RU2795186C1 - Method of extended object labelling - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: labelling equipment.

SUBSTANCE: technique is described for providing a labelling (101) located around an elongated object (102), preferably around a conductor, closed in the circumferential direction. The device, according to one aspect of this technique, comprises a material interface (156) to receive a printed product (214) dispensed by the printer (200); a data interface (158) to communicate with the printer (200) to provide or place the markings (101); at least one actuator (120; 122), so as to communicate with the printer (200) via said data interface (158), using a printed product (214) issued by the printer (200) to position the markings (101) on the object (102) in a circumferential direction or to provide for a circumferentially closed arrangement; and a memory device (132) which, through said data interface (158), can be read by the printer (200) and is intended to store operating parameters of the provision and arrangement.

EFFECT: effective performance.

23 cl, 10 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a method for marking an elongated object, such as a conductor. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for providing a marking located or capable of being located closed around an elongated object, and a printer for issuing a printed product to such a device.

For the marking of, for example, electrical conductors, label printers are commonly used, which print on a label which, after printing, must then be manually placed on the conductor. US 2003/146943 A1 describes a printer that alternately prints and cuts a label.

Further, special printers are known which can be used for marking conductors. US 2004/0211522 A1 describes a machine that wraps a preprinted wraparound label on a roll around a conductor. From US 2008/0073023 A1, an integrated machine for printing and applying reversible labels with a self-adhesive back around oblong products, such as electrical wires, is known.

However, conventional devices can only print certain labels, and if automated application is integrated, then no other printing applications are possible with such a device.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for a printing system, preferably with the dimensions and portability of a desktop machine, so that this system can be converted in a short time to mark different objects, preferably to mark different conductors. Another, more specific task is to ensure the operability of the printing system, in particular, the device.

This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Appropriate embodiments and preferred modifications of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

The first aspect relates to a device for providing a marking located or configured to be located closed around an elongated object, preferably around a conductor. Said device comprises a mechanical interface for receiving a printed product issued by the printer; a data interface that is designed to communicate with the printer to provide or locate the marking; at least one actuator for, in accordance with communication with the printer through the specified data interface using the printed product issued by the printer, to position the specified marking on the object closed in the circumferential direction or to provide it for the closed in the circumferential direction; and a storage device that can be read by the printer through said data interface and is designed to store the operating parameters of the presentation and location.

Since the operating parameters are stored in the device, the device implementation examples are continuously updated also when the device and/or printer is replaced. Since these operating parameters of the device are available to the printer through the specified data interface, it can (for example, via the printer display or via a computer connected to the printer) indicate these operating parameters and/or warn at or before an error occurs and/or request for maintenance ( for example, current repairs). Optionally, the printer or computer can determine the device component to be replaced from these operating parameters and/or request it from the warehouse via network access.

These operating parameters may include meter readings, states (eg, operating modes), state characteristic measurements and/or state diagrams, or state characteristic measurements of a device, preferably said at least one actuator.

Said storage device may be a non-volatile storage device. This non-volatile storage device may be read-only storage or passive storage. The non-volatile storage device can retain the memorized operating parameters after a power failure.

Said storage device may be designed to store these operating parameters of the provision and/or location, preferably incrementally (for example, in the form of a counter) and/or depending on time, or in a temporal sequence (for example, periodically or because these operating parameters in each case stored together with a timestamp).

Said data interface may be designed to synchronize and/or coordinate the serial and/or event-driven operation of at least one actuator and printer to provide or place a marking. Further, said storage device may be designed to store and/or update these operating parameters in any sequential and/or event-driven mode of operation of said at least one actuator.

This serial and/or event-driven mode of operation may also be referred to as an operation. Such serial and/or event-driven mode of operation may include an operation of said at least one actuator (e.g., cutting a printed product or placing a mark) and/or a printer operation (e.g., sealing a print medium as a print product, or of this printed product or printed media on the material interface). The printer material interface may include a drive for supplying a printed product to be delivered to the material interface.

Said device may be designed to provide or place markings in accordance with communication with the printer. The device can communicate with the printer in two directions.

Such communication over said data interface may comprise confirmation messages received from the printer (e.g., completion of a printer operation) and/or control commands received through said data interface from the printer to locate or provide a mark (e.g., control commands for an operation of said at least one executive mechanism). Alternatively or additionally, such communication may comprise device confirmation messages sent via said data interface (e.g., completion of an operation of said at least one actuator) and/or control commands sent via said data interface from the device to a printer for issuing (preferably for supplying or branch) of the printed product when arranging or providing the marking.

Said device further comprises a control unit or an adjustment unit. This control unit or control unit may be designed to control or adjust said at least one device actuator to provide or position in accordance with communication with the printer through said data interface.

Said control unit or control unit is intended to register the operating parameters of the provision or arrangement and to store them in a storage device. Optionally, these operating parameters may indicate how the device is configured and/or the firmware version of the control unit or control unit of the device.

The specified method of arrangement (arrangement) may also be referred to as application. These operating parameters may indicate the arrangement method, for example, the underlying print media. These operating parameters may indicate the method of placement, such as marking with a sleeve, a film or a wrap-around label.

Said control unit or adjustment unit of the apparatus may be designed to control or regulate the operation (ie operation) of said at least one actuator. Said control unit or adjusting unit of the device can furthermore be designed to register these operating parameters of said at least one actuator during the process of control or regulation of said at least one actuator and/or write it to a memory device.

Said control unit or adjustment unit for providing or locating (arranging) the marking may execute an embedded program.

The first actuator of said at least one actuator may be designed to cut said printed product for marking. The specified printed product may be issued to the material interface in the longitudinal direction from the printer to the device (for example, when feeding forward the printer). The first actuator may be designed to cut the specified printed product in the transverse direction transversely (preferably perpendicular) to the longitudinal direction of the printed product.

The second actuator of said at least one actuator may be designed to place said marking on an object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement by means of a cut printed product.

Said operating parameters may include operating hours or one or more meter readings of said at least one actuator, preferably the number of incisions made by the first actuator and/or the number of markings provided or placed by the second actuator. Alternatively or additionally, these operating parameters may include a change over time of said one or more states.

The operating parameters may include one or more states of said at least one actuator, preferably temperature, electrical voltage and/or electrical current of said at least one actuator. Alternatively or additionally, these operating parameters may include a change over time of said one or more states.

These operating parameters may include one or more measurements of the state characteristics of said at least one actuator, preferably a force-displacement curve (also: force-displacement relationship) of said at least one actuator. Alternatively or additionally, said operating parameters may include a change over time of said one or more state characteristic measurements.

Further, said device may comprise a mechanical interface which is intended to be detachably or permanently attached to the printer. Alternatively or additionally, said device may further comprise an electrical interface which is intended to supply electrical power to a device (preferably said control unit, said control unit and/or said at least one actuator) via the printer. Optionally, these operating parameters may include one or more states of the mechanical interface and/or electrical interface, preferably the lock position of the mechanical interface, and/or electrical voltage of the electrical interface, or a change in time of said one or more states.

Said data interface and/or said electrical interface can be positioned with respect to the mechanical interface so as to be in contact with the printer for communication, respectively, for supplying electrical energy, when said device is attached to the printer by means of the mechanical interface.

The mechanical interface can be locked and/or unlocked electromechanically. Said control unit or said adjustment unit of a device (or a control unit or adjustment unit of a printer) can further be designed to block the mechanical interface before updating the firmware of the device via said data interface and/or after updating the firmware of the device via said interface data to unlock the mechanical interface.

Said control unit or adjustment unit of the device may further be intended to show on a display, preferably a printer user interface, an error or a request for maintenance via said data interface, for example if these operating parameters (preferably one or more meter readings) reach or exceed the limit value.

Said control unit or control unit of the device can furthermore be designed to transmit these operating parameters via said device data interface to a printer and via a printer interface to a central computer (for example, for preventive maintenance of the device).

Optionally, said control unit or control unit of the device can further be designed to receive, via said data interface (and printer interface), from the central computer the failure rates as a function of the meter reading. This function, based on the operating parameters of a plurality of devices, may represent a certain dependency. The specified limit value can be determined using this function according to the threshold value for the failure rate. Preferably said threshold value can be changed via said data interface on the user interface.

