Cable labelling device and cable labelling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable labelling device (3) and to a cable labelling system for labelling a cable (1) by means of strip-shaped labels (2) having an integrated NFC transponder, and to a cable labelling system equipped therewith. The cable labelling device (3) comprises a label supply unit (33) for providing the label (2), a labelling unit (31) for applying the label (2) to the cable (1) in a wraparound manner, a label printing unit (32) for printing an optical inscription on the label (2), and an NFC reader / writer (4) for electronically writing to and / or reading from the transponder integrated in the label (2). The label printing unit (32) and the NFC reader / writer (4) are arranged along a label transport channel (30) which is designed to convey the label (2) between the label supply unit (33) and the labelling unit (31). The cable labelling device (3) and the cable labelling system enable cables (1) to be labelled with optical and electronic identification in a continuous operation and are particularly suitable for structured building cabling, industrial automation, data centres and telecommunications infrastructures.

Description

[0001] Cable marking device and cable marking system

[0002] The invention relates to a cable marking device and a cable marking system for marking a cable by means of strip-shaped labels with an integrated NFC transponder, as well as a cable marking system equipped therewith. They are particularly suitable for use in structured building cabling, industrial automation, and mechanical and plant engineering, where unambiguous and permanent identification of cables is required. The cable marking device and the cable marking system are also advantageously suited for use in data centers, energy technology, and telecommunications infrastructure, since a large number of cables must be clearly marked and documented in these environments. Furthermore, the cable marking device and the cable marking system are also suitable for use in service and maintenance work to facilitate the traceability and documentation of cable connections.

[0003] Various cable marking systems are known from the prior art for labeling cables and wires. Handheld devices that print optical markings onto label tapes or heat-shrink tubing are widely used. The printed labels can then typically be manually attached to the cable. Such systems usually include a printing unit and a device for holding a supply of labels. In industrial settings, marking systems are also known that print labels with machine-readable codes such as barcodes or QR codes to enable digital identification and documentation.

[0004] Furthermore, electronic labels with integrated RFID or NFC transponders are known from logistics and product identification, allowing for contactless reading and writing of data. Such labels, also known as smart labels, are used in various applications, such as product identification or access control. Systems based on purely optical marking are still common for cable identification. However, devices and methods for marking cables and wires with electronic labels are also known. For example, it is known from DE 10 2008 055 917 A1, DE 102019 119 723 A1, and DE 10 2022 131 844 A1 to equip cables with electronic line storage information units or an electronic information carrier, which are, for example, clamped onto the cable.

[0005] Based on the current state of the art, the problem arises that existing cable marking systems either only allow for visual marking or, while they do provide electronic information carriers, the handling of which involves a comparatively high installation and removal effort or considerable space requirements. In particular, there is a lack of options for marking cables in a simple, quick, and reliable manner with permanently attached and space-saving markings.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to provide a cable marking technology that enables simple, fast, and reliable cable marking. It should also ensure permanent and space-saving application of the marking while avoiding increased assembly and disassembly effort.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cable marking device having the features of claim 1 and a cable marking system according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 9 and 11 to 15.

[0008] According to the invention, the cable marking device serves to mark a cable by printing, electronically writing, and wrapping a strip-shaped label with an integrated NFC transponder around the cable. For the purposes of this description, a cable is understood to be a bundle of electrical conductors surrounded by an insulating or sheathing material. The term includes both single wires and multi-core cables or data cables, such as those used, for example, in power supply, communication technology, or industrial automation.

[0009] Preferably, the cable marking device is designed as a handheld device.

[0010] The cable marking device comprises a label supply unit for storing and dispensing one or more labels, a labeling unit for wrapping and applying the label to the cable, and a label printing unit for printing an optical inscription on the label. Furthermore, the cable marking device includes an NFC reader / writer configured for electronically writing to and / or reading the NFC transponder of the label. The label printing unit and the NFC reader / writer are arranged along a label transport channel designed to convey the label between the label supply unit and the labeling unit.

[0011] NFC (Near Field Communication) is an international standard for wireless data transmission over short distances. The communication is based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and is designed for ranges of a few centimeters. NFC enables contactless data exchange between a passive data carrier, in this case the NFC transponder, and an active NFC-enabled device, especially an NFC reader / writer.

