EP1497136B1 - Printing device and method for printing an information carrier - Google Patents

Printing device and method for printing an information carrier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1497136B1
EP1497136B1 EP03722392A EP03722392A EP1497136B1 EP 1497136 B1 EP1497136 B1 EP 1497136B1 EP 03722392 A EP03722392 A EP 03722392A EP 03722392 A EP03722392 A EP 03722392A EP 1497136 B1 EP1497136 B1 EP 1497136B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
accordance
transfer tape
printing apparatus
printing
printing head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03722392A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1497136A1 (en
Inventor
Willi Sautter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bizerba SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Bizerba SE and Co KG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bizerba SE and Co KG filed Critical Bizerba SE and Co KG
Publication of EP1497136A1 publication Critical patent/EP1497136A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B41J25/308—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print gap adjustment mechanisms
    • B41J25/3086—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print gap adjustment mechanisms with print gap adjustment means between the print head and its carriage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B41J25/308—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print gap adjustment mechanisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B41J25/312—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the paper mechanisms

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a printing device for printing an information carrier on a carrier tape, comprising a print head, a first transport device, by means of which the carrier tape can be guided past the print head and a second transport device, by means of which a transfer belt can be guided past the print head, which when activated by the Printhead causes printing of an information carrier, wherein the contact pressure of the printhead on the transfer belt and on the carrier tape and the transfer belt advance by the second transport device are controllable so that the carrier tape with a speed difference relative to the transfer belt on the printhead is guided.
  • Such printing devices are for example from the DE 35 10 260 C2 or the DE 43 32 562 A1 known.
  • a once activated transfer belt area of a transfer belt which may be, for example, a thermal transfer ribbon, can not be reused for printing. If the transfer belt is moved past the print head in synchronism with the carrier tape, even if no areas are to be printed, then an unnecessary transfer ribbon consumption results, since the transfer belt has not been activated and still with the consumed transfer ribbon is wound up. With appropriate control of the transfer belt advance such that during a non-print mode there is a speed difference relative to the extended carrier belt, in particular the transfer belt being stopped relative to the print head, transfer ribbon consumption can be minimized.
  • the invention has for its object to improve a printing device of the type mentioned so that this space-saving can be formed with effective mode of action.
  • the printing device can be used when the information carrier is a separate element from the carrier tape, such as a self-adhesive label, which is arranged on the carrier tape, or if the carrier tape itself forms the information carrier in the so-called “linerless” technology.
  • a controllable air pulse or air pulse train provision is made for the printhead to be liftable away from the transfer belt and thus also from the carrier belt via a controllable air pulse or air pulse train.
  • a controllable air pulse or such a controllable air pulse sequence can be produced in a simple manner by means of a controllable passage valve, which is connected to a pressure source. About the pressure source itself, the signal level (amplitude) of the air pulse can be adjusted.
  • the control of, for example, the gate valve can be done via a control device of the printing process, which can then cause a withdrawal of the print head in the presence of larger unprintable areas.
  • the air pulse or the air pulse sequence is temporally controllable so as to obtain a minimized consumption of transfer ribbon when printing the information carrier on the carrier tape.
  • Short switching times d. H. a high switching frequency
  • a pressurizable movable element By appropriate pressurization then this element is moved, which in turn causes this movement a withdrawal of the print head.
  • short reaction times can be achieved.
  • the movable element may be a compressed air cylinder. It is particularly advantageous if the pressurizable element is a membrane. This can be done with minimized inertia form, so that the reaction times are minimized in the pressurization. It has been found that a lift of the print head in the order of 0.5 mm is sufficient to reduce the contact pressure sufficiently. About a membrane with the described advantages, such a relative movement can be achieved by pressurization, with short reaction times are guaranteed.
  • the print head is pivotally mounted, so that on the pressurizable element, a torque is exercised, which causes a withdrawal of the print head of the carrier tape away.
  • a pneumatic loading surface is arranged on a printhead holder for moving the printhead between the printhead and a pivot axis of the printhead holder so as to be able to execute a repositioning movement without disturbing the printing process itself.
  • a basic position of the print head is defined, namely the basic position suitable for the printing mode.
  • the print head is then pivoted away and automatically returns after completion of the pressurization to its normal position.
  • the biasing force acts against a lifting force for the print head of the guide surface away, so as to ensure that the print head after completion of the pressurization returns to the normal position.
  • a stop for the print head for the movement away from the carrier tape and on this is conveniently provided in each case; In this way, a maximum possible distance between the print head and the carrier tape can be adjusted.
  • the stop of a pneumatic loading surface of a print head holder is arranged opposite to achieve a space-saving arrangement.
  • a stop for the movement of the print head is provided on a guide surface of the carrier tape to achieve a defined reaching the basic position for the print mode in the return of the print head after a lift-off.
  • the stop is in the vicinity of the guide surface or at least forms part of the guide surface so as to just defined to restore the basic position can.
  • a stop is provided with a damping element, for example a felt piece, in order to avoid a hard abutment and thus to increase the service life of the printing device.
  • a guide surface for the carrier tape is formed during printing on a removal element for the carrier tape.
  • the carrier tape is deflected after printing the information carrier to lead out the printed information carrier from the printing device, so that a user can remove the information carrier.
  • the movement of the print head can be switched with a switching frequency of 80 Hz or faster.
  • switching frequencies can be achieved in the pneumatic control of the print head in particular via a print head holder and via a printing cylinder, which is in particular a membrane.
  • the second transport device advantageously comprises a transfer belt unwind and a transfer belt reel-up.
  • the transport of the transfer belt by the second transport device is pneumatically stopped. It can then be stopped simultaneously with the lift-off movement of the print head with respect to the transfer belt, the further transport of the transfer belt in the printing device. In this way, then a synchronization of the second transport device with respect to the transport of the transfer belt with the movement of the print head can be achieved.
  • an air pulse or an air pulse sequence for the movement of the print head away from the carrier tape at the same time causes a braking of the movement of the transfer belt.
  • the air pulse generated via a passage valve or the generated air pulse sequence can then simultaneously serve to lift the print head and stop the transport of the transfer belt. This, in turn, allows automatic synchronization of these two processes.
  • the air pulse or the air pulse train actuates a brake of a transfer belt unwinding and / or transfer belt take-up, so as to block the further transport of the transfer belt past the print head.
  • the transfer belt spooler alone or the transfer belt spooler and the transfer belt payout spooler are directly driven.
  • the transfer ribbon winder is directly driven while the other winder is then indirectly driven over the transfer ribbon.
  • a drive of the second transport device for the movement of the transfer belt is designed as a slip drive.
  • a slip drive can be Minimize axial bearing forces on rotating parts. Since a flexible design is possible, no high mechanical precision with respect to the storage and the drive is required so that the corresponding drive can be realized inexpensively. Furthermore, a self-adjusting system of the relevant friction surfaces can be achieved, so that a high friction torque stability is achieved.
  • a transfer belt spooler and / or a transfer belt spooler and in particular the directly driven spooler are driven with overspeed.
  • a corresponding slip which is particularly adjustable, then sets the desired speed for the winder.
  • Such a slip drive can be realized in an advantageous manner, if this comprises a particular directly driven element which is coupled to a transfer tape receptacle, wherein the coupling is non-positive.
  • the transfer belt receptacle can be rotated via the coupling via the driven element. Due to the frictional coupling, however, a certain slip can be achieved, on the turn, for example, a Reibmomentenstabilmaschine is reached.
  • the transfer tape receptacle facing the driven element has a plurality of receptacles for magnets.
  • the magnets may be electromagnets or permanent magnets.
  • the slip torque is then adjustable by equipping or wiring of magnets in the magnetic recordings.
  • adaptation to, for example, the material of the transfer belt and / or the carrier belt can also be carried out via subsequent equipping or removal of magnets. If, for example, N recordings are provided which can be equipped with M magnets, then an N ⁇ M graduation with respect to the setting of the slip moment can be achieved.
  • the non (directly) driven winder comprises a slip clutch, by means of which a transfer tape receptacle is rotatably fixed with respect to a housing of the printing device.
  • the slip clutch can be formed so that the transfer ribbon recording rotates when the other winder is driven. The torque for rotation of the transfer ribbon holder is transmitted through the transfer belt. If, however, the drive is stopped, then the slip clutch also causes the transfer tape recording is stopped via the non-rotatable fixation with respect to the housing. As a result, in turn, the transfer belt is always kept taut even when stopping the transport, so that sagging or folding or buckling and the like is avoided.
  • the fixation is done non-positively and preferably by magnetic forces.
  • the transfer tape receptacle is provided with a plurality of magnetic recordings into which magnets can be inserted.
  • the fixing force in turn is adjustable by placement or wiring of magnets in the magnetic recordings. Alone on the fixing force can adjust the torque which is required to rotate the transfer ribbon recording.
  • the transfer belt spooler and / or the transfer belt spooler prefferably have a shaft stub arranged non-rotatably, in particular with respect to a housing of the printing device, on which a sleeve rotatably seats for receiving the transfer belt.
  • a shaft stub arranged non-rotatably, in particular with respect to a housing of the printing device, on which a sleeve rotatably seats for receiving the transfer belt.
  • the invention further relates to a method for printing record carriers on a carrier tape by means of a print head, which activates a transfer belt.
  • This object is achieved in that the print head is pneumatically lifted away from the transfer belt.
  • the method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the printing device according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of this method have also already been explained in connection with the device according to the invention.
  • an air pulse or an air pulse train which lifts the print head away from the transfer belt, stops the transport of the transport belt.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of a printing device according to the invention, which in FIG. 1 as a whole is designated 10, comprises a stable housing base 12 which is adapted to receive the forces occurring.
  • This housing base 12 holds a housing (not shown in the drawing).
  • the printing device comprises a designated as a whole with 14 first transport device for transporting a carrier tape 16 to be printed information carriers through the device.
  • a designated as a whole with 18 second transport device is provided, via which a transfer belt 20 is transportable through the device.
  • Carrier tape 16 and transfer belt 20 are guided by the respective transport devices 14 and 18 so that they converge in a printing area 22, so that via activation of the transfer belt 20 by a print head 24 information carrier, such as labels, on the carrier tape 16 can be printed.
  • the transfer belt 20 is in particular a ribbon or a thermal transfer ribbon.
  • the print head 24 is formed as a thermal print head having individually controllable acicular heating elements, which cause a transfer of color from the transfer belt 20 to the information carrier on the carrier tape 16.
  • the first transport device 14 for the carrier tape 16 comprises a receptacle 26 for a carrier tape roll 28, from which carrier tape 16 for feeding to the print head 24 can be unwound.
  • the receptacle 26 is in particular not driven, wherein a rotation axis 30 for the carrier tape roll 28 transversely and in particular perpendicular to the housing base 12 is located (in FIG. 1 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing).
  • the carrier tape is unwound tangentially from the carrier tape roll 28 and aligned via deflection rollers 32, 34 so that it can be fed to the print head 24, wherein the print head 24 is arranged in particular in a corner region of the housing base 12 so that an information carrier 36, for example a label, is easily removed after printing and sufficient space for receiving the carrier tape roll 28 is provided.
  • the pulleys 32, 34 are arranged so that the carrier tape is guided after passing this pulleys 32, 34 substantially parallel to a housing base side.
  • the carrier tape 16 is deflected so that it is on the print head 24 for printing the information carrier 36 is guided past.
  • a guide surface 42 for guiding the carrier tape 16 during printing is formed on a stripping element 40.
  • the stripping element 40 is designed so that the direction of the carrier tape is changed after printing and the printed information carrier is removable on a housing slot.
  • the carrier tape is thereby guided via further deflection elements 46, 48 to a carrier tape reel 50, which receives the carrier tape after detachment of the printed information carrier 36.
  • This carrier tape winder 50 is disposed in a portion 57 of the housing base 12 which lies between the carrier tape roll receptacle 26 and the printing area 22 to provide a corresponding space for winding the carrier tape 16.
  • the carrier tape 16 detachable information carrier 36 are arranged, which are printed, or that the carrier tape in the so-called linerless process is directly printable (in this case, the carrier tape is not carrier of information carriers, but itself the information carrier)
  • the printing device must be designed in Linerless case as in the EP 0 758 979 B1 described, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • means are then provided which are arranged after the print head 24 and adjacent to a pressure roller to strip a portion of the (adhesive coated) carrier tape 16 from the pressure roller, so that the carrier tape 16 with the information printed on the side opposite the adhesive layer of the Printing device 10 can be removed.
  • the second transport device 18 for transporting the transfer belt 20 comprises a rotatable transfer belt unwind 52 and a rotatable and in particular directly driven transfer belt spooler 54.
  • the transfer belt 20 is unwound as a transfer belt roller 56 from the transfer belt unwind 52 and thereby becomes approximately parallel to the carrier tape 16 is guided to the print head 24, wherein at a deflecting element 59, a deflection takes place to the transfer belt 20 and the carrier tape 16 with each other to be able to bring into contact.
  • the transfer belt 20 is then passed past the print head 24, and spent transfer belt 20 is wound up by the transfer belt winder 54.
  • the axes of rotation 58 and 60 of the conveyor belt-Abspulers 52 and the conveyor-Avemspulers 54 parallel to each other substantially perpendicular to the housing base 12 and thus also parallel to the axis of rotation 30 of the receptacle 26 for the carrier tape roll 28.
  • the directions of rotation of Transferband-Avemspuler 54 and transfer belt unwinders 52 are opposite.
  • the transfer belt 20 and the carrier tape 16 are synchronized with each other for printing, so that there is substantially no relative speed between the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 during the activation of the print head 24.
  • the transfer belt is acted upon by the print head 24 in a partial area. This applied portion is removed after printing, d. H. supplied to the transfer ribbon winder 54, since this area is no longer usable for printing.
  • the transfer belt transport is braked by the second transport device 18 and in particular stopped when no printing operation is to be performed during the passage of the carrier tape 16 on the print head 24; This is particularly the case when an information carrier 36 has larger areas not to be printed.
  • the print head 24 is pivotally mounted on the housing base 12 via a print head holder 62 by means of a pivot bearing 64.
  • a pivot axis 66 is arranged parallel to the axes of rotation 58, 60.
  • the printhead holder 62 with the printhead 24 seated firmly thereon is pneumatically, ie, by pressurized air, pivotable away from the transfer belt 20.
  • a Mathdruckbeetzstoffsvortechnische 68 is provided, to which a controllable passage valve 70 is coupled.
  • a pressure line 72 leads from this passage valve to a pressurizable element 74, which is in particular a membrane.
  • This pressurizable element 74 is movable so that a pivoting movement of the print head 24 of the carrier tape 16 can be initiated by this with appropriate pressurization.
  • the pressurizable element 74 is coupled to the printhead holder 62 via a pneumatic impingement surface to effect pivotal movement of the printhead holder 62 via movement of the pressurizable element 74.
  • a holding element 76 which provides a stop surface 78 for the movement of the print head holder 62 to limit the pivoting of the print head 24 of the carrier tape 16 away.
  • This stop surface 78 is in particular arranged so that they pneumatic impingement surface of the printhead holder 62, over which the pressurizable element 74 acts on this, is opposite.
  • the stop surface 78 is in this case provided with a damping element 80, for example a felt piece, in order to avoid a hard impact.
  • a height distance 82, in which the print head 24 can be lifted apart from the carrier tape 16 to a maximum, is for example of the order of magnitude of approximately 0.5 mm or less.
  • a spring 84 which biases the print head holder 62 so that the print head 24 presses with the pressure necessary for printing the transfer belt 20 against the carrier tape 16.
  • the spring force of the spring 84 must be overcome.
  • the spring 84 acts as a return spring with a restoring force that moves the print head holder 62 with the print head 24 in the direction of the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 presses against the carrier tape 16.
  • the pneumatic loading surface of the printhead holder 62 is disposed between an urging surface of the spring 84 on the printhead holder 62 and the pivot axis 66 of the printhead holder 62.
  • the spring 84 is further arranged so that the pressing force of the print head 24, which is then exerted by the transfer belt 20 on the carrier tape 16, on the region of the guide surface 42 of the carrier tape on the stripping 40 acts.
  • the stripping element 42 is designed as a stop for the print head 24 with a damping element 86 which lies on the guide surface 42 or even forms part of this guide surface 42. By this damping element 86 a hard abutment of the print head 24 is avoided at the Abziehelement 40 in the provision of the print head holder 62.
  • From the overpressure-loading device 68 further leads a pressure line 88 to the transfer belt winder 54.
  • a pressure line 88 to the transfer belt winder 54.
  • pressurization on the pressure line 88 while the conveyor belt winder 54 can be braked and in particular stopable, so that the further transport of the transfer belt 20 is stopped.
  • the passage valve 70 can be controlled, ie in particular open and close.
  • the control takes place in time, ie, when a larger non-printing area comes, the gate valve 70 is opened, so as to pressurize the pressure lines 72 and 88 with pressure.
  • an air pulse or an air pulse train is transmitted on these pressure lines 72 and 88, which initiate the corresponding control operations for the print head 24 and the conveyor belt winder 54.
  • very fast switching operations can be realized with a switching frequency of the order of 80 Hz or faster.
  • a throttle is connected upstream (not shown in the drawing).
  • the passage valve 70 If the passage valve 70 is switched to passage, then the corresponding air pulse or pressure pulse acts on the membrane 74, which in turn acts on the pneumatic loading surface of the print head holder 62 and this pivoted away from the carrier tape 16 so that the contact pressure of the transfer belt 20 the carrier tape 16 is reduced.
  • this air pulse or pressure pulse acts on the printing line 88 and brakes and in particular stops the transfer belt winder 54, so that the further transport of the transfer belt 20 is stopped.
  • a transfer band-saving circuit can be realized, which reacts quickly with minimal mechanical coupling and minimized moving mass; the corresponding economy circuit can be used effectively and build space-saving and thus easily integrate into a housing.
  • the conveyor belt winder 54 comprises, as in FIG. 3 shown, a stub shaft 90 which is rigidly arranged rotationally fixed relative to the housing base 12. On the stub shaft 90 is rotatably seated a sleeve 92, that is, the sleeve 92 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 90. This sleeve 92 in turn forms a receptacle for the (used) transfer belt 20th
  • a brake 94 is arranged, which is for example a piston brake, which is connected to the pressure line 88 and which is pressure-actuatable.
  • the brake 94 includes a piston 97, the sleeve 92 braced with the stub shaft 90 when acted upon with an air pulse or an air pulse train, so that the rotation of the sleeve 92 relative to the stub shaft 90 is locked.
  • the housing base 12 On the sleeve 92, the housing base 12 is seated facing a disc-shaped flange 96, which faces the housing base 12 has a plurality of receptacles 98 for magnets 100 ( Figures 3 . 5, 6 ). Preferably, these recordings are distributed around the rotation axis 60.
  • Each individual receptacle 98 can be equipped with one or more magnets 100a, 100b (cf. FIG. 5 ).
  • a disc 102 is in particular driven directly. If the flange 96 is firmly coupled to the disk 102, then the sleeve 92 is rotated in accordance with the rotational speed of the disk 102.
  • the disk 102 and the magnet 100 can be fitted with a flange 96, a slip drive for the sleeve 92 is formed.
  • the disk 102 is made of a magnetically conductive material and in particular iron-containing material, so that the flange 96 is magnetically coupled to the disk 102.
  • a flexible member 104 for example, a felt disc is arranged between the disc 102 and the flange.
  • another flexible element 106 for example a steel thin band may be disposed on the flange 96 which is flexible enough to conform to the disc 102 and the flexible member 104 seated thereon so as to achieve optimum power transmission from the flange 96 to the disc 102.
  • the magnets 100 may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. In the case of electromagnets, these are in particular individually switchable so as to realize an externally switched clutch whose slip is externally controllable.
  • the force exerted on the disc 102 force and thus the slip torque can be adjusted.
  • the receptacles 98 of the flange 96 With permanent magnets 100, the force exerted on the disc 102 force and thus the slip torque can be adjusted.
  • the flange nine recordings then can be set when using the same magnets 100, the forces in 18 stages and thus the slip moments in 18 stages.
  • the assembly so that the slip torque or torque, which experiences the sleeve 92, are adapted to the processing parameters, for example, if the material of the carrier tape 16 and / or the material of the transfer belt 20 changes.
  • the disc 102 is driven at a speed which is higher than the desired speed for the sleeve 92, ie greater than the desired winding speed of the conveyor belt 20 on the conveyor winder 54.
  • the coupling between the sleeve 92 and the driven pulley 102 takes place about the magnetic forces of the magnet or magnets 100 on the Disc 102. With appropriate adjustment of this force, there is a relative movement between the sleeve 92 with its flange 96 to the disc 102 to obtain the desired speed of the sleeve 92; In this case, one has a slip or slippage of the flange 96 with respect to the disc 102nd
  • the slip drive thus comprises a slip clutch.
  • the conveyor belt unwind 52 which is not directly driven, is also provided with a slip clutch, as in FIG. 4 shown. Also, the conveyor belt unwind 52 has a stub shaft 108 which is rotatably connected to the housing base 12. Around the stub shaft 108, a sleeve 110 is rotatable, which serves as a receptacle for a roll of the (unused) transfer belt 20. The rotation of the sleeve 110 relative to the stub shaft 108 is mediated via the transfer belt 20 indirectly driven by the transfer belt winder 54.
  • the disc 112 is made of a magnetically conductive material such as steel with a corresponding iron content, so that the disc 112 and the sleeve 110 via the flange 114 with one or more magnets 118 can be coupled.
  • the coupling strength in turn can be adjusted by appropriate placement of the receptacles 116.
  • the shots are basically arranged as described FIG. 6 for the flange 96 described. The coupling strength is also set in the same way.
  • the sleeve 110 can be fixed relative to the housing base 12:
  • the printing device 10 functions as follows:
  • the spring 84 presses the printhead 24 via the printhead holder 62 in the direction of the Abziehelements 40 so that the printhead 24 exerts a contact pressure on the transfer belt 20 and on the carrier tape 16.
  • the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 are guided past the print head 24 in synchronism with substantially zero speed difference.
  • the control device sends a corresponding control signal to the pass-through valve 70 and this opens briefly, with typical switching frequencies of 80 Hz or more. Thereby, an air pulse or an air pulse train is output to the pressure lines 72 and 88. In turn, this simultaneously stops the directly driven conveyor belt winder 54 via the brake 94 and lifts the print head 24 away from the transfer belt 20 via the pressurizable element 74. This causes a relative speed between the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 can form when passing on the print head 24, in particular no transport of the transfer belt 20 relative to the print head 24 takes place.
  • the transfer ribbon is no longer transported, thereby also stopping the rotation of the sleeve 110 of the transfer ribbon unwind 52.
  • the slip clutch 120 while the transfer belt 20 is held taut, as mediated without torque application of the sleeve 110 (during transport of the transfer belt 20 by the transfer belt 20 itself), the sleeve 110 via the flange 114 non-rotatably coupled to the disk 112.
  • the air pulse or the air pulse sequence causes the spring 84 a provision of the print head 24 in the direction of the carrier tape 16 to allow further printing of information carriers 36.
  • the brake 94 is released, so that the sleeve 92 can continue to transport and thus the transfer belt 20 in turn is substantially synchronously with the carrier tape 16 by the printing device 10 can be transported.