The second aspect relates to a printer for dispensing a printed product to a device for providing a marking located or configured to be located closed around an elongated object, preferably around a conductor according to the device aspect (ie the first aspect). The specified printer contains a material interface, which is designed to issue the specified printed product to the specified device; a data interface that is designed to communicate with the device to provide or place a mark; a control unit or an adjustment unit which is designed to control or regulate at least one actuator of the device by means of such communication via said data interface to circumferentially close placement of a marking around an elongate object or to provide circumferentially closed placement of a marking around an elongated object direction of marking using the issued printed product; and a display, preferably a user interface, wherein said control unit or control unit is further adapted to read, through said data interface, operating parameters of the provision or arrangement from the storage device of said device and output via the display, preferably the user interface.

Said display may comprise a touch screen. For example, the display may be a user interface.

Read operating parameters may indicate an error in positioning or labeling. Said control unit or adjustment unit of the printer can be designed to show at least one selectable option for operating the device via the display, depending on these read operating parameters. Said at least one selectable option may include controlling or adjusting said at least one actuator of the device to correct an error or for maintenance.

Said control unit or control unit of the printer may be designed to control or regulate said at least one actuator by communication with the control unit or control unit of the device for providing or locating the marking. Optionally, the operating parameters can show the way the device is positioned (i.e. the specific way the marking is placed, also: application) and/or the firmware version of the control unit or control unit of the device. The specified firmware of the control unit or control unit of the device may also be referred to as the firmware of the device.

Said control unit or adjustment unit of the printer may further be configured to display at least one of the following functions as a selectable option on the user interface and optionally, in response to this option selection, perform the corresponding function via the user interface. The first function includes updating (updating) the firmware of the device, preferably if the printer has access to data on the firmware, the version of which is more current than that specified in the operating parameters. The second function includes a service mode of the device, preferably said at least one actuator of the device using the user interface can be controlled manually or performs a zero position. The third function involves replacing the print media of the printed product, preferably if the print media loaded in the printer is not compatible with the layout specified in the operating parameters.

Said at least one selectable user interface option may include updating the firmware of a device through said data interface, for example, if the printer has access to data on the firmware in a version that is more current than that specified in the operating parameters (briefly : current firmware). For example, these operating parameters contain the device's firmware version number. A device firmware update can be specified and/or selected if the printer has access to data on firmware whose version number is greater than the version number read.

The printer may be able to access data on the current firmware because the current firmware is stored in the printer's storage device, or because the specified printer has access to data (e.g., local storage media) on the actual firmware through an interface, or through network access has access to data on the local computer or on a central computer (for example, a server) that provides the current firmware.

The printer may further comprise a mechanical interface for attaching the device to the printer. The printer may further comprise an electrical interface for supplying the device with electrical power. Said data interface and/or said electrical interface can come into contact with a respective data interface or electrical interface of a device when (for example, due to the relative location when) the device is attached to the printer.

Said printer control or adjustment block may be further configured to read user data in response to said device pinning (e.g., in response to making a contact on a data and/or electrical interface) and/or to indicate a firmware update. providing the device as a selectable option on the user interface, or to perform (eg, without interaction on the user interface), and/or establish compatibility or incompatibility between the specified method of device location and the print media loaded in the printer for the specified printed product, and/or display using the user interface.

Said control unit or adjustment unit of the printer can furthermore be designed to show an error or a request for maintenance by means of a display, preferably a user interface, if the read operating parameters, preferably one or more counter readings, reach or exceed a limit value.

Said control unit or control unit of the printer can then be designed to transmit these operating parameters via the printer interface to the central computer (for example, for preventive maintenance of the device). Optionally, said control unit or printer adjustment unit may be configured to interface with the central computer for the failure rate as a function of a meter reading (eg, based on the operating parameters of a plurality of devices). Said control unit or control unit of the printer may further determine the limit value with this function in accordance with the threshold value for the failure rate. Preferably, this threshold value can be changed using the user interface.

A further aspect relates to a system (also: printing system) for providing a marking located or capable of being placed closed around an elongated object, preferably around a conductor. This system comprises a printer, preferably a thermal transfer (thermal) printer, for dispensing a printed product according to one embodiment of the printer according to the aspect of the invention directed thereto (i.e. the second aspect), and a device according to the device aspect (i.e. . to the first aspect). The respective interfaces of the printer and the device can respectively interact with each other. For example, the material interface may be positioned with respect to the printer so as to receive a printed product issued by the printer.

Alternatively or additionally, said device comprises a print signal interface that is designed to register a control signal for issuing a printed product. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises at least one sensor for registering a control signal to provide a mark. Alternatively or additionally, said at least one actuator is designed to, depending on the control signal for dispensing a printed product and on the control signal for providing a mark using a printed product issued by the printer, position said mark on the object closed in the circumferential direction or provide it for location closed in the circumferential direction.

Said device may be a device for circumferentially closed arrangement of a printed marking around an elongated object, preferably around a conductor.

Said device can be designed as an applicator, a control panel or an upstream device for a printer, in particular a thermal transfer printer. Said device may be interchangeable. On the same printer, the device can optionally be fixed in a variety of different embodiments.

This printer can receive an ID through an interface (such as a network interface or a serial interface). The printer may be designed to use the print material to overprint the received identifier onto the print media. The print media may include an ink ribbon, such as for thermal transfer printing. The print medium (ie, printable or printable material) may be a synthetic polymer film, eg for heat-welding or welding, or a heat-shrinkable sleeve. Said printed product may include a print media printed with a print material.

Said marking provision may include positioning the marking on an elongated object, preferably a circumferentially closed arrangement around the longitudinal axis of the elongated object. Said at least one actuator may be designed to position the printed marking in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the object.

For example, said actuator may position or provide a mark when the print signal interface control signal indicates the release of a printed product at the material interface and the sensor control signal indicates the presence of an object or a user request for a mark.

The device and the printer can be located near each other, for example, without a direct mechanical connection. For example, the printer and device may be mounted on the same work surface in a stable and/or non-slip manner. For example, the printer material interface may be in line with or overlap with the device material interface. There may be a gap between the printer and the device during operation.

Further, said device may comprise a mechanical interface which is intended to be detachably or permanently attached to the printer.

This fastening may be irreversible, for example, include a connection with a material closure. Alternatively, the device may be removably attached to the printer, for example, may be detached without destruction and/or may be attached and/or detached without the use of a tool.

The storage device may be located on and/or within the device. Said storage device may be designed to store operating parameters (eg, operating modes) of the provision and location.

These operating parameters, or at least part of the operating parameters, can be transferred from the device to a central computer or computer network (professional: "server" or "cloud"), for example, for analysis, for processing and/or for storage in a central computer or on a computer network. The central computer may be part of a computer network.

Said device may be designed to access a computer network via said data interface (ie, via a printer), for example, to transfer operating parameters or part of operating parameters. Alternatively or additionally, said device may be designed to directly or independently of the printer access a central computer or a computer network, for example, to transmit these operating parameters or a specified part of the operating parameters. For example, the specified device may contain a mobile modem, which is designed for wireless communication with the base station of the mobile communication network.

The central computer or computer network may receive these operating parameters, or a portion of the operating parameters, from a plurality of devices.

Said device (for example, its control unit or control unit) may further be intended to transfer these operating parameters (or part of the operating parameters) from the device to a central computer or to a computer network in combination with an identifier (professional: "identification number » or ID) of the device.

This identifier may allow data synchronization. Such data synchronization can make it possible to change according to new data or to correlate transmitted operating parameters with operating parameters already stored in a central computer or in a computer network of the same device. Alternatively, or additionally, said identifier may allow statistical analysis of the operating parameters of a plurality of different devices. For example, said control unit or control unit of the device may further be designed to receive, via said data interface or radio modem, from the central computer or from the computer network, the failure rate as a function of the counter reading of the device. This dependence, based on the operating parameters of a plurality of devices, may represent a certain relationship.

Said identifier may be located on the device or stored on the device, for example. Such an identifier may be affixed to the device using a device casing, plaque, sticker, or label (also referred to professionally as a "tag").

Said enclosure, plate, sticker, or label may be for short-range RF communications, such as electromagnetic wave identification (professional: "radio frequency identification" or RFID). Alternatively or additionally, said body, plate, sticker, or label may show the identifier by means of an engraving, a barcode, or a QR code.

