Printer and method for operating a printer

Abstract

A method for operating a printer (100), wherein the printer (100) has a paper path (P) provided for receiving documents (R), wherein the printer (100) has a print carriage (110) that can be moved back and forth between a printing area (DB) located above the paper path (P) and an outer area (PB) located outside the paper path (P), wherein the print carriage (110) is positioned (20) at a target position (ZP, ZP') located within the printing area (DB) before and / or while a document (R) is transported by means of a document transport device (140, 142) along a document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB), wherein at least temporarily the following is specified as the target position (ZP): a position (x_m) in the paper path (P) that is approximately central along the first coordinate axis (x),wherein the print carriage (110) remains in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') during a document transport process until an end region (R', R'') of the document (R) arranged adjacent to the printing region (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) and / or already arranged within the printing region (DB) has been introduced from the printing region (DB) into a transport region (TB1, TB2) having at least one document guide (130, 132), wherein it is determined by means of sensors (170a, 170b, 170c) and / or a reading device (160) whether a first end region (R', R'') of a document (R) introduced into the paper path (P) has a crease (K) and / or a bulge (A) and / or a tear, and wherein the target position (ZP') is a position (x42) in the region of the crease (K) and / or the bulge (A) and / or the crack.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a printer according to the independent patent claim.

[0002] Printers are well known on the market that can print on paper that has been fed into the printer, with the printer's print head being able to move, for example, perpendicular to the paper's transport direction. As long as the paper is sufficiently flat, printing can generally be carried out without any problems.

[0003] A recording apparatus is known from EP 1 535 747 A1. US 2008 / 0265496 A1 describes a recording apparatus. US 2004 / 0028450 A1 describes a device for detecting a paper edge and a method for borderless printing. US 2015 / 0062228 A1 describes a printer. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a method according to claim 1 and by a printer according to the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims. Features important to the invention can also be found in the following description and in the drawings, whereby the features may be important to the invention both individually and in various combinations, without this being explicitly referred to again.

[0005] The invention relates to a method for operating a printer according to claim 1. The document transport direction can relate to an insertion direction and / or an ejection direction for the document opposite thereto.

[0006] The term "document" in this context means unprinted paper, printed paper, and / or any object to be printed that is comparatively thin and possibly flexible, similar to paper (e.g., foil, thin cardboard, and the like). In particular, the document can be a prescription, such as those used in pharmacies, containing information about one or more medications.

[0007] The term "print carriage" in this case encompasses a movable device of the printer which is designed to print the document. For example, the print carriage comprises an inkjet printing system, for example an electrically controllable ink cartridge or an inkjet print head. Such an inkjet print head can often also be integrated into an ink cartridge. In a further embodiment, the print carriage comprises a print head of a dot matrix printing system. In a further embodiment, the print carriage comprises a daisy wheel of a daisy wheel printing system. For example, during a printing process, the print carriage has a clear distance from the document of approximately 0.8 mm, millimeters up to approximately 3 mm, preferably approximately 1.3 mm.

[0008] The term “print area” characterizes a virtual or real area, which usually runs parallel to an area of ​​the document to be printed and within which the print carriage can be moved for the purpose of printing.

[0009] The term “paper path” may include a plurality of document guides and / or document support surfaces and the like, or it may have only a virtual meaning.

[0010] In highly simplified terms, aspects of the method according to the invention can also be described as follows: Because, in principle, no device for holding down the document can be arranged within the printing area and on that side of the document which faces the printing carriage (since the printing area must be kept clear for the reciprocating printing carriage), the document can leave the intended paper path as a result of possible warping and / or damage to the document, particularly while it is being transported in the document transport direction, and can therefore be transported further “incorrectly”. This can lead to further damage or even destruction of the document and / or the printer. In order to proactively prevent this, the printing carriage is used according to the invention as a “temporary hold-down device” for the document. A “vertical” distance between the printing carriage and the paper path (orThe distance (to a perfectly flat document) during the hold-down operation is equal to the distance during the printing process. In other words, the vertical position of the print carriage preferably remains—but not necessarily—constant.

[0011] The invention has the advantage that the printer can operate with relatively low disruption even if the document being fed into the printer is damaged. For example, the damage may include a waviness, a crease, a tear, and / or a so-called "dog-ear" in the document.

[0012] In one embodiment of the method, the print carriage can be moved back and forth between the printing area and the outer region along a first coordinate axis, wherein the document transport direction of the paper path extends along a second coordinate axis, wherein the first coordinate axis is arranged in particular substantially perpendicular to the second coordinate axis. This allows the print carriage to be moved particularly easily with respect to the document. If the print carriage, on the one hand, and the document, on the other hand, are moved simultaneously, even a relative movement at almost any angle is advantageously possible. This possibility can be used, for example, to remove a "dog-ear" on the document.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the method, the width of a document fed into the paper path is determined, with the target position being set based on the determined document width. For example, the document can be a prescription that is fed into the printer with a short edge first or a long edge first. This allows the target position to be particularly well adapted to the respective document, thus improving the "holding down" effect described above.

[0014] For this purpose, it can be provided that the width of the document is determined by means of sensors and / or by means of optical evaluation by a reading device. The sensors can be mechanically or electrically active, for example, they can comprise at least one mechanical sensor or at least one light barrier and / or an ultrasound system. The reading device can, for example, be an (optional) document scanner, which is preferably arranged in front of the print carriage in a document insertion direction and can thus scan the document before a printing process. This allows the width of the document to be determined particularly easily and accurately. A reading device can also be integrated directly into the printer with particular advantage.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the method, a target position is specified, at least temporarily, as a distance between approximately 5 centimeters and approximately 8 centimeters from the left edge of the paper path, as viewed in the direction a document is fed into the printer. This allows a further advantageous target position to be specified. This option can also be useful if no sensor technology and / or optical evaluation is available or possible, and advantageously enables, for example, approximately central positioning of the print carriage with respect to a DIN A6 format document, regardless of whether it is fed to the printer in portrait or landscape format.

[0016] In the method, sensors and / or the reading device are used to determine whether a first end region of a document inserted into the paper path exhibits a crease, a bulge, and / or a tear. A position in the area of ​​the crease, a bulge, and / or a tear is specified as the target position. This allows the document to be printed relatively easily even if it exhibits one of the aforementioned damages.

