TECHNOLOGY FOR MARKING AN OBJECT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technology for marking an object, for example a conductor. In particular, the invention relates to a device for providing a marking that can be arranged around an object based on a printed product.

[0002] For marking electrical conductors, for example, label printers are traditionally used. These print a label that then has to be manually applied to the conductor after printing. Document US 2003 / 146943 A1 describes a printer that alternately prints and cuts a label.

[0003] Furthermore, special printers that can be used for conductor marking are known. Document US 2004 / 0211522 A1 describes a device that wraps a preprinted wrap-around label on a spindle reel around a conductor. Document US 2008 / 0073023 A1 discloses a monolithic printing system for printing and applying wrap-around labels. Document EP 1468922 A1 also describes a printing system that can apply a wrap-around label around a conductor.

[0004] Such conventional printing systems can only print certain labels and apply them using an integrated automated application. No other printing applications are possible with such conventional printing systems.

[0005] If the functionality required for the application is relocated to a unit that can be separated from the printer, this extends the conveyor path from a material interface where the printed product is transferred to the separable unit. This means that the printer must output the printed product unprinted beyond the end of printing until the printed product reaches a processing position at which the separable unit can begin the application. However, since many printing systems run a printing material (e.g., a ribbon) and a print medium (i.e., the printing material) in parallel, the additional conveyor path without printing results in a waste of the printing material.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for a printing system, preferably with the size and portability of a desktop device, so that the system can be quickly converted to various object marking applications, preferably various conductor marking applications. A further or more specific object is to enable a convertible printing system that does not have increased material consumption compared to an integral system.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of independent claim 1. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. One aspect relates to a device for providing a marking that can be arranged around an object, preferably around a conductor.The device comprises a mechanical interface designed to releasably or irreversibly attach the device to a printer; a material interface designed to receive a print medium printed by the printer using a print head as a printed product in a longitudinal direction; at least one eccentric mounted on the material interface so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis; and at least one print head factor designed to move the at least one eccentric into a first pivot position and into a second pivot position different from the first pivot position in order to provide the marking, starting from the printed product.The eccentric is designed to move the print head and the print medium towards each other into a printing position for printing on the print medium when the device is fastened to the printer by means of the mechanical interface, when the eccentric is moved into the first pivot position, and to move the print head and the print medium away from each other into an open position when the eccentric is moved into the second pivot position.

[0008] The device may be a device for the circumferentially closed arrangement of a printed marking around a prolate object, preferably around a conductor.

[0009] The device can be designed as an applicator, front assembly, or attachment to the printer, in particular a thermal transfer printer. The device can be interchangeable. A variety of different embodiments of the devices can be optionally attached to the same printer.

[0010] For example, in the first pivot position, the eccentric can lower the print head onto the print medium. In the second pivot position, the eccentric can lift the print head from the print medium.

[0011] In one embodiment, printing material can be saved by moving the print head into the open position (e.g., by lifting it) during a longitudinal feed of the print medium (i.e., dispensing it at the material interface). In the same or another embodiment, moving the print head into the open position (e.g., by lifting it) during a retraction (i.e., retraction) of the print medium can prevent warping or crumpling of the print material.

[0012] The printing material can remain at rest in the open position while the print medium is movable in the longitudinal direction (e.g., by means of a print roller). During advance, the print medium can be moved forward (i.e., from the printer to the device). During retraction, the print medium can be retracted (i.e., from the device to the printer).

[0013] The print medium can be guided on a print roller. The first pivot position of the eccentric can correspond to the printing position (also: closed position) of the print head relative to the print roller. The second pivot position of the eccentric can correspond to an open position of the print head relative to the print roller. The material interface can be designed to receive the print medium printed on the print roller by the printer using the print head as a printed product.

[0014] A printing material, preferably an ink ribbon, can be guided longitudinally between the print head and the print medium, preferably by means of a printing roller. The printing material can rest against the print head in the printing position and in the open position.

[0015] In the printing position, the printing material can be in contact with the printing medium and / or mechanically coupled to the printing medium in the longitudinal direction without slippage. In the open position, the printing material can be lifted from the printing medium and / or mechanically decoupled.

[0016] The pivot axis can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot axis can be parallel to a plane of the printed product, parallel to a pivot axis of the print head, and / or parallel to a rotation axis of the print roller.

[0017] The print head can be subjected to a force, for example, with a preload from the open position to the printing position. In the second pivot position, the at least one eccentric can move the print head against the preload into the open position. In the first pivot position, the at least one eccentric can release the print head for movement into the printing position.

[0018] In the second pivoting position, the at least one eccentric can rest on the print head on a side facing the material interface and / or the printing roller with a contact surface eccentric to the pivoting axis.

[0019] Alternatively, the print head can be subjected to a force with a preload from the printing position to the open position. In the first pivot position, the at least one eccentric can move the print head against the preload into the printing position. In the second pivot position, the at least one eccentric can release the print head for movement into the open position.

[0020] In the first pivoting position, the at least one eccentric can rest on the print head with a contact surface eccentric to the pivoting axis on a side facing away from the material interface and / or the printing roller.

[0021] The device may further comprise a suspension that extends beyond the material interface and, when the device is secured by means of the mechanical interface, extends into the printer. The at least one eccentric can be pivotably mounted on the suspension.

[0022] The suspension can comprise at least two parallel bolts. At a free-standing end of each bolt, a pivot bearing can support a shaft pivotably about the pivot axis. The at least one eccentric can be mounted on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The pressure head factor can be coupled to the shaft for pivoting the at least one eccentric.

[0023] The at least one eccentric can also be referred to as a tappet or rotary tappet. The at least one eccentric can be connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and can be configured to lower the printer's print head onto the print medium in the first pivot position for printing on the print medium, and to lift the print head from the print medium or release it against a preload in the second pivot position of the shaft.

[0024] The device can be removably attached to the printer at the mechanical interface. The data interface can be configured to communicate with the printer for providing (preferably applying) the marking. At the material interface, the device can receive the printed product (i.e., the print medium printed by the printer) that includes the marking.

[0025] The device may further comprise a print signal interface configured to detect or transmit a control signal for outputting the printed product. Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise at least one sensor configured to detect a control signal for providing the marking.

[0026] The device can further comprise at least one further actuator (which can also be referred to as a provision actuator) designed to arrange the marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement using the printed product output by the printer. For example, the at least one further actuator can be designed to arrange the marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement, depending on the control signal for outputting the printed product and / or the control signal for providing the marking, using the printed product output by the printer.

[0027] The device may be a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable in a closed manner around a prolate object (preferably around a conductor).

[0028] The device can further comprise a control unit (short: controller) or a regulating unit (short: regulation). The control unit or regulating unit can be designed to move the eccentric into the second pivot position by means of the actuator before advancing the printed product to a cutting position and / or before retracting the printed product already output at the material interface and / or before retracting the print medium already output at the material interface and still unprinted. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be designed to move the eccentric into the first pivot position by means of the actuator, for example after retracting the printed product or the still unprinted print medium.

[0029] The control unit or the regulating unit can be designed to send instructions for advancing and / or retracting (i.e., retracting) the print medium to the printer via the data interface and / or to receive instructions for controlling the print head factor of the print position and / or the open position.

[0030] The control unit or the regulating unit can be configured to control or regulate the print head factor for the pivoting movement of the eccentric, synchronously with or in coordination with the advance and / or retraction of the print medium, for example, to control or regulate it into the first or second pivot position. The control unit or the regulating unit can be configured to synchronize, via the data interface, alternating operation of the at least one further actuator and the printer for providing (e.g., applying) the marking.

