WO2007082755A1

WO2007082755A1 - Printer or copier for printing carrier materials having various mechanical properties

Info

Publication number: WO2007082755A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/000434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Werner Fuchs; Robert Lang
Original assignee: Oce Printing Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-01-18
Filing date: 2007-01-18
Publication date: 2007-07-26
Also published as: DE102006002471A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a printer or copier and to a method for printing carrier materials (12) with various mechanical properties. Said printer or copier comprises first transport means which transports a first carrier material (12) having first mechanical properties along a first transport path through the printer or copier. A print engine produces a printed image on the first carrier material (12). Second transport means transport a second carrier material (12) to the first carrier material and comprises second mechanical properties along a second transport path which deviates from the first transport path at least in the partial area, through the printer or copier. The print engine produces a printed image on the second carrier material (12). First guiding means (28) are provided along the first transport path for positioning the first carrier material (12) in a lateral manner. Second guiding means (20, 50) are provided along the second transport path for positioning the second carrier materials (12) in a lateral manner.

Description

Printer or copier for printing substrates with different mechanical properties

The invention relates to a printer or copier for printing carrier materials with different mechanical properties. The printer or copier has transport means which transport a substrate having first mechanical properties along a transport path through the printer or copier, wherein a printing unit produces a print image on the substrate. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for printing substrates with different mechanical properties.

To produce a wide variety of printed products, for example in printing units, support materials with different mechanical properties must be printed, in particular papers and cardboard with a different material thickness and a very different grammage, i. a very different paper weight. Furthermore, other factors, such as the stiffness of the substrate to be printed, the printability and the print quality and the mechanical stress of the printer or copier when printing the respective substrate influence. This results in the requirement for printers or copiers to transport carrier materials with different mechanical properties for printing safely and at the highest possible speed through the printer or copier and thereby to produce at least one printed image on this carrier material.

For web-shaped paper webs with a low basis weight, so-called lightweight papers, is a regulation of the lateral positioning of the paper web, the so-called web control, without an immediate load the side edges of this paper web required, with the drive and to guide these paper webs this wraps a large number of rolls with a relatively large wrap angle. As a result, even with a relatively low mechanical stress on the paper web, the required driving forces and forces for laterally positioning the paper web can be exerted thereon and damage to the paper web can be avoided.

Paper webs and papers with a relatively large basis weight and cardboard are guided and positioned laterally along their transport path in known printers or copiers with the aid of suitable guide means, such as flanged wheels or guide plates. In particular, the side edge of these paper webs or cardboard boxes is used to align these paper webs or cardboard boxes laterally on the flanged disk or a guide plate.

From the document WO 9839691 a printing and copying device for performance-adapted, monochrome and / or colored one or two-sided printing of a recording medium is known in which a carrier material, which is guided along a transport path through the printer or copier, using a first printing unit is printed on the front side using a second printing unit on the back. Alternatively, the substrate may also be single-sided, i. only on the front or just the back, to be printed.

From the document EP 0 699 315 B1 an electrographic printing device for printing web-shaped recording media of different web width is known in which a simplex mode for single-sided printing of the web-shaped recording medium, a monochrome duplexing for double-sided printing of the web-shaped recording medium, a two-color duplexing for two-color double-sided printing of the web-shaped recording carrier and a two-color simplex operation for one-sided two-color printing of the web-shaped carrier material can be selected.

The document US Pat. No. 4,591,884 discloses a device with different transport paths for recording media in order to produce printed images in different orientations, in particular mirror images or printed images rotated 180 ° to one another on the same carrier material, in particular to enable booklet printing.

From the document US 4,436,404 a printing device with two converging paper paths is known in which both a duplex printing and the sorting of additional lent dividers is supported.

From the document US Pat. No. 6,461,065 a transport device for transporting carrier material is known in which the paper channel can be enlarged in the thickness direction of the carrier material in order to enlarge the deflecting sheets for deflecting the carrier material.

From the document JP 03140987 an image forming device for printing paper or alternatively a film film is known.

The content of said documents is hereby incorporated by reference into the present specification.

The prior art does not disclose printers or copiers which can be used to print both lightweight papers and cardboards. Furthermore, especially when transporting paper webs with a high basis weight and cardboard, relatively large deflection radii and relatively small wrap angles must be provided in order to transpose the carrier material with a reasonable effort along a paper path through the printer or copier. and damage to the substrate itself and damage to the printer or copier. In particular, the type of deflecting means for deflecting the carrier material, the deflecting radii generated by these deflecting means and the sum of the wrapping angles of the carrier material influence the force required to transport the carrier material by the printer or copier and the mechanical effects on the carrier material and Elements of the printer or copier. For lightweight papers turn flanges or guide plates can damage the edge of the paper web, which in particular the conveying direction of the light papers can be limited by the printer or copier in one direction.

The object of the invention is to provide a printer or copier and a method for printing carrier materials with different mechanical properties, by the carrier materials with different borrowed mechanical requirements for the means of transport in the printer or copier can be printed in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a printer or copier for printing carrier materials having different mechanical properties with the features of patent claim 1 or 2 and by a method having the features of patent claim 18 or 19. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

By means of a printer or copier according to the invention, it is possible in a simple manner to transport and print a first carrier material with first mechanical properties and alternatively a second carrier material with second mechanical properties, wherein for the first carrier material and the second carrier material native transport routes are provided. As a result, it is simply possible to provide different guide means for the lateral positioning of the carrier materials to be conveyed as an alternative, which are adapted to the requirements of the respective carrier material on the guide means. Thus, with the help of the printer or copier a variety of substrates can be printed. The provision of at least two different printers for printing on the alternative to be printed first and second carrier materials is not required.

