EP2073173A1 - Device for exchanging ink cartridges - Google Patents

Device for exchanging ink cartridges Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2073173A1
EP2073173A1 EP08019318A EP08019318A EP2073173A1 EP 2073173 A1 EP2073173 A1 EP 2073173A1 EP 08019318 A EP08019318 A EP 08019318A EP 08019318 A EP08019318 A EP 08019318A EP 2073173 A1 EP2073173 A1 EP 2073173A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
transport
module
ink cartridges
printing module
Prior art date
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
EP08019318A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2073173B1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Muhl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Original Assignee
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Publication of EP2073173A1 publication Critical patent/EP2073173A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2073173B1 publication Critical patent/EP2073173B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00233—Housing, e.g. lock or hardened casing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00241—Modular design
    • 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 device for changing ink cartridges according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention is used in microprocessor-controlled printing devices and is suitable for franking machines and other mail processing equipment.
  • the invention allows short travel times from a print position to a replacement position.
  • a method for opening a security housing for a franking machine is known, which is brought by a transverse movement of a pressure module by means of transverse movement means, in an unlocking position for unlocking the security housing or in a change position.
  • the printing module is moved transversely to the mail piece transport direction, ie in the direction of the rear wall of the franking machine, thereby mechanically releasing an access in the security housing for changing ink cartridges.
  • the ink cartridge consists of an ink jet print head, an ink tank, and a contact pad.
  • the ink container is located in a bulge of the housing of the ink cartridge, which constitutes about two-thirds of the extent of the ink cartridge in the transverse movement direction. In the printing position, these two-thirds are immersed in a transport drum, which is closed in the front and open towards the rear wall of the franking machine.
  • the remaining third of the housing of the ink cartridge encloses the ink jet printhead and projects out of the transport drum and is directed toward the mail piece top which is to be printed with a postmark image by a known ink jet printing method.
  • the cleaning position is between the printing position and the change position.
  • the 600 dpi 1 ⁇ 2 inch ink cartridges in use today use two ink cartridges each, which are arranged offset by one print head width in a transverse direction of movement in a print carriage. Both ink cartridges, the print carriage and a contacting and control electronics form the printing module.
  • the extent of this third of the ink cartridge in the transverse direction of movement in the case of Hewlett Packart ink cartridges is approximately 20 mm.
  • a distance of substantially more than three-thirds of the expansion of the ink cartridge is covered before an access to change ink cartridges is mechanically released.
  • at least one ink cartridge is arranged above a printing window in the z-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system, ie counter to the direction of gravity.
  • An ink jet printhead ejects ink drops in the direction of gravity during printing, which fly through the printing window.
  • the printing window is arranged on the edge of a conveyor belt in the y-direction in a housing part, wherein the conveyor belt transports a flat good to be printed on the edge during printing in the transport direction x at the at least one print head over.
  • the extent of the printing device in the y direction results from the number of different positions into which a printing module can be moved by a transverse movement.
  • the security case is already built relatively large because of the transport drum and access.
  • To change the ink cartridges must be tilted forward after releasing the shutter in the print module to release the contacts for contacting and control electronics.
  • the accessibility is determined by the size of the housing opening of the access to change ink cartridges. In the market segment of franking machines with small to medium Mailgut pensatz a compact transport device for mailpieces is needed.
  • the invention has for its object to develop a device for changing ink cartridges, which avoids these disadvantages and allows quick access to change ink cartridges and good accessibility to the ink cartridges.
  • a printing position is achieved.
  • the print module is held in the print position and a mailpiece transport device is arranged to horizontally transport the mail piece past the print head.
  • the mailpiece transport device is fixedly arranged in the printing device with respect to a pressure device which presses the mailpiece to the conveyor belt.
  • the conveyor belt acts in the transport area with a predetermined stiction on a part of the surface of the mail piece, which is not printed, but is located near the area to be printed.
  • the printing module no longer has to be moved back by means of transverse movement means from the printing position in the y-direction in order to be able to reach the change position for ink cartridges.
  • the extent of the printing device in the y direction is minimal.
  • the accessibility to the ink cartridges is improved.
  • the printing device is in particular a component of a franking machine.
  • the conveyor belt is preferably a driven wide tensioned flat belt.
  • the latter is guided according to a first variant by means of deflection rollers both over the printing module and under the printing module along, while the printing module is in a printing position.
  • the printing module is moved by means of transverse movement means transversely to the mailpiece transport direction, starting from the printing position to a change position on the front side of the printing device.
  • the transverse movement means are designed accordingly.
  • the flat belt is always moved back and forth under the pressure module or at least in parts thereof and the change position is identical to the printing position.
  • the transport device is designed such that the printing module can remain in the printing position. To replace ink cartridges, access to the security enclosure will be released. Obviously, then the extent of the printing device in the y direction is minimal.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport device for flat goods or mail pieces according to a first variant shown with a printing module in a printing position.
  • the mail piece transport device 1 is an essential part of a franking machine and is arranged above a feed table 13.
  • a - not shown - from below resiliently pressing device is arranged below the feed table and acts through an opening 130 through the feed through in the z-direction.
  • a franking machine is known, inter alia, from a - not shown - electronic part (meters) and the mail piece transport device with a - not shown - electronic control.
  • a keyboard and a display unit of the meter are connected to the electronic part, not shown.
  • the electronic control is connected to a drive 19 of the mailpiece transport device to the Control electrically connected.
  • To drive for example, an electric motor with gear is used.
  • the transport device 1 has a conveyor belt 2, which is designed as a flat belt.