The printer (eg, its control unit or control unit) may be designed to recognize the identifier (ie, recognize the device by its identifier). The printer may further be designed to transmit operating parameters to a central computer or to a computer network and/or to request them from there. For example, the printer or device is intended to be partially or completely deleted from the operating parameters stored in the storage device after they have been transmitted.

The transmitted operating parameters may provide monitoring of the technical operation and/or wear and tear, or operating condition, and/or the use of the device and/or printer.

Said at least one control signal sensor for providing a marking may be designed to register an object, preferably register the presence, position and/or size of an object.

The control signal for providing the marking may indicate the presence (ie presence), position and/or size of the object. The position may include the position and/or orientation of the object (eg, the longitudinal axis of the object). The dimension may include the length (eg, along the longitudinal axis), width, diameter, and/or perimeter of the object.

Said at least one control signal sensor for providing marking can measure the object non-contact.

Said at least one control signal sensor for providing marking may have a push button switch. The control signal for granting a label may indicate the actuation of a pushbutton (also: request for grant).

The control signal to provide a label may indicate a user request to provide a label. This control signal for providing the marking may be a trigger signal. Said actuator may be designed to, in response to registering an object and/or registering a triggering signal, place said marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement.

Said push button switch may be a foot switch or a manual switch.

The print signal interface may comprise a sensor for detecting a printed product being dispensed by the printer, preferably the presence, position and/or detecting the delivery of the printed product being dispensed.

Said sensor for registering the dispensing of a printed product (also: sensor for registering a dispensed printed product or briefly: sensor for registering a printed product) may be located on the material interface. This print product registration sensor can register the specified print product non-contact.

Said at least one sensor may further include a sensor for detecting a printed product issued by the printer. Registering a printed product may include registering the presence, position (eg, position and/or orientation) and/or size (eg, length and/or diameter) of the printed product.

Alternatively or additionally, the print signal interface may include a data interface that is designed to communicate with a printer to provide or locate a mark, preferably bi-directionally.

Said at least one actuator may be designed to (for example, in response to the detection of an object and/or a trigger signal), when communicating with the printer, process the printed product issued by the printer into a marking and place this marking on the object or provide for placement.

The bi-directional communication may include receiving a control signal to dispense a printed product from the printer and sending a control signal to request that the printed product be dispensed to the printer. For example, a control signal for providing a label may be sent via a data interface to a printer as a request to issue a printed product.

Said printer may be configured to transmit said printed product on a material interface to said device, for example in response to bi-directional communication and/or in response to a control signal to provide a mark.

Said data interface may be for wireless communication, preferably by means of radio signals, infrared signals and/or short-range RF communications.

The data interface may be designed to synchronize or coordinate the serial and/or event-driven operation of at least one actuator and the printer to provide or place the marking.

For example, the print product feeding performed by the printer may be alternated, synchronized, and/or coordinated with cutting, folding, and/or flipping. The partial steps performed in sequential and/or event-driven operation of a device or printer to provide or place a mark may also be referred to as operations. Coordinating these partial steps may also be referred to as coordinating operations.

Said data interface may be designed to allow the printer to control at least one actuator of the device, read control signals from at least one sensor and/or print signal interface, and/or an identifier stored in the device.

Said at least one device actuator may be controlled via a printer-side data interface. Alternatively or additionally, the measured values of at least one sensor of the device can be read out via a data interface.

Said data interface within the device may be electrically connected to at least one actuator and/or to at least one sensor.

Said data interface may be designed to receive control commands from the printer to control or regulate said at least one actuator, and/or send control commands to the printer based on control signals from at least one sensor and/or print signal interface. to control or regulate the printer.

Said data interface within the device can be electrically connected via a control unit and/or an adjustment unit to said at least one actuator and/or said at least one sensor. The control unit and/or the control unit can determine the application parameters from the recorded measured values. The control commands sent to the printer may contain these parameters and/or control the printer in accordance with these parameters.

Said data interface may be designed to transmit to the printer control signals (for example, control commands and/or confirmation messages) of at least one sensor and/or print signal interface, and/or determined based on ( above) control signals parameters.

Said device may further comprise a control unit or an adjustment unit, which are designed to control or regulate said at least one actuator of the device depending on control signals from at least one sensor, from measured values received via said data interface. the printer, from printer confirmation messages received via said data interface, and/or from printer control commands received via said data interface to place or provide markings.

This control unit or adjustment unit may further be designed to receive a control command from the printer via said data interface, to control or regulate said at least one actuator in accordance with this control command, and to send via said data interface a response signal to the printer in response to the completion of the execution of the control command.

Said response signal may comprise an acknowledgment (eg, successful) completion of the execution of the control command, or an error notification regarding a failure in the execution of the control command. For example, this response may inform the printer that a particular device state has been reached, such as an end position of said at least one actuator.

Said control unit or adjustment unit can furthermore be designed to determine the placement parameter on the basis of the control signal registered by at least one sensor and send this determined parameter to the printer via said data interface.

This registered control signal may indicate the diameter or perimeter of the object. Said specific parameter may indicate the feed or retraction length of the printed product.

A control command sent by the device to the printer via the specified data interface can initiate the specified feed (forward) or retraction.

Said control unit or control unit, during the time interval between receiving the control command from the printer and sending a response signal to the printer, can autonomously perform the provision or placement of the marking, or a partial step of providing or placing the marking in accordance with the control command.

Further, the device may comprise an electrical interface which is designed to supply said device with electrical power through the printer.

Said data interface and/or said electrical interface can be positioned with respect to the mechanical interface so as to be in contact with the printer for communication, respectively, for supplying electrical energy, when said device is attached to the printer by means of the mechanical interface.

Said data interface may be positioned with respect to the mechanical interface so as to be in contact with the printer for communication when said device is attached to the printer by the mechanical interface. Said electrical interface may be positioned with respect to the mechanical interface so as to be in contact with the printer for power supply when said device is attached to the printer by the mechanical interface. For example, attaching a device to a printer using a mechanical interface may cause the data interface and/or electrical interface contacts to close.

An object can contain a conductor or be a conductor. This conductor may be an electric current conductor or a light guide.

The mechanical interface may include a centering pin or hole for receiving the centering pin, and/or a lever and a non-rotatably connected eccentric to the lever, which is designed to secure the device to the printer without screws and/or without the use of tools.

An exemplary embodiment of a device, printer or system makes it possible to implement a modular system (also: printing system) that can be based on a single printer, for example, on a desktop device, so that this printer can be converted in a short time or in several stages to apply different markings on objects, preferably for conductor marking. For example, the user can quickly and easily create from a normal or non-special purpose label printer a system for supporting marking (eg writing) on an elongated object to be marked, preferably an elongate conductor to be marked.

The terms application and application (preferably as a method step) can be interpreted here as synonyms or be used interchangeably. The terms location and placement (preferably as a method step) may be construed here as synonyms or be used interchangeably.

Applying a mark to an elongate object (preferably a conductor) may include placing a mark on the elongate object. Providing a marking located around an elongated object (preferably around a conductor) closed in the circumferential direction may include cutting (preferably cutting) the printed product.

Said elongated object may be an elongated object. At least in some areas, this elongated object can be (for example, as a whole) a cylinder, preferably a circular cylinder or a prism.

This elongated object may have a longitudinal axis. The extent of this object in the direction of the longitudinal axis may be greater (eg, several times greater) than one or any extent of this object transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Said elongated object may be a conductor, pipe, vessel, or housing. Said conductor may be an elongated object for conducting signals or substances. Said conductor may be an elongated object for conducting electric current and/or electromagnetic radiation (preferably light). Said vessel may be a test tube or a sampling vessel, for example for containing and/or transporting a fluid.

Said conductor may contain one core or two, at least two, three or more electrically isolated from each other or optically isolated cores. These strands can run parallel to each other or be twisted with each other (for example, in pairs).

The specified conductor may be a conductor of one, several thin and/or thinnest wires.

Said conductor may be a cable, a cable bundle and/or a flat ribbon cable. Said conductor may be a light guide (also: optical cable). Said conductor may be a hose and/or a liquid line.

Said conductor may be a cylindrical body and/or asymmetric with respect to the axis of rotation, an elongated body. The direction of signals or substances can be along the longitudinal axis of the specified conductor and/or between the ends of this conductor.