[0031] The printer can receive an identifier or label via an interface (e.g., a network interface or a serial interface). The printer can be configured to print the received identifier or label onto the print medium using a printing material. The printing material can comprise an ink ribbon, for example, for thermal transfer printing. The print media (i.e., a printing substrate or printing material) can be a plastic film, for example, for heat sealing or welding, or a shrink tube. The printed product can comprise the print medium printed using the printing material.

[0032] At the material interface, the print medium (i.e., the printed product) printed using the printing material can be output from the printer. The printer can be configured to transfer the printed product to the device at the material interface, for example, in response to communication between the printer and the device and / or detection of the object to be marked.

[0033] Providing may comprise arranging the marking on the prolate object, preferably arranging it circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the prolate object. The at least one actuator may be configured to arrange the printed marking circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the object.

[0034] For example, the actuator can arrange or provide the marking if the control signal of the print signal interface indicates the output of the printed product at the material interface and the control signal of the sensor indicates the presence of the object or a user request to provide the marking.

[0035] The device and the printer can be arranged side by side, for example, without a direct mechanical connection. For example, the printer and the device can be arranged in a stable and / or non-slip manner on the same work surface. For example, a material interface of the printer can be aligned or overlapped with the material interface of the device. A free gap can be maintained between the printer and the device during operation.

[0036] The attachment may be irreversible, for example, involving a material connection. Alternatively, the device may be removably attached to the printer, for example, non-destructively removable and / or tool-free attachable and / or detachable.

[0037] The at least one sensor of the control signal for providing the marking can be designed to detect the object, preferably to detect a presence, a position and / or a size of the object.

[0038] The control signal for providing the identifier may indicate the presence (i.e., the presence), location, and / or size of the object. Location may include a position and / or orientation of the object (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the object). Size may include a length (e.g., along the longitudinal axis), a width, a diameter, and / or a circumference of the object.

[0039] The at least one sensor of the control signal for providing the marking can detect the object without contact.

[0040] The at least one sensor of the control signal for providing the marking may comprise a button. The control signal for providing the marking may indicate an actuation of the button (also: a request for provision).

[0041] The control signal for providing the marking can indicate a user request to provide the marking. The control signal for providing the marking can be a trigger signal. The actuator can be configured to arrange the marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement in response to the detection of the object and / or the detection of the trigger signal.

[0042] The button can be a foot switch or a hand switch.

[0043] The print signal interface may comprise a sensor configured to detect the printed product output by the printer, preferably to detect a presence, a position and / or a feed of the output printed product.

[0044] The sensor for detecting the output of the printed product (also known as the sensor for detecting the output printed product or, for short, the sensor for detecting the printed product) can be located at the material interface. The sensor for detecting the printed product can detect the printed product without contact.

[0045] The at least one sensor may further comprise a sensor for detecting the printed product output by the printer. Detecting the printed product may include detecting the presence, a location (e.g., position and / or orientation), and / or a size (e.g., length and / or diameter) of the printed product.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the print signal interface may comprise a data interface designed to communicate with the printer for providing or arranging the marking, preferably to communicate bidirectionally.

[0047] The at least one actuator can be designed to process the printed product output by the printer for marking (for example in response to the detection of the object and / or the trigger signal) in communication with the printer and to arrange the marking on the object or to make it available for arrangement.

[0048] The bidirectional communication can include receiving the control signal for outputting the printed product from the printer and sending a control signal to the printer requesting the output of the printed product. For example, the control signal for providing the marking can be forwarded to the printer via the data interface as a request for the output of the printed product.

[0049] The printer may be configured to transfer the printed product to the device at the material interface, for example in accordance with the bidirectional communication and / or in response to the control signal for providing the marking.

[0050] The data interface can be designed for wireless communication, preferably by means of radio signals, infrared signals and / or near-field communication.

[0051] The data interface may be configured to synchronize or coordinate alternating and / or event-driven operation of the at least one actuator and the printer for providing or arranging the marking.

[0052] For example, a printer's feed of the printed product can be performed alternately, synchronized, and / or coordinated with a cutting, folding, and / or folding of the output printed product. The substeps performed by the device or printer during alternating and / or event-driven operation to provide or arrange the marking can also be referred to as actions. The coordination of the substeps can also be referred to as action coordination.

[0053] The data interface can be designed to enable the printer to control the at least one actuator of the device, to read the control signals of the at least one sensor and / or the print signal interface of the device and / or an identifier stored in the device.

[0054] The at least one actuator of the device can be controlled by the printer via the data interface. Alternatively or additionally, measured values ​​of the at least one sensor of the device can be queried via the data interface.

[0055] The data interface can be electrically connected within the device to the at least one actuator and / or the at least one sensor.

[0056] The data interface can be designed to receive control commands for controlling or regulating the at least one actuator from the printer and / or to send control commands for controlling or regulating the printer to the printer based on the control signals of the at least one sensor and / or the print signal interface.

[0057] The data interface can be electrically connected within the device to the at least one actuator and / or the at least one sensor via a control unit and / or a regulating unit. The control unit and / or regulating unit can determine application parameters from the acquired measured values. The control commands sent to the printer can include the parameters and / or control the printer according to the parameters.

[0058] The data interface can be designed to send control signals (for example control commands and / or confirmation messages) of the at least one sensor and / or the print signal interface, and / or parameters determined from the (afore-mentioned) control signals, to the printer for providing or arranging the marking.

[0059] The device may further comprise a control unit or regulating unit which is designed to control or regulate the at least one actuator of the device depending on the control signals of the at least one sensor, measured values ​​of the printer received via the data interface, confirmation messages of the printer received via the data interface and / or control commands of the printer received via the data interface for arranging or providing the marking.

[0060] The control unit or regulating unit can further be designed to receive a control command from the printer via the data interface, to execute the control or regulating of the at least one actuator according to the control command, and to send a feedback to the printer via the data interface in response to the completion of the execution of the control command.

[0061] The feedback can include confirmation of the (e.g., successful) completion of the control command execution or an error message regarding an error during the execution of the control command. For example, the feedback can inform the printer that a defined state of the device has been reached, e.g., an end position of at least one actuator.

[0062] The control unit or regulating unit can further be designed to determine a parameter of the arrangement on the basis of the control signal detected by means of the at least one sensor and to send the determined parameter to the printer via the data interface.

[0063] The detected control signal can specify the diameter or circumference of the object. The specific parameter can specify the length of a feed or retraction of the printed product.

[0064] A control command sent from the device to the printer via the data interface can initiate the feed or retraction.

[0065] The control unit or regulating unit can autonomously carry out the provision or arrangement of the marking or a sub-step of the provision or arrangement of the marking in accordance with the control command during the period between receipt of the control command from the printer and sending the feedback to the printer.

[0066] The device may further comprise an electrical interface configured to supply electrical energy to the device via the printer.

[0067] The data interface and / or the electrical interface may be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for communication or supplying electrical energy when the device is attached to the printer by means of the mechanical interface.

[0068] The data interface can be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for communication when the device is attached to the printer via the mechanical interface. The electrical interface can be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for power supply when the device is attached to the printer via the mechanical interface. For example, attaching the device to the printer via the mechanical interface can result in contacts of the data interface and / or the electrical interface being closed.

[0069] The object may contain or be a conductor. The conductor may be an electrical conductor or a light conductor.

[0070] The mechanical interface may comprise a centering pin or an opening for receiving a centering pin and / or a lever and an eccentric connected to the lever in a rotationally fixed manner, which is designed for screwless and / or tool-free attachment of the device to the printer.

[0071] A further aspect relates to a system (also: printing system) for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, preferably around a conductor. The system comprises a printer, preferably a thermal transfer printer, which is designed to output a print medium printed by means of a print head as a printed product in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the system comprises a device according to an embodiment of the device aspect, wherein, when the device is attached to the printer by means of the mechanical interface, the material interface is arranged relative to the printer to receive the printed product output by the printer.

