Abstract:
A method and dot printer for dot printing on a card. A method includes receiving a card on a plate-like element of a carriage in a manner that a lateral movement of the card one of on or above the plate-like element is stopped by an abutment element, moving the plate-like element and card in a direction crosswise to the lateral movement until a main side of the card abuts a first abutment surface of an abutment structure and a main edge of the plate-like carrier abuts a second abutment surface of the abutment structure. The first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are not coplanar. The method also includes transporting the plate-like element and the card in a direction away from the abutment structure to a printing station and activating the printing station for dot printing on the card.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2012/052582 filed May 23, 2012 and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 and 365 of Italian Patent Application No. MI2011A001022 filed Jun. 7, 2011. Moreover, the disclosure of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2012/052582 is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention refers to a method for dot printing on cards. 
         [0004]    In particular, the invention can be used for printing on cards made of plastic material such as, for example, credit cards, smart cards, magnetic cards, etc. 
         [0005]    2. Discussion of Background Information 
         [0006]    As known, these cards usually bear signs, images, trademarks, that help the users to identify the purpose of the card and to distinguish each card from the others. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0007]    The Applicant has found that, in order to obtain satisfactory results from the printing process, it is important that the position of the card to be printed is precisely determined, so that the ink ejected by the printhead lands exactly on the expected spot on the card&#39;s surface and, step by step, a correct printing is performed. 
         [0008]    In particular, the Applicant has verified that it is important that the card to be printed is precisely positioned on the support carriage that moves the card inside the printer and brings it to a suitable position at the printing station. 
         [0009]    In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for dot printing on cards that is capable of properly positioning the card with respect to the printing station that executes the printing process. 
         [0010]    According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for dot printing on cards is capable of properly positioning the card to be printed on the support carriage in a simple and quick manner. 
         [0011]    Further, in embodiments of the present invention, a method for dot printing on cards that can be executed with a structure that is simple and has reduced overall dimensions. 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the invention are achieved by a dot printer for printing on cards according to the claims appended hereto. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for dot printing on cards. The method includes activating an extraction station to move a card in a first direction toward an abutment element facing an output of the extraction device in order to place the card on a support carriage, the card having at least a main side and the support carriage including at least a plate-like element for supporting the card and the plate-like element having at least a main edge. The method also includes positioning the card on the support carriage via impingement of the card with the abutment element and via an abutment structure having a first abutment portion with a first abutment surface for the card and having a second abutment portion with a second abutment surface for the support carriage, wherein the first and second abutment surfaces are spaced a first distance from each other. Prior to placing the card, the method includes locating the support carriage in a first position in which the support carriage is interposed between the output of the extraction station and the abutment element and in which the main edge is spaced from the second abutment surface a second distance that is greater than the first distance. After the card is placed, the card extends at least in part beyond the main edge of the plate-like element so that the main side of the card is spaced a third distance from the main edge of the plate-like element that is greater than the first distance, and the method further includes moving, in a first movement, the carriage in a second direction transverse to the first direction toward the abutment structure so that the main side of the card impinges on the first abutment portion to stop at the first abutment surface and the main edge of the plate-like element subsequently impinges on the second abutment portion to stop at the second abutment surface. The method also includes transporting the card to a printing station via a main movement of the support carriage and activating the printing station for dot printing on the card. 
         [0014]    According to embodiments, the method can also include keeping the card in abutment with the abutment element while the first movement is performed. 
         [0015]    In accordance with other embodiments, the abutment element can define a main abutment surface for the card that is transverse to the first and second abutment surfaces. The main abutment surface may be perpendicular to the first and second abutment surfaces. 
         [0016]    According to still other embodiments of the instant invention, the first and second directions can be perpendicular to each other. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments, the first abutment surface is parallel to the second abutment surface. 
         [0018]    According to further embodiments of the invention, the abutment structure can include a base portion to which the first and second abutment portions integrally mounted. 
         [0019]    In further embodiments, in the first position, the carriage may be closer to the second abutment portion than to the first abutment portion. 
         [0020]    In accordance with other embodiments, after the main edge of the plate-like element impinges on the second abutment portion, the method can include performing a second movement of the carriage in the second direction for a preset additional path. 
