EP3838604A1 - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a label printer for printing labels applied to a carrier tape, in particular wound on a roll, comprising a print head and a counter element to the print head, which is designed to hold the carrier tape with the labels in contact with the print head, in particular a driven one Printing roller, wherein the carrier tape can be passed between the print head and the counter element, a drive mechanism for the carrier tape with a driven carrier tape tension roller and at least one non-driven carrier tape pressure roller assigned to the carrier tape tension roller, the carrier tape between the carrier tape tension roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller can be passed through and in particular can be transported along a predetermined carrier tape transport path, the carrier tape tension roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller being arranged after the print head and the counter element, viewed in the transport direction of the carrier tape nd. The drive mechanism for the carrier tape comprises a further driven carrier tape tension roller and a further non-driven carrier tape pressure roller assigned to the further carrier tape tension roller is provided, the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller before the Print head and the counter element are arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a label printer for printing labels applied to a carrier tape, in particular wound on a roll, comprising a print head and a counter element to the print head, which is designed to hold the carrier tape with the labels in contact with the print head, in particular a driven one Printing roller, wherein the carrier tape can be passed between the print head and the counter element, a drive mechanism for the carrier tape with a driven, in particular stationary, carrier tape tension roller and at least one non-driven carrier tape pressure roller assigned to the carrier tape tension roller, the carrier tape between the The carrier tape tension roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller can be passed through and in particular can be transported along a predetermined carrier tape transport path, the carrier tape tension roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller after the print head as seen in the transport direction of the carrier tape and the counter element and in particular after a dispensing edge of the label printer arranged after the print head and the counter element.

Label printers are used to label goods in manufacturing and logistics as well as in the food processing industry, especially as part of a system for weight and price labeling. The labels are usually applied to a carrier tape and are in the form of a label roll. When the label printer is in operation, the labels are then fed past the print head by means of the carrier tape pull roller and printed. The labels are then detached from the carrier tape and applied to the goods, and the returning carrier tape can be wound up.

The respective carrier tape pressure roller is not driven, but presses the carrier tape against the carrier tape draw roller. The carrier tape pull roller alone would not be sufficiently suitable for pulling the carrier tape. However, the at least one carrier tape pressure roller can generate a pressing force and thus a sufficient propulsive force on the carrier tape. As a result, speeds for the transport of the carrier tape can be achieved which allow printing of several labels, in particular up to three labels, per second.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a label printer of the type mentioned above, which makes it possible to increase the transport speed of the carrier tape in order to increase the number of labels that can be printed per second, i.e. the throughput of printed labels.

This object is achieved by a label printer with the features of claim 1, and in particular in that the drive mechanism for the carrier tape comprises a further, in particular stationary, driven carrier tape pull roller and a further non-driven carrier tape roller assigned to the further carrier tape pull roller. Pressure roller is provided, wherein the carrier tape can be passed through between the further carrier tape pull roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller and in particular can be transported along the predetermined carrier tape transport path, and the further carrier tape pull roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller in front, viewed in the transport direction of the carrier tape the print head and the counter element are arranged.

By connecting a further carrier tape draw roller and a further carrier tape pressure roller in front of the print head and the counter element, the carrier tape can travel along the carrier tape transport path at a higher speed be transported as previously known. This is achieved in that the carrier tape is pulled off the label roll close to the label roll and not from the carrier tape pull roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller, which are connected downstream of the print head and the counter element and in particular only after a sharp deflection at a dispensing edge of the label printer act on the carrier tape, must be taken over. Due to the carrier tape being driven at a higher speed, more labels can be printed in the same time compared to known label printers, and thus more labels can be applied than was previously possible. In addition, by connecting a further carrier tape tension roller and a further carrier tape pressure roller in front of the print head and the counter element, the carrier tape can also be accelerated more strongly, as will be explained in more detail below. As an alternative or in addition, the further carrier tape pull roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller can use label rolls which are more difficult to unwind than label rolls that are normally used, in particular heavier label rolls.

The further carrier tape pressure roller can be part of a pivoting element which is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis between an operating position and an insertion position for the carrier tape, wherein in the operating position of the pivoting element the carrier tape can be passed between the further carrier tape pull roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller can in particular be transported along the predetermined carrier tape transport path, and wherein in the inserted position the further carrier tape pressure roller is pivoted away from the further carrier tape draw roller. In the operating position of the pivoting element, changing the label roll is time-consuming, since in this position the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller are at least not sufficiently far apart, so that the carrier tape of the new label reel is cumbersome between the further carrier tape tension roller and the other carrier tape pressure roller must be threaded. To do this avoid, when the label roll is changed, the swivel element is swiveled into the insertion position, as a result of which the further carrier tape pressure roller is pivoted away from the further carrier tape pull roller. The distance between the further carrier tape pull roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller is increased or created in the first place so that the carrier tape does not have to be laboriously threaded, but can be inserted easily and unhindered without further effort.

It is preferred here if the direction of rotation of the pivoting movement of the pivot element from the insertion position into the operating position is opposite to the direction of rotation of the further carrier tape draw roller. In this way it can be achieved that when the label printer is in operation, the carrier tape guided through between the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller pulls the pivot element in the direction of the operating position and counteracts pivoting in the direction of the insertion position.

The pivot element can be designed to be removable from the label printer. This enables the swivel element to be replaced quickly and easily in the event of a defect. In addition, the label printer can easily be converted or slimmed down to a label printer without the further drive by the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller. The further carrier tape draw roller can be retained as a non-driven deflection roller during the conversion and for this purpose it can be mechanically decoupled from a driving motor, which can also be removed. In addition, the label printer can already be made available from the factory in the slimmed-down form as a more cost-effective variant, in particular if a customer does not need to operate the label printer at a higher carrier tape speed. The label printer can therefore be used flexibly.