Landscapes

  • Impression-Transfer Materials And Handling Thereof (AREA)
  • Handling Of Continuous Sheets Of Paper (AREA)
  • Printers Or Recording Devices Using Electromagnetic And Radiation Means (AREA)
  • Common Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)

Abstract

To improve a printing apparatus for printing an information carrier on a carrier tape, comprising a printing head, a first transport device by means of which the carrier tape is guidable past the printing head, and a second transport device by means of which a transfer tape is guidable past the printing head and which upon activation by the printing head causes an information carrier to be printed, with the contact pressure of the printing head on the transfer tape and on the carrier tape and the transfer tape feed by the second transport device being controllable in such a manner that the carrier tape is guidable past the printing head with a difference in speed relative to the transfer tape, such that this is of space-saving design and operates effectively, provision is made for the printing head to be pneumatically liftable away from the transfer tape.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken eines Informationsträgers auf einem Trägerband, umfassend einen Druckkopf, eine erste Transportvorrichtung, mittels welcher das Trägerband an dem Druckkopf vorbeiführbar ist und eine zweite Transportvorrichtung, mittels welcher ein Transferband an dem Druckkopf vorbeiführbar ist, das bei Aktivierung durch den Druckkopf ein Bedrucken eines Informationsträgers bewirkt, wobei der Anpreßdruck des Druckkopfes auf das Transferband und auf das Trägerband und der Transferband-Vorschub durch die zweite Transportvorrichtung so steuerbar sind, daß das Trägerband mit einer Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz relativ zum Transferband an dem Druckkopf vorbeiführbar ist.The invention relates to a printing device for printing an information carrier on a carrier tape, comprising a print head, a first transport device, by means of which the carrier tape can be guided past the print head and a second transport device, by means of which a transfer belt can be guided past the print head, which when activated by the Printhead causes printing of an information carrier, wherein the contact pressure of the printhead on the transfer belt and on the carrier tape and the transfer belt advance by the second transport device are controllable so that the carrier tape with a speed difference relative to the transfer belt on the printhead is guided.

