Method in label printer

Abstract

The present application relates to a method in a label printer (100), the label printer comprising at least: a label supply reel (120) configured to supply a label web comprising a label (191) and a carrier (191); a label rewinder (130) configured to at least rewind the carrier; and a driving roller (172). The method includes operating the label rewinder in a direction opposite to a rewinding direction and establishing or continuing to establish an extension (195) on the carrier between the drive roller (172) and the carrier rewinder (130) during a feed-back operation of the label web; performing a feed-back operation by rotating the drive roller (172) in a direction opposite to the printing operation direction until the next label is moved back to the initial printing position; when the length of the extension part (195) is reduced, the driving roller is stopped after material returning; and rewinding in the rewinder operating direction using a rewinder (130), thereby causing the carrier to be tensioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to a device in a printer, and more particularly, to a device in a printer for supplying a medium (especially a label). The device of the present application can be applied to general industrial printer applications, especially label printers. Background Art

[0002] Labelling machines are used to apply labels to packages or products. In addition to labelling, some labelling machines are also capable of producing labels, for example in conjunction with a label printer. A label printer or a stand-alone labelling machine may include a belt drive that advances the label stock from a supply reel support to a take-up reel support. The belt drive may have a drive roller of known diameter that is precisely driven to achieve the desired linear movement of the label stock along the reel path. The label stock may be pressed against the drive roller by a pressure roller to reduce the risk of slippage between the drive roller and the label stock. The label may be removed from the moving backing paper by passing the tensioned label stock around a label stripping nozzle, or a stripping blade or a label separation nozzle, when the backing paper of the label stock is at a predetermined optimal tension.

[0003] There is a growing demand for sustainable products and solutions, especially at every stage of product manufacturing. Label printers, especially industrial label printers, are used at various points in the production line and are included in sustainability requirements. Industrial label printers are specifically designed for heavy-duty, continuous use in large-scale labeling operations commonly found in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. These printers can produce thousands of labels per day. In addition, industrial label printers can also include label application components, collectively referred to as print and apply (P&A) machines.

[0004] In label printers, the correct or appropriate tension must be applied to the backing / liner paper as the label is fed forward to ensure that the label peels correctly. Between prints, the paper trail needs to move in the opposite direction for a certain distance, known as backfeed, to ensure that the print head can cover the entire label. During the backfeed process, the tension in the backing paper should be released. Ideally, the tension should be released to the point where there is slack between the dispensing edge and the backing paper rewinder. This prevents excessive friction between the dispensing edge and the backing paper, which can cause slippage between the backing paper and the drive roller. This slippage can cause errors in the label printing and feeding process.

[0005] There are two known ways to achieve the above scenario:

[0006] The most common solution is to install a separate backing / liner tensioner between the dispensing edge and the rewinder. The tensioner can be a single roller or a more complex design. Regardless of its design, the tensioner's job is to maintain constant tension on the backing / liner, independent of the rewinder's action or the amount of backing on it. While this approach works well, it adds complexity and time when changing labels.

[0007] When no tensioner is used between the dispensing edges, the label change process is simplified, but high-speed operation becomes unreliable. A typical solution can be torque control, where the torque of the backing rewinder is adjusted according to the rewinder diameter (D) during the printing process. The backing rewinder runs in reverse for a period of time during the rewind to create slack in the backing paper.

[0008] However, when the rewinder and backing paper are re-stretched immediately after rewinding, the backing paper may experience a "bouncing" effect. If an additional tensioning mechanism is not used, there is a risk of insufficient tension, which may cause the label to not peel properly from the backing paper, resulting in print failure. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present application proposes a method and apparatus for designing a label printer that is easy to use and reliable in high-speed operation. The method and apparatus of the present application can overcome one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings of label printers and P&A systems.