         [0021]    In further embodiments, the carriage can be slidably mounted on a guide plate having a first portion interposed between the output of the extraction station and the abutment element and at least a second portion at the printing station, the first position may be defined on the guide plate, and the main movement, the first movement and the second movement of the carriage can be carried out by moving the carriage on the guide plate. The carriage can have a first end that is slidably and rotatably mounted with respect to the guide plate and a second end is slidably mounted on said guide plate, and the guide plate may be structured and arranged so that, when the carriage is in the first position, the plate-like element can be in a tilted condition relative to a base structure and, when the carriage is in the second position, the plate-like element can be substantially parallel to the base structure. The plate-like element can be rigidly mounted on a first support element arranged at the first end of the carriage and on a second support element arranged at the second end of the carriage. The first support element may have an end rigidly connected with the plate-like element and a through aperture for engaging a rod substantially parallel to the guide plate. The second support element can have an end rigidly connected with the plate-like element, and an opposite end slidably engaged with the guide plate. The first portion of the guide plate may include a first zone with which the second support element abuts when the carriage is in the first position, and the second portion of the guide plate may include a second zone, with which the second support element abuts when the carriage is in the second position, and the first zone can be located at a lower height than the second zone with respect to the base structure. 
         [0022]    According to still other embodiments, the method can also include activating a suction system to secure the card to the plate-like element. The plate-like element may have one or more through holes through which the suction system acts on the card. The suction system can include a pump and at least a conduit having a first end engaged with the pump and a second end engaged with the plate-like element for connecting the through holes with the pump. The transporting of the card to a printing station may occur after the suction system is activated. 
         [0023]    In other embodiments, the card can have a substantially plate-like shape with a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view with a larger side and a smaller side. 
         [0024]    In accordance with still yet other embodiments of the present invention, the printing station ink-jet can print on the card. 
         [0025]    Embodiments of the invention are directed to a dot printer for cards. The dot printer includes a carriage including at least a plate-like element structured and arranged for supporting a card having a main side, the plate-like element having at least a main edge, an extraction station structured and arranged to place the card on the support carriage, a printing station structured and arranged to dot printing on the card, an abutment element structured and arranged to face an output of the extraction station, and an abutment structure that is oriented transverse to the abutment element and includes a first abutment portion structured and arranged to define a first abutment surface for the card and a second abutment portion structured and arranged to define a second abutment surface for the carriage. The first abutment surface has a first distance greater than zero from the second abutment surface. A control system is structured and arranged to control the extraction station to place the card on the support carriage in such a manner that the card reaches the abutment element, to move the carriage so that the main side of the card reaches the first abutment surface and the main edge of the plate-like element reaches the second abutment surface, and to move the carriage to the printing station. 
         [0026]    Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method that includes receiving a card on a plate-like element of a carriage in a manner that a lateral movement of the card one of on or above the plate-like element is stopped by an abutment element, moving the plate-like element and card in a direction crosswise to the lateral movement until a main side of the card abuts a first abutment surface of an abutment structure and a main edge of the plate-like carrier abuts a second abutment surface of the abutment structure. The first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are not coplanar. The method also includes transporting the plate-like element and the card in a direction away from the abutment structure to a printing station and activating the printing station for dot printing on the card. 
         [0027]    Further features and advantages will be apparent from the description of a non-exclusive and preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    The description is provided for herebelow with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a printer by which the method according to the invention can be carried out; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 2-5  are schematic perspective views of portions of the printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing possible operative configurations of the printer of claim  1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross section view of portion of the printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematic perspective views of details of the printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  schematically show a succession of operative conditions of the printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   b  schematically show two different operative configurations of a portion of the printer of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    In the attached drawings, reference numeral  1  indicates a dot printer by which the method according to the present invention can be performed. 
         [0037]    The method according to the invention is suitable for dot printing on cards like credit cards, smart cards, magnetic cards, etc. 
         [0038]    Preferably, the method according to the invention is a method for ink-jet printing on cards. 
         [0039]    The printer  1  ( FIG. 1 ) preferably comprises a storage zone  10  wherein one or more cards are stored. 
         [0040]    Preferably the cards include, or are made of, a thermoplastic material. 
         [0041]    In particular, the thermoplastic material can be selected in the group comprising: polyvinylchloride (PVC); polyvinylchloride (PVC) filled with mineral fillers; laminate polyvinylchloride (PVC); acrylonitrite-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymers; polyethylenterephtalate (PET); glycol containing polyethylenterephtalate (PET-G); polylacticacid (PLA). 
         [0042]    The laminate polyvinylchloride is formed by a central layer of polyvinylchloride filled with mineral fillers, and a couple of transparent polyvinylchloride films applied each on a respective surface of the central layer. 
         [0043]    Preferably the cards have a substantially plate-like shape, having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view; the rectangular shape has a larger side and a smaller side. 
