EP1127700A1 - Printing device and method with movable print head guiding means - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for printing, in particular a franking machine, with a print head (1; 1 '; 1 "), which is guided by a first guide device (3; 1) to achieve the relative movement between the print head (1; 1'; 1") and the medium to be printed during printing. 3 ") is designed to be movable along a first direction with respect to a base element (2; 2") between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position, with a first displacement device (4.1 , 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) is provided for moving the print head (1; 1 '; 1 ") relative to the base element (2; 2") from a first transverse position into at least one second transverse position spaced from the first transverse position transverse to the first direction is formed, the first displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) for displacing the first guide device attention (3; 3 "). Corresponding method for printing. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for printing, in particular a Franking and / or addressing machine, with a print head, which for Achieve the relative movement between the print head and the print Medium when printing along a first direction a base element between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position is movable. The printhead will guided by a first guide device. It is still one the printing offset to each other transversely to the first direction, to each other enabling at most in an edge area of overlapping print images first transfer device provided. This is for moving of the printhead relative to the base member from a first Transverse position in at least one of the first transverse position transverse to formed in the first direction spaced second transverse position. Farther The present invention relates to a method for printing according to the preamble of claim 15.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “print head” denotes all types of printing devices that have a printed image on a medium can generate. In other words, the term closes on the one hand Printing facilities of any printing techniques. He shouldn't either be limited to the component that directly generates the printed image, but can also include other components that are used to generate printed images are needed. Ink reservoirs, for example etc.

A generic device and a generic method are known for example from EP 0 933 210 A2. At that one described device, the print head is slidable in a arranged by a guide rod holder. For printing the bracket and thus the printhead along a first Direction, namely move parallel to the guide rod.

If a first print image has been created, the print head becomes perpendicular to offset in the first direction relative to the bracket in a further Step a second print image using the opposite method of Generate printhead along a first direction. The offset of the second printed image to the first printed image is so large that the two printed images overlap at most in the edge area, in which they are adjacent to each other across the first direction. This is it is possible to generate an overall print image with one print head, its dimension transverse to the first direction, d. H. across the printing direction, corresponds approximately to twice the print width of the print head.

The displacement device is in the known device on the bracket arranged and designed as a linear drive on the printhead acts.

On the one hand, this design has the disadvantage that the additional linear drive on the bracket when printing one relatively high mass is to be moved. This adversely affects that Vibration behavior of the drive and therefore on the one hand Print image or on the necessary to compensate for this disadvantage Effort out. The other are the achievable accelerations and thus limits the printing speed.

Another disadvantage is the complex design of the bracket. This must be as small as possible and therefore as small as possible A cross guide for the printhead put. When using interchangeable printheads, such as Inkjet cartridges, it may even be in two parts a separate holder driven by the linear drive for the printhead in order to replace it too costly avoid the printhead or use a standard printhead to enable.

The present invention is therefore based on the object Generic device and a generic method indicate which, with little effort, a fast, qualitative enable high quality printing.

This task is based on a device according to the Preamble of claim 1 by the in the characterizing part of Features specified claim 1 solved. It will continue starting from a method according to the preamble of the claim 15 by those specified in the characterizing part of claim 15 Features resolved.

The invention is based on the technical teaching that one with relative high quality printing with a generic Device achieved when the first transfer device is designed to move the first guide device.

Because of the configuration according to the invention, is only when printing to move the printhead, especially to accelerate it. Thanks to the smaller here compared to the known device mass to be moved reduces the tendency of the Systems from the print head and its drive. It can therefore be higher Accelerations are achieved, resulting in faster Printing process. On the other hand, the effort for is reduced any damping measures.

Furthermore, if the printhead is designed to be replaceable, to provide only a simple standard bracket, as it is relative to this does not have to be moved. On the one hand, this also reduces the moving mass, the other for the manufacture of the device effort to be exercised.