[0010] This application achieves the following goals:

[0011] According to a first aspect, a method in a label printer is disclosed, the label printer comprising at least: a label supply reel configured to supply a label roll comprising a label and a carrier; a label rewinder configured to rewind at least the carrier; and a drive roller. The method comprises: during a rewinding operation of the label roll, operating the label rewinder in a direction opposite to the rewinding direction, and establishing or continuing to establish an extension portion on the carrier between the drive roller and the carrier rewinder; performing a rewinding operation by rotating the drive roller in a direction opposite to the printing operation direction until the next label moves back to the starting printing position; stopping the drive roller after the rewinding when the length of the extension portion decreases; and rewinding using the rewinder in the rewinder operation direction, resulting in tensioning of the carrier.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a method for printing labels in a label printer is disclosed. The label printer includes: a label supply reel configured to supply a label roll, the label roll including labels attached to a carrier; a label rewinder configured to receive at least one carrier of the label roll and rotatably operated by a label rewinder motor; and a drive roller. The method includes: during a printing operation: rewinding the carrier with a controlled torque using the rewinder; if an extension removal operation is being performed: rewinding at a controlled speed in a first time period, and rewinding at a second speed higher than the surface speed of the drive roller in a second time period; during an optional non-printing operation: rewinding the carrier with the rewinder by controlling the speed; during a rewinding operation: creating an extension of substantially known size in the carrier by controlling the speed of the rewinder in the opposite direction; during an extension removal operation: rewinding the carrier with the rewinder, wherein the rewinder: has a controlled speed in the first time period, and has a second speed higher than the surface speed of the drive roller in the second time period.

[0013] According to a third aspect, a method for printing labels in a label printer is disclosed. The label printer comprises: a label supply reel configured to supply a label roll, the label roll comprising labels attached to a carrier; a label rewinder configured to receive at least one carrier of the label roll and rotatably operated by a label rewinder motor; a drive roller, the method comprising: during a printing operation: rewinding the carrier with a controlled torque using the rewinder; if an extension removal operation is being performed: rewinding at a controlled speed in a first time period, and rewinding at a second speed higher than the surface speed of the drive roller in a second time period; during a non-printing operation: rewinding the carrier with the rewinder at a controlled speed; during a rewinding operation: creating an extension of substantially known size in the carrier by controlling the speed of the rewinder in the opposite direction; and during an extension removal operation: rewinding the carrier with a controlled rewinder speed or torque.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect, a label printer is provided, comprising at least: a label supply reel configured to supply a label roll comprising a label and a carrier; a label rewinder configured to rewind at least the carrier; a drive roller; and a controller. The controller is configured to: instruct the label rewinder to operate in a direction opposite to the rewinding direction and to establish or continue to establish an extension portion on the carrier between the drive roller and the carrier rewinder during a rewinding operation of the label roll; instruct the rewinder to perform a rewinding operation by rotating the drive roller in a direction opposite to the printing operation direction until the next label moves back to the starting printing position; stop the drive roller after reverse feeding when the length of the extension portion decreases; and instruct the rewinder to rewind in the rewinder operation direction, thereby causing tensioning of the carrier.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect, the object is achieved by a control unit for applying a label to an object. The control unit is arranged to perform the method of the first to third aspects.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer program product comprising a program code which, when executed by a processing circuit, performs the method of the first to third aspects.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect, the object is achieved by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which includes instructions, and when a processing circuit executes the instructions, the processing circuit executes the method of the first to third aspects.

[0018] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above-mentioned aspects, the appended claims and / or the examples disclosed above and below may be appropriately combined with each other.

[0019] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims and drawings, and some features and advantages will be obvious to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure described herein. This article also discloses a control unit, a computer-readable medium and a computer program product related to the above technical advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] With reference to the accompanying drawings, aspects of the present application cited as examples will be described in more detail below. With reference to the accompanying drawings, elements with the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0021] Figure 1 An exemplary printer in which the teachings of the present application may be implemented is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 Shown from the other side Figure 1 Printer;

[0023] Figures 3A to 3C Schematically shows Figure 1 The condition of the print head and dispensing part of the printer in different operating states;

[0024] Figure 4A and 4B is an exemplary graph showing the speed of the drive roller as a function of time, represented by a dashed line, and showing the combination of the speed of the drive roller and the speed of the surface of the backing paper winder, represented by a solid line;

[0025] Figure 5 is an exemplary graph showing the combination of the speed of the drive roller and the speed of the backing paper winder surface;

[0026] Figure 6is a flow chart showing the steps of an exemplary method;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the backing paper rewinder arrangement; and

[0028] Figure 8 is an exemplary schematic controller according to one aspect of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The term "industrial printer" as used in this article is also called an "industrial-grade printer" and can refer to a type of printer that is specifically designed for heavy-duty printing tasks in an industrial environment. These types of printers are designed to handle high volumes of printing, are typically fast, highly accurate, and able to print on a variety of materials such as paper, cardboard, labels, plastics, and metals. The industrial printers referred to in this article are typically used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and retail that require efficient and reliable printing solutions.