[0072] The system can be a printing system for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable in a closed circumferential manner around a prolate object, preferably around a conductor.

[0073] Embodiments of the device enable a modular system (also known as a printing system) that can be based on a single printer, for example, a desktop device, so that this printer can be converted to various object marking applications, preferably conductor marking, in a short time or in just a few steps. For example, a user can quickly and easily convert a standard or application-specific label printer into a system to support the application of a marking (for example, a label) to the prolate object to be marked, preferably the conductor to be marked.

[0074] The terms "application" and "applying" may be interpreted herein as synonymous or interchangeable (preferably as a method step). The terms "arrangement" and "arranging" may be interpreted herein as synonymous or interchangeable (preferably as a method step).

[0075] Applying the marking to or on the prolate object (preferably on or on the conductor) may comprise arranging the marking on or on the prolate object. Providing the marking arranged or arrangable in a closed manner around the prolate object (preferably around the conductor) may comprise cutting (preferably trimming) the printed product.

[0076] The prolate object can be an elongated object. At least in part, the prolate object can be a (for example, general) cylinder, preferably a circular cylinder or a prism.

[0077] The prolate object may have a longitudinal axis. An extension of the object in the direction of the longitudinal axis may be larger (e.g., several times larger) than any extension of the object transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0078] The prolate object can be a conductor, a tube, a vessel, or a housing. The conductor can be an elongated object for conducting signals or substances. The conductor can, for example, be an elongated object for conducting electrical current and / or electromagnetic radiation (preferably light). The vessel can be a test tube or a sample tube, for example, for holding and / or transporting a fluid.

[0079] The conductor may comprise an electrical conductor and / or an optical fiber.

[0080] The conductor can comprise one core or two, at least two, three, or more electrically insulated or optically decoupled cores. The cores can run parallel to each other or be twisted together (e.g., in pairs).

[0081] The conductor can be a single, multi-strand, fine and / or extra-fine wire conductor.

[0082] The conductor can be a cable, cable bundle, and / or ribbon cable. The conductor can be a fiber optic cable. The conductor can be a hose and / or a fluid line.

[0083] The conductor can be a cylindrical body and / or a non-rotationally symmetrical, elongated body. The conduction of signals or substances can be directed along a longitudinal axis of the conductor and / or run between the ends of the conductor.

[0084] By attaching embodiments of the device for a specific application to a printer that is not specific to the application, special printers for the respective application, and thus costs, can be avoided and / or resources can be used more effectively. For example, the printer's utilization rate can be increased. The same or other embodiments of the device can reduce downstream manual effort when applying the printing materials to the objects to be marked.

[0085] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.

[0086] They show: Fig. 1A is a schematic sectional view of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a first exemplary embodiment in a first pivot position and of an exemplary embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position; Fig. 1B is a schematic sectional view of the device according to the first exemplary embodiment in a second pivot position and of the exemplary embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; Fig. 2A is a schematic sectional view of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a second exemplary embodiment in a first pivot position and of an exemplary embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position;2B shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment in a second pivot position and of the embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; Fig. 3A shows a schematic perspective view of part of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a third embodiment in a first pivot position and of an embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position; Fig. 3B shows a schematic perspective view of part of the device according to the third embodiment in a second pivot position and of the embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; Fig.Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, which is attached to an embodiment of a printer; Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object in a first state; Fig. 6A is a schematic sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the device in a second state; Fig. 6B is a schematic sectional view of a variant of the fifth embodiment of the device in a second state; Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object in a first state; Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the device in a second state;Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a printer as a thermal transfer printer that can be combined with any embodiment of the device; Fig. 10A is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary printing system that includes an embodiment of the printer and an embodiment of the device for providing a marking in a mounted position; and Fig. 10B is a schematic perspective view of the exemplary printing system of Fig. Fig. 10A in a disassembled position.

[0087] Fig. 1Ashows a first embodiment of a device, generally designated by reference numeral 100, for providing (for example for dispensing, arranging and / or applying) a marking 101 arranged or arrangeable around an object, preferably around a prolate object or a conductor. The marking 101 is preferably arranged or arrangeable in a closed manner around the object, for example, circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the prolate object or conductor.

[0088] The device 100 is described and shown in the context of an embodiment of a printer, generally designated by reference numeral 200. The embodiments of the device 100 and the printer 200 form an embodiment of a printing system. In principle, various embodiments of the printer 200 can be combined with an embodiment of the device 100, and / or various embodiments of the device 100 can be combined with an embodiment of the printer 200.

[0089] The Fig. 1AThe first exemplary embodiment of the device 100 shown for providing a marking 101 arranged or arrangeable around an object (preferably around a conductor) comprises a mechanical interface 152 for the releasable (for example removable or dismountable) or irreversible (for example materially bonded) fastening of the device 100 to a printer 200. A material interface 156 of the device 100 is designed to receive a print medium 208 printed by the printer 200 by means of a print head 202 as a printed product 214 in a longitudinal direction 210.

[0090] The mechanical interface 152 and the material interface 156 of the device 100 may correspond to a mechanical interface 252 for mounting the device 100 and a material interface 256 of the printer 200 for outputting the printed product 214.

[0091] The printer 200 may comprise a roll 216 from which the print medium 208 can be removed when the print medium 208 is advanced in the longitudinal direction 210 (for example, for printing in the printing position of the print head 202 or a print-free advance in the open position of the print head 202).

[0092] Furthermore, the device 100 comprises at least one eccentric 140 pivotably mounted on the material interface 156 about a pivot axis 142 and at least one print head factor 141 (in short: actuator, for example an electric motor) which is designed to move the at least one eccentric 140 into a first pivot position and into a second pivot position different from the first pivot position when the marking 101 is provided from the printed product 214. The eccentric 140 is designed to move the print head 202 and the print medium 208 towards each other into a printing position for printing on the print medium 208 when the device 100 is fastened to the printer 200 by means of the mechanical interface 152, when the eccentric 140 moves into the first pivot position, and to move the print head 202 and the print medium 208 away from each other into an open position when the eccentric 140 moves into the second pivot position.

[0093] Optionally, in the first pivot position, the eccentric 140 transmits a force to the print head 202 of the printer 200, which moves the print head 202 into the printing position or holds it in the printing position. This can, for example, be the case in the first embodiment of the device 100 in Fig. 1A may not be necessary if the print head 202 is pre-tensioned into the first pivot position.

[0094] In the second pivot position, the eccentric 140 optionally transmits a force to the print head 202 of the printer 200, which moves the print head 202 into the open position or holds it in the open position. This is exemplified by the Fig. 1B for the first embodiment of the device 100 with the eccentric 140 in the second pivot position.

[0095] Optionally, the device 100 comprises a print signal interface configured to detect a control signal for outputting the printed product 214. The print signal interface may, for example, comprise a sensor, generally designated herein by reference numeral 104, and / or a data interface, generally designated herein by reference numeral 158. The sensor 104 may generate a corresponding control signal in response to the output of the printed product 214. The data interface 158 of the device 100 may receive the control signal for outputting the printed product 214 from the printer 200.

[0096] The data interface 158 of the device 100 may correspond to a data interface 258 of the printer 200.

[0097] Optionally, the device 100 can comprise at least one sensor 106 configured to detect a control signal for providing the marking 101. The sensor 106 can comprise a sensor configured to output the control signal for providing in response to the presence of the object 102. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 106 can comprise a button that detects a user's request for provision.

[0098] Preferably, the device 100 comprises at least one provision actuator (in short: actuator, for example at least one of the first and second actuators generally designated herein by reference numerals 120 and 122), which is designed to arrange the marking 101 on the object 102 in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for a circumferentially closed arrangement, depending on the control signal for outputting the printed product 214 and the control signal for providing the marking 101 by means of the printed product 214 output by the printer 200.