In preferred variants of the device according to the invention Offset device is designed such that the offset of the first Guide device essentially takes place in one level. This is with an eye to the printing process is advantageous, because then when moving the print head does not change the distance to the printable Medium results, which might have to be compensated. In addition the space required for the device then remains small since no space for a sweeping movement across the actual one The direction of displacement must be kept clear.

The movement of the guide device when moving can be arbitrary be designed, in particular it can be any trajectory consequences. The displacement device is preferably for parallel displacement the first guide device. Thanks to the simple sequence of movements is a problem-free positioning of the guide device and thus the print head.

The parallel guidance can be implemented in different ways, see above can, for example, one or more corresponding guide rails or the like is provided for the guide device which of these is a pure translational movement when moving stamp on.

A particularly simple, robust and less prone to failure design results if the displacement device is a flat four-part Articulated gearbox, which guides the offset of the guide device guaranteed. Such an articulated gear comes with high precision of movement with simple swivel or swivel joints out. As a result, the guide device is particularly misaligned in the respective transverse positions and thus also angular misalignments the printed images counteracted each other. In particular a parallel guidance can be done with such an articulated gear simply realize.

The guide device can be indirect or direct in any way be connected to the transfer device. For example, it can be attached directly to the link of the linkage, that itself performs the desired offset movement. With advantageous, because simply designed variants of the device according to the invention the first guide device itself forms a link of the articulated gear. You can do this directly at both ends, for example with two further links belonging to the articulated gear be connected.

The displacement device can be displaced with respect to its drive the guide device can be configured in different ways. So can, for example, one or more separate drive devices be provided, which cause the offset movement. At preferred configurations of the device according to the invention the displacement device for displacing the first guide device by moving the print head along the first direction is. As a result, there is no separate drive for the displacement device required, but it becomes the drive for moving the print head also used for the operation of the transfer device.

To the offset movement of the guide device through the process of the printhead along the first direction are one Many conceivable configurations. For example, a second guide device can be provided on the printhead or its holder is arranged and to achieve the offset movement cooperates with a third guide. The third guide device is so stationary in or on the device arranged to move along the printhead a relative movement between the second and the first direction third guide device results. The effective areas of the second and third guide device are then arranged so that moving along the second and third guide means a force component transverse to the first direction relative to each other first direction, which results from the second guide device imprinted on the printhead and above the first guide device becomes. This force component causes transverse to the first direction then the offset of the first guide device.

In the variant mentioned, there is either a compensation device provide the offset between the drive and printhead compensates when moving the first guide device. In addition or alternatively, the entire drive with the guide device be moved accordingly.

In preferred variants of the device according to the invention, one is Drive device for moving the print head along the first Direction provided, which itself is designed to be the first Guide device by moving the print head along the first Offset direction. This eliminates the need to move the drive device or a corresponding compensation device.

In this case, the drive device is preferably provided as a traction mechanism drive at least one running over at least one first deflection device Traction means trained. The print head is then in a first Connection area connected to the traction device in such a way that the first Guide device when running the first connection area over the first deflection device by driving across the printhead across in the first direction.

The connection between the traction means, for example a toothed belt, and the printhead can, for example, via a connecting means like a connecting pin. This is on the Printhead or the traction device or rotatably arranged on both. When the first connection area runs over the first deflection device this connecting pin is predetermined by the deflection device moved transverse to the first direction. He then acts like a driver by moving its movement perpendicular to the first direction Printhead and thus also the first guide device connected to it impresses.

The first deflection device, the further guidance of the traction means and the connection between traction device and printhead or printhead holder are preferably designed so that the offset of the Connection means of the desired transverse offset of the printhead corresponds. As a result, the print head is in a simple manner without further additional measures the desired offset across the first Direction imprinted.

The deflection device can consist of one or more guideways, Deflection rollers or the like exist. The is preferred first deflection device designed in the manner of a deflection roller, the Axis of rotation essentially perpendicular to the offset plane of the first Management facility runs. The offset corresponds to the guide device and with it the printhead Offset that the connecting means between the printhead and traction means experiences.

