EP0702334A1 - System for controlling and ink jet head in a franking machine by vernier control - Google Patents

System for controlling and ink jet head in a franking machine by vernier control Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0702334A1
EP0702334A1 EP95401956A EP95401956A EP0702334A1 EP 0702334 A1 EP0702334 A1 EP 0702334A1 EP 95401956 A EP95401956 A EP 95401956A EP 95401956 A EP95401956 A EP 95401956A EP 0702334 A1 EP0702334 A1 EP 0702334A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzles
scale
rows
ink droplets
ink
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95401956A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0702334B1 (en
Inventor
Michel Fajour
Bernard Mourgues
Jean-Claude Haroutel
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Quadient Technologies France SA
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Neopost Technologies SA
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Publication of EP0702334A1 publication Critical patent/EP0702334A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G07B2017/00532—Inkjet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a franking machine comprising an ink jet printing head for printing a postal imprint on a franking article moved relative to the head in a direction of movement, this printing head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two rows extending transversely to the direction of movement, these two rows being spaced from one another by a distance D in this direction and a control means being provided for controlling the succession chronological ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to delay the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one of the two rows relative to that of the nozzles of the other row by a delay R based on previously recorded data representative of an estimate of the distance D.
  • Such a franking machine is known from document US-5083153.
  • Inkjet printing gives postage machines great flexibility, particularly when it comes to printing postal items on mail items with both variable characters, such as digital symbols a postage amount, and color schemes, such as advertising flames.
  • the two rows of nozzles can be respectively part of two different housings mutually offset transversely and longitudinally to the direction of travel.
  • ink jet nozzles for example boxes comprising 64 or 128 nozzles, which are now widely distributed at very low prices to equip jet printers.
  • These inkjet printing units have a resolution of approximately 200 nozzles per inch which is suitable for printing a postal imprint.
  • the linear mark printed by a box comprising for example 128 nozzles extends over approximately 16mm. It is therefore understood that two boxes comprising a row of 128 nozzles each make it possible to print a linear mark over a length of approximately 30mm which corresponds to the height of a postal imprint.
  • the information to be printed by such a franking machine on a mail fold or a label intended to be affixed on such a fold is recorded in digital form in a memory and partially transmitted to an interface circuit which, under the control of the control means, simultaneously operates the nozzles of the row most upstream in the direction of movement. Then after the delay R during which the fold or label is moved by the distance D, another part of the information in the memory is transmitted to the interface circuit which activates simultaneously all the nozzles of the other row of in such a way as to finish the impression of the linear mark.
  • This type of operation can extend to a number of rows of nozzles greater than two.
  • the delay R in question can be given by a clock circuit at a fixed frequency if the variations in the speed of movement V of the fold or label under the print head are not taken into account or otherwise at frequency synchronized on a representative signal the speed of movement of the fold or label detected in real time by an appropriate speed sensor, for example an optical sensor. It is understood that the delay R varies as a function of the ratio D / V and that an imprecise estimate of the distance D leads to the appearance of a defect in alignment of the points constituting the linear mark printed on the fold or the label, fault which can be eliminated by adjusting the value of the previously recorded data representative of the distance D.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a simple solution for adjusting this data.
  • control means is arranged to control a first chronological sequence of ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one of the rows so as to print a first graduated rectilinear scale divided into first equal intervals along the direction movement and to control, after the delay R beginning at the start of said first sequence, a second chronological sequence of ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles of the other row so as to print a second straight graduated scale divided into seconds equal intervals in the direction of movement and smaller than the first intervals, this second scale constituting a vernier associated with the first scale in order to obtain an error value for the adjustment of the recorded data.
  • the adjustment of the recorded data requires only one visual examination, this examination consisting in locating two graduations which are arranged in alignment with one another, one forming part of the first scale, the other being part of the second scale.
  • control means is arranged to control the ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to print symbols next to one of the straight scales, each symbol corresponds to a particular error value.
  • optical sensors are arranged downstream of the print head in the direction of movement of a support on which the graduations of the scales are printed, these sensors supplying signals representative of a chronology of detections of these graduations on the basis of which the recorded data representative of the distance D is adjusted automatically.
  • the invention extends to a method for adjusting such a franking machine according to which the first and second rectilinear scales are advantageously printed on a label in the case where the franking machine includes an automatic label dispenser.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of the printhead forming part of a franking machine according to the invention on which appears an arrangement of the nozzles of the printhead in two parallel rows.
  • Figures 2 to 6 show examples of printing rectilinear scales useful for adjusting the recorded data representative of the distance D.
  • FIG. 7 shows two rows of nozzles partially overlapping in the direction of travel.
  • the franking machine in FIG. 1 comprises a conveyor system which moves the mail item 1 to be franked under a stationary ink jet print head 2 in the direction of movement F.
  • the print head here comprises two housings such as 20 and 21, each housing comprising a row of nozzles, each row including for example 128 nozzles regularly spaced apart by a distance of 1/200 inch, that is to say approximately 0.127 millimeter.
  • the boxes possibly having rows of nozzles of different sizes, for example a box with 128 nozzles and a box with 64 nozzles.
  • the housings 20 and 21 are identical.
  • the two housings are mounted in the print head in such a way that their rows of nozzles extend transversely to direction F, the two housings being offset relative to each other transversely and longitudinally to direction F.
  • the nozzles are represented by crosses in FIG. 1.
  • the arrangement of the two housings 20 and 21 is such that the distance between the last nozzle B128 of the housing 20 (the one uppermost in FIG. 1) and the first nozzle B '1 of the housing 21 (the lowest one in FIG. 1) is at least equal to the height H of a postal imprint 10 represented by the rectangle in broken lines on the article 1. It is therefore understood that the dimension of each row of nozzles and the height of the postal imprint determine the number of boxes required for printing the postal imprint.