[0030] They are often more rugged than standard office printers because they need to withstand harsher conditions and longer operating times.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "ribbon," "color ribbon," or "ink ribbon" generally refer to a consumable component used to transfer ink to a print medium, typically paper or labels.

[0032] The term "label" as used herein may include information carrier media that may be made of a variety of materials, depending on the specific requirements and application. Some common materials used for printer labels may include (but are not limited to): paper, synthetic materials, card stock, clear transparent materials, thermal labels, and specialty materials.

[0033] As used herein, the term "backing paper" or "substrate" may refer to a transport device made of different materials, onto which the information carrier to be printed is distributed.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "slack" or "extension" may refer to the loose or excess portion of the backing paper material that is not stretched or under tension.

[0035] As used herein, the term "rewinder" may refer to a device used to collect label carriers / backing papers (with or without labels thereon).

[0036] Figure 1An example label printer apparatus 100 in which the teachings of the present application may be implemented is shown from one side. The printer apparatus 100 includes a support wall 101 on which is mounted a print head 110, a label supply spool 120 of label stock mounted to a supply spool support 121, a take-up spool or rewinder 130, an ink ribbon supply spool 150, an ink ribbon take-up spool 160, and a plurality of rollers 171, 172, and 173. Each label supply spool 120, rewinder 130, and roller 172 may be driven directly or indirectly by a respective motor or one or more motors with gears / drives.

[0037] During operation, a label web including a liner or substrate 190 having an adhesive label 191 extends along a web path 192 starting from the label supply reel 120, bypassing the first roller 171, bypassing the second roller 173, passing over the second drive roller 172, bypassing the label peeling nozzle 140 and reaching the take-up reel 130.

[0038] The ink ribbon may extend from the supply spool 150, pass through a printing element (not shown) of the printhead 110 and be wound onto the take-up spool 160. In this embodiment, the printhead 110 comprises a printhead, such as a near edge printhead. Of course, other types of printheads may also be used. During a printing operation, ink carried on the ink ribbon is transferred to a web of labels to be printed. To effect the transfer of ink, the printhead contacts the ink ribbon, and the ink ribbon contacts the label webs 190, 191 and is pressed against the drive roller 172.

[0039] Figure 2 From the other side of the support wall 101 is shown Figure 1 The driving mechanism of the printer device 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The rewinder 130 is driven by a motor 132 and a pulley 133 through a belt, the rollers 172 and 173 are driven by a motor 170 and a driving belt 175, the ribbon feeder 150 is driven by a motor 152 and a pulley 153, and the ribbon take-up device 160 is driven by a motor 162 and a pulley 163 through a belt. At least one controller 103 controls various functions of the printer and the operation of the motor.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a known length of slack is created in the label web 190, 191 and the "bounce" effect is addressed by ensuring the label web has a similar speed to the drive roller surface as the backing paper is re-stretched and the slack is taken up.

[0041] As used herein, the term "bounce" may refer to a substantially sudden movement indicated by a motion characterized by optionally repetitive, elastic impacts or jumps.

[0042] In short, this is achieved by utilizing the mass of the rewinder, which can be calculated from the diameter (empty shaft and backing paper) and the label width. When the mass of the rewinder is known (see example calculation below) and the surface speed of the front drive roller 172 (i.e., the combination of the drive roller speed and the drive roller diameter) is known, the rewinder can be controlled by the motor using a corresponding algorithm to maintain a constant tension in the backing paper / liner at substantially all times. The algorithm must take into account the rewinder diameter, label width, and drive roller speed and position.

[0043] A rewinder is disclosed which creates a controlled amount of backing paper slack between a drive roller and the rewinder during label return and winds up the slack at a known relative surface speed between the rewinder surface speed and the drive roller surface speed, whether the drive roller is stationary or accelerating during the take-up process. The backing paper slack is taken up before the leading end of the label reaches the dispensing edge.

[0044] Here at least the backing paper diameter is measured to calculate the backing paper surface speed. When the label width is taken into account, the approximate weight of the rewinder can be calculated, so that slack can be generated faster and the reel can be controlled, thus speeding up the system.