  • the flat belt operates in the transport area with a predetermined stiction on a part of the surface of the flat goods or mailpieces, which is not printed, but is close to the printing area.
  • the flat belt of the mailpiece transport device has a large transverse rigidity and is guided over two pulleys 5 and 6. In this case, the flat belt on the one hand passes under the pressure module and on the other hand is returned via the pressure module.
  • the printing module is known to consist of a print carriage 24, a - not shown - contacting and control electronics on the back of the print carriage 24, and at least one print head, for example, an ink cartridge with integrated inkjet printhead.
  • the print carriage 24 contributes in the example shown Fig. 1 preferably two ink cartridges 11, 12, which are offset from one another in the x and y directions. Alternatively, several ink cartridges are possible.
  • the print carriage 24 each has an opening 2410, 2420 for inserting the ink cartridges 11, 12, which is bounded laterally by a right and left side plate 244 and 243 and the bottom side by a carrier molding and the back by a contact field of contacting and control electronics.
  • the carrier molding consists of two halves, wherein a first half 241 is provided with a first opening 2410 for insertion of the first ink cartridge 11 and a second half 242 with a second opening 2420 for insertion of the second ink cartridge 12 and offset in x-direction to the first half ,
  • the first carrier molding half 241 is offset in the y-direction to the second half.
  • Each opening is closed at the top by a closing lever 247, 248 per cartridge.
  • the printing module protrudes in the printing position in the space between the guide rollers 5 and 6, wherein the ink jet print heads of the two ink cartridges 11, 12 are located outside the transport area and arranged above a - not shown - pressure window against the direction of gravity in the z direction of a Cartesian coordinate system are.
  • the bellies 11.1, 12.1 of the two Ink cartridges 11, 12 are located within the space between the pulleys 5 and 6 above a support plate.
  • the printing position is located between a change position and a cleaning and sealing position. To replace the ink cartridges at the top, the print module is moved forward out of the mail piece transport device into the change position.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mail piece transport device according to the first variant with the print module pulled out in the change position.
  • the print carriage 24 In the vicinity of the pulleys 5 and 6 or between these sliding rods 271 (hidden) and 272 of a transverse movement means 27 are arranged, on which the print carriage 24 is supported or guided.
  • the print carriage can be pulled by means of a handle 2421 forward in the change position or alternatively moved.
  • the further structure corresponds to the aforementioned construction already explained.
  • One of the two locking levers, namely the locking lever 247 is drawn open.
  • the bottom side arranged carrier molding of the print carriage 24 leaves to the upper half of the front side of the carriage openings 2410, 2420 open to the front.
  • the ink cartridge 11 can be taken out in the front upward direction since the shutter lever 247 is pivoted upward.
  • the other locking lever 248 is drawn unopened. To open the locking lever 248 must be pivoted about the axis of rotation 246 also upwards.
  • the handle 2421 is integrally formed on the second half of the carrier fitting of the print carriage 24. Alternatively, a handle may be formed on the first half or first half and second half of the carrier fitting.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transport device according to the first variant with pulled-out printing module in the change position shown.
  • the conveyor belt has been omitted, so that otherwise hidden parts become visible.
  • the roller carrier, the pulleys and the conveyor belt are components of the transport device 1.
  • Both transverse movement means 27 and the pressure module are designed to carry out a transverse movement, ie counter to the y direction.
  • an electric motor (not shown), preferably a stepping motor, is used to drive the transverse movement means 27.
  • the electric motor can be omitted.
  • the transverse movement can be carried out operated by hand lever, which reduces the manufacturing cost.
  • a guide and slider 249 is formed, which can slide on the slide bar 271.
  • a slider 240 is formed, which can slide on the slide bar 272.
  • the slide bars 271, 272 are preferably formed of metal.
  • the print carriage of the print module is configured to be moved transversely to the mail piece transport direction, starting from the print position to a change position on the front side of the print device.
  • the print carriage 24 slides with the guide and slider 249 and the slider 240 on the two slide bars 271, 272, which on the rear side of a rear wall of a chassis (not shown) and the front of a bearing plate of a roller carrier (not shown) for the guide rollers 5 and 6 are attached.
  • FIG. 4 a perspective view of a mail piece transport device is shown according to a second variant with print module in the print and change position.
  • the flat belt is guided over several pulleys 5, 6, 7 and 8 completely under the pressure module or parts thereof.
  • the print carriage 24 of the print module has an opening 2410, 2420 for inserting the ink cartridges 11, 12, which is bounded laterally by a right and left side plate 244 and 243 and the bottom side by a carrier molding and the back by a contact pad of the contacting and control electronics.
  • the carrier molding consists of two halves 241 and 242, which are offset from each other and is designed so that the ink cartridges 11, 12 are inserted with the belly 11.1, 12.1 forward.
  • a shutter lever 247, 248 is rotatably attached to the right and left side plates 244 and 243, respectively.
  • the right outer deflection roller 5 is driven by a drive 19.
  • a - not shown - from below resiliently pressing device acts through an opening 130 in the feed table through in the z direction on the mail items that are transported by the transport device 1 in the x direction.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a postage meter 40 with an upwardly opening flap 10.
  • the mail piece transport device 1 is the franking machine 40 and is disposed above the feed table 13.
  • the ink cartridges 11, 12 are part of the printing module.
  • the print module can remain in the print position when changing and the ink cartridges can be removed directly upwards without having to move the print module to another position.
  • a housing for the printing device is designed to replace the ink cartridges and has a flap which can be opened to the front, and that the printing device is a component of a franking machine.
  • the housing as in a known franking machine of the type T1000 of the manufacturer Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, at the front of the housing have a flap. This flap arrangement on the housing could be retained if the previously used termotransfer printing device of the postage meter machine were replaced by an inkjet printing device.
  • the print carriage would then be - as in Fig. 3 shown - extendable to the front.
  • the housing has a forward-opening flap.
  • franking machine of the Optimal type by the manufacturer Francotyp-Postalia GmbH which has at the front of the housing a diagonally openable top flap that a franking machine with comparable housing, but could be provided with an inkjet printing device, wherein the housing is designed to replace the ink cartridges and has a front and top to open flap.
  • the printing device with the device for changing ink cartridges is also suitable for other mail processing devices.