  • these two housings 20, 21 are mounted in such a way that the first nozzle B1 of the housing 20 (that of the lowest housing 20 in FIG. 1) is spaced from the last nozzle B'128 of the housing 21 (that of the housing 21 uppermost in FIG. 1), in the direction perpendicular to the direction F, by a distance equal to approximately 0.127 millimeter (that is to say the distance between two consecutive nozzles of one or the other rows of nozzles).
  • the two rows of nozzles R1 and R2 are spaced from each other by a distance D in the direction F of about 1cm.
  • the franking machine further comprises a control unit 3, such as a microprocessor and a program stored in a memory not shown, which is connected to control the chronological succession of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles, in response to a signal d clock synchronized or not with the speed of movement of the fold or label under the print head 2, so that it is possible to produce dots on the fold or label which join together with a slight overlap along straight lines parallel to the direction F.
  • a control unit 3 such as a microprocessor and a program stored in a memory not shown, which is connected to control the chronological succession of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles, in response to a signal d clock synchronized or not with the speed of movement of the fold or label under the print head 2, so that it is possible to produce dots on the fold or label which join together with a slight overlap along straight lines parallel to the direction F.
  • the unit 3 delays the ejection command of ink droplets from the nozzles of row R2 (the nozzles of the housing 21 which is furthest downstream in the direction F) with respect to the command for ejecting the ink droplets from the nozzles of row R1 (the nozzles of the box 20 which is most upstream in the direction F), with a delay R varying as a function of the ratio d / V or d is the adjustable data item previously recorded in memory and representative of the distance D.
  • the distance D varies from one print head to another. Furthermore, it is very difficult to measure, with all the desired precision, the distance D. Consequently, after assembly of the housings 20 and 21, a data d is loaded into the unit 3, the value of which is an estimate (generally imprecise) of the distance D which must then be adjusted.
  • control unit 3 To adjust this datum d so as to obtain a linear mark whose points (formed by the ink droplets) are satisfactorily aligned transverse to the direction F, the control unit 3 is arranged as follows.
  • the unit 3 in response to the input of a control signal for example, commands a first chronological sequence d ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of the housing 20 so as to print on a paper support (such as the envelope 1 or the like) moved under the print head 2 in the direction F, a first series of linear graduations transverse to direction F and constituting a first rectilinear scale divided into first equal intervals.
  • a paper support such as the envelope 1 or the like
  • the unit 3 also controls, in response to this control signal, a second chronological sequence of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles of the housing 21, from the instant t + R, so as to print , on this support, a second series of linear graduations transverse to the direction F and constituting a second rectilinear scale divided into second equal intervals but smaller than the first intervals.
  • This second scale constitutes a vernier associated with the first scale and by simple visual examination of the coincidence between a graduation forming part of the first scale and a graduation forming part of the second scale, it is easy to determine an error value which corresponds the difference between the recorded data representative of the estimate of the distance D and the exact value of this distance D. Depending on the difference between the intervals of the two scales, this error can be obtained with the desired precision.
  • Figures 2 to 6 show examples of printing scales, the first scale being referenced by 110 and the second by 111 while the print medium is referenced 11.
  • Numerical symbols like 1 to 9, generally available for printing of a postage amount, are also printed next to the graduations of the first scale.
  • the first graduations printed by the printhead are those located most to the left in FIGS. 2 to 6. It is understood that if the first graduation of the scale 110 is straight-eye with the first graduation of 'scale 111, the data d is an exact estimate of the distance D (as shown in Figure 4). Otherwise, the error value determined by visual examination is to be subtracted or added, as the case may be, to the data d recorded.
  • the unit 3 can be arranged to accept control data representative of the size of the intervals A and B for the two scales on the basis of which it can adapt the length of the scales to a desired length of the printing medium, for example for facilitate visual examination of scales.
  • the distance between two consecutive dots printed on a longitudinal line in direction F corresponds to a printing pitch set to 1/200 inch, or approximately 0.127mm.
  • the size of the housings 20 and 21 generally makes it possible to mount them offset longitudinally in the direction F so that the distance D is approximately 100 printing steps, that is to say approximately 1.27 mm. If by order, A is fixed at 50 steps (that is to say approximately 6.35mm) and B is fixed at 49 steps (that is to say approximately 6.223mm), it is enough for 50 graduations on the two rectilinear scales 110 and 111 to obtain a value of error with an accuracy of 2/100 steps.
  • the housings 20 and 21 are mounted in such a way that the row of nozzles R1 partially overlaps the row of nozzles R2 in the direction F as shown in FIG. 7 (i.e. the two rows of nozzles R1 and R2 have a common printing area which is located in the middle of the height H). It follows that the graduations of the two scales 110 and 111 overlap in part as shown in Figures 2 to 6. However, in this case, when printing a postal imprint, it is necessary to prohibit the operation of some of the nozzles in either of the two rows to avoid printing defects. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the unit 3 should prohibit the operation of the nozzles B1 to B3.
  • two optoelectronic sensors 22 and 23 are provided in the print head (or outside of it) downstream of the two rows R1 and R2 in the direction F. These photo detection sensors 22 and 23 are mounted in such a way that the sensor 22 detects the graduations of the scale 110 and the sensor 23 detects the graduations of the scale 111. Each sensor provides a signal which is representative of a chronology of detections of graduations of a scale. In FIG. 1, the signals 22S and 23S each have two peaks which correspond to the detection of two successive graduations of a scale.
  • the time interval between two graduations of the scale 110 is larger than the interval between two graduations of the scale 111, it follows that the time interval between two peaks of the signal 22S is greater than the interval of time between two peaks of the 23S signal.
  • These signals are supplied, after digitization, to the unit 3 which counts the number of peaks present in the signals 22S and 23S since the beginning of the adjustment phase, compares in time the occurrence of the peaks in the signal 22S with l occurrence of the peaks in the signal 23S so as to find a particular peak in the signal 22S which is in phase with a particular peak in the signal 23S and which, on the basis of the sequence number of these particular peaks (according to the accounting established), determines the error value relating to the data item d and finally adjusts the latter automatically.
  • the support 11 used for printing the scales 110 and 111 is preferably a label which is provided by an automatic label dispenser (not shown) fitted to the franking machine and which is moved under the print head. It is unit 3 which controls the label dispenser, in response to the pressing of a key on the keyboard of the franking machine for example, so that the operation for adjusting the data item d done without an operator having to intervene. It is understood that printing the scales on a label is advantageous even in the case of a visual examination of the scales because it dispenses the operator from having to insert an envelope or other medium in the franking machine.