[0045] exist Figures 3A to 3C middle, Figure 1 The print head and dispensing part of the printer are schematically shown in different operating states. The control of the rewinder reel can be roughly divided into the following three steps, such as Figures 3A to 3C It is schematically shown in FIG. Figures 3A to 3C :

[0046] 1. In Figure 3A When the label 191 is transported forward, the winder motor 132 ( Figure 2 ) is controlled to maintain tension in the backing paper 190 during the printing phase. This will result in reliable dispensing of the self-adhesive label 191. This can be achieved by torque or speed / position control of the motor, depending on the application. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the backing paper and the drive roller.

[0047] 2. In Figure 3B In order to achieve a known amount of backing paper slack 195, the rewinding motor is controlled during the return phase. This allows the drive roller 172 to produce a reliable and smooth return. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the backing paper.

[0048] 3. Figure 3CIn the embodiment of the present invention, the rewinder can be controlled to reduce the backing paper slack 195, and its relative speed is known compared to the web path 192 and the drive roller 172. At this time, the drive roller 172 can be stationary or accelerated to prepare for the next label. This will quickly eliminate the backing paper slack with limited "bounce" before the label 191 reaches the dispensing edge and prepare for step 1, thereby achieving reliable label dispensing. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the backing paper and feed rollers.

[0049] Figure 4A is an exemplary graphical representation of the velocity of the drive roller 172 over time, represented by a dashed line; Figure 4B is an exemplary graphical representation of the combined speed of the speed of the drive roller 172 (dashed line) and the surface speed of the rewinder 130 (solid line representation). The portion above the timeline is positive speed and the portion below the timeline is negative speed.

[0050] Figure 5 1 is an exemplary graphical representation of the combined speed of the drive roller 172 (dashed line) and the surface speed of the rewinder 130 (solid line representation), with details of the graph indicated.

[0051] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The following exemplary process may be performed:

[0052] 1. Part A represents when the print cycle is active, labels are fed forward and provided with possible printing. There is no slack (remaining) in the backing paper from the previous possible refeed cycle. During this part, the label / rewinder can be torque controlled or speed / position controlled. When using, for example, a print head or ribbon storage function (see, for example, the parallel patent application "Thermal Printer and Method", application number PCT / EP2023 / 071288, incorporated herein by reference), speed / position control is used, where the print head can be lifted from the drive roller, that is, there is no contact between the printing element and the roll, so the speed of the backing paper is mainly determined by the rewinder 130 rather than the drive roller 172. Torque control can be used in other cases when the backing paper speed is mainly determined by the drive roller. The total rewinder torque consists of two parts: the first torque (T ma ) and the second torque (T mf ). Torque Fa is the torque required to accelerate the entire rewinder mass so that the backing paper speed matches the drive roller surface speed. Torque Ff is the torque required to produce the required constant force in the backing paper to achieve accurate label feeding and reliable label dispensing. The torque is applied by the rewinder drive motor 132.

[0053] 2. When the drive roller 172 stops after printing a label and feeding it into the label applicator, the backsheet slack size is reset, i.e., the slack is removed. A start delay time Ts is initiated to allow the backsheet slack 195 to start building up. For this purpose, the rewinder 130 starts rotating backward by the position-controlled motor 132, with the slack size of X mm as the target value. For example, a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) regulator or controller can be used to control the length of the slack. Since the backsheet slack is now being established between the dispensing edge (basically the tip of the peeling bar) and the rewinder 130, the reverse feed starts. The rewinder diameter (D) can be used to calculate the backsheet slack size or length. The shaded area E represents the establishment of the backsheet slack length. By using both the diameter of the rewinder 130 and the label width, additional parameters can be used to control the rewinder motor 132.

[0054] 3. When after Ts, the drive roller 172 starts rotating in reverse, moving the leading end of the next label back to the printing position of the print head 110 to prepare for the next print.

[0055] 4. When the drive roller stops after feeding back, the slack size target value changes from X mm to 0 mm, and section C starts.

[0056] 5. When the backsheet slack size decreases to Y millimeters (<X), it enters section D. In section D, the speed of the winder 130 is controlled. The target speed is related to the backsheet speed, and the backsheet speed is equal to the surface speed of the winder. The target value is 100 + Z% of the drive roller printing speed. Note that if a new print cycle has not started (the end part of the chart), then this speed = 0. This will cause the backsheet to be tensioned at a controlled speed, thus preventing "bouncing". The backsheet slack length is wound back as represented by the shaded part F.