[0017] In the method, the print carriage remains in the target position during a document transport process until an end portion of the document located adjacent to the printing area along the document transport direction of the paper path and / or already located within the printing area has been introduced from the printing area into a transport area having at least one document guide. This advantageously enables the print carriage to only leave the particularly suitable target position when the document is guided by the document guide and thus held down independently of the print carriage.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the method, the print carriage is arranged statically in the area of ​​the target position, in particular at least temporarily statically, while the document is transported by the document transport device along the document transport direction of the paper path from outside the printing area into the printing area. "Static" in this case means that the print carriage is not moved with respect to the first coordinate axis described above. This advantageously simplifies the method.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the method, the print carriage is moved in the area of ​​the target position, in particular at least temporarily reciprocated, while the document is transported by the document transport device along the document transport direction of the paper path from outside the printing area into the printing area. This can advantageously improve the effectiveness of the method, especially with more severely damaged documents.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the method, a document can be fed to the printer in an insertion area in an insertion direction, wherein the document is transported in a first operating phase by means of the document transport device, in particular by means of a first pair of rollers of the document transport device, along the document transport direction of the paper path further in the insertion direction away from the insertion area and at least partially into a first transport area having a first document guide, and wherein the print carriage is positioned at the target position before and / or while the document is transported in a second operating phase by means of the document transport device along the document transport direction of the paper path further in the insertion direction away from the first transport area and into the printing area. The document can be inserted manually, for example.If another device, such as a standalone reading device ("scanner") or the like, is located upstream of the printer in the document transport direction, the document can alternatively be inserted by the upstream device. This means, for example, that the document is mechanically output by a transport device of the upstream device and then fed to the insertion area of ​​the printer according to the invention via a short path. The method-based positioning of the print carriage at the target position can improve document transport.

[0021] In addition, it can be provided that at least a first end region of the document located at the front in the insertion direction is transported in a third operating phase, in particular following the second operating phase, along the document transport direction of the paper path further in the insertion direction away from the printing region and into a second transport region having a second document guide. This can further improve both the further transport of the document in the printer and printing in a central region or a rear end region of the document.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the method, the print carriage is statically positioned and / or moved in the area of ​​the target position at least during a first period of the third operating phase, wherein the print carriage remains in the area of ​​the target position until the first end region of the document is inserted into the second document guide. This allows the document to be transported particularly reliably in the document transport direction within the printer. If the print carriage is moved in the area of ​​the target position, the document can also be printed in a corresponding area, if necessary.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that in a fourth operating phase, in particular following the third operating phase, a second end region of the document, located at the rear in the insertion direction, i.e., opposite the first end region along the insertion direction, is transported in the insertion direction out of the first transport area and into the printing area. This advantageously also allows the second ("rear") end region to be printed, whereby the document can be transported particularly securely according to the method.

[0024] In a further embodiment, it is provided that in a fifth operating phase, particularly following the fourth operating phase, the second end region of the document, which is located at the rear in the insertion direction, i.e., opposite the first end region along the insertion direction, is transported out of the printing area and into the first transport area, counter to the insertion direction. This advantageously allows the document to be transported back to the first transport area and, if necessary, further to the insertion area, and then ejected if necessary. According to one embodiment, ejection can take place via the insertion area.

[0025] In addition, it can be provided that the print carriage is statically positioned and / or moved in the area of ​​the target position at least during a first period of the fifth operating phase, wherein the print carriage remains in the area of ​​the target position, in particular, until the second end region of the document is inserted into the first document guide. Thus, even during a "return transport," the document can advantageously be fed relatively reliably to the first transport area with the additional use of the print carriage. The method according to the invention can be carried out "symmetrically," so to speak.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the method, the document transport device has at least two document transport units, in particular pairs of rollers, arranged at different positions along the document transport direction of the paper path, wherein one roller of the pairs of rollers is driven, and wherein the driven rollers are synchronized with each other and with a drive motor via a common gear, wherein in particular the gear has a non-vanishing play, wherein the document is taut along the document transport direction between the pairs of rollers by being transported into the document transport device in such a way that the document can be driven by both pairs of rollers,and by then transporting it by means of both pairs of rollers, first for a first distance in a first direction along the document transport direction, and then for a second distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first and second distances may be equal to or different from each other. Thus, the positioning of the print carriage according to the method can be advantageously supported by the tautening of the document by means of the described drive of the pairs of rollers, allowing the printer to operate with particularly low disruption.

[0027] In a further optional embodiment of the method, when the print carriage is arranged outside the printing area and an end region of the document viewed along the document transport direction is arranged in the printing area, the document is transported by means of the document transport device in such a way that the end region of the document is introduced into a document guide of a transport area adjacent to the printing area along the document transport direction, before the print carriage is moved from outside the printing area into the printing area, wherein in particular the document is transported by means of the document transport direction in such a way that both end regions of the document are introduced into a respective document guide of transport areas adjacent to the printing area along the document transport direction, before the print carriage is moved from outside the printing area into the printing area.This configuration is advantageous, for example, when the document has lateral damage, curls, dog-ears or the like with respect to the document transport direction, but the document can also be inserted into the transport area adjacent to the printing area without assistance from the print carriage.

[0028] If an end area of ​​the document is to be printed (initially), after the print carriage has been moved from outside the printing area into the printing area, the document can be transported back a corresponding amount using the document transport device and then the said end area of ​​the document can be printed.

[0029] In other words: If the print carriage has moved sideways outside the document and if the document has not yet been transported under a document guide located at the rear in the document transport direction, the document can initially be transported further than necessary for printing, with the intention of holding the document down using both the "front" and "rear" document guides. The print carriage can then be moved sideways over the document, advantageously reducing the risk of the print carriage getting caught on any raised side areas of the document. The document can then be transported back to the required printing position for the printing process.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the method, the print carriage is moved from outside the printing area into the printing area, in particular only when both end regions of the document, viewed along the document transport direction, are inserted into a respective document guide of transport regions adjacent to the printing area along the document transport direction. This allows the document to be transported and printed even more effectively.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that if both end regions of the document viewed along the document transport direction are not inserted into a respective document guide of transport regions adjacent to the printing region along the document transport direction, the print carriage is moved from the printing region to outside the printing region. In this case, printing can also take place, for example. The document can then be transported in the document transport direction until both end regions of the document are inserted into a respective document guide of transport regions adjacent to the printing region along the document transport direction. After that, the print carriage can be moved from outside the printing region into the printing region, and the document can then be (further) printed, similarly to what was already described above.This configuration can be advantageous if, for example, side areas of the document are more severely damaged than end areas of the document defined in the document transport direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a printer according to claim 18. The printer can advantageously be operated with comparatively little disruption even if the document accommodated in the printer is damaged.

[0033] In addition, the printer may be provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the printer, wherein the printer is configured to carry out the method according to the invention, e.g., according to at least one of the embodiments described above. For example, a computer program can run on the control unit (which is, for example, an electronic processing unit), which can advantageously position the print carriage as described depending on the document transport and the printing process. According to one embodiment, the printing process or document transport can also be controlled by the control unit.