Abstract

The franking machine has an ink-jet printing head (2) with a number ink-feeds (B1-B3;B128;B'1;B'128) arranged in at least two buses (R1,R2) extending transversally to the displacement direction (F) of the articles to be franked. The ink-feeds are sepd. from each other by a distance (D). The control system(3) controls the chronological succession of ejected ink-drops to delay the ink-jet from one of the feed bus (R1) by a delay R based upon pre-recorded data (d) which represents an estimate of the distance(D). The control system(3) is arranged to control a first series of ink-jets from the feed bus (R1) so as to print a first rectilinear scale (110) graduated in equal intervals following the displacement direction. The system then controls, after the delay R, commencing at the start of the first sequence, a second sequence of ink-jets from the bus feed (R2) to print a second rectilinear scale (111) divided into equal second interval graduations following the displacement direction and smaller than the first intervals. This second scale forms a vernier associated with the first scale to obtain an error value for adjustment of the recorded data.

Description

L'invention porte sur une machine d'affranchissement comprenant une tête d'impression à jet d'encre pour imprimer une empreinte postale sur un article à affranchir déplacé par rapport à la tête selon une direction de déplacement, cette tête d'impression comprenant une pluralité de buses disposées selon au moins deux rangées s'étendant transversalement à la direction de déplacement, ces deux rangées étant espacées l'une de l'autre d'une distance D selon cette direction et un moyen de commande étant prévu pour commander la succession chronologique des éjections de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de manière à retarder l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'une des deux rangées par rapport à celle des buses de l'autre rangée d'un délai R basé sur une donnée préalablement enregistrée représentative d'une estimation de la distance D.The invention relates to a franking machine comprising an ink jet printing head for printing a postal imprint on a franking article moved relative to the head in a direction of movement, this printing head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two rows extending transversely to the direction of movement, these two rows being spaced from one another by a distance D in this direction and a control means being provided for controlling the succession chronological ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to delay the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one of the two rows relative to that of the nozzles of the other row by a delay R based on previously recorded data representative of an estimate of the distance D.

Une telle machine d'affranchissement est connue du document US-5083153. L'impression par jet d'encre apporte aux machines d'affranchissement une très grande flexibilité, en particulier lorsqu'il s'agit d'imprimer sur les articles de courrier des empreintes postales comportant à la fois des caractères variables, comme les symboles numériques d'un montant d'affranchissement, et des dispositions de couleurs, comme les flammes publicitaires.Such a franking machine is known from document US-5083153. Inkjet printing gives postage machines great flexibility, particularly when it comes to printing postal items on mail items with both variable characters, such as digital symbols a postage amount, and color schemes, such as advertising flames.

Selon un agencement simple et économique de la tête d'impression, les deux rangées de buses peuvent faire partie respectivement de deux boîtiers différents mutuellement décalés transversalement et longitudinalement à la direction de défilement. En effet, il existe aujourd'hui des petits boîtiers renfermant une rangée de buses à jet d'encre, par exemple des boîtiers comprenant 64 ou 128 buses, qui sont maintenant largement diffusés à des prix très bas pour équiper les imprimantes à jet d'encre à relier aux micro-ordinateurs. Ces boîtiers d'impression à jet d'encre ont une résolution d'environ 200 buses par inch ce qui convient pour l'impression d'une empreinte postale. La marque linéaire imprimée par un boîtier comprenant par exemple 128 buses s'étend sur environ 16mm. On comprend donc que deux boîtiers comportant une rangée de 128 buses chacun permettent d'imprimer une marque linéaire sur une longueur d'environ 30mm qui correspond à la hauteur d'une empreinte postale.According to a simple and economical arrangement of the print head, the two rows of nozzles can be respectively part of two different housings mutually offset transversely and longitudinally to the direction of travel. Indeed, today there are small boxes containing a row of ink jet nozzles, for example boxes comprising 64 or 128 nozzles, which are now widely distributed at very low prices to equip jet printers. ink to be connected to microcomputers. These inkjet printing units have a resolution of approximately 200 nozzles per inch which is suitable for printing a postal imprint. The linear mark printed by a box comprising for example 128 nozzles extends over approximately 16mm. It is therefore understood that two boxes comprising a row of 128 nozzles each make it possible to print a linear mark over a length of approximately 30mm which corresponds to the height of a postal imprint.

L'information à imprimer par une telle machine d'affranchissement sur un pli de courrier ou une étiquette destinée à être apposée sur un tel pli, par exemple une marque linéaire perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement, est enregistrée sous forme numérique dans une mémoire et transmise partiellement à un circuit interface qui, sous la commande du moyen de commande, met en fonctionnement simultanément les buses de la rangée la plus en amont selon la direction de déplacement. Puis après le délai R durant lequel le pli ou étiquette est déplacé(e) de la distance D, une autre partie de l'information dans la mémoire est transmise au circuit interface qui met en fonctionnement simultanément toutes les buses de l'autre rangée de telle façon à finir l'impression de la marque linéaire. Ce type de fonctionnement peut s'étendre à un nombre de rangée de buses supérieur à deux.The information to be printed by such a franking machine on a mail fold or a label intended to be affixed on such a fold, for example a linear mark perpendicular to the direction of movement, is recorded in digital form in a memory and partially transmitted to an interface circuit which, under the control of the control means, simultaneously operates the nozzles of the row most upstream in the direction of movement. Then after the delay R during which the fold or label is moved by the distance D, another part of the information in the memory is transmitted to the interface circuit which activates simultaneously all the nozzles of the other row of in such a way as to finish the impression of the linear mark. This type of operation can extend to a number of rows of nozzles greater than two.

Le délai R en question peut être donné par un circuit d'horloge à fréquence fixe si on ne tient pas compte des variations de la vitesse de déplacement V du pli ou étiquette sous la tête d'impression ou sinon à fréquence synchronisée sur un signal représentatif de la vitesse de déplacement du pli ou étiquette détectée en temps réel par un capteur de vitesse approprié, par exemple un capteur optique. On comprend que le délai R varie en fonction du rapport D/V et qu'une estimation imprécise de la distance D entraîne l'apparition d'un défaut d'alignement des points constituant la marque linéaire imprimée sur le pli ou l'étiquette, défaut qui peut être éliminé en réglant la valeur de la donnée préalablement enregistrée représentative de la distance D.The delay R in question can be given by a clock circuit at a fixed frequency if the variations in the speed of movement V of the fold or label under the print head are not taken into account or otherwise at frequency synchronized on a representative signal the speed of movement of the fold or label detected in real time by an appropriate speed sensor, for example an optical sensor. It is understood that the delay R varies as a function of the ratio D / V and that an imprecise estimate of the distance D leads to the appearance of a defect in alignment of the points constituting the linear mark printed on the fold or the label, fault which can be eliminated by adjusting the value of the previously recorded data representative of the distance D.

Le but de l'invention est d'apporter une solution simple pour régler cette donnée.The object of the invention is to provide a simple solution for adjusting this data.