[0099] The print signal interface includes, for example, a data interface 158 configured to communicate with the printer 200 to provide the printed marking 101. The control signal for outputting the printed product 214 can be received by the printer 200 (e.g., its controller). Alternatively or additionally, the print signal interface includes a sensor 104 configured to detect the output of the printed product 214.

[0100] The sensor 106 of the device 100 is designed, for example, to detect the object 102, preferably the conductor (e.g., its presence and / or size, preferably width or diameter). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 106 comprises a button, the actuation of which initiates the provision.

[0101] Through the material interface 156, the device 100 receives the printed product 214 output by the printer 200. The at least one provision actuator (for example, at least one of the actuators generally designated herein by reference numerals 120 and 122) of the device 100 can be configured (preferably controlled) to provide the marking 101 and / or to apply (for example, to arrange) it to the object 102 (preferably the conductor) using the printed product 214 output by the printer 200 in response to communication with the printer 200 (for example, via the data interface 158) and / or the detection of the object 102 (preferably the conductor), for example by means of the sensor 106.

[0102] The Fig. 1A and 1B The first embodiment of the device 100 shown is attached to an embodiment of the printer generally designated by reference numeral 200.

[0103] While the embodiment of the printer 200 in the Fig. 1A and 1B As shown and described in connection with the first embodiment of the device 100, individual or all of the further embodiments of the device 100 can also be fastened (preferably alternately) to the embodiment of the printer 200.

[0104] The exemplary embodiment of printer 200 includes a print head 202. For example, print head 202 is pivotable about a pivot axis 203 between the open position and the printing position. Preferably, printer 200 includes a print roller 204. In the open position, print head 202 and print roller 204 can be spaced apart from one another. In the closed position, print head 202 and print roller 204 can be adjacent to one another (for example, except for print medium 208 and / or print material 206).

[0105] In a first group of embodiments, the print head 202 is preloaded from the open position to the printing position by means of a spring-elastic element, for example, according to the first embodiment. In the second pivot position of the eccentric 140, a contact surface of the eccentric 140 can rest on a side of the print head 202 facing the printing position and / or on a side of the print head 202 facing away from the open position.

[0106] In a second group of embodiments, the print head 202 is biased from the printing position to the open position by means of a spring-elastic element, for example, according to the second embodiment described below. In the first pivot position of the eccentric 140, a contact surface of the eccentric 140 can rest on a side of the print head 202 facing the open position and / or on a side of the print head 202 facing away from the printing position.

[0107] In a third group of embodiments, the print head 202 is mechanically bistable with respect to the printing position and the open position. During the movement into the first pivot position, the eccentric 140 can move the print head 202 past a tilt point between the printing position and the open position in the direction of the printing position, whereupon the print head 202 assumes the printing position. During the movement into the second pivot position, the eccentric 140 can move the print head 202 past the tilt point in the direction of the open position, whereupon the print head 202 assumes the open position.

[0108] The Fig. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the device 100 in the first and second pivot positions, respectively. The second embodiment can be implemented independently or as a further development of the first embodiment.

[0109] For better clarity, the eccentric 140 and its pivot axis 142 are shown in the following figures without the print head factor 141 (abbreviated to actuator 141). In each embodiment, the actuator 141 can be driven by a chain drive or belt drive (for example, as shown in Fig. 1A and 1B shown schematically) be coupled to the eccentric 140 for pivoting movement, or be arranged directly on the pivot axis 142 for pivoting movement of the eccentric 140.

[0110] The device 100 comprises a suspension 144 for pivotally supporting the eccentric 140. The eccentric 140 is pivotally mounted on the suspension 144 about the pivot axis 142. Preferably, the suspension 144 projects outwardly at the material interface 156.

[0111] The pivot axis 142 of the eccentric 140 is arranged at an end of the suspension 144 spaced apart from the device 100. The pivot axis 142 of the eccentric 140 is located outside a housing of the device 100 and / or, when attached (i.e., mounted) to the material interface 156, within the printer 200.

[0112] For example, the suspension comprises two mutually parallel bolts arranged at the material interface 156 and extending parallel to each other. At the end spaced from the material interface 156, the bolts can each comprise a bearing. The bearings can support a shaft on which at least one eccentric 140 is arranged.

[0113] As in the Fig. 2A and 2BAs shown schematically, the suspension 144 can allow the at least one eccentric 140 to rest against the print head 202 on a side facing away from the material interface 156. This allows, for example, a movement of the preloaded print head 202 from the printing position to the open position by the at least one eccentric 140.

[0114] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a portion of the device 100 according to a third embodiment in the first pivot position of the eccentric 140. The device 100 is attached to an embodiment of the printer 200. The print head 202 is in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position of the eccentric 140. Fig. 3Bshows the part of the device 100 according to the third embodiment in the second pivot position of the eccentric 140. The print head 202 of the embodiment of the printer 200 is in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position of the eccentric 140.

[0115] In each of the embodiments, the device 100, preferably a controller of the device 100, is capable of moving the print head 202 between the printing position and the open position, for example, lifting it from the printing roller 204, by means of the eccentric 140 and its actuator 141.

[0116] Adapting the printer 200 to the function of the device 100 is therefore not necessary. For example, conventional printers 200 that are not configured for automatic movement of the print head 202 can be used with the device 100 (e.g., an applicator 100) for providing (e.g., for application) the marking 101.

[0117] In the Fig. 3A and 3B In the conventional printer 200 shown, the operator can manually lift the print head 202. For this purpose, a lever 148 is provided which is non-rotatably connected to a shaft. Manual plungers are non-rotatably arranged on the shaft, which move the print head 202 into the open position ( Fig. 3B ) or print position ( Fig. 3A ). This is necessary, for example, to insert the print medium 208 or the print material 206 (for example, an ink ribbon).

[0118] In order to save the printing material 206 (e.g. the ink ribbon) when feeding (i.e., advancing) the printing medium 208 and / or to prevent creasing of the printing material 206 (e.g., the ink ribbon) when retracting (i.e., retracting), the device 100 can move the print head 202 from the printing position to the open position by means of the actuator 141 and the eccentric 140, for example by lifting it by motor.

[0119] For this purpose, the lever 148 remains in the position which corresponds to the open position when the print head 202 is manually actuated.

[0120] Since a motor integrated into the printer 200 to lift the print head 202 would incur costs and this motor is not required in all applications, there are printers (such as the one in Fig. 3A and 3B shown) without the function of motorized lifting of the print head 202.

[0121] In order to be able to lift the print head 202 by motor in these printers 200 as well, the actuator 141 and the eccentric 140 can be installed in the applicator 100 itself, ie according to an embodiment of the device 100.

[0122] The Fig. 3A and 3BThe third exemplary embodiment, partially shown, comprises a shaft 146, which is rotatably mounted at two spaced-apart locations on a respective suspension 144. At least one eccentric 140 is arranged on the shaft 146 in a rotationally fixed manner as a tappet. The shaft 146 and the actuator 141 (for example, an electric motor) are fastened to a base plate of the applicator 100. The base plate comprises the mechanical interface 152 and / or an opening corresponding to the material interface 156, so that when the applicator 100 is mounted on the printer 200 (for example, without its own drive for raising the print head), a function for automatically moving the print head 202 between the open position and the printing position is available.

[0123] The function for the automatic movement of the print head 202 between the open position and the printing position can be used or controlled, for example, by a control of the applicator 100 and / or a control of the printer when providing (for example when applying) the marking 101.

[0124] For a concise description, and without limitation of the prolate object 102, a conductor is described below as an example of the prolate object 102.