In principle, the label printer can have a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the first carrier tape pull roller, and optionally the pressure roller and / or a carrier tape take-up roller, being operated in the first operating mode at a higher rotational speed than in the second operating mode . The label printer can then be operated either in a high-speed mode (first operating mode) or in a normal-speed mode (second operating mode). In particular, it can be provided that the first operating mode is selected when the further carrier tape pull roller is driven and the further carrier tape pressure roller is present, and the second operating mode is selected when the label printer is in a slimmed-down form as explained above.

In particular, the counter-element can be designed as a sliding plate, in particular a metallic one and / or provided with a damping element, in particular a felt. Due to its diameter, a printing roller as a counter element requires a certain distance between the printing area and an immediately downstream dispensing or peeling edge of the label printer. It is then possible that when a leading label is detached from the dispensing edge, a trailing label has already partially passed through the printing area, so that so-called near-edge printing on the leading label edge is not possible without further measures. To prevent this, either the carrier tape has to be reversed briefly, which leads to a loss of speed and thus the throughput of printed labels, or the labels have to be arranged at a greater distance from one another, which is associated with higher costs. If the counter-element is designed as a sliding plate, the distance between the printing area and the dispensing edge can be smaller, so that near-edge printing is possible without further measures having to be taken. The damping element can be provided in order to compensate for tolerances of the slide plate and / or of the print head and / or to avoid damaging the printhead when lowering in the direction of the sliding plate.

The label printer can have an operating mode in which the print head is adjusted alternately between a position lowered onto the carrier tape, which is preferably assumed for printing a label, and a position raised from the carrier tape, which is preferably assumed between the printing of two consecutive labels becomes. By taking off in the meantime when the printhead is not printing, the printhead can be protected. In the case of a thermal transfer printhead, thermal transfer ribbon can also be saved. The printhead can be lifted off in particular with a counter-element, as explained above, which is designed as a sliding plate. When using a pressure roller as a counter element, the print head is usually not lifted off, since the driven pressure roller usually also requires a corresponding element in order to generate sufficient pressure and propulsion force on the carrier tape.

In the operating mode, the carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape tension roller, and optionally a carrier tape take-up roller, are preferably operated at a higher rotational speed when the printhead is raised than when the printhead is lowered. For this purpose, the carrier tape must be braked and accelerated alternately between the printing of successive labels. The carrier tape can be accelerated more strongly by the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller than would be the case with a printer known from the prior art without the further drive by the further carrier tape tension roller and the further carrier tape pressure roller, so that a speed advantage can also be achieved in this regard. This can be the case in particular when decorative labels, that is to say preprinted, in particular colored labels, are used that only extend over a small area are printed in the transport direction of the carrier tape with weight data, expiry number, batch number and / or the like, ie when labels are not printed over large areas, for example over more than 5 cm. The printhead can be lifted off in the areas of the labels that are not to be printed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the label printer is a thermal transfer label printer and is designed to receive a thermal transfer ribbon, in particular wound on a roll, which can be passed between the printhead and the counter-element and, in particular, can be transported along a predetermined thermal transfer ribbon transport path, with a drive mechanism for the thermal transfer ribbon a driven, in particular stationary, thermal transfer ribbon pull roller is provided, wherein the label printer comprises a non-driven thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller assigned to the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller, and the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller after the print head and in the direction of transport of the thermal transfer ribbon the counter element are arranged. With a direct thermal label printer, a thermal transfer ribbon, a thermal transfer ribbon draw roller and a thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller are not required.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a common motor is provided which drives both the carrier tape pull roller and the thermal transfer tape pull roller, the thermal transfer tape pull roller preferably being driven indirectly via the carrier tape pull roller and / or by interposing a slip clutch and / or a gear becomes. As a result, the carrier tape draw roller and the thermal transfer ribbon draw roller are mechanically synchronized with one another and only one motor is required to drive the two draw rollers. This is inexpensive. The gearing allows the carrier ribbon draw roller and the thermal transfer ribbon draw roller to rotate at a fixed rotational speed ratio are driven to each other, and the slip clutch can compensate for variations in the rotational speed of the carrier tape draw roller and / or the thermal transfer ribbon draw roller. The common motor can also drive a thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller, which is preferably driven indirectly via the slip clutch and / or the transmission and / or through the interposition of a further slip clutch. Another slip clutch for the thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller is advantageous, since more and more returning thermal transfer ribbon is wound onto the core of the thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller during operation and the effective diameter of the thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller increases over time.

In principle, a carrier tape take-up roller that is driven, in particular stationary, and / or a driven, in particular stationary, thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller can be provided, which is driven, in particular, by its own motor. In principle, the carrier tape take-up roller and / or the thermal transfer tape take-up roller can also be formed externally of the label printer.

The additional carrier tape draw roller can be driven by its own motor. The power of the motor of the carrier tape draw roller then does not have to be shared with other driven rollers. In addition, the general rule is that the printing roller can be driven by its own motor.