Selon l'invention, le moyen de commande est agencé pour commander une première séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses d'une des rangées de telle façon à imprimer une première échelle rectiligne graduée divisée en premiers intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement et pour commander, après le délai R commençant au début de ladite première séquence, une seconde séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'autre rangée de telle façon à imprimer une seconde échelle rectiligne graduée divisée en seconds intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement et plus petits que les premiers intervalles, cette seconde échelle constituant un vernier associé à la première échelle en vue d'obtenir une valeur d'erreur pour le réglage de la donnée enregistrée.According to the invention, the control means is arranged to control a first chronological sequence of ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one of the rows so as to print a first graduated rectilinear scale divided into first equal intervals along the direction movement and to control, after the delay R beginning at the start of said first sequence, a second chronological sequence of ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles of the other row so as to print a second straight graduated scale divided into seconds equal intervals in the direction of movement and smaller than the first intervals, this second scale constituting a vernier associated with the first scale in order to obtain an error value for the adjustment of the recorded data.

Ainsi, le réglage de la donnée enregistrée ne requiert qu'un seul examen visuel, cet examen consistant à repérer deux graduations qui sont disposées en alignement l'une avec l'autre, l'une faisant partie de la première échelle, l'autre faisant partie de la seconde échelle.Thus, the adjustment of the recorded data requires only one visual examination, this examination consisting in locating two graduations which are arranged in alignment with one another, one forming part of the first scale, the other being part of the second scale.

La correspondance entre la position de ces deux graduations et la valeur de l'erreur est plus facile à établir si le moyen de commande est agencé pour commander l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de telle manière à imprimer des symboles en regard de l'une des échelles rectilignes, chaque symbole correspond à une valeur d'erreur particulière.The correspondence between the position of these two graduations and the value of the error is easier to establish if the control means is arranged to control the ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to print symbols next to one of the straight scales, each symbol corresponds to a particular error value.

En variante, des capteurs optiques sont disposés en aval de la tête d'impression suivant la direction de déplacement d'un support sur laquel sont imprimées les graduations des échelles, ces capteurs fournissant des signaux représentatifs d'une chronologie de détections de ces graduations sur la base desquels la donnée enregistrée représentative de la distance D est réglée automatiquement.As a variant, optical sensors are arranged downstream of the print head in the direction of movement of a support on which the graduations of the scales are printed, these sensors supplying signals representative of a chronology of detections of these graduations on the basis of which the recorded data representative of the distance D is adjusted automatically.

L'invention s'étend à une méthode pour régler une telle machine d'affranchissement selon laquelle les première et seconde échelles rectilignes sont avantageusement imprimées sur une étiquette dans le cas où la machine d'affranchissement inclut un distributeur automatique d'étiquettes.The invention extends to a method for adjusting such a franking machine according to which the first and second rectilinear scales are advantageously printed on a label in the case where the franking machine includes an automatic label dispenser.

Un exemple de réalisation de la machine d'affranchissement selon l'invention est maintenant décrit plus en détail ci-dessous en référence aux dessins.An embodiment of the franking machine according to the invention is now described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

La figure 1 est un synoptique de la tête d'impression faisant partie d'une machine d'affranchissement selon l'invention sur lequel apparaît une disposition des buses de la tête d'impression selon deux rangées parallèles.Figure 1 is a block diagram of the printhead forming part of a franking machine according to the invention on which appears an arrangement of the nozzles of the printhead in two parallel rows.

Les figures 2 à 6 montrent des exemples d'impression d'échelles rectilignes utiles pour régler la donnée enregistrée représentative de la distance D.Figures 2 to 6 show examples of printing rectilinear scales useful for adjusting the recorded data representative of the distance D.

La figure 7 montre deux rangées de buses se chevauchant en partie selon la direction de défilement.FIG. 7 shows two rows of nozzles partially overlapping in the direction of travel.

La machine d'affranchissement sur la figure 1 comprend un système de convoyage qui déplace l'article de courrier 1 à affranchir sous une tête d'impression à jet d'encre 2 stationnaire selon la direction de déplacement F.The franking machine in FIG. 1 comprises a conveyor system which moves the mail item 1 to be franked under a stationary ink jet print head 2 in the direction of movement F.

La tête d'impression comprend ici deux boîtiers tels que 20 et 21, chaque boîtier comprenant une rangée de buses, chaque rangée incluant par exemple 128 buses espacées régulièrement entre elles d'une distance de 1/200 inch, soit environ 0,127 millimètre. A noter que plus de deux boîtiers peuvent être montés dans la tête d'impression, les boîtiers pouvant le cas échéant avoir des rangées de buses de tailles différentes, par exemple un boîtier avec 128 buses et un boîtier avec 64 buses. Dans le cas d'exemple, les boîtiers 20 et 21 sont identiques.The print head here comprises two housings such as 20 and 21, each housing comprising a row of nozzles, each row including for example 128 nozzles regularly spaced apart by a distance of 1/200 inch, that is to say approximately 0.127 millimeter. Note that more than two boxes can be mounted in the print head, the boxes possibly having rows of nozzles of different sizes, for example a box with 128 nozzles and a box with 64 nozzles. In the example, the housings 20 and 21 are identical.

Les deux boîtiers sont montés dans la tête d'impression de telle façon que leurs rangées de buses s'étendent transversalement à la direction F, les deux boîtiers étant décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre transversalement et longitudinalement à la direction F.The two housings are mounted in the print head in such a way that their rows of nozzles extend transversely to direction F, the two housings being offset relative to each other transversely and longitudinally to direction F.

Les buses sont représentées par des croix sur la figure 1. L'agencement des deux boîtiers 20 et 21 est tel que la distance entre la dernière buse B128 du boîtier 20 (celle la plus en haut sur la figure 1) et la première buse B'1 du boîtier 21 (celle la plus en bas sur la figure 1) est au moins égale à la hauteur H d'une empreinte postale 10 représentée par le rectangle en traits interrompus sur l'article 1. On comprend donc que la dimension de chaque rangée de buses et la hauteur de l'empreinte postale déterminent le nombre de boîtiers nécessaires pour l'impression de l'empreinte postale.The nozzles are represented by crosses in FIG. 1. The arrangement of the two housings 20 and 21 is such that the distance between the last nozzle B128 of the housing 20 (the one uppermost in FIG. 1) and the first nozzle B '1 of the housing 21 (the lowest one in FIG. 1) is at least equal to the height H of a postal imprint 10 represented by the rectangle in broken lines on the article 1. It is therefore understood that the dimension of each row of nozzles and the height of the postal imprint determine the number of boxes required for printing the postal imprint.