[0057] Therefore, two different situations may occur: one situation is that a new print starts, but the backsheet slack has not been completely eliminated yet and is being eliminated; the other situation is that a new print starts and the backsheet slack has been completely eliminated. In both cases, the combination of torque and speed control is useful. In the first case, it is wound at a defined speed and then the final tension is applied with torque. In the second case, speed is used when the print head is lifted, i.e., since there is no printing, the pressure from the print head on the label is reduced, but torque is used when the print head is down and the speed is controlled by the print / drive roller.

[0058] The surface speed (Vs) can be calculated by multiplying the circumference of the roll by its angular velocity (in rpm):

[0059] Vs = π * d * rpm.

[0060] As mentioned previously, label width can be used in conjunction with the rewinder diameter (D) to optimize the process. The rewinder may be torque controlled during printing, but speed controlled when restoring tension. Diameter D may affect the lever length required to convert motor torque to backing paper force, as well as the weight of the rewinder, thus affecting the torque required to accelerate the rewinder during starting and stopping. When calculating the torque required to accelerate the rewinder, the rewinder diameter "D" is also used to calculate the leverage point for the mass added by the rewound backing paper.

[0061] Therefore, the rewinder mass is calculated using the wound label diameter and label width. Using the rewinder mass and the speed of the front drive roller, the rewinder can be controlled by the motor 132 through the controller to maintain a constant tension in the backing paper / liner at substantially all times. The controller takes into account the rewinder diameter, label width, and the speed and position of the drive roller.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, at least the backing paper diameter can be used to calculate the backing paper surface speed. For example, when the backing paper is expected to be tensioned, the rewinder is torque controlled, and the backing paper speed is approximately equal to the surface speed (Vs) of the drive roller, the rewinder diameter "D" can be calculated. It can then be expected that all the backing paper conveyed by the drive roller will be rewound along the circumference of the rewinder. The calculation can then be completed by measuring and comparing the resulting amount of rewinder rotation with the driven amount of drive roller rotation. For example, the comparison can be made after a limited amount of rewinder rotation, a limited amount of drive roller rotation, or a defined time. When the label width is taken into account, the controller calculates the approximate weight of the rewinder, which allows faster slack generation and reel control, thereby speeding up system operation. Taking the weight into account, the controller can be allowed to increase additional torque during acceleration and reduce torque during deceleration. This results in a constant force in the backing paper, resulting in reduced slip between the drive roller and the backing paper, thereby reducing wear on the drive roller. The increased torque during acceleration and the tension in the backing paper maintained thereby can ensure good label distribution. The reduced torque during deceleration and the tension in the backing paper maintained thereby will reduce slip between the drive roller and the backing paper. The constant pulling force and reduced slip also allow for faster acceleration and deceleration.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the backing paper may be measured using, for example, a potentiometer at the infeed label holder (which measures the distance between supports), a laser rangefinder, scanned information on the label web, or information provided by an operator.

[0064] Formula (1) can be used to measure the change in relaxation length ds with time (t), relative to the variable speed v(t) of the drive roller, and can be calculated as follows:

[0065] d s =∫[t1 tO t2]v(t) dt (1)

[0066] Where t1 represents the initial time, t2 represents the final time, v(t) represents the speed of the drive roller at any given time t, and dt represents an infinitesimal time interval.

[0067] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of a backing paper rewinder 190 for calculating the backing paper acceleration. The rewinder is driven by a motor 133.

[0068] The system (motor) needs to accelerate and decelerate two masses. One is the mass of the moving mechanism (Mm). During acceleration the system experiences the combined center of gravity of this mass, which is located at a distance rm from the center of rotation of the rewinder. This mass is relatively small.

[0069] Another large mass is created by the rewound backing paper. The starting diameter of the rewound backing paper is called "d" and the current diameter of the rewound backing paper is called "D".

[0070] Radius position of the center of gravity of the backing paper during acceleration (r b ): A segment of a circle whose center of gravity is located 2 / 3 of the radius from the original center of the circle.