The carrier tape draw roller, the further carrier tape tension roller and the pressure roller and optionally a carrier tape take-up roller can be driven by motors different from one another, the motors being electronically synchronized with one another by a corresponding control. More power can be achieved overall with several motors.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are also described in the subclaims, the description and the drawing.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Etikettendrucker zum Bedrucken von auf einem Trägerband aufgebrachten Etiketten gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit einer Druckkopfeinheit, einer Führungseinheit für das Trägerband und einem Hochgeschwindigkeitsantrieb, die sich jeweils in einer Betriebsstellung befinden,

Fig. 2

einen erfindungsgemäßen Etikettendrucker gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit einer alternativen Führungseinheit, die sich in einer Einsetzstellung für das Trägerband befindet,

Fig. 3

den Etikettendrucker aus Fig. 2, wobei sich zusätzlich die Druckkopfeinheit in einer Einsetzstellung für ein Thermotransferband befindet,

Fig. 4

den Etikettendrucker aus Fig. 1, wobei sich der Hochgeschwindigkeitsantrieb in einer Einsetzstellung für das Trägerband befindet,

Fig. 5

den Etikettendrucker aus Fig. 1, wobei sowohl die Druckkopfeinheit als auch die Führungseinheit abgenommen sind,

Fig. 6

eine rückwärtige Ansicht des Etikettendruckers aus Fig. 1 auf den Antrieb des Etikettendruckers,

Fig. 7

die Führungseinheit aus Fig. 1 in Einzeldarstellung mit zwei Andruckrollen, einer zugehörigen Halterung und einer Federeinrichtung,

Fig. 8

die alternative Führungseinheit aus Fig. 2 in Einzeldarstellung mit zwei Andruckrollen, einer zugehörigen Halterung und einer Federeinrichtung,

Fig. 9

die zwei Andruckrollen und die Federeinrichtung aus Fig. 7 oder 8,

Fig. 10

einen Haltearm der Halterung aus Fig. 7 oder 8,

Fig. 11

die Druckkopfeinheit aus Fig. 1 oder 2 in Einzeldarstellung, und

Fig. 12

eine alternative Druckkopfeinheit.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it,

Fig. 1

a label printer according to the invention for printing labels applied to a carrier tape according to a first embodiment with a print head unit, a guide unit for the carrier tape and a high-speed drive, each of which is in an operating position,

Fig. 2

a label printer according to the invention according to a second embodiment with an alternative guide unit which is in an insertion position for the carrier tape,

Fig. 3

the label printer Fig. 2 , with the printhead unit also being in an insertion position for a thermal transfer ribbon,

Fig. 4

the label printer Fig. 1 with the high-speed drive in an insertion position for the carrier tape,

Fig. 5

the label printer Fig. 1 with both the print head unit and the guide unit removed,

Fig. 6

a rear view of the label maker Fig. 1 on the drive of the label printer,

Fig. 7

the guide unit Fig. 1 in an individual representation with two pressure rollers, an associated holder and a spring device,

Fig. 8

the alternative guide unit Fig. 2 in an individual representation with two pressure rollers, an associated holder and a spring device,

Fig. 9

the two pressure rollers and the spring device Fig. 7 or 8 ,

Fig. 10

a holding arm of the bracket Fig. 7 or 8 ,

Fig. 11

the printhead assembly Fig. 1 or 2 in individual representation, and

Fig. 12

an alternative printhead assembly.

The in Fig. 1 The illustrated label printer 11 for printing labels applied to a carrier tape 12 and wound on a roll comprises a print head unit 13 with a print head 15 and a guide unit 17 for the carrier tape 12, which has a counter element 19 to the print head 15. The carrier tape 12 with the labels is passed through between the print head 15 and the counter element 19 when the label printer 11 is in operation. The counter element 19 is provided to hold the carrier tape 12 with the labels in contact with the print head 15 in order to ensure the printing of the labels.

In addition, the label printer 11 comprises a drive mechanism for the carrier tape 12 with a driven, fixedly mounted carrier tape pull roller 21 to which two non-driven carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are assigned, each of which is a part of the guide unit 17. The carrier tape draw roller 21 and the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are provided to transport the carrier tape 12 along a predetermined carrier tape transport path. For this purpose, the carrier tape 12 is placed between the carrier tape draw roller 21 and the respective carrier tape pressure roller 23 passed through. The two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 each press the carrier tape 12 against the carrier tape tension roller 21, so that a sufficient contact pressure and propulsion force is generated on the carrier tape 12. The carrier tape 12 is unwound from a label roll 39 and is wound up by a driven, fixedly mounted carrier tape winding roller 41.

Specifically, an intermediate space is formed between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 in which the carrier tape tension roller 21 engages, so that the carrier tape transport path between the carrier tape tension roller 21 and the respective carrier tape pressure roller 23 runs in an S-shape, so that in This area results in a double S-shaped course of the carrier tape transport path. The carrier tape pull roller 21 and the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are seen in the transport direction 25 of the carrier tape 12 behind the print head 15 and the counter element 19 and behind a dispensing edge 27 immediately downstream of the print head 15 and the counter element 19.

The guide unit 17 comprises an angle element 29 which has a horizontally oriented first angle arm 31 and a second angle arm 33 oriented obliquely upward. The counter element 19 is arranged on the first angle arm 31, and the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are arranged on the second angle arm 33. The angle enclosed by the two angle arms 31, 33 has a value of approximately 130 °. To adapt the carrier tape transport path to the angular configuration of the angle element 29, the guide unit 17 further comprises a deflection roller 35, which is arranged on the inside, at the apex of the angle element 29, and a further deflection roller 37, which is arranged on the outside, at the apex of the angle element 29.

