Unwinding mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses an unwinding mechanism (100) for unwinding a label material strip. The unwinding mechanism comprises: a centering tube (104); a first label guide (101) and a second label guide (102) at least partially spaced apart from each other to form a label tape holder space; first and second threaded tracks (113, 105) arranged substantially symmetrically on the centering tube and on either side of the centerline (112); first and second substantially straight guide rails (121, 122) arranged substantially symmetrically on the shaft (111) and on either side of the centerline (112); comprising a first guide pin (118) and a second label guide comprising a second guide pin (117); the first guide pin is configured to run in a first threaded track (113) and a substantially straight first guide rail (121); the second guide pin is configured to run in a second threaded track (105) and a substantially straight second guide rail (122). The first and second guide pins are configured to be displaced due to rotational movement of the centering tube, and convert the rotational movement into lateral counter-movement of the first and second guides, thereby changing the spacing therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to an unwinder mechanism and, in particular aspects, to an unwinder mechanism for a label printer or label applicator for applying labels to an object. Background Art

[0002] A label unwinder, also known as a label dispenser, is a device used by the printing and labeling industry to unwind or dispense labels or media from a roll. It is commonly used in applications such as barcode labels, product packaging, and manufacturing processes.

[0003] There is a need for an automated label application system, particularly a label applicator and printing and application system that requires less mechanical configuration or adjustment.

[0004] Label application systems and print and apply systems often encounter challenges in applying labels to uneven surfaces because the target product is not always perfectly flat or even.

[0005] The most effective solutions for label applicators that can adapt to uneven surfaces work best when they can operate symmetrically, that is, the label is placed in the center of the label applicator. This symmetry can be achieved by implementing a mechanical adjustment or configuration between the label printer / dispenser and the label application module to ensure that the label is always presented or fed into the applicator along the center line. Alternatively, aligning the label roll to the center line of the label printer / dispenser can also achieve the desired symmetry.

[0006] In addition, many product packaging or sealing machines dispense product in the center of a conveyor. Different sized labels are often used on the same production line, requiring the label to be applied to the target product adjusted to the center of the conveyor. It is particularly desirable to minimize the mechanical adjustments required to achieve label application in the center of the product conveyor.

[0007] This is achieved by aligning the label roll with the center of the label printer or label dispenser, mechanically securing the three main modules in the system together, thus simplifying the entire system by eliminating the need for additional mechanical adjustments.

[0008] These modules may include:

[0009] - Label printer or label dispenser

[0010] -Label applicator

[0011] -Conveyor belts and production lines

[0012] However, in the most common label printer and label dispenser designs, labels are adjusted to one side, either to the left or to the right, so the three modules cannot be fixed together. Therefore, when the label is adjusted to the left or right side of the label printer or dispenser, the label applicator module needs to be able to move left or right relative to the label printer or dispenser to ensure that the label is fed to the middle label applicator.

[0013] On the other hand, adjusting the label to center the printhead can fix the label applicator module in the center of the printing and application system. When both the label applicator module and the label are adjusted to the center of the printhead, they can adapt to uneven surfaces symmetrically. Summary of the invention

[0014] According to the configuration of the present application, it is possible to design a label printer or a label dispenser to automatically adjust the label roll to a rough center line (measured along the label conveying direction).

[0015] The setup proposed in this application facilitates the use of fixed label widths or changing different label widths between different batches. The setup ensures that the effects of gravity, etc., do not change the label width setting, allowing the printer to be tilted at a variety of angles.

[0016] There are several benefits to automatically centering labels: there is no need to move the applicator sideways to keep it in the center position, so it can adapt to uneven surfaces symmetrically and efficiently. This reduces the complexity and cost of the applicator holding bracket; simplifies the installation process; increases robustness; and simplifies the use and switching of multiple label formats on one printer.

[0017] Additionally, in certain applications, round and oval labels can be easily managed because the label gap sensor is located in the center of the label.