By means of a method according to the invention it is achieved that, with the aid of a printer or copier, printed images can alternatively be printed on carrier materials having different mechanical properties, whereby differently constructed printers for printing these different carrier materials are no longer required and therefore no longer required.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the invention with reference to embodiments.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a transport device with 'a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the transport device of Figure 1 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the transport device according to Figures 1 and 2 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a third embodiment of the invention;

4 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure

Invention;

5 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 4 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

6 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 5 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 6 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 7 with a first paper path and an alternative second paper path according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; 9 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 8, in which a first web-shaped material and a second web-shaped material at the same time substantially parallel along two transport paths that differ at least in a subregion; and

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of an electrophotographic printing device for the performance-adapted, monochrome and / or colored, single-sided or double-sided printing of a tape-shaped recording medium.

1 shows a transport device 10 for transporting a web-shaped carrier material 12 along a first transport path or an alternative second transport path according to a first embodiment of the invention. The transport device 10 preferably serves to transport the carrier material 12 through a preferably electrophotographic printer or copier. The second transport path differs in a partial area 12a from the first transport route. Along these transport paths, a carrier material to be printed, preferably the paper web 12, can be transported. The transport gangs are also referred to as paper ways. The paper web 12 is deflected at a first pair of rollers with the rollers 14a and 14b by 90 °. The rollers 14a, 14b serve to retract the paper web 12 opposite to the main transport direction of the paper web 12 by the printer or copier extending from the left side to the right side of the transport device 10 shown in the figures. Subsequently, the paper web 12 is passed past a web tensioner 16 and a web width sensor 18, before it is deflected at a pre-centering 20 by 90 °. The pre-centering 20 has lateral boundary and guide plates. Below is the paper web 12 past a braking device 22 and a spiked wheel 24.

The sprocket wheel 24 engages in edge holes which are present on at least one side edge of the paper web 12.

For printing on a paper web 12 without edge perforations, the sprocket 24 or the sprockets 24 provided on each side of the paper web 12 are pushed into an area outside the paper web 12. In particular, the sprocket 24 is displaced downwardly or laterally outwardly so that it does not contact the paper web 12 in this condition.

Subsequently, the paper web 12 is deflected along the first paper path on a roller 26 by 90 ° and guided over a rotating frame 28, which contains two rollers 30, 32. The roller 26 is connected to a measuring device (not shown), by means of which the tension of the paper web 12 is measured at least when guiding the paper web 12 along the first paper path. The paper web 12 is guided over the rollers 30, 32 of the rotary frame 28 and thereby deflected at each of these rollers 30, 32 by 90 °. The rotary frame 28 is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the guided between the rollers 30, 32 of the rotary frame 28 portion of the paper web 12, so that the inclination angle of the transverse to the paper web 12 arranged longitudinal axes of the rollers 30, 32 changeable by a pivoting movement of the rotary frame 28 about its pivot axis are, whereby a force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the paper web 12 is applied thereto. By this force, the paper web 12 becomes laterally, i. transverse to its longitudinal axis, shifted. This shift is effected in particular by a lateral, i. lateral, drift of the paper web 12 during transport of the paper web 12 in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Subsequently, the paper web 12 on a roller 34 to

90 ° deflected. The roller 34 opposite a mark sensor 36 is arranged, wherein the paper web 12 between the roller surface of the roller 34 and the mark sensor 36 is passed. The mark sensor 36 detects the time of arrival of at least one position mark, which is preferably printed on the front side of the paper web 12. With the help of such position marks is the

Conveying the paper web 12 and the printing process for generating a printed image on the paper web 12 controlled by means of a printing unit, not shown on at least one side of the paper web 12 and synchronized.

Subsequently, the paper web 12 is deflected at a further roller 38 by about 90 °, wherein the paper web 12 is passed between the roller surface of the roller 38 and a roll surface of the oppositely arranged mark sensor 40. The mark sensor 36 detects position marks existing on the back side of the paper web 12, and the mark sensor 40 detects position marks existing on the front side of the paper web 12. Subsequently, the paper web 12 is passed between two rollers 42a, 42b, which form a pair of rollers, wherein the paper web 12 is deflected at the roller pair of rollers 42a, 42b by 90 °. Subsequently, the paper web 12 is passed between two transfer rollers 44, 46, wherein with the aid of the transfer roller 44, a first transfer belt of a first printing unit to the front of the paper web 12 is pivotable. With the aid of the roller 46, a second transfer belt, guided over the roller 46, of a second printing unit can be pivoted to the rear side of the paper web 12.

Such a printer with two oppositely arranged printing units is known, for example, from the international publication WO 98/39691, from which a printing and copying device for performance-adapted, monochrome and / or colored one- or two-sided printing of a recording medium is known. Both the there disclosed construction of the printing and copying machine as well as its operation and the control of the individual elements of the printer or copier are hereby incorporated by reference into the present specification.

After the transfer printing of one or more print images on the paper web 12 in the region of the rollers 44, 46, the paper web 12 is guided over a roller 48 and further transported to a fuser unit, not shown. At least the roller 42b is connected to a drive unit, which in particular has a stepping motor. The roller 42a serves as a pressure roller for pressing the paper web 12 on the surface of the roller 42b, so that no or only a slight slip between the surface of the roller 42b and the paper web 12 occurs.

Along a second alternative paper path, the paper web 12 is guided past the rollers 26 and 34 below the rotary frame 28 and, unlike the first paper path, is not deflected by the rollers 26, 30, 32, 34 by 90 °, so that the paper web 12 runs along the second paper path has 360 ° less wrap angle and is thus performed with less force and less stress on the paper web 12 by means of the transport device 10 through the printer or copier. The deviating from the first paper path area of the second paper path is designated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 12a. Preferably, in this deviating region 12a further guide elements for lateral alignment and positioning of the paper web 12 are provided, in particular baffles or flanged wheels are arranged.

The flanged wheels are preferably located at the edges Guide # ^¬ approach portion of a roll, not shown. The position of the flange discs and / or the baffles and other guide means is adaptable to the respective width of the paper web 12 when setting up the printer or copier. Alternatively, the lateral boundary plates of the pre-centering 20 in the use of the second Papierwegs be arranged so close to the edges of the paper web 12 that the paper web 12 has only a small clearance to the edge plates of the pre-centering 20.

