Patent ID: 6659602
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A double-side printing apparatus for printing both sides of a continuous web of paper, comprising:an infeed mechanism operable to supply a continuous web of paper to be printed; a first printing unit operable to print on a first side of the continuous web of paper supplied by said infeed mechanism; a second printing unit operable to print on a second side of the continuous web of paper supplied by said infeed mechanism, said first printing unit and said second printing unit being spaced apart and stacked in a vertical direction; a guide mechanism operable to guide the continuous web of paper along a travel path contained in a plane extending in the prescribed direction, and to guide the continuous web of paper past said first printing unit and past said second printing unit in succession along the travel path while the continuous web of paper travels in a single direction with respect to the travel path, whereby the continuous web of paper is printed on the first side and the second side; and only one drier zone for drying printings on the continuous web of paper, said drier zone being stacked in a vertical direction with said first printing unit and said second printing unit such that a first one of said first printing unit and said second printing unit is arranged between said drier zone and a second one of said first printing unit and said second printing unit, said drier zone including: a first drier between said first printing unit and said second printing unit with respect to the travel path, said first drier being operable to dry printings formed on the first side of the continuous web of paper by said first printing unit; and a second drier downstream of said second printing unit with respect to the travel path, said second drier being operable to dry printings formed on the second side of the continuous web of paper by said second printing unit.