Since a device for a specific application in different designs can be attached to a printer not designed for that specific application, the use of a special printer for the respective application, and thus unnecessary costs, can be avoided and/or resources can be used more efficiently. For example, this can increase the utilization of the printer. The same or different embodiments of the device can reduce the consumption of printing materials and subsequent manual labor when arranging the printing materials on the objects to be marked.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be discussed in more detail on the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings show the following.

1 is a schematic sectional view of a device for providing markings (in the first exemplary embodiment) attached to a printer (example);

2 is a schematic example of a functional relationship between failure rate and device meter reading;

3 is a schematic sectional view of the device for providing marking in the first state (according to the second exemplary embodiment);

4A is a schematic sectional view of a device for providing marking in the second state (according to the second exemplary embodiment);

Fig.4B is a schematic sectional view of the device for providing markings in the second state (according to one variant of the second exemplary embodiment);

Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the device for providing marking in the first state (according to the third exemplary embodiment);

Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the device for providing marking in the second state (according to the third exemplary embodiment);

7 is a schematic sectional view of a printer according to one exemplary embodiment as a thermal transfer printer;

8A is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary printing system that includes a printer (example) and a device for providing markings (example) in a mounted position; And

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the exemplary printing system of FIG. 8A in a dismantled position.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally at 100, of a device for providing (e.g., for issuing, locating and/or applying) a marking 101 located or configured to be located around an elongated object 102, preferably around a conductor in a circumferential direction.

The device 100 includes a material interface 156 that is configured to receive the printed product 214 issued by the printer 200. Further, the device 100 includes a data interface 158 that is designed to communicate with the printer 200 to provide or locate the marking 101. Next, the device 100 includes at least one actuator (for example, at least one of the actuators 120 and 122 indicated herein as a whole), designed to, in accordance with communication with the printer 200 through the specified data interface 158 using (for example, , based on) the printed product 214 issued by the printer 200, to place the marking 101 on the object 102 closed in the circumferential direction or to provide for a closed arrangement in the circumferential direction.

Further, the device 100 includes a storage device 132 which, via said data interface 158, can be read by the printer 200 and/or is designed to store operating parameters of provision and location.

Optionally, the device 100 has a print signal interface (for example, a sensor indicated generally at 104 and/or a data interface indicated here generally at 158) that is configured to register a control signal for dispensing a printed product 214. Optionally, the device 100 comprises at least one sensor 106 for registering a control signal to provide a mark 101.

For example, said at least one actuator is designed to, depending on the control signal for issuing the printed product 214 and on the control signal for providing the marking 101 using the printed product 214 issued by the printer 200, to be placed on the object 102 closed in the circumferential direction marking 101 or provide for an arrangement closed in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the device 100 further comprises an electrical interface 154 for supplying power to the device 100 via the printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 may include its own power source, such as a mains power supply for connection to the electrical grid, or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device (for example, a secondary cell ).

Built into device 100 (e.g., applicator) is memory 132 (e.g., control unit memory 130 or control unit 130 of device 100) for storing operating parameters of device 100. These operating parameters may include meter readings, statuses (e.g., operating modes), state characteristic measurements and/or state diagrams or state characteristic measurements.

These counter readings may include the number of incisions made (eg, by actuator 120), the number of marks 101 placed (eg, by actuator 122, i.e., the number of labels applied), and/or hours of operation. Stored states in memory 132 may include temperatures, electrical voltages (e.g., voltage of electrical interface 154 or voltage of individual actuators 120 and 122), and/or electrical currents (e.g., current at said electrical interface 154 or current consumption of individual actuators). 120 and 122). The state changes stored in memory 132 may include changes over time in some or all states, such as changes in temperature, voltage, and/or current. Alternatively or additionally, the operating parameters may include measurements of state characteristics, such as force-displacement curves (preferably of some or all of the actuators 120 and 122) or a change (e.g., deterioration) in a state measurement result (e.g., a change in force-displacement curve).

Said state or state measurement result may be recorded in progress, periodically, for example with a temporal resolution or with a period duration of 1 minute or 1 day. Alternatively or additionally, these states may be logged in the process depending on events, such as when device 100 is turned on (preferably when initialized) and/or when one of the actuators 120 or 122 performs an operation.

Said operating parameters may be visualized on the display 209 of the printer 200 or requested on the user interface 209, such as provided by the control unit 230 or the adjustment unit 230.

The user can receive information shown on the display 209 of the printer 200 about the current status (for example, meter readings or force-displacement curves) and/or about upcoming maintenance.

Maintenance (also: maintenance) can be predictive (or preventive) maintenance (English: "predictive maintenance"). For example, based on operating parameters, an assessment can be made as to whether, and/or when, maintenance (eg, adjustment) is really necessary, for example, because, based on a known or statistically detected aging process of individual components of the device 100 (for example, one of the actuators 120 or 122) you should expect a malfunction or failure of the corresponding component. This avoids possible premature or excessive maintenance, especially routine preventive maintenance or time-based preventive maintenance.

Preferably, said control unit 130 or adjustment unit 130 sends operating parameters (preferably only those operating parameters that are important for evaluation) via said data interface 158 to printer 200 (preferably said control unit 230 or adjustment unit 230) for (optionally aggregated) directions through the interface 222 to the local computer 300 (for example, to a local computer network) or to the central computer 300 (also: server, for example, for different clients of the device manufacturer 100). Optionally, these operating parameters also contain error reports, such as a malfunction or failure of a specific component. These error reports may be caused by a malfunction or failure of the corresponding component of the device 100.

The computer 300 records the operating parameters of a plurality (eg, several thousand instances of the device 100).

Based on the statistical correlation between performance parameters and related reports, a performance criterion is determined where the probability of an error or change occurring with continued use of the device 100 (e.g., within the next 3 or 6 months, or another 10% of the previous meter reading) exceeds a certain threshold. value (for example, more than 50%).

FIG. 2 schematically shows the failure rate 134 of a component of device 100 as a function 136 of a counter reading 138 of the corresponding component. Said component may be one of the actuators (eg, 120 or 122) of device 100, preferably including mechanical means driven from said actuator.

This failure rate 134 preferably represents the probability of a failure given that the failure has not yet occurred (eg, the probability of failure divided by the probability that the failure has not yet occurred). The specified failure probability or specified failure rate 134 as a function 136 of the meter reading 138 may be calculated by (e.g., local or central) computer 300 based on operating parameters recorded by multiple devices 100, e.g., by grouping, classifying failures based on meter readings.

The specified failure rate 134 as a function 136 of the meter reading 138 (or an equivalent or equivalent relationship) may be stored in the memory 132 of the device 100, for example, as part of the firmware of the control unit 130 or control unit 130.

Failure can be defined by specified operating parameters, for example, for the case where the force-displacement curve is out of tolerance, the temperature is above a temperature threshold, and/or the current draw is above a current threshold.

Above the threshold value 135 for the indicated failure rate 134, continued operation of the device 100 may be considered unreliable. The threshold value 135 frequency 134 failures may correspond to the limit value 139 readings 138 of the counter. Therefore, when the limit value 139 of the meter reading 138 is reached, an alert is issued for predictive maintenance, preferably on the user interface 209 of the printer 200 and/or on the (e.g., local or central) computer 300.

The specified threshold value 135 may correspond to a user request for reliability in the operation of the device 100. The specified control unit 230 or the adjustment unit 230 of the printer 200 can request the specified threshold value 138 using the user interface 209. In this case, the threshold value 135 can be entered directly as a failure rate (for example , probability of failure in percent for the next 100 or 1000 applications), or a multi-stage (e.g., two-stage or three-stage) classification of threshold 135 may be requested. (for a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold) or "progressive" (for a third threshold that is greater than the second threshold).

In one variation of each exemplary embodiment, said alert is triggered by the effective meter reading (rather than the corresponding meter reading) when a limit value is reached. To do this, the corresponding counter reading is increased by the correction value (i.e. this correction value is positive) or decreased (i.e. this correction value is negative):

Effective meter reading = meter reading + correction value.

This correction value is a function of the state (eg the temperature or current draw of the respective component) and/or the state of the measurement (eg the deflection of the force-displacement curve).

Preferably, said control unit 130 or adjustment unit 130 contains a control function for service purposes, i.e. control of individual control mechanisms (for example, 120 and 122) of the applicator 100 through the user interface 209. To do this, the specified control unit 130 or adjustment unit 130 contains a separate mode for the service mode. For example, the specified service mode contains a separate area in the menu structure presented on the user interface 209. This service mode (for example, the corresponding area in the menu structure) is preferably protected, for example, with a password. Access to this menu area requires entering a password. Alternatively or additionally, access to the service mode (eg, to the appropriate area in the menu structure) involves entering a password and/or confirmation to unlock on the (eg, local or central) computer 300.

