Technique for introducing a prolate object

Abstract

The invention relates to a technique for introducing a prolate object (410) into a piece of tubing (210) that is open at least at the ends, for marking the prolate object (410). According to one device aspect, a device (100) comprises a guide corridor (110) that is designed to convey the hose piece (210) along a longitudinal direction (112) of the guide corridor (110) and to open during the conveying movement. A width of the guide corridor (110) can be controlled in a transverse direction (114) transverse to the longitudinal direction (112) as a function of a diameter of the length of the hose piece (210). The device (100) further comprises a support surface arranged at at least one position in the longitudinal direction (112) downstream of the guide corridor (110) in the conveying motion, the support surface being configured to align the prolate object (410) when inserted into the opened hose piece (210). The support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces (602A; 602B) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (112) and overlapping in the transverse direction (114) for supporting the prolate object (410) during insertion.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technique for marking a prolate object, for example, a conductor. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for inserting a prolate object, for example, a conductor, into a piece of tubing that is open at least at one end for marking the prolate object.

[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] Document GB 1 199 264 A teaches a device for heat-shrinking plastic tubing. A device for shrinking tubing onto elongated objects, such as electrical conductors, consists of a housing and two sets of heating elements that can be pivoted from an open position, in which the tubing and the elongated object can be inserted between them, to a closed position in which they enclose the tubing.

[0004] The document US 2010 / 139868 A1 teaches an apparatus and method for printing and wrapping elongated objects, such as electrical wires, with self-adhesive labels, including a rotatable puck assembly with a discontinuous peripheral surface.

[0005] The document EP 0 326 928 A1 teaches a method for covering sections of objects with plastic, which is characterized in that a tube made of a shrinkable and cross-linked plastic material is stretched axially or radially under the influence of heat.

[0006] Furthermore, special printers that can be used for conductor marking are known. Document US 2004 / 0211522 A1 describes a machine that wraps a preprinted wrap-around label on a spindle reel around a conductor. Document US 2008 / 0073023 A1 describes a monolithic machine for printing and applying wrap-around labels.

[0007] However, conventional devices can only print certain labels and, if an automated application is integrated, no other printing applications are possible with such a device.

[0008] Traditionally, a user must manually insert the conductor to be marked into the device and visually check the inserted conductor's position. For example, a demonstration video published by the manufacturer Brady of the "Wraptor A6500" printer shows a manual insertion movement perpendicular to the length of the conductor, after which the label is wrapped around a position on the conductor determined by the device. The wrapping process is traditionally initiated manually or via a foot switch by the user.

[0009] Document WO 1999 / 56271 A1 describes the opening of a printed heat-shrink tube in order to slide it onto a conductor. However, with the conventional opening technique, there is a risk that the tube will not open when the jaws are pressed against the longitudinal edges of the flattened tube, but rather that the upper and lower halves of the tube bulge in the same direction.

[0010] Document WO 2021 / 069416 A1 describes a device that cuts a printed shrink tube and opens it at least at the cut ends by deforming the shrink tube transversely to its longitudinal direction using opening rollers. The opening rollers are arranged on opposite sides of a guide corridor, the width of which is adjustable by the opening rollers being mounted on transversely movable carriages.

[0011] Traditionally, the conductor is inserted manually by a device operator, especially over a fixed lower support edge, and the position of the inserted conductor is checked visually. This limits the work rate of sequentially marking multiple conductors and thus productivity. Furthermore, visual inspection is strenuous and can be misjudged if the conductor and shrink tubing have different widths.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a technique for introducing a prolate object into a piece of tubing that is open at least at one end, which can increase productivity and / or simplify use. Alternatively or additionally, the object is to reproducibly position the prolate object (for example, to adjust or center it with respect to the piece of tubing that is open at the end) depending on a variable size of the tubing and / or the prolate object in order to identify the prolate object.

[0013] The problem or problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention are described below with partial reference to the figures.

[0015] According to the invention, a device is provided for inserting a prolate object, preferably a conductor, into a piece of tubing that is open at least at the end (optionally printed and / or at least partially colored) for marking the prolate object. The device comprises a guide corridor that is designed to convey the tubing along a longitudinal direction of the guide corridor and optionally to open it during the conveying movement (for example, under the action of flexing forces). A width of the guide corridor is controllable in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction depending on a diameter of the tubing section. The device further comprises a support surface arranged downstream of the guide corridor in the conveying movement at at least one position in the longitudinal direction, which support surface is designed to align the prolate object during insertion into the opened tubing section.The support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and overlapping in the transverse direction for supporting the prolate object during insertion.

[0016] The tubing section can be printed for identification purposes, for example, before or after the insertion of the prolate object into the tubing section. Alternatively or additionally, the tubing section can include a color marking, for example, a color of the tubing or a colored pattern (e.g., a colored stripe) on at least part of the tubing section.

[0017] The hose section can be separated (also called "cut off" or "separated") from a long hose (also called "endless hose") before the conveying movement and / or before opening. The long hose can be provided wound on a reel. Alternatively or additionally, at least a length of the long hose encompassing the hose section can be unwound from the reel before printing and / or cutting.

[0018] A hose section size (which may vary from marking to marking, for example) can be referred to as the hose section's diameter without loss of generality. For example, the diameter can be an actual size, a target size, or a nominal size of the hose section.

[0019] For example, a width of the hose piece (i.e. a transverse dimension transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hose piece) in a cylindrical state of the hose piece can be equal to or equivalent to the diameter. Alternatively or additionally, a width of the hose piece in the at least end-open state of the hose piece can be equal to or equivalent to the diameter. Alternatively or additionally, a width of the hose piece in the flat or flattened state of the hose piece can be equal to or equivalent to the diameter. In particular, the width of the hose piece in the different states can be equivalent up to a numerical factor (e.g. π / 2 between the flat state and the cylindrical state).

[0020] The longitudinal direction of the guide corridor may coincide with a longitudinal direction of the tube piece and / or the prolate object.