         [0044]    Preferably the larger side has a length comprised between 80 mm and 90 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 85.7 mm. 
         [0045]    Preferably the smaller side has a length comprised between 50 mm and 60 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 54 mm. 
         [0046]    Preferably the plate-like shape has a thickness comprised between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, and in particular between 0.5 mm and 0.76 mm. 
         [0047]    Preferably the printer  1  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises an extraction station or picking station  20  adapted to extract a card  11  (see  FIG. 5 ) from the storage zone  10 . 
         [0048]    Preferably, the extraction station  20  is provided on a base structure  2 , that will be disclosed in detail in the following. 
         [0049]    The extraction station  20  picks one card at a time from the storage zone  10  and places it on a support carriage  40 . 
         [0050]    The extraction station  20  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 ) has an output  20   a , through which the card  11  is output from the extraction station  20 . 
         [0051]    In a preferred embodiment, the extraction station  20  comprises a plurality of rollers, that act on the card  11  in order to move the same from the storage zone  10  to the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20 . 
         [0052]    Due to the action of such rollers, the card  11  is placed on a support carriage  40 . 
         [0053]    The carriage  40  comprises ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 ) a plate-like element  48 , on which the card  11  is positioned. 
         [0054]    Preferably, the plate like-element  48  has a shape, in a plan view, similar to that of the card  11 . 
         [0055]    For example, the plate like-element  48  can have a substantially rectangular shape, having a larger side comprised between 75 mm and 85 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 80 mm, and a smaller side comprised between 45 mm and 55 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 50 mm. 
         [0056]    It is to be noted that the card  11  is preferably larger than the plate-like element  48  (see  FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b ). Accordingly, the ink used for printing on the card  11  does not reach the plate-like element  48 , since the latter is shielded by the card  11 . This feature achieves an advantage in that the plate-like element  48  can be, in practice, a printed circuit board (PCB) including a heater for heating the card  11 , that would be damaged by an interaction with the ink. 
         [0057]    Preferably, the printer  1  comprises a base structure  2 , that has a substantially plate-like shape. When the printer  1  is in use condition, the base structure  2  is arranged in a substantially horizontal position, i.e. substantially parallel to the ground. 
         [0058]    Preferably the carriage  40  is mounted to and guided by a guide plate  41  ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  8 ,  11   a - 11   b ). Preferably, the guide plate  41  is mounted on the base structure  2 . 
         [0059]    Preferably, the carriage  40  has a first end  140   a  and a second end  140   b  ( FIGS. 5 ,  11   b ). The first end  140   a  is slidably and rotatably mounted with respect to the guide plate  41 ; in particular the first end  140   a  is slidably and rotatably mounted on a rod  45  fixed to the plate  41  ( FIG. 5 ); the second end  140   b  is slidably mounted on the guide plate  41 . 
         [0060]    As schematically shown in  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , the plate-like element  48  is rigidly mounted on a first support element  141  and a second support element  142 , that are arranged at the first and second end  140   a ,  140   b  of the carriage  40  respectively. 
         [0061]    The first support element  141  has an end rigidly connected with the plate-like element  48 . 
         [0062]    The first support element  141  has also a through aperture  141   a  for engaging the aforementioned rod  45 . Preferably the rod  45  is substantially parallel to the guide plate  41 , and has the same longitudinal extension as the guide plate  41 . 
         [0063]    The second support element  142  has an end rigidly connected with the plate-like element  48 , and an opposite end slidably engaged with the guide plate  41 . 
         [0064]    Preferably, the carriage  40  moves on the guide plate  41  along a substantially rectilinear path P ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ). 
         [0065]    The path P is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the direction according to which the card  11  is moved when is it output by the extraction station  20 . 
         [0066]    With respect to the direction according to which the card  11  is moved when is it output by the extraction station  20 , the card  11  has a front end FE and a rear end RE, as schematically shown in  FIG. 11   a.    
         [0067]    Preferably the printer  1  comprises an abutment element  90 , that faces the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20 . 
         [0068]    Preferably the abutment element  90  defines a main abutment surface AA for the card  11 . 
         [0069]    Preferably, the abutment element  90  has a substantially planar surface  91  defining said main abutment surface AA. 
         [0070]    In practice, as schematically shown in  FIG. 11   a , the abutment element  90  can be a planar element  92 . 
         [0071]    For example, the planar element  92  can be a plate-like wall, 50 mm to 56 mm wide, 30 mm to 32 mm long, 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm thick. 