Derartige Druckvorrichtungen sind beispielsweise aus der DE 35 10 260 C2 oder der DE 43 32 562 A1 bekannt.Such printing devices are for example from the DE 35 10 260 C2 or the DE 43 32 562 A1 known.

Ein einmal aktivierter Transferbandbereich eines Transferbandes, bei dem es sich beispielsweise um ein Thermotransferband handeln kann, kann zum Drucken nicht weiterverwendet werden. Wenn das Transferband synchron mit dem Trägerband an dem Druckkopf vorbeigeführt wird, auch wenn keine Flächen zu bedrucken sind, dann ergibt sich ein unnötiger Transferbandverbrauch, da ja das Transferband nicht aktiviert wurde und trotzdem mit dem verbrauchten Transferband aufgespult wird. Bei entsprechender Steuerung des Transferband-Vorschubs derart, daß sich während eines Nichtbedruckungsmodus eine Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz relativ zum weitergeführten Trägerband ergibt, wobei insbesondere das Transferband relativ zum Druckkopf gestoppt ist, läßt sich der Transferbandverbrauch minimieren.A once activated transfer belt area of a transfer belt, which may be, for example, a thermal transfer ribbon, can not be reused for printing. If the transfer belt is moved past the print head in synchronism with the carrier tape, even if no areas are to be printed, then an unnecessary transfer ribbon consumption results, since the transfer belt has not been activated and still with the consumed transfer ribbon is wound up. With appropriate control of the transfer belt advance such that during a non-print mode there is a speed difference relative to the extended carrier belt, in particular the transfer belt being stopped relative to the print head, transfer ribbon consumption can be minimized.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Druckvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art so zu verbessern, daß diese platzsparend ausbildbar ist mit effektiver Wirkungsweise.The invention has for its object to improve a printing device of the type mentioned so that this space-saving can be formed with effective mode of action.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei der eingangs genannten Druckvorrichtung erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß der Druckkopf pneumatisch von dem Transferband weg hebbar ist.This object is achieved in the aforementioned printing device according to the invention that the print head is pneumatically lifted away from the transfer belt.

Bei einer solchen pneumatischen Steuerung der Abhebung des Druckkopfes läßt es sich erreichen, daß minimierte Massen bewegt werden müssen. Dadurch lassen sich sehr kurze Reaktionszeiten erreichen und das System läßt sich platzsparend aufbauen. Es ist deshalb gut integrierbar, beispielsweise in eine Etikettiermaschine. Aufgrund der Minimierung der mechanischen Kopplung der bewegbaren Teile ist auch der Verschleiß und damit die Störungsanfälligkeit minimiert.In such a pneumatic control of the withdrawal of the print head, it can be achieved that minimized masses must be moved. As a result, very short reaction times can be achieved and the system can be built to save space. It is therefore easy to integrate, for example in a labeling machine. Due to the minimization of the mechanical coupling of the movable parts and the wear and thus the susceptibility to interference is minimized.

Die erfindungsgemäße Druckvorrichtung läßt sich einsetzen, wenn der Informationsträger ein von dem Trägerband getrenntes Element ist, beispielsweise eine selbstklebende Etikette, welche auf dem Trägerband angeordnet ist, oder wenn das Trägerband selber bei der sogenannten "Linerless"-Technologie den Informationsträger bildet.The printing device according to the invention can be used when the information carrier is a separate element from the carrier tape, such as a self-adhesive label, which is arranged on the carrier tape, or if the carrier tape itself forms the information carrier in the so-called "linerless" technology.

Insbesondere ist es vorgesehen, daß der Druckkopf über einen steuerbaren Luftimpuls oder Luftimpulsfolge von dem Transferband und damit auch vom Trägerband weg hebbar ist. Ein solcher steuerbarer Luftimpuls bzw. eine solche steuerbare Luftimpulsfolge läßt sich auf einfache Weise mittels eines steuerbaren Durchlaßventils herstellen, welches mit einer Druckquelle verbunden ist. Über die Druckquelle selber läßt sich die Signalhöhe (Amplitude) des Luftimpulses einstellen. Die Steuerung beispielsweise des Durchlaßventils kann über eine Steuervorrichtung des Druckvorgangs erfolgen, die bei der Anwesenheit von größeren nicht zu bedruckenden Bereichen dann eine Abhebung des Druckkopfes veranlassen kann.In particular, provision is made for the printhead to be liftable away from the transfer belt and thus also from the carrier belt via a controllable air pulse or air pulse train. Such a controllable air pulse or such a controllable air pulse sequence can be produced in a simple manner by means of a controllable passage valve, which is connected to a pressure source. About the pressure source itself, the signal level (amplitude) of the air pulse can be adjusted. The control of, for example, the gate valve can be done via a control device of the printing process, which can then cause a withdrawal of the print head in the presence of larger unprintable areas.

Günstigerweise ist dabei der Luftimpuls oder die Luftimpulsfolge zeitlich steuerbar, um so bei der Bedruckung der Informationsträger auf dem Trägerband einen minimierten Verbrauch an Transferband zu erhalten.Conveniently, the air pulse or the air pulse sequence is temporally controllable so as to obtain a minimized consumption of transfer ribbon when printing the information carrier on the carrier tape.

Kurze Schaltzeiten, d. h. eine hohe Schaltfrequenz, lassen sich erreichen, wenn der Druckkopf zur Abhebung von dem Trägerband mit einem druckbeaufschlagbaren beweglichen Element verbunden ist. Über entsprechende Druckbeaufschlagung wird dann dieses Element bewegt, wodurch wiederum diese Bewegung eine Abhebung des Druckkopfes bewirkt. Dadurch lassen sich kurze Reaktionszeiten erreichen.Short switching times, d. H. a high switching frequency, can be achieved when the printhead is connected to the lifting of the carrier tape with a pressurizable movable element. By appropriate pressurization then this element is moved, which in turn causes this movement a withdrawal of the print head. As a result, short reaction times can be achieved.

Grundsätzlich kann es sich bei dem beweglichen Element um einen Druckluftzylinder handeln. Ganz besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das druckbeaufschlagbare Element eine Membran ist. Diese läßt sich mit minimierter Trägheit ausbilden, so daß die Reaktionszeiten bei der Druckbeaufschlagung minimiert sind. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß eine Abhebung des Druckkopfes in der Größenordnung von 0,5 mm genügt, um den Anpreßdruck genügend zu verringern. Über eine Membran mit den geschilderten Vorteilen läßt sich eine solche Relativbewegung durch Druckbeaufschlagung erreichen, wobei kurze Reaktionszeiten gewährleistet sind.In principle, the movable element may be a compressed air cylinder. It is particularly advantageous if the pressurizable element is a membrane. This can be done with minimized inertia form, so that the reaction times are minimized in the pressurization. It has been found that a lift of the print head in the order of 0.5 mm is sufficient to reduce the contact pressure sufficiently. About a membrane with the described advantages, such a relative movement can be achieved by pressurization, with short reaction times are guaranteed.

Vorteilhafterweise ist dabei der Druckkopf schwenkbar angeordnet, so daß über das druckbeaufschlagbare Element ein Drehmoment ausübbar ist, welches eine Abhebung des Druckkopfes von dem Trägerband weg bewirkt.Advantageously, while the print head is pivotally mounted, so that on the pressurizable element, a torque is exercised, which causes a withdrawal of the print head of the carrier tape away.

Vorzugsweise ist dabei eine pneumatische Beaufschlagungsfläche auf einen Druckkopfhalter zur Bewegung des Druckkopfes zwischen dem Druckkopf und einer Schwenkachse des Druckkopfhalters angeordnet, um so ohne Störung des Druckvorganges selber eine Abhebbewegung ausführen zu können.Preferably, a pneumatic loading surface is arranged on a printhead holder for moving the printhead between the printhead and a pivot axis of the printhead holder so as to be able to execute a repositioning movement without disturbing the printing process itself.

Günstig ist es ferner, wenn der Druckkopf vorgespannt bezüglich einer Führungsfläche für das Trägerband angeordnet ist. Dadurch ist eine Grundstellung des Druckkopfes definiert, nämlich die für den Bedruckungsmodus geeignete Grundstellung. Durch einen aktiven Vorgang, nämlich Aussendung eines Luftimpulses, wird dann der Druckkopf weg verschwenkt und kehrt nach Beendigung der Druckbeaufschlagung automatisch in seine Grundstellung zurück. Dadurch ist die eigentliche Aufgabe der Druckvorrichtung, nämlich das Bedrucken des Informationsträgers, gewährleistet.It is also favorable when the print head is arranged biased with respect to a guide surface for the carrier tape. As a result, a basic position of the print head is defined, namely the basic position suitable for the printing mode. By an active process, namely emission of an air pulse, the print head is then pivoted away and automatically returns after completion of the pressurization to its normal position. As a result, the actual task of the printing device, namely the printing of the information carrier, guaranteed.

Die Vorspannungskraft wirkt dabei entgegen einer Abhebekraft für den Druckkopf von der Führungsfläche weg, um so zu gewährleisten, daß der Druckkopf nach Beendigung der Druckbeaufschlagung wieder in die Grundstellung zurückkehrt.The biasing force acts against a lifting force for the print head of the guide surface away, so as to ensure that the print head after completion of the pressurization returns to the normal position.

Um die Stellungen des Druckkopfes definiert einzustellen, ist günstigerweise jeweils ein Anschlag für den Druckkopf für die Bewegung von dem Trägerband weg und auf dieses zu vorgesehen; auf diese Weise läßt sich ein maximal möglicher Abstand zwischen dem Druckkopf und dem Trägerband einstellen.In order to set the positions of the print head defined, a stop for the print head for the movement away from the carrier tape and on this is conveniently provided in each case; In this way, a maximum possible distance between the print head and the carrier tape can be adjusted.

Günstigerweise ist dabei der Anschlag einer pneumatischen Beaufschlagungsfläche eines Druckkopfhalters gegenüberliegend angeordnet, um eine platzsparende Anordnung zu erreichen.Conveniently, the stop of a pneumatic loading surface of a print head holder is arranged opposite to achieve a space-saving arrangement.

Weiterhin ist ein Anschlag für die Bewegung des Druckkopfes auf eine Führungsfläche des Trägerbandes zu vorgesehen, um bei der Rückstellung des Druckkopfes nach einer Abhebebewegung ein definiertes Erreichen der Grundstellung für den Druckmodus zu erreichen.Furthermore, a stop for the movement of the print head is provided on a guide surface of the carrier tape to achieve a defined reaching the basic position for the print mode in the return of the print head after a lift-off.

Günstigerweise liegt der Anschlag dabei in der Nähe der Führungsfläche oder bildet mindestens einen Teil der Führungsfläche, um so eben definiert die Grundstellung wieder herstellen zu können.Conveniently, the stop is in the vicinity of the guide surface or at least forms part of the guide surface so as to just defined to restore the basic position can.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn ein Anschlag mit einem Dämpfungselement versehen ist, beispielsweise einem Filzstück, um ein hartes Anstoßen zu vermeiden und damit die Lebensdauer der Druckvorrichtung zu erhöhen.It is particularly favorable if a stop is provided with a damping element, for example a felt piece, in order to avoid a hard abutment and thus to increase the service life of the printing device.

Es ist vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen, daß eine Führungsfläche für das Trägerband beim Drucken an einem Abziehelement für das Trägerband gebildet ist. An einem solchen Abziehelement wird das Trägerband nach Bedrucken der Informationsträger umgelenkt, um den bedruckten Informationsträger aus der Druckvorrichtung herauszuführen, so daß ein Benutzer den Informationsträger abnehmen kann.It is advantageously provided that a guide surface for the carrier tape is formed during printing on a removal element for the carrier tape. On such a puller, the carrier tape is deflected after printing the information carrier to lead out the printed information carrier from the printing device, so that a user can remove the information carrier.