[0034] In one embodiment, the printer is configured to determine the width of a document fed into the paper path and to set the target position based on the determined document width. This advantageously allows the print carriage to be moved to an optimal position or target position with respect to the width.

[0035] Furthermore, the printer can be provided with a sensor and / or a reading device for optically evaluating the width of the document. This allows the width to be determined particularly precisely.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the printer has an insertion area for inserting the document in an insertion direction into the paper path, wherein the document transport device has at least one first document transport unit for transporting the document in at least a first partial area of ​​the paper path, wherein the first document transport unit is designed in particular as a pair of rollers with a driven roller and a counter roller, wherein the first document transport unit is arranged in a first transport area having at least one document guide, which is arranged behind the insertion area along the paper path as viewed in the insertion direction, and wherein the printing area is arranged behind the first transport area as viewed in the insertion direction. As a result, the document can advantageously be inserted into the printer, transported and printed on.

[0037] In addition, it can be provided that the document transport device has at least one second document transport unit for transporting the document in at least a second partial region of the paper path, wherein the at least one second document transport unit is designed in particular as a pair of rollers with a driven roller and a counter roller, wherein the second document transport unit is arranged in a second transport region which has at least one document guide and which is arranged behind the printing region along the paper path in the insertion direction. As a result, the document can advantageously also be printed on without problems in its two end regions characterized by the document transport direction. The first and the second partial regions can, if necessary, be designed to overlap one another or also to non-overlapping.

[0038] In a further embodiment, a document can be fed to the printer in the insertion area in the insertion direction, wherein the printer is designed to transport the document in a first operating phase by means of the document transport device, in particular by means of a first pair of rollers of the document transport device, along the document transport direction of the paper path further in the insertion direction away from the insertion area and at least partially into the first transport area and to position the print carriage at the target position before and / or while the document is transported in a second operating phase by means of the document transport device along the document transport direction of the paper path further in the insertion direction away from the first transport area and into the printing area.Due to the interaction of the feed-in area, the first transport area, the first pair of rollers, and the ability of the printer to position the print carriage at the target position, the document can advantageously be transported and printed in the printer with relatively little disruption, even if it is damaged.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the print carriage has a rounded portion or a bevel on at least one housing edge facing a respective end region of the document, which is designed such that when the print carriage and the document are moved relative to one another, the document can be caught by means of the rounded portion or bevel and pressed down, in particular into the paper path, and thus the document can be transported along the intended paper path.

[0040] In a further embodiment, a paper guide device is arranged in the document transport direction immediately in front of and / or behind the print carriage, which has a curve or a slope and which is designed such that when the print carriage and the document are moved relative to one another, the document can be caught and pressed down by means of the paper guide device, and thus the document can be transported along the intended paper path.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a printer for printing documents in a first state; Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of the printer in a second state; Fig. 3 another schematic plan view of the printer; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the printer in a third state; Fig. 5a is a schematic side view of the printer in a fourth state; Fig. 5b is a schematic side view of the printer in a fifth state; Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of the printer in a sixth state; Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the printer in a seventh state; Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the printer in another embodiment; Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the printer in another embodiment; Fig. 10a is a flowchart for performing a method for operating the printer according to an embodiment; Fig. 10b shows a flowchart for carrying out a method for operating the printer according to another embodiment; Fig. 11 is a partial first perspective view of a printer in another embodiment together with parts of a housing of an electronic cash register system; Fig. 12 a partial side view of the printer and the housing of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 a second perspective view of the printer; Fig. 14 a third perspective view of the printer; Fig. 15 a fourth perspective view of the printer; Fig. 16 a fifth perspective view of the printer in a partially unfolded state; Fig. 17 another side view of the printer; Fig. 18 one to the Fig. 17 opposite further side view of the printer; and Fig. 19 a perspective view of a printer carriage.

[0042] The same reference numerals are used for functionally equivalent elements and sizes in all figures, even in different embodiments.

[0043] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a printer 100, wherein the printer 100 has a paper path P which is provided for receiving documents R, and wherein the printer 100 has a print carriage 110 which is movable back and forth between a print area DB lying above the paper path P and an outer area PB lying outside the paper path P (see the horizontal arrow on the print carriage 110), and wherein the printer 100 has a document transport device 140, 142 (see the Fig. 4 to 6) for transporting documents R along a document transport direction DTR ( Fig. 1) of the paper path P. The printer 100 is designed to position the print carriage 110 at a target position ZP, ZP' within the print area DB (see the horizontal arrow and the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6) before and / or while a document R is transported by the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the printing area DB into the printing area DB. This method will be explained in more detail below.

[0044] In Fig. 1, the document transport direction DTR is shown vertically in the plane of the drawing. A coordinate system designated by a first coordinate axis x (horizontal) and a second coordinate axis y (vertical) is intended to facilitate the description of the printer 100. The printer 100 is shown in Fig. 1 is shown only schematically and with only some of its elements for simplicity.

[0045] It can be seen that the print carriage 110 is movable back and forth along the first coordinate axis x between the printing area DB and the outer area PB, wherein the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P extends along the second coordinate axis y, wherein the first coordinate axis x is arranged, in particular, substantially perpendicular to the second coordinate axis y. The outer area PB can, for example, be a parking area in which the print carriage 110 is positioned when no printing operation is pending.

[0046] In Fig. 1, a side guide 120a and 120b are shown on the left and right, which laterally limit the paper path P. In a lower area of Fig. 1 shows a first document guide 130, of which two non-driven counter rollers 140b (coordinate y21) and a first guide plate 130a (coordinates y2, y3) are visible.

[0047] In an upper range of Fig. 1 shows a second document guide 132, of which two non-driven counter rollers 142b (coordinate y71) and a second guide plate 132a (coordinates y7, y8) are visible. The guide plate 132a is shown in the drawing of Fig. 1 upper and lower end sections are angled, see the horizontal dashed lines. The guide plate 130a is angled only at one of the lower end sections in the drawing, compare the Fig. 4.

[0048] Approximately in the middle of Fig. 1, the print carriage 110 is arranged, which in this case is an electrically controllable ink cartridge of an inkjet printing system 112 (see Fig. 19) of the printer 100. A position of the print carriage 110 is designated here by the coordinates x3, x4, y4, y6. In the drawing, horizontal guide elements for the print carriage 110 are shown in the Fig. 1 not shown, but e.g. from Fig. 11, see reference numeral 110'.