The in Fig. 1 The label printer 11 shown is designed as a thermal transfer label printer, ie the print head 15 is a thermal transfer print head. The label printer 11 thus also has a drive mechanism for a thermal transfer ribbon 44 wound on a roll. The drive mechanism for the thermal transfer ribbon 44 comprises a driven, stationary thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45, to which a non-driven thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 is assigned, which is part of the print head unit 13 is. The thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 presses the thermal transfer ribbon 44 against the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45, so that a sufficient pressing and propulsive force is generated on the thermal transfer ribbon 44. In operation of the label printer 11, the thermal transfer ribbon 44 is transported along a predetermined thermal transfer ribbon transport path and is passed between the print head 15 and the counter element 19 on the one hand and between the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45 and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 on the other. The thermal transfer ribbon 44 is unwound from a thermal transfer ribbon roll 49 and wound up by a driven, stationary thermal transfer ribbon winding roller 51. The thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45 and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 are arranged after the print head 15 and the counter element 19, as seen in the transport direction 133 of the thermal transfer ribbon 44.

How out Fig. 1 is recognizable is in the in Fig. 1 shown operating position of the guide unit 17 changing the label roll 39 is time-consuming, since the carrier tape 12 of the new label roll has to be threaded laboriously between the print head 15 and the counter element 19 on the one hand and between the carrier tape pull roller 21 and the respective carrier tape pressure roller 23 on the other hand, since the The distance between the print head 15 and the counter element 19 on the one hand and between the carrier tape tension roller 21 and each of the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 on the other hand is at least not sufficiently large.

Therefore, the guide unit 17 from its in the Fig. 1 and 4th operating position shown counterclockwise to its in the Fig. 2 and 3 shown insertion position be pivoted for the carrier tape 12. For this purpose, the guide unit 17, in particular the angle element 29, is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 53. In the inserted position of the guide unit 17, the counter element 19 is pivoted away from the print head 15 and the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are pivoted away from the carrier tape pull roller 21, so that the distance between the counter element 19 and the print head 15 and between the two carrier tape Pressure rollers 23 and the carrier tape draw roller 21 enlarged. In particular, when the guide unit 17 is in the inserted position, the carrier tape draw roller 21 is - in relative terms - completely withdrawn from the space formed between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23. The carrier tape 12 of the new carrier tape roll can then simply be inserted.

The same applies to a change of the thermal transfer ribbon roll 49. This change is also in the in Fig. 1 , 2 and 4th The operating position of the print head unit 13 shown is time-consuming, since the thermal transfer ribbon 44 of the new thermal transfer ribbon roll has to be threaded through laboriously between the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45 and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47, since the distance between the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45 and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 is at least not sufficiently large is.

Therefore, the print head unit 13 can also be from its in the Fig. 1 , 2 and 4th operating position shown clockwise to its in Fig. 3 Insertion position shown for the thermal transfer ribbon 44 can be pivoted. For this purpose, the printhead unit 13 is mounted pivotably about a printhead unit pivot axis 55. In the inserted position of the printhead unit 13, the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 is pivoted away from the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45, so that the distance between the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller 47 and the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller 45 increases. The thermal transfer ribbon 44 of the new thermal transfer ribbon roll can then simply be inserted.

The insertion of the thermal transfer ribbon 44 in the area of the print head 15 and the counter element 19 does not cause any difficulties because the print head 15 and the counter element 19 already occupy a sufficiently large distance from one another due to the pivoting of the guide unit 17. In principle, however, this can also be provided differently. In order to then be able to easily insert the thermal transfer ribbon 44 in the area of the print head 15 and the counter element 19, the swiveling of the print head unit 13 should preferably take place in such a way that the print head 15 is swiveled away from the counter element 19, as in the embodiments shown in the figures is also the case.

In addition, a holding device 57 is provided which either holds the guide unit 17 in the operating position, i.e. secures it against pivoting into the inserted position, or enables it to pivot into the inserted position. The holding device 57 comprises a lever 59 which is mounted on the print head unit 13 and which can be rotated about an axis 61 between a holding position and a release position. In the holding position, the guide unit 17 is secured in the operating position; in the release position, which the lever 59 reaches by pivoting clockwise, the guide unit 17 is released for pivoting into the insertion position.

The lever 59 has a recess 63 at its free end and the guide unit 17 has a protruding mushroom-shaped pin 65 (cf. Fig. 2 ). If the guide unit 17 is in its operating position and the lever 59 is in its holding position, the lever 59 with the recess 63 hooks into the pin 65 of the guide unit 17. As a result, the guide unit 17 can be held in its operating position. It is then not possible to pivot it into its insertion position. In order to fix the lever 59 in its holding position, a knurled screw 67 is provided (cf. Fig. 2 ), which can be operated by hand. The axis of the knurled screw 67 coincides with the axis 61 of the lever 59.

In addition, a locking device in the form of a manually operable blocking pin 69 forming the axis 61 of the lever 59 is provided (cf. Fig. 2 ), by means of which the print head unit 13 can be fixed in its operating position. Thus, the print head unit 13 can also be secured in its operating position by a technical measure. The blocking pin 69 is adjustable along its longitudinal axis between a blocking position and an unlocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking pin 69 engages in a blocking opening 139 formed in an upright support 79 of the label printer 11 (cf. Fig. 5 ), so that pivoting of the print head unit 13 is prevented. If, on the other hand, the blocking pin 69 is displaced forward into its unlocked position along its longitudinal axis against the bias of a spring (not shown), in particular pulled, the print head unit 13 is released. The print head unit 13 can then be pivoted into its insertion position.