Si possible, ces deux boîtiers 20,21 sont montés de telle façon que la première buse B1 du boîtier 20 (celle du boîtier 20 la plus en bas sur la figure 1) est espacée de la dernière buse B'128 du boîtier 21 (celle du boîtier 21 la plus en haut sur la figure 1), selon la direction perpendiculaire à la direction F, d'une distance égale à environ 0,127 millimètre (c'est à dire la distance entre deux buses consécutives de l'une ou l'autre des rangées de buses).If possible, these two housings 20, 21 are mounted in such a way that the first nozzle B1 of the housing 20 (that of the lowest housing 20 in FIG. 1) is spaced from the last nozzle B'128 of the housing 21 (that of the housing 21 uppermost in FIG. 1), in the direction perpendicular to the direction F, by a distance equal to approximately 0.127 millimeter (that is to say the distance between two consecutive nozzles of one or the other rows of nozzles).

Du fait de l'encombrement apporté par les boîtiers, les deux rangées de buses R1 et R2 sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'une distance D selon la direction F d'environ 1cm.Due to the space provided by the boxes, the two rows of nozzles R1 and R2 are spaced from each other by a distance D in the direction F of about 1cm.

La machine d'affranchissement comprend encore une unité de commande 3, comme un microprocesseur et un programme enregistré dans une mémoire non représentée, qui est connectée pour commander la succession chronologique des éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses, en réponse à un signal d'horloge synchronisé ou non avec la vitesse de déplacement du pli ou de l'étiquette sous la tête d'impression 2, de telle façon qu'il est possible de produire des points sur le pli ou l'étiquette qui se joignent l'un à l'autre avec un faible chevauchement le long de lignes droites parallèles à la direction F.The franking machine further comprises a control unit 3, such as a microprocessor and a program stored in a memory not shown, which is connected to control the chronological succession of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles, in response to a signal d clock synchronized or not with the speed of movement of the fold or label under the print head 2, so that it is possible to produce dots on the fold or label which join together with a slight overlap along straight lines parallel to the direction F.

Pour imprimer une marque linéaire transversale à la direction F et qui s'étend sur presque toute la hauteur H de l'empreinte 10 (comme la barre du caractère P montré sur la figure 1), l'unité 3 retarde la commande d'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de la rangée R2 (les buses du boîtier 21 qui est le plus en aval selon la direction F) par rapport à la commande d'éjection des gouttelettes d'encre des buses de la rangée R1 (les buses du boîtier 20 qui est le plus en amont selon la direction F), d'un délai R variant en fonction du rapport d/V ou d est la donnée réglable préalablement enregistrée en mémoire et représentative de la distance D.To print a linear mark transverse to the direction F and which extends over almost the entire height H of the imprint 10 (like the bar of the character P shown in FIG. 1), the unit 3 delays the ejection command of ink droplets from the nozzles of row R2 (the nozzles of the housing 21 which is furthest downstream in the direction F) with respect to the command for ejecting the ink droplets from the nozzles of row R1 (the nozzles of the box 20 which is most upstream in the direction F), with a delay R varying as a function of the ratio d / V or d is the adjustable data item previously recorded in memory and representative of the distance D.

Du fait des tolérances acceptées lors du montage des boîtiers 20 et 21 dans la tête d'impression, la distance D varie d'une tête d'impression à l'autre. Par ailleurs, il est très difficile de mesurer, avec toute la précision voulue, la distance D. Par conséquent, après montage des boîtiers 20 et 21, on charge dans l'unité 3, une donnée d dont la valeur est une estimation (généralement imprécise) de la distance D qu'il faut ensuite régler.Due to the tolerances accepted when mounting the housings 20 and 21 in the print head, the distance D varies from one print head to another. Furthermore, it is very difficult to measure, with all the desired precision, the distance D. Consequently, after assembly of the housings 20 and 21, a data d is loaded into the unit 3, the value of which is an estimate (generally imprecise) of the distance D which must then be adjusted.

Pour régler cette donnée d de façon à obtenir une marque linéaire dont les points (formés par les gouttelettes d'encre) sont alignés de façon satisfaisante transversalement à la direction F, l'unité de commande 3 est agencée de la façon suivante.To adjust this datum d so as to obtain a linear mark whose points (formed by the ink droplets) are satisfactorily aligned transverse to the direction F, the control unit 3 is arranged as follows.

A partir d'un instant t défini comme le point de départ d'une étape de réglage de cette donnée d, l'unité 3, en réponse à l'entrée d'un signal de commande par exemple, commande une première séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses du boîtier 20 de façon à imprimer sur un support papier (comme l'enveloppe 1 ou analogue) déplacé sous la tête d'impression 2 suivant la direction F, une première série de graduations linéaires transversales à la direction F et constituant une première échelle rectiligne divisée en premiers intervalles égaux. Par ailleurs, l'unité 3 commande encore, en réponse à ce signal de commande, une seconde séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses du boîtier 21, à partir de l'instant t+R, de façon à imprimer, sur ce support, une seconde série de graduations linéaires transversales à la direction F et constituant une seconde échelle rectiligne divisée en seconds intervalles égaux mais plus petits que les premiers intervalles.From an instant t defined as the starting point of a step for adjusting this datum d, the unit 3, in response to the input of a control signal for example, commands a first chronological sequence d ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of the housing 20 so as to print on a paper support (such as the envelope 1 or the like) moved under the print head 2 in the direction F, a first series of linear graduations transverse to direction F and constituting a first rectilinear scale divided into first equal intervals. Furthermore, the unit 3 also controls, in response to this control signal, a second chronological sequence of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles of the housing 21, from the instant t + R, so as to print , on this support, a second series of linear graduations transverse to the direction F and constituting a second rectilinear scale divided into second equal intervals but smaller than the first intervals.

Cette seconde échelle constitue un vernier associé à la première échelle et par simple examen visuel de la coïncidence entre une graduation faisant partie de la première échelle et une graduation faisant partie de la seconde échelle, il est facile de déterminer une valeur d'erreur qui correspond à l'écart entre la donnée enregistrée représentative de l'estimation de la distance D et la valeur exacte de cette distance D. Suivant la différence entre les intervalles des deux échelles, cette erreur peut être obtenue avec la précision souhaitée.This second scale constitutes a vernier associated with the first scale and by simple visual examination of the coincidence between a graduation forming part of the first scale and a graduation forming part of the second scale, it is easy to determine an error value which corresponds the difference between the recorded data representative of the estimate of the distance D and the exact value of this distance D. Depending on the difference between the intervals of the two scales, this error can be obtained with the desired precision.