         [0072]    The printer  1  further comprises an abutment structure  100 , comprising a first abutment portion  110  and a second abutment portion  120  ( FIGS. 5 ,  9 ,  10   a - 10   c ). 
         [0073]    The first abutment portion  110  defines a first abutment surface A 1  for the card  11 . The second abutment portion  120  defines a second abutment surface A 2  for the carriage  40 . 
         [0074]    The first abutment surface A 1  is parallel to the second abutment surface A 2  and offset from said second abutment surface A 2  by a first distance d 1 . 
         [0075]    Preferably the main abutment surface AA is transverse, and in particular perpendicular, to the first and second abutment surfaces A 1 , A 2 . 
         [0076]    Preferably the first abutment surface A 1  is a substantially planar surface. 
         [0077]    Preferably the second abutment surface A 2  is a substantially planar surface. 
         [0078]    Preferably the main abutment surface AA is a substantially planar surface. 
         [0079]    Preferably, the abutment structure  100  comprises a base portion  130 , to which the first and second abutment portions  110 ,  120  are integrally mounted. 
         [0080]    In a preferred embodiment, the first abutment portion  110  extends from the base portion  130  by a first height h 1 , and the second abutment portion  120  extends from the base portion  130  by a second height h 2 . 
         [0081]    Preferably, the first height h 1  is larger than the second height h 2  ( FIG. 10   b ). 
         [0082]    Preferably, the base portion  130  is a substantially planar element, as schematically shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0083]    Preferably, the abutment element  90  and the abutment structure  100  are integral with each other, as schematically shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0084]    As schematically shown in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the first abutment portion  110  can comprise a couple of pins, protruding from the base portion  130 . 
         [0085]    In order to receive the card  11 , the support carriage  40  is in a first position P 1  ( FIGS. 6 ,  10   a ,  11   a ), immediately downstream with respect to the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20 . 
         [0086]    In particular, in the first position P 1 , the carriage  40  is interposed between the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20  and the abutment element  90 . 
         [0087]    Preferably, in the first position P 1 , two sides of the plate-like element  48  are substantially parallel to the direction according to which the card  11  is moved when it is output by the extraction station  20 . 
         [0088]    Preferably, in the first position P 1 , the other two sides of the plate-like element  48  are substantially parallel to the main abutment surface AA. 
         [0089]    In a preferred embodiment, the longer sides of the plate-like element  48  are parallel to the output direction of the extraction station  20 , whereas the shorter sides of the plate-like element  48  are parallel to the main abutment surface AA. 
         [0090]    Preferably, in the first position P 1 , the carriage  40  is arranged side-by-side with the abutment structure  100 . 
         [0091]    Preferably when the carriage  40  is in the first position P 1 , it is closer to the second abutment portion  120  than to the first abutment portion  110 . 
         [0092]    Preferably, the plate-like element  48  has a main edge  48   a  ( FIG. 10   a ) that has a second distance d 2  from the second abutment portion  120  that is larger than the first distance d 1 , i.e. the distance between the first and second abutment surfaces A 1 , A 2 . 
         [0093]    Preferably, the main edge  48   a  of the plate-like element  48  is substantially rectilinear. 
         [0094]    In the preferred embodiment, the main edge  48   a  is one of the longer sides of the plate-like element  48 , and in particular the one that is closer to the abutment structure  100 . 
         [0095]    Preferably, the abutment structure  100  is so arranged that the first and second abutment surfaces A 1 , A 2  are substantially parallel to the output direction of the extraction station  20 , i.e. the direction in which the card  11  is moved when it is output by the extraction station  20 . 
         [0096]    When the carriage  40  is in the first position P 1 , it can receive the card  11  from the extraction station  20 . 
         [0097]    In particular, the card  11  is placed on the plate-like element  48  so that the card  11  extends partly beyond the main edge  48   a , and a main side  11   a  of the card  11  has a third distance d 3  from the main edge  48   a  that is larger than said first distance d 1 . 
         [0098]    Preferably, the main side  11   a  of the card  11  is substantially rectilinear. 
         [0099]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 10   a , a portion of the card  11  is not in contact with the plate-like element  48 ; such portion is delimited, on one side, by the main side  11   a  of the card  11 . 
         [0100]    In a preferred embodiment, wherein the card  11  has a substantially rectangular shape, the main side  11   a  is one of the longer sides of the rectangular shape. 