Furthermore, the drive mechanism for the carrier tape 12 comprises a further driven, fixedly mounted carrier tape tension roller 71 and a non-driven carrier tape pressure roller 73 assigned to the further carrier tape tension roller 71, which, viewed in the transport direction of the carrier tape 12, is in front of the print head 15 and the counter element 19 are arranged. The further carrier tape pressure roller 73 presses the carrier tape 12 against the further carrier tape tension roller 71, so that a pressing and propulsive force is generated on the carrier tape 44.

Because the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 are connected upstream of the print head 15 and the counter element 19, the carrier tape 12 can be transported at a higher speed along the carrier tape transport path than without the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and without the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 would be the case. The further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 are located namely closer to the label roll 39 than the carrier tape pull roller 21 and the carrier tape pressure rollers 23 and can therefore pull the carrier tape 12 more easily from the label roll 39. In particular, no force has to be used for the sharp deflection of the carrier tape 12 at the dispensing edge 27 when it is pulled off. The label throughput can thereby be increased.

In order not to have to thread the carrier tape 12 laboriously between the further carrier tape tension roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 when changing the label roll 39, the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 is part of a pivot element 75 which is positioned around a further pivot axis 77 between an operating position (cf. Figs. 1 to 3 ) and an insertion position for the carrier tape 12 (cf. Fig. 4 ) is pivotably mounted. Analogous to the situation described above with regard to the pivotable guide unit 17 as well as the carrier tape pull roller 21 and the carrier tape pressure rollers 23, the carrier tape 12 can be passed between the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 in the operating position of the pivot element 75 and can be transported along the carrier tape transport path and, in the insertion position for the carrier tape 12, the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 is pivoted away from the further carrier tape pull roller 71.

The pivoting element 75 is used to "open" the carrier tape transport path from the into the Figs. 1 to 3 operating position shown upwards and to "close" the carrier tape transport path from the in Fig. 4 Insertion position shown pivoted downwards. The carrier tape 12 is transported downward by the further carrier tape draw roller 71 rotating in the clockwise direction, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is shown on the basis of the transport direction 25 of the carrier tape 12. The direction of rotation of the pivoting movement of the pivoting element 75 from the insertion position into the operating position is therefore opposite to the direction of rotation of the further carrier tape draw roller 71. Ultimately, this means that when the label printer 11 the carrier tape 12 pulls the pivot element 75 in the direction of the operating position and thus counteracts pivoting in the direction of the insertion position.

The pivot element 75 with the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 can be detachable from the label printer 11, and the further carrier tape pull roller 71 can be mechanically decoupled from its motor and can be used as a mere deflection roller. The label printer 11 can then be converted into a variant without the further drive. Alternatively, the variant can also be offered ex works without the additional drive. In both cases it is preferred if the label printer 11 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is selected when the further drive, i.e. the further carrier tape tension roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73, is or are present. This is then a high-speed mode. The second operating mode is selected when the further drive is missing, i.e. when the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 has been removed or is missing from the start and the further carrier tape tension roller 71 is mechanically decoupled from an associated motor or this is missing from the start. This is then a normal speed mode.

In addition, the label printer 11 can have an operating mode in which the print head 15 is adjusted alternately between a position lowered onto the carrier tape 12 and a position raised from the carrier tape 12. In the lowered position, a label can be printed in the respective printing area, and the raised position is assumed between the printing of two consecutive labels in the respective printing areas. In the areas in which the respective label is not printed, the print head 15 can assume the raised position. In this case, in the raised position of the print head 15, the carrier tape pull roller 21, the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the carrier tape take-up roller 41 with a higher Rotational speed can be operated than when the print head 15 is in the lowered position. For this purpose, the carrier tape 12 must be braked and accelerated alternately between the printing of successive printing areas. This can be particularly useful when decorative labels are used that are not printed over large areas. By providing the further carrier tape draw roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73, the carrier tape 12 can be accelerated more strongly than otherwise possible. The printhead 15 can be lifted off in particular when a sliding plate 19 ″ (see FIG Fig. 2 , 3 and 8th ) is used.

The print head unit 13 and the guide unit 17 are each designed as an exchangeable module and can each be removed from the label printer 11, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown. For this purpose, a first receptacle 81 for the print head unit 13 and a second receptacle 83 for the guide unit 17 protrude from the carrier plate 79. The two receptacles 81, 83 are each designed as a horizontally oriented holding mandrel in the form of a round rod. The two receptacles 81, 83 are fastened to the carrier plate 79 at one end, and the printhead unit 13 or the guide unit 17 can be pushed onto the receptacles 81, 83 from the respective other, cantilevered end.

The printhead unit 13 can be received by the first receptacle 81 regardless of whether the guide unit 17 is received by the second receptacle 83 or removed therefrom, and vice versa, that is, the guide unit 17 can be received by the first receptacle regardless of whether the printhead unit 13 81 is received or removed, can be received by the second receptacle 83. In order to fasten the print head unit 13 or the guide unit 17 to the respective receptacle 81, 83, a knurled screw 85, 87 is provided in each case (cf. Fig. 4 ), which can be released by hand, so that the Print head unit 13 and the guide unit 17 can be attached and removed quickly and easily.