Ganz besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die Bewegung des Druckkopfes mit einer Schaltfrequenz von 80 Hz oder schneller schaltbar ist. Solche Schaltfrequenzen lassen sich bei der pneumatischen Ansteuerung des Druckkopfes insbesondere über einen Druckkopfhalter und über einen Druckzylinder, bei dem es sich insbesondere um eine Membran handelt, erreichen.It is particularly advantageous if the movement of the print head can be switched with a switching frequency of 80 Hz or faster. Such switching frequencies can be achieved in the pneumatic control of the print head in particular via a print head holder and via a printing cylinder, which is in particular a membrane.

Um ein definiertes Abspulen eines unverbrauchten Transferbandes und ein definiertes Aufspulen eines verbrauchten Transferbandes zu erreichen, umfaßt vorteilhafterweise die zweite Transportvorrichtung einen Transferband-Abspuler und einen Transferband-Aufspuler.In order to achieve a defined unwinding of an unused transfer belt and a defined winding of a used transfer belt, the second transport device advantageously comprises a transfer belt unwind and a transfer belt reel-up.

Ganz besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der Transport des Transferbandes durch die zweite Transportvorrichtung pneumatisch stoppbar ist. Es läßt sich dann gleichzeitig mit der Abhebebewegung des Druckkopfes bezüglich des Transferbandes der Weitertransport des Transferbandes in der Druckvorrichtung stoppen. Auf diese Weise läßt sich dann eine Synchronisierung der zweiten Transportvorrichtung bezüglich des Transports des Transferbandes mit der Bewegung des Druckkopfes erreichen.It is particularly advantageous if the transport of the transfer belt by the second transport device is pneumatically stopped. It can then be stopped simultaneously with the lift-off movement of the print head with respect to the transfer belt, the further transport of the transfer belt in the printing device. In this way, then a synchronization of the second transport device with respect to the transport of the transfer belt with the movement of the print head can be achieved.

Ganz besonders vorteilhaft ist es dann, wenn ein Luftimpuls oder eine Luftimpulsfolge zur Bewegung des Druckkopfes von dem Trägerband weg gleichzeitig eine Bremsung der Bewegung des Transferbandes bewirkt. Der über ein Durchlaßventil erzeugte Luftimpuls bzw. die erzeugte Luftimpulsfolge kann dann gleichzeitig dazu dienen, den Druckkopf abzuheben und den Transport des Transferbandes zu stoppen. Dadurch wiederum läßt sich eine automatische Synchronisierung dieser beiden Vorgänge erreichen.It is particularly advantageous if an air pulse or an air pulse sequence for the movement of the print head away from the carrier tape at the same time causes a braking of the movement of the transfer belt. The air pulse generated via a passage valve or the generated air pulse sequence can then simultaneously serve to lift the print head and stop the transport of the transfer belt. This, in turn, allows automatic synchronization of these two processes.

Insbesondere ist es vorgesehen, daß der Luftimpuls oder die Luftimpulsfolge eine Bremse eines Transferband-Abspulers und/oder Transferband-Aufspulers betätigt, um so den Weitertransport des Transferbandes an dem Druckkopf vorbei zu sperren.In particular, it is provided that the air pulse or the air pulse train actuates a brake of a transfer belt unwinding and / or transfer belt take-up, so as to block the further transport of the transfer belt past the print head.

Um ein Abspulen des unverbrauchten Transferbandes und ein Aufspulen des verbrauchten Transferbandes zu erreichen, ist der Transferband-Aufspuler allein oder sind der Transferband-Aufspuler und der Transferband-Abspuler direkt angetrieben. Vorzugsweise ist es so, daß der Transferband-Aufspuler direkt angetrieben ist, während dann der andere Spuler indirekt über das Transferband angetrieben wird.In order to achieve unwinding of the unconsumed transfer belt and spooling of the used transfer belt, the transfer belt spooler alone or the transfer belt spooler and the transfer belt payout spooler are directly driven. Preferably, the transfer ribbon winder is directly driven while the other winder is then indirectly driven over the transfer ribbon.

Die eingangs genannte Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß alleine oder in Kombination mit den bereits erläuterten Merkmalen dadurch gelöst, daß ein Antrieb der zweiten Transportvorrichtung für die Bewegung des Transferbandes als Schlupfantrieb ausgebildet ist. Bei einem solchen Schlupfantrieb lassen sich Axiallagerkräfte auf rotierende Teile minimieren. Da eine flexible Ausgestaltung möglich ist, ist keine hohe mechanische Präzision bezüglich der Lagerung und des Antriebs erforderlich, so daß sich der entsprechende Antrieb kostengünstig realisieren läßt. Weiterhin läßt sich eine selbstangleichende Anlage der relevanten Reibungsflächen erreichen, so daß eine hohe Reibmomentenstabilität erreicht ist.The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention alone or in combination with the features already explained in that a drive of the second transport device for the movement of the transfer belt is designed as a slip drive. In such a slip drive can be Minimize axial bearing forces on rotating parts. Since a flexible design is possible, no high mechanical precision with respect to the storage and the drive is required so that the corresponding drive can be realized inexpensively. Furthermore, a self-adjusting system of the relevant friction surfaces can be achieved, so that a high friction torque stability is achieved.

Insbesondere ist dabei ein Transferband-Aufspuler und/oder ein Transferband-Abspuler und insbesondere der direkt angetriebene Spuler mit Überdrehzahl angetrieben. Über einen entsprechenden Schlupf, welcher insbesondere einstellbar ist, stellt sich dann die gewünschte Drehzahl für den Spuler ein.In particular, a transfer belt spooler and / or a transfer belt spooler and in particular the directly driven spooler are driven with overspeed. About a corresponding slip, which is particularly adjustable, then sets the desired speed for the winder.

Ein solcher Schlupfantrieb läßt sich auf vorteilhafte Weise realisieren, wenn dieser ein insbesondere direkt angetriebenes Element umfaßt, welches an eine Transferband-Aufnahme gekoppelt ist, wobei die Kopplung kraftschlüssig ist. Dadurch ist über die Kopplung über das angetriebene Element die Transferband-Aufnahme rotierbar. Aufgrund der kraftschlüssigen Kopplung läßt sich jedoch ein gewisser Schlupf erreichen, über den wiederum beispielsweise eine Reibmomentenstabilität erreichbar ist.Such a slip drive can be realized in an advantageous manner, if this comprises a particular directly driven element which is coupled to a transfer tape receptacle, wherein the coupling is non-positive. As a result, the transfer belt receptacle can be rotated via the coupling via the driven element. Due to the frictional coupling, however, a certain slip can be achieved, on the turn, for example, a Reibmomentenstabilität is reached.

Eine solche kraftschlüssige Kopplung läßt sich auf einfache Weise erreichen, wenn das angetriebene Element und die Transferband-Aufnahme magnetisch gekoppelt sind. Beispielsweise weist dazu die Transferband-Aufnahme dem angetriebenen Element zugewandt eine Mehrzahl von Aufnahmen für Magnete auf. Bei den Magneten kann es sich um Elektromagneten oder Permanentmagneten handeln.Such a frictional coupling can be achieved in a simple manner when the driven element and the transfer tape holder are magnetically coupled. For example, the transfer tape receptacle facing the driven element has a plurality of receptacles for magnets. The magnets may be electromagnets or permanent magnets.

Das Schlupfmoment ist dann durch Bestückung oder Beschaltung von Magneten in den Magnetaufnahmen einstellbar. Dadurch kann auch über nachträgliche Bestückung bzw. Herausnehmen von Magneten eine Anpassung beispielsweise an das Material des Transferbandes und/oder des Trägerbandes durchgeführt werden. Sind beispielsweise N Aufnahmen vorgesehen, die mit M Magneten bestückbaren sind, dann läßt sich eine N x M-Abstufung bezüglich der Einstellung des Schlupfmomentes erreichen.The slip torque is then adjustable by equipping or wiring of magnets in the magnetic recordings. As a result, adaptation to, for example, the material of the transfer belt and / or the carrier belt can also be carried out via subsequent equipping or removal of magnets. If, for example, N recordings are provided which can be equipped with M magnets, then an N × M graduation with respect to the setting of the slip moment can be achieved.

Vorzugsweise ist entweder der Transferband-Aufspuler direkt angetrieben oder der Transferband-Abspuler. Günstig ist es dann, wenn der nicht (direkt) angetriebene Spuler eine Rutschkupplung umfaßt, durch welche eine Transferband-Aufnahme drehfest bezüglich eines Gehäuses der Druckvorrichtung fixierbar ist. Die Rutschkupplung läßt sich so ausbilden, daß die Transferband-Aufnahme rotiert, wenn der andere Spuler angetrieben ist. Das Drehmoment zur Rotation der Transferband-Aufnahme wird dabei durch das Transferband übermittelt. Ist dann jedoch der Antrieb angehalten, dann bewirkt die Rutschkupplung auch, daß die Transferband-Aufnahme über die drehfeste Fixierung bezüglich des Gehäuses angehalten wird. Dadurch wiederum wird das Transferband auch beim Anhalten des Transportes stets straff gehalten, so daß ein Durchhängen oder eine Faltung oder eine Knickung und dergleichen vermieden ist.Preferably, either the transfer belt spooler is directly driven or the transfer belt spooler. It is advantageous if the non (directly) driven winder comprises a slip clutch, by means of which a transfer tape receptacle is rotatably fixed with respect to a housing of the printing device. The slip clutch can be formed so that the transfer ribbon recording rotates when the other winder is driven. The torque for rotation of the transfer ribbon holder is transmitted through the transfer belt. If, however, the drive is stopped, then the slip clutch also causes the transfer tape recording is stopped via the non-rotatable fixation with respect to the housing. As a result, in turn, the transfer belt is always kept taut even when stopping the transport, so that sagging or folding or buckling and the like is avoided.

Insbesondere erfolgt dabei die Fixierung kraftschlüssig und vorzugsweise über magnetische Kräfte. Dazu ist, ähnlich wie oben bereits im Zusammenhang mit dem Schlupfantrieb beschrieben, die Transferband-Aufnahme mit einer Mehrzahl von Magnetaufnahmen versehen, in welche Magnete einsetzbar sind.In particular, the fixation is done non-positively and preferably by magnetic forces. For this purpose, as described above in connection with the slip drive, the transfer tape receptacle is provided with a plurality of magnetic recordings into which magnets can be inserted.

Die Fixierungskraft wiederum ist durch Bestückung oder Beschaltung von Magneten in den Magnetaufnahmen einstellbar. Alleine über die Fixierungskraft läßt sich das Drehmoment einstellen, welches erforderlich ist, um die Transferband-Aufnahme zu rotieren.The fixing force in turn is adjustable by placement or wiring of magnets in the magnetic recordings. Alone on the fixing force can adjust the torque which is required to rotate the transfer ribbon recording.

Günstig ist es, wenn für den Transferband-Aufspuler und/oder den Transferband-Abspuler ein drehfest insbesondere bezüglich eines Gehäuses der Druckvorrichtung angeordneter Wellenstummel vorgesehen ist, auf welchem eine Hülse zur Aufnahme des Transferbandes drehbar sitzt. Dadurch lassen sich starre Achsen erreichen, bezüglich welcher Zugkräfte minimiert sind.It is advantageous for the transfer belt spooler and / or the transfer belt spooler to have a shaft stub arranged non-rotatably, in particular with respect to a housing of the printing device, on which a sleeve rotatably seats for receiving the transfer belt. As a result, rigid axes can be achieved with respect to which tensile forces are minimized.

Die Erfindung betrifft ferner ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Aufzeichnungsträgern auf einem Trägerband mittels eines Druckkopfes, welcher ein Transferband aktiviert.The invention further relates to a method for printing record carriers on a carrier tape by means of a print head, which activates a transfer belt.

Es liegt dabei die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren mit minimierten Reaktionszeiten bereitzustellen.It is the object of the invention to provide a process with minimized reaction times.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß der Druckkopf pneumatisch von dem Transferband weg hebbar ist.This object is achieved in that the print head is pneumatically lifted away from the transfer belt.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren weist die bereits im Zusammenhang mit der erfindungsgemäßen Druckvorrichtung erläuterten Vorteile auf. Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen dieses Verfahrens wurden ebenfalls bereits im Zusammenhang mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung erläutert.The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the printing device according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of this method have also already been explained in connection with the device according to the invention.