         [0101]    Preferably, when the carriage  40  is in the first position P 1 , the plate-like element  48  is in a tilted condition ( FIG. 11   a ), i.e. tilted towards the abutment element  90 ; in other words, the plate-like element  48  has a larger height, with respect to the base structure  2 , at its end facing the output  20   a  of said extraction station  20 , than at its end facing the abutment element  90 . 
         [0102]    Preferably, the higher end of the plate-like element  48  is close to the first end  140   a  of the carriage  40 , and the lower end is close to the second end  140   b  of the carriage  40 . 
         [0103]    Preferably, the tilted condition is due to the shape of the guide plate  41  and that of the support elements  141 ,  142 . 
         [0104]    In fact, in a preferred embodiment, the guide plate  41  is so shaped that when the carriage  40  is in its first position P 1 , the plate like element  48  is in the tilted condition. 
         [0105]    In particular, the guide plate  41  ( FIG. 8 ) has a first portion  41   a  interposed between the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20  and the abutment element  90 , and at least a second portion  41   b  at a printing station  50 , wherein printing on the card  11  can be performed. 
         [0106]    Preferably the first portion  41   a  of the guide plate  41  is substantially homogeneously planar, i.e. all its parts are arranged at the same height with respect to the base structure  2 . 
         [0107]    The first and the second support elements  141 ,  142  have different heights, i.e. maintain the respective ends  140   a ,  140   b  of the carriage  40  at different heights with respect to the base structure  2  when the carriage  40  is in the first position P 1 . 
         [0108]    In particular, the second support element  142  is shorter than the first support element  141 . 
         [0109]    A schematic representation of the carriage  40  in the first position P 1  is shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  11   a.    
         [0110]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 11   a , the second support element  142  is in abutment with a first zone Z 1  of the first portion  41   a  of the guide plate  41 . 
         [0111]    In view of the above, due to the action of the rollers belonging to the extraction station  20  and the tilted condition of the plate-like element  48 , the card  11  is moved in a first direction X 1  to reach the abutment element  90 , so that the front end FE of the card  11  is in abutment with the abutment element  90 . 
         [0112]    In a preferred embodiment, the first direction X 1  is substantially parallel to the longer sides of the card  11 , and the front end FE of the card  11  is one of the shorter sides. 
         [0113]    Preferably, the main abutment surface AA is the surface substantially perpendicular to the base structure  2  and including the front end FE of the card  11  when the latter is in abutment with the abutment element  90 . 
         [0114]    Then the method according to the invention comprises a step of performing a first movement, in a second direction X 2 , of the carriage  40  towards the abutment structure  100  ( FIG. 10   a ). 
         [0115]    Preferably, the second direction X 2  is transverse, and more preferably perpendicular, to the first direction X 1 . 
         [0116]    Following the first movement of the carriage  40 , first the main side  11   a  of the card  11  impinges on the first abutment portion  110  and stops at the first abutment surface A 1  ( FIG. 10   b ). 
         [0117]    Then the main edge  48   a  of the plate-like element  48  impinges on the second abutment portion  120  and reaches the second abutment surface A 2  ( FIG. 10   c ). 
         [0118]    In more detail, in the first movement of the carriage  40 , the latter and the card  11  are initially moved together along the second direction X 2 , until the card  11  stops at the first abutment surface A 1 . Then the carriage  40  continues the movement in the second direction X 2 , while the card  11  is maintained still by the first abutment portion  110 , until the main edge  48   a  of the plate-like element  48  reaches the second abutment portion  120 . 
         [0119]    In practice, during the second part of the first movement, the carriage  40  slides beneath the card  11 . 
         [0120]    When the first movement is completed, the mutual positioning of the card  11  and the carriage  40 , i.e. the plate-like element  48 , is mechanically established by the abutment element  90  (along the first direction X 1 ), and by the abutment structure  100  (along the second direction X 2 ). 
         [0121]    Preferably, the first abutment surface A 1  is a plane substantially perpendicular to the base structure  2  and that includes the main side  11   a  of the card  11  when the latter is in abutment with the first abutment portion  110 . 
         [0122]    Preferably, the second abutment surface A 2  is a plane substantially perpendicular to the base structure  2  and that includes the main edge  48   a  of the plate-like element  48  when the latter is in abutment with the second abutment portion  120 . 
         [0123]    Preferably, while the first movement of the carriage  40  is performed, the card  11 , and in particular the front end FE thereof, is kept in abutment with the abutment element  90 , so that the mutual positioning of the card  11  and the plate-like element  48  along the first direction X 1  is maintained while the mutual positioning along the second direction X 2  is achieved. 