[0071] During acceleration the center of gravity will be somewhere between "r" and "R". If the starting diameter is 0, then r b will be 2 / 3xR. Now one must consider that there is no liner inside "d". This can be done using the cut area created by the radius and taking into account the torque created by the mass behind the sector, then:

[0072] r b =1 / 3(D 3 -d 3 ) / (D 2 -d 2 )

[0073] The rotational mass of the rewound backing paper is calculated as follows:

[0074] M b =a b ×W l ×D F

[0075] in

[0076] A b = Re-roll backing paper cutting area, (m 2 )=(D 2 π / 4)-(d 2 π / 4)

[0077] W1=backing paper width~label width(m)

[0078] DF = backing paper density factor (kg / m3)

[0079] D=>M b =(D 2 π / 4)-(d 2 π / 4)×W1×DF

[0080] The acceleration of the center of gravity of the liner (ab) relative to the known acceleration of the liner (a) is as follows:

[0081] a b =(r b / R)×a

[0082] Therefore, according to Newton's second law (F = mxa), the torque required to accelerate the backing paper alone is:

[0083] T b (Nm) = M b ×a b × b

[0084] The motor 133 drives the rewinder with a transmission factor "G". The torque (Tmb) required for the motor to accelerate the backing paper alone is:

[0085] T mb (N m )=((D 2 π / 4)-(d 2 π / 4)×W1×DF×(r b / R)×a×1 / 3(D 3 -d 3 ) / (D 2 -d2))×G

[0086] For example, the following parameters can be used:

[0087] M m =2kg

[0088] G = 1 / 8 (motor gear size / rewinder gear size)

[0089] R b =0.03m

[0090] F p = 10N (constant force required in the backing paper during printing operation)

[0091] The example gives the following values:

[0092] T mm (Nm)=(M m ×a m × m )×G=(2×0.545×0.03)×(1 / 8)=0.0041Nm

[0093] Therefore, the total motor torque required to accelerate the constant moving mass and accumulating liner in this example is:

[0094] T ma (Nm) = T mb +T mm =0.0711+0.0041=00752Nm

[0095] In this example, the motor torque required to produce the desired force on the backing paper at a constant speed is:

[0096] T mf (Nm)=F f ×R×G=10×0.11×(1 / 8)=0.1375Nm

[0097] Therefore, in this example, to maintain a constant required force in the backing paper, the total torque the motor needs to provide during acceleration is:

[0098] T m (Nm) = T ma +T mf =0.0752+0.1375=0.2127Nm=21.27Ncm

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, when the print head is not lifted, the method of the present application may include:

[0100] -During the printing operation:

[0101] ○ Use a torque-controlled rewinder to rewind the carrier;

[0102] ○ If an extension removal operation is in progress:

[0103] ■ rewinding at a controlled speed during the first period of time, and

[0104] ■ rewinding at a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period;

[0105] -During optional non-printing operations:

[0106] ○The carrier is rewound by controlling the speed through the rewinder;

[0107] -During the recycle operation:

[0108] o creating extensions of substantially known dimensions in the carrier by controlling the speed of the winder in opposite directions; and -

[0109] -During the extension removal operation:

[0110] ○ Rewinding the carrier with a rewinder, wherein the rewinder:

[0111] ■ has a controlled speed during the first time period, and

[0112] ■ Having a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, when the print head is lifted (less pressure on the ribbon), the method of the present application may include:

[0114] -During the printing operation:

[0115] ○ Use a torque-controlled rewinder to rewind the carrier;

[0116] ○ If an extension removal operation is in progress:

[0117] ■ rewinding at a controlled speed during the first period of time, and

[0118] ■ rewinding at a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period;

[0119] -During non-printing operations:

[0120] ○The carrier is rewound by controlling the speed through the rewinder;

[0121] -During the recycle operation:

[0122] o creating extensions of substantially known dimensions in the carrier by controlling the speed of the winder in opposite directions; and during the extension removal operation:

[0123] ○ Rewind the carrier by controlling the rewinder speed or torque.

[0124] Figure 81 is an exemplary controller 103 that communicates with and / or controls various units of an exemplary printer, such as the printers previously described in the present application. The controller 103 can communicate with various sensors of the printer, such as encoders of motors 132, 152, 162, and 170. The controller can be independent or part of a printer controller, as previously described. As previously described, the controller 103 can implement the methods and systems described herein, and can include a bus 1310, a processor 1032, a memory 1033, a read-only memory (ROM) 1034, a storage device 1350, an input device 1035, an output device 1037, and a communication interface 1038. The bus 1031 allows communication between components of the controller 103. The bus can be any of a variety of types of bus structures, which can further be interconnected with a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and / or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The controller 103 can also include one or more power supplies (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the controller 103 may be configured in a variety of other ways and may include additional or different elements.

[0125] The processor 1032 may include any type of processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. The processor 1032 may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a circuit containing a processing component, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of functions designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may also include computer executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device. The processor 1032 may also include logic that can receive and compile instructions and interpret different signals and generate outputs to, for example, speakers, displays, etc.