[0012] In this context, an NFC transponder is an electronic information carrier that utilizes NFC technology. It typically comprises an integrated circuit with memory and an antenna embedded in a carrier material, in this case, the label. The NFC transponder is passive and derives the energy required for operation from the electromagnetic field of an active NFC-enabled device. It is capable of wirelessly reading stored data and wirelessly receiving new data and storing it in its memory.

[0013] The NFC reader / writer (also called near-field communication read / write device) in this context is an active device for wireless communication with the NFC transponder. It generates an electromagnetic field that powers the NFC transponder and simultaneously enables data exchange. In read mode, data can be read from the NFC transponder's memory, while in write mode, new data is transferred to the NFC transponder.

[0014] The cable marking system according to the invention comprises the described cable marking device and one or more strip-shaped labels with an integrated N FC transponder.

[0015] The cable marking device and cable marking system according to the invention enable both optical and electronic marking of cables by integrating the label supply unit, the label printing unit, the labeling unit, and the NFC reader / writer into a single device. This allows information to be directly and visibly applied to the label and simultaneously stored electronically in the NFC transponder integrated into the label.

[0016] The arrangement of the label printing unit and the NFC reader / writer along the label transport channel ensures that the label can be printed, electronically encoded, and then attached to the cable in a single, continuous operation. This results in a particularly efficient process and reduces the time required compared to conventional solutions.

[0017] Another advantage is that the NFC transponder can be read and written to without contact. This allows for flexible adjustment and updating of stored information without requiring disassembly or replacement of the marking. At the same time, the optical marking ensures that the marking remains immediately recognizable even without additional tools.

[0018] Optical marking refers to the visually perceptible identification applied to the label. It can consist of plain text in alphanumeric characters (for example, a cable or circuit designation, location / ZPort information, project or maintenance data, date / time, sequential numbers) and / or graphic elements such as pictograms, warning or information symbols, and logos. Optical marking can also include machine-readable optical codes such as numeric or letter codes, one-dimensional barcodes, or two-dimensional codes (for example, a QR code).

[0019] The label's strip-like design allows for space-saving and permanent attachment to the cable without impairing its function or requiring additional installation space. This makes the marking reliable and suitable for a wide range of applications, especially where cables are densely packed and rapid identification is required.

[0020] Overall, the cable marking device and cable marking system according to the invention offer a user-friendly, time-saving and future-proof solution that combines optical and electronic marking technologies in a compact system.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the labeling unit comprises an application and winding device configured to fix a first end of the strip-shaped label to the cable by pressing an adhesive surface (also called a sticking surface) of the label onto the cable, and to guide the remaining section of the label under tension, with the adhesive surface in contact with the cable surface, around the circumference of the cable and press it down. This ensures that the adhesive surface is firmly in contact with the cable, and the tensioned, continuous application of the strip-shaped label promotes permanent marking.

[0022] A key advantage of this design is that the labels can be processed without backing paper. Conventional labels typically have a backing paper on the adhesive surface, which prevents uncontrolled adhesion and must be removed before labeling. The proposed technology, with its precise label guidance, eliminates the need for such backing paper. This not only eliminates an additional work step but also produces no waste material. The application and winding device described above can, for example, feature a hollow, cylindrical winding drum that rotates around its longitudinal axis. The drum wall has an axially oriented cable slot for inserting the cable into the drum's interior.The feed and winding device also includes several pressure rollers aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum, each mounted in roller holders so as to rotate, preferably freely, around its respective roller axis. The roller holders are attached to the inner wall of the winding drum and are designed as spring elements that press the pressure rollers (in a linear fashion) parallel to the cable surface of the cable inserted into the winding drum. The pressure rollers are preferably brass rollers.

[0023] The application of the label using this cable marking device is carried out as follows: The cable is inserted into the interior of the winding drum via the axially extending cable slot. During insertion, the spring-loaded roller holders, mounted on the inner wall of the winding drum, with their rotatably attached pressure rollers, guide the cable into a centered position and press the pressure rollers against the cable surface. The spring action of the roller holders establishes a defined contact pressure and compensates for diameter and concentricity tolerances of the cable.

[0024] The strip-shaped label is then transferred via the label transport channel to the application and winding unit and guided through the