Two different printhead units 13 and two different guide units 17 are available for the label printer 11, the label printer 11, in particular the two receptacles 81, 83, receiving or receiving one of the two printhead units 13 and one of the two guide units 17 in the assembled and operational state . take up. The first of the two print head units 13 has a print head 15, which is designed as a thermal transfer print head 15 ', as it is in the Figs. 1 to 4 and 11 is shown. The second of the two print head units 13 has a print head 15 which is designed as a direct thermal print head 15 ″, as shown in FIG Fig. 12 is shown. The printhead unit 13 with the direct thermal printhead 15 ″ does not have a thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller. The first of the two guide units 17 has, as a counter element 19, a driven pressure roller 19 ′, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 , 4th and 7th is shown. The second of the two guide units 17 has, as a counter element 19, a sliding plate 19 ″ made of metal and provided with a damping element 89, as already mentioned above and in the Fig. 2 , 3 and 8th is shown. The damping element 89 is a felt between 0.5 mm and 1 mm thick, which is provided to compensate for any tolerances of the sliding plate 19 "and the pressure head 15 and to avoid damage to the printing head 15 when it is lowered in the direction of the hard sliding plate 19". For fixation, the damping element 89 is staked with a plastic part 137.

The thermal transfer print head 15 'can be operated together with the thermal transfer ribbon 44 in order to print using the thermal transfer printing method. Such prints are particularly durable. The thermal transfer print head 15 ′ can in principle also print using the thermal direct method, that is to say without thermal transfer ribbon 44. The thermal transfer print head 15 'can thus be used flexibly, but it is also expensive. The direct thermal print head 15 "can only print in the direct thermal process and is therefore cheaper. The pressure roller 19 'is arranged at a certain distance from the dispensing edge 27 due to its diameter. Therefore, by the time a leading label at the dispensing edge 27 detaches from the carrier tape 12, a trailing label has already partially passed under the printhead 15, so that a near-edge print on the leading label edge is not possible without further measures. To prevent this, either the carrier tape has to be reversed briefly - with a loss of speed - or the labels have to be arranged at a greater distance from one another - associated with higher costs. However, this problem that the print head 15 is too far away from the dispensing edge 27 does not arise with the slide plate 19 ″, so that near-edge prints are easily possible here. The slide plate 19 ″ with the felt, however, is less durable and therefore more expensive.

With the two different print head units 13 and the two different guide units 17, there is a set of mutually different accessories for the label printer 11. Thus, only a single label printer 11 is required for printing with different equipment (thermal transfer print head or thermal direct print head, print roller or slide plate). In total, four different constellations are possible, which can be used as required, in particular depending on the respective type of label and / or the desired printing. The label printer 11 can thus be configured flexibly.

The carrier tape take-up roller 41 is driven by its own motor, not shown. The drive device of the remaining rollers 19 ', 21, 45, 51, 71 of the label printer 11, however, is from the Fig. 6 can be seen, which shows a rear view of the carrier plate 79.

The drive device initially comprises a first motor 91 which drives the carrier tape draw roller 21 via a toothed belt 93. The first motor 91 also drives the thermal transfer ribbon draw roller 45 indirectly via the carrier tape draw roller 21, a further toothed belt 95, a slip clutch 97 and a gear 99. The transmission 99 also drives the thermal transfer ribbon winding roller 51 with the interposition of a further slip clutch 101. The first motor 91 is therefore a common motor for the carrier tape pull roller 21, the thermal transfer tape pull roller 45 and the thermal transfer tape take-up roller 51, which are thus mechanically synchronized with one another.

Furthermore, the drive device comprises a second motor 103, which drives the further carrier tape tension roller 71 via a further toothed belt 105, provided that the further drive with the further carrier tape tension roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 is present, and a third motor 107, which drives the pressure roller 19 'via two further toothed belts 109, 111 connected one behind the other and two subsequent, interlocking gears 113, 115, provided that the guide unit 17 with the pressure roller 19' is inserted. The gear 113 is attached to the rear of the carrier plate 79 (see Fig. 5 and 6th ), and the gear 115 on the guide unit 17 with the pressure roller 19 '(cf. Fig. 7 ). If the further drive is not available, the second motor 103 can also be omitted. If the guide unit 17 is inserted with the slide plate 19 ″, no gear 115 is provided (cf. Fig. 8 ).

The second motor 103 is a separate motor of the further carrier tape draw roller 71, and the third motor 107 is a separate motor of the pressure roller 19 '. Basically, a dedicated motor is a motor that only drives one roller. The carrier tape draw roller 21, the further carrier tape tension roller 71, the pressure roller 19 'and the carrier tape take-up roller 41 are thus driven by motors 91, which are different from one another. 103, 107, which, however, are electronically synchronized with one another by a corresponding control in order to ensure coordinated operation of the carrier tape draw roller 21, the further carrier tape draw roller 71, the pressure roller 19 'and the carrier tape take-up roller 41.

In Fig. 7 the guide unit 17 with the pressure roller 19 'is shown, and in FIG Fig. 8 the guide unit 17 is shown with the slide plate 19 ″. The second angle arm 33 of the angle element 29, which is identical in both cases, has a holder 117 with two fork-shaped holding arms 119, between which the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 can be linearly displaced with their two axial ends In the operating position of the guide unit 17, the carrier tape pull roller 21 is arranged between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23. The carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are each perpendicular to their axis of rotation, which runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the carrier tape pull roller 21, mounted displaceably, namely in the operating position of the guide unit 17 in a displacement direction towards the carrier tape draw roller 21.

A spring device 121 is provided for exerting a pressing force on the carrier tape 12 in the operating position of the guide unit 17 (cf. Figures 7 to 9 ), which biases, in particular pulls, the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 each in their direction of displacement and thus towards one another. By means of the spring device 121, a particularly suitable contact pressure and thus feed force can be generated automatically on the carrier tape 12.