Insbesondere ist es vorteilhaft, wenn ein Luftimpuls oder eine Luftimpulsfolge, welche den Druckkopf vom Transferband weg hebt, den Transport des Transportbandes stoppt.In particular, it is advantageous if an air pulse or an air pulse train, which lifts the print head away from the transfer belt, stops the transport of the transport belt.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsformen dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung der Erfindung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungs- gemäßen Druckvorrichtung;
Figur 2
eine schematische Darstellung von Elementen der Druckvor- richtung gemäß Figur 1 zur Erläuterung ihrer Funktionsweise;
Figur 3
eine perspektivische Teilschnittansicht eines Transferband- Aufspulers;
Figur 4
eine perspektivische Teilschnittansicht eines Transferband- Abspulers;
Figur 5
eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Bereichs A gemäß Figur 3 und
Figur 6
eine Schnittansicht des Transferband-Aufwicklers gemäß Figur 3 längs der Linie 6-6.
The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for a more detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:
FIG. 1
a plan view of an embodiment of a printing device according to the invention;
FIG. 2
a schematic representation of elements of the printing device according to FIG. 1 to explain its operation;
FIG. 3
a partial perspective sectional view of a transfer ribbon Aufspulers;
FIG. 4
a partial perspective sectional view of a transfer tape Abspulers;
FIG. 5
an enlarged view of the area A according to FIG. 3 and
FIG. 6
a sectional view of the transfer ribbon winder according to FIG. 3 along the line 6-6.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Druckvorrichtung, welche in Figur 1 als Ganzes mit 10 bezeichnet ist, umfaßt eine stabile Gehäusebasis 12, welche so ausgebildet ist, daß sie die auftretenden Kräfte aufnehmen kann. Diese Gehäusebasis 12 hält ein Gehäuse (in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigt).An embodiment of a printing device according to the invention, which in FIG. 1 as a whole is designated 10, comprises a stable housing base 12 which is adapted to receive the forces occurring. This housing base 12 holds a housing (not shown in the drawing).

Die Druckvorrichtung umfaßt eine als Ganzes mit 14 bezeichnete erste Transportvorrichtung zum Transport eines Trägerbandes 16 mit zu bedruckenden Informationsträgern durch die Vorrichtung.The printing device comprises a designated as a whole with 14 first transport device for transporting a carrier tape 16 to be printed information carriers through the device.

Ferner ist eine als Ganzes mit 18 bezeichnete zweite Transportvorrichtung vorgesehen, über die ein Transferband 20 durch die Vorrichtung transportierbar ist.Furthermore, a designated as a whole with 18 second transport device is provided, via which a transfer belt 20 is transportable through the device.

Trägerband 16 und Transferband 20 sind durch die jeweiligen Transportvorrichtungen 14 bzw. 18 so geführt, daß sie in einem Druckbereich 22 zusammenlaufen, so daß über Aktivierung des Transferbands 20 durch einen Druckkopf 24 Informationsträger, beispielsweise Etiketten, auf dem Trägerband 16 bedruckbar sind.Carrier tape 16 and transfer belt 20 are guided by the respective transport devices 14 and 18 so that they converge in a printing area 22, so that via activation of the transfer belt 20 by a print head 24 information carrier, such as labels, on the carrier tape 16 can be printed.

Bei dem Transferband 20 handelt es sich insbesondere um ein Farbband oder um ein Thermotransferband. In diesem Falle ist der Druckkopf 24 als Thermodruckkopf ausgebildet, welcher individuell ansteuerbare nadelförmige Heizelemente aufweist, welche einen Übertrag von Farbe von dem Transferband 20 auf den Informationsträger auf dem Trägerband 16 bewirken.The transfer belt 20 is in particular a ribbon or a thermal transfer ribbon. In this case, the print head 24 is formed as a thermal print head having individually controllable acicular heating elements, which cause a transfer of color from the transfer belt 20 to the information carrier on the carrier tape 16.

Die erste Transportvorrichtung 14 für das Trägerband 16 umfaßt eine Aufnahme 26 für eine Trägerbandrolle 28, von welcher Trägerband 16 zur Zuführung zu dem Druckkopf 24 abspulbar ist. Die Aufnahme 26 ist insbesondere nicht angetrieben, wobei eine Drehachse 30 für die Trägerbandrolle 28 quer und insbesondere senkrecht zur Gehäusebasis 12 liegt (in Figur 1 senkrecht zur Zeichenebene). Das Trägerband wird von der Trägerbandrolle 28 tangential abgespult und über Umlenkrollen 32, 34 so ausgerichtet, daß es dem Druckkopf 24 zuführbar ist, wobei der Druckkopf 24 insbesondere in einem Eckbereich der Gehäusebasis 12 angeordnet ist, so daß ein Informationsträger 36, beispielsweise eine Etikette, nach dem Bedrucken leicht entnehmbar ist und genügend Raum zur Aufnahme der Trägerbandrolle 28 bereitgestellt ist. Beispielsweise sind die Umlenkrollen 32, 34 so angeordnet, daß das Trägerband nach der Vorbeiführung an diesen Umlenkrollen 32, 34 im wesentlichen parallel zu einer Gehäusebasisseite geführt ist.The first transport device 14 for the carrier tape 16 comprises a receptacle 26 for a carrier tape roll 28, from which carrier tape 16 for feeding to the print head 24 can be unwound. The receptacle 26 is in particular not driven, wherein a rotation axis 30 for the carrier tape roll 28 transversely and in particular perpendicular to the housing base 12 is located (in FIG. 1 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The carrier tape is unwound tangentially from the carrier tape roll 28 and aligned via deflection rollers 32, 34 so that it can be fed to the print head 24, wherein the print head 24 is arranged in particular in a corner region of the housing base 12 so that an information carrier 36, for example a label, is easily removed after printing and sufficient space for receiving the carrier tape roll 28 is provided. For example, the pulleys 32, 34 are arranged so that the carrier tape is guided after passing this pulleys 32, 34 substantially parallel to a housing base side.

Über eine weitere Umlenkrolle 38 wird das Trägerband 16 so umgelenkt, daß es an dem Druckkopf 24 zum Bedrucken der Informationsträger 36 vorbeiführbar ist. An einem Abziehelement 40 ist dabei eine Führungsfläche 42 für die Führung des Trägerbands 16 während des Bedruckens gebildet. Das Abziehelement 40 ist so ausgebildet, daß die Richtung des Trägerbands nach dem Bedrucken geändert wird und der bedruckte Informationsträger an einem Gehäuseschlitz entnehmbar ist.About a further guide roller 38, the carrier tape 16 is deflected so that it is on the print head 24 for printing the information carrier 36 is guided past. In this case, a guide surface 42 for guiding the carrier tape 16 during printing is formed on a stripping element 40. The stripping element 40 is designed so that the direction of the carrier tape is changed after printing and the printed information carrier is removable on a housing slot.

Das Trägerband wird dabei über weitere Umlenkelemente 46, 48 zu einem Trägerband-Aufspuler 50 geführt, welcher das Trägerband nach Ablösung der bedruckten Informationsträger 36 aufnimmt.The carrier tape is thereby guided via further deflection elements 46, 48 to a carrier tape reel 50, which receives the carrier tape after detachment of the printed information carrier 36.

Dieser Trägerband-Aufspuler 50 ist in einem Bereich 57 der Gehäusebasis 12 angeordnet, welcher zwischen der Aufnahme 26 für die Trägerbandrolle 28 und dem Druckbereich 22 liegt, um einen entsprechenden Raum zum Aufspulen des Trägerbands 16 bereitzustellen.This carrier tape winder 50 is disposed in a portion 57 of the housing base 12 which lies between the carrier tape roll receptacle 26 and the printing area 22 to provide a corresponding space for winding the carrier tape 16.

Grundsätzlich ist es möglich, daß auf dem Trägerband 16 ablösbare Informationsträger 36 angeordnet sind, die bedruckt werden, oder daß das Trägerband im sogenannten Linerless-Verfahren direkt bedruckbar ist (in diesem Fall ist dann das Trägerband nicht Träger von Informationsträgern, sondern selber der Informationsträger). Die Druckvorrichtung muß im Linerless-Falle so ausgestaltet sein, wie in der EP 0 758 979 B1 beschrieben, auf die hiermit ausdrücklich Bezug genommen wird. Insbesondere sind dann Mittel vorgesehen, die nach dem Druckkopf 24 angeordnet sind und neben einer Druckwalze liegen, um einen Abschnitt des (kleberbeschichteten) Trägerbands 16 von der Druckwalze abzustreifen, so daß das Trägerband 16 mit den auf der der Kleberschicht gegenüberliegenden Seite aufgedruckten Informationen von der Druckvorrichtung 10 entfernt werden kann.In principle, it is possible that on the carrier tape 16 detachable information carrier 36 are arranged, which are printed, or that the carrier tape in the so-called linerless process is directly printable (in this case, the carrier tape is not carrier of information carriers, but itself the information carrier) , The printing device must be designed in Linerless case as in the EP 0 758 979 B1 described, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In particular, means are then provided which are arranged after the print head 24 and adjacent to a pressure roller to strip a portion of the (adhesive coated) carrier tape 16 from the pressure roller, so that the carrier tape 16 with the information printed on the side opposite the adhesive layer of the Printing device 10 can be removed.

Die zweite Transportvorrichtung 18 zum Transport des Transferbandes 20 umfaßt einen drehbaren Transferband-Abspuler 52 und einen drehbaren und insbesondere direkt angetriebenen Transferband-Aufspuler 54. Das Transferband 20 wird als Transferband-Rolle 56 von dem Transferband-Abspuler 52 abgespult und wird dabei näherungsweise parallel zu dem Trägerband 16 zu dem Druckkopf 24 geführt, wobei an einem Umlenkelement 59 eine Umlenkung stattfindet, um das Transferband 20 und das Trägerband 16 miteinander in Kontakt bringen zu können. Das Transferband 20 wird dann an dem Druckkopf 24 vorbeigeführt, und verbrauchtes Transferband 20 wird von dem Transferband-Aufspuler 54 aufgespult.The second transport device 18 for transporting the transfer belt 20 comprises a rotatable transfer belt unwind 52 and a rotatable and in particular directly driven transfer belt spooler 54. The transfer belt 20 is unwound as a transfer belt roller 56 from the transfer belt unwind 52 and thereby becomes approximately parallel to the carrier tape 16 is guided to the print head 24, wherein at a deflecting element 59, a deflection takes place to the transfer belt 20 and the carrier tape 16 with each other to be able to bring into contact. The transfer belt 20 is then passed past the print head 24, and spent transfer belt 20 is wound up by the transfer belt winder 54.

Die Drehachsen 58 bzw. 60 des Transportband-Abspulers 52 bzw. des Transportband-Aufspulers 54 liegen parallel zueinander im wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Gehäusebasis 12 und somit auch parallel zu der Drehachse 30 der Aufnahme 26 für die Trägerbandrolle 28. Die Drehrichtungen von Transferband-Aufspuler 54 und Transferband-Abspuler 52 sind entgegengerichtet.The axes of rotation 58 and 60 of the conveyor belt-Abspulers 52 and the conveyor-Aufspulers 54 parallel to each other substantially perpendicular to the housing base 12 and thus also parallel to the axis of rotation 30 of the receptacle 26 for the carrier tape roll 28. The directions of rotation of Transferband-Aufspuler 54 and transfer belt unwinders 52 are opposite.

Das Transferband 20 und das Trägerband 16 sind zum Bedrucken synchron miteinander geführt, so daß während der Aktivierung des Druckkopfes 24 im wesentlichen keine Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen dem Trägerband 16 und dem Transferband 20 vorliegt. Für das Bedrucken eines Informationsträgers 36 wird das Transferband durch den Druckkopf 24 in einem Teilbereich beaufschlagt. Dieser beaufschlagte Teilbereich wird nach dem Bedrucken abgeführt, d. h. dem Transferband-Aufspuler 54 zugeführt, da dieser Bereich zum Bedrucken nicht mehr verwendbar ist.The transfer belt 20 and the carrier tape 16 are synchronized with each other for printing, so that there is substantially no relative speed between the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 during the activation of the print head 24. For the printing of an information carrier 36, the transfer belt is acted upon by the print head 24 in a partial area. This applied portion is removed after printing, d. H. supplied to the transfer ribbon winder 54, since this area is no longer usable for printing.