The first deflection device is preferably in the region of the first Longitudinal position of the print head arranged, since this is one possible small space of the device along the first direction is achieved becomes.

The drive device can be designed as an open traction drive, which is then operated with an alternating drive direction in order to or two total prints to return to the starting position. In advantageous, because of its simple structure, the Output device designed as a closed traction drive. there is a second deflection device for moving the guide device provided transversely to the first direction, which resets the Guiding device in the starting position. The traction drive can then be both in one direction and alternately in both Directions are driven.

It goes without saying that the traction means also via further deflection devices can be performed if, for example, the total expression from more than two arranged side by side transversely to the first direction Print images should be built.

With a view to the smallest possible installation space along the device the second direction is preferably in the first direction Area of the second longitudinal position of the print head arranged.

To ensure reliable alignment of the guide device and thus to achieve the print images generated with the print head relative to one another, is an advantageous variant of the device according to the invention Fixing device for fixing the guide device in the respective Transverse position provided.

In the case of favorable configurations, this fixing device comprises in each case at least one stop for the guide device in the respective Transverse position and at least one pretensioner for Preload the guide device against the respective stop. The biasing device can be designed so that it by a biasing means, for example a spring or the like, against the first in one of the desired transverse positions Guide device is biased and thereby a change in position the first guide device prevented.

The pretensioning device can also be designed such that that the force applied when moving between the desired transverse positions by the transfer device to the first guide device is exercised, sufficient to the biasing device from the Travel path of the first guide device against the preload force remove the pretensioner. In other words, the pretensioner be designed in such a way that they can be used for the desired transfer operations out of the way of the first guide this is ousted.

The present invention further relates to a method for printing, in particular a franking imprint, in which a print head for printing a first printed image guided by a first guide device along a first direction between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position is moved. For printing offset at least one transverse to the first direction to the first printed image, with this overlapping at most in an edge area second print image is printhead from a first transverse position at least one of the first transverse position transverse to the first direction spaced second transverse position offset. According to the invention to move the print head transversely to the first direction first guide device offset transversely to the first direction.

In the case of advantageous variants, the offset takes place on one level, since on the one hand, this quickly reaches the desired end position. On the other hand, the range of motion to be kept free for such a movement can be be kept small with such a movement profile, resulting in a small installation space for one using this method working device results.

Different times are conceivable at which the relocation of the first guide device can take place. This is how the transfer of the first guide device after moving the print head between the first and second longitudinal positions and return to the first Longitudinal position take place. A particularly simple and therefore faster Movement sequence or a fast printing process preferably results, if moving the first guide device after, preferably immediately after moving the print head between the first and second longitudinal position. This applies all the more if in further preferred variants, resetting the first guide device after, preferably immediately after the Printhead between the second and first longitudinal position.

The first guide device is advantageously moved by moving the print head along the first direction since this makes another drive for the transfer unnecessary.

Fig. 1

Eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine weitere perspektivische Teilansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels aus Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht eines Schnittes entlang Linie III-III aus Figur 2;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Ansicht eines Teilschnittes einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Further preferred designs are set out in the subclaims or result from the following description of preferred variants of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

A partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

another perspective partial view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Fig. 3

a schematic view of a section along line III-III of Figure 2;

Fig. 4

a schematic view of a partial section of a further preferred embodiment;

Fig. 5

a plan view of another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a partial view of a franking machine with a print head 1, which in the example shown is formed by an inkjet cartridge 1.1 is, which is fastened interchangeably in a holder 1.2.

The printhead 1 is between to achieve the relative movement Print head 1 and the medium to be printed, not shown when printing along a first direction with respect to a base element 2 between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position movable. He is going along along the first direction a first guide device guided by a guide rod 3 is formed.