[0021] The support surface can be designed to support the prolate object when it is inserted into the opened tube section. Alternatively or additionally, the support surface can be arranged spatially in front of the tube section at at least one position in the longitudinal direction of the conveying movement.

[0022] The prolate object can be a conductor, a hose, a pipe, 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] The conductor can be a single, multi-strand, fine, and / or ultra-fine wire. The conductor can be a cable, cable bundle, and / or ribbon cable. The conductor can be a fiber optic cable. Alternatively or additionally, the conductor can be a hose and / or a fluid line.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Embodiments of the device can increase the speed of marking the prolate object. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of the device can enable serial marking of a large number of prolate objects, in particular of variable widths. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, embodiments of the device can simplify marking the prolate object.

[0027] The prolate object can comprise a conductor (e.g., an electrical and / or optical conductor). Alternatively or additionally, the prolate object can comprise a hose, for example, a pneumatic hose and / or a hydraulic hose. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the prolate object can comprise a partially cylindrical object, for example, a glass tube and / or an ampoule.

[0028] The marking may comprise a colour of the hose section (for example according to an identification colour or a colour code) and / or a printing of the hose section (for example according to an alphanumeric identifier).

[0029] By inserting the tube (for example printed) for marking purposes, it can be arranged or arranged in a closed manner around the prolate object.

[0030] The piece of tubing can be opened in the device after printing for marking and / or cutting.

[0031] The prolate object can be inserted (also: "immersed") into the (e.g. printed) piece of tubing, whereby the prolate object slides over the support surface in the longitudinal direction and is thereby inserted into the open end of the tubing.

[0032] The support surface can be arranged spatially in front of the hose section in the longitudinal direction of the hose section's conveying movement. Alternatively or additionally, the support surface can be arranged temporally downstream of the hose section's longitudinal direction of conveying movement. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the prolate object can be inserted into the opened hose section counter to the longitudinal direction of the hose section's conveying movement.

[0033] The introduction of the prolate object may comprise an alignment, for example an adjustment and / or (at least horizontal) centering, in particular with respect to the transverse direction and / or the width of the guide corridor.

[0034] The alignment, for example the adjustment and / or centering, of the prolate object can comprise an alignment, for example an adjustment and / or centering, in at least one transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one transverse direction can comprise a (for example first) transverse direction that is parallel to the width of the guide corridor or is defined by the width of the guide corridor. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one transverse direction can comprise a (for example second) transverse direction (also: height) that is transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the width or the (for example first) transverse direction defined by the width of the guide corridor. Alternatively or additionally, the alignment, for example the adjustment and / or centering of the prolate object can comprise an alignment, for example an adjustment and / or centering, with respect to the width and / or height of the guide corridor.

[0035] The width of the guide corridor can be determined by the diameter (also: width) of the tubing. Alternatively or additionally, a (for example, maximum) diameter (also: width) of the prolate object can be determined by the diameter of the tubing and / or the width of the guide corridor.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the (e.g., minimum) diameter of the tube section can be determined by a diameter (also: width) of the prolate object (e.g., the one to be marked). Alternatively or additionally, the width of the guide corridor can be determined by the diameter of the prolate object and / or the, in particular, minimum, diameter of the tube section.

[0037] The guide corridor can be formed, for example, by two rows of rollers (also known as "opening rollers") (e.g., each arranged in a straight line and / or parallel to one another and / or each extending in the longitudinal direction). The conveying movement can comprise a first row of rollers rotating in the same direction about parallel axes of rotation. Furthermore, the conveying movement can comprise a second row of rollers rotating in the same direction about parallel axes of rotation. The parallel axes of rotation of the first row of rollers and the second row of rollers are parallel to one another. The rotational movement of the second row of rollers can be counter-rotating to the rotational movement of the first row of rollers.

[0038] A roller in the first row and a roller in the second row (e.g., opposite in the transverse direction) can be referred to as a pair of rollers, for example, if the two rollers are arranged opposite one another in the guide corridor (e.g., transverse to the longitudinal direction). The opposing position can include an identical position in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The support surface can define a plane and / or a height of the guide of the prolate object, for example, relative to a height of the guide corridor. Alternatively or additionally, the support surface can comprise (at least in part) a funnel. The funnel can be in two parts (for example, comprise two funnel halves) and / or be arranged transversely on either side of the guide corridor. A tapered end of the funnel can extend into a section of hose conveyed in the guide corridor (for example, up to a stop point and / or end point of the conveying movement).

[0040] The height of the support surface perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions can be dependent on the width of the guide corridor (e.g., controlled). For example, a minimum height of the support surface extending in the transverse direction can be dependent on the width of the guide corridor (e.g., controlled). Alternatively or additionally, the width and / or height of a hopper opening can be dependent on the width of the guide corridor.

[0041] At least one partial surface of the support surface, and / or one half of the funnel, may be rigidly connected to one of two transversely opposite sides of the guide corridor.

[0042] By means of a rigid connection, the device can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively and / or with little additional work by providing the support surface and / or be particularly space-saving.

[0043] According to one embodiment, all partial surfaces and / or half of the funnel arranged on one of two opposite sides of the guide corridor can be rigidly connected to the side of the guide corridor. For example, the housing side of the device (100) on the first side of the guide corridor (e.g., a cover of the rollers on the first side) and / or the at least one partial surface of the first side can be integrally formed in one piece (e.g., manufactured by injection molding).

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, a set of sub-areas can comprise two sub-areas, each located on one of the two opposite sides of the guide corridor. Each sub-area and / or each half of the hopper can be rigidly and / or mechanically (also: "kinematically") coupled in the transverse direction (e.g., with a gear ratio, via a gear, and / or a control system) to the respective side of the guide corridor.