[0049] In the drawing layer of Fig. 1 A document R is partially arranged and visible below the first guide plate 130a. Furthermore, it can be seen that the printer 100 has a sensor system 170a, 170b, 170c and / or a reading device 160 (see Fig. 4) for optical evaluation of the width B of the document R. For this purpose, three sensors 170a, 170b, and 170c are arranged on the first guide plate 130a. These can be mechanically or optically active, for example, each sensor 170a, 170b, 170c can comprise a mechanical sensor or a light barrier. For this purpose, the first guide plate 130a has corresponding recesses.

[0050] In particular, the sensor system 170a, 170b, 170c is designed to carry out an (for example optical) evaluation of the width B of the document R. The width B can also depend on whether the document R is fed into the insertion area E with a long side or a short side first. This is possible, for example, with prescriptions which may have a DIN A6 format or a similar format. It can be advantageous if, as shown, the sensor system 170a, 170b, 170c is arranged asymmetrically distributed along the first coordinate axis x. Alternatively or in addition to the sensor system 170a, 170b, 170c, the evaluation of the width B can also be carried out by means of a reading device 160 (see Fig. 4).

[0051] Furthermore, in the Fig. 1 denotes: a first end region R', a second end region R'', an insertion region E, an insertion direction ER, and a width B of each of the document R.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the printer 100, with the print carriage 110 (coordinates x7, x8, y4, y6) located in an outdoor area PB outside the printing area DB, specifically on the right in the drawing. As already mentioned, the outdoor area PB characterizes, for example, a parking area, a rest area, or a temporary position for the print carriage 110.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 3 shows another schematic plan view of the printer 100, similar to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In the present case, the print carriage 110 (coordinates x3, x4, y4, y6) is located in a central position x_m with respect to the side guides 120a and 120b or with respect to the document R. In the present case, the position of the print carriage 110 is characterized by a target position ZP.

[0054] Furthermore, Fig. 3 a first transport area TB1 (coordinates y2, y3), which in the present case corresponds at least approximately to the first guide plate 130a, as well as a second transport area TB2 (coordinates y7, y8), which in the present case corresponds at least approximately to the second guide plate 132a, and also the printing area DB in an area of ​​the print carriage 110. It can be seen that the printing area DB lies between the transport areas TB1, TB2 along the document transport direction DTR.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the printer 100 of the Fig. 1 to 3. In the Fig. 4, the print carriage 110 is positioned in the outer area PB and is therefore not shown. In general, a direction in the Fig. 1 to 3 “from bottom to top” in the Fig. 4 one direction “from right to left”.

[0056] In addition, Fig. 4 shows the following additional elements: a document table 150 with a first table section 148a, comparable to the first transport area TB1, and with a second table section 150a and a surface 150a', comparable to the second transport area TB2. The document R is arranged vertically between the document table 150 and the guide plates 130a and 132a, which also characterizes the paper path P.

[0057] Furthermore, a first roller 140a is shown, which, together with the counter roller 140b, characterizes a first roller pair 140 or a first document transport unit 140. Furthermore, a second roller 142a is shown, which, together with the counter roller 142b, characterizes a second roller pair 142 or a second document transport unit 142.

[0058] Furthermore, in the Fig. 4 shows a reading device 160, which in this case comprises a first CIS sensor line 160a and a second CIS sensor line 160b of a document scanner, respectively, above and below the document R to be inserted or the paper path P. The document scanner and the CIS sensor lines 160a and 160b are optional. In this case, the CIS sensor lines 160a and 160b are arranged offset from one another in the document transport direction DTR. "CIS" is the abbreviation for "Contact Image Sensor."

[0059] The document R of Fig. 4 is not completely flat, but has a curvature already present before the insertion of the document R. In this case, the curvature is so strong that the first end region R' of the document R in the area of ​​the coordinate y7 is not pushed (in the drawing) under the second guide plate 132a, but along an unwanted paper path, which in Fig. 4 is characterized by an arrow a1. Consequently, a document or paper jam and thus damage to the document R and / or even the printer 100 are possible.

[0060] In summary, the Fig. 1 to 4 it can be seen that the printer 100 has an insertion area E for inserting the document R in an insertion direction ER into the paper path P, wherein the document transport device 140, 142 has at least one first document transport unit 140 for transporting the document R in at least a first partial area of ​​the paper path P, wherein the first document transport unit 140 is designed in particular as a pair of rollers 140 with a driven roller 140a and a counter roller 140b, wherein the first document transport unit 140 is arranged in a first transport area TB1 having at least one document guide 130, which is arranged behind the insertion area E along the paper path P in the insertion direction ER, and wherein the printing area DB is arranged behind the first transport area TB1 as seen in the insertion direction ER.

[0061] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment for the printer 100 according to the Fig. 1 to 4, that the document transport device 140, 142 has at least one second document transport unit 142 for transporting the document R in at least a second partial area of ​​the paper path P, wherein the at least one second document transport unit 142 is designed in particular as a pair of rollers 142 with a driven roller 142a and a counter roller 142b, wherein the second document transport unit 142 is arranged in a second transport area TB2 having at least one document guide 132, which is arranged behind the printing area DB along the paper path P in the insertion direction ER.

[0062] According to the invention, the printing carriage 110 ( Fig. 1) at a target position ZP within the pressure range DB ( Fig. 3) is positioned before and / or while a document R is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the printing area DB into the printing area DB (for example from the first transport area TB1 into the printing area DB and / or from the second transport area TB2 into the printing area DB). Fig. 10a shows a simplified flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. In step 20, the print carriage 110 ( Fig. 1) at a target position ZP within the pressure range DB ( Fig. 3) before and / or while the document R is transported in step 22 by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the printing area DB into the printing area DB.

[0063] Furthermore, according to one embodiment for the printer 100 according to the Fig. 1 to 4, that a document R can be fed to the printer 100 in the insertion area E in the insertion direction ER (block 304, see the Fig. 10b), wherein the printer 100 is designed to print the document R in a first operating phase 210 (see Fig. 10b) by means of the document transport device 140, 142, in particular by means of a first pair of rollers 140 of the document transport device 140, 142, along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P further in the insertion direction ER away from the insertion area E and at least partially into the first transport area TB1 and to position the print carriage 110 at the target position ZP, ZP', before and / or during the document R in a second operating phase 220 (see Fig. 10b) is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P further in the insertion direction ER away from the first transport area TB1 and into the printing area DB.

[0064] In one embodiment, the print carriage 110 has a rounded portion and / or a bevel on at least one housing edge (without reference symbol) facing a respective end region R', R'' of the document R, which is designed such that when the print carriage 110 and the document R are moved relative to one another, the document R can be caught and pressed down by means of the rounded portion or bevel, and thus the document R can be transported along the intended paper path P.