Abstract

The apparatus has a pair of rollers (5, 6) guiding along a transport belt (2) in the form of a driven, wide and tensioned flat belt both over a printing module and under the printing module placed in a printing position. A change position for a pair of ink cartridges (11, 12) is located before a transport region on a front side of a printing apparatus or above the transport region of a transport apparatus (1). A transverse movement device (27) moves the printing module transversely relative to a transport direction of items of mail.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Die Erfindung kommt in mikroprozessorgesteuerten Druckgeräten zum Einsatz und ist für Frankiermaschinen und andere Postverarbeitungsgeräte geeignet. Die Erfindung gestattet kurze Verfahrzeiten von einer Druckposition bis in eine Auswechselposition.The invention relates to a device for changing ink cartridges according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is used in microprocessor-controlled printing devices and is suitable for franking machines and other mail processing equipment. The invention allows short travel times from a print position to a replacement position.

Aus dem EP 1 300 807 B1 ist ein Verfahren zum Öffnen eines Sicherheitsgehäuses für eine Frankiermaschine bekannt, welche durch eine Querbewegung eines Druckmoduls mittels Querbewegungsmittel, in eine Entriegelungsposition zum Entriegeln des Sicherheitsgehäuses oder in eine Wechselposition gebracht wird. Dabei wird das Druckmodul quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung, d.h. in Richtung der Rückwand der Frankiermaschine verfahren, um dadurch einen Zugang im Sicherheitsgehäuse zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen mechanisch freizugeben.From the EP 1 300 807 B1 a method for opening a security housing for a franking machine is known, which is brought by a transverse movement of a pressure module by means of transverse movement means, in an unlocking position for unlocking the security housing or in a change position. In this case, the printing module is moved transversely to the mail piece transport direction, ie in the direction of the rear wall of the franking machine, thereby mechanically releasing an access in the security housing for changing ink cartridges.

Die Tintenkartusche besteht aus einem Tintenstrahldruckkopf, einem Tintenbehälter und einem Kontaktierfeld. Der Tintenbehälter liegt in einer Ausbauchung des Gehäuses der Tintenkartusche, welche etwa zwei Drittel der Ausdehnung der Tintenkartusche in Querbewegungsrichtung ausmacht. In der Druckposition sind diese zwei Drittel in eine Transporttrommel eingetaucht, welche in frontseitig geschlossen und in Richtung Rückwand der Frankiermaschine geöffnet ist. Das übrige Drittel des Gehäuses der Tintenkartusche umschließt den Tintenstrahldruckkopf und ragt aus der Transporttrommel heraus und ist auf die Poststückoberseite gerichtet, welche nach einem bekannten Tintenstrahldruckverfahren mit einem Poststempelbild bedruckt werden soll. Damit eine Reinigungsposition für den Tintenstrahldruckkopf schnell erreicht werden kann, liegt die Reinigungsposition zwischen der Druckposition und der Wechselposition. Bei den heute in Gebrauch befindlichen 600 dpi ½ Zoll Tintenkartuschen werden jeweils zwei Tintenkartuschen verwendet, welche um eine Druckkopfbreite zueinander in Querbewegungsrichtung versetzt in einem Druckwagen angeordnet sind. Beide Tintenkartuschen, der Druckwagen und eine Kontaktier- und Ansteuerungselektronik bilden das Druckmodul. Durch die Ummantelung des Tintenstrahldruckkopfes durch das Gehäuses der Tintenkartusche beträgt die Ausdehnung dieses Drittels der Tintenkartusche in Querbewegungsrichtung bei Tintenkartuschen der Firma Hewlett Packart annähernd 20 mm. Somit wird während der Querbewegung eines Druckmoduls eine Strecke von wesentlich mehr als drei Dritteln der Ausdehnung der Tintenkartusche zurückgelegt, bevor ein Zugang zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen mechanisch freigegeben wird. Beim waagerechten Transport flacher Güter bzw. Poststücke wird davon ausgegangen, dass mindestens eine Tintenkartusche über einem Druckfenster in z-Richtung eines kartesischen Koordinatensystems, d.h. entgegen der Schwerkraftrichtung angeordnet ist. Ein Tintenstrahldruckkopf stößt beim Drucken Tintentropfen in Schwerkraftrichtung aus, die durch das Druckfenster hindurchfliegen. Das Druckfenster ist am Rand eines Transportbandes in y-Richtung in einem Gehäuseteil angeordnet, wobei das Transportband ein am Rande zu bedruckendes flaches Gut während des Druckens in Transportrichtung x an dem mindestens einen Druckkopf vorbei transportiert.The ink cartridge consists of an ink jet print head, an ink tank, and a contact pad. The ink container is located in a bulge of the housing of the ink cartridge, which constitutes about two-thirds of the extent of the ink cartridge in the transverse movement direction. In the printing position, these two-thirds are immersed in a transport drum, which is closed in the front and open towards the rear wall of the franking machine. The remaining third of the housing of the ink cartridge encloses the ink jet printhead and projects out of the transport drum and is directed toward the mail piece top which is to be printed with a postmark image by a known ink jet printing method. For a cleaning position for the ink-jet printhead to be achieved quickly, the cleaning position is between the printing position and the change position. The 600 dpi ½ inch ink cartridges in use today use two ink cartridges each, which are arranged offset by one print head width in a transverse direction of movement in a print carriage. Both ink cartridges, the print carriage and a contacting and control electronics form the printing module. As a result of the jacket of the inkjet print head through the housing of the ink cartridge, the extent of this third of the ink cartridge in the transverse direction of movement in the case of Hewlett Packart ink cartridges is approximately 20 mm. Thus, during the transverse movement of a print module, a distance of substantially more than three-thirds of the expansion of the ink cartridge is covered before an access to change ink cartridges is mechanically released. In the case of horizontal transport of flat goods or postal items, it is assumed that at least one ink cartridge is arranged above a printing window in the z-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system, ie counter to the direction of gravity. An ink jet printhead ejects ink drops in the direction of gravity during printing, which fly through the printing window. The printing window is arranged on the edge of a conveyor belt in the y-direction in a housing part, wherein the conveyor belt transports a flat good to be printed on the edge during printing in the transport direction x at the at least one print head over.

Die Ausdehnung der Druckvorrichtung in y-Richtung ergibt sich durch die Anzahl der unterschiedlichen Positionen, in welche ein Druckmodul durch eine Querbewegung verfahren werden kann.
Das Sicherheitsgehäuse ist schon wegen der Transporttrommel und dem Zugang relativ groß gebaut. Zum Wechseln müssen die Tintenkartuschen nach dem Lösen des Verschlusses im Druckmodul nach vorn gekippt werden, um die Kontakte zur Kontaktier- und Ansteuerungselektronik zu lösen. Die Zugänglichkeit wird durch die Größe der Gehäuseöffnung des Zugangs zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen bestimmt.
Im Marktsegment der Frankiermaschinen mit kleinen bis mittleren Postgutdurchsatz wird eine kompakte Transportvorrichtung für Poststücke benötigt.The extent of the printing device in the y direction results from the number of different positions into which a printing module can be moved by a transverse movement.
The security case is already built relatively large because of the transport drum and access. To change the ink cartridges must be tilted forward after releasing the shutter in the print module to release the contacts for contacting and control electronics. The accessibility is determined by the size of the housing opening of the access to change ink cartridges.
In the market segment of franking machines with small to medium Mailgutdurchsatz a compact transport device for mailpieces is needed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen zu entwickeln, die diese Nachteile vermeidet und einen schnellen Zugang zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen und eine gute Zugänglichkeit zu den Tintenkartuschen ermöglicht.The invention has for its object to develop a device for changing ink cartridges, which avoids these disadvantages and allows quick access to change ink cartridges and good accessibility to the ink cartridges.