Along the first paper path, a first paper web with a relatively low basis weight is preferably transported in the range between 30 g / m ² and 120 g / m ² , the lateral orientation and positioning of this first paper web being effected by a rotation of the rotating frame 28. Preferably, a web control is provided by detecting at least one side edge of the first paper web, which controls the course of the side edge of the first paper web at least in a region of the first paper path such that a side edge of the first paper web the Umdruckbereich between the rollers 44 and 46 at a happened predetermined spot.

Along the second paper path, a second paper web with a relatively high basis weight in the range between 100 g / m ² and 300 g / m ^{2 is} transported. The second paper web is in particular a web of cardboard-like material. The lateral orientation of the second paper web is through the boundary plates of the pre-centering 20 and / or other guide means which engage at least one side of the second paper web at least in an incorrect lateral positioning of the second paper web, as already described. The total deflection angle of the second paper web about rolls along the second paper path shown in FIG. 1 is 360 °, and the total deflection angle of the paper web 12 about rolls along the first paper path is 720 °.

FIG. 2 shows the transport device 10 with the first paper path and the alternative second paper path according to a second embodiment of the invention. The first paper path of the paper web 12 coincides with the first paper path shown in FIG. 1, and that shown in FIG shown second paper path deviates from the second paper path shown in Figure 1. Like elements have the same reference numerals.

The paper web 12 is guided in the embodiment of Figure 2 along the second paper path over the roller 34 and deflected at the roller 34 by about 45 ° and on the roller 38 by a further 45 °. In contrast to the second paper path according to FIG. 1, a deflection of the paper web 12 on the roller 38 by 90 ° is avoided and the total deflection angle is reduced at least on the roller 38. The total deflection angle of the paper web 12 about rolls along the second paper path shown in Figure 2 is 360 °. The paper web 12 has by the deflection of the rollers 34 and 38 a lower bending stress than in the deflection of the roller 38. Alternatively or additionally, the paper web 12 along the second paper path via at least one roller with a larger effective diameter than on the first paper path are guided, whereby the bending stress of the paper web 12 can be further reduced. The regions of the second paper path deviating from the first paper path in FIG. 2 are designated in FIG. 2 by the reference symbols 12b and 12c.

FIG. 3 shows the transport device 10 with a second paper path according to a third embodiment of the invention. The deviating from the first paper path in Figure 3 areas of the second paper path are denoted by the reference numerals 12b, 12d and 12e. The total deflection angle of the paper web 12 about rolls along the second paper path shown in FIG. 3 is 360 °.

FIG. 4 shows the transport device 10 with a second paper path according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The deviating from the first paper path area of the second paper path is designated in Figure 4 by the reference numeral 12f. The transport device 10 shown in Figure 4 additionally includes a baffle 50, the lateral boundary elements for lateral guidance of the paper web 12 has 5 along the second paper path. For providing the first paper path, the deflecting plate 50 with the lateral limiting elements is preferably removed from the printer or copier. The sum of all deflection angles of the paper web 12 along the second paper path is 10 ° to the second paper path according to FIG. 4 240 °.

FIG. 5 shows the transport device 10 with a second paper path according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the first paper path is deviated from.

15 deviating portions of the second paper path are denoted by the reference numerals 12g and 12a. The total deflection angle when transporting the paper web 12 along the second paper path is 225 ° in the embodiment according to FIG.

20 _.

FIG. 6 shows the transport device 10 with the first paper path and a second paper path according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The deviating from the first paper path areas of the second paper path

25 are designated in the embodiment of Figure 6 by the reference numerals 12b, 12c and 12g. The total deflection angle of the paper web 12 along the second paper path of Figure 6 is 225 °.

FIG. 7 shows the transport ^device 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 6, in which a second paper path according to a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown. The regions of the second paper path deviating from the first paper path are denoted by the reference symbols 12b, 12d,

35 denotes 12e and 12g. The total ^deflection angle of the paper ^web 12 along the second paper path according to FIG. 7 is 225 °. In Figure 8, the transport device 10 is shown, in which a second paper path is shown according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The deviating from the first paper path areas of the second paper path are designated in the second paper path of Figure 8 by the reference numerals 12f and 12g and. The total deflection angle of the paper web 12 along the second paper path of Figure 8 is 105 °. The ümlenkwinkel be at the pre-centering 20 45 °, at the baffle 50 30 ° and the pair of rollers 42a and 42b 30 °, so that the already indicated total wrap angle of 105 ° results. The wrap angle of the first paper path is, as already mentioned in connection with FIG. 1, 720 °. The second paper path shown in FIG. 8 is particularly suitable for single-sided printing of a cardboard-like paper web having a basis weight of preferably greater than 120 g / m ² , in particular greater than 250 g / m ² . With the aid of the second paper path, it is also possible to print on cardboard-like substrate webs having a surface weight of 300 g / m ² or 500 g / m ² , but also corrugated paper and substrates with similar bending properties.

In particular, for providing the ^'second paper path, the embodiments according to Figures 4 and 8, a second below the paper web 12 is arranged printing unit is removed, to produce the required for the second paper path in the area 12 free space in the printer or copier. In addition, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 8, the additional deflecting and guide plate 50 is used instead of the second lower printing unit.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, a repositioning of at least one mark sensor is required in order to print the printed image in a suitable manner on predetermined sections of the paper web 12. When using the second paper path in the embodiment of Figure 1, the web tension measurement by means of the roller 26 and the rotary frame assembly 28 are not used in providing the second paper path. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the measuring device for detecting the web tension on the roller 26, the rotary frame arrangement 28 and the mark sensor 36 are not used in the provision of the second paper path. In the embodiments according to FIG. 3 and according to FIG. 4, the measuring device for detecting the web tension on the roller 26, the rotary frame arrangement 28 and the mark sensors 36, 40 are not used when transporting the paper web 12 along the second paper path.