[0065] Said curve preferably has a radius between approximately 1 mm and approximately 20 mm. Said bevel preferably has an angle of approximately 30° to approximately 60° with respect to the document table 150.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 5a shows another schematic side view of the printer 100. In contrast to the Fig. 4, the print carriage 110 was positioned at a target position ZP ( Fig. 3), ZP' ( Fig. 6) before and / or while the document R has been transported into the printing area DB by the document transport device 140, 142. Therefore, the first (front) end area R' of the document R is smaller than in the configuration according to Fig. 4 is lifted less strongly from the surface 150a' of the table section 150a and can therefore be "captured" along an arrow a2 by means of an angled end section 1320 of the second guide plate 132a and thus correctly introduced into the second transport area TB2.

[0067] Furthermore, in the Fig. 5a shows a further angled end section 1324 and a central section 1322 on the second guide plate 132a. An angled end section 1300, a straight end section 1304, and a central section 1302 are shown on the first guide plate 130a.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 5b shows another schematic side view of the printer 100. As a result of the Fig. 5a, the document R can be correctly introduced into the second transport area TB2 by means of the print carriage 110. If no printing operation is currently required, the print carriage 110 can be moved out of the printing area DB and into the outer area PB (as is the case here).

[0069] Instead of a printing process, in one embodiment, (only) one or more scanning processes can be performed using the optional reading device 160. Combined scanning and printing processes (e.g., 1. inserting a document, 2. performing a first single-sided or double-sided scan, 3. printing, 4. performing a second single-sided or double-sided scan) are also conceivable and likewise benefit from the improved document transport according to the invention. In this way, for example, a prescription R can be scanned using the printer 100, then printed with information, e.g., concerning prescribed medications or prescribed documents, and then scanned again in order to also capture the previously printed information with the second scan.

[0070] The Fig. 6 shows similar to the Fig. 1 shows a further schematic plan view of the printer 100. In the present case, in a region of the first end region R' on the document R, there is a bulge A, which can also be referred to as a "dog-ear". The print carriage 110 is in Fig. 6 positioned in a middle position, compare the coordinate x_m in Fig. 3.

[0071] The document R accordingly has a crease K and an associated edge in the area of ​​the bulge A. It is possible that during further transport of the document R along the document transport direction DTR, in this case e.g. upwards in the drawing, the bulge A or the crease K in the area of ​​coordinate y7 on the second guide plate 132a could lead to a problem such as a paper jam. To prevent this, a position for the print carriage 110 in the area of ​​the crease K is advantageously specified as the target position ZP', so that the print carriage 110 now effects an inventive holding down of the document R in the area of ​​the bulge A.

[0072] The Fig. 7 shows a related to the Fig. 6 possible subsequent state for the position of the print carriage 110, which in this case is positioned at the target position ZP'. This can significantly increase the probability that the document R will also be correctly fed into the second transport area TB2 (see Fig. 3) is transported.

[0073] The Fig. Figure 8 shows another side view of the printer 100 similar to the illustration of Fig. 5a. In contrast, the printer has 100 of Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a reading device 160', with a first (upper) CIS sensor row 160a' and a second (lower) CIS sensor row 160b'. In this case, the CIS sensor rows 160a' and 160b' are arranged vertically opposite one another.

[0074] Furthermore, Fig. 8, a first area BE1 and a second area BE2 are formally delimited from one another by a dashed border. The first area BE1 essentially comprises the insertion area E, the table section 148a, a document transport device 140' or a pair of rollers 140', and the reading device 160'. The first area BE1 is characterized by longitudinal coordinates y1' and y2'. In one embodiment, the structural components of the respective areas BE1, BE2 can, for example, also be distributed across two separate devices: scanner unit in area BE1, printer unit in area BE2.

[0075] The second area BE2, which is located behind the first area BE1 in the document transport direction DTR (i.e. in Fig. 8 left), essentially comprises a table section 150a, a document transport device 142' or a pair of rollers 142', and the print carriage 110. The second area BE2 is characterized by longitudinal coordinates y2' and y3'.

[0076] The Fig. Figure 9 shows an arrangement similar to the printer 100 of Fig. 8, whereby, however, the area defined by the areas BE1 and BE2 ( Fig. 8) characterized elements in Fig. 9 are completely separate from each other. Accordingly, Fig. 9 shows two essentially independent areas BE1' and BE2'. Area BE1' essentially corresponds to a reading device 160', which has an associated document transport device 140'. Area BE2' essentially corresponds to a printing device (without reference numeral) characterized by the print carriage 110, which has an associated document transport device 142'.

[0077] The Fig. According to further embodiments, the printer 100 shown in Figures 1 to 9 is characterized, inter alia, by the following (optionally further) features: In one embodiment, the printer 100 is configured to determine the width B ( Fig. 1) of a document R inserted into the paper path P and to set the target position ZP depending on the determined width B of the document R.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the printer 100 is designed to determine whether a first end region R', R'' of a document R introduced into the paper path P has a kink K and / or a bulge A ( Fig. 6) and / or a crack, wherein the printer 100 is further configured to set as target position ZP' a position x42 ( Fig. 6) in the area of ​​the kink K and / or the bulge A and / or the crack.

[0079] It is understood that the described embodiments of the printer 100 can also be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate.

[0080] The Fig. 10b shows a further flowchart for a method for operating the printer 100 or 100', as exemplified in the preceding Fig. 1 to 9 and in the following Fig. 11 to 19 is or will be described.

[0081] In a starting block 302 the Fig. 10b. In a subsequent block 304, a document R is fed into the printer 100 in the insertion area E in the insertion direction ER. This can be done manually or by a reading device 160 arranged upstream of the paper path P, which is, for example, a document scanner (or by a reading device integrated into the printer or its print table).

[0082] In a following block 306, the document R is transported in a first operating phase 210 by means of the document transport device 140, 142, in particular by means of the first roller pair 140 of the document transport device 140, 142, along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P further in the insertion direction ER away from the insertion area E and at least partially into the first transport area TB1 having the first document guide 130, wherein the print carriage 110 is positioned at the target position ZP, ZP'.

[0083] In one embodiment of the method, the print carriage 110 is arranged statically in the area of ​​the target position ZP, ZP', in particular at least temporarily statically (i.e. for a continuous period of time of at least approximately 200 milliseconds), while the document R is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the print area DB into the print area DB.

[0084] In one embodiment of the method, the print carriage 110 is moved in the area of ​​the target position ZP, ZP', in particular at least temporarily moved back and forth (e.g. continuously or step by step), while the document R is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the print area DB into the print area DB.