Außerdem soll eine hohe Druckqualität bei geringen Herstellungskosten und bei einem mittleren Postgutdurchsatz erzielt werden, ohne dass die Zuverlässigkeit der Druckvorrichtung dadurch beeinträchtigt wird. Dabei sollen einerseits Postkarten und andererseits C4 Briefe mit einem Briefdicken bis 10 mm verarbeitet werden. Der Druckversatz in X-Richtung und Y-Richtung sollte gering sein, kleiner 100 µm in beiden Richtungen.In addition, a high print quality with low production costs and a medium mail throughput should be achieved without the reliability of the printing device is affected. On the one hand postcards and on the other hand C4 letters with a letter thickness up to 10 mm are to be processed. The print offset in the X direction and Y direction should be low, less than 100 μm in both directions.

Die Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen der Anordnung nach dem Anspruch 1 gelöst.The object is achieved with the features of the arrangement according to claim 1.

Durch eine Querbewegung eines Druckmoduls quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung mittels Querbewegungsmittel wird eine Druckposition erreicht. Beim Drucken nach einem Tintenstrahldruckverfahren wird das Druckmodul in der Druckposition gehalten und eine Poststücktransportvorrichtung ist entsprechend angeordnet, um das Poststück am Druckkopf vorbei waagerecht zu transportieren. Die Poststücktransportvorrichtung ist ortsfest in der Druckvorrichtung gegenüber einer Andruckvorrichtung angeordnet, welche das Poststück an das Transportband andrückt.
Das Transportband wirkt im Transportbereich mit einer vorbestimmten Haftreibung auf einen Teil der Oberfläche der Poststückes, welcher nicht bedruckt wird, aber nahe dem zu bedruckenden Bereich gelegen ist. Es ist vorgesehen, dass sich eine Wechselposition für Tintenkartuschen vor dem Transportbereich an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung oder über dem Transportbereich einer entsprechend ausgebildeten Transportvorrichtung befindet. Vorteilhaft und im Unterschied zu den bisherigen bekannten Lösungen muss das Druckmodul nicht mehr mittels Querbewegungsmittel aus der Druckposition in die y-Richtung zurückbewegt werden, um die Wechselposition für Tintenkartuschen erreichen zu können. Dadurch wird die Ausdehnung der Druckvorrichtung in y-Richtung minimal. Zugleich wird die Zugänglichkeit zu den Tintenkartuschen verbessert. Die Druckvorrichtung ist insbesondere ein Bestandteil einer Frankiermaschine.By a transverse movement of a printing module transversely to the mail item transport direction by means of transverse movement means, a printing position is achieved. When printing by an ink jet printing method, the print module is held in the print position and a mailpiece transport device is arranged to horizontally transport the mail piece past the print head. The mailpiece transport device is fixedly arranged in the printing device with respect to a pressure device which presses the mailpiece to the conveyor belt.
The conveyor belt acts in the transport area with a predetermined stiction on a part of the surface of the mail piece, which is not printed, but is located near the area to be printed. It is provided that there is a change position for ink cartridges in front of the transport area on the front side of the printing device or above the transport area of a correspondingly designed transport device. Advantageously, and in contrast to the previously known solutions, the printing module no longer has to be moved back by means of transverse movement means from the printing position in the y-direction in order to be able to reach the change position for ink cartridges. As a result, the extent of the printing device in the y direction is minimal. At the same time, the accessibility to the ink cartridges is improved. The printing device is in particular a component of a franking machine.

Das Transportband ist vorzugsweise ein angetriebener breiter gespannter Flachriemen. Letzterer wird nach einer ersten Variante mittels Umlenkrollen sowohl über das Druckmodul als auch unter dem Druckmodul entlang geführt, während sich das Druckmodul in einer Druckposition befindet. Zum Auswechseln von Tintenkartuschen wird das Druckmodul mittels Querbewegungsmittel quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung, ausgehend von der Druckposition zu einer Wechselposition an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung verfahren. Die Querbewegungsmittel sind dazu entsprechend ausgebildet.The conveyor belt is preferably a driven wide tensioned flat belt. The latter is guided according to a first variant by means of deflection rollers both over the printing module and under the printing module along, while the printing module is in a printing position. To replace ink cartridges, the printing module is moved by means of transverse movement means transversely to the mailpiece transport direction, starting from the printing position to a change position on the front side of the printing device. The transverse movement means are designed accordingly.

Nach einer zweiten Variante wird der Flachriemen immer unter dem Druckmodul oder wenigstens unter Teilen davon hin- und zurückgeführt und die Wechselposition ist mit der Druckposition identisch. Die Transportvorrichtung ist derart ausgebildet, dass das Druckmodul in der Druckposition verbleiben kann. Zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen wird ein Zugang im Sicherheitsgehäuse freigeben. Offensichtlich ist dann die Ausdehnung der Druckvorrichtung in y-Richtung minimal.According to a second variant, the flat belt is always moved back and forth under the pressure module or at least in parts thereof and the change position is identical to the printing position. The transport device is designed such that the printing module can remain in the printing position. To replace ink cartridges, access to the security enclosure will be released. Obviously, then the extent of the printing device in the y direction is minimal.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet bzw. werden nachstehend zusammen mit der Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher dargestellt. Es zeigen:

Figur 1,
Perspektivische Ansicht einer Transportvorrichtung nach einer ersten Variante mit Druckmodul in der Druckposition,
Figur 2,
Perspektivische Ansicht einer Transportvorrichtung nach der ersten Variante mit herausgezogenem Druckmodul in der Wechselposition,
Figur 3,
Draufsicht auf die Transportvorrichtung nach der ersten Variante mit herausgezogenem Druckmodul in der Wechselposition,
Figur 4,
Perspektivische Ansicht einer Transportvorrichtung nach einer zweiten Variante mit Druckmodul in einer Druck- und Wechselposition,
Figur 5,
Perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine mit einer nach oben zu öffnenden Klappe.
Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. Show it:
FIG. 1,
Perspective view of a transport device according to a first variant with print module in the print position,
FIG. 2,
Perspective view of a transport device according to the first variant with the print module pulled out in the change position,
FIG. 3,
Top view of the transport device according to the first variant with the print module pulled out in the change position,
FIG. 4,
Perspective view of a transport device according to a second variant with print module in a print and change position,
FIG. 5,
Perspective view of a franking machine with an upwardly opening flap.