[0018] Conveyor-type label applicators, such as the parallel applications entitled "Label applicator device, label applicator and method of applying a label to an object", application number PCT / EP2023 / 071307, incorporated herein by reference, and "Label dispenser and method of dispensing labels", application number PCT / EP2023 / 071309, incorporated herein by reference, can use the dispensing edge of the printer. For labels that are adjusted laterally, the dispensing edge needs to be the frontmost part of the printer and therefore made wider. This reduces performance and increases mechanical complexity because a smaller dispensing edge reduces the distance between the print head / print dot row and the dispensing dot, which can reduce the required return distance, thereby saving time.

[0019] For example, in the case of a marking module, the module can have the bottom printer fixed in the center and the top printer can usually be fixed as well. This reduces the time for format changes on the production line, including label size and product size, and reduces mechanical complexity. In this case, a marking module refers to a solution that combines a printer and a label applicator with a conveyor to provide a complete labeling module. Therefore, with a centered label, the printer and the label applicator can usually be fixed in one position. A marking module can be multiple printing and application systems, for example one for bottom labeling of an object and one for top labeling of an object.

[0020] To achieve these objectives, according to a first aspect, there is provided an unwinding mechanism configured to unwind a label strip. The unwinding mechanism comprises: a centering tube; a first label guide and a second label guide, which are at least partially spaced apart from each other to form a label strip holder space; a first and a second threaded track, which are arranged approximately symmetrically on both sides of a center line on the centering tube; a first and a second approximately straight guide rail, which are arranged approximately symmetrically on both sides of a center line on an axis; the first label guide comprises a first guide pin, and the second label guide comprises a second guide pin; the first guide pin is configured to run in the first threaded track and the approximately straight first guide rail; the second guide pin is configured to run in the second threaded track and the approximately straight second guide rail. The first and second guide pins are configured to be displaced due to the rotational movement of the centering tube and to convert the rotational movement into a lateral reverse movement of the first and second guides, thereby changing the spacing between them.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a method for operating an unwinding mechanism according to the first aspect is provided. The method comprises: pressing a relative button on an adjustable stop and moving the adjustable stop to its inner position; pulling the second label guide to move a sleeve, which is guided by a guide pin moving along a straight guide in the main tube, whereby the centering tube comprises a threaded guide that rotates the centering tube when the second label guide moves away from the center line; when the guide in the main tube reaches its end, pressing a release button to unlock the second guide lock and release the second label guide from the sleeve; removing the second label guide and installing a label roll; repositioning the second label guide and pushing the second label guide away to start a process reverse to the initial step, moving the first label guide towards the center line with the label roll portion attached; an optional step, when resistance occurs, the label roll reaches the center position; and pressing the relative button on the adjustable stop and sliding it toward the inner disk.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims and drawings, and some features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure described in this application. This application 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a label unwinder including an automatic label centering component according to the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the unwinder disclosed in the present application;

[0027] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a label unwinder;

[0028] Figure 3B-3D yes Figure 3A A side view of each component;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A magnified image of the circled area; and

[0030] Figure 5 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A central portion of a label unwinder;

[0031] Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 is a schematic front view of a label unwinder including an automatic label centering component according to the present application in two operating states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following disclosure, the lifting and supporting device will be described with reference to labelling and printing and label application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the device has the potential for use in many other applications.

[0033] As used herein, the term "unwinder" may refer to a machine or device used to unwind or unwind various flexible materials, such as paper, film, tape, or label, to an application area.

[0034] The term "industrial printer" as used in this article, also known as "industrial-grade printer," can refer to types of printers that are specifically designed for heavy-duty printing tasks in industrial environments. These types of printers are used to manage high-volume printing and are typically fast, precise, and able to print on a variety of materials such as paper, cardboard, labels, plastics, and metals. Industrial printers as referred to in this article are typically used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and retail that require efficient and reliable printing solutions. They are often more rugged than standard office printers because they need to withstand harsher conditions and longer operating times.