[0045] The support surface can comprise at least three partial surfaces. A first partial surface and a third partial surface can be connected (e.g., rigidly) to a first side of the guide corridor (e.g., a first cover of the first row of rollers), for example, rigidly and / or mechanically coupled (e.g., during movement in the transverse direction). Alternatively or additionally, a second partial surface arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first and third partial surfaces can be connected (e.g., rigidly) to a second side of the guide corridor opposite the first side (e.g., a second cover of the second row of rollers), for example, rigidly and / or mechanically coupled (e.g., during movement in the transverse direction).

[0046] In other words, the support surface may comprise at least three partial surfaces (e.g. edges) which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and are mechanically connected alternately to either the first side or the second side in the sequence of the arrangement.

[0047] The at least three partial surfaces (e.g., arranged in alternating orientation with respect to the opposite sides) can improve the alignment, for example, adjustment and / or centering, of the prolate object. In particular, a longitudinal orientation of the prolate object that deviates from the longitudinal direction of the guide corridor can be prevented.

[0048] The at least two partial surfaces of the support surface arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction can each have a concave curvature. Optionally, the concave curvature of the partial surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the guide corridor can be mirrored with respect to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0049] The guide corridor can comprise a carriage movable in the transverse direction on at least one of two opposite sides of the guide corridor. Preferably, the guide corridor can comprise two carriages, each movable in the transverse direction, on opposite sides of the guide corridor. Alternatively or additionally, the guide corridor can comprise a carriage movable in the transverse direction on a first side and be arranged immobile on a second side opposite the first.

[0050] The diameter of the tube piece can be detected based on the contact pressure of the at least one carriage and / or contactlessly (e.g., optically). Alternatively or additionally, the diameter of the tube piece can be transmitted by an upstream printer (also known as a "printing device"), a controller of the device, and / or a controller of a system comprising the device. The upstream printer can be configured to print the tube piece (e.g., prior to conveyance in the guide corridor). The printer can be located upstream of the guide corridor in the conveying direction.

[0051] Optionally, the device can include a sensor for (e.g., contactless) detecting the diameter of the prolate object. The height of the support surface can be controlled depending on the detected object diameter (optionally, and the width of the guide corridor), for example, so that a longitudinal axis of the prolate object is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tube piece.

[0052] The device may comprise a control unit configured to perform a control step described herein or to implement features described as controllable.

[0053] An overlapping union of the at least two partial surfaces arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (which are each connected, for example, to one of the two opposite sides of the guide corridor) can form a lower vertex of the support surface (for example, a local minimum of the height).

[0054] A slope of the partial surfaces (e.g., at the lower vertex), a curvature of the partial surfaces (e.g., at the lower vertex), a height of the support surface, and / or a height of the lower vertex can be or have a (e.g., monotonic) function of the width of the guide corridor. For example, a height of the support surface (e.g., at the lower vertex) can decrease with the width of the guide corridor. Alternatively or additionally, an opening of the funnel can increase with the width of the guide corridor.

[0055] The support surface can be arranged along the longitudinal direction at one end of the guide corridor.

[0056] The support surface can be arranged on a housing side of the device. The housing side can be arranged along the longitudinal direction at one end of the guide corridor. The housing side can have an opening for receiving the prolate object into the guide corridor.

[0057] The guide corridor can comprise, at least in one section, opposite side walls in the transverse direction. The side walls can be profiled, for example, concave on the side facing the tube piece. The side walls can be designed to open the (for example, printed) tube piece (also known as the "printing medium") by compressing the tube piece in the transverse direction between the side walls.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the guide corridor can comprise (optionally profiled, for example, tapered and / or concavely shaped) belts (also known as "conveyor belts" or "pressure belts") on opposite sides in the transverse direction. The belts can be designed to open the (e.g., printed) tubing (also known as "printing medium") (for example, by compressing the tubing in the transverse direction) and / or convey it.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the guide corridor can comprise profiled (particularly tapered and / or concavely shaped) rollers (also called "transport rollers" or "pressure rollers") on opposite sides. The profiled rollers can be designed to open the (e.g., printed) tube piece (also called "printing medium") (e.g., by compressing the tube piece in the transverse direction and / or by flexing) and / or conveying it.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, a surface of the profiled rollers can comprise at least smooth and / or structured (also: "rough") partial surfaces. At least one structured partial surface of the profiled rollers can increase the friction of the hose section in the guide corridor and / or improve the conveyance of the hose section in the guide corridor.

[0061] Sensors can be arranged between the profiled rollers along the longitudinal direction. The sensors can be configured to detect (e.g., determine and / or monitor) the position of the printed tube piece and / or the prolate object in the guide corridor.

[0062] The guide corridor can further comprise funnel-shaped half-shapes (also known as funnel halves) on opposite sides in the transverse direction. The funnel-shaped half-shapes can taper in the longitudinal direction from the support surface toward the guide corridor. For example, the funnel-shaped half-shapes can taper to allow the prolate object to be inserted into the end opening of the tube piece and / or to protrude into the end opening of the tube piece. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the funnel-shaped opening of the half-shapes can be dependent on the width of the guide corridor.

[0063] The support surfaces, the partial surfaces, the funnel (for example the funnel-shaped half-molds) and / or the housing can be formed from a plastic and / or comprise a plastic.

[0064] The device can be arranged on a printer with a side facing away from the support surface along the longitudinal direction of the guide corridor. The printer can be configured to provide the printed tube piece (e.g., to dispense it into the guide channel). Alternatively or additionally, the guide corridor can be arranged downstream of the printer (e.g., spatially and / or temporally) in the longitudinal direction of the conveyance of the printed tube piece.

[0065] In a variant applicable to every feature and every embodiment, the device can be designed as an applicator, front assembly, or attachment of a printer, in particular a thermal transfer printer. The device can be interchangeable with the printer. A plurality of different embodiments of the devices can each be optionally attached to the same printer.

[0066] Embodiments of the device enable a modular system (also: printing system) that can be based on a single printer, for example, a desktop device, so that this printer can be converted quickly or in just a few steps to various applications for marking one or more prolate objects, preferably a conductor. 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 a conductor to be marked.