In der Figur 1 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Transportvorrichtung für flache Güter bzw. Poststücke nach einer ersten Variante mit einem Druckmodul in einer Druckposition dargestellt. Die Poststücktransportvorrichtung 1 ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil einer Frankiermaschine und ist oberhalb eines Zuführtisches 13 angeordnet. Eine - nicht gezeigte - von unten federnd gegendrückende Andruckvorrichtung ist unterhalb des Zuführtisches angeordnet und wirkt durch eine Öffnung 130 durch den Zuführtisch hindurch in z-Richtung.
Eine Frankiermaschine besteht bekanntlich u.a. aus einem - nicht gezeigten - elektronischen Teil (Meter) und der Poststücktransportvorrichtung mit einer - nicht gezeigten - elektronischen Steuerung. Eine Tastatur und eine Anzeigeeinheit des Meters sind mit dem elektronischen Teil - in nicht gezeigter Weise - verbunden. Die elektronische Steuerung ist mit einem Antrieb 19 der Poststücktransportvorrichtung zu deren Ansteuerung elektrisch verbunden. Zum Antrieb wird beispielsweise ein Elektromotor mit Getriebe eingesetzt. Die Transportvorrichtung 1 weist ein Transportband 2 auf, welches als Flachriemen ausgebildet ist.
Der Flachriemen wirkt im Transportbereich mit einer vorbestimmten Haftreibung auf einen Teil der Oberfläche der flachen Güter bzw. Poststücke ein, welcher nicht bedruckt wird, aber dem Druckbereich nahe ist. Der Flachriemen der Poststücktransportvorrichtung besitzt eine große Quersteifigkeit und wird über zwei Umlenkrollen 5 und 6 geführt. Hierbei läuft der Flachriemen einerseits unter dem Druckmodul hindurch und wird andererseits über das Druckmodul zurückgeführt. Das Druckmodul besteht bekanntlich aus einem Druckwagen 24, einer - nicht gezeigten - Kontaktier- und Ansteuerungselektronik auf der Rückseite des Druckwagens 24, und mindestens einem Druckkopf, beispielsweise einer Tintenkartusche mit integriertem Tintenstrahldruckkopf. Der Druckwagen 24 trägt im dargestellten Beispiel nach Fig. 1 vorzugsweise zwei Tintenkartuschen 11, 12, die in x- und y-Richung gegeneinander versetzt sind. Alternativ sind auch mehrere Tintenkartuschen möglich. Der Druckwagen 24 hat je eine Öffnung 2410, 2420 zum Einsetzen der Tintenkartuschen 11, 12, welche seitlich durch eine rechte und linke Seitenplatte 244 und 243 und bodenseitig durch ein Trägerformteil sowie rückseitig durch ein Kontaktfeld der Kontaktier- und Ansteuerungselektronik begrenzt wird. Das Trägerformteil besteht aus zwei Hälften, wobei eine erste Hälfte 241 mit einer ersten Öffnung 2410 zum Einsetzen der ersten Tintenkartusche 11 und eine zweite Hälfte 242 mit einer zweiten Öffnung 2420 zum Einsetzen der zweiten Tintenkartusche 12 ausgestattet und in x-Richung zur ersten Hälfte versetzt ist. Die ersten Trägerformteilhälfte 241 ist in y-Richung zur zweiten Hälfte versetzt. Jede Öffnung, wird nach oben durch je einen Verschlusshebel 247, 248 pro Kartusche verschlossen. Das Druckmodul ragt in der Druckposition in den Zwischenraum zwischen den Umlenkrollen 5 und 6 herein, wobei sich die Tintenstrahldruckköpfe der beiden Tintenkartuschen 11, 12 außerhalb der Transportbereiches befinden und über einem - nicht gezeigten - Druckfenster entgegen der Schwerkraftrichtung in z-Richtung eines kartesischen Koordinatensystems angeordnet sind. Die Bäuche 11.1, 12.1 der beiden Tintenkartuschen 11, 12 befinden sich innerhalb des Zwischenraums zwischen den Umlenkrollen 5 und 6 oberhalb einer Stützplatte 9.
Die Druckposition ist zwischen einer Wechselposition und einer Reinigungs- und Dichtposition gelegen. Um die Tintenkartuschen nach oben hin auszuwechseln, wird das Druckmodul nach vorne aus der Poststücktransportvorrichtung heraus in die Wechselposition bewegt.In the FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport device for flat goods or mail pieces according to a first variant shown with a printing module in a printing position. The mail piece transport device 1 is an essential part of a franking machine and is arranged above a feed table 13. A - not shown - from below resiliently pressing device is arranged below the feed table and acts through an opening 130 through the feed through in the z-direction.
A franking machine is known, inter alia, from a - not shown - electronic part (meters) and the mail piece transport device with a - not shown - electronic control. A keyboard and a display unit of the meter are connected to the electronic part, not shown. The electronic control is connected to a drive 19 of the mailpiece transport device to the Control electrically connected. To drive, for example, an electric motor with gear is used. The transport device 1 has a conveyor belt 2, which is designed as a flat belt.
The flat belt operates in the transport area with a predetermined stiction on a part of the surface of the flat goods or mailpieces, which is not printed, but is close to the printing area. The flat belt of the mailpiece transport device has a large transverse rigidity and is guided over two pulleys 5 and 6. In this case, the flat belt on the one hand passes under the pressure module and on the other hand is returned via the pressure module. The printing module is known to consist of a print carriage 24, a - not shown - contacting and control electronics on the back of the print carriage 24, and at least one print head, for example, an ink cartridge with integrated inkjet printhead. The print carriage 24 contributes in the example shown Fig. 1 preferably two ink cartridges 11, 12, which are offset from one another in the x and y directions. Alternatively, several ink cartridges are possible. The print carriage 24 each has an opening 2410, 2420 for inserting the ink cartridges 11, 12, which is bounded laterally by a right and left side plate 244 and 243 and the bottom side by a carrier molding and the back by a contact field of contacting and control electronics. The carrier molding consists of two halves, wherein a first half 241 is provided with a first opening 2410 for insertion of the first ink cartridge 11 and a second half 242 with a second opening 2420 for insertion of the second ink cartridge 12 and offset in x-direction to the first half , The first carrier molding half 241 is offset in the y-direction to the second half. Each opening is closed at the top by a closing lever 247, 248 per cartridge. The printing module protrudes in the printing position in the space between the guide rollers 5 and 6, wherein the ink jet print heads of the two ink cartridges 11, 12 are located outside the transport area and arranged above a - not shown - pressure window against the direction of gravity in the z direction of a Cartesian coordinate system are. The bellies 11.1, 12.1 of the two Ink cartridges 11, 12 are located within the space between the pulleys 5 and 6 above a support plate. 9
The printing position is located between a change position and a cleaning and sealing position. To replace the ink cartridges at the top, the print module is moved forward out of the mail piece transport device into the change position.