In service mode (for example, using functions in the appropriate area in the menu structure), the user can move the individual actuators (for example, 120 and/or 122) of the applicator 100. This movement of the actuators in service mode may include moving one or more pairs rollers (eg, actuator 122 as opening unit), folding mechanism (eg, actuator 122), and/or cutting mechanism (eg, actuator 120), and the like. This is useful for troubleshooting and troubleshooting.

Optionally, device 100 includes a mechanical interface 152 that is designed to removably attach device 100 to printer 200.

The firmware of the control unit 130 or adjustment unit 130 of the applicator 100 can be updated manually and/or automatically using the function of this control unit 230 or the adjustment unit 230 of the printer 200. If the applicator 100 is connected to the printer 200 through the electrical interface 154, then the printer communications via the data interface 158 (e.g., initial communication or acknowledgment) may query the kind of connected applicator 100, operating parameters (e.g., number of cuts or number of labels applied), and/or firmware version of applicator 100.

If the user would then wish to update the control unit 130 or the adjustment unit 130 of the applicator 100 (i.e. update the firmware of the applicator), then this is possible via the interface of the printer 200, for example via the interface 222, a network connection or a serial data bus connection. (e.g. "Universal Serial Bus" or USB). The firmware update process (ie, the data update process) is visualized on the display 209 of the printer 200. Preferably, user input (eg, selection from displayed options) takes place on the display 209 as a user interface.

In order to prevent accidental interruption of the data connection used for updating via said data interface 158 or the power supply of the device 100 via said electrical interface 154 during the firmware update process, the mechanical interface 158 may be electromechanically locked before the firmware update process starts and/or electromechanically unlocked. after the completion of this firmware update process.

If the printer 200 is connected to the Internet via the interface 222, then the printer 200, when installing the applicator 100, can use a decentralized network service (also: cloud service) or server 300 to check whether the firmware on the applicator 100 is up to date. If it turns out that this is not the case , then the user interface 209 asks the user if he wants to perform an update (ie update the data).

The print signal interface includes, for example, a data interface 158 that is designed to communicate with the printer 200 to provide the printed mark 101. The control signal for issuing the printed product 214 can be received by the printer (for example, its controller, generally indicated by 230 ). Alternatively or additionally, the print signal interface includes a sensor 104 for detecting the release of a printed product 214.

Sensor 106 of device 100 is designed, for example, to register object 102, preferably conductor 102 (eg, its presence and/or size, preferably width or diameter). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 106 includes a push button switch, the actuation of which initiates said provision.

Using the material interface 156, the device 100 receives the printed product 214 issued by the printer 200. The specified at least one actuator (for example, at least one of the actuators indicated here in general by positions 120 and 122) of the device 100 can be designed (preferably controlled) in order to respond to communication with the printer 200 (for example, through the specified data interface 158) and/or to the detection of an object 102 (preferably a conductor), for example, using a sensor 106, using (i.e., when using) the issued the printer 200 of the printed product 214 to provide the marking 101 and/or apply to the object 102 (preferably on the conductor) (eg, place).

For a precise description, and without limitation of the elongated object 102, as an example of such an elongated object 102, the conductor is considered in the following.

Optionally, the device 100 includes a control unit 130 or an adjustment unit 130, designed to control, respectively, regulate at least one or each actuator (for example, the actuator 120 and/or 122) of the device 100 in accordance with the control value, the current the value of which is recorded by the sensor 106 as measured values. Alternatively or additionally, said control unit 130 or control unit 130 can be designed to register these measured values of at least one sensor 104 and/or 106 and send via data interface 158 to printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, said control unit 130 or control unit 130 may be configured to receive control commands from printer 200 via data interface 158 to control or regulate said at least one actuator (for example, actuator 120 and/or 122) and/or based on measured values according to at least one sensor 106 send control commands to the printer 200 to control or regulate the printer 200.

Said printed product 214 may be a printable medium 208 suitable for printing by the printer 200 . Said print medium 208 may be a printable tape (preferably a plastic or adhesive tape) or a printable film (preferably a synthetic resin film or adhesive film). Such a printable film can have a self-adhesive layer on the opposite side of the print or can be heat-sealed to itself (preferably from the ends) and/or to the conductor. Alternatively or additionally, said print media 208 may include a sleeve (eg, a heat-shrinkable sleeve).

The first actuator 120 (also: cutting unit) may be designed to cut the printed product 214. This cutting unit may be designed to cut the specified printed product 214 in the transverse direction 121 transversely, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this printed product 214. Alternatively or additionally, the second actuator 122 may be designed to provide a cut printed product 214, preferably placed on a conductor.

The marking 101 may include a portion of the printed product 214, for example, cut by the device 100 using at least one actuator (for example, 120 and/or 122) a portion of the printed product 214. Said marking 101 may also be referred to as a label.

Marking 101 may be a printed wrap-around label, a printed flag label, or a printed sleeve portion.

Applying the mark 101 to the conductor 102 may include connecting the mark 101 to the conductor 102 in a material short circuit. To this end, the marking 101 may be self-adhesive or heat-bonded. For example, the marking 101 may be a flag label which, when applied, wraps around the conductor 102 and both ends of the marking 101 flatly connect to each other. In the following example, marking 101 may be a wraparound label that wraps around conductor 102 and is surface bonded to it. Alternatively or additionally, applying the marking 101 to the conductor 102 may include a form-fitting connection (eg, moving in the longitudinal direction of the conductor) of said marking 101 to the conductor 102. To this end, the marking 101 may comprise a sleeve (eg, a heat-shrinkable sleeve) and/or a film with ends glued to each other (preferably under the influence of heat) (for example, a weldable thermoplastic film).

Applying the mark 101 to the conductor 102 by said at least one actuator 120 or 122 may include opening the sleeve and/or pulling the sleeve (e.g., a heat shrink sleeve) as the mark 101 onto the conductor 102, wrapping the conductor 102 with the mark 101, wrapping marking 101 around conductor 102 and shorting the material of that marking 101 as a flag label, pushing marking 101 into transparent cambric on conductor 102, and/or printing a nameplate as marking 102 that can be clamped around conductor 102.

Said device 100 may be designed to apply the marking 101 to the conductor 102 when the conductor 102 is already mounted (eg, when the ends of the conductor are in contact and/or are not free ends). For example, conductor 102 during application cannot rotate about a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of this conductor 102, cannot rotate about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of conductor 102, and/or be at rest.

The marking 101 applied to the conductor 102 may be non-removable. Alternatively, or additionally, the printed surface of the applied marking 101 may be even or substantially free of distortion. For example, the printed surface may be located between two embossings. Due to this, the printed surface can be well readable and/or can be large enough.

The marking 101 may be durable, for example, with respect to imprinting (preferably because the printer 200 is a thermal transfer printer), with respect to the print medium 208 (for example, since this print medium is a synthetic polymer film) and/or with respect to attachment to the conductor 102 (for example, since this marking 101 is connected to the conductor 102 with positive or material closure).

The marking 101 may be compact, for example such that several conductors 102 each carrying such marking 101 may be closely spaced side by side. Alternatively or additionally, such a marking 101 can be movable or rotatable, for example by having this marking 101 connected to the conductor 102 in a form-fitting manner.

As a result, said marking 101 can be oriented towards conductors 102 lying close to each other (eg cables).

The first embodiment of apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is associated with one embodiment of a printer generally indicated at 200. While this embodiment of printer 200 in FIG. 1 is presented and described in connection with the first embodiment of apparatus 100, to this embodiment of the printer 200 may also be associated with other embodiments of the device 100 (preferably alternately).

The printer 200 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a print head 202, a print roller 204, a photoelectric barrier 212 for registering a print medium 208 (i.e., a material suitable for printing), for example, for recognizing control perforations, (for example, black) control marks, start and/or end of the media 208 printed information. Said print material 206 is, for example, an ink ribbon.

The material to be printed 208, together with the ink ribbon, is passed between the printhead 202 and the print roller 204. Said photoelectric barrier 212, when printing, can register the beginning of the print medium 208 to ensure that the printed image is positioned within the region of said printed product 214, with which the said marking 101.