Grundsätzlich ist es nur notwendig, das Transferband 20 und das Trägerband 16 während des Bedruckens synchron zu führen. Um einen übermäßigen Verbrauch des Transferbandes 20 zu vermeiden, ist es erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, daß der Transferband-Transport durch die zweite Transportvorrichtung 18 gebremst und insbesondere gestoppt wird, wenn während des Vorbeilaufens des Trägerbandes 16 an dem Druckkopf 24 kein Druckvorgang durchgeführt werden soll; dies ist insbesondere der Fall, wenn ein Informationsträger 36 größere nicht zu bedruckende Bereiche aufweist.In principle, it is only necessary to guide the transfer belt 20 and the carrier tape 16 synchronously during printing. In order to avoid excessive consumption of the transfer belt 20, it is inventively provided that the transfer belt transport is braked by the second transport device 18 and in particular stopped when no printing operation is to be performed during the passage of the carrier tape 16 on the print head 24; This is particularly the case when an information carrier 36 has larger areas not to be printed.

Damit der Transport des Transferbandes 20 bei Weitertransport des Trägerbandes 16 gestoppt werden kann, muß sich eine Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen Trägerband 16 und Transferband 20 ausbilden können. Dazu ist es notwendig, daß der Anpreßdruck des Druckkopfes 24 auf das Transferband 20 zu dem Trägerband 16 vermindert wird. Erfindungsgemäß ist es nun vorgesehen, wie in Figur 2 gezeigt, daß der Druckkopf 24 über einen Druckkopfhalter 62 mittels eines Schwenklagers 64 schwenkbar an der Gehäusebasis 12 angeordnet ist. Eine Schwenkachse 66 ist dabei parallel zu den Drehachsen 58, 60 angeordnet. Der Druckkopfhalter 62 mit dem fest daran sitzenden Druckkopf 24 ist pneumatisch, d. h. durch Druckluftbeaufschlagung, von dem Transferband 20 weg schwenkbar. Dazu ist eines Überdruckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung 68 vorgesehen, an welche ein steuerbares Durchlaßventil 70 gekoppelt ist. Eine Druckleitung 72 führt von diesem Durchlaßventil zu einem druckbeaufschlagbaren Element 74, bei dem es sich insbesondere um eine Membran handelt. Dieses druckbeaufschlagbare Element 74 ist derart beweglich, daß durch dieses bei entsprechender Druckbeaufschlagung eine Schwenkbewegung des Druckkopfes 24 von dem Trägerband 16 weg initiierbar ist. Dazu ist das druckbeaufschlagbare Element 74 an den Druckkopfhalter 62 über eine pneumatische Beaufschlagungsfläche gekoppelt, um über die Bewegung des druckbeaufschlagbaren Elements 74 eine Schwenkbewegung des Druckkopfhalters 62 zu bewirken.So that the transport of the transfer belt 20 can be stopped during further transport of the carrier tape 16, a speed difference between the carrier tape 16 and transfer tape 20 must be able to form. For this purpose, it is necessary that the contact pressure of the print head 24 is reduced to the transfer belt 20 to the carrier tape 16. According to the invention, it is now provided, as in FIG. 2 shown that the print head 24 is pivotally mounted on the housing base 12 via a print head holder 62 by means of a pivot bearing 64. A pivot axis 66 is arranged parallel to the axes of rotation 58, 60. The printhead holder 62 with the printhead 24 seated firmly thereon is pneumatically, ie, by pressurized air, pivotable away from the transfer belt 20. For this purpose, a Überdruckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung 68 is provided, to which a controllable passage valve 70 is coupled. A pressure line 72 leads from this passage valve to a pressurizable element 74, which is in particular a membrane. This pressurizable element 74 is movable so that a pivoting movement of the print head 24 of the carrier tape 16 can be initiated by this with appropriate pressurization. To this end, the pressurizable element 74 is coupled to the printhead holder 62 via a pneumatic impingement surface to effect pivotal movement of the printhead holder 62 via movement of the pressurizable element 74.

An der Gehäusebasis 12 sitzt starr ein Halteelement 76, welches eine Anschlagfläche 78 für die Bewegung des Druckkopfhalters 62 bereitstellt, um die Schwenkbarkeit des Druckkopfes 24 von dem Trägerband 16 weg zu begrenzen. Diese Anschlagfläche 78 ist insbesondere so angeordnet, daß sie der pneumatischen Beaufschlagungsfläche des Druckkopfhalters 62, über welche das druckbeaufschlagbare Element 74 auf diesen wirkt, gegenüberliegend ist.At the housing base 12 is rigidly a holding element 76 which provides a stop surface 78 for the movement of the print head holder 62 to limit the pivoting of the print head 24 of the carrier tape 16 away. This stop surface 78 is in particular arranged so that they pneumatic impingement surface of the printhead holder 62, over which the pressurizable element 74 acts on this, is opposite.

Die Anschlagfläche 78 ist dabei mit einem Dämpfungselement 80, beispielsweise einem Filzstück, versehen, um ein hartes Anschlagen zu vermeiden.The stop surface 78 is in this case provided with a damping element 80, for example a felt piece, in order to avoid a hard impact.

Eine Höhendistanz 82, in welcher der Druckkopf 24 maximal von dem Trägerband 16 abhebbar ist, liegt dabei beispielsweise in der Größenordnung von ca. 0,5 mm oder kleiner.A height distance 82, in which the print head 24 can be lifted apart from the carrier tape 16 to a maximum, is for example of the order of magnitude of approximately 0.5 mm or less.

An dem Halteelement 76 sitzt eine Feder 84, welche den Druckkopfhalter 62 so vorspannt, daß der Druckkopf 24 mit der zum Bedrucken notwendigen Anpreßkraft das Transferband 20 gegen das Trägerband 16 drückt. Bei Verschwenkung des Druckkopfhalters 62 von dem Trägerband 16 weg muß die Federkraft der Feder 84 überwunden werden. Wird die Druckbeaufschlagung weggenommen, so wirkt die Feder 84 als Rückstellfeder mit einer Rückstellkraft, die den Druckkopfhalter 62 mit dem Druckkopf 24 in Richtung des Trägerbands 16 bewegt und das Transferband 20 gegen das Trägerband 16 drückt.On the holding member 76 is seated a spring 84, which biases the print head holder 62 so that the print head 24 presses with the pressure necessary for printing the transfer belt 20 against the carrier tape 16. When pivoting the print head holder 62 away from the carrier tape 16, the spring force of the spring 84 must be overcome. When the pressurization is removed, the spring 84 acts as a return spring with a restoring force that moves the print head holder 62 with the print head 24 in the direction of the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 presses against the carrier tape 16.

Die pneumatische Beaufschlagungsfläche des Druckkopfhalters 62 ist zwischen einer Beaufschlagungsfläche der Feder 84 auf den Druckkopfhalter 62 und der Schwenkachse 66 des Druckkopfhalters 62 angeordnet. Die Feder 84 ist ferner so angeordnet, daß die Anpreßkraft des Druckkopfes 24, welche dann vom Transferband 20 auf das Trägerband 16 ausgeübt wird, auf den Bereich der Führungsfläche 42 des Trägerbands an dem Abziehelement 40 wirkt. Insbesondere ist es vorgesehen, daß das Abziehelement 42 als Anschlag für den Druckkopf 24 ausgebildet ist mit einem Dämpfungselement 86, welches an der Führungsfläche 42 liegt oder sogar einen Teil dieser Führungsfläche 42 bildet. Durch dieses Dämpfungselement 86 wird ein hartes Anschlagen des Druckkopfes 24 an das Abziehelement 40 bei der Rückstellung des Druckkopfhalters 62 vermieden.The pneumatic loading surface of the printhead holder 62 is disposed between an urging surface of the spring 84 on the printhead holder 62 and the pivot axis 66 of the printhead holder 62. The spring 84 is further arranged so that the pressing force of the print head 24, which is then exerted by the transfer belt 20 on the carrier tape 16, on the region of the guide surface 42 of the carrier tape on the stripping 40 acts. In particular, it is provided that the stripping element 42 is designed as a stop for the print head 24 with a damping element 86 which lies on the guide surface 42 or even forms part of this guide surface 42. By this damping element 86 a hard abutment of the print head 24 is avoided at the Abziehelement 40 in the provision of the print head holder 62.

Von der Überdruck-Beaufschlagungsvorrichtung 68 führt ferner eine Druckleitung 88 zu dem Transferband-Aufspuler 54. Über Druckbeaufschlagung auf der Druckleitung 88 ist dabei der Transportband-Aufspuler 54 abbremsbar und insbesondere stoppbar, so daß der Weitertransport des Transferbandes 20 gestoppt wird.From the overpressure-loading device 68 further leads a pressure line 88 to the transfer belt winder 54. About pressurization on the pressure line 88 while the conveyor belt winder 54 can be braked and in particular stopable, so that the further transport of the transfer belt 20 is stopped.

Über eine Steuerungsvorrichtung für den Druckvorgang (in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigt) läßt sich das Durchlaßventil 70 steuern, d. h. insbesondere öffnen und schließen. Die Steuerung erfolgt dabei zeitlich, d. h. wenn ein größerer nicht zu bedruckender Bereich kommt, wird das Durchlaßventil 70 geöffnet, um so die Druckleitungen 72 und 88 mit Druck zu beaufschlagen. Dadurch wird auf diesen Druckleitungen 72 und 88 ein Luftimpuls oder eine Luftimpulsfolge übertragen, welche die entsprechenden Steuerungsvorgänge für den Druckkopf 24 und den Transportband-Aufspuler 54 einleiten. In Abhängigkeit von dem eingestellten Volumenstrom und dem eingestellten Druck lassen sich dabei sehr schnelle Schaltvorgänge realisieren mit einer Schaltfrequenz in der Größenordnung von 80 Hz oder schneller. Um den Volumenstrom und Druck einzustellen, kann es auch vorgesehen sein, daß eine Drossel vorgeschaltet ist (in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigt).Via a control device for the printing process (not shown in the drawing), the passage valve 70 can be controlled, ie in particular open and close. The control takes place in time, ie, when a larger non-printing area comes, the gate valve 70 is opened, so as to pressurize the pressure lines 72 and 88 with pressure. As a result, an air pulse or an air pulse train is transmitted on these pressure lines 72 and 88, which initiate the corresponding control operations for the print head 24 and the conveyor belt winder 54. Depending on the set flow rate and the set pressure, very fast switching operations can be realized with a switching frequency of the order of 80 Hz or faster. To adjust the flow and pressure, it may also be provided that a throttle is connected upstream (not shown in the drawing).

Ist das Durchlaßventil 70 auf Durchlaß geschaltet, so wirkt dann der entsprechende Luftimpuls bzw. Druckimpuls auf die Membran 74, welche wiederum auf die pneumatische Beaufschlagungsfläche des Druckkopfhalters 62 wirkt und diesen von dem Trägerband 16 weg verschwenkt, so daß der Anpreßdruck von dem Transferband 20 auf das Trägerband 16 verringert wird.If the passage valve 70 is switched to passage, then the corresponding air pulse or pressure pulse acts on the membrane 74, which in turn acts on the pneumatic loading surface of the print head holder 62 and this pivoted away from the carrier tape 16 so that the contact pressure of the transfer belt 20 the carrier tape 16 is reduced.

Weiterhin wirkt dieser Luftimpuls oder Druckimpuls auf die Druckleitung 88 und bremst und insbesondere stoppt den Transferband-Aufspuler 54, so daß der Weitertransport des Transferbandes 20 gestoppt ist.Furthermore, this air pulse or pressure pulse acts on the printing line 88 and brakes and in particular stops the transfer belt winder 54, so that the further transport of the transfer belt 20 is stopped.

Durch die pneumatische Steuerung der Schwenkbewegung des Druckkopfes 24 und der Abbremsung des angetriebenen Transferband-Aufspulers 54 läßt sich eine Transferband-Sparschaltung realisieren, welche mit minimaler mechanischer Kopplung und minimierter bewegter Masse schnell reagiert; die entsprechende Sparschaltung läßt sich effektiv einsetzen und platzsparend aufbauen und damit leicht in ein Gehäuse integrieren.By the pneumatic control of the pivotal movement of the print head 24 and the deceleration of the driven transfer belt Aufspulers 54, a transfer band-saving circuit can be realized, which reacts quickly with minimal mechanical coupling and minimized moving mass; the corresponding economy circuit can be used effectively and build space-saving and thus easily integrate into a housing.