In der Figur 2 wird eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Poststücktransportvorrichtung nach der ersten Variante mit herausgezogenem Druckmodul in der Wechselposition dargestellt. In der Nähe der Umlenkrollen 5 und 6 bzw. zwischen diesen sind Gleitstangen 271 (verdeckt) und 272 eines Querbewegungsmittels 27 angeordnet, auf welchen sich der Druckwagen 24 abstützt bzw. geführt wird. Der Druckwagen kann mittels eines Griffs 2421 nach vorn in die Wechselposition gezogen oder alternativ verfahren werden. Der weitere Aufbau entspricht dem vorgenannten bereits erläuterten Aufbau. Einer der beiden Verschlusshebel, nämlich der Verschlusshebel 247 ist geöffnet gezeichnet. Das bodenseitig angeordnete Trägerformteil des Druckwagens 24 lässt zur oberen Hälfte der Vorderseite hin die Druckwagenöffnungen 2410, 2420 nach vorne offen.
Die Tintenkartusche 11 kann deshalb nach vorn oben herausgenommen werden, da der Verschlusshebel 247 nach oben geschwenkt ist. Der andere Verschlusshebel 248 ist ungeöffnet gezeichnet. Zum Öffnen muss der Verschlusshebel 248 um die Drehachse 246 ebenfalls nach oben geschwenkt werden.
Der Griff 2421 ist an der zweiten Hälfte des Trägerformstücks des Druckwagens 24 angeformt. Alternativ kann ein Griff ist an der ersten Hälfte oder ersten Hälfte und zweiten Hälfte des Trägerformstücks angeformt werden.In the FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mail piece transport device according to the first variant with the print module pulled out in the change position. In the vicinity of the pulleys 5 and 6 or between these sliding rods 271 (hidden) and 272 of a transverse movement means 27 are arranged, on which the print carriage 24 is supported or guided. The print carriage can be pulled by means of a handle 2421 forward in the change position or alternatively moved. The further structure corresponds to the aforementioned construction already explained. One of the two locking levers, namely the locking lever 247 is drawn open. The bottom side arranged carrier molding of the print carriage 24 leaves to the upper half of the front side of the carriage openings 2410, 2420 open to the front.
Therefore, the ink cartridge 11 can be taken out in the front upward direction since the shutter lever 247 is pivoted upward. The other locking lever 248 is drawn unopened. To open the locking lever 248 must be pivoted about the axis of rotation 246 also upwards.
The handle 2421 is integrally formed on the second half of the carrier fitting of the print carriage 24. Alternatively, a handle may be formed on the first half or first half and second half of the carrier fitting.

In der Figur 3 wird eine Draufsicht auf die Transportvorrichtung nach der ersten Variante mit herausgezogenem Druckmodul in der Wechselposition dargestellt. In der Darstellung wurde das Transportband weggelassen, damit sonst verdeckte Teile sichtbar werden. Es wird darauf hingewiesen, dass der Rollenträger, die Umlenkrollen und das Transportband Bestandteile der Transportvorrichtung 1 sind.
Sowohl Querbewegungsmittel 27, als auch das Druckmodul sind zur Durchführung einer Querbewegung, d.h. entgegen der y-Richtung ausgebildet. In einer Ausführungsform wird ein - nicht gezeigter - Elektromotor, vorzugsweise ein Schrittmotor, als Antrieb der Querbewegungsmittel 27 eingesetzt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann der Elektromotor entfallen. Die Querbewegung kann per Handhebel betrieben durchgeführt werden, was die Herstellungskosten verringert. An der linken Seitenwand der ersten Hälfte 241 des Trägerformteils des Druckwagens 24 des Druckmoduls ist ein Führungs- und Gleitstück 249 angeformt, das auf der Gleitstange 271 gleiten kann. An der rechten Seitenwand der zweiten Hälfte 242 des Trägerformteils des Druckwagens 24 des Druckmoduls ist ein Gleitstück 240 angeformt, das auf der Gleitstange 272 gleiten kann. Die Gleitstangen 271, 272 sind vorzugsweise aus Metall geformt.
Der Druckwagen des Druckmoduls ist entsprechend ausgebildet, um quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung, ausgehend von der Druckposition zu einer Wechselposition an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung bewegt zu werden. Der Druckwagen 24 gleitet mit dem Führungs- und Gleitstück 249 und dem Gleitstück 240 auf den zwei Gleitstangen 271, 272, welche rückseitig an einer Rückwand eines Chassis (nicht gezeigt) und vorderseitig an einer Lagerplatte eines Rollenträgers (nicht gezeigt) für die Umlenkrollen 5 und 6 befestigt sind.In the FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transport device according to the first variant with pulled-out printing module in the change position shown. In the illustration, the conveyor belt has been omitted, so that otherwise hidden parts become visible. It should be noted that the roller carrier, the pulleys and the conveyor belt are components of the transport device 1.
Both transverse movement means 27 and the pressure module are designed to carry out a transverse movement, ie counter to the y direction. In one embodiment, an electric motor (not shown), preferably a stepping motor, is used to drive the transverse movement means 27. In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor can be omitted. The transverse movement can be carried out operated by hand lever, which reduces the manufacturing cost. On the left side wall of the first half 241 of the carrier molding of the print carriage 24 of the printing module, a guide and slider 249 is formed, which can slide on the slide bar 271. On the right side wall of the second half 242 of the carrier molding of the print carriage 24 of the printing module, a slider 240 is formed, which can slide on the slide bar 272. The slide bars 271, 272 are preferably formed of metal.
The print carriage of the print module is configured to be moved transversely to the mail piece transport direction, starting from the print position to a change position on the front side of the print device. The print carriage 24 slides with the guide and slider 249 and the slider 240 on the two slide bars 271, 272, which on the rear side of a rear wall of a chassis (not shown) and the front of a bearing plate of a roller carrier (not shown) for the guide rollers 5 and 6 are attached.