A first transfer device is also provided, which the Printing offset to each other across the first direction at most in an edge area of overlapping printed images. For this purpose, the first relocation device for relocating the print head 1 relative to the base element 2 from a first transverse position in at least one of the first transverse position transverse to the first direction spaced second transverse position formed.

The displacement device includes, among other things, a first one Swivel arm 4.1, a second swivel arm 4.2. The swivel arms 4.1 and 4.2 are each at one end with the base element 2 and the other end with the guide rod 3 perpendicular to each axis 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 extending to the first direction pivotally connected. The pivot axes 5.1 and 5.2 of the first Swivel arms 4.1 are at the same distance as the swivel axes 5.3 and 5.4 of the second swivel arm 4.2. Furthermore corresponds to the distance between the pivot axes 5.1 and 5.3 the distance between Swivel axes 5.2 and 5.4. As a result, the swivel arms 4.1 and 4.2 together with the base element 2 and the guide rod 3 a flat four-link linkage.

This articulated gear leads 4.1 when pivoting the swivel arms and 4.2 the guide rod 3. It causes a parallel offset the guide rod 3 and thus also the print head 1 transversely to the first Direction, d. H. across the printing direction. By parallel to each other Swiveling axes 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, the offset movement takes place in one level. This results in a slightly sweeping displacement movement the guide rod 3 and thus also the print head 1. This has the advantage that only the smallest possible proportion of the surrounding Installation space for this movement is kept clear got to.

The drive 7 for moving the print head 1 along the first Direction is as a simple traction mechanism with a closed Timing belt 7.1 is formed, the two corresponding, as the first and second deflection serving gears 7.2 and 7.3 are the same Diameter runs. The gears 7.2 and 7.3 are on the base element 2 stored, which for reasons of clarity in Figure 1 is not shown. The axes of rotation of the gears 7.2 and 7.3 run thereby perpendicular to the offset plane of the guide rod 3. The first Gear 7.2 is from a motor, also not shown driven.

The first displacement device and the drive 7 are for displacing the Guide rod 3 and thus the print head 1 transverse to the first direction by moving the print head 1 along the first direction educated. For this purpose, it comprises a pin 4.3, which is about an axis of rotation 6 is rotatably arranged on the print head 1. The pin 4.3 is in one first connection area 7.4 with toothed belt 7.1 of drive 7 connected. The gears 7.2 and 7.3 each have an indentation 8.1 or 8.2. These serve to accommodate the toothed on the Side of the toothed belt 7.1 arranged section of the pin 4.3, if the connection area 7.4 via the respective gear 7.2 or 7.3 is running.

When the connection area 7.4 runs over the respective gear 7.2 or 7.3, the pin 4.3 becomes relative with a rotation about its axis 6 offset to printhead 1 transverse to the first direction. The pen works 4.3 like a driver on the print head 1 and offset this and thus also the guide rod 3 transversely to the first direction. The offset corresponds approximately to twice the distance of the axis of rotation 6 from the axis of rotation of the respective gear 7.2 or 7.3, if connection area 7.4 runs on the respective gear 7.2 or 7.3. This Distance is chosen so that the offset of the printhead 1 across first direction approximately the dimension of those generated with the printhead Print images perpendicular to the first direction corresponds.

When the connection area 7.4 runs over the first gear 7.2 the print head 1 after completion of a first print image first transverse position in its second transverse position. Connect the print head 1 between the first gear 7.2 and move the second gear 7.3, with the print head 1 the second one, which adjoins the first printed image transversely to the first direction Print image is generated. Due to the parallel offset of the guide rod 3 is the second printed image parallel to the first printed image and complements this to form an overall print image. When running of the connection area 7.4 via the second gear 7.3 Print head then from its second transverse position back to its first Transverse position reset, which completes the printing process is.