[0067] The terms "application" and "applying" may be used synonymously or interchangeably herein (preferably as a method step). The terms "arrangement" and "arranging" may be used synonymously or interchangeably herein (preferably as a method step).

[0068] 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 (e.g., the printed piece of tubing).

[0069] According to one aspect, a system is provided for inserting a prolate object, preferably a conductor, into a piece of tubing that is open at least at one end and is particularly printed, for marking the prolate object. The system comprises a printer, preferably a thermal transfer printer, designed to output a printed piece of tubing as a printed product. The system further comprises a device according to the first aspect, wherein the guide corridor is arranged relative to the printer to receive the printed piece of tubing output by the printer as a printed product.

[0070] A printer's print medium can be a piece of tubing. The length of the tubing used as the print medium can be any length or several times longer than the printed tubing provided as a label. The print medium can be referred to as a continuous tubing. The printed tubing output from the printer can also be referred to as a printed product. The printer's printed product can include the printed tubing. The (printed) label can include the cut and opened, printed tubing.

[0071] The printer can receive an identifier (also called a "print template," for example, comprising text and / or image information) via an interface (e.g., a network interface or a serial interface). The printer can be configured to print the received identifier onto a print medium using a print material. The print material can comprise an ink ribbon, for example, for thermal transfer printing. The print medium (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 (for example, the printed tube piece) can comprise the print medium printed using the print material. The printed identifier can also be referred to as a marking. Alternatively or additionally, the printed identifier can comprise a color code, a pictogram, a character, a symbol, and / or a code (e.g., a QR code and / or a barcode).

[0072] The printer can be a thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer printer can enable high-contrast and durable marking. The printer can be a thermal transfer roll printer, for example.

[0073] One end of the guide corridor may be located at an output point of the print medium.

[0074] 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.

[0075] According to the invention, a method is provided for introducing a prolate object, preferably a conductor, into a piece of tubing that is open at least at one end and is in particular printed, for marking the prolate object. The method comprises controlling a width in a transverse direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of a guide corridor as a function of a diameter of the tubing piece. The method further comprises conveying the tubing piece in the longitudinal direction of the guide corridor, and optionally opening at least one end of the tubing piece on the conveying direction side (for example, under the action of flexing forces). The method further comprises placing the prolate object on a support surface arranged downstream of the guide corridor in the conveying movement at at least one position in the longitudinal direction.Alternatively or additionally, the support surface can be arranged in front of the tubing section at at least one position in the longitudinal direction of the conveying movement. The support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and overlapping in the transverse direction for supporting the prolate object during insertion. The device further comprises inserting the prolate object into the end of the tubing section facing the conveying direction along the support surface.

[0076] The method can be carried out using the device of the first aspect and / or the system of the second aspect. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings using preferred embodiments.

[0077] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a device for introducing a prolate object and for arranging a printed piece of tubing all around the prolate object in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows a schematic embodiment of the device for introducing a prolate object and for arranging a printed piece of tubing all around the prolate object in a sectional view transverse to the longitudinal direction of a guide corridor of the device; Fig. 3 shows a schematic embodiment of the device for introducing a prolate object and for arranging a printed piece of tubing all around the prolate object in a side view of the guide corridor of the device; Fig. 4 shows a schematic embodiment of the device for introducing a prolate object and for arranging a printed piece of tubing all around the prolate object in a plan view;5A and 5B show schematic views of a connection of the device for introducing a prolate object and for the circumferentially closed arrangement of a printed tube piece around the prolate object to a printer which provides the printed tube piece; Fig. 6 shows a schematic embodiment of a device for introducing a prolate object into a tube piece that is open at least at the end for marking the prolate object in a perspective view; Figs. 7 and 8 show the schematic embodiment of the device for introducing a prolate object into a tube piece that is open at least at the end for marking the prolate object in a side view transverse to the longitudinal direction of a guide corridor of the device in various positions of a support surface; Fig.9 shows a first schematic embodiment of a support surface in a side view transverse to the longitudinal direction of a guide corridor of the device, wherein the support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces, each partial surface comprising an inclined section with an absolute value of a gradient; Figs. 10A, 10B and 10C show a second schematic embodiment of a support surface in a side view transverse to the longitudinal direction of a guide corridor of the device, wherein the support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces, each partial surface comprising two inclined sections with two different absolute values ​​of a gradient; Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C show a third schematic embodiment of a support surface in a side view transverse to the longitudinal direction of a guide corridor of the device when placing a prolate object on the support surface, wherein the support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces, each partial surface comprising at least two steps; Fig.12A, 12B, and 12C show the third schematic embodiment of a support surface adjusted for three different exemplary diameters of the prolate object; and Fig. 13, Fig. 14, and Fig. 15 show schematic embodiments of a support surface in a plan view parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of a guide corridor, wherein the support surface comprises two, three, and four partial surfaces, respectively.

[0078] The Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 show schematic views of an embodiment of a device (also: "applicator"), generally designated by reference numeral 100, for introducing a prolate object (also: "medium") into a piece of tubing (also: "shrink tubing") that is open at least at the end and is particularly printed, for marking the prolate object. The marking can comprise a circumferentially closed arrangement of the piece of tubing, particularly the printed one, around the prolate object.

[0079] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the device 100. The Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of the device 100 transverse to the longitudinal axis of a guide corridor of the device 100 with a piece of hose conveyed in the guide corridor. Fig. 3 shows a side view along the guide corridor. The Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the device 100 with a piece of hose conveyed in the guide corridor and an inserted prolate object, for example a conductor.