The specified printer 200 contains interfaces that are spatially linked to the corresponding device interfaces and/or functionally correspond to them. These spatially related and/or functionally corresponding interfaces are connected in pairs or can be connected to each other.

The specified printer 200 preferably includes a mechanical interface 252, which is connected or can be connected to the mechanical interface 152 of the device 100 or is in interaction or can be brought into interaction with it. Preferably, spatial reference means that when connected (e.g., interlocked) the mechanical interfaces 152 and 252 are also respectively connected to or interacting with other interfaces of device 100 and printer 200.

Alternatively or additionally, the printer 200 includes a data interface 258 that is connected or can be connected to or interact with the data interface 158 of the device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the printer 200 includes a material interface 256 that is connected or can be connected to or interact with the material interface 156 of the device 100.

For example, material interfaces 156 and 256 are in interaction with the printed product 214 or may be brought into interaction. Said data interfaces 158 and 258 are connected to exchange the measured data of the respective sensors 104, 106 and/or 212 and/or control commands from the control unit 130 of the device and/or from the control unit 230 of the printer 200.

Optionally, the printer 200, as shown, for example, in Fig.1, contains an interface 222 for a computer or computer network 300 (for example, to connect to the Internet). Through interface 222, printer 200 (eg, its controller 230) can receive print jobs.

Said device 100 for marking 101 on the conductor is also called an applicator.

The applicator 100 in one embodiment (for example, the first embodiment of the applicator 100 above) or a system comprising the applicator 100 according to one embodiment and the printer 200 according to one embodiment (for example, the printer according to the above embodiment) are designed to perform one or more functions and method steps.

The applicator 100 and the printer 200 may alternately perform actions (also referred to as operations), i.e. a set of one or more method steps, in particular when marking 101 is applied to the conductor 102. In this case, the applicator 100 and the printer 200 communicate with each other via the indicated data interfaces 158, respectively 258, for example, in order to coordinate with each other the parameter and/ or the point in time of the actions (preferably each subsequent action). This alternating operation is also referred to as alternating between the applicator 100 and the printer 200.

In a first embodiment, the overall process control is stored in the printer 200, eg in the control unit 230 (preferably by firmware stored in the control unit 230), eg, implementable or executable. Such overall process control may include printing the print media 208 and applying the printed product 214 resulting from the seal.

The automatic sequencing of the applicator 100 may be stored in the applicator 100 and/or the printer 200, for example, executable or executable. Such automatic sequencing of applicator 100 may include (preferably exclusively) applying marking 101 to conductor 102 with printed matter 214. For example, marking 101 is applied to conductor 102 by automatically sequencing applicator 100.

In other words, the execution of said applicator 100 automatic sequencing may be partly or wholly carried out in the applicator 100 or in the printer 200. In either case, the execution of the applicator 100 automatic sequencing causes the marking 101 to be applied to the conductor by the applicator 100.

In the first embodiment of the first embodiment, said applicator 100 automatic sequencing is stored in the printer 200. The applicator 100 preferably does not have any automatic sequencing, for example, does not also have a control unit 130. Said printer control unit 230 (for example, the firmware of the printer 200 in the control unit 230) is designed to control (or trigger) the actuators (for example, 120 and/or 122) and sensors (for example, 104 and/or 106) of the applicator 100 via said data interfaces 158 and 258 (preferably by separately), respectively (preferably separately) interrogate (or register).

In the second embodiment of the first implementation, the automatic control of the sequence of operations of the applicator 100 is stored in the applicator 100, for example, with the possibility of implementation or execution. For example, the applicator 100 includes a control block 130 or an adjustment block 130, which retains automatic control of the sequence of operations of the applicator 100, for example, implementable or executable. Preferably, said control block 130 or said control block 130 is intended to control the application, respectively, regulate the application. For simplicity and without limitation, reference is made here to the control unit 130, i. e. adjusting device function included as an option.

The implementation of automatic sequence control (preferably in control unit 130) is triggered by printer 200 (eg, control unit 230, preferably via printer software). To do this, applicator 100 may receive a control command via data interface 158 or be powered via electrical interface 154. As soon as applicator 100 requires action, printer 200 (e.g., control unit 230, preferably via printer software) via interface 258, respectively 158 data outputs a signal to the applicator 100 as a control command.

Preferably, printer 200 is in sleep mode while applicator 100 is performing requested (eg, triggered by a control command) action. As soon as the applicator 100 through the interface 158, respectively, 258 data sends as a control command the signal to complete the action (for example, an alert), the printer 200 will continue to carry out the overall control of the process.

Optionally, this signal from the applicator 100 to the printer 200 indicates the completion status of the action. For example, this status can indicate success or an error that occurred while performing this action.

In the second implementation, the applicator 100, for example, the control unit 130 (preferably via the firmware of the applicator 100) performs the overall process. In other words, the overall control of the process is stored in the applicator 100, such as in the control unit 130 (preferably with firmware stored in the control unit 130), for example, implementable or executable. Since the applicator 100 controls the overall process, the applicator 100 controls the entire process.

Printer 200 acts as a slave in this overall process. The printer 200 has sovereignty over, for example, the printed image, i. e. printer 200 (preferably its control unit 230) performs sealing as an operation of printer 200 in response to an appropriate control command of applicator 100. Optionally, printer 200 issues a control command (i. the printer 200 becomes aware of the content and/or existence of the print job.

To implement the serial mode of operation, the applicator 100 and the printer 200 exchange information (eg, measurement data and/or control commands) using the interface 158, respectively, 258 data.

The exchanged information may include measured values (eg, electrical voltages, electrical currents, electrical frequencies), preferably measured values of the sensor 104 and/or 106, which are transmitted (i.e., sent) by the applicator 100 to the printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, the measured printer sensor values (e.g., photoelectric barrier 212) may be transmitted (i.e., sent) by printer 200 to applicator 100. Based on the measured values, applicator 100 or printer 200 may determine (e.g., calculate) an automatic sequence control parameter and/or transmit these measured values or parameter via interface 222 to a computer or computer network 300 (for example, to application software).

For example, sensor 106 may detect the diameter or perimeter of conductor 102 (or an elongated object around its longitudinal axis). The control unit 130 and/or the control unit 230 may determine the feed length of the print media 208 and/or select the print media 208, for example, depending on the measured diameter or perimeter.

Further, these measured values, when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded, can be transmitted to the data interfaces 158, respectively 258, as a digital signal (for example, either as a "0" state or as a "1" state) to indicate to the corresponding other (printer 200, respectively, the applicator 100) reaching a certain state (eg, completion of an action). For example, reaching an end position or zero point of an actuator (eg, actuator 120 and/or 122) may be indicated.

Zeroing the applicator actuator 100 (e.g., actuator 120 and/or 122) may serve to mechanically move the actuator (i.e., an actuator connected to the applicator mechanism 100) to a specific actuator position (i.e., . of the specified mechanism), which is called the initial position. A control command from the printer 200 or one step of an action performed by the applicator 100, automatic sequence control, and/or general process control may include movement (e.g., task to execute) of an actuator, this home position serving as the zero point for these movements. .

When the control unit 130 of the applicator 100 (for example, the applicator software) calculates one or more application parameters (i.e., automatic control sequence of operations), then, in accordance with the communication protocol, they can be transmitted via the data interface 158 and 258 to the control unit 230 of the printer 200 (preferably to the printer software). Further, the control unit 130 of the applicator 100 (preferably its applicator software) can also use the measurements recorded by the printer 200 (for example, measurements of the photoelectric barrier 212) to control the automatic control of the sequence of operations of the applicator (for example, as application parameters).

Printer 200 may be configured to print normal labels, for example, if no device 100 is associated with mechanical interface 152 and/or data interface 158.

The printer 200 may be a thermal transfer printer. This thermal transfer printer may provide high contrast and permanent markings 101. The printer 200 may be a roll-to-roll thermal transfer printer, for example.

The printer 200 in this exemplary embodiment includes a machine 216 located in front of the print head 202 for unwinding rolls of the media 208 of printed information, located in front of the print head 202 a machine 218 for unwinding rolls of the material 206 for printing, and located behind the print head 202 the winder 220 of the material 206 for printing .

The electrical interface 254 of the printer 200 is for the applicator 100 associated with the printer to supply electrical power through its electrical interface 154.