[0125] Preferably, each embodiment of the device 100 further comprises an electrical interface 154 for supplying voltage to the device 100 via the printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 may comprise its own voltage supply, for example a power supply unit for connection to a power grid or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device (for example a secondary cell).

[0126] Optionally, each embodiment of the device 100 comprises a control unit 130 or regulating unit 130 configured to control or regulate the at least one or each actuator (e.g., actuator 120, 122, and / or 141) of the device 100, for example, according to a controlled variable whose actual value is detected as measured values ​​by the sensor 106. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 130 or regulating unit 130 may be configured to detect the measured values ​​of the at least one sensor 104 and / or 106 and send them to the printer 200 via the data interface 158.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 130 or the regulating unit 130 can be designed to receive control commands for controlling or regulating the at least one actuator (for example the actuator 120, 122 and / or 141) from the printer 200 via the data interface 158 and / or to send control commands for controlling or regulating the printer 200 to the printer 200 based on measured values ​​of the at least one sensor 106.

[0127] The printed product 214 can be a print medium 208 printed by the printer 200. The print medium 208 can be a printable tape (preferably a plastic tape or adhesive tape) or a printable film (preferably a plastic film or adhesive film). The printable film can have a self-adhesive layer on a side opposite the print or can be heat-welded to itself (preferably at the end) and / or to the conductor. Alternatively or additionally, the print medium 208 can comprise a tube (e.g., a shrink tube).

[0128] The first actuator 120 (also called cutting unit) can be configured to cut the printed product 214. The cutting unit can be configured to cut the printed product 214 in a transverse direction 121 transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction of the printed product 214. Alternatively or additionally, the second actuator 122 can be configured to provide the cut printed product 214, preferably to arrange it on the conductor.

[0129] The transverse direction 121 can be parallel to the pivot axis 142 of the eccentric 140.

[0130] The marking 101 can comprise a section of the printed product 214, for example a section of the printed product 214 cut or arranged by the device 100 by means of the at least one actuator 120 and / or 122. The marking 101 can also be referred to as a label.

[0131] The marking 101 can be a printed wrap-around label, a printed flag label or a printed section of the hose.

[0132] The application of the marking 101 to the conductor 102 can comprise a materially bonded connection of the marking 101 to the conductor 102. For this purpose, the marking 101 can be self-adhesive or bondable by heat. For example, the marking 101 can be a flag label that is wrapped around the conductor 102 during application and is bonded to itself at both ends of the marking 101. In a further example, the marking 101 can be a wrap-around label that is wrapped around the conductor 102 during application and is bonded to it at its surface. Alternatively or additionally, the application of the marking 101 to the conductor 102 can comprise a form-fitting connection (for example, displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the conductor) of the marking 101 to the conductor 102.For this purpose, the marking 101 can comprise a tube (for example a shrink tube) and / or a film (for example a weldable thermoplastic film) that can be bonded to itself at the end (preferably by the action of heat).

[0133] The application of the marking 101 to the conductor 102 by means of the at least one actuator 120 can comprise opening the tube and / or pushing the tube (for example the shrink tube) as the marking 101 onto the conductor 102, wrapping the marking 101 around the conductor 102, folding the marking 101 around the conductor 102 and closing the marking 101 with a material fit as a flag label, pushing the marking 101 into a transparent grommet on the conductor 102, and / or printing a plate as the marking 101 that can be clipped around the conductor 102.

[0134] The device 100 can be configured to apply the marking 101 to the conductor 102 when the conductor 102 is already mounted (e.g., when the ends of the conductor are contacted and / or the ends are not free). For example, the conductor 102 cannot be rotated about a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conductor 102 during application, cannot be rotated about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor 102, and / or cannot be at rest.

[0135] The marking 101 applied to the conductor 102 can be captive. Alternatively or additionally, a printed surface of the applied marking 101 can be flat or essentially curvature-free. For example, the printed surface can be arranged between two embossed areas. This allows the printed surface to be easily legible and / or sufficiently large.

[0136] The marking 101 can be durable, for example with regard to the printing (preferably in that the printer 200 is a thermal transfer printer), with regard to the material of the printing medium 208 (for example in that the printing medium is a plastic film) and / or with regard to the attachment to the conductor 102 (for example in that the marking 101 is positively or materially connected to the conductor 102).

[0137] A marker 101 can be space-saving, for example, so that several conductors 102 each bearing such a marker 101 can be arranged closely next to one another. Alternatively or additionally, the marker 101 can be movable and / or rotatable, for example, by positively connecting the marker 101 to the conductor 102. This allows the marker 101 to be aligned on closely spaced conductors 102 (e.g., cables).

[0138] The embodiment of the printer 200 disclosed in the context of the first, second and third embodiments of the device 100 may further comprise at least one or all of the embodiments described below in the context of the fourth embodiment of the device 100 or the Fig. 4 disclosed features.

[0139] Furthermore, the printer 200 may include a light barrier 212 for detecting the print medium 208 (ie the material to be printed), for example for detecting control holes, (for example black) control marks, a beginning and / or an end of the print medium 208. The print material 206 is, for example, an ink ribbon.

[0140] The material 208 to be printed is guided, together with the ink ribbon 206, between the print head 202 and the print roller 204. The light barrier 212 can detect a beginning of the print medium 208 during printing to ensure positioning of the print image within the section of the printed product 214 by means of which the marking 101 is formed.

[0141] The printer 200 comprises interfaces that are spatially associated with and / or functionally correspond to the interfaces of the device 100. The spatially associated and / or functionally corresponding interfaces are connected or connectable to each other in pairs.

[0142] The printer 200 preferably comprises a mechanical interface 252, which is connected or connectable to the mechanical interface 152 of the device 100, or is in communication with or can be brought into communication with the mechanical interface 152 of the device 100. The spatial arrangement preferably implies that when the mechanical interfaces 152 and 252 are connected (e.g., locked), the other interfaces of the device 100 and the printer 200 are also connected to each other or in communication with each other.

[0143] Alternatively or additionally, the printer 200 comprises a data interface 258 that is connected or connectable to the data interface 158 of the device 100, or that is in communication with the data interface 158 of the device 100, or that can be brought into communication with the data interface 158. Alternatively or additionally, the printer 200 comprises a material interface 256 that is connected or connectable to the material interface 156 of the device 100, or that can be brought into communication with the material interface 156 of the device 100.

[0144] For example, the material interfaces 156 and 256 are connected or interchangeable for exchanging the printed product 214. The data interfaces 158 and 258 are connected for exchanging measurement data from the respective sensors 104, 106, and / or 212 and / or the control commands from the control unit 130 of the device and / or from a control unit 230 of the printer 200.

[0145] Optionally, the printer includes 200, as shown in the example Fig. 4 shown, an interface 222 to a computer or computer network 300 (for example, a connection to the Internet). The printer 200 (for example, its controller 230) can receive print jobs via the interface 222.

[0146] The device 100 for applying the marking 101 to the conductor 102 is also referred to as an applicator.

[0147] An embodiment of the applicator 100 (for example, the aforementioned first embodiment of the applicator 100) or a system comprising an embodiment of the applicator 100 and an embodiment of the printer 200 (for example, the aforementioned embodiment of the printer) are configured to perform one or more of the following functions and method steps.

[0148] The applicator 100 and the printer 200 can alternately perform operations (also referred to as actions), i.e., a set of one or more process steps, particularly when applying the marking 101 to the conductor 102. In doing so, the applicator 100 and the printer 200 communicate with each other via the data interfaces 158 and 258, respectively, for example, to coordinate parameters and / or timing of the operations (preferably the next operation). The alternating execution of the operations is also referred to as nested operation of the applicator 100 and the printer 200.