In the two holding arms 119, of which in Fig. 10 the in the Figures 7 and 8 Rear holding arm 119 is shown, two guide tracks 123 are provided, each of which is designed as a rectangular, straight slot. In the guide tracks 123 which pass through the holding arms 119, the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are each guided displaceably with their two axial ends. For this purpose, the axial ends of the carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are in each case provided with a sliding block 125 (cf. Fig. 9 ), which is guided displaceably in the respective guide track 123. The in Fig. 10 shown and in the Figures 7 and 8 rear bracket arm 119 has in comparison to that in the Figures 7 and 8 The front holding arm 119 has a recess 135 in order to enable the carrier tape pulling roller 21 to reach through in the operating position of the guide unit 17.

Specifically, the spring device 121 comprises two tension springs 127, which are each arranged outside the space formed between the two holding arms 119 and each resting against one of the two holding arms 119. In the Figures 7 and 8 only one of the two tension springs 127 can be seen. One of the two tension springs 127 acts on one of the two axial ends of one carrier tape pressure roller 23 and on the axial end of the other carrier tape pressure roller 23 on the same side, and the other tension spring 127 on the other two axial ends. The tension springs 127 are each designed as an elongated bent wire part which runs in a plane and is not wound, ie has no windings. The respective tension spring 127 is designed in the shape of a hook at its two wire ends, so that it can easily be attached to the two axial ends of the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 lying on the same side.

When pivoting the guide unit 17 from the in the Fig. 2 and 3 Insertion position shown in the Fig. 1 and 4th The operating position shown, the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are pressed apart by the carrier tape tension roller 21 and against the bias of the spring device 121, ie the distance between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 increases. The operating position of the guide unit 17 can be reached in particular when the carrier tape pulling roller 21 is approximately at the level of the connecting straight lines perpendicular to the two axes of rotation of the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23, or it can already be reached beforehand. However, it can also be provided that the carrier tape draw roller 21 - seen in relative terms - is pivoted over this connecting line into the space. The pivoting movement of the guide unit 17 is then divided into a first phase in which the carrier tape tension roller 21 is pivoted - in relative terms - up to the connecting straight line, and into a second phase following the first phase in which the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 are shifted towards each other again by the pretensioned spring device 121, whereby the distance between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 is reduced again. There is thus a type of latching between the two carrier tape pressure rollers 23 and the carrier tape pull roller 21, whereby the guide unit 17 can be held in the operating position.

In addition, the guide unit 17 comprises a sensor 129 for recognizing the labels, in particular an optical sensor, in particular a light barrier (cf. Fig. 2 ), which, viewed in the transport direction 25 of the carrier tape 12, is arranged between the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 on the one hand and the print head 15 and the counter element 19 on the other hand. The label sensor 129 is provided to detect the leading edges of the labels in order to synchronize the drive of the carrier tape 12 with the control for the print head 15. With the label sensor 129, in particular white labels, decorative labels and transparent labels with black marks on the carrier tape 12 can be detected.

Transparent labels that are applied to a carrier tape 12 without black marks, on the other hand, cannot be recognized by the label sensor 129. A further sensor 131, namely an ultrasonic sensor, is provided to detect such labels (cf. Fig. 2 ), which, viewed in the transport direction 25 of the carrier tape 12, is arranged between the further carrier tape tension roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 on the one hand and the print head 15 and the counter element 19 on the other hand.

To change the label roll 39, starting from the operating position of the label printer in FIG Fig. 1 First the knurled screw 67 is loosened, then the lever 59 is pivoted clockwise into its release position in order to release the hooking with the guide unit 17, and then the guide unit 15 is pivoted counterclockwise into its insertion position for the carrier tape 12. If the further drive with the further carrier tape pull roller 71 and the further carrier tape pressure roller 73 is present, the pivot element 75 must also be pivoted clockwise into its insertion position for the carrier tape 12. This can be done at any time. The used carrier tape 12 can then be removed from the label printer 11 and the new carrier tape can simply be inserted or inserted into the label printer 11 from the front.

To change the thermal transfer ribbon roll 49, the steps explained above for changing the label roll 39 are first carried out, possibly with the exception of pivoting the optional pivoting element 75. Then the blocking pin 69 is pulled forward and the printhead unit 13 can be moved clockwise into its insertion position for the thermal transfer ribbon 44 can be pivoted. The used thermal transfer ribbon 44 can then be removed from the label printer 11 and the new thermal transfer ribbon can simply be inserted or inserted into the label printer 11 from the front.

To change or replace the guide unit 17, the steps explained above for changing the label roll 39 are first carried out, possibly with the exception of pivoting the optional pivoting element 75. Then the knurled screw 87 is loosened and the guide unit 17 can be pulled forward and through another guide unit can be replaced.

To change or replace the print head unit 13, the steps explained above for changing the thermal transfer ribbon roll 49 are first carried out, possibly with the exception of pivoting the optional pivoting element 75. Then the knurled screw 85 is loosened and the printing head unit 13 can be pulled off and through another printhead assembly can be replaced.

The label printer explained above is easy to operate and can be used flexibly.