[0080] The Fig. 1The embodiment of the device 100 shown comprises a first carriage 118A (also: "slider") and a second carriage 118B (also: "slider"), between which a guide corridor 110 with a longitudinal direction 112 and a transverse direction 114 is formed. A first row of rollers 120A (also: "opener rollers") is arranged on the first carriage 118A along the longitudinal direction 112 of the guide corridor 110. Furthermore, a second row of rollers 120B (also: "opener rollers") is arranged along the guide corridor 110 on the second carriage 118B. In the longitudinal direction 112, a row of transmitters 116A, for example, transmitting diodes of a light barrier or a sensor 116, can optionally be arranged between adjacent rollers 120A on the first carriage 118A. In the longitudinal direction 112, a row of receivers 116B, for example receiving diodes of a light barrier, of a sensor 116, can optionally be arranged between adjacent rollers 120B on the second carriage 118B.

[0081] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The rollers 120A; 120B are each tapered. Opposing pairs of transmitters 116A and receivers 116B can be connected along the transverse direction 114 between adjacent pairs of rollers 120A; 120B along the longitudinal direction 112 (for example, along a line of sight). A pair of rollers 120A; 120B in the exemplary embodiment each comprises a roller 120A and the roller 120B opposite it along the transverse direction 114.

[0082] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The transmitters 116A on the first carriage 118A may be connected to a transmitting board 122A. The receivers 116B on the second carriage 118B may be connected to a receiving board 122B on the second carriage 118B.

[0083] A sensor system may include sensors 116 and the transmitting board 122A and receiving board 122B, which may also be referred to as opposing boards. In one embodiment, the transmitting board 122A may serve as an infrared (IR) light transmission source. The receiving board 122B may include receiving electronics and / or evaluation electronics.

[0084] The transmitting board 122A and the receiving board 122B can be Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, it can be mechanically positioned on the movable carriages 118A; 118B, between which a printed piece of tubing can be opened.

[0085] In the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2the rollers 120A and / or 120B convey the tube piece 210 along the guide corridor 110. The flexing forces of the rollers 120A; 120B open the tube piece, for example, when the tube piece 210 has been closed during printing or cutting (for example, at one or both ends).

[0086] The (e.g., open end of) tube piece 210 may approximately comprise an oval shape and / or a lemon shape, for example, with pointed ends at the rollers 120A; 120B. Alternatively or additionally, the (e.g., open end of) tube piece 210 may correspond to the outline of a convex lens.

[0087] A maximum diameter of the prolate object can be limited by the deviation of the (e.g., open end of) the tubing piece 210 (e.g., a shrink tube and / or shrink tubing piece) from a circular shape. For example, a width and / or a diameter of the tubing piece 210 can be nominally specified in a circular form, in particular as a wire marking slide (WMS) dimension (e.g., for sliding, "slide," application of the tubing piece around the prolate object) and / or in millimeters (mm). A maximum diameter of a prolate object insertable into the tubing piece 210 can be smaller than the WMS dimension of the tubing piece by a specified length unit, for example, by a fraction of a millimeter (in particular, by 0.8 mm).

[0088] The sectional view of the Fig. 2shows a cross-section of the embodiment of the device 100 along the transverse direction 114. Transmitter 116A and receiver 118A can be arranged offset from the (for example, waisted) rollers 120A and 120B along the transverse direction 114. Along the (not shown) Fig. 1 shown) longitudinal direction 112, transmitter 116A and receiver 116B may be arranged between adjacent pairs of rollers 120A and 120B such that a line of sight 212 is exposed between transmitter 116A and receiver 116B.

[0089] In other words, a mechanical feature of the arrangement of the device 100 may be that the transmitter 116A and receiver 116B (e.g., a transmitting diode and a receiving diode or phototransistor of a sensor 116, respectively) can practically "look through" the opening rollers in order to detect the piece of tubing and the prolate object being passed through (e.g., when the sensor 116 is blocked).

[0090] Fig. 3shows the embodiment of the device 100 of Figures 1 and 2 in a side view along the longitudinal direction 112 of the guide corridor. For example, Fig. 3 a side view of the first carriage 118A and / or the second carriage 118B, wherein the respective side of the carriage 118A; 118B shown forms one side of the guide corridor 110.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of the device 100 of Figures 1 to 3 in a top view. In Fig. 4Further shown are a tubing section 210 and an inserted prolate object 410. In the exemplary embodiment, the tubing section 210 is provided by a printer arranged on a printer side 418 (for example, a thermal transfer printer) and conveyed into the guide corridor 110. The prolate object 410 is inserted into the tubing section 210 from a user side 416 opposite the printer side 418. A first light beam 414-1 and a second light beam 414-2 from adjacent transmitters 116A on the printer side 418 can be released from a trailing end 412 of the tubing section 210 during or after the conveying process of the tubing section 210. A third light beam 414-3 from a third transmitter 116A can be blocked by the tubing section 210 during or after the conveying process of the tubing section 210.An exit of the prolate object 410 at the trailing end 412 of the tube piece 210 can be detected by blocking the second light beam 414-2. Each light beam 414-1, 414-2, 414-3 can be directed along a viewing axis 212 of the associated sensor 116, each comprising a transmitter 116A and a receiver 116B.

[0092] The hose section 210 can reach a forward position (for example, relative to the user side 416) during the conveying process. The prolate object 410 can be inserted into the guide corridor 110 and the hose section 210 after the hose section 210 reaches the forward position.

[0093] Fig. 5A and 5B show an arrangement of the device 100 for introducing a prolate object 410 into a tube piece 210 that is open at least on one side and in particular printed, for marking the prolate object 410 on a printer 500.

[0094] In Fig. 5Athe device 100 is connected to the printer 500 for receiving the printed tube piece 201 via the printer side 418 of the device 100. The prolate object 410 can be inserted into the device 100 via the user side 416 of the device 100.

[0095] Fig. 5B shows an exploded view of the system comprising the device 100 and the printer 500 in a non-connected state of the device 100 and the printer 500. In Fig. 5A and 5B the device 100 is shown in a housing 504.

[0096] The system may include a mechanical interface (not shown) configured to removably attach the device 100 to the printer 500. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 includes a data interface (not shown) configured to communicate with the printer 500 for providing (e.g., for application) the printed, cut, and opened tube piece 210 as a marking.