The second paper path in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the second paper path in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the region of the web feed, wherein, to provide the second paper path according to FIG. 5, in addition to that for providing the second paper path according to FIG. 1, the web width sensor 18 and the web tensioner 16 and the roller assembly with the rollers 14a and 14b are not used. When providing the second paper path according to FIG. 6, in addition to FIG. 5, the brand sensor 36 is not used for detecting marks on the back side of the paper web 12. In the embodiments according to FIG. 7, the mark sensor 40 is also not used in comparison to FIG. 6, so that in the embodiment according to FIG. 7 or in the embodiment according to FIG. 8 for detecting the position of position marks another mark sensor (not shown) is provided or one of the in FIGS Printer or copier existing mark sensor 36, 40 must be positioned at a different position near the second paper path.

FIG. 9 shows the schematic illustration of the transport device according to FIGS. 1 to 8, the web-shaped carrier material 12 being shown along the second aliquot. 1 and a second web-shaped carrier material 13 is guided along the first transport path according to FIG. In the subregions 13a to 13c, 13g to 13i, the two carrier materials 12, 13 run parallel and touch each other on the side facing each other. In the regions 12a and 13d to 13f, the carrier materials 12, 13 have different courses. The web-shaped material 12 preferably has a greater rigidity than the web-shaped material 13. The web-shaped carrier materials 12, 13 may comprise at least one paper web and / or other carrier materials, in particular transparent films. By means of a printing device, not shown, at least one side of at least one carrier material 12, 13 are provided with a printed image. Alternatively, at least one web-shaped carrier material 12, 13 can be provided with a printed image on the front and the back, or the carrier material 12 on one side and the carrier material 13 on one side can be provided with a printed image. It is advantageous if one of the two web-shaped materials 12, 13 is a laminating film, which is connected in a processing step, not shown, by the action of heat with the respective other web-shaped carrier material 12, 13, which is in particular a paper web. The lamination of the two sheet-like materials 12, 13 can be carried out in particular by means of a roll fixing unit, by means of which a toner image applied to at least one side of a sheet-like material 12, 13 is simultaneously fixed.

As the embodiments of Figures 1 to 9 show, and along the second paper path large deflection radii and large deflection provided, ie, large wrap angles, reduced. Furthermore, the sum of the wrap angles when guiding the paper web 12 along the second paper path is reduced. For lateral web guidance of the paper web 12 along the second paper path arranged differently than the first paper path laterally baffles in at least one area and provided alternatively or additionally flanged wheels. For first paper webs with a relatively low basis weight, the first paper path in the printer or copier is still present, in which the lateral positioning of this first paper web is set and preferably regulated by means of the rotary frame 28.

Depending on the weight per unit area and / or the stiffness of the paper web 12 to be printed, the invention thus selects the first paper path or alternatively a simplified second paper path with significantly larger deflection radii and substantially smaller angles of wrap. The installation space required in the printer or copier for the second paper path is created, in particular, in the duplex-capable printer with two printing units arranged on opposite sides of the paper web 12 in that one of the printing units is removed from the printer or copier. Preferably, instead of the second printing unit arranged below the paper web 12, at least one guide element or at least one transport means are provided in order to transport the paper web 12 along the second paper path. Double-sided printing on very heavy paper or cardboard is rarely required, so printing on these materials will not require the second (lower) printing unit.

Preferably, this second printing unit is arranged in a device carrier which is connected to the printer or copier in a quick-change manner, so that the printing unit is removed from the printer or copier with relatively little effort for providing the second paper path and for providing the first paper path and the duplex printing radio - tion again relatively quickly in the printer or copier can be used. Preferably, only a few are for removing and reinserting the second printing unit Handles are required so that only a small amount of time is required to retool the printer or copier from providing the first paper path to provide the second paper path and from providing the second paper path to provide the first paper path.

The invention provides two alternative paper paths with two different web control mechanisms in a printing or copying machine. As already mentioned, to provide the second paper path, transport elements and / or guide elements can be removed from the printer or copier and / or added. Furthermore, sensors and / or actuators for providing the second paper path may be removed from the printer or copier and / or further sensors and / or actuators may be added to provide the second paper path. Further, individual aggregates for providing the second paper path may be removed from the printer or copier and / or added to the printer or copier. This concerns in particular a printing unit and / or developer stations.

If electrophotographic printing devices are used for printing on the paper web, in particular the fixing station is provided with fixing lines which can be adapted to the properties of the paper web 12. Alternatively or additionally, to fix toner images on a relatively high basis weight paper web 12, the process speed, ie the speed at which the paper web 12 is conveyed by the transport device 10 along the second paper path and printed with the aid of the at least one printing unit, opposes the conveying and printing of the paper web 12 are reduced to the first paper path, in particular to ensure a sufficient fixing performance and to not unduly stress the paper web / board web and the transport means of the transport unit 10. Additionally or alternatively, a cold fixation can be provided with which toner images produced at least on one side of a carrier material can be fixed on the latter. With the help of a cold fixation also toner images on special substrates, such as films and the like, can be fixed.

Particularly advantageous are the second paper paths shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, wherein in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 duplex printing on a paper web 12 conveyed along the second paper path is also possible since relatively little additional space is required to provide the second paper path is. In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, a very low total wrap angle and very small deflection angles are provided on the individual rolls, so that even relatively stiff carrier material to be printed, such as e.g. Cardboard, can be easily fed along the second paper path through the printer or copier, wherein at least one printed image on the front of the carton can be generated.

Furthermore, further baffles can be provided along the second paper path, through which a relatively stiff paper web for feeding the printer can be inserted into a paper feed and pushed into the printer or copier at least along a part of the second paper path, so that a so-called Autofeed- Feeding in which a threading device for embedding the paper web 12 along the first paper path is provided, at least for the second paper path need not be provided. For braking a conveyed along the second paper path of paper web 12 also has a durable rolling brake, a so-called flank can brake, instead of drawing rollers of an active withdrawal by means of the return ^¬ 14a, 14b. However, also in ^¬ particular appropriate braking and retraction elements used. at a permanently rolling brake, a braking force is introduced via a roller in the paper web 12, which compared to the conveying speed of the paper web 12 has lower peripheral speed.