[0149] In a first implementation, an overall process control is stored (e.g., implemented or stored executably) in the printer 200, for example, in the control unit 230 (preferably by means of firmware stored in the control unit 230). The overall process control can include printing on the print medium 208 and applying the printed product 214 resulting from the printing.

[0150] A sequence control of the applicator 100 can be stored in the applicator 100 and / or in the printer 200 (e.g., implemented or stored in an executable manner). The sequence control of the applicator 100 can include (preferably exclusively) the application of the marking 101 to the conductor 102 using the printed product 214. For example, the marking 101 is applied to the conductor 102 by executing the sequence control of the applicator 100.

[0151] In other words, the execution of the control sequence of the applicator 100 can be carried out partially or entirely in the applicator 100 or exclusively in the printer 200. In any case, the execution of the control sequence of the applicator 100 causes the marking 101 to be applied to the conductor by means of the applicator 100.

[0152] In each embodiment, if the sequence control provides for an advance of the print medium 208 without printing by means of the print head 200 and / or a retraction of the print medium 208, the control unit 130 and / or 230 can control the print head factor 141 to move the eccentric 140 from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, whereby the print head 202 is moved from the printing position to the open position.

[0153] In a first variant of the first implementation, the sequence control of the applicator 100 is stored in the printer 200. The applicator 100 preferably has no sequence control whatsoever, for example, also no control unit 130. The control unit 230 of the printer (for example, the firmware of the printer 200 in the control unit 230) is designed to control (or actuate) or (preferably individually) query (or detect) the actuators (for example, 120, 122 and / or 141) and sensors (for example, 104 and / or 106) of the applicator 100 via the data interfaces 158 and 258.

[0154] In a second variant of the first implementation, the control sequence of the applicator 100 is stored in the applicator 100 (e.g., implemented or stored in an executable manner). For example, the applicator 100 comprises the control unit 130 or the regulating unit 130, in which the control sequence of the applicator 100 is stored (e.g., implemented or stored in an executable manner). Preferably, the control unit 130 or the regulating unit 130 is designed to control or regulate the application. For simplicity and without limitation, reference is made herein to the control unit 130, i.e., the function of a regulation is optionally included.

[0155] The execution of the sequence control (preferably in the control unit 130) is initiated by the printer 200 (for example, the control unit 230, preferably via the printer firmware). For this purpose, the applicator 100 can receive a control command via the data interface 158 or be powered via the electrical interface 154. As soon as an operation of the applicator 100 is required, the printer 200 (for example, the control unit 230, preferably via the printer firmware) sends a signal as a control command to the applicator 100 via the data interface 258 or 158.

[0156] Preferably, printer 200 waits while applicator 100 performs the requested operation (e.g., initiated by the control command). As soon as applicator 100 sends a signal via data interface 158 or 258 as a control command indicating the completion of the operation (e.g., reports it), printer 200 continues executing the overall control sequence.

[0157] Optionally, the signal from applicator 100 to printer 200 indicates a status of the completion of the operation. For example, the status may indicate successful completion or an error that occurred during the execution of the operation.

[0158] In a second implementation, the applicator 100, for example, the control unit 130 (preferably using firmware of the applicator 100), executes the overall sequence. In other words, the overall sequence control is stored (e.g., implemented or stored in an executable manner) in the applicator 100, for example, in the control unit 130 (preferably using firmware stored in the control unit 130). By executing the overall sequence control, the applicator 100 controls the overall sequence.

[0159] Printer 200 functions as a slave in the overall process. For example, printer 200 has control over the print image, meaning printer 200 (preferably its control unit 230) executes the printing as an operation of printer 200 in response to a corresponding control command from applicator 100. Optionally, printer 200 issues a control command (i.e., a first start command) to execute the overall process control, for example, because only printer 200 knows about the content and / or the presence of a print job.

[0160] To implement the nested operation, the applicator 100 and the printer 200 exchange information (e.g., measurement data and / or control commands) via the data interface 158 and 258, respectively.

[0161] The exchanged information can include measured values ​​(e.g., electrical voltages, electrical currents, electrical frequencies), preferably measured values ​​from sensor 104 and / or 106, which are transferred (i.e., sent) from applicator 100 to printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, measured values ​​from a sensor of the printer (e.g., light barrier 212) can be transferred (i.e., sent) from printer 200 to applicator 100. Based on the measured values, applicator 100 or printer 200 can determine (e.g., calculate) parameters of the sequence control and / or forward the measured values ​​or parameters via interface 222 to computer or computer network 300 (e.g., to application software).

[0162] For example, sensor 106 can detect a diameter or circumference of conductor 102 (or the prolate object about its longitudinal axis). Control unit 130 and / or control unit 230 can determine a length of advance of print medium 208 and / or a selection of print medium 208, for example, depending on the detected diameter or circumference.

[0163] Furthermore, these measured values ​​can be transmitted as a digital signal (e.g., either as state "0" or state "1") to the data interface 158 or 258 when a defined threshold is exceeded, to indicate to the other (printer 200 or applicator 100) that a defined state has been reached (e.g., the completion of an operation). For example, reaching an end position or a reference point of an actuator (e.g., actuator 120 and / or 122) can be indicated.

[0164] A reference movement of an actuator of the applicator 100 (e.g., actuator 120 and / or 122) can serve to mechanically move an actuator (i.e., a drive connected to a mechanism of the applicator 100) to a specific position of the actuator (i.e., the mechanism), referred to as the reference position. A control command from the printer 200 or a method step of the operation, sequence control, and / or overall sequence control performed by the applicator 100 can include a movement (e.g., a movement command) of the actuator, with the reference position serving as a reference point for the movements.

[0165] If the control unit 130 of the applicator 100 (for example, the applicator firmware) calculates one or more application parameters (i.e., the process control) from measured values ​​(which, for example, were transferred from the printer 200 or detected by the sensor 104 and / or 106), this or these parameters can be transferred to the control unit 230 of the printer 200 (preferably to its printer firmware) via the data interface 158 and 258 according to a communication protocol. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the applicator 100 (preferably its applicator firmware) can also use measurement data acquired by the printer 200 (for example, measurement data from the light barrier 212) to control the process control of the applicator (for example, as application parameters).

[0166] The embodiment of the printer 200 may include any or all features of any or all of the Fig. 1A , 1 B , the Fig. 2A , 2Band / or the Fig. 3A, 3B described embodiments of the printer 200 include.

[0167] The printer 200 may be configured to print normal labels, for example, when no device 100 is attached to the mechanical interface 252 and / or the data interface 258.

[0168] The printer 200 can be a thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer printer can enable high-contrast and durable marking 101. The printer 200 can be, for example, a thermal transfer roll printer.

[0169] The embodiment of the printer 200 includes a dispenser 216 of the printing medium 208 arranged in front of the print head 202, a dispenser 218 of the printing material 206 arranged in front of the print head 202, and a rewinder 220 of the printing material 206 arranged after the print head 202.

[0170] An electrical interface 254 of the printer 200 is configured to supply the applicator 100 attached to the printer with electrical energy via its electrical interface 154.

[0171] Fig. 5 and 6A show a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the applicator 100 (ie the device 100 for applying) a printed marking in a first state and second state of application, respectively.

[0172] The fifth embodiment of the applicator 100 can be implemented independently or as a further development of one of the first to fourth embodiments of the applicator 100. Features of the first and second embodiments of the applicator 100, which are designated by the same reference numerals, can be identical or interchangeable.

[0173] The fifth embodiment of the applicator 100 is designed to wrap or fold a printed film as a printed product 214 around the conductor 102 by means of a second actuator 122 of the applicator 100. Preferably, the sensor 106 determines the diameter of the conductor 102. The control unit 130 calculates a length from the diameter and controls the printer (for example, its printing roller 204) via the data interface 158 to feed the printed product 214 according to the determined length.