[0097] In the Fig. 5A and 5B In the embodiment shown, the printer 500 includes a display 502. For example, a width, a state, and / or a position of the printed tube piece 210 (for example, in the device 100) can be displayed on the display 502. Alternatively or additionally, a width and / or a position of the prolate object 410 in the device 100 can be displayed on the display 502.

[0098] Fig. 6shows a further perspective view of a schematic embodiment of a device 100 for introducing a prolate object 410 into a tube piece 210 that is open at least on one side and, in particular, is printed, for marking the prolate object 410. The device 100 can also be referred to as an automatically adjusted insertion aid.

[0099] The device 100 and / or the system 500 can open a piece of tubing (also known as shrink tubing) at least at the end, for example, after printing and / or cutting, and prepare it for insertion of a prolate object for marking. The prolate object can comprise any medium to be marked (e.g., cables, pneumatic hoses, fiber optics, etc.).

[0100] Traditionally, a user either threads the prolate object into the tube piece freehand or sights the prolate object in place using a rigid support edge. With conventional rigid supports, it is necessary to manually adjust the height to different diameters (e.g., of the prolate object 410 and / or the tube piece 210).

[0101] In Fig. 6 In the embodiment of the invention shown, a support surface comprises a plurality (in particular three) partial surfaces 602A; 602B, which are arranged on opposite sides of the guide corridor 110, for example on a movable carriage 118A; 118B each.

[0102] The Fig. 6The embodiment of the invention shown further comprises a hopper comprising two funnel-shaped half-molds 604A; 604B (also: hopper halves) arranged on opposite sides of the guide corridor 110. For example, one half 604A of the hopper is arranged on the first carriage 118A, and a second half 604B of the hopper is arranged on the second carriage 118B.

[0103] By means of the device 100, a dynamic support aid and / or insertion aid for a prolate object can be provided, which in particular automatically adapts to the respective tube diameters to be applied.

[0104] In the Fig. 6 In the embodiment shown, two carriages (also: sliders) 118A; 118B can be moved up and down, for example, linearly. This allows the width of the guide corridor 110 to be changed, in particular, enlarged or reduced.

[0105] The partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the support surface adjust themselves (for example, when the carriages 118A; 118B move) to a width of the guide corridor 110, a width of the tube piece, and / or a (for example, maximum) width of the prolate object. For example, a small width of the guide corridor 110 corresponds to a high height of the support surface. Alternatively or additionally, a large width of the guide corridor 110 corresponds to a low height of the support surface.

[0106] In the Fig. 6 In the embodiment shown, a distance between the funnel halves 604A; 604B also changes with the width of the guide corridor 110.

[0107] The Fig. 7 and the Fig. 8 show a side view of the device 100 of the embodiment of the Fig. 6 with different positions of the funnel halves 604A; 604B.

[0108] In the Fig. 7In the position shown, the carriages 118A; 118B are moved close to each other. The width of the guide corridor 110 is small, and the hopper halves 604A; 604B are arranged close together. The partial surfaces 602A; 602B define a large height of the support surface.

[0109] A prolate object with a small diameter resting on the partial surfaces 602A; 602B can initially be arranged below the level of the guide corridor 110 and can be introduced by means of the funnel halves 604A; 604B upwards in the direction of the guide corridor 110 and into the hose section arranged behind the funnel halves 604A; 604B.

[0110] In the Fig. 8 In the position shown, the carriages 118A; 118B are moved far apart. The width of the guide corridor 110 is large, and the hopper halves 604A; 604B are far apart. The partial surfaces 602A; 602B specify a low height of the support surface.

[0111] A large-diameter prolate object resting on the partial surfaces 602A; 602B can be arranged substantially at the height of the guide corridor 110. Alternatively or additionally, the prolate object can be introduced, in particular slightly, upwards by means of the funnel halves 604A; 604B toward the guide corridor 110 and into the tube section arranged behind the funnel halves 604A; 604B.

[0112] In the Fig. 6 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 In the embodiment shown, the at least one partial surface 602A and the funnel half 604A are rigidly arranged on the first carriage 118A. The at least one partial surface 602B and the funnel half 604B are in the Fig. 6 , 7 and 8 rigidly arranged on the second carriage 118B.

[0113] In a further embodiment (not shown), the partial surfaces 602A; 602B and / or the funnel halves 604A; 604B can be adjusted only indirectly depending on the change in the width of the guide corridor 110 (for example, due to a movement of the carriages 118A; 118B). For example, the partial surfaces 602A; 602B and / or the funnel surfaces 604A; 604B can be adjusted by means of a motor.

[0114] The partial surfaces 602A; 602B and / or funnel halves 604A; 604B can automatically adjust to the correct diameter (for example, of the guide corridor 110, the tube piece 210 and / or the prolate object 410).

[0115] A V-cutout of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B and / or a V-cutout of the funnel halves 604A; 604B can be so pronounced that the height matches the diameter (for example, of the guide corridor 110, the hose section 210 and / or the prolate object 410) approached and / or set (for example, by the carriages 118A; 118B).

[0116] For this purpose, the geometry and / or cover of conventional sliders can be modified. The relative position of the sliders is typically dependent on the diameter of the hose section to be applied. This can be used to "automatically" achieve the correct height of the support surface (in particular, comprising the partial surfaces 602A; 602B) and / or the opening width of the funnel (in particular, comprising the funnel halves 604A; 604B).

[0117] The automatic adjustment and / or dynamic adaptation of the height of the support surface (in particular comprising the partial surfaces 602A; 602B) and / or the opening width of the funnel (in particular comprising the funnel halves 604A; 604B) can be carried out by an already necessary and / or existing (for example relative) movement of two components (in particular the carriages 118A; 118B).

[0118] In particular, with a rigid arrangement of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B and / or the funnel halves 604A; 604B on opposite sides of the guide corridor 110 (for example, comprising carriages 118A and 118B), no additional drive and / or no separate adjustment is necessary.