[0035] Industrial label printers may use different printing technologies depending on the application. Some common types may include:

[0036] Thermal Transfer Printers (TTP): These printers use heat to transfer the ink from the ribbon to the printing material (such as labels or tags). They are widely used for barcode printing and label application.

[0037] Direct Thermal Printers (DTP): These printers use thermal paper, which turns black when heated, and prints the desired pattern. They are often used to print receipts, shipping labels, or temporary labels.

[0038] Inkjet printers: Industrial inkjet printers use inkjet technology to eject tiny droplets of ink onto a printing surface. They can print high-resolution images and are suitable for printing on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal.

[0039] Laser Printers: Industrial laser printers use laser technology to create the desired print. They are typically used for high-speed and high-volume printing applications, such as printing documents or product packaging.

[0040] Industrial printers may also include additional features, such as advanced connectivity options, durable housings, automatic label applicators, or integrated systems for data management and control. These features can improve their productivity, efficiency, and integration with other industrial processes.

[0041] The term "label" as used herein may include information carrier media that can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the specific requirements and applications. Some common materials used for printer labels may include (but are not limited to): paper, synthetic materials, card stock, clear transparencies, thermal labels, and specialty materials.

[0042] As used herein, the term "label liner" or "liner" may refer to a carrier on which labels are disposed and may include different materials.

[0043] Briefly, in some exemplary embodiments, the present application provides a label unwinder mechanism that is designed to, if implemented in a printer, automatically center a label roll relative to the center of a printhead in some examples.

[0044] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary label unwinder 100 is shown. The label unwinder may be part of a label printer, particularly an industrial label printer using any of the techniques previously illustrated. The label unwinder may also be a label dispenser. In operation, the label unwinder will be rotatably attached to a support wall of a label printer or a label dispenser.

[0045] The label unwinder 100 at least includes: an inner label guide 101, an outer label guide 102, a centering tube 104, an external threaded guide rail 105, a sleeve 106, an inner adjustable stop 107, an external release button 108, an external guide lock 109, an outer lower guide roller 110, a main tube 111, an inner guide rail 113, an inner lower guide roller 114, an inner upper guide roller 115, an outer upper guide roller 116, an outer guide pin 117, an inner guide pin 118, and an inner release button 119.

[0046] Reference numeral 112 indicates the center line along the vertical axis of the label unwinder. Here, the "inner" part refers to the part on the left side of the center line, and the "outer" part refers to the part on the right side of the center line 112.

[0047] The label roll 103 may be mounted on an unwinder on the main tube 111 and located between the label guides 101 , 102 as shown.

[0048] In the following description, all directions are relative to the plane of the drawing.

[0049] The disclosed mechanism ensures that the inner label guide 101 and the outer label guide 102 are held in place by guide pins 117 and 108, respectively. The guide pins pass through the two guide rails 105 and 113, respectively. The upper guide rails 121 and 122 are arranged on the upper guide rail 122 ( Figure 5 ) to prevent the pins 115 and 116 from rotating, but can only move towards and away from the center line 112. The upper guide rails 121, 122 are straight and extend in the main tube 111. The internal threaded guide extends in the centering tube 104. The threaded guide is symmetrical around the center line to ensure that the inner label guide and the outer label guide always maintain the same distance from the center line. Using, for example, a steep thread, such as approximately 45°, the guide rails can operate symmetrically. This means that when the outer label guide is pushed, the centering tube starts to rotate, which translates into an opposite linear motion on the inner label guide. Pushing the inner label guide will affect the outer label guide in the same way. The guide pin has a lower guide roller and an upper guide roller to ensure that the pin follows the guide rail with low friction losses.

[0050] Also arranged are "upper" rails 121 and 122 ( Figure 5 ) is used to prevent the guide pin from rotating, but can only move toward and away from the center line 112. The upper guide rail is a straight track that extends in the main tube 111. The upper guide rail can, for example, be along the main tube at the intersection with the curved plate 601 ( Figure 2 ) The same position extends in three straight lines along the outer edge. Thus, according to this example, there are three on the inside of the center line 112 and three on the outside of the plate in the middle.