In der Figur 4 wird eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Poststücktransportvorrichtung nach einer zweiten Variante mit Druckmodul in der Druck- und Wechselposition dargestellt. Der Flachriemen wird über mehrere Umlenkrollen 5, 6, 7 und 8 komplett unter den Druckmodul oder Teilen davon entlang geführt. Unter einer Stützplatte 9 ist der Flachriemen zwischen den beiden äußeren Umlenkrollen 5, 6 und oberhalb zwischen den beiden inneren Umlenkrollen 7, 8 gespannt. Dadurch ist der schleifenförmige Verlauf des Transportbandes 2 (Flachriemens) von oben eingebuchtet, um Platz für den Druckmodul zu schaffen. Der Druckwagen 24 des Druckmoduls hat je eine Öffnung 2410, 2420 zum Einsetzen der Tintenkartuschen 11, 12, welche seitlich durch eine rechte und linke Seitenplatte 244 und 243 und bodenseitig durch ein Trägerformteil sowie rückseitig durch ein Kontaktfeld der Kontaktier- und Ansteuerungselektronik begrenzt wird. Das Trägerformteil besteht aus zwei Hälften 241 und 242, die zueinander versetzt sind und ist dazu ausgebildet, dass die Tintenkartuschen 11, 12 mit dem Bauch 11.1, 12.1 nach vorn eingesetzt werden. Ein Verschlusshebel 247, 248 ist jeweils an der rechten und linken Seitenplatte 244 und 243 drehbar befestigt. Die rechte äußere Umlenkrolle 5 wird von einem Antrieb 19 angetrieben. Eine - nicht gezeigte - von unten federnd gegendrückende Andruckvorrichtung wirkt durch eine Öffnung 130 im Zuführtisch hindurch in z-Richtung auf die Poststücke, die mittels der Transportvorrichtung 1 in x-Richtung transportiert werden.In the FIG. 4 a perspective view of a mail piece transport device is shown according to a second variant with print module in the print and change position. The flat belt is guided over several pulleys 5, 6, 7 and 8 completely under the pressure module or parts thereof. Under a support plate 9 of the flat belt between the two outer pulleys 5, 6 and above between the two inner pulleys 7, 8 stretched. This is the loop-shaped Course of the conveyor belt 2 (flat belt) indented from above to make room for the printing module. The print carriage 24 of the print module has an opening 2410, 2420 for inserting the ink cartridges 11, 12, which is bounded laterally by a right and left side plate 244 and 243 and the bottom side by a carrier molding and the back by a contact pad of the contacting and control electronics. The carrier molding consists of two halves 241 and 242, which are offset from each other and is designed so that the ink cartridges 11, 12 are inserted with the belly 11.1, 12.1 forward. A shutter lever 247, 248 is rotatably attached to the right and left side plates 244 and 243, respectively. The right outer deflection roller 5 is driven by a drive 19. A - not shown - from below resiliently pressing device acts through an opening 130 in the feed table through in the z direction on the mail items that are transported by the transport device 1 in the x direction.

Die Figur 5 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine 40 mit einer nach oben zu öffnenden Klappe 10. Die Poststücktransportvorrichtung 1 ist der Frankiermaschine 40 und ist oberhalb des Zuführtisches 13 angeordnet. Die Tintenkartuschen 11, 12 sind Bestandteil des Druckmoduls.
Das Druckmodul kann beim Wechseln in der Druckposition verbleiben und die Tintenkartuschen können direkt nach oben entnommen werden, ohne dass das Druckmodul in eine andere Position verfahren werden müsste.The FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a postage meter 40 with an upwardly opening flap 10. The mail piece transport device 1 is the franking machine 40 and is disposed above the feed table 13. The ink cartridges 11, 12 are part of the printing module.
The print module can remain in the print position when changing and the ink cartridges can be removed directly upwards without having to move the print module to another position.

Alternativ ist vorgesehnen, dass ein Gehäuse für die Druckvorrichtung zum Austausch der Tintenkartuschen ausgebildet ist und eine nach vorn zu öffnende Klappe hat sowie dass die Druckvorrichtung ein Bestandteil einer Frankiermaschine ist. Das Gehäuse kann, wie bei einer bekannten Frankiermaschine des Typs T1000 der Herstellerin Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, an der Vorderfront des Gehäuses eine Klappe aufweisen. Diese Klappenanordnung am Gehäuse könnte beibehalten werden, wenn die bisher eingesetzte Termotransfer-Druckvorrichtung der Frankiermaschine durch eine Tintenstrahl-Druckvorrichtung ersetzt würde.Alternatively, it is envisaged that a housing for the printing device is designed to replace the ink cartridges and has a flap which can be opened to the front, and that the printing device is a component of a franking machine. The housing, as in a known franking machine of the type T1000 of the manufacturer Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, at the front of the housing have a flap. This flap arrangement on the housing could be retained if the previously used termotransfer printing device of the postage meter machine were replaced by an inkjet printing device.

Der Druckwagen wäre dann - wie in Fig. 3 gezeigt - nach vorne ausfahrbar. Zum Austausch der Tintenkartuschen hat das Gehäuse eine nach vorn zu öffnende Klappe.The print carriage would then be - as in Fig. 3 shown - extendable to the front. To replace the ink cartridges, the housing has a forward-opening flap.