The printer optionally includes a display 209, preferably a touch screen user interface. The control unit 230 and/or the control unit 230 of the printer 200 may be signaled to the display 209, for example to indicate an alert or to select or reset a print job.

Figures 3 and 4A show a schematic sectional view of the applicator 100 according to the second embodiment (ie, applicator 100) of the printed marking in the first state and, respectively, in the second state of application.

Said second embodiment of the applicator 100 may be implemented alone or in a modification of the first embodiment of the applicator 100. Features of the first and second embodiments of the applicator 100 provided with the same reference numerals may be the same or interchangeable.

The second embodiment of the applicator 100 is designed to wrap around the conductor 102 or lay in folds using the second actuator 122 of the applicator 100 a printed film as a printed product 214. Preferably, the sensor 106 determines the diameter of the conductor 102. From this diameter, the control unit 130 calculates the length through the data interface 158 and controls the printer (more precisely, its print roller 204) to supply the printed product 214 according to this determined length.

After feeding, for example, in the first state shown in FIG. 1, the printer 200 notifies via the indicated data interface 258 (ie, to the indicated data interface 158) that the feeding has been successfully completed, for example, reaching a certain length. In response to this notification of the printer 200, the control unit 130 controls the actuator 122 to wrap or fold the printed product 214 around the conductor 102. another stacked flat on top of each other areas of the printed product 214 by applying heat. Preferably, the first applicator actuator 120 cuts off the welded areas to produce a clean end of the marking 101.

In the first embodiment of the second embodiment of the applicator 100, one portion of the surface surrounding the conductor 102 is sealed and the flush cut end is short compared to the perimeter of the conductor 102. the automatic sequencing of the applicator 100 includes two embossings that are performed on the printed product before and after the printed area by the actuator 120, as shown schematically in FIG. 4A.

For example, automatic flow control of applicator 100 may include at least one of the following actions or steps. At one stage, a control command is sent by the control unit 130 to the printer 200. This control command sets the supply of the printed product 214 for calculated cutting. In the next step, in response to a feed complete message from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, said calculated cut is performed by the actuator 120. The next step of automatic control of the sequence of operations of the applicator 100 may include waiting until the sensor 106 detects the presence of conductor 102. The next step of automatically controlling the sequence of operations of the applicator 100 may include detecting the diameter of the conductor 102 using the sensor 106 and calculating the application parameter (for example, parts of the total length to supply the printed product 214).

In the next step, the next control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200. This next control command specifies the first partial supply of the printed product 214 for the first embossing. In the next step, in response to the message about the completion of the first partial supply from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, said first embossing is performed by the actuator 120.

In the next step, the next control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200. The next control command specifies the second partial supply of the printed product 214 for the second embossing. In the next step, in response to the second partial feed completion message from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, the second embossing is performed by the actuator 120.

In the next step, a control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200, which sets the partial feed of the printed product 214 for the cutting position. In the next step, in response to a partial feed completion message for the cutting position from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, cutting is performed by the actuator 122, said printed product is wrapped or folded around the conductor 102, the flat-fitting portions of the printed product 214 are welded together, and the actuator 120 performs the cutting.

In the second embodiment of the second exemplary applicator 100, the flush cut end is the same or greater than the diameter of the conductor 102 and includes a printed portion of the printed product 214, as schematically shown in FIG. 4B.

Figures 5 and 6 show a schematic sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of the applicator 100 (ie, applicator 100) of the printed marking in the first state and, respectively, in the second state of application.

The third embodiment of applicator 100 may be implemented alone or as a modification of the first and/or second embodiment of applicator 100. Features of the first, second, and third embodiments of applicator 100 provided with the same reference numerals may be the same or interchangeable.

The third embodiment of the applicator 100 is designed to push or put on the conductor 102 a sleeve (for example, a heat-shrinkable sleeve) as a carrier 208 of printed information, respectively, a printed sleeve as a printed product 214. When printing on a sleeve and / or when cutting (eg, by means of the first applicator actuator 120), said sleeve is flattened, whereby the cut end, or at least a portion of the printed sleeve, can be closed, i. e. cut edge, respectively, the inner sides of the sleeve stick to each other.

The second actuator 122 (also: opening unit) is designed to open the adhered cut edge of the printed sleeve and/or the inner sides (e.g., the upper half of the sleeve and the lower half of the sleeve) of said sealed sleeve that are adhered to each other. To do this, the second actuator 122 includes rollers 123 having a narrowing in the central part, which in pairs exert a force on opposite side edges of the printed sleeve 214 to open the cut edge and/or separate the inner sides of the sleeve from each other. In the schematic representation of Figures 5 and 6, one of the rollers 123 located in pairs on opposite sides can be seen, since these pairs are coaxial perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively, to the direction 210 of movement.

In the second state shown in FIG. 6, the printed sleeve is opened by the second actuator 122, pushed over the conductor 101 by the printer 200 as marking 100, and cut at one end by the first actuator 120.

FIG. 7 shows the following exemplary embodiment of a printer 200, which may be implemented alone or as a modification of the exemplary embodiment of printer 200 described in the context of FIG. Another example of the printer 200 is a roll-to-roll thermal transfer printer.

The control unit 230 of the printer 200, depending on the signals of the photoelectric barrier 212 and/or on the control commands received via the data interface 258 from the device 100 (i.e. via the data interface 158 of the device 100), controls the supply and/or removal of the print media 208 on the printhead, respectively, of the printed product 214 on the material interface 256 (and therefore on the material interface 156 of the device 100). In addition, the control unit 230 may be driven (eg, a stepper motor) to rotate the print roller 204.

The photoelectric barrier 212 may be positioned relative to the feed direction 210 of the print media 208, in front of the print head 202 and/or print roller 204. This photoelectric barrier 212, as shown in the example of FIG. heads 202 and a light sensor 212B on the side of the print roller 204. In the first embodiment, the positions of the light source 212A and the light sensor 212B can be interchanged. In the second embodiment, the light source 212A and the light sensor 212B may be located on the same side to detect the recording medium 208 in reflection.

The print head 202 contains a plurality of heating elements. If the heating elements are heated (e.g., energized) and the print roller 204 exerts a predetermined (e.g., high enough) pressure on said print medium 208, the ink pigments are transferred from the print material 206 (e.g., an ink ribbon) to the material to be printed. . The control unit 230 may control the stepper motor to rotate the print roller 204 and power the heating elements of the print head 202.

The print material 206 may have multiple layers. For example, the print media 206 may have a carrier material 206A (eg, a carrier film) facing away from the print media 208 and an ink layer 206B (eg, a color wax) facing the print media 208 .

The printer 200 is preferably a desktop device to which the device 100 can be attached as a plug-in module, for example, for a specific application or for the duration of a single application process.

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a printing system (briefly: system) that includes a printer 200 in one embodiment and an apparatus in one embodiment. In the mounted position of the device shown as an example in FIG. 8A, all implemented physical interfaces are connected as a result of mounting the device 100 on the printer 200. FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of an example of the printing system of FIG. The specified physical interfaces are free.

Preferably, only the printer 200 includes a user interface 209 that is also used by the associated fixed device 100.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the skilled person will appreciate that various changes may be made and equivalents may be used as substitutes. Further, many modifications may be made in order to adapt a certain marking print, a certain print material, or a certain print medium to the idea of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but includes all exemplary embodiments that fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

List of reference symbols

100 marking device, e.g. applicator,

101 markings,

102 an elongated object, preferably a conductor, such as a copper conductor or an optical fiber,

104 print signal interface control signal for dispensing a printed product, such as a sensor for registering a printed product

106 control signal sensor for providing marking, for example, a sensor for registering an object or a pushbutton for registering a request for provision,

120 the first actuator of the device, such as a cutting block,

121 transverse direction,

122 second actuator device,

123 rollers of the second actuator with narrowing in the central part

130 control unit or adjustment unit of the device,

132 storage device,

134 failure rate of a device or device component,

135 threshold value,

136 failure rate as a function of meter reading,

138 counter reading,

139 limit value,

152 mechanical device interface,

154 electrical device interface,

156 material device interface,

158 device data interface,

200 printer, such as thermal transfer printer,

202 printer head,

204 print roller printer,

206 print media such as ink ribbon,

206A carrier material of specified print media, such as carrier film,

206B ink layer of the printing material, such as ink wax,

208 printer media (also: printing material),

209 display, preferably printer user interface,

210 feed direction or longitudinal direction of the print media,

212 printer photoelectric barrier,

212A photoelectric barrier light source,

212B photoelectric barrier light sensor,

214 printer print product,

216 media roll unwinder,

218 printing material unwinding machine,

220 media winder,

222 printer interface, preferably network interface,

230 control unit or printer adjustment unit,

252 printer mechanical interface,

254 printer electrical interface,

256 material printer interface,

258 printer data interface,

300 computer or computer network.