Although the first paper path provided by the transport device 10 and the second paper paths provided by the transport device 10 according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8 have been described for paper webs, any other web-shaped carrier materials and sheet-shaped carrier material can be transported along these paper paths in the same way become. Thus, the invention is not limited to web-shaped carrier material.

The printing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 for performance-adapted, monochrome and / or colored, one- or two-sided printing of a tape-shaped record carrier has a modular design and basically comprises a feed module M1, a print module M2, a fixing module M3 and a post-processing module M4 on. The feeding module M1 contains the elements for feeding a e.g. from a stacker deducted continuous paper to the printing module M2. The print module M2 contains the actually electrophotographic printing units, which print the recording medium 12, which then in the fixing module. M3 fixed and cut in the post-processing module M4 if necessary, or stacked.

The modules in detail:

The printing module M2 contains the units required for printing a tape-shaped recording medium 12 with toner images, which are arranged on both sides of a transport channel 111 for the recording medium 12. These units consist essentially of two differently configurable electrophotography modules El and E2 with associated transfer modules T1 and T2. The modules El and Tl are assigned to the front side of the recording medium 12 and the modules E2 and T2 to the back. The identically constructed electrophotography modules E1 and E2 contain a seamless photoconductor belt 113, for example an organic photoconductor (OPC), guided over deflecting rollers 112 and driven by an electric motor in the direction of the arrow. Along the photosensitive outside, the aggregates for the electrophotographic process are arranged. They serve to produce on the photoconductor individual color separations associated toner images. For this purpose, the moving in the direction of arrow photoconductor is first charged by means of a charger 114 to a voltage of about 1000 V and then character dependent discharged using a consisting of an LED comb character generator 115 to about 50 volts. The latent charge image thus produced, which is present on the photoconductor 113, is then inked with toner by means of developer stations 116/1 to 116/5 and the image is then loosened by means of the intermediate exposure device 117 and transferred onto a transfer belt 119 of the transfer belt module T1 in a transfer area 118 transmitted by means of a transmission corona device 120. Thereafter, with the aid of the discharge corona device 121, the entire photoconductor belt 113 is unloaded over the entire width and cleaned by a cleaning device 122 with a cleaning brush of adhering toner dust. A subsequent intermediate exposure device 123 ensures a corresponding charge-conditioning of the photoconductor belt 113, which is then uniformly charged by means of the charging device 114, as already described.

With the electrophotography module E1 or E2, individual color separations of the color image to be generated are generated. For this purpose, the developer stations 116/1 to 116/5 are switchable. They each contain the one assigned to a single color separation Toner. For example, developer station 116/1 contains black toner, developer station 116/2 yellow toner, developer station 116/3 magenta toner, developer station 116/4 cyan toner, and blue developer station 116/5, for example Toner or toner of a special color. As developer stations, both one-component and two-component toner developer stations can be used. Preferably, however, one-component toner developer stations employing fluidizing toners, such as those known from US Patent 477106 (Fotland), are used. The subject matter of this US patent is part of the disclosure. In order to achieve the switchability of the developer stations, ie to be able to individually actuate each individual developer station, these can be formed using fluidizing toner, for example in accordance with patent 6,181 _/ 902 Bl. The switching of the developer station takes place by changing the electrical bias of the transfer roller or by changing the e- lektrischen bias of the applicator roller. It is also known to switch the developer stations in that they are mechanically displaced and thereby brought into contact with the photoconductor belt 113. Such a principle is known for example from DE-Al-19618324.

During operation of the printing device, a toner image, which is assigned to a single color separation, is always generated by the developer station 116/1 to 116/5, always by a single developer station. This toner image is then electrostatically transferred to the transfer belt 119 of the transfer module T 1 via the transfer device 118 in conjunction with the transferor corona device 120. The transfer module Tl contains the transfer belt 119, which consists of a rubber-like substance, and is guided around several deflecting devices and driven by a motor. The

Transfer belt 119 is similar to the photoconductor belt 113 formed endless and without seam. It is moved in the direction of the arrow and starting from the transfer area with the roller 118 and the transferor corona device 120 to a transfer station 124 and from there further to a guide roller 125 to a cleaning station 126 and from there to the transfer area 118, 20 with the deflecting roller 127 arranged there.

The transfer belt 119 in the transfer module T1 functions as a collector for the individual toner images associated with the color separations, which are transferred to the transfer belt 119 via the transfer device 118, 120. The individual toner images are arranged one above the other so that an overall toner image corresponding to the color image is formed. In order to generate the total color toner image and then transfer it to the front of the recording medium 12, the transfer module Tl contains a switchable transfer station 124. This can, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of mechanically displaceable transfer rollers 128 include associated Umdruckkoronaeinrichtung 129th In the "collect" operating state, transfer rolls 128 and transfer corona 129 are shifted upward in the direction of the arrow, so that the transfer ribbon 119 is spaced from the record carrier 12. The individual toner images are taken over in this state by the electrophotography module E1 and superimposed on the transfer belt 119. The cleaning station 126 is deactivated by pivoting. The recording medium 12 is in this operating state in the region of the transfer station 124 at rest.

The electrophotography module E2 and the transfer module T2 for the back of the recording medium 12 are constructed according to the modules El and Tl. Again, a Sammelfarbtonerbild for the back is generated on the transfer belt T2, wherein in the operating state "collecting" here, the corresponding transfer printing station 124 is pivoted. For simultaneous printing of the front and back of the recording medium 12, the transfer belts 119 of the transfer modules Tl and T2 are simultaneously brought into contact with the record carrier 12 in the area of their transfer stations 24, thereby moving the record carrier 12. At the same time, the cleaning stations 126 of the transfer modules T1 and T2 are swiveled in and activated. After transfer of the two toner images to the front and the back of the recording medium 12 adhering toner image residues on the transfer belts 119 are removed via the cleaning stations 126. This is followed again by a collecting cycle for the generation of new toner images, in which the transfer belts 119 are swung off and the recording medium 12 is at a standstill. The transfer of toner images from the transfer modules Tl and T2 to the recording medium 12 thus takes place in start-stop operation of the recording medium 12.