[0051] The centering tube is free to rotate but cannot move relative to the centerline 112 .

[0052] The inner label guide is directly connected to the inner guide pin. The outer label guide works slightly differently, because it must be possible to remove it, for example when changing the label roll 103. Therefore, the outer guide pin is directly connected to the sleeve, which in turn is connected to the outer label guide via the outer guide lock 109.

[0053] The device can be used at all angles and is not affected by gravity. Therefore, there is an inner adjustable stop 107. The stop is located inside the inner label guide to prevent the inner label guide from being pushed away from the centerline direction (for example, due to gravity). For example, when the operator presses the inner release button 119, the inner adjustable stop is released and can move along the main tube 111.

[0054] Figure 2 A cross section of the main tube 111 is shown, which according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a small curved plate 601 or spring mechanically fixed in a space on the main tube, allowing the label roll 103 to move freely in and out, but preventing it from rotating faster than the label unwinder. The plate 601 can be fixed in place, for example by screws 602.

[0055] Figure 3A The cross section of the inner adjustable stop 107 is schematically shown, Figure 3B-3D The gasket is shown from one side. Figure 4 It is an enlarged view of the circled part.

[0056] The inner adjustable stop 107 is built around the locking washer 101, such as a star-shaped locking washer, which generally prevents the stop from moving off the center line. The release ring 202 rests on the locking washer 201. The flat washer 205 secures the release ring in place from the other side. Between the locking washer and the flat washer is the adjustable stop body 203, which snaps onto the locking washer 201 and the flat washer 205 and ensures that all parts stay together. There are two inner release buttons 119 / 204 within the adjustable stop body. The inner release button can be wedge-shaped, pushing the locking ring (arrowed) when the release button is pressed. This causes the locking ring to lose its grip on the main tube 111.

[0057] According to one aspect, automatic label centering operations, such as those performed by an operator, are disclosed as follows:

[0058] 1. The operator faces the unwinder from the side, presses two opposing buttons 119 on the inner adjustable stop 107, and moves the "stop" 107 to its inner position to allow the guide mechanism to move freely.

[0059] 2. The operator pulls the outer guide 102 toward him / her. This causes the outer "sleeve" 106 to move toward the operator. The sleeve is guided by three outer guide pins 117 along straight guides in the main tube 111. The outer guide pins include an upper guide roller 116 ( Figure 5 ). The guide pin also continues through the main tube into the "centering tube" 104. The centering tube includes an external threaded guide rail 105, which causes the centering tube to rotate when the outer guide 102 moves away from the center line 112. The outer guide pin 117 causes the outer lower guide roller 110 to run in the threaded guide rail. The centering tube 104 includes relatively threaded guide rails 113 and 105 located inside the center line. The internal threaded guide rail 113 affects the inner guide pin 118, which continues through the straight guide rail in the main tube. The inner guide pin 118 is connected to the inner label guide 101. Similarly, the inner label guide 101 moves from the center line to its outer position. The inner guide pin 188 has the same type of inner lower guide roller 114 that runs in the internal threaded guide rail 113 and the upper guide wheel 115 that runs in the inner straight guide rail 121 ( Figure 5 ).

[0060] 3. When the guide rail in the main tube 111 reaches its end, the operator can use, for example, his thumb to push the two outer release buttons 108. This will unlock the outer guide lock 109 and release the outer label guide 102 from the sleeve ( Figure 6 ).

[0061] 4. The operator removes the outer label guide and installs a new label roll 103.

[0062] 5. The operator repositions the outer label guide 102 and pushes it away from him / her. This initiates the reversal process of step 1, causing the inner label guide 101 to move toward the center line with the label attached ( Figure 7 The inner label guide 101 and the outer label guide 102 will apply a lateral force to the label roll 103 towards the center line ( Figure 7 ). The main tube 111 includes a small curved plate to allow the label roll to move in and out freely, but prevent it from rotating faster than the label unwinder.