[0126] Memory 1033 may include random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic storage device for storing information and instructions for execution by processor 1032. Memory 1033 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by processor 1032. Memory 1033 may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the methods described herein. Memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of information structures for supporting various activities described herein. Any distributed or local memory device may be used with the systems and methods of this specification. Memory may be communicatively connected to a processor device (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection), and may include computer code for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory may include non-volatile memory 1034 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.) and volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and accessed by a computer or other machine with a processor. A basic input / output system (BIOS) may be stored in the non-volatile memory 1034 and may include basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the controller.

[0127] ROM 1034 may include conventional ROM devices and / or other static storage devices for storing static information and instructions for processor 1032. Storage device 1350 may include a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding drive and / or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium for storing information and instructions and its corresponding drive. Storage device 1350 may also include a flash memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) device for storing information and instructions.

[0128] The input device 1035 may include one or more conventional mechanisms for allowing a user to input information to the controller 103, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a directional pad, a mouse, a pen, voice recognition, a touch screen, and / or a biometric recognition mechanism, etc. The output device 1037 may include one or more conventional mechanisms for outputting information to the user, including a display, a printer, one or more speakers, etc. The communication interface 1038 may include any transceiver-type mechanism that enables the controller 103 to communicate with other devices and / or systems. For example, the communication interface 1038 may include a modem or an Ethernet interface to a LAN. Alternatively, or in addition, the communication interface 1038 may include other mechanisms for communicating over a network (e.g., a wireless network). For example, the communication interface may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver and one or more antennas for sending and receiving RF data.

[0129] The controller 103 is consistent with the present application and provides a platform through which various functions of the label printer can be controlled, especially the operation of the motor. The controller 103 can also display information related to the label application status of printer related information.

[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 103 may perform various processes in response to the processor 1032 executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 1033. Such instructions may be read into the memory 1033 from another computer-readable medium (e.g., storage device 1350) or from a separate device through the communication interface 1038. It should be understood that the computer-readable medium may include one or more storage devices or carrier waves. Executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 1033 causes the processor 1032 to perform the described actions. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuits may be used instead of or in combination with software instructions to implement aspects consistent with the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0131] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude the existence of other elements or steps than those listed, and the word "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the existence of multiple such elements. It should also be noted that any reference symbol does not limit the scope of the claims, the content of the present application can be at least partially implemented by hardware and software, and multiple "devices", "units" or "equipment" can be represented by the same hardware.

[0132] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific aspects and are not intended to limit the content of this application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are also intended to include plural forms. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. It should be further understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "contain" and / or "" used herein specify the presence of the features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0133] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0134] Relative terms such as "lower" or "upper" or "above" or "below" or "horizontally" or "vertically" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another element as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and the above terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there can be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0135] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which this application belongs. It should also be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0136] Software and web implementations of various embodiments of the disclosed methods can be implemented through standard programming techniques, wherein rule-based logic and other logic are employed to implement various database search steps or processes, association steps or processes, comparison steps or processes, and decision steps or processes. It should be noted that the terms "component" and "module" as used herein and in the following claims are intended to cover implementations using one or more lines of software code, and / or hardware implementations, and / or devices for receiving manual input.

[0137] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present application and the appended claims. In the drawings and description, aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the inventive concept is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method in a label printer (100), the label printer comprising at least: - a label supply reel (120) configured to supply a label web comprising labels (191) and a carrier (191); - a label rewinder (130) configured to rewind at least the carrier; - a drive roller (172); The method comprises: - operating the label rewinder in a direction opposite to the rewinding direction and establishing or continuing to establish an extension (195) on the carrier between the drive roller (172) and the carrier rewinder (130) during the feeding-back operation of the label web; - performing a feeding-back operation by rotating the drive roller (172) in a direction opposite to the printing operation direction until the next label is moved back to the starting printing position; - stopping the drive roller after feeding-back when the length of the extension (195) decreases; and - using the rewinder (130) to rewind in the rewinder operation direction to tension the carrier.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Starting the rewinder (130) in the rewinder operation direction such that the carrier is tensioned at a controlled speed.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the printing cycle is active, the extension of the carrier from a previous feeding-back cycle is removed, such that the carrier rewinder is torque-controlled or speed-controlled.