The recording medium 12 is moved in the paper transport channel 111 by means of motor-driven transport rollers 138. In the area between the transport rollers 138 and the transfer stations 24, paper conditioning corona means 139 can be arranged to allow the paper web 12 to be charged prior to transfer, e.g. is set evenly.

In order that the paper carrier 12 made of paper does not tear during this start-stop operation and can be fed continuously, the feeder module M1 contains a slide feeder 130. This loop puller 130, acting as a tape store, buffers the recording medium 12 continuously drawn off by a stacking device 131. However, the loop puller 130 is only part of the first transport path and not the second transport path according to FIGS. 1 to 9. After the transfer of both colored toner images in the area of the transfer printing stations 124 on the recording medium 12, these still have to be fixed. This purpose is served by the fixing module M3. It includes an upper and lower row of infrared radiators 132 between which the paper transport channel for the record carrier 12 extends. Since a loose toner image is located both on the front side and on the rear side of the recording medium, the recording medium 12 is guided freely in the area of the infrared radiators 132 via a deflecting roller 133 arranged on the output side. The fixation takes place via the heat of the infrared radiator 132. In a subsequent to the infrared radiator 132 Abkühlstrecke with cooling elements 134 and guide rollers 135 is a cooling of the recording medium 12 and a smoothing, for example via corresponding Decurler facilities. As cooling elements 134 may serve blower-driven air chambers. Also, the area between the cooling elements 134 is not part of the second transport path so that the second record carrier on the roller 135 is not deflected.

After fixing both toner images and cooling, a corresponding post-processing of the recording medium 12 takes place in the context of the post-processing module M4, which is e.g. may include a cutting device 36 with stacking device 37.

The printer has been described above in terms of the Duplex and Color print modes. In this operating state, color images are printed on both sides of the recording medium 12 operated at the start-stop. This mode of operation is the slowest. As part of a job to be completed most of the time is printed in monochrome in simplex or duplex mode. In this operating state, the recording medium 12 is moved continuously and the transfer stations T1 and T2 are continuously in contact with the recording medium. It is only a developer station of the developer module El or E2 activated, each of which generates a monochrome toner image, which is transferred directly to the transfer belts 119 and from there to the recording medium 12. The transfer belts 119 work as direct transfer elements without collecting function; the cleaning stations 126 are therefore permanently activated.

This means that the printing device has a performance-based design. This means that it is adapted to the most common monochrome printing and especially fast due to its continuous operation. If color printing is desired, the system switches to start-stop operation and the time required depends on the number of colors contained in the color image and thus on the number of activated developer stations 116/1 to 116/5. If e.g. only two colors printed, e.g. Black with red in the spot color method, so only two transmission processes with collection processes in the developer module El and the transfer module Tl are required to represent the Sammeltonerbildes. The same applies to three colors, etc.

Depending on the activation of the various modules, various other operating states can be generated in the printer. colored simplex by activating the developer module and transfer module only on the corresponding desired side of the record carrier or else a mixed operation, e.g. printed on the front multi-color images and on the back monochrome images. In this case, the monochrome imaging transfer module can remain permanently swiveled.

In order to be able to realize these various operating states, a microprocessor-controlled control device ST coupled to the device controller GS of the printer is used with the components to be controlled and regulated by Feeding module Ml, printing module M2 and fixing module M3 or post-processing module M4 is in communication. Within the modules, it is coupled with the individual units, for example with the electrophotography modules El and E2 and the transfer modules T1 and T2. Connected to the device control GS or the control ST, which may be part of the device control, is a control panel B, via which the various operating states can be entered. The control panel may contain a touch-screen display or a PC with a paired keyboard. The control itself can be constructed conventionally.

According to the desired purpose, the subject of the invention can now vary. This is particularly easy because the device is constructed like a module and the individual units are designed as replaceable and add-on individual modules.

In this printer or copier, those shown in Figs. 1 to 9 and previously described in detail

Transport means 10 are integrated for providing the first and second transport path in order to be able to print carrier materials with different mechanical properties with this printer or copier. The transfer belts 119 can also be replaced by other transfer means and the photoconductor belts 113 by other photoconductors such as photoconductive drums.

In summary, it is advantageous to use the transport device 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 9 in a printing or copying machine for the performance-adapted, monochrome and / or colored, single- or double-sided printing of a recording medium which has the following components:

a) at least one electrophotography module E1, E2 for producing a color separation of a color image. arranged toner image on an endless photoconductor 113 by means of several, along the surface of the photoconductor 113 arranged, individually switchable developer stations 116 / 1-116 / 5, which are each associated with a single color separation.

b) at least one transfer module T 1, T 2 having an endless transfer belt 119, which has a transfer area 118, 120 for transferring the toner image associated with the color separation from the electrophotography module E 1, E 2, a controllable transfer area 124 for transferring a toner image onto the record carrier 12, and has a switchable cleaning station 126 in the direction of movement of the transfer belt 119 in front of the transfer area 118, 120,

c) a, a controllable transport device 138 for the recording medium 12 having transport channel 111 with one or both sides of the transport channel 111 arranged electrophotography and transfer module,

d) a with the electrophotography module El, E2, the transfer module Tl, T2 and the transport device 138 coupled control device ST, the EF, El, E2, transfer module Tl, T2 and transport device 138 controls such that in a multi-color printing associated collection state when disabled Cleaning 126 and transfer area 124, the color separation toner images serially from the electrophotography module El, E2 taken on the transfer belt 119 and so on the transfer belt 119 a register-accurate collection image is generated, in a multi-color printing associated Umdruckzustand with activated cleaning 126 and Umdruckbereich 124 the Sammeltonerbild on the over the transport device 138 in the start-stop mode moving record carrier 12 transmitted 2 ^' 9

and, in a state associated with the continuous printing, with the recording medium 12 activated and the transfer area 124 of the transfer module T1, T2 activated, the toner images are transferred directly from the electrophotography module El, E2 to the transfer belt 119 and transferred from there to the recording medium 12.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 transport device