[0174] After the feed, for example in the Fig. 4 or 5 shown first state or the one in Fig. 8In the second state shown, the printer 200 reports the successful completion of the feed, for example, the reaching of the specific length, via the data interface 258 (i.e., to the data interface 158). In response to the message from the printer 200, the control unit 130 controls the actuator 122 to turn over or fold the printed product 214 around the conductor 102. Furthermore, the second actuator 122 (or, in a variant, a further actuator) is designed to weld sections of the printed product that lie flat on top of one another by applying heat. A first actuator 120 of the applicator cuts the welded sections to a flush end of the marking 101.

[0175] In a first variant of the fifth embodiment of the applicator 100, a section of the surface surrounding the conductor 102 is printed and the flush cut end is short compared to the circumference of the conductor 102.

[0176] Preferably, the application, ie the sequence control of the applicator 100, comprises two embossings, which are carried out on the printed product before and after the printed section by means of the actuator 120, as in Fig. 6A shown schematically.

[0177] For example, the sequence control of the applicator 100 can include at least one of the following operations or steps. In one step, a control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200. The control command specifies the advance of the printed product 214 for a reference cut. In a further step, in response to a notification of the completion of the advance from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, the reference cut is executed by the actuator 120. A further step of the sequence control of the applicator 100 can include waiting until the presence of the conductor 102 is detected by the sensor 106. A further step of the sequence control of the applicator 100 can include detecting the diameter of the conductor 102 by the sensor 106 and calculating application parameters (e.g., partial lengths for advances of the printed product 214).

[0178] In a further step, a further control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200. The further control command specifies a first partial feed of the printed product 214 for a first embossing. In a further step, in response to a notification of the completion of the first partial feed from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, the first embossing is performed by the actuator 120.

[0179] In a further step, a further control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200. The further control command specifies a second partial feed of the printed product 214 for a second embossing. In a further step, in response to a notification of the completion of the second partial feed from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, the second embossing is performed by the actuator 120.

[0180] In a further step, a control command is sent from the control unit 130 to the printer 200, indicating a partial feed of the printed product 214 for a cutting position. In a further step, in response to a notification of the completion of the partial feed for the cutting position from the printer 200 to the applicator 100, the cut is made by the actuator 122, the printed product is wrapped or folded around the conductor 102, the flat sections of the printed product 214 are welded together, and a cut is made by the actuator 120.

[0181] In a second variant of the fifth embodiment of the applicator 100, the flush cut end is equal to or longer than the diameter of the conductor 102 and comprises the printed portion of the printed product 214, as shown in Fig. 6B shown schematically.

[0182] Fig. 7 and 8show a schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the applicator 100 (ie the device 100 for applying) a printed marking in a first state and second state of application, respectively.

[0183] The sixth embodiment of the applicator 100 can be implemented independently or as a further development of the first and / or second embodiment of the applicator 100. Features of each of the first to fifth embodiments of the applicator 100, which are designated by the same reference numerals, can be identical or interchangeable.

[0184] The sixth embodiment of the applicator 100 is designed to push or attach a tube (e.g., a shrink tube) as the printing medium 208 or a printed tube as the printed product 214 onto the conductor 102. When printing on the tube and / or cutting it (e.g., by means of the first actuator 120 of the applicator), the tube is pressed flat, whereby its cut end or at least a portion of the printed tube can be closed, i.e., the cut edge or the inner sides of the tube adhere to one another.

[0185] The second actuator 122 (also: opening unit) is designed to open the adhering cut edge of the printed tube and / or the adhering inner sides (for example, an upper tube half and a lower tube half) of the printed tube. For this purpose, the second actuator 122 comprises tapered rollers 123, which in pairs exert a force on the edge of the tube 214 on opposite lateral edges of the printed tube 214 in order to open the cut edge of the tube and / or to separate the inner sides of the tube from each other. In the schematic representation of the Fig. 7 and 8 one of the rollers 123 arranged in pairs on opposite sides is visible, since the pairs are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or direction of movement 210.

[0186] In the Fig. 8In the second state shown, the printed tube is opened by means of the second actuator 122, pushed onto the conductor as a marking 101 due to a feed of the printer 200 and cut off at the end by means of the first actuator 120.

[0187] Fig. 9 shows schematically a further embodiment of the printer 200, which can be used independently or as a further development of one of the printers described in the context of Fig. 1A to 4 described embodiments of the printer 200. Individual or all features of the embodiments, which are designated by the same reference numerals, may be identical or interchangeable. For example, the print head 202 may be pivotable about a pivot axis 203 in mechanical coupling with the eccentric 140.

[0188] Alternatively or additionally, the further embodiment of the printer 200 can be designed to receive at least one or each of the first to sixth embodiments of the device 100 at its mechanical interface 252 and to be moved by its eccentric 140 between the open position and the printing position.

[0189] Preferably, the further embodiment of the printer 200 is an example of a thermal transfer roll printer.

[0190] A control unit 230 of printer 200 controls, depending on the signals from light barrier 212 and / or control commands received via data interface 258 from device 100 (i.e., via data interface 158 of device 100), a feed and / or retraction of print medium 208 at print head 202 or of printed product 214 at material interface 256 (and consequently at material interface 156 of device 100). For this purpose, control unit 230 can control a drive (e.g., a stepper motor) for rotating print roller 204.

[0191] Before the print medium 208 is advanced and printed, the actuator 141 moves the eccentric 140 into the first pivot position. Due to the movement into the first pivot position, the eccentric 140 moves the print head 202 into the printing position, so that the print material 206 is moved along with the printing advance of the print medium 208 (preferably transported without slippage and / or transferred to the print medium 208 during printing).

[0192] Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 141 moves the eccentric 140 into the second pivot position during or before a feed of the print medium 208 without printing on the print medium 208. Due to the movement into the second pivot position, the eccentric 140 moves the print head 202 into the open position, so that no print material 206 is moved along with the print-free feed of the print medium 208 (ie, is not transported unused).

[0193] The pivoting movement of the eccentric 140 and the advance of the printing roller 204 can be controlled or regulated by the controller 130 of the device 100 or the controller 230 of the printer 200 via the data interfaces 158 and 258, respectively. Alternatively, the pivoting movement of the eccentric 140 and the advance of the printing roller 204 can be controlled or regulated by the controller 130 of the device 100 or the controller 230 of the printer 200, respectively, with the controllers 130 and 230 coordinating, for example, synchronizing, their respective actions via the data interfaces 158 and 258, respectively.

[0194] The light barrier 212 can be arranged in front of the print head 202 and / or the print roller 204 with respect to a direction of movement 210 of the print medium 208 during the feed. The light barrier 212 can, as shown by way of example in the Fig. 9shown include a light source 212A on the side of the print head 202 and a light sensor 212B on the side of the platen roller 204. In a first variant, the positions of the light source 212A and the light sensor 212B can be reversed. In a second variant, the light source 212A and the light sensor 212B can be arranged on the same side for detecting the print medium 208 in reflection.

[0195] The print head 202 includes a plurality of heating elements. If the heating elements are heated (e.g., energized) and the print roller 204 exerts a predetermined (e.g., sufficiently high) pressure on the print medium 208, the color pigments are transferred from the print material 206 (e.g., an ink ribbon) to the material to be printed. The control unit 230 can control the stepper motor for rotating the print roller 204 and control the energization of the heating elements of the print head 202.

[0196] The printing material 206 may comprise multiple layers. For example, the printing material 206 may comprise a carrier material 206A (e.g., a carrier film) facing away from the printing medium 208 and an ink layer 206B (e.g., a colored wax) facing the printing medium 208.