         [0124]    Preferably, after the main edge  48   a  of the plate-like element  48  has impinged on the second abutment portion  120 , the method further comprising a step of performing a second movement of the carriage  40  in the second direction X 2  for a preset additional path. 
         [0125]    This ensures optimal abutment of the carriage  40  and the card  11  with the abutment structure  100 . 
         [0126]    Preferably, the abutment structure  100  is slidingly and resiliently coupled to the frame of the printer  1 , and in particular to the guide element  41 . 
         [0127]    Preferably, the abutment structure  100  is slidingly engaged with a slot  143  of the guide element  41  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0128]    A resilient member, such as a spring, for example (not shown) is active on the abutment structure  100  so as to allow movement of the abutment structure  100  between a first position, wherein it receives the card  11  and the carriage  40 , and a second position, reached after performing said preset additional path, which is the actual end of stroke. After the carriage  40  has moved to the printing station  50 , the abutment structure  100  is brought back to the first position by the resilient member. 
         [0129]    For example, the preset additional path can be 20 mm to 30 mm long. 
         [0130]    The method according to the invention further comprises performing a main movement of the carriage  40  for bringing the card  11  to the printing station  50 . 
         [0131]    Preferably, the main movement is performed after the first movement, and in particular after the second movement. 
         [0132]    The main movement is performed along the rectilinear path P of the carriage  40  on the guide plate  41 , in a direction opposite to the second direction X 2 . 
         [0133]    In other terms, the main movement causes the carriage  40  to move away from the abutment structure  100 . 
         [0134]    The main movement brings the carriage  40  in a second position P 2 , wherein the card  11  card undergoes a printing process by the printing station  50 . 
         [0135]    Preferably, when the carriage  40  is in its second position P 2 , the plate-like element  48  is substantially parallel to the base structure  2 . 
         [0136]    Preferably, when the carriage  40  is in its second position P 2 , it is at the second portion  41   b  of the guide element  41 . 
         [0137]    In particular, when the carriage  40  is in its second position P 2 , the plate-like element  48  is substantially parallel to the second portion  41   b  of the guide plate  41  ( FIG. 11   b ). 
         [0138]    The second portion  41   b  of the guide plate  41  includes a second zone Z 2 , which the second support element  142  is in abutment with when the carriage  40  is in the second position P 2 . 
         [0139]    The second zone Z 2  is arranged at a higher height than the first zone Z 1  with respect to the base structure  2 . 
         [0140]    When the carriage  40  is in the second position P 2 , the rod  45  supports the first support element  141 , and the second zone Z 2  supports the second support element  142 . 
         [0141]    Preferably, the difference in height between the second zone Z 2  and the remaining part of the second portion  41   b  of the guide plate  41  is substantially equal to the difference in length between the first and the second support elements  141 ,  142 . Likewise, as mentioned above, when the carriage  40  is in the second position P 2 , the plate-like element  48  is substantially horizontal, i.e. substantially parallel to the base structure  2 . 
         [0142]    Preferably, the guide plate  41  comprises a transition zone TZ ( FIG. 8 ), interposed between the first zone Z 1  and the second zone Z 2 , so that the height with respect to the base structure  2  gradually changes. 
         [0143]    For example, the height difference between the first zone Z 1  and the second zone Z 2  is comprised between 10 mm and 15 mm. 
         [0144]    For example, the length of the transition zone TZ, determined on a plane parallel to the base structure  2 , is comprised between 30 mm and 35 mm. 
         [0145]    The printing station  50  is then activated for dot printing on the card  11 . 
         [0146]    Preferably, the printing station  50  is configured for ink jet printing. 
         [0147]    In particular, the printing station  50  ( FIG. 4 ) comprises at least an ink jet printhead  51  for ink-jet printing on the card  11 . 
         [0148]    The printhead  51  is provided with at least a reservoir  52  containing ink. Said ink comprises:
       a medium, or vehicle, consisting of a low-boiling organic solvent;   an auxiliary solvent consisting of a high-boiling organic solvent;   a coloring component soluble in said medium or vehicle.       
 
         [0152]    In this context and in the following claims, the term “soluble” indicates solubility of at least 10% w/w. 
         [0153]    Preferably the vehicle has a boiling temperature lower than 120° C. and in particular lower than 80° C. 
         [0154]    Preferably the vehicle is selected in the group of alcohols. 
         [0155]    For example, the vehicle can be ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol. 
         [0156]    The vehicle has the tasks of dissolving the various components of the ink and sustaining the formation of the ink bubbles. 