12 paper web

12a to 12g deviating portions of the second transport path from the first paper path

13 web-shaped material 13a to 13i areas of the first transport path

14a, 14b rolls

16 train tensioners

18 web width sensor

20 Pre-centering 22 Braking device

24 spiked wheel

26 guide roller

28 revolving frame

30, 32 deflecting roller 34 deflecting roller

36, 40 brand sensor

38 deflecting roller

42a pressure roller

42b Drive roller 44, 46 Tilt roller

48 roller

50 guide plate

111 transport channel

112 guide rollers 113 photoconductor

114 charging device

115 character generator

116/1 to 116/5 developer stations

117 Intermediate exposure device 118 Transfer device, transfer region

119 transfer ribbon

120 transmission corona device 121 discharge corona device

122 cleaning station

123 intermediate exposure device

124 Transfer station 125 Guide roller

126 cleaning station

127 guide roller

128 transfer roll

129 transfer corotron 130 loop puller

131 stacking device

132 infrared radiators

133 deflecting roller

134 cooling element 135 deflection roller

136 cutting device

137 Stacking device

138 transport rollers

139 Charging corona device B Control panel

El electrophotography module, front

E2 electrophotography module, back

GS device control

Ml feeding module M2 printing module

M3 fixing module

M4 post-processing module

ST control device

Tl transfer module, front side T2 transfer module, back side

Claims

claims

1. Printer or copier for printing carrier materials with different mechanical properties,

with at least one printing unit (El, Tl) which generates at least one printed image on a support material (12) to be printed,

with a control unit (ST),

which controls the printing unit (El, Tl) for multicolor printing in a collective mode in which the printing unit (El, Tl) toner images of several color separations successively on a photoconductor (113) of the printing unit (El, Tl) by coloring a charge image of the respective color separation produced with toner of the color specified for the respective color separation and reprinted in each case onto a transfer image carrier (119) of the printing unit (El, Tl), so that the color separations on the transfer image carrier (119) lie exactly one above the other,

which controls the printer or copier in the collective mode of operation in such a way that a transfer of the color separations from the transfer image carrier (119) to the carrier material (12) is temporarily prevented, so that the color separations printed on the transfer image carrier (119) register one above the other on the carrier material (12 ),

controls the transport means of the printer or copier for transporting the substrate to be printed in the collective mode of operation such that the transport of the carrier material (12) is at least temporarily stopped when the transfer printing is prevented, which controls the printing unit (El, Tl) in a continuous printing mode in such a way that monochrome printed images are generated continuously and continuously transferred to the carrier material (12),

and which controls the transport means in the continuous printing mode such that the carrier material (12) is continuously driven at least during the transfer printing,

wherein first transport means are provided which transport a first carrier material (12) with first mechanical properties along a first transport path through the printer or copier, wherein the at least one printing unit (El, Tl) generates at least one printed image on the first carrier material (12),

wherein second transport means are provided which, unlike the first carrier material, transport a second carrier material (12) with second mechanical properties along a second second transport path deviating from the first transport path at least in a partial area by the printer or copier, the at least one printing unit (El, Tl) generates at least one printed image on the second carrier material (12),

wherein first guide means (28) are provided for the lateral positioning of the first carrier material (12) along the first transport path,

and wherein second guide means (20, 50) are provided for laterally positioning the second carrier material (12) along the second transport path.

2. Printer or copier for printing carrier materials with different mechanical properties,

with first transport means, which transport a first carrier material (12) with first mechanical properties along a first transport path through the printer or copier,

with second transport means transporting a second carrier material (13) with second mechanical properties along a second second transport path deviating at least in a partial area from the first transport path at the same time for transporting the first carrier material (12) through the printer or copier,

wherein second guide means (20, 50) are provided for laterally positioning the second carrier material along the second transport path, and

wherein at least one printing unit generates at least one printed image on the first and / or second carrier material (12).

3. Printer or copier according to claim 1, characterized in that the printer or copier has a control unit,

which controls the printing unit (El, Tl) for multicolor printing in a collective mode in which the printing unit (El, Tl) toner images of several color separations successively on a photoconductor (113) of the printing unit (El, Tl) by coloring a charge image of the respective Color separation with toner of the color specified for the respective color separation and in each case transferred to a transfer image carrier (119) of the printing unit (El, Tl), so that the color separations on the transfer image carrier (119) are in registration with one another,

which controls the printer or copier in the collective mode of operation in such a way that transfer of the color separations from the transfer image carrier (119) to the first and / or second carrier material (12) is temporarily prevented, so that the color separations printed on the transfer image carrier (119) register one on top of the other first and / or second carrier material (12) are transferred,

the transport means of the printer or copier for transporting the first and / or second carrier material (12) in the collective mode of operation controls such that the transport of the carrier material (12) is stopped at least temporarily when the transfer printing is prevented,

which controls the printing unit (El, Tl) in a continuous printing mode in such a way that monochrome printed images are generated continuously and continuously transferred to the first and / or second substrate material (12),

and which controls the transport means of the printer or copier for transporting the first and / or second carrier material (12) in the continuous printing mode such that the carrier material (12) is driven continuously at least during the transfer printing.

4. A printer or copier according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the printer or copier has a second printing unit (E2, T2), wherein the first

Print engine (El, Tl) Print images on the front and the second print engine (E2, T2) Print images on the front Rear side of the first and / or second carrier material (12) produced,

wherein the control unit (ST) and / or another control unit controls the second printing unit (E2, T2) and the drive means of the printer or copier in the same way that a collective mode of operation and a continuous printing mode also for printing the back of the first and / or second Support material (12) can be provided, wherein the first printing unit

(El, Tl) and the second printing unit (E2, T2) preferably have a common ümdruckbereich (24), in which for transferring toner images on the first and / or second carrier material (12) the transfer means (119) of the first printing unit (El , Tl) the front side and the transfer means (119) of the second printing unit (E2, T2) contact the backside of the carrier material (12) to be printed.

5. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first guide means (28) comprise at least one roller (30, 32) over which the first carrier material (12) is guided, wherein the lateral orientation of the first carrier germaterials (12) by a change in position of the roller (30, 32) is adjustable.

6. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second guide means (20, 50) at least in a region of the second transport path laterally of the second transport path arranged delimiting elements for lateral guidance of the second carrier material (12) on a Engage side edge of the carrier material (12).

7. A printer or copier according to claim 6, characterized in that the limiting means for aligning the second carrier material (12) exert a force on the side edge of the second carrier material (12), wherein the limiting means preferably comprise at least one bonding disc.

8. A printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carrier material (12) has a relatively low basis weight of less than or equal to 120 g / m ² , and in that the second carrier material (12) has a relatively high basis weight greater than or equal to 100 g / m ² has.

9. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that at least the first carrier material (12) is a web-shaped carrier material (12), and that the first guide means comprise a rotating frame (28) containing at least one Waiz ze (30, 32) over which the web-shaped first carrier material (12) is guided, wherein for the lateral positioning of the first carrier material (12) along the first transport path of the rotating frame (28) together with the roller (30, 32) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the web-shaped first carrier material (12)

Axis is pivotally, whereby the first carrier material (12) is positioned laterally with little or no stress on the side edges of the first carrier material (12) along the first transport path.

10. A printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the first and / or second transport means and / or the first and / or second guide means (28, 20, 50) for laterally aligning the carrier material only for the Period of provision of the first transport ^path (12) or provision of the first ternativen second transport path in the printer or copier are arranged.

11. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second

Printing unit (E2, T2) for generating the second printed image on the first carrier material (12) in the printer or copier is present, which is quick change.

12. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that at least one second printing unit (E2, T2) is provided in the printer or copier,

in that the first transporting means guide the first carrier material (12) both on the first printing unit (El, T1) and on the second printing unit (E2, T2) during transport along the first transport path,

each of the two printing units (El, T1, E2, T2) generates a printed image on the first carrier material (12),

wherein at least the photoconductor (113) and the developer unit (116 / 1-116 / 5) of the second printing unit (E2,

T2) are connected to a common first equipment carrier, which can be pushed in the manner of a slot into the printer or copier and easily removed from the printer or copier,

and wherein the first equipment carrier is removed with the photoconductor (113) and the developer unit (116 / 1-116 / 5) for providing the second transport path from the printer or copier.

13. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one Part of the second guide means for laterally aligning the second carrier material (12) is connected to a second device carrier, which is used to provide the second transport path instead of the first device carrier in the printer or copier.

14. Printer or copier according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the first carrier material (12) is guided along the first transport path via rollers with a relatively large wrap angle, and that the second carrier material (12) is guided along the second transport path via rollers with a lower wrap angle.

15. A printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that along the second transport path larger deflection radii and lower wrap angles than along the first transport path are present.

16. A printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport means a first web-shaped material along the first transport path and the second transport means a second web-shaped material along the second at least in a partial region deviating from the first transport path through the second transport path transport the printer or copier, wherein at least one of the web-like materials as a carrier material (12) for a printed image to be generated by means of the printer or copier.

17. A printer or copier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport path and the second transport path have at least one common sub-area in which the at least one printing unit, the first and / or second carrier germaterial when passing the first and / or second carrier material printed on the printing unit with the at least one printed image.

18. Method for printing substrates with different mechanical properties,

in which with the aid of at least one printing unit (El, Tl) at least one printed image is produced on a carrier material (12) to be printed,

the printer or copier is operated for multicolor printing in a collective mode of operation,

in which with the help of the printing unit (El, Tl) toner images of several color separations successively on a photoconductor (113) of the printing unit (El, Tl) by coloring a charge image of the respective color separation with toner of the color specified for the respective color separation generates and in each case a transfer image carrier (119) of the printing unit (El, Tl) are reprinted so that the color separations on the transfer image carrier (119) are in register with one another,

in which a transfer printing of the color separations from the transfer image carrier (119) to the carrier material (12) is temporarily prevented so that the color separations printed on the transfer image carrier (119) are printed together in register on the carrier material (12),

and in which the transport of the carrier material (12) is stopped at least temporarily when the transfer printing is prevented, in which the printer or copier is operated to continuously produce monochrome print images in a continuous print mode,

in which monochrome print images are generated continuously and continuously transferred to the carrier material (12),

and in which the carrier material (12) is driven continuously at least during the transfer printing,

in which a first carrier material (12) having first mechanical properties is transported along a first transport path through a printer or copier with the aid of first transport means, at least one printed image being produced on the first carrier material (12) with the aid of at least one printing unit,

and in which, as an alternative to the first carrier material, a second carrier material (12) with second mechanical properties is transported through the printer or copier along a second second transport path deviating from the first transport path, at least in a partial region, whereby at least one printing unit is used a print image is produced on the second carrier material,

wherein the first carrier material (12) is aligned laterally with the aid of first guide means along the first transport path,

and wherein the second carrier material (12) is aligned laterally with the aid of second guide means along the second transport path.

19. A method of printing substrates having different mechanical properties

in which a first carrier material (12) with first mechanical properties is transported along a first transport path through a printer or copier with the aid of first transport means,

and in which a second carrier material (13) with second mechanical properties is transported by means of second transport means along a second second transport path deviating from the first transport path at least in a subsection by the printer or copier simultaneously to transport the first carrier material (12),

wherein the second carrier material (12) is aligned laterally with the aid of second guide means along the second transport path, and

wherein at least one printed image is produced on the first and / or second carrier material (12) with the aid of at least one printing unit.