[0085] Combinations of at least temporarily static arrangement in the area of ​​the target position and at least temporarily non-static (i.e. moving) arrangement in the area of ​​the target position are also conceivable in further embodiments.

[0086] In one embodiment, the width B of a document R introduced into the paper path P is determined, wherein the target position ZP is determined as a function of the determined width B of the document R. It can be provided that the width B of the document R is determined by means of sensors 170a, 170b, 170c and / or by means of optical evaluation by the reading device 160.

[0087] In one embodiment of the method, the sensors 170a, 170b, 170c and / or a reading device 160 are used to determine whether a first end region R', R'' of a document R introduced into the paper path P has a crease K and / or a bulge A and / or a tear, wherein a position x42 in the region of the crease K and / or the bulge A and / or the tear is specified as the target position ZP'. Compare Fig. 6.

[0088] In one embodiment of the method, the print carriage 110 remains in the region of the target position ZP, ZP' during a document transport process until an end region R', R'' of the document R arranged along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P adjacent to the printing region DB and / or already arranged within the printing region DB has been introduced from the printing region DB into a transport region TB1, TB2 having at least one document guide 130, 132.

[0089] In one embodiment of the method, the following is specified at least temporarily as the target position ZP: a) a position x_m ( Fig. 3) in the paper path P, b) a distance d1 ( Fig. 6) between approximately 5 centimeters and approximately 8 centimeters from a left edge PL of the paper path P, as seen in the direction of insertion ER of a document R into the printer 100. The left edge PL as well as the distance d1 are in Fig. 6 at or between the coordinates x1 and x41.

[0090] The method step described in block 306 is performed before and / or while the document R is transported in a second operating phase 220 by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P, further in the insertion direction ER away from the first transport area TB1 and into the printing area DB. The second operating phase 220 is characterized by a subsequent block 308.

[0091] This makes it possible for the print carriage 110 to be positioned at a target position ZP, ZP' located within the print area DB before and / or while a document R is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P from outside the print area DB into the print area DB.

[0092] If necessary, the document R can now be printed at least in a part of the first end area R' in a manner known per se by means of the print carriage 110.

[0093] Thereafter, in a third operating phase 230, particularly following the second operating phase 220, at least one first end region R' of the document R, which is located at the front in the insertion direction ER, is transported along the document transport direction DTR of the paper path P further in the insertion direction ER away from the printing region DB and into a second transport region TB2 having a second document guide 132. The third operating phase 230 is characterized by a subsequent block 310.

[0094] In one embodiment, it is provided that the print carriage 110 is statically arranged and / or moved in the region of the target position ZP, ZP' at least during a first time period of the third operating phase 230, wherein the print carriage 110 remains in the region of the target position ZP, ZP' in particular until the first end region R' of the document R is introduced into the second document guide 132.

[0095] In one embodiment of the printer 100 or of the method, it is provided that the document transport device 140, 142 has at least two document transport units 140, 142, in particular roller pairs 140, 142, arranged at different positions y21, y71 along a document transport direction DTR of the paper path P, wherein in each case one roller 140a, 142a of the roller pairs 140, 142 is driven, and wherein the driven rollers 140a, 142a are connected via a common gear 144 (see below the Fig. 18) are synchronized with one another and with a drive motor 146, wherein the gear 144 in particular has a non-vanishing play, wherein the document R is tightened along the document transport direction DTR between the roller pairs 140, 142 by being transported into the document transport device 140, 142 in such a way that the document R can be driven by both roller pairs 140, 142, and by being then transported by means of both roller pairs 140, 142, initially for a first distance in a first direction along the document transport direction DTR and then for a second distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first distance and the second distance can be of equal length to or different from one another. This can improve the conditions for clean printing of the document R.

[0096] If necessary, the document R can now be printed at least in a central area of ​​the document R in a manner known per se by means of the print carriage 110.

[0097] In a fourth operating phase 240, which particularly follows the third operating phase 230, a second end region R'' of the document R, located at the rear in the insertion direction ER, i.e., opposite the first end region R' along the insertion direction ER, is transported in the insertion direction ER out of the first transport region TB1 and into the printing region DB. The fourth operating phase 240 is characterized by a subsequent block 312.

[0098] If necessary, the document R can now be printed at least in a part of the second end area R'' in a manner known per se by means of the print carriage 110.

[0099] In a fifth operating phase 250, which particularly follows the fourth operating phase 240, the second end region R'' of the document R, which lies at the rear in the insertion direction ER, i.e., opposite the first end region R' along the insertion direction ER, is transported against the insertion direction ER out of the printing area DB and into the first transport area TB1. The fifth operating phase 250 is characterized by a following block 314.

[0100] In one embodiment, it is provided that the print carriage 110 is statically arranged and / or moved in the region of the target position ZP, ZP' at least during a first time period of the fifth operating phase 250, wherein the print carriage 110 remains in the region of the target position ZP, ZP' in particular until the second end region R'' of the document R is introduced into the first document guide 130.

[0101] In one embodiment of the method, when the print carriage 110 is located outside the printing area DB and an end region R', R'' of the document R, viewed along the document transport direction DTR, is located in the printing area DB, the document R is transported by means of the document transport device 140, 142 such that the end region R', R'' of the document R is introduced into a document guide 130, 132 of a transport area TB1, TB2 adjacent to the printing area DB along the document transport direction DTR, before the print carriage 110 is moved from outside the printing area DB into the printing area DB, wherein in particular the document R is transported by means of the document transport direction DTR such that both end regions R', R'' of the document R are introduced into a respective document guide 130, 132 of transport areas TB1, TB2 adjacent to the printing area DB along the document transport direction DTR.before the print carriage 110 is moved from outside the print area DB into the print area DB.,

[0102] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the print carriage 110 is moved from outside the printing area DB into the printing area DB, in particular only when both end areas R', R'' of the document R viewed along the document transport direction DTR are introduced into a respective document guide 130, 132 of transport areas TB1, TB2 adjacent to the printing area DB along the document transport direction DTR.

[0103] In one embodiment of the method, if both end regions R', R'' of the document R, viewed along the document transport direction DTR, are not inserted into a respective document guide 130, 132 of transport regions TB1, TB2 adjacent to the printing region DB along the document transport direction DTR, the print carriage 110 is moved from the printing region DB to outside the printing region DB. The document R can then be transported in the document transport direction DTR until both end regions R', R'' of the document R are inserted into a respective document guide 130, 132 of transport regions TB1, TB2 adjacent to the printing region DB along the document transport direction DTR. After that, the print carriage 110 can be moved (if necessary) from outside the printing region DB into the printing region DB, and the document R can then be (further) printed.