Les figures 2 à 6 montrent des exemples d'impression des échelles, la première échelle étant référencée par 110 et la seconde par 111 tandis que le support d'impression est référencé 11. Des symboles numériques comme 1 à 9, généralement disponibles pour l'impression d'un montant d'affranchissement, sont aussi imprimés en regard des graduations de la première échelle. Les premières graduations imprimées par la tête d'impression, sont celles situées le plus à gauche sur les figures 2 à 6. Il est entendu que si la première graduation de l'échelle 110 est droit-l'oeil avec la première graduation de l'échelle 111, la donnée d est une estimation exacte de la distance D (comme montré sur la figure 4). Dans le cas contraire, la valeur d'erreur déterminée par examen visuel, est à retrancher ou à ajouter, suivant le cas, à la donnée d enregistrée.Figures 2 to 6 show examples of printing scales, the first scale being referenced by 110 and the second by 111 while the print medium is referenced 11. Numerical symbols like 1 to 9, generally available for printing of a postage amount, are also printed next to the graduations of the first scale. The first graduations printed by the printhead are those located most to the left in FIGS. 2 to 6. It is understood that if the first graduation of the scale 110 is straight-eye with the first graduation of 'scale 111, the data d is an exact estimate of the distance D (as shown in Figure 4). Otherwise, the error value determined by visual examination is to be subtracted or added, as the case may be, to the data d recorded.

L'unité 3 peut être agencée pour accepter des données de contrôle représentatives de la dimension des intervalles A et B pour les deux échelles sur la base desquelles elle peut adapter la longueur des échelles à une longueur voulue du support d'impression, par exemple pour faciliter l'examen visuel des échelles.The unit 3 can be arranged to accept control data representative of the size of the intervals A and B for the two scales on the basis of which it can adapt the length of the scales to a desired length of the printing medium, for example for facilitate visual examination of scales.

Dans le cas d'exemple, la distance entre deux points consécutifs imprimés sur une ligne longitudinale à la direction F correspond à un pas d'impression réglé à 1/200 inch, soit environ 0,127mm. Par ailleurs, la dimension des boîtiers 20 et 21 permet généralement de les monter décalés longitudinalement à la direction F de telle façon que la distance D soit d'environ 100 pas d'impression, c'est-à-dire environ 1,27mm. Si par commande, A est fixé à 50 pas (soit environ 6,35mm) et B est fixé à 49 pas (soit environ 6,223mm), il suffit de 50 graduations sur les deux échelles rectilignes 110 et 111 pour obtenir une valeur d'erreur ayant une précision de 2/100 de pas.In the example case, the distance between two consecutive dots printed on a longitudinal line in direction F corresponds to a printing pitch set to 1/200 inch, or approximately 0.127mm. Furthermore, the size of the housings 20 and 21 generally makes it possible to mount them offset longitudinally in the direction F so that the distance D is approximately 100 printing steps, that is to say approximately 1.27 mm. If by order, A is fixed at 50 steps (that is to say approximately 6.35mm) and B is fixed at 49 steps (that is to say approximately 6.223mm), it is enough for 50 graduations on the two rectilinear scales 110 and 111 to obtain a value of error with an accuracy of 2/100 steps.

Pour repérer encore plus facilement une coïncidence entre deux graduations des échelles 110 et 111, les boîtiers 20 et 21 sont montés de telle façon que la rangée de buses R1 chevauche en partie la rangée de buses R2 selon la direction F comme montré sur la figure 7 (c'est-à-dire que les deux rangées de buses R1 et R2 ont une zone d'impression commune qui se situe au milieu de la hauteur H). Il en résulte que les graduations des deux échelles 110 et 111 se chevauchent en partie comme visible sur les figures 2 à 6. Toutefois, dans ce cas, au moment de l'impression d'une empreinte postale, il est nécessaire d'interdire le fonctionnement de certaines des buses de l'une ou l'autre des deux rangées pour éviter des défauts d'impression. Par exemple, en référence à la figure 7, l'unité 3 devrait interdire le fonctionnement des buses B1 à B3.To identify even more easily a coincidence between two graduations of the scales 110 and 111, the housings 20 and 21 are mounted in such a way that the row of nozzles R1 partially overlaps the row of nozzles R2 in the direction F as shown in FIG. 7 (i.e. the two rows of nozzles R1 and R2 have a common printing area which is located in the middle of the height H). It follows that the graduations of the two scales 110 and 111 overlap in part as shown in Figures 2 to 6. However, in this case, when printing a postal imprint, it is necessary to prohibit the operation of some of the nozzles in either of the two rows to avoid printing defects. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the unit 3 should prohibit the operation of the nozzles B1 to B3.