The first forming the first deflection device of the toothed belt 7.1 Gear 7.2 is in the area of the first longitudinal position of the print head 1 arranged so that the transverse offset of the print head 1 immediately after completion of a first print image. That the second deflection device of the toothed belt 7.1 forming second gear 7.3 is still in the area of the second longitudinal position of the print head 1 arranged so that the transverse offset of the print head 1 in its Starting position immediately after completion of a second print image can be done. It goes without saying, however, that a certain Distance of the second gear from the second longitudinal position of the print head 1 can be provided to arrange an Maintenance or parking station for the printhead in this area enable.

Figure 2 shows a further perspective partial view of the embodiment from Figure 1. As can be seen in Figure 2, the guide rod 3 runs in the area of their two ends each in an opening 9.1 Guide element 9. This guide element 9 serves on the one hand additional support of the guide rod 3 perpendicular to the transverse offset plane.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the guide element 9 forms a fixing device to fix the guide rod 3 in the respective Transverse position provided by stops 10 for the guide rod 3 which are their offset transversely to the first direction in the respective Limit cross position. In the guide element 9 is above in addition, a locking washer 11 slidably supported by a spring 12 is biased against the guide rod 3. Hereby the guide rod 3 in the respective transverse position against the Stops 10 pressed and thus fixed in this position.

When moving the guide rod 3 in the other transverse position, the is indicated by the contour 13 in Figure 3, the locking disc 11 displaced by the guide rod 3 from its travel and then moves after passing the guide rod 3 due to the spring force of the spring 12 back into its locked position in the it fixes the guide rod 3 in the other transverse position.

Figure 4 shows in detail a connection variant of the with the print head 1 ' connected pin 4.3 'to the traction means 7.1' of the drive for moving the printhead 1 'along the first direction. The connection takes place through a tab 14 which faces away from the teeth 7.5 Side of the toothed belt 7.1 'arranged on the toothed belt 7.1' is. The pin 4.3 'is rotatably mounted in the tab 14. It however, it goes without saying that the pin can additionally or alternatively also be rotated can be arranged on the print head 1 '.

It goes without saying that other variants of the device can also be used for generating formed from more than two adjacent print images could be. Then there are only more than two deflection devices to provide for the traction device, which then this give an S-shaped section in sections.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the invention Device whose structure is largely the same from Figure 1 corresponds, so that only the differences are discussed here shall be.

The main difference lies in the generation of the transverse offset. In this variant, too, this is achieved by moving the print head 1 "along the first direction. The transverse offset is created however, by means of two guide grooves arranged on the base element 2 " 15.1 and 15.2 generated to move the guide device with one arranged on the underside of the print head 1 " Interact with guide pin 16.

In the embodiment shown, as in the embodiment from FIG. 2 Fixing devices 9 'are provided which the guide rod 3' in the hold the respective transverse position. The guide grooves 15.1 and 15.2 are designed so that the locking disc at the time of Reversal of movement of the printhead drive already from the guide rod happened. The locking disc therefore exercises on the Guide rod a biasing force, which this in the desired Offset direction presses.

However, it goes without saying that variants are also conceivable in which the guide rod transversely in one direction by a spring device is biased towards the first direction. This is then in the area of Guide groove, which the guide rod against this bias offset to provide an appropriately biased switch, which prevents the guide pin from reversing again after movement moves into the leg of the guide groove that has already been passed through. For this closes the switch in the normal state to the one to be traversed first Leg of the groove. When moving the print head holder the guide pin displaces the switch from the leg of the groove and this can happen. Then the switch snaps back and prevents the guide pin from retracting into the already traversed thigh after reversal of movement.

Another difference lies in the arrangement of the drive 7 " Moving the print head along the first direction. This is again as a toothed belt drive with a closed toothed belt 7.1 " educated. However, it is arranged on a support 17 which is fixed with the guide rod 3 "is connected, and is together with the guide rod 3 ", guided by the flat four-link joint drive from the guide rod 3 ", the swivel arms 4.1" and 4.2 "and the Base element 2 "offset transversely to the first direction.

In the example shown, the guide grooves 15.1 and 15.2 extend each over a limited area. You are in the area the first and second longitudinal positions of the print head 1. It However, it is understood that they also have a closed guideway for the circumferential guide groove forming the guide pin can be formed.