4. The method according to claim 3, using torque control when the carrier speed is mainly determined by the drive roller.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the total rewinder torque is composed of two torques: The first torque (T ma ) and the second torque (T mf ), where the first torque (T ma ) is the torque required to accelerate the total winder mass to match the carrier speed to the drive roller surface speed, and the second torque (T mf ) is the torque required to produce the desired constant force in the carrier to produce accurate label feeding and reliable label dispensing.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the drive roller (172) stops after the printing operation, the carrier extension is reset, such that a start-up delay time (Ts) is initiated to enable the generation of the extension (195).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the carrier rewinder (130) rotates backward with an extension length (X) as a target value.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier rewinder diameter (D) is used to calculate the carrier extension length.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The diameter of the rewinder (130) comprises a rewinder hub diameter and a rewound carrier diameter, and the label width is used for rewinder motor control.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When a time period (Ts) has elapsed, the drive roller (172) starts to rotate backward to move the starting point of the next label back to the printing position.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When the drive roller stops after its feeding-back, the extension length target value (X) becomes substantially zero (0).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: When the carrier extension length decreases to a second length (Y), where Y < X, the carrier rewinder (130) is speed-controlled.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The target speed is related to the carrier speed, and the carrier speed is equal to the rewinder surface speed.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the target value is 100 + Z% of the drive roller printing speed.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, using the label width in combination with the carrier rewinder diameter to optimize the backing label extension process.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rewinder can be torque-controlled during printing, but speed-controlled when restoring tension.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising using the wound label diameter and using the label width to calculate the label rewinder mass, using the label rewinder mass and the speed of the front drive roller to control the label rewinder to maintain a substantially constant tension in the carrier at all times.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein at least the carrier diameter is measured to calculate the carrier surface speed and when the label width is taken into account, the approximate weight of the label rewinder is calculated, which allows faster slack generation and reel control, thereby achieving faster system operation.

19. A method for printing a label in a label printer, the label printer comprising: - a label supply reel (120) configured to supply a label web comprising a label (191) attached to a carrier (191); - a label rewinder (130) configured to receive at least a carrier of a label web and rotatably operated by a label rewinder motor (132); - a driving roller (172), The method comprises: -During a print operation: ○ Use a torque-controlled rewinder to rewind the carrier; ○If you are undergoing extension removal: ■ rewinding at a controlled speed during the first period of time, and ■ rewinding at a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period; -During optional non-printing operations: ○The carrier is rewound by controlling the speed through the rewinder; -During the recycle operation: o creating an extension of substantially known dimensions in the carrier by controlling the speed of the rewinder in the opposite direction; and -During the extension removal operation: ○ Rewinding the carrier with a rewinder, wherein the rewinder: ■ has a controlled speed during the first time period, and ■ Having a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period.

20. A method for printing a label in a label printer, the label printer comprising: - a label supply reel (120) configured to supply a label web comprising a label (191) attached to a carrier (191); - a label rewinder (130) configured to receive at least a carrier of a label web and rotatably operated by a label rewinder motor (132); - a driving roller (172), The method comprises: -During the printing operation: ○ Use a torque-controlled rewinder to rewind the carrier; ○If you are undergoing extension removal: ■ rewinding at a controlled speed during the first period of time, and ■ rewinding at a second speed greater than the surface speed of the drive roller during a second time period; -During non-printing operations: ○The carrier is rewound by controlling the speed through the rewinder; -During the recycle operation: o creating extensions of substantially known dimensions in the carrier by controlling the speed of the winder in opposite directions; and -During the extension removal operation: ○ Rewind the carrier by controlling the rewinder speed or torque.

21. A label printer (100), comprising at least: - a label supply reel (120) configured to supply a label roll comprising a label (191) and a carrier (191); - a label rewinder (130) configured to rewind at least a carrier; - a drive roller (172); and - a controller (103); The controller is configured as follows: - instructing the label rewinder to operate in a direction opposite to the rewinding direction and to establish or continue to establish an extension (195) on the carrier between the drive roller (172) and the carrier rewinder (130) during a rewinding operation of the label web; - instructing the rewinder to perform a rewinding operation by rotating the drive roller (172) in the direction opposite to the printing operation until the next label moves back to the starting printing position; - stopping the driving roller after the return of the material when the length of the extension (195) decreases; and - Instructing the rewinder (130) to rewind along the rewinder operation direction to tension the carrier.

22. A control unit (103) for implementing label feeding in a label printer, wherein: The control unit is arranged to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 .

23. A computer program product comprising program code for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 when executed by a processing circuit.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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