[0119] In In one embodiment, only two existing plastic covers can be modified. This results in virtually no additional material and assembly costs due to the insertion aid according to the invention.

[0120] The maximum diameter of the insertable prolate object (e.g. a conductor and / or, for example, comprising a conductor diameter between 1 mm and 15 mm) may be smaller by a fixed value (e.g., 0.8 mm) than the diameter (e.g., the WMS value and / or, for example, a diameter between 1 mm and 15 mm) of the tube piece, for example because it is not opened to a perfect circular cross-section (but, for example, oval and / or lemon-shaped).

[0121] A small difference between the diameter of the prolate object and the opened tubing section may make insertion more difficult. For example, greater accuracy and / or more precise alignment may be required when inserting a wide prolate object into the opened tubing section than when inserting a narrow prolate object in order to avoid missing the opening of the tubing section, or to avoid partially missing it.

[0122] Fig. 9 shows a first embodiment of a basic shape of at least two partial surfaces 602A and 602B of a support surface. The partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the embodiment of the Fig. 9 each comprise an inclination with a fixed absolute value of the gradient, wherein the gradients of the partial surfaces 602B are mirrored relative to the gradients of the partial surfaces 602A (and / or comprise an opposite sign).

[0123] Fig. 10A, 10B and 10C show a second embodiment of a basic shape of at least two partial surfaces 602A and 602B of a support surface. The partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the embodiment of the Fig. 10A, 10B and 10C each comprise two different inclinations 602A-1; 602A-2; 602B-1; 602-B2 with fixed absolute values ​​of the gradients, wherein the gradients of the partial surfaces 602B-1; 602B-2 are mirrored relative to the gradients of the partial surfaces 602A-1; 602A-2 (and / or comprise an opposite sign).

[0124] In Fig. 10A the two partial surfaces 602A; 602B are moved close together. Alternatively or additionally, a prolate object can be placed and inserted at the first inclinations 602A-1; 602B-1. In the position of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the Fig. 10A a height of the support surface (for example, parameterized by a height of the vertex 1002) can be large.

[0125] In Fig. 10B the two partial surfaces 602A; 602B are moved together into a middle position. Alternatively or additionally, a prolate object can be placed and inserted at the (for example, middle points of the) second inclinations 602A-2; 602B-2. In the position of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the Fig. 10B a support surface height (for example, parameterized by a vertex height 1002) can be average.

[0126] In Fig. 10Cthe two partial surfaces 602A; 602B are moved apart. Alternatively or additionally, a prolate object can be placed and inserted at the (for example, lower points of) the second inclinations 602A-2; 602B-2. In the position of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B of the Fig. 10C a support surface height (for example, parameterized by a height of the vertex 1002) can be low.

[0127] In an alternative (not shown) embodiment, a, for example, second, inclination (e.g., 602A-2; 602B-2 in Fig. 10B or 10C ) by a predetermined angle, for example 2 degrees (2°).

[0128] For example, partial surface 602A-2 (or 602B-2) can be deflected relative to partial surface 602A-1 (or 602B-1) by means of a spring-loaded hinge. Alternatively or additionally, an inclination of partial surfaces 602A-2; 602B-2 can deviate from a parallel position of partial surfaces 602A-2; 602B-2.

[0129] Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C as well as Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C show a third embodiment of a basic shape of at least two partial surfaces 602A; 602B. In the embodiment of the Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C each partial surface 602A or 602B comprises a step shape.

[0130] In Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C a possible process of the method, in particular an insertion of a prolate object 410, is shown schematically. In Fig. 11A the partial surfaces 602A; 602B are moved far apart. When placing the prolate object 410 in Fig. 11B the partial surfaces 602A; 602B are moved together until Fig. 11C an end position is reached which depends on a desired width of the guide corridor and / or the hose section.

[0131] Figs. 12A, 12B and 12Cshow various moved-together end positions of the partial surfaces 602A; 602B depending on a width (and / or a diameter and / or cross-section) of the prolate object 410 and / or a width (and / or a diameter and / or cross-section) of the tube piece, wherein the width of the prolate object of Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C continuously decreases. For example, a minimum width (and / or a minimum diameter) of a tube piece can be selected to identify a predetermined prolate object 410.

[0132] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of an arrangement comprising two partial surfaces 602A; 602B in a top view (for example onto the device 100).

[0133] Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of an alternating arrangement comprising three partial surfaces 602A; 602B in a top view (for example, of the device 100).

[0134] Fig. 15shows a further alternative embodiment of an alternating arrangement comprising four partial surfaces 602A; 602B in a top view (for example, of the device 100).

[0135] An arrangement of the at least two partial surfaces 602A; 602B can also be referred to as "combing".

[0136] Further embodiments of arrangements of partial areas 602A; 602B can each comprise partial areas 602A and 602B extending alternately from one side and the opposite side of the guide corridor 110. The number of partial areas 602A and 602B can in particular either be the same or can be arranged around a partial area (for example at one end of the arrangement, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 14 ) differentiate.

[0137] As can be seen from the above embodiments, by supporting at least three partial surfaces 602A; 602B arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction 112 (for example according to Fig. 14 or Fig. 15) a longitudinal guide of the prolate object 410, for example, a conductor, can be improved. Alternatively or additionally, a guide in a funnel, for example, following in the longitudinal direction, improves both the longitudinal guide and the guide at a height transverse to the longitudinal direction 112 and transverse to the transverse direction 114. For example, the prolate object 410 can slide upwards along the funnel for insertion into the hose section 210.