The invention is not limited to those set out above Embodiments. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which the invention also deviates from the above Realize execution.

Claims (20)

Device for printing, in particular a franking machine, with a print head (1; 1 '; 1 ") which is guided by a first guide device (3;) to achieve the relative movement between the print head (1; 1';1") and the medium to be printed during printing. 3 ") is designed to be movable along a first direction with respect to a base element (2; 2") between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position, with a first displacement device (4.1 , 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) is provided for moving the print head (1; 1 '; 1 ") relative to the base element (2; 2") from a first transverse position into at least one second transverse position spaced apart from the first transverse position transverse to the first direction, characterized in that the first displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) for displacing the r first guide device (3; 3 ") is formed. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) is designed such that the displacement of the first guide device (3; 3 ") is essentially in one Level is done. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) is designed for parallel displacement of the first guide device (3; 3 "). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) comprises a flat four-link articulated gear for guiding the guide device (3; 3 ") during the displacement. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first guide device (3; 3 ") forms a link of the articulated gear. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device (4.1, 4.2, 4.3; 4.1 ", 4.2", 15.1, 15.2, 16) for displacing the first guide device (3; 3 ") by moving the print head (1; 1 '; 1 ") is formed along the first direction. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that a drive device (7) for moving the print head (1) along the first direction is provided, which is designed to move the guide device (3) by moving the print head (1) along the first direction. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive device (7) is designed as a traction mechanism drive with at least one traction device (7.1) running over at least one first deflection device (7.2), the printhead (1) being in such a way in a first connection area (7.4) The traction means (7.1) is connected so that the guide device (3) is displaced transversely to the first direction when the first connection area (7.4) runs over the first deflection device (7.2) by being carried along via the print head (1). Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the first deflection device (7.2) is designed in the manner of a deflection roller, the axis of rotation of which runs essentially perpendicular to the offset plane of the first guide device (3). Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first deflection device (7.2) is arranged in the region of the first longitudinal position of the print head (1). Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the drive device (7) is designed as a closed traction mechanism drive and a second deflection device (7.3) is provided for displacing the guide device (3) transversely to the first direction. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second deflection device (7.3) is arranged in the region of the second longitudinal position of the print head (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing device (9) is provided for fixing the guide device (3) in the respective transverse position. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the fixing device (9) each has at least one stop (10) for the guide device (3) in the respective transverse position and at least one pretensioning device (11, 12) for pretensioning the guide device (3) against the respective one Stop (10) includes. Method for printing, in particular a franking imprint, in which a print head (1; 1 ") for printing a first print image is guided by a first guide device (3; 3") along a first direction between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position and the Print head (1; 1 ") for printing at least one offset transversely to the first direction to the first print image, with this second print image overlapping at most in an edge area being displaced from a first transverse position to at least one second transverse position spaced from the first transverse position transverse to the first direction, characterized in that, for displacing the print head (1; 1 ") transversely to the first direction, the first guide device (3; 3") is displaced transversely to the first direction. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the first guide device (3; 3 ") is displaced essentially in one plane. Method according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the first guide device (3; 3 ") is displaced between the first and second longitudinal positions after the print head (1; 1") has been moved. Method according to Claim 17, characterized in that the first guide device (3; 3 ") is reset after the print head (1; 1") has been moved between the second and first longitudinal positions. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the displacement of the first guide device (3; 3 ") is carried out by moving the print head (1; 1") along the first direction. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the print head (1) for printing at least two print images offset from one another transversely to the first direction by a closed traction drive (7) driven in one direction with at least two deflection devices (7.2; 7.3) for the with the Print head (1) is driven via a connection (4.3) connected traction means (7.1), the first guide device (3) being carried transversely to the deflection devices (7.2, 7.3) by being carried along via the print head (1) when passing the connection (4.3) to the deflection devices (7.2) in the first direction.

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