Selon une autre réalisation, deux capteurs optoélectroniques 22 et 23 sont prévus dans la tête d'impression (ou hors de celle-ci) en aval des deux rangées R1 et R2 suivant la direction F. Ces capteurs de photo détection 22 et 23 sont montés de telle façon que le capteur 22 détecte les graduations de l'échelle 110 et le capteur 23 détecte les graduations de l'échelle 111. Chaque capteur fournit un signal qui est représentatif d'une chronologie de détections de graduations d'une échelle. Sur la figure 1, les signaux 22S et 23S présentent chacun deux pics qui correspondent à la détection de deux graduations successives d'une échelle. Puisque l'intervalle entre deux graduations de l'échelle 110 est plus grand que l'intervalle entre deux graduations de l'échelle 111, il en résulte que l'intervalle de temps entre deux pics du signal 22S est plus grand que l'intervalle de temps entre deux pics du signal 23S. Ces signaux sont fournis, après numérisation, à l'unité 3 qui comptabilise le nombre de pics présents dans les signaux 22S et 23S depuis le début de la phase de réglage, compare dans le temps l'occurrence des pics dans le signal 22S avec l'occurrence des pics dans le signal 23S de sorte à trouver un pic particulier dans le signal 22S qui est en phase avec un pic particulier dans le signal 23S et qui, sur la base du numéro d'ordre de ces pics particuliers (selon la comptabilisation établie), détermine la valeur d'erreur portant sur la donnée d et règle enfin automatiquement cette dernière. Le support 11 utilisé pour l'impression des échelles 110 et 111 est de préférence une étiquette qui est fournie par un distributeur automatique d'étiquettes (non représenté) équipant la machine d'affranchissement et qui est déplacée sous la tête d'impression. C'est l'unité 3 qui commande le distributeur d'étiquettes, en réponse à l'enfoncement d'une touche sur le clavier de la machine d'affranchissement par exemple, de sorte que l'opération de réglage de la donnée d se fait sans qu'un opérateur ait à intervenir. Il est entendu que l'impression des échelles sur une étiquette est avantageuse même dans le cas d'un examen visuel des échelles car elle dispense l'opérateur d'insérer une enveloppe ou tout autre support dans la machine d'affranchissement.According to another embodiment, two optoelectronic sensors 22 and 23 are provided in the print head (or outside of it) downstream of the two rows R1 and R2 in the direction F. These photo detection sensors 22 and 23 are mounted in such a way that the sensor 22 detects the graduations of the scale 110 and the sensor 23 detects the graduations of the scale 111. Each sensor provides a signal which is representative of a chronology of detections of graduations of a scale. In FIG. 1, the signals 22S and 23S each have two peaks which correspond to the detection of two successive graduations of a scale. Since the interval between two graduations of the scale 110 is larger than the interval between two graduations of the scale 111, it follows that the time interval between two peaks of the signal 22S is greater than the interval of time between two peaks of the 23S signal. These signals are supplied, after digitization, to the unit 3 which counts the number of peaks present in the signals 22S and 23S since the beginning of the adjustment phase, compares in time the occurrence of the peaks in the signal 22S with l occurrence of the peaks in the signal 23S so as to find a particular peak in the signal 22S which is in phase with a particular peak in the signal 23S and which, on the basis of the sequence number of these particular peaks (according to the accounting established), determines the error value relating to the data item d and finally adjusts the latter automatically. The support 11 used for printing the scales 110 and 111 is preferably a label which is provided by an automatic label dispenser (not shown) fitted to the franking machine and which is moved under the print head. It is unit 3 which controls the label dispenser, in response to the pressing of a key on the keyboard of the franking machine for example, so that the operation for adjusting the data item d done without an operator having to intervene. It is understood that printing the scales on a label is advantageous even in the case of a visual examination of the scales because it dispenses the operator from having to insert an envelope or other medium in the franking machine.

Claims (8)