Claims (49)

1. A device (100) for providing a marking (101) located or configured to be located closed in the circumferential direction around an elongated object (102), comprising: a material interface (156) which is designed to receive a printed product (214) issued by the printer (200); interface (158) data, which is designed to communicate with the printer (200) to provide or position markings (101); at least one actuator (120; 122) designed to, in accordance with communication with the printer (200) through the specified data interface (158) using the printed product (214) issued by the printer (200), locate the marking (101) on the object (102) is closed in the circumferential direction or to provide it for a location closed in the circumferential direction; a storage device (132) that is readable by the printer (200) through said data interface (158) and is designed to store the operating parameters of the provision or location; And a control unit (130) or an adjustment unit (130), which is designed to register operating parameters for provision or arrangement and store them in a memory device (132). 2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the storage device (132) is a non-volatile storage device. 3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said data interface (158) is designed to control, regulate, synchronize or coordinate the sequential and/or event-driven operation of said at least one actuator (120; 122 ) and a printer (200) for providing or placing a marking (101), and moreover, a storage device (132), furthermore, is designed to store these operating parameters in any sequential and / or event-driven mode of operation of the specified at least one executive mechanism (120; 122). 4. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a control unit (130) or an adjustment unit (130), which are designed to control or regulate the specified at least one actuator (120; 122) of the device (100) to provide or position in accordance with communication with the printer (200) through the specified data interface (158), and/or these operating parameters indicate how the device (100) is positioned and/or the firmware version of the control unit (130) or control unit (130) of the device (100). 5. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said control unit (130) or control unit (130) is further designed to send these operating parameters via said data interface (158) to a printer ( 200) to be directed further through the interface (222) to the central server (300). 6. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first actuator (120) of said at least one actuator (120; 122) is designed to cut said printed product (214) for marking (101 ). 7. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second actuator (122) of said at least one actuator (120; 122) is designed to use the cut printed product (214) to position the marking ( 101) on the object (102) closed in the circumferential direction or provided for a location closed in the circumferential direction. 8. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the operating parameters include hours of operation or one or more meter readings of said at least one actuator (120; 122), namely: the number of performed by the first actuator (120) cuts and/or the number of markings (101) provided or located by the second actuator (122), or the change over time of these one or more states. 9. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, and these operating parameters include one or more states of the specified at least one actuator (120; 122), namely: temperature, electrical voltage and / or electrical the current of said at least one actuator (120; 122), or the change in time of these one or more states. 10. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and these operating parameters include one or more measurements of the characteristics of the state of the specified at least one actuator (120; 122), namely the force-displacement curve of the specified at least measure of one actuator (120; 122), or the change in time of these one or more measurements of the characteristics of the state. 11. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a mechanical interface (152), which is designed to fix the device (100) on the printer (200) detachably or irreversibly; and/or electrical interface (154), which is designed to supply electrical energy to the device (100), the specified control unit (130), the control unit (130) and/or the specified at least one actuator (120; 122), and optionally these operating parameters include one or more states of the mechanical interface (152) and/or electrical interface (154), namely: the lock position of the mechanical interface (152) and/or the electrical voltage of the electrical interface (154), or change in time of these one or more states. 12. The device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said data interface (158) and/or said electrical interface (154) with respect to the mechanical interface are located so as to contact the printer (200) for communication, respectively, for supplying electrical energy when the device (100) is attached to the printer (200) by means of a mechanical interface (152). 13. The device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the mechanical interface (152) can be locked and/or unlocked electromechanically, and wherein said control unit (130) or adjustment unit (130), furthermore, is designed to block the mechanical interface (152) by updating its firmware via the specified data interface (158) and/or after updating its firmware via the specified data interface (158), unlock the mechanical interface (152). 14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said control unit (130) or adjustment unit (130) of the device (100), furthermore, is designed to, through the specified interface (158) of the data on the display ( 209) in the form of the user interface (209) of the printer, show an error or a request for maintenance if these operating parameters, namely the meter reading, reach or exceed the limit value. 15. Device (100) according to claim 14, wherein said control unit (130) or adjustment unit (130) of device (100) is further designed to send these operating parameters through the specified interface (158) of the device data to the printer (200) and through the interface (222) of the printer (200) to the central computer (300) for preventive maintenance of the device (100), optionally, further: through the specified interface (158) data and interface (222) to receive from the central computer (300) the frequency (134) of failures as a function (136) of the reading (138) of the counter based on the operating parameters of the plurality of devices (100), and determine the limit value (139) using this function (136) according to the threshold value (135) for the specified failure rate (134), moreover, this threshold value (135) can be changed through the specified data interface (158) on the user interface (209). 16. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said device (100) is designed as an applicator, control panel or upstream printer apparatus (200) and/or can be replaced by them. 17. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said data interface (158) is for wireless communication using radio signals, infrared signals and/or short-range RF communications. 18. Printer (200) for issuing a printed product (214) to a device (100) for providing a marking (101) located or configured to be located closed in the circumferential direction around the elongated object (102), according to any one of paragraphs.1-17 , containing: a material interface (256) which is designed to deliver said printed product (214) to the device (100); interface (258) data, which is designed to communicate with the device (100) to provide or position markings (101); a control unit (230) or an adjustment unit (230), which is designed to control or regulate at least one actuator (120; 122) of the device (100) using such communication through the specified data interface (158) for closed circuit the circumferential direction of the location of the marking (101) around the elongated object (102) or to provide made with the possibility of location around the elongated object (102) closed in the circumferential direction of the marking (101) using the issued printed product (214); And a display (209) in the form of a user interface (209), wherein said control unit (230) or adjustment unit (230) is further intended to read, through said data interface (258), operating parameters of the provision and location from a storage device ( 132) of the device (100) and output using the display (209). 19. The printer (200) according to claim 18, wherein said control unit (230) or adjustment unit (230) of the printer (200) controls or regulates said at least one actuator (120; 122) by communicating with the control unit (130 ) or the adjustment block (130) of the device (100) for providing or locating the marking (101), and optionally these operating parameters indicate the method of location of the device (100) and/or the firmware version of the control unit (130) or control unit (130) of the device (100). 20. The printer (200) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said control unit (230) or adjustment unit (230) of the printer (200) is further designed to display at least one of the the following functions as a selectable option and optionally, in response to this option selection, use the user interface (209) to perform the corresponding function: updating the firmware of the device (100), if the printer (200) has access to data on the firmware, the version of which is more current than that specified in the operating parameters; service mode of the device (100), in which at least one of the actuators (120; 122) of the device (100) is manually controlled using the user interface (209) or performs a zero setting; and/or replacement of the print media (208) of the printed product (214) if the print media (208) loaded into the printer (200) is not compatible with the location method specified in the operating parameters. 21. Printer (200) according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein said control unit (230) or adjustment unit (230) of the printer (200) is further designed to show an error or request using the display (209). for maintenance if the read operating parameters, namely the meter reading, reach or exceed the limit value (139). 22. Printer (200) according to claim 21, wherein said control unit (230) or control unit (230) of the printer (200) is further designed to send these operating parameters through the interface (222) of the printer (200) further to the central computer (300) for preventive maintenance of the device (100), optionally, further: through the interface (222) to receive from the central computer (300) the frequency (134) of failures as a function (136) of the reading (138) of the counter based on the operating parameters of the plurality of devices (100), and determine the limit value (139) using this function (136) according to the threshold value (135) for the specified frequency (134) of failures, and this threshold value (135) is changeable using the user interface (209). 23. System (100, 200) for providing marking (101) located or configured to be located closed in the circumferential direction around the elongated object (102), containing: a printer (200) for dispensing a printed product (214) according to any one of claims 18-22; And a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said material interface (156) with respect to the printer (200) is positioned to receive the printed product (214) issued by the printer (200).

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