the circuit to reconnect.

The FIG. 9c shows a plan view of the plastic support of the device with the micro-switch in the state during insertion of the box-shaped assembly. The resilient actuating arm 671 * of the microswitch remains unactuated until the box-shaped assembly is inserted with a properly mounted ink sump cover.

The FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the lid 3.31 *, which is used to cover the ink sump housing. The lid 3.31 * has a centrally located window 3.311 * and 3.312 * for each inkjet print head to pick up ink mist or ink residue when the print carriage is moved near a sealing position. The lid 3.31 * points Fastener on. For example, on the side of the flag 3.32 * a right side edge with two cams 3.321 * and 3.322 * and on the right side edge opposite left side edge two brackets 3.313 * and 3.314 * provided. The - not shown - ink sump housing has suitable fastening means for positive connection with the aforementioned attachment means of the lid.

The box-shaped assembly may have an alternative design. For example, one or more mechanical fasteners may be used. The latter can also be molded or mounted at other locations on the housing of the box-shaped structural unit, as at the preferred location on the rear wall of the box-shaped structural unit. The locking mechanism of the modular printer device is designed accordingly adapted.

Although the mechanical connecting element is referred to in the preferred embodiment as a hook, so should not exclude other alternative mechanical fasteners, such as eyelets, tabs or box-shaped formed by sidewalls reinforced hooks or other fasteners.

As the first sensor, a transmitted light barrier is preferred. Alternatively, a microswitch may be used, with the microswitch being directly actuated by the print carriage as soon as the sealing position is reached.

Although in the above embodiment for switching to the maintenance mode at least one actuating means 9.1, 9.2 is connected to the control unit 50 for user input, but should not exclude other user interface alternatives. It can also be provided that the display 54 is a touch screen, which is designed for switching to the maintenance mode by means of the control unit 50.

At the electronic control unit further input and output means can be connected.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, since obviously other other embodiments of the invention can be developed or used, which - based on the same basic idea of the invention - are encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

Modular printer device consisting of a printing device with a movable printing carriage (24), which is equipped with at least one ink-jet printing head, - A control unit (50) of the printer device (1) which is programmed to switch from an operating mode to a maintenance mode and for driving a first motor (61) for moving the print carriage (24) in the y-direction transverse to the transport direction x of a flat Guts wherein its activation in the maintenance mode after switching is continued until a sealing position has been reached by the at least one inkjet printhead in which drying out of the inkjet printhead by a cleaning and sealing station is prevented, a locking means (43, 43 *) of the printing device (1), - A mechanical connecting element (3.4, 3.4 *), which on a housing wall of a box-shaped assembly (3, 3 *) is formed, wherein the box-shaped assembly (3) is inserted in the operating mode in the printer device (1) and in maintenance mode from the printer device can be removed, as well a triggering means (8, 82, 82 *) which acts on the locking means (43, 43 *) with a first and a second force component, i) in which the locking means (43, 43 *) and the mechanical connecting element (3.4, 3.4 *) are engaged with each other by the first force component operating in the z-direction in the operation mode, around the box-shaped one inserted into a compartment of the printing apparatus (1) Assembly unit (3, 3 *) to the printer device (1) to lock and ii) wherein in the maintenance mode opposite to the z direction effective second force component, the locking means and the mechanical connection element are disengaged to unlock the inserted into the printer device box-shaped assembly (3, 3 *) before the latter from the printer device (1 ) can be removed. Modular printer device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical connecting element is realized as a hook (3.4, 3.4 *), eyelet, loop or as a box-shaped formed by side walls reinforced hook. Modular printer device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing wall is the rear wall of the housing of the box-shaped structural unit (3, 3 *) and the triggering means (8, 82, 82 *) inside the printing device (1) is arranged. Modular printer device, according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the release means (8, 82, 82 *) in the interior of the printer device (1) on the frame wall (44, 44 *) is arranged to be movable. Modular printer device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (50) of the printer device (1) comprises a microcomputer (51) that the control unit (50) at least with a display (54), with a first sensor (21) and to a first motor (61) for transverse displacement of the print carriage (24) is connected, wherein the control unit (50) is programmed for switching to the maintenance mode due to a corresponding user input via user interface, that the control unit (50) comprises a microcomputer (51) a first driver (596) drives a first motor (61) for transversely moving the print carriage (24) when the control unit (50) of the printer device is switched from the operating mode to the maintenance mode and that the first sensor (21) Sealed position of the at least one inkjet printhead upon reaching a first position of the print carriage due to its movement in the y direction signals. Modular printer device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first sensor (21) is a photoelectric sensor or a micro-switch. Modular printer device according to claim 1, marked in characterized - z eichnet that the box-shaped module (3, 3 *) is formed by a housing lower shell (4) can be moved away and on two guiding means (41, 42, 41 *, 42 *) is supported in that the guide means (41, 42, 41 *, 42 *) on the front side of the lower housing shell (4) are guided through a first opening (4.1) and a first opening (4.1) second opening (4.2) projecting forward and that a housing upper shell (12) contains a transport unit or drive unit with a conveyor belt (2), which in operation a lowerable pressure device of the box-shaped assembly (3, 3 *) opposite and a third opening ( 4.3) to the left of the second opening (4.2) on the front of the housing lower shell (4) and is provided for insertion of an ink sump shell. Modular printer device, according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that the mechanical connecting element (3.4, 3.4 *), which is integrally formed on a rear wall of a box-shaped structural unit (3, 3 *) or which protrudes on the back, in the operating case in a fourth opening (4.4) protrudes, which is arranged to the left of the third opening (4.3) on the front of the housing lower shell (4) and that the box-shaped assembly (3, 3 *) remains locked during the printing operation by means of the mechanical connecting element and the locking means. Modular printer device, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one actuating means (9.1, 9.2) to the control unit (50) is connected to the user input to trigger a switch to the maintenance mode by means of the control unit (50). Modular printer device according to claim 6, characterized in that the display (54) is a touch screen, which is designed for switching to the maintenance mode by means of the control unit (50). Modular printer device according to claim 1, characterized in that a power switch (57) to the control unit (50) is connected to trigger a reconnection of the power supply of the device before switching to the operating mode.

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