         [0157]    Preferably the auxiliary solvent has a boiling temperature higher than 120° C. and in particular higher than 150° C. 
         [0158]    Preferably the auxiliary solvent is able to dissolve or to swell the plastic materials, and in particular the thermoplastic material of which the cards are made. 
         [0159]    Preferably the auxiliary solvent is soluble in the vehicle. 
         [0160]    For example, the auxiliary solvent can be selected in the group comprising: N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, ε-caprolactone, γ_butyrolactone; glycol ethers like: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, esters like: ethyl lactate, ethyl acetate; or mixtures thereof. 
         [0161]    Preferably, the coloring components belongs to the so called Solvent family according to the Color Index terminology. 
         [0162]    Preferably the coloring component is a substance that is capable of dissolving in the plastic material of which the cards are made, so as to become integral with the cards and to obtain an optimal printing. 
         [0163]    For example, the coloring component can be selected in the group comprising: solvent black 29, solvent black 27; solvent blue 67, solvent blue 44, solvent blue 70; solvent yellow 82, solvent yellow 88; solvent red 125, solvent red 122. 
         [0164]    Preferably, the ink also comprises one or more additives such as, for example, levelling agents, in order to improve the uniformity of the distribution of the ink on the cards. 
         [0165]    For example, such additives can include silicon derivatives. 
         [0166]    In the preferred embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 4 , the printhead  51  is provided with two reservoirs  52 . 
         [0167]    The printing station  50  comprises a driving system (not shown) adapted to move the printhead  51  back and forth, along a preset path, so that the printhead  51  can eject ink on the card  11  during a sequence of steps regulated by a properly configured regulation unit. 
         [0168]    Preferably the printhead  51  is slidably mounted on a support plate  53 . In a preferred embodiment, the support plate  53  is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the path P of the carriage  40 . 
         [0169]    Preferably, in order to secure the card  11  to the plate-like element  48 , the printer  1  comprises a suction system  70  ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0170]    Preferably, the suction system  70  comprises a pump  71 , and at least a conduit  72 . 
         [0171]    The conduit  72  has a first end  72   a  and a second end  72   b.    
         [0172]    The first end  72   a  is connected with the pump  71 . 
         [0173]    The second end  72   b  is engaged with the plate-like element  48  of the carriage  40 . 
         [0174]    Preferably the plate-like element  48  has one or more through holes  49  for allowing said suction  70  system to act on said card  11 . 
         [0175]    In practice, the suction action generated by the pump  71  is transmitted to the card  11  through the conduit  72  and the one or more through holes  49  of the plate-like element  48 . 
         [0176]    Preferably one or more of the one or more through holes  49  have a first portion  49   a  and a second portion  49   b.    
         [0177]    The first portion  49   a  ends on the first surface  148   a  of the plate-like element  48 . The first portion  49   a  has a cross-section, on a first plane substantially parallel to the planar extension of the plate-like element  48 . Such cross-section is referred to as “first cross-section”. 
         [0178]    The second portion  49   b  ends on the second surface  148   b  of the plate-like element  48 . The second portion  49   b  has a cross-section, on a second plane having the same position as (i.e. being distinct from and parallel to) said first plane. Such cross-section is referred to as “second cross-section”. 
         [0179]    Preferably, the first cross-section is larger than the second cross-section. Advantageously, this improves the suction engagement between the card  11  and the plate-like element  48 . 
         [0180]    The suction system  70  is particularly advantageous in order to obtain the so-called “borderless printing”, i.e. a printing wherein 100% of the card&#39;s surface can be actually used. 
         [0181]    In fact, by employing the above cited suction system  70 , no further grabbing/picking/handling members are necessary, that would be at least partly interposed between the printhead and the card&#39;s surface during the printing operation, thereby preventing the ink to reach the whole surface of the card. 
         [0182]    Preferably, the suction system  70  is activated after completion of the first movement, and in particular after completion of the second movement. 
         [0183]    Preferably, the suction system  70  is activated before carrying out the main movement. 
         [0184]    Preferably, the suction system  70  is maintained active along all the printing process by the printing station  50 . 
         [0185]    Preferably, the main movement, the first movement and the second movement of said carriage  40  are performed moving the carriage  40  on the guide plate  41 . 
         [0186]    Preferably, the above mentioned first position P 1  and second position P 2  are defined on the guide plate  41 . 
         [0187]    In order to move the carriage  40  along its path P, the printer  1  comprises a driving motor. 
         [0188]    Preferably, the driving motor is mounted to and integral with the base structure  2  of the printer  1 . 