Der Transportband-Aufspuler 54 umfaßt, wie in Figur 3 gezeigt, einen Wellenstummel 90, welcher starr drehfest bezüglich der Gehäusebasis 12 angeordnet ist. Auf dem Wellenstummel 90 sitzt drehbar eine Hülse 92, d. h. die Hülse 92 ist drehbar auf dem Wellenstummel 90 gelagert. Diese Hülse 92 wiederum bildet eine Aufnahme für das (verbrauchte) Transferband 20.The conveyor belt winder 54 comprises, as in FIG FIG. 3 shown, a stub shaft 90 which is rigidly arranged rotationally fixed relative to the housing base 12. On the stub shaft 90 is rotatably seated a sleeve 92, that is, the sleeve 92 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 90. This sleeve 92 in turn forms a receptacle for the (used) transfer belt 20th

An dem Wellenstummel 90 ist eine Bremse 94 angeordnet, bei der es sich beispielsweise um eine Kolbenbremse handelt, die mit der Druckleitung 88 verbunden ist und die druckbetätigbar ist. Beispielsweise umfaßt die Bremse 94 einen Kolben 97, der bei Beaufschlagung mit einem Luftimpuls oder einer Luftimpulsfolge die Hülse 92 mit dem Wellenstummel 90 verspannt, so daß die Drehbarkeit der Hülse 92 gegenüber dem Wellenstummel 90 gesperrt ist.At the stub shaft 90, a brake 94 is arranged, which is for example a piston brake, which is connected to the pressure line 88 and which is pressure-actuatable. For example, the brake 94 includes a piston 97, the sleeve 92 braced with the stub shaft 90 when acted upon with an air pulse or an air pulse train, so that the rotation of the sleeve 92 relative to the stub shaft 90 is locked.

An der Hülse 92 sitzt der Gehäusebasis 12 zugewandt ein scheibenförmiger Flansch 96, welcher der Gehäusebasis 12 zugewandt eine Mehrzahl von Aufnahmen 98 für Magnete 100 aufweist (Figuren 3, 5, 6). Vorzugsweise sind dabei diese Aufnahmen um die Drehachse 60 verteilt angeordnet. Jede einzelne Aufnahme 98 ist mit einem oder mehreren Magneten 100a, 100b bestückbar (vgl. Figur 5).On the sleeve 92, the housing base 12 is seated facing a disc-shaped flange 96, which faces the housing base 12 has a plurality of receptacles 98 for magnets 100 ( Figures 3 . 5, 6 ). Preferably, these recordings are distributed around the rotation axis 60. Each individual receptacle 98 can be equipped with one or more magnets 100a, 100b (cf. FIG. 5 ).

Zwischen dem Flansch 96 und der Gehäusebasis 12 sitzt um den Wellenstummel 90 drehbar angeordnet eine Scheibe 102. Diese Scheibe 102 ist insbesondere direkt angetrieben. Ist dabei der Flansch 96 fest an die Scheibe 102 gekoppelt, so wird entsprechend der Drehzahl der Scheibe 102 die Hülse 92 mitgedreht.Between the flange 96 and the housing base 12 sits rotatably disposed about the stub shaft 90 a disc 102. This disc 102 is in particular driven directly. If the flange 96 is firmly coupled to the disk 102, then the sleeve 92 is rotated in accordance with the rotational speed of the disk 102.

Mittels der Scheibe 102 und dem mit Magneten 100 bestückbaren Flansch 96 ist ein Schlupfantrieb für die Hülse 92 gebildet. Dazu ist die Scheibe 102 aus einem magnetisch leitfähigen Material und insbesondere Eisen enthaltenden Material gefertigt, so daß der Flansch 96 magnetisch an die Scheibe 102 koppelbar ist.By means of the disc 102 and the magnet 100 can be fitted with a flange 96, a slip drive for the sleeve 92 is formed. For this purpose, the disk 102 is made of a magnetically conductive material and in particular iron-containing material, so that the flange 96 is magnetically coupled to the disk 102.

Es kann dabei noch vorgesehen sein, daß zwischen der Scheibe 102 und dem Flansch ein flexibles Element 104, beispielsweise eine Filzscheibe, angeordnet ist. Weiterhin kann ein weiteres flexibles Element 106, beispielsweise ein dünnes Band aus Stahl, an dem Flansch 96 angeordnet sein, welcher derart flexibel ist, daß dieser sich an die Scheibe 102 und das darauf sitzende flexible Element 104 anpassen kann, um so eine optimale Kraftübertragung von dem Flansch 96 zu der Scheibe 102 zu erreichen.It can still be provided that between the disc 102 and the flange, a flexible member 104, for example, a felt disc is arranged. Furthermore, another flexible element 106, for example a steel thin band may be disposed on the flange 96 which is flexible enough to conform to the disc 102 and the flexible member 104 seated thereon so as to achieve optimum power transmission from the flange 96 to the disc 102.

Bei den Magneten 100 kann es sich um Permanentmagneten handeln oder um Elektromagneten. Im Falle von Elektromagneten sind diese insbesondere individuell schaltbar, um so eine fremdgeschaltete Kupplung zu realisieren, deren Schlupf extern steuerbar ist.The magnets 100 may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. In the case of electromagnets, these are in particular individually switchable so as to realize an externally switched clutch whose slip is externally controllable.

Durch angepaßte Bestückung der Aufnahmen 98 des Flansches 96 mit Permanentmagneten 100 kann die auf die Scheibe 102 ausgeübte Kraft und damit das Schlupfmoment eingestellt werden. Sind beispielsweise in einer Aufnahme 98 zwei Magneten 100a, 100b positionierbar (Figur 5) und weist, wie in Figur 6 gezeigt, der Flansch neun Aufnahmen auf, dann lassen sich bei der Verwendung gleicher Magnete 100 die Kräfte in 18 Stufen und damit die Schlupfmomente in 18 Stufen einstellen. Durch entsprechende Wahl der Bestückung kann damit das Schlupfmoment bzw. das Drehmoment, welches die Hülse 92 erfährt, an die Verarbeitungsparameter angepaßt werden, wenn sich beispielsweise das Material des Trägerbandes 16 und/oder das Material des Transferbandes 20 ändert.By adapted placement of the receptacles 98 of the flange 96 with permanent magnets 100, the force exerted on the disc 102 force and thus the slip torque can be adjusted. For example, if two magnets 100a, 100b can be positioned in one receptacle 98 ( FIG. 5 ) and points, as in FIG. 6 shown, the flange nine recordings, then can be set when using the same magnets 100, the forces in 18 stages and thus the slip moments in 18 stages. By appropriate choice of the assembly so that the slip torque or torque, which experiences the sleeve 92, are adapted to the processing parameters, for example, if the material of the carrier tape 16 and / or the material of the transfer belt 20 changes.

Die Scheibe 102 wird mit einer Drehzahl angetrieben, welche höher ist als die für die Hülse 92 gewünschte Drehzahl, d. h. größer ist als die gewünschte Aufspulgeschwindigkeit des Transportbandes 20 auf dem Transportband-Aufspuler 54. Die Kopplung zwischen der Hülse 92 und der angetriebenen Scheibe 102 erfolgt über die magnetischen Kräfte des oder der Magnete 100 auf die Scheibe 102. Bei entsprechender Einstellung dieser Kraft ergibt sich eine Relativbewegung zwischen der Hülse 92 mit ihrem Flansch 96 zu der Scheibe 102, um die gewünschte Drehzahl der Hülse 92 zu erhalten; in diesem Fall hat man einen Schlupf oder ein Durchrutschen des Flansches 96 bezüglich der Scheibe 102.The disc 102 is driven at a speed which is higher than the desired speed for the sleeve 92, ie greater than the desired winding speed of the conveyor belt 20 on the conveyor winder 54. The coupling between the sleeve 92 and the driven pulley 102 takes place about the magnetic forces of the magnet or magnets 100 on the Disc 102. With appropriate adjustment of this force, there is a relative movement between the sleeve 92 with its flange 96 to the disc 102 to obtain the desired speed of the sleeve 92; In this case, one has a slip or slippage of the flange 96 with respect to the disc 102nd

Der Schlupfantrieb umfaßt folglich eine Rutschkupplung.The slip drive thus comprises a slip clutch.

Auf diese Weise lassen sich axiale Lagerkräfte der Hülse 92 am Wellenstummel 90 minimieren, so daß die Kraftbelastung der Gehäusebasis 12 auch bei größeren Transferbandrollen minimiert ist. Durch eine selbstangleichende Anlage der entsprechenden Reibungsflächen bei der Rotation der Hülse 92 gegenüber der Scheibe 102 ist die angetriebene Rotation der Hülse 92 auch reibmomentenstabil, wobei wegen der flexiblen Anpaßbarkeit keine hohe mechanische Präzision erforderlich ist.In this way, axial bearing forces of the sleeve 92 on the stub shaft 90 can be minimized, so that the force load of the housing base 12 is minimized even with larger transfer belt rolls. By a self-adjusting system of the corresponding friction surfaces in the rotation of the sleeve 92 relative to the disc 102, the driven rotation of the sleeve 92 is also Reibmomentenstabil, with no high mechanical precision is required because of the flexible adaptability.

Der Transportband-Abspuler 52, welcher nicht direkt angetrieben ist, ist ebenfalls mit einer Rutschkupplung versehen, wie in Figur 4 gezeigt. Auch der Transportband-Abspuler 52 weist einen Wellenstummel 108 auf, welcher drehfest mit der Gehäusebasis 12 verbunden ist. Um den Wellenstummel 108 ist eine Hülse 110 drehbar, welche als Aufnahme für eine Rolle des (unverbrauchten) Transferbandes 20 dient. Die Rotation der Hülse 110 gegenüber dem Wellenstummel 108 ist vermittelt über das Transferband 20 indirekt durch den Transferband-Aufspuler 54 angetrieben.The conveyor belt unwind 52, which is not directly driven, is also provided with a slip clutch, as in FIG. 4 shown. Also, the conveyor belt unwind 52 has a stub shaft 108 which is rotatably connected to the housing base 12. Around the stub shaft 108, a sleeve 110 is rotatable, which serves as a receptacle for a roll of the (unused) transfer belt 20. The rotation of the sleeve 110 relative to the stub shaft 108 is mediated via the transfer belt 20 indirectly driven by the transfer belt winder 54.

Um den Wellenstummel 108 sitzt drehfest mit diesem verbunden eine Scheibe 112. An der Hülse 110 sitzt ein scheibenförmiger Flansch 114, welcher der Scheibe 112 zugewandt ist und, ähnlich wie oben im Zusammenhang mit dem Flansch 96 beschrieben, eine Mehrzahl von Aufnahmen 116 für Magnete 118 aufweist. Die Scheibe 112 ist dabei aus einem magnetisch leitfähigen Material wie beispielsweise Stahl mit einem entsprechenden Eisenanteil hergestellt, so daß die Scheibe 112 und die Hülse 110 über den Flansch 114 mit einem oder mehreren Magneten 118 koppelbar ist. Die Kopplungsstärke wiederum kann durch entsprechende Bestückung der Aufnahmen 116 eingestellt werden. Die Aufnahmen sind grundsätzlich so angeordnet, wie anhand Figur 6 für den Flansch 96 beschrieben. Auf die gleiche Weise erfolgt auch die Einstellung der Kopplungsstärke.To the stub shaft 108 is rotatably connected to this a disc 112. On the sleeve 110 is seated a disc-shaped flange 114, which is the Disk 112 faces and, as described above in connection with the flange 96, a plurality of receptacles 116 for magnets 118 has. The disc 112 is made of a magnetically conductive material such as steel with a corresponding iron content, so that the disc 112 and the sleeve 110 via the flange 114 with one or more magnets 118 can be coupled. The coupling strength in turn can be adjusted by appropriate placement of the receptacles 116. The shots are basically arranged as described FIG. 6 for the flange 96 described. The coupling strength is also set in the same way.