[0138] The invention is set out in the appended claims. List of reference symbols device 100 Leadership corridor 110 Longitudinal direction 112 Transverse direction 114 sensor 116 Sensor transmitter 116A Sensor receiver 116B First sled 118A Second sled 118B Rolling on the first sled 120A Rolling on the second carriage 120B Transmitter board 122A Receiver board 122B hose piece 210 Line of sight 212 Prolate object, for example ladder 410 Trailing end of the hose piece 412 light rays 414-2;414-1; 414-3 User side of the device 416 Printer side of the device 418 Printers, for example thermal transfer printers 500 Display, preferably user interface, of the printer 502 Housing of the device 504 Partial surface of the support surface on the first carriage 602A First slope of the partial surface of the support surface on the first carriage 602A-1 Second slope of the partial surface of the support surface on the first carriage 602A-2 Partial surface of the support surface on the second carriage 602B First slope of the partial surface of the support surface on the second carriage 602B-1 Second slope of the partial surface of the support surface on the second carriage 602AB-2 Funnel half on the first carriage 604A Funnel half on the second carriage 604B Vertex of overlapping sub-areas 1002

Claims

1. A device (100) for inserting a prolate object (410) into an at least end-side open piece of tube (210) for marking the prolate object (410), comprising: a guide corridor (110), which is configured to convey the piece of tube (210) along a longitudinal direction (112) of the guide corridor (110), wherein a width of the guide corridor (110) in a transverse direction (114) transverse to the longitudinal direction (112) is controllable depending on a diameter of the piece of tube (210); and a support surface arranged at at least one position in the longitudinal direction (112) downstream of the guide corridor (110) in the conveying movement, which is configured for aligning the prolate object (410) during insertion into the open piece of tube (210), wherein the support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces (602A; 602B) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (112) and overlapping in the transverse direction (114) for supporting the prolate object (410) during insertion.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a height of the support surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (112) and to the transverse direction (114) depends on the width of the guide corridor (110); and / or wherein at least one partial surface (602A; 602B) is rigidly connected to one of two opposite sides of the guide corridor (110) in the transverse direction (114); and / or wherein the support surface comprises at least three partial surfaces (602A; 602B), wherein a first partial surface (602A; 602B) and a third partial surface (602A; 602B) are connected to a first side of the guide corridor (110), and wherein a second partial surface (602A; 602B) arranged in the longitudinal direction (112) between the first and third partial surface (602A; 602B) is connected to a second side of the guide corridor (110) opposite the first side.

3. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least two partial surfaces (602A; 602B) of the support surface arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (112) each have a concave curvature, optionally wherein the concave curvatures of the partial surfaces (602A; 602B) arranged on opposite sides of the guide corridor (110) are mirrored with respect to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (112) and transverse direction (114).

4. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide corridor (110) comprises, on at least one of two opposite sides of the guide corridor (110), a slide (118A; 118B) that is movable in the transverse direction (114).

5. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the guide corridor (110) comprises, on a first side, a slide (118A; 118B) movable in the transverse direction and on a second side, opposite the first side, is immovable in the transverse direction (114); or wherein the guide corridor (110) comprises two slides (118A; 118B) on the opposite sides of the guide corridor (110), each movable in opposite directions in the transverse direction (114).

6. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diameter of the piece of tube (210) is detected due to a contact pressure of the at least one slide and / or contactlessly and / or is transmitted by a printer and / or a control unit of the device upstream of the guide corridor (110) in the conveying direction; and / or wherein an overlapping combination of the at least two partial surfaces (602A; 602B), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (112) and are each connected to one of the two opposite sides of the guide corridor (110), forms a lower vertex (1002) of the support surface; and / or wherein a slope of the partial surfaces (602A; 602B), a curvature of the partial surfaces (602A; 602B), a height of the support surface and / or a height of the lower vertex comprise a, in particular monotonic, function of the width of the guide corridor (110).

7. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support surface is arranged along the longitudinal direction (112) at one end of the guide corridor (110).

8. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support surface is arranged on a housing side of the device (100), wherein the housing side is arranged along the longitudinal direction (112) at one end of the guide corridor (110), and wherein the housing side has an opening for receiving the prolate object (410) into the guide corridor (110).

9. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guide corridor (110) further comprises funnel-shaped half-forms (604A; 604B) on opposite sides in the transverse direction (114), wherein the funnel-shaped half-forms (604A; 604B) taper in the longitudinal direction (112) from the support surface towards the guide corridor (110) for inserting the prolate object (410) into the end-side opening of the piece of tube.

10. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support surfaces, the partial surfaces (602A; 602B), the funnel-shaped half-forms (604A; 604B) and / or the housing are made of a resin.

11. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the guide corridor (110) comprises profiled rollers on opposite sides, wherein the profiled rollers are configured to open and / or convey the piece of tube (210).

12. The device (100) according to claim 11, wherein, along the longitudinal direction (112), sensors are arranged between the profiled rollers, which are configured to detect and / or monitor a position of the piece of tube (210) and / or of the prolate object (410) in the guide corridor (110).

13. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device (100) can be arranged on a printer with a side facing away from the support surface along the longitudinal direction (112) of the guide corridor (110), and wherein the printer is configured to provide the piece of tube (210) as a printed product.

14. A system for inserting a prolate object (410) into an at least end-side open, in particular printed, piece of tube (210) for marking the prolate object (410), comprising: a printer (500), preferably a thermal transfer printer, which is configured to output a printed piece of tube (210) as a printed product; and a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the guide corridor (110) is arranged relative to the printer (500) in order to receive the printed piece of tube (210) output by the printer (500) as a printed product.

15. A method for inserting a prolate object (410) into an at least end-side open, in particular printed, piece of tube (210) for marking the prolate object (410), comprising: controlling a width in a transverse direction (114) transverse to a longitudinal direction (112) of a guide corridor (110) depending on a diameter of the piece of tube (210); conveying the piece of tube (210) in the longitudinal direction (112) of the guide corridor (110); placing the prolate object (410) on a support surface arranged at at least one position in the longitudinal direction (112) downstream of the guide corridor (110) in the conveying movement, wherein the support surface comprises at least two partial surfaces (602A; 602B) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (112) and overlapping in the transverse direction (114) for supporting the prolate object (410) during insertion; and inserting the prolate object (410) into the end of the piece of tube (210) on the conveying direction side along the support surface.

Images