[0104] The Fig. 10b, the lowermost block 316 is a placeholder for any further printing operations, transport operations, ejection operations, etc. It is understood that the Fig. The operating phases 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 shown in Figure 10b, as well as the associated blocks, may optionally follow one another in a different order than that shown by way of example. Likewise, one or more of the operating phases 210, 220, 230, 240, and / or 250 may be applied repeatedly if necessary.

[0105] The Fig. Figure 11 shows a partial first perspective view of a printer 100' together with parts of a housing of an electronic cash register system, such as can be used for pharmacies. In Fig. 11 are designated, among other things: the print carriage 110, the second guide plate 132a, and the second table section 150a of the document table 150 (see Fig. 4).

[0106] Furthermore, Fig. 11 in a lower left area of ​​the drawing that the printer 100' has a control unit 1000 for controlling the operation of the printer 100'. For example, a computer program can run on the control unit 1000, which can advantageously position the print carriage 110 depending on the transport of the document R and a respective printing process. The control unit 1000 can therefore control the printer 100' according to a method according to the invention, for example as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 10. It is understood that the printer 100 according to Fig. 1 to 9 can have a comparable control unit in an analogous manner.

[0107] The Fig. Figure 12 shows a partial side view of the printer 100' and the housing of the electronic POS system similar to Fig. 11. In Fig. 12 are designated, among other things: the print carriage 110, the rollers 140a and 142a of the document transport device 140, 142, and the CIS sensor lines 160a and 160b.

[0108] The Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the printer 100'. In Fig. 13 are designated, among other things: the print carriage 110, the second pair of rollers 142, and the second table section 150a.

[0109] The Fig. 14 shows another perspective view of the printer 100'. In Fig. 14, among other things, the print carriage 110 and the document guide 132 are designated.

[0110] The Fig. 15 shows yet another perspective view of the printer 100'. In Fig. 15, among other things, the second guide plate 132a and the second table section 150a are designated.

[0111] The Fig. Figure 16 shows yet another perspective view of the printer 100', wherein in this case a section of the first document guide 130 having the counter rollers 140b is folded up about an axis arranged at right angles to the document transport direction DTR, so that the rollers 140a are visible. Fig. 16 denotes: the insertion area E, the printing area DB, the outer area PB, the second document guide 132, the second table section 150a formed by a surface of the printing table 150b, the (lower) second CIS sensor line 160b, and the printing carriage 110.

[0112] The Fig. 17 shows another side view of the printer 100'. In Fig. 17 are designated, among other things: the print carriage 110, the first roller 140a, the second roller 142a, and a drive motor 146 provided for driving the rollers 140a and 142a.

[0113] The Fig. Figure 18 shows another side view of the printer 100', wherein a view with respect to the Fig. 17 opposite side of the printer 100'. Among other things, the Fig. 18 shows the gear 144 which couples a shaft (without reference number) of the drive motor 146 to the first roller 140a and the second roller 142a.

[0114] The Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the print carriage 110. Among other things, the print carriage 110 includes an inkjet printing system 112, which in one embodiment corresponds to an electrically controllable replaceable ink cartridge.