Über den Flansch 114 mit der kraftschlüssigen Kopplung an die Scheibe 112 läßt sich die Hülse 110 gegenüber der Gehäusebasis 12 fixieren:Via the flange 114 with the non-positive coupling to the disk 112, the sleeve 110 can be fixed relative to the housing base 12:

Wenn der Transferband-Aufspuler 54 aufgrund eines entsprechenden Luftimpulses bzw. einer entsprechenden Luftimpulsfolge angehalten wird, dann besteht grundsätzlich die Gefahr, daß das Transferband durchhängt oder geknickt wird und dergleichen. Aufgrund des Vorsehens einer Rutschkupplung 120 bei dem nicht direkt angetriebenen Transportband-Abspuler 52 lassen sich diese Störeffekte vermeiden, da ohne (indirekten) Antrieb der Hülse 110 über den Transportband-Aufspuler 54 dessen Rotation aufgrund der Rutschkupplung 120 sofort gebremst wird und damit das Transferband bei abgehobenem Druckkopf 24 straff gehalten wird.When the transfer belt winder 54 is stopped due to a corresponding air pulse or a corresponding air pulse train, there is a general risk that the transfer belt sags or kinked and the like. Due to the provision of a slip clutch 120 in the not directly driven conveyor belt unwinding 52, these disturbing effects can be avoided, since without (indirect) drive the sleeve 110 via the conveyor reel 54 its rotation due to the slip clutch 120 is immediately braked and thus the transfer belt at lifted printhead 24 is held tight.

Auch bei dieser Ausgestaltung des Transferband-Abspulers 52 sind die axialen Achskräfte minimiert.Also in this embodiment of the transfer belt Abspulers 52, the axial axis forces are minimized.

Die erfindungsgemäße Druckvorrichtung 10 funktioniert wie folgt:The printing device 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

Beim Bedrucken eines Informationsträgers 36 auf dem Transferband 20 drückt die Feder 84 über den Druckkopfhalter 62 den Druckkopf 24 in Richtung des Abziehelements 40, so daß der Druckkopf 24 einen Anpreßdruck auf das Transferband 20 und auf das Trägerband 16 ausübt. In diesem Betriebsmodus sind das Trägerband 16 und das Transferband 20 synchron mit im wesentlichen Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz Null an dem Druckkopf 24 vorbeigeführt.When printing an information carrier 36 on the transfer belt 20, the spring 84 presses the printhead 24 via the printhead holder 62 in the direction of the Abziehelements 40 so that the printhead 24 exerts a contact pressure on the transfer belt 20 and on the carrier tape 16. In this mode of operation, the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 are guided past the print head 24 in synchronism with substantially zero speed difference.

Tritt ein größerer nicht zu bedruckender Bereich auf, dann sendet die Steuerungsvorrichtung dem Durchlaßventil 70 ein entsprechendes Steuersignal und dieses öffnet kurzzeitig, wobei typische Schaltfrequenzen bei 80 Hz oder größer liegen können. Dadurch wird ein Luftimpuls oder eine Luftimpulsfolge auf die Druckleitungen 72 und 88 ausgegeben. Dadurch wiederum wird gleichzeitig der direkt angetriebene Transportband-Aufspuler 54 über die Bremse 94 gestoppt und der Druckkopf 24 über das druckbeaufschlagbare Element 74 von dem Transferband 20 abgehoben. Dies bewirkt, daß sich eine Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen dem Trägerband 16 und dem Transferband 20 beim Vorbeilaufen an dem Druckkopf 24 ausbilden kann, wobei insbesondere kein Transport des Transferbandes 20 gegenüber dem Druckkopf 24 stattfindet.If a larger region not to be printed occurs, the control device sends a corresponding control signal to the pass-through valve 70 and this opens briefly, with typical switching frequencies of 80 Hz or more. Thereby, an air pulse or an air pulse train is output to the pressure lines 72 and 88. In turn, this simultaneously stops the directly driven conveyor belt winder 54 via the brake 94 and lifts the print head 24 away from the transfer belt 20 via the pressurizable element 74. This causes a relative speed between the carrier tape 16 and the transfer belt 20 can form when passing on the print head 24, in particular no transport of the transfer belt 20 relative to the print head 24 takes place.

Da durch den Stop der Rotation des Transferband-Aufspulers 54 das Transferband nicht weitertransportiert wird, wird dadurch auch die Rotation der Hülse 110 des Transferband-Abspulers 52 gestoppt. Über die Rutschkupplung 120 wird dabei das Transferband 20 straff gehalten, da ohne Drehmomentenbeaufschlagung der Hülse 110 (bei Transport des Transferbandes 20 vermittelt durch das Transferband 20 selber) die Hülse 110 über den Flansch 114 unverdrehbar an die Scheibe 112 koppelt.As a result of the stop of the rotation of the transfer ribbon winder 54, the transfer ribbon is no longer transported, thereby also stopping the rotation of the sleeve 110 of the transfer ribbon unwind 52. About the slip clutch 120 while the transfer belt 20 is held taut, as mediated without torque application of the sleeve 110 (during transport of the transfer belt 20 by the transfer belt 20 itself), the sleeve 110 via the flange 114 non-rotatably coupled to the disk 112.

Nach Beendigung des Luftimpulses bzw. der Luftimpulsfolge bewirkt die Feder 84 eine Rückstellung des Druckkopfes 24 in Richtung des Trägerbandes 16, um ein weiteres Bedrucken von Informationsträgern 36 zu ermöglichen. Während der Rückstellung wird auch die Bremse 94 gelöst, so daß die Hülse 92 weitertransportieren kann und damit das Transferband 20 wiederum im wesentlichen synchron mit dem Trägerband 16 durch die Druckvorrichtung 10 transportierbar ist.After completion of the air pulse or the air pulse sequence causes the spring 84 a provision of the print head 24 in the direction of the carrier tape 16 to allow further printing of information carriers 36. During recovery, the brake 94 is released, so that the sleeve 92 can continue to transport and thus the transfer belt 20 in turn is substantially synchronously with the carrier tape 16 by the printing device 10 can be transported.

Aufgrund des Schlupfantriebs für den Transferband-Aufspuler 54 ist ein reibmomentenstabiler Antrieb für das Aufspulen des (verbrauchten) Transferbandes erreicht.Due to the slip drive for the transfer belt winder 54, a friction-stable drive for winding the (used-up) transfer belt is achieved.

Claims (37)

  1. Printing apparatus for printing an information carrier (36) on a carrier tape (16), comprising a printing head (24), a first transport device (14) by means of which the carrier tape (16) is guidable past the printing head (24), and a second transport device (18) by means of which a transfer tape (20) is guidable past the printing head (24) and which upon activation by the printing head (24) causes an information carrier (36) to be printed, the contact pressure of the printing head (24) on the transfer tape (20) and the carrier tape (16) and the transfer tape feed by the second transport device (18) being controllable in such a manner that the carrier tape (16) is guidable past the printing head (24) with a difference in speed relative to the transfer tape (20), characterized in that the printing head (24) is pneumatically liftable away from the transfer tape (20).
  2. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the printing head (24) is liftable away from the transfer tape (20) by means of a controllable air pulse or sequence of air pulses.
  3. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 2, characterized in that the air pulse or sequence of air pulses is controllable with respect to time.
  4. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing head (24) is connected to a movable element (74) which is adapted to be acted upon with pressure to lift the printing head (24) away from the transfer tape (20).
  5. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 4, characterized in that the element which is adapted to be acted upon with pressure is a membrane (74).
  6. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing head (24) is arranged so as to be pivotable.
  7. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that a face which is adapted to be acted upon pneumatically and acts on the printing head holder (62) to move the printing head (24) is arranged between the printing head (24) and a pivot axis (66) of the printing head holder (62).
  8. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing head (24) is arranged so as to be biased with respect to a guide surface (42) for the carrier tape (16).
  9. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 8, characterized in that the biasing force counteracts a force for lifting the printing head (24) away from the guide surface (42).
  10. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop (78) is provided for the printing head (24) for movement away from the transfer tape (20).
  11. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 10, characterized in that the stop (78) is arranged so as to lie opposite a face of a printing head holder (62), which face is adapted to be acted upon pneumatically.
  12. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop is provided for movement of the printing head (24) towards a guide surface (42) of the carrier tape (16).
  13. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 12, characterized in that the stop lies in the proximity of the guide surface (42) or forms at least part of the guide surface (42).
  14. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a stop (78; 42) is provided with a damping element (80; 86).
  15. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide surface (42) for the carrier tape (16) during printing is formed on a stripping element (40) for the carrier tape (16).
  16. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that movement of the printing head (24) is switchable at a switching frequency of 80 Hz or faster.
  17. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transport device (18) comprises a transfer tape take-off reel (52) and a transfer tape take-up reel (54).
  18. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that transportation of the transfer tape (20) by the second transport device (18) is pneumatically stoppable.
  19. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transport device (18) is synchronizable with the movement of the printing head (24).
  20. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air pulse or a sequence of air pulses for moving the printing head (24) away from the transfer tape (20) simultaneously brings about a braking of the movement of the transfer tape (20).
  21. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 20, characterized in that the air pulse or sequence of air pulses actuates a brake (94) of a transfer tape take-off reel (52) and/or a transfer tape take-up reel (54).
  22. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of Claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the transfer tape take-off reel (52) is indirectly driven.
  23. Printing apparatus in accordance with the preamble of Claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive for the second transport device (18) for moving the transfer tape (20) is designed as a slip drive.
  24. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 23, characterized in that a transfer tape take-up reel (54) and/or a transfer tape take-off reel (52) is driven at overspeed.
  25. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the slip drive comprises a directly driven element (102) which is coupled to a transfer tape receptacle (92) by a frictional connection.
  26. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 25, characterized in that the driven element (102) and the transfer tape receptacle (92) are magnetically coupled.
  27. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 26, characterized in that the transfer tape receptacle (92) comprises a plurality of receptacles (98) for magnets (100) facing the driven element (102).
  28. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 27, characterized in that the slip moment is settable by fitting or wiring magnets (100) in the magnet receptacles (98).
  29. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of Claims 17 to 28, characterized in that the transfer tape take-up reel (54) is directly driven or the transfer tape take-up reel (54) and the transfer tape take-off reel (52) are directly driven.
  30. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 29, characterized in that the reel (52) which is not directly driven comprises a slip clutch (120) by means of which a transfer tape receptacle (110) is non-rotatably fixable with respect to a housing.
  31. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 30, characterized in that the fixing is carried out in a frictionally connected manner.
  32. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the fixing is carried out by means of magnetic forces.
  33. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of Claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the transfer tape receptacle (110) is provided with a plurality of magnet receptacles (116).
  34. Printing apparatus in accordance with Claim 33, characterized in that the fixing force is settable by fitting or wiring magnets (118) in the magnet receptacles (116).
  35. Printing apparatus in accordance with any one of Claims 17 to 34, characterized in that a non-rotatably arranged shaft stub (90; 108) is provided for the transfer tape take-up reel (54) and/or the transfer tape take-off reel (52), and a sleeve (92; 110) for receiving the transfer tape (20) is rotatably seated on the non-rotatably arranged shaft stub (90; 108).
  36. Method for printing information carriers on a carrier tape by means of a printing head which activates a transfer tape, characterized in that the printing head is pneumatically liftable away from the transfer tape.
  37. Method in accordance with Claim 36, characterized in that an air pulse or a sequence of air pulses which lifts the printing head away from the transfer tape stops transportation of the transfer tape.
EP03722392A 2002-04-23 2003-04-03 Printing device and method for printing an information carrier Expired - Lifetime EP1497136B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10218842A DE10218842B4 (en) 2002-04-23 2002-04-23 Printing device and method for printing an information carrier
DE10218842 2002-04-23
PCT/EP2003/003475 WO2003091036A1 (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-03 Printing device and method for printing an information carrier

Publications (2)

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EP1497136A1 EP1497136A1 (en) 2005-01-19
EP1497136B1 true EP1497136B1 (en) 2011-06-15

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EP03722392A Expired - Lifetime EP1497136B1 (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-03 Printing device and method for printing an information carrier

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US (1) US6977668B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1497136B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2005523189A (en)
AT (1) ATE512801T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003229601A1 (en)
DE (1) DE10218842B4 (en)
ES (1) ES2367983T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2003091036A1 (en)

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US11491804B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-08 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11504979B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-22 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11504987B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-22 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11511553B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-29 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer

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US9058836B2 (en) * 2009-01-29 2015-06-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Data transfer apparatus

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US11491804B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-08 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11504979B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-22 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11504987B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-22 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer
US11511553B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-11-29 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Label printer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE10218842B4 (en) 2005-03-17
EP1497136A1 (en) 2005-01-19
JP2005523189A (en) 2005-08-04
US6977668B2 (en) 2005-12-20
DE10218842A1 (en) 2003-11-13
WO2003091036A1 (en) 2003-11-06
ES2367983T3 (en) 2011-11-11
US20050024472A1 (en) 2005-02-03
ATE512801T1 (en) 2011-07-15
AU2003229601A1 (en) 2003-11-10

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