List of reference symbols

11

Label printer

12th

Carrier tape

13th

Printhead assembly

15th

Printhead

15 '

Thermal transfer printhead

15 "

Direct thermal print head

17th

Guide unit

19th

Counter element

19 '

Pressure roller

19 "

Sliding plate

21

Carrier tape pull roller

23

Carrier tape pressure roller

25th

Transport direction

27

Dispensing edge

29

Angle element

31, 33

Angle arm

35, 37

Pulley

39

Label roll

41

Carrier tape take-up roller

44

Thermal transfer ribbon

45

Thermal transfer ribbon draw roller

47

Thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller

49

Thermal transfer ribbon roll

51

Thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller

53

Swivel axis

55

Print head unit pivot axis

57

Holding device

59

lever

61

axis

63

Recess

65

pen

67

Knurled screw

69

Locking pin

71

another carrier tape draw roller

73

additional carrier tape pressure roller

75

Swivel element

77

further swivel axis

79

Carrier plate

81

first shot

83

second shot

85

Knurled screw

87

Knurled screw

89

Damping element

91

first engine

93

Timing belt

95

further toothed belt

97

Slip clutch

99

transmission

101

another slip clutch

103

second engine

105

another toothed belt

107

third engine

109

another toothed belt

111

another toothed belt

113

gear

115

gear

117

bracket

119

Holding arm

121

Spring device

123

Guideway

125

Sliding block

127

Tension spring

129

optical sensor

131

Ultrasonic sensor

133

Transport direction

135

Recess

137

Plastic part

139

Locking opening

Claims (14)

Label printer for printing labels applied to a carrier tape (12), in particular wound on a roll, comprising a print head (15) and a counter element (19) to the print head (15), which is designed to hold the carrier tape (12) with the labels in contact with the print head (15), in particular a driven print roller (19 ') , wherein the carrier tape (12) can be passed between the print head (15) and the counter element (19), a drive mechanism for the carrier tape (12) with a driven carrier tape pull roller (21) and at least one of the carrier tape pull roller (21) assigned, non-driven carrier tape pressure roller (23), the carrier tape (12) between the carrier tape pull roller ( 21) and the respective carrier tape pressure roller (23) can be passed through and, in particular, can be transported along a predetermined carrier tape transport path, the carrier tape tension roller (21) and the respective carrier tape pressure roller (23) being arranged after the print head (15) and the counter element (19), viewed in the transport direction (25) of the carrier tape (12), characterized,
that the drive mechanism for the carrier tape (12) comprises a further driven carrier tape tension roller (71) and a further non-driven carrier tape pressure roller (73) assigned to the further carrier tape tension roller (71) is provided, the carrier tape (12) between the further carrier tape draw roller (21) and the further carrier tape pressure roller (23) can be passed through and in particular along the specified carrier tape transport path can be transported, and the further carrier tape tension roller (71) and the further carrier tape pressure roller (73) in front of the print head (15) and the counter element (19), seen in the transport direction (25) of the carrier tape (12) are arranged. Label printer according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the further carrier tape pressure roller (73) is part of a pivoting element (75) which is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis (77) between an operating position and an insertion position for the carrier tape (12), wherein in the operating position of the pivoting element (75) the Carrier tape (12) can be passed through between the further carrier tape draw roller (71) and the further carrier tape pressure roller (73) and, in particular, can be transported along the predetermined carrier tape transport path, and in the inserted position the further carrier tape pressure roller (73) is separated from the other Carrier tape pull roller (71) is pivoted away. Label printer according to claim 2,
characterized,
that the direction of rotation of the pivoting movement of the pivoting element (75) from the insertion position into the operating position is opposite to the direction of rotation of the further carrier tape draw roller (71). Label printer according to claim 2 or 3,
characterized,
that the pivot element (75) is designed to be removable from the label printer (11). Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the label printer (11) has a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein the first carrier tape tension roller (21), and optionally the pressure roller (19 ') and / or a carrier tape winding roller (41), in the first operating mode with a higher rotational speed than is operated in the second operating mode. Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the counter element (19) is designed as a slide plate (19 ″), in particular a metallic one and / or provided with a damping element (89), in particular a felt. Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the label printer (11) has an operating mode in which the print head (15) alternates between a position lowered onto the carrier tape (12), which is preferably assumed for printing a label, and a position raised from the carrier tape (12), which is preferably taken between the printing of two consecutive labels, is adjusted. Label printer according to claim 7,
characterized,
that in the operating mode the carrier tape pull roller (21) and the further carrier tape pull roller (71), and optionally a carrier tape take-up roller (41), are operated at a higher rotational speed when the print head (15) is in the raised position than in the lowered position Printhead (15). Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the label printer (11) is a thermal transfer label printer and is designed to receive a thermal transfer ribbon (44) wound in particular on a roll, which can be passed between the print head (15) and the counter element (19) and can be transported in particular along a predetermined thermal transfer ribbon transport path , wherein a drive mechanism for the thermal transfer ribbon (44) with a driven thermal transfer ribbon draw roller (45) is provided, the label printer (11) comprising a non-driven thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller (47) assigned to the thermal transfer ribbon draw roller (45), and wherein seen in the transport direction (133) of the thermal transfer ribbon (44) the thermal transfer ribbon pull roller (45) and the thermal transfer ribbon pressure roller (47) are arranged after the print head (15) and the counter element (19). Label printer according to claim 9,
characterized,
that a common motor (91) is provided, which drives both the carrier tape pull roller (21) and the thermal transfer tape pull roller (45), the thermal transfer tape pull roller (45) preferably indirectly via the carrier tape pull roller (21) and / or is driven by the interposition of a slip clutch (97) and / or a gear (99). Label printer according to claim 10,
characterized,
that the common motor (91) also drives a thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller (51), which is preferably indirectly via the slip clutch (97) and / or the gear (99) and / or through the interposition of a further slip clutch (101) is driven. Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a carrier tape take-up roller (41) and / or a driven thermal transfer ribbon take-up roller (51) is provided, in particular by its own motor. Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the further carrier tape draw roller (71) is driven by its own motor (103). Label printer according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the carrier tape draw roller (21), the further carrier tape tension roller (71) and the pressure roller (19 ') and optionally a carrier tape take-up roller (41) are driven by motors (91, 103, 107) different from one another, the motors (91, 103, 107) are electronically synchronized with one another by a corresponding control.

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