         [0189]    Preferably, the driving motor is mounted at an end E 1 , E 2  of the guide plate  41 . End E 1  is the one closer to the output  20   a  of the extraction station  20 . 
         [0190]    More preferably, the driving motor is mounted at the second end E 2  of the guide plate  41 . 
         [0191]    Preferably, the driving motor is connected to the carriage  40  by a mechanism comprising a pulley and a belt. The pulley is force fitted on the motor output shaft. The belt is engaged with the pulley and fixed onto the carriage  40 . 
         [0192]    The carriage  40  is also subject to the action of a resilient member, slidably mounted on the guide plate  41 . 
         [0193]    Preferably the resilient member comprises an auxiliary pulley and a spring. The auxiliary pulley is engaged with the belt. The spring has a first end engaged with the guide plate  41 , and a second end, opposite to said first end, engaged with the auxiliary pulley through a support member. 
         [0194]    The resilient member acts along the movement direction of the carriage  40  (i.e. the direction of path P) and, in cooperation with the driving motor, contributes to defining the movement of the carriage  40 . 
         [0195]    Preferably, the method according to the invention further comprises performing a third movement of the carriage  40 , from the second position P 2  to a third position P 3  ( FIG. 6 ). The third position P 3  is substantially at the second end E 2  of the guide plate  51 . Thus, the second position P 2  is preferably interposed between the first position P 1  and the third position P 3  along the path P. 
         [0196]    When the carriage  40  is in the third position P 3 , the card  11  can be subject to the action of an ejection station  60 . The ejection station is configured to move the card  11  away from the carriage  40  and, preferably, to make it land into a container  63 . 
         [0197]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 3 , the ejection station  60  comprises an ejection roller  61  activated by an activation mechanism  62 . 
         [0198]    In use, the ejection roller  61  is in contact with the upper surface of the card  11  and, rotating, acts on the card in order to eject the same. 
         [0199]    Preferably the activation mechanism  62  is driven by an electro-mechanical actuator, such as an electric motor. 
         [0200]    The activation mechanism  62  can comprise a suitable kinematic chain  64  that transfers the rotation of said electric motor to the ejection roller  61 . 
         [0201]    In a preferred embodiment, the ejection roller  61  and at least a part of the activation mechanism  62  are mounted on a movable plate  65 , pivoted to a frame mounted on the base structure  2  of the printer  1 . The movable plate  65  can be driven between a lower position, wherein it is in contact with the card  11  so as to move the same, and an upper position, wherein it allows the card  11  to reach the ejection station  60  after the printing operation. 
         [0202]    Preferably, the suction system  70  is maintained active until the third movement is completed. 
         [0203]    Preferably, the suction system  70  is switched-off after completion of the third movement, before the ejection station  60  is activated. 
         [0204]    Preferably, the ejection station  60  act along an ejection direction X 3 , that is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the path P of the carriage  40 . 
         [0205]    In the preferred embodiment, the ejection direction is substantially parallel to the first direction X 1 . 
         [0206]    In particular, the rotation axis of the ejection roller  61  is advantageously parallel with respect to the path P, so as to eject the card  11  along a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the same path P. 
         [0207]    In view of the above, the printer  1  can have a substantially “C”-shaped structure, that is schematically shown in  FIG. 6 . This “C”-shaped structure comprises: the storage zone  10 , the extraction station  20 , the guide plate  41 , the ejection station  60 , and the container  63 . 
         [0208]    The printer  1  preferably comprises a control system  200  (schematically shown in  FIG. 6 ) configured for making the extraction station  20 , the carriage  40 , the printing station  50 , the extraction station  60  carry out the functions described above. 
         [0209]    The control system  200  may comprise an electronic processor, programmed so as to manage the working of the printer  1  and components thereof. 
         [0210]    The control system  200  may further comprise actuators and mechanical connections associated to said processor and properly arranged so as to allow performing of said operations. 
         [0211]    Advantageously the control system  200  may further comprise one or more sensors adapted to provide the electronic processor with parameters and data representative of operative conditions of the printer, so that said processor is able to determine the proper action to be undertaken. 
         [0212]    The invention achieves important advantages. 
         [0213]    The method according to the invention allows a proper positioning of the card with respect to the printing station that executes the printing process. 
         [0214]    Another advantage consists in that the card to be printed is positioned on the support carriage in a simple and quick manner. 
         [0215]    Another advantage consists in that the printer by means of which the method according to the invention is carried out is characterized by a simple structure and reduced overall dimensions.