Claims

[1] A method for operating a printer (100), wherein the printer (100) has a paper path (P) provided for receiving documents (R), wherein the printer (100) has a print carriage (110) that can be moved back and forth between a printing area (DB) located above the paper path (P) and an outer area (PB) located outside the paper path (P), wherein the print carriage (110) is positioned (20) at a target position (ZP, ZP') located within the printing area (DB) before and / or while a document (R) is transported by means of a document transport device (140, 142) along a document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB), wherein at least temporarily the target position (ZP) is specified as: a position (x_m) in the paper path (P) that is approximately central along the first coordinate axis (x),wherein the print carriage (110) remains in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') during a document transport process until an end region (R', R'') of the document (R) arranged adjacent to the printing region (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) and / or already arranged within the printing region (DB) has been introduced from the printing region (DB) into a transport region (TB1, TB2) having at least one document guide (130, 132), wherein it is determined by means of sensors (170a, 170b, 170c) and / or a reading device (160) whether a first end region (R', R'') of a document (R) introduced into the paper path (P) has a crease (K) and / or a bulge (A) and / or a tear, and wherein the target position (ZP') is a position (x42) in the region of the crease (K) and / or the bulge (A) and / or the crack. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the print carriage (110) is movable back and forth along a first coordinate axis (x) between the printing area (DB) and the outer area (PB), wherein the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) extends along a second coordinate axis (y), wherein the first coordinate axis (x) is arranged in particular substantially perpendicular to the second coordinate axis (y). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a width (B) of a document (R) introduced into the paper path (P) is determined, and wherein the target position (ZP) is determined as a function of the determined width (B) of the document (R). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the width (B) of the document (R) is determined by means of sensors (170a, 170b, 170c) and / or by means of optical evaluation by a reading device (160). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least temporarily the following is specified as the target position (ZP): a distance (d1) between approximately 5 centimeters and approximately 8 centimeters from a left edge (PL) of the paper path (P) as seen in the direction of introduction (ER) of a document (R) into the printer (100). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing carriage (110) is arranged statically in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP'), in particular at least temporarily statically, while the document (R) is transported by means of the document transport device (140, 142) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the print carriage (110) is moved in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP'), in particular is moved back and forth at least temporarily, while the document (R) is transported by means of the document transport device (140, 142) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a document (R) can be fed (200) to the printer (100) in an insertion area (E) in an insertion direction (ER), wherein the document (R) is transported in a first operating phase (210) by means of the document transport device (140, 142), in particular by means of a first pair of rollers (140) of the document transport device (140, 142), along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) further in the insertion direction (ER) away from the insertion area (E) and at least partially into a first transport area (TB1) having a first document guide (130), and wherein the print carriage (110) is positioned (210) at the target position (ZP, ZP') before and / or while the document (R) is transported in a second operating phase (220) by means of the document transport device (140,142) is transported along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) further in the insertion direction (ER) away from the first transport area (TB1) and into the printing area (DB). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein at least one first end region (R') of the document (R) located at the front in the insertion direction (ER) is transported in a third operating phase (230), in particular following the second operating phase (220), along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) further in the insertion direction (ER) away from the printing region (DB) and into a second transport region (TB2) having a second document guide (132). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the printing carriage (110) is arranged and / or moved statically in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') at least during a first time period of the third operating phase (230), wherein the printing carriage (110) remains in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') in particular until the first end region (R') of the document (R) is introduced into the second document guide (132). [11] Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein in a fourth operating phase (240), in particular following the third operating phase (230), a second end region (R'') of the document (R) lying at the rear in the insertion direction (ER), i.e. along the insertion direction (ER) opposite the first end region (R'), is transported in the insertion direction (ER) out of the first transport region (TB1) and into the printing region (DB). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein in a fifth operating phase (250), in particular following the fourth operating phase (240), the second end region (R'') of the document (R) located at the rear in the insertion direction (ER), i.e. along the insertion direction (ER) opposite the first end region (R'), is transported out of the printing region (DB) and into the first transport region (TB1) against the insertion direction (ER). [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the printing carriage (110) is arranged and / or moved statically in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') at least during a first time period of the fifth operating phase (250), wherein the printing carriage (110) remains in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') in particular until the second end region (R'') of the document (R) is introduced into the first document guide (130). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the document transport device (140, 142) has at least two document transport units (140, 142), in particular roller pairs (140, 142), arranged at respectively different positions (y21, y71) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P), wherein in each case one roller (140a, 142a) of the roller pairs (140, 142) is driven, and wherein the driven rollers (140a, 142a) are synchronized with one another and with a drive motor (146) via a common gear (144), wherein in particular the gear (144) has a non-vanishing play, wherein the document (R) is taut along the document transport direction (DTR) between the roller pairs (140, 142) by being transported into the document transport device (140, 142) in such a way that the Document (R) is drivable by both pairs of rollers (140, 142), and by then being conveyed by means of both pairs of rollers (140,142) is first transported for a first distance in a first direction along the document transport direction (DTR) and then for a second distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first distance and the second distance may be equal to or different from each other. [15] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the print carriage (110) is arranged outside the printing area (DB) and an end region (R', R'') of the document (R) viewed along the document transport direction (DTR) is arranged in the printing area (DB), the document (R) is transported by means of the document transport device (140) in such a way that the end region (R', R'') of the document (R) is introduced into a document guide (130, 132) of a transport area (TB1, TB2) adjacent to the printing area (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR), before the print carriage (110) is moved from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB), wherein in particular the document (R) is transported by means of the document transport device (140) in such a way that both end regions (R', R'') of the document (R) are introduced into a respective document guide (130,132) are introduced from transport areas (TB1, TB2) adjacent to the printing area (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR) before the print carriage (110) is moved from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB). [16] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing carriage (110) is then, in particular only then, moved from outside the printing area (DB) into the printing area (DB) when both end areas (R', R'') of the document (R) viewed along the document transport direction (DTR) are introduced into a respective document guide (130, 132) of transport areas (TB1, TB2) adjacent to the printing area (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR). [17] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, if both end regions (R', R'') of the document (R) viewed along the document transport direction (DTR) are not introduced into a respective document guide (130, 132) of transport regions (TB1, TB2) adjacent to the printing region (DB) along the document transport direction (DTR), the print carriage (110) is moved from the printing region (DB) to outside the printing region (DB). [18] Printer (100), wherein the printer (100) has a paper path (P) provided for receiving documents (R), wherein the printer (100) has a print carriage (110) which is movable back and forth between a printing area (DB) located above the paper path (P) and an outer area (PB) located outside the paper path (P), and wherein the printer (100) has a document transport device (140, 142) for transporting documents (R) along a document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P), characterized byin that the printer (100) is designed to position (20) the print carriage (110) at a target position (ZP, ZP') located within the print area (DB) before and / or while a document (R) is transported (22) by means of the document transport device (140, 142) along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) from outside the print area (DB) into the print area (DB), wherein the printer (100) is designed to at least temporarily predefine a position (x_m) in the paper path (P) that is approximately central along the first coordinate axis (x) as the target position (ZP), wherein the print carriage (110) remains in the region of the target position (ZP, ZP') during a document transport process until a document (R) arranged along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) adjacent to the print area (DB) and / or already within the print area (DB) arranged end region (R',R'') of the document (R) has been introduced from the printing area (DB) into a transport area (TB1, TB2) having at least one document guide (130, 132), wherein the printer (100) is designed to determine whether a first end area (R', R'') of a document (R) introduced into the paper path (P) has a crease (K) and / or a bulge (A) and / or a tear, and wherein the printer (100) is further designed to specify a position (x42) in the area of ​​the crease (K) and / or the bulge (A) and / or the tear as the target position (ZP'). [19] Printer (100) according to claim 18, wherein the printer (100) comprises a control unit (1000) for controlling an operation of the printer (100), and wherein the printer (100) is designed to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 17. [20] Printer (100) according to one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the printer (100) is designed to determine a width (B) of a document (R) inserted into the paper path (P) and to set the target position (ZP) as a function of the determined width (B) of the document (R). [21] Printer (100) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the printer (100) has a sensor system (170a, 170b, 170c) and / or a reading device (160) for optically evaluating the width (B) of the document (R). 21 [22] Printer (100) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the printer (100) has an insertion area (E) for inserting the document (R) in an insertion direction (ER) into the paper path (P), wherein the document transport device (140, 142) has at least one first document transport unit (140) for transporting the document (R) in at least a first partial area of ​​the paper path (P), wherein the first document transport unit (140) is designed in particular as a pair of rollers (140) with a driven roller (140a) and a counter roller (140b), wherein the first document transport unit (140) is arranged in a first transport area (TB1) having at least one document guide (130), which is arranged behind the insertion area (E) along the paper path (P) in the insertion direction (ER), and wherein the printing area (DB) is arranged behind the first transport area (TB1) in the insertion direction (ER). is arranged. [23] Printer (100) according to claim 22, wherein the document transport device (140, 142) has at least one second document transport unit (142) for transporting the document (R) in at least a second partial area of ​​the paper path (P), wherein the at least one second document transport unit (142) is designed in particular as a pair of rollers (142) with a driven roller (142a) and a counter roller (142b), wherein the second document transport unit (142) is arranged in a second transport area (TB2) having at least one document guide (132) which is arranged behind the printing area (DB) along the paper path (P) in the insertion direction (ER). [24] Printer (100) according to one of claims 22 to 23, wherein a document (R) can be fed (200) to the printer (100) in the insertion area (E) in the insertion direction (ER), wherein the printer (100) is designed to transport the document (R) in a first operating phase (210) by means of the document transport device (140, 142), in particular by means of a first pair of rollers (140) of the document transport device (140, 142), along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) further in the insertion direction (ER) away from the insertion area (E) and at least partially into the first transport area (TB1) and to position the print carriage (110) at the target position (ZP, ZP') (210) before and / or while the document (R) is fed (200) in a second operating phase (220) by means of the document transport device (140,142) is transported along the document transport direction (DTR) of the paper path (P) further in the insertion direction (ER) away from the first transport area (TB1) and into the printing area (DB).

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