Alternativ gilt auch für Frankiermaschine des Typs Optimal der Herstellerin Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, welche an der Vorderfront des Gehäuses eine nach schräg oben zu öffnende Klappe aufweist, dass eine Frankiermaschine mit vergleichbaren Gehäuse, aber mit einer Tintenstrahl-Druckvorrichtung versehen werden könnte, wobei deren Gehäuse zum Austausch der Tintenkartuschen ausgebildet ist und eine nach vorn und oben zu öffnende Klappe hat.Alternatively applies also to franking machine of the Optimal type by the manufacturer Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, which has at the front of the housing a diagonally openable top flap that a franking machine with comparable housing, but could be provided with an inkjet printing device, wherein the housing is designed to replace the ink cartridges and has a front and top to open flap.

Die Druckvorrichtung mit der Vorrichtung zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen ist auch für andere Postverarbeitungsgeräte geeignet.The printing device with the device for changing ink cartridges is also suitable for other mail processing devices.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die vorliegenden Ausführungsform an sich beschränkt. Vielmehr ist eine Anzahl von Geräten im Rahmen der Ansprüche denkbar, die eingesetzt werden und die vom gleichen Grundgedanken der Erfindung ausgehend, von den anliegenden Ansprüchen umfasst werden.The invention is not limited to the present embodiment per se. Rather, a number of devices within the scope of the claims is conceivable, which are used and which are based on the same basic idea of the invention, from the appended claims.

Claims (8)

Vorrichtung zum Wechseln von Tintenkartuschen einer Druckvorrichtung, die eine Transportvorrichtung für fache Güter, eine Andruckvorrichtung und einen Druckmodul aufweist, wobei die Transportvorrichtung ortsfest in der Druckvorrichtung gegenüber einer Andruckvorrichtung angeordnet ist, welche das Poststück an ein Transportband der Transportvorrichtung andrückt, welches im Transportbereich mit einer vorbestimmten Haftreibung auf einen Teil der Oberfläche der Poststückes einwirkt, welcher nicht bedruckt wird, aber nahe dem zu bedruckenden Bereich gelegen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich eine Wechselposition für Tintenkartuschen vor dem Transportbereich an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung oder über dem Transportbereich einer entsprechend ausgebildeten Transportvorrichtung befindet.Apparatus for changing ink cartridges of a printing device having a transport device for multiple goods, a pressure device and a printing module, wherein the transport device is stationary in the printing device relative to a pressure device which presses the mail piece to a conveyor belt of the transport device, which in the transport area with a predetermined static friction acts on a part of the surface of the mail piece, which is not printed, but is located near the area to be printed, characterized in that a change position for ink cartridges in front of the transport area on the front of the printing device or on the transport area of a correspondingly formed transport device located. Vorrichtung, nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Transportband (2) ein angetriebener breiter gespannter Flachriemen ist, welcher mittels Umlenkrollen sowohl über das Druckmodul als auch unter dem Druckmodul entlang geführt geführt wird, während sich das Druckmodul in einer Druckposition befindet, dass Querbewegungsmittel (27) und das Druckmodul entsprechend ausgebildet sind, um das Druckmodul quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung, ausgehend von der Druckposition zu einer Wechselposition an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung zu verfahren.Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is a driven wide tensioned flat belt, which is guided guided by pulleys both over the printing module and under the printing module along while the printing module is in a printing position that transverse movement means (27) and the printing module are adapted to move the printing module transversely to the mailpiece transport direction, starting from the printing position to a change position at the front of the printing device. Vorrichtung, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckwagen (24) des Druckmoduls entsprechend ausgebildet ist, um quer zur Poststücktransportrichtung, ausgehend von der Druckposition zu einer Wechselposition an der Vorderseite der Druckvorrichtung bewegt zu werden.Device according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the printing carriage (24) of the printing module is adapted to be moved transversely to the mailpiece transporting direction, starting from the printing position to a change position on the front side of the printing device. Vorrichtung, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckwagen (24) des Druckmoduls mit einem Führungs- und Gleitstück (249) und einem Gleitstück (240) ausgestattet ist, welche auf zwei Gleitstangen (271, 272) gleiten, welche rückseitig an einer Rückwand eines Chassis und vorderseitig an einer Lagerplatte eines Rollenträgers für die Umlenkrollen (5 und 6) befestigt sind, wobei der Rollenträger, die Umlenkrollen und das Transportband (2) Bestandteile der Transportvorrichtung (1) sind.Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the print carriage (24) of the printing module is provided with a guide and slider (249) and a slider (240) which slide on two slide rods (271, 272) the back of a rear wall of a chassis and the front side of a bearing plate of a roller support for the guide rollers (5 and 6) are fixed, wherein the roller carrier, the guide rollers and the conveyor belt (2) are components of the transport device (1). Vorrichtung, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckwagen (24) des Druckmoduls mit einem Griff ausgestattet ist.Device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the print carriage (24) of the printing module is equipped with a handle. Vorrichtung, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Griff (2421) an der zweiten Hälfte des Trägerformstücks des Druckwagens (24) angeformt ist.Device according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handle (2421) on the second half of the carrier molding of the print carriage (24) is integrally formed. Vorrichtung, nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Transportband (2) ein angetriebener breiter gespannter Flachriemen ist, der Flachriemen immer unter dem Druckmodul oder wenigstens unter Teilen davon hin- und zurückgeführt wird, wobei die Wechselposition mit der Druckposition identisch ist.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is a driven wide tensioned flat belt, the flat belt always under the pressure module or at least in parts thereof is fed back and forth, the change position with the printing position is identical. Vorrichtung, nach Anspruch 1 und 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Gehäuse für die Druckvorrichtung zum Austausch der Tintenkartuschen ausgebildet ist und eine nach vorn und/oder nach oben zu öffnende Klappe hat.Device according to claim 1 and 7, characterized in that a housing for the printing device for exchanging the ink cartridges is formed and has a forward and / or upward-opening flap.
EP08019318.8A 2007-12-17 2008-11-05 Device for exchanging ink cartridges Active EP2073173B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102007060733A DE102007060733A1 (en) 2007-12-17 2007-12-17 Device for changing ink cartridges

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USD823941S1 (en) 2016-03-22 2018-07-24 Dataprint Technology, Inc. Postage meter printer module
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DE202017106430U1 (en) 2017-10-24 2018-10-25 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Gutverarbeitungsgerät
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EP2674921A1 (en) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-18 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Franking machine and method for servicing the same

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US8262178B2 (en) 2012-09-11
US20090153638A1 (en) 2009-06-18
EP2073173B1 (en) 2018-08-01
DE102007060733A1 (en) 2009-06-25

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