[0063] 6. When resistance appears, the label roll has reached the center and the process is complete.

[0064] 7. The operator presses the two opposing buttons on the inner adjustable stop and slides it toward the inner plate. This is very important, especially when the printer is placed at an angle where gravity pulls the inner plate off the centerline.

[0065] Although the exemplary embodiments describe an unwinder, it should be understood that the teachings of the present application may also be applied to a rewinder in a printer or applicator system.

[0066] 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 figure mark does not limit the scope of the claims, the content of the application can be at least partially implemented by hardware and software, and multiple "devices", "units" or "equipment" can be represented by the same hardware.

[0067] 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", "include" and / or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. An unwinding mechanism (100), configured to unwind a label strip, the unwinding mechanism comprising: - a centering tube (104); - a first label guide (101) and a second label guide (102), at least partially spaced apart from each other to form a label strip holder space; - first and second threaded tracks (113, 105), arranged substantially symmetrically on the centering tube and on either side of the center line (112); - first and second substantially straight guide rails (121, 122) arranged substantially symmetrically on the axis (111) and on either side of the center line (112); - the first label guide comprises a first guide pin (118), and the second label guide comprises a second guide pin (117); - a first guide pin configured to run in a first threaded track (113) and a substantially straight first guide rail (121); and - a second guide pin configured to run in a second threaded track (105) and a substantially straight second guide rail (122); Therein, the first and second guide pins are configured to be displaced due to the rotational movement of the centering tube and to convert the rotational movement into a lateral reverse movement of the first and second guides, thereby changing the spacing therebetween.

2. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The guide pins (118, 117) are configured to convert lateral movement of one label guide into reverse lateral movement of the other label guide via rotation of the centering tube.

3. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The threaded guide rail has a steep thread, which enables the guide rail to operate symmetrically.

4. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 3, wherein the steep thread is approximately 45°.

5. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and second guide pins include guide rollers so that the first and second guide pins can follow the guide rail with low friction losses.

6. An unwinding mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The centering tube is configured to rotate freely but to be prevented from moving relative to the centerline.

7. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second guide pin of the second label guide is connected to a sleeve (106), which is in turn connected to the second label guide via an outer guide lock (109).

8. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first label guide (101) is directly connected to the first guide pin.

9. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first adjustable stop (107) located within the first label guide to prevent the first label guide from being pushed away from the center line.

10. The unwinder mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The shaft (111) includes a stop (601) which is mechanically secured in a space on the shaft, allowing the label roll (103) to move freely in and out of the shaft but preventing it from rotating faster than the label unwinder.

11. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The stopping device comprises a bent plate or a spring.

12. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The adjustable stop (107) includes a locking washer (201), a release ring (202) placed against the locking washer (201), a washer (205) that secures the release ring in place from the opposite side, an adjustable stop body (203) between the locking washer and the flat washer, the adjustable stop body snapping onto the locking washer (201) and the washer, and having two release buttons (119 / 204) within the adjustable stop body.

13. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The release button is wedge-shaped to push the locking ring when the release button is pressed.

14. The unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The center line is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the centering tube.

15. A method of operating an unwinding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: - pressing the relative button (119) on the adjustable stop (107) and moving the adjustable stop (107) to its inner position; - pulling the second label guide (102) to move the sleeve (106), which is guided by a guide pin (117) which moves along a straight guide in the main tube (111), wherein the centering tube includes a threaded guide (105) so that the centering tube rotates when the second label guide (102) moves away from the center line (112); - When the guide rail in the main tube (111) reaches the end, pressing the release button (108) to unlock the second guide rail lock (109) and release the second label guide (102) from the sleeve; - Remove the second label guide and install the label roll (103); - repositioning the second label guide and pushing it out of the way to start the process in reverse to the initial step so that the first label guide (101) moves towards the centre line with the label roll portion attached; - Optional step: When resistance occurs, the label roll reaches the center position; and - Press the relative button on the adjustable stop (107) and slide it towards the inner plate.

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