[0197] The printer 200 is preferably a desktop device to which the device 100 can be attached as a replaceable module, for example, application-specifically or for the duration of a uniform application process.

[0198] Fig. 10A shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary printing system (short: system) that includes an embodiment of the printer 200 and an embodiment of the device 100. In an exemplary Fig. 10A In the mounted position of the device shown, all implemented physical interfaces are connected due to the arrangement of the device 100 on the printer 200. Fig. 10Bshows a schematic perspective view of the exemplary printing system of the Fig. 10A in a disassembled position. The physical interfaces are exposed.

[0199] A method for providing a marking 101 arranged or arrangeable around an object 102, preferably a conductor, may comprise at least one of the following steps S1 to S8. The method may comprise a printing and application process or a use of the device 100 and the printer 200.

[0200] S1: An operator attaches (ie, mounts) the applicator 100 to the printer 200 using the mechanical interface 152.

[0201] S2: The operator inserts the printing medium 208 (also: printing material) into the printer 200, adjusts the light barrier 212 and / or other settings if necessary and moves the print head to the printing position (ie closes the print head 202)

[0202] S3: The operator switches on the printer 200.

[0203] S4: The printer 200 detects the applicator and initializes itself and the applicator 100.

[0204] S5: The operator sends a print job to the printer 200 using a print function (e.g., an application program) of a PC 300 and / or a mobile device 300.

[0205] S6: The printer 200 detects the beginning of the printing medium 208 via the light barrier 212.

[0206] S7: Printer 200 controls the entire process flow (i.e., the overall process control). It receives signals and data about the current process step from applicator 100 via data interface 158 or 258.

[0207] S8: The applicator 100 returns data and signals to the controller 230 (e.g., printer firmware executed by the controller 230) via the interface 158. These signals can be compared by the printer firmware with the pending or currently executing print job (e.g., plausibility check to determine whether the object 102 to be marked matches the print job with regard to a measured diameter), or print data (e.g., application or printing parameters) can be adjusted according to the feedback (e.g., adjustment of the print length in the longitudinal direction 210).

[0208] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular marking printing, printing material, or printing medium to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. List of reference symbols Device for providing a marking, for example applicator 100 Labeling 101 Prolate object, preferably ladder, for example copper conductors or optical fibers 102 Pressure signal interface of a control signal for output of the printed matter, for example, sensor for detecting printed matter 104 Sensor of a control signal to provide the marking, for example, a sensor for detecting the object or Button for recording a provision request 106 First actuator of the device, e.g. cutting unit 120 Transverse direction 121 Second actuator of the device 122 Waisted rollers of the second actuator 123 Control unit or regulating unit of the device 130 eccentric 140 Printhead factor 141 Swivel axis of the eccentric 142 Suspension of the eccentric 144 shaft of the eccentric 146 Lever for manual print head opening 148 Mechanical interface of the device 152 Electrical interface of the device 154 Material interface of the device 156 Data interface of the device 158 Printers, for example thermal transfer printers 200 Printer print head 202 Print head pivot axis 203 Printer's print roller 204 Printing material, for example ink ribbon 206 Carrier material of the printing material, for example carrier film 206A Color layer of the printing material, for example color wax 206B Printer's printing medium (also: printing material) 208 Feed direction or longitudinal direction of the print medium 210 Printer light barrier 212 Light source of the light barrier 212A Light sensor of the light barrier 212B Printer's printed product 214 Print medium unwinder 216 Unwinder of the printing material 218 Printing material rewinder 220 Printer data interface 222 Printer control unit 230 Mechanical interface of the printer 252 Electrical interface of the printer 254 Printer material interface 256 Printer data interface 258 computer or computer network 300

Claims

1. A device (100) for providing a label (101) arrangeable around an object (102), preferably around a conductor, comprising: a mechanical interface (152) configured to detachably or irreversibly attach the device (100) to a printer (200); a material interface (156) configured to receive a printing medium (208) printed by the printer (200) using a print head (202) as a printed product (214) in a longitudinal direction (210); characterized in that the device (100) further comprises: at least one eccentric (140) mounted on the material interface (156) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (142); and at least one printing head actuator (141) which is configured to move the at least one eccentric (140) into a first pivot position and into a second pivot position different from the first pivot position for providing the label (101) originating from the printed product (214), wherein the eccentric (140) is configured, when the device (100) is attached to the printer (200) using the mechanical interface (152), to move the print head (202) and the printing medium (208) towards one another into a printing position for printing on the printing medium (208) when the eccentric (140) moves into the first pivot position and to move the print head (202) and the printing medium (208) away from one another into an open position when the eccentric (140) moves into the second pivot position.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a printing material (206), preferably an ink ribbon, is guided in the longitudinal direction (210) between the print head (202) and the printing medium (208), preferably using a printing roller (204) in the longitudinal direction (210).

3. The device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the printing material (206) abuts the print head (202) in the printing position and in the open position.

4. The device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the printing position the printing material (206) abuts the printing medium (208) and / or is mechanically coupled to the printing medium (208) in the longitudinal direction without slippage, and / or wherein in the open position the printing material (206) is lifted off from the printing medium (208) and / or is mechanically decoupled from the printing medium (208).

5. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivot axis (142) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and / or wherein the pivot axis (142) is parallel to a plane of the printed product (214), parallel to a pivot axis (203) of the print head (202) and / or parallel to an axis of rotation of the print roller (204).

6. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print head (202) is subjected to a force with a bias from the open position to the printing position.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the second pivot position moves the print head (202) against the bias into the open position and / or wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the first pivot position releases the print head (202) for movement into the printing position; and / or wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the second pivot position abuts the printing head (202) with a contact surface eccentric to the pivot axis (142) on a side facing the material interface (156) and / or the printing roller (204).

8. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing head (202) is subjected to a force with a bias from the printing position to the open position.

9. The device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the first pivot position moves the printing head (202) against the bias into the printing position and / or wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the second pivot position releases the printing head (202) for movement into the open position.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one eccentric (140) in the first pivot position abuts the printing head (202) with a contact surface eccentric to the pivot axis (142) on a side facing away from the material interface (156) and / or the print roller (204).

11. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a suspension (144) which projects beyond the material interface (156) and, when the device (100) is attached using the mechanical interface (152), projects into the printer (100), on which suspension (144) the at least one eccentric (140) is arranged so as to be pivotable.

12. The device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the suspension (144) comprises at least two mutually parallel bolts, at the free-standing end of which a pivot bearing in each case pivotably supports a shaft (146) about the pivot axis (142), on which the at least one eccentric (140) is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein the printing head actuator (141) is coupled to the shaft (146) for the pivoting movement of the at least one eccentric (140).

13. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: at least one further actuator (120; 122) configured to arrange the label (101) on the object (102) in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for circumferentially closed arrangement using the printed product (214) output by the printer.

14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising a control unit (130) or a regulating unit (130), which is configured to move the at least one eccentric (140) into the second pivot position using the printing head actuator (141) before an advance of the printed product (214) to a cutting position and / or before a retraction of the printed product (214) already output at the material interface (156) and / or before a retraction of the printing medium (208) already output at the material interface (156) and not yet printed, and / or which is configured to move the at least one eccentric (140) into the first pivot position using the printing head actuator (141), after a retraction of the printed product (214) or the not yet printed printing medium (208).

15. A system for providing a label (101) arrangeable around an object (102), preferably around a conductor, comprising: a printer (200), preferably a thermal transfer printer, which is configured to output a printing medium (208) printed using a printing head (202) as a printed product (214) in a longitudinal direction (210); and a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein in the state of the device (100) attached to the printer (200) using the mechanical interface (152), the material interface (156) is arranged relative to the printer (200) to receive the printed product (214) output by the printer (200).