1. ) Une machine d'affranchissement comprenant une tête d'impression à jet d'encre (2) pour imprimer une empreinte postale (10) sur un article à affranchir (1) déplacé par rapport à la tête selon une direction de déplacement (F), cette tête d'impression comprenant une pluralité de buses (B1-B3,B128,B'1,B'128) disposées selon au moins deux rangées (R1,R2) s'étendant transversalement à la direction de déplacement, ces deux rangées étant espacées l'une de l'autre d'une distance D selon cette direction et un moyen de commande (3) étant prévu pour commander la succession chronologique des éjections de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de manière à retarder l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'une (R1) des deux rangées par rapport à celle des buses de l'autre (R2) rangée d'un délai basé R sur une donnée (d) préalablement enregistrée représentative d'une estimation de la distance D, caractérisée en ce que le moyen de commande est agencé en outre pour commander une première séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'une (R1) des deux rangées de telle façon à imprimer une première échelle rectiligne (110) graduée divisée en premiers intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement et pour commander, après le délai R commençant au début de ladite première séquence, une seconde séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'autre (R2) rangée de telle façon à imprimer une seconde échelle rectiligne (111) graduée divisée en seconds intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement et plus petits que les premiers intervalles, cette seconde échelle constituant un vernier associé à la première échelle en vue d'obtenir une valeur d'erreur pour le réglage de la donnée enregistrée. 1.) A franking machine comprising an ink jet printing head (2) for printing a postal imprint (10) on a franking article (1) moved relative to the head in a direction of movement ( F), this printhead comprising a plurality of nozzles (B1-B3, B128, B'1, B'128) arranged in at least two rows (R1, R2) extending transversely to the direction of movement, these two rows being spaced apart from each other by a distance D in this direction and control means (3) being provided for controlling the chronological succession of the ink droplet ejections from the plurality of nozzles so as to delay ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one (R1) of the two rows relative to that of the nozzles of the other (R2) row of a delay based on R (d) previously recorded data representative d '' an estimate of the distance D, characterized in that the control means is ag further inked to control a first chronological sequence of ejections of ink droplets from the nozzles of one (R1) of the two rows so as to print a first rectilinear scale (110) graduated divided into first equal intervals along the direction displacement and to control, after the delay R beginning at the start of said first sequence, a second chronological sequence of ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles of the other (R2) arranged in such a way as to print a second rectilinear scale ( 111) graduated divided into second equal intervals in the direction of movement and smaller than the first intervals, this second scale constituting a vernier associated with the first scale in order to obtain an error value for the adjustment of the recorded data. 2. ) La machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le moyen de commande (3) est agencé pour commander l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de telle manière à imprimer des symboles en regard des graduations de l'une des échelles rectilignes (110,111). 2.) The machine according to claim 1, in which the control means (3) is arranged to control the ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to print symbols opposite the graduations of the one of the straight scales (110,111). 3. ) La machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les deux rangées (R1,R2) de buses font partie respectivement de deux boîtiers (20,21) décalés mutuellement transversalement et longitudinalement à la direction de déplacement. 3.) The machine according to claim 1, wherein the two rows (R1, R2) of nozzles are respectively part of two housings (20,21) offset mutually transversely and longitudinally to the direction of movement. 4. ) La machine selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle les deux boîtiers sont montés de telle façon que les deux rangées de buses (R1,R2) ont une zone d'impression commune. 4.) The machine according to claim 3, wherein the two housings are mounted such that the two rows of nozzles (R1, R2) have a common printing area. 5. ) La machine selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre des moyens de photo détection (22,23) disposés en aval des rangées de buses (R1,R2) suivant ladite direction de déplacement pour détecter lesdites graduations de la première et la seconde échelle (110,111), ces graduations étant détectées chronologiquement, lesdits moyens de photo détection fournissant un premier signal (22S) représentatif d'une chronologie de détections des graduations de la première échelle (110) et un second signal (23S) représentatif d'une chronologie de détections des graduations de la seconde échelle (111), le moyen de commande (3) étant relié aux dits moyens de photo détection pour régler ladite donnée enregistrée sur la base des premier et second signaux. 5.) The machine according to claim 1, further comprising photodetection means (22, 23) disposed downstream of the rows of nozzles (R1, R2) in said direction of movement for detecting said graduations of the first and second scale (110,111), these graduations being detected chronologically, said photo detection means providing a first signal (22S) representative of a chronology of detection of the graduations of the first scale (110) and a second signal (23S) representative of a chronology of detections of the graduations of the second scale (111), the control means (3) being connected to said photo detection means for adjusting said data recorded on the basis of the first and second signals. 6. ) Une méthode pour régler une machine d'affranchissement comprenant une tête d'impression à jet d'encre (2) pour imprimer une empreinte postale (10) sur un article à affranchir (1) déplacé par rapport à la tête selon une direction de déplacement (F), cette tête d'impression comprenant une pluralité de buses (B1-B3,B128,B'1,B'128) disposées selon au moins deux rangées (R1,R2) s'étendant transversalement à la direction de déplacement, ces deux rangées étant espacées l'une de l'autre d'une distance D selon cette direction et un moyen de commande (3) étant prévu pour commander la succession chronologique des éjections de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de telle façon à retarder l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'une (R2) des deux rangées par rapport à celle des buses de l'autre rangée (R1) d'un délai basé R sur une donnée (d) préalablement enregistrée représentative d'une estimation de la distance D, cette méthode comprenant les étapes suivantes: a) commander, par l'intermédiaire du moyen de commande, une première séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'une (R1) des deux rangées de telle façon à imprimer une première échelle rectiligne (110) graduée divisée en premiers intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement; b) commander, par l'intermédiaire du moyen de commande, après le délai R commençant au début de ladite première séquence, une seconde séquence chronologique d'éjections de gouttelettes d'encre des buses de l'autre rangée (R2) de telle façon à imprimer une seconde échelle rectiligne (111) graduée divisée en seconds intervalles égaux suivant la direction de déplacement et plus petits que les premiers intervalles, cette seconde échelle constituant un vernier associé à la première échelle; c) identifier, par un examen visuel des première et seconde échelles, quelle graduation de la première échelle coïncide avec une graduation de la seconde échelle en vue d'obtenir une valeur d'erreur portant sur la donnée enregistrée; d) modifier la donnée enregistrée sur la base de la valeur d'erreur. 6.) A method for setting up a franking machine comprising an ink jet printing head (2) for printing a postal imprint (10) on a franking article (1) displaced relative to the head according to a direction of movement (F), this printhead comprising a plurality of nozzles (B1-B3, B128, B'1, B'128) arranged in at least two rows (R1, R2) extending transversely to the direction of movement, these two rows being spaced from each other by a distance D in this direction and control means (3) being provided for controlling the chronological succession of ejections of ink droplets of the plurality of nozzles in such a way as to delay the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one (R2) of the two rows relative to that of the nozzles of the other row (R1) by a delay R based on a datum ( d) previously recorded representative of an estimate of the distance D, this method comprising the following steps: a) order, via the control means, a first chronological sequence of ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of one (R1) of the two rows so as to print a first rectilinear scale (110) graduated divided into first equal intervals along the direction of travel; b) controlling, via the control means, after the delay R beginning at the start of said first sequence, a second chronological sequence of ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles of the other row (R2) in such a way printing a second straight graduated scale (111) divided into second equal intervals in the direction of movement and smaller than the first intervals, this second scale constituting a vernier associated with the first scale; c) identifying, by a visual examination of the first and second scales, which graduation of the first scale coincides with a graduation of the second scale in order to obtain an error value relating to the recorded data; d) modify the data recorded on the basis of the error value. 7. ) La méthode selon la revendication 6, comprenant en outre une étape consistant à commander, par l'intermédiaire du moyen de commande (3), l'éjection de gouttelettes d'encre de la pluralité de buses de telle manière à imprimer des symboles en regard des graduations de l'une des échelles rectilignes (110,111). 7.) The method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of controlling, via the control means (3), the ejection of ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles so as to print symbols next to the graduations of one of the straight scales (110,111). 8. ) La méthode selon l'une des revendications 6 ou 7, dans laquelle les première et seconde échelles rectilignes (110,111) sont imprimées sur une étiquette (11) provenant d'un distributeur d'étiquettes équipant la machine d'affranchissement. 8.) The method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first and second straight scales (110,111) are printed on a label (11) from a label dispenser fitted to the franking machine.
EP19950401956 1994-09-16 1995-08-25 System for controlling an ink jet print head in a franking machine by vernier control Expired - Lifetime EP0702334B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9411074A FR2724591B1 (en) 1994-09-16 1994-09-16 SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING BY VERNIER EFFECT OF AN INK JET PRINTHEAD IN A POSTAGE MACHINE
FR9411074 1994-09-16

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EP0702334A1 true EP0702334A1 (en) 1996-03-20
EP0702334B1 EP0702334B1 (en) 2001-01-24

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EP0855272A1 (en) * 1997-01-24 1998-07-29 Neopost Industrie Print head for postal impression with alignment adjusting device
EP0997852A1 (en) * 1998-10-28 2000-05-03 Neopost Industrie Device for printing postal indicia that are more readable
US6106095A (en) * 1997-10-15 2000-08-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Mailing machine having registration of multiple arrays of print elements
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US6350006B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2002-02-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Optical ink drop detection apparatus and method for monitoring operation of an ink jet printhead
US6435642B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2002-08-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
US6561612B2 (en) 1998-11-17 2003-05-13 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
EP2639069A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-18 Till GmbH Method for detecting errors in the alignment of printed images and printing station for carrying out the method

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DE102013003181A1 (en) * 2013-02-25 2014-08-28 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Method for generating a printed image

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US6435642B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2002-08-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
US6561612B2 (en) 1998-11-17 2003-05-13 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
US6612676B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2003-09-02 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
US6350006B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2002-02-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Optical ink drop detection apparatus and method for monitoring operation of an ink jet printhead
EP2639069A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-18 Till GmbH Method for detecting errors in the alignment of printed images and printing station for carrying out the method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2724591B1 (en) 1997-01-31
EP0702334B1 (en) 2001-01-24
DE69519969T2 (en) 2001-07-05
DE69519969D1 (en) 2001-03-01
FR2724591A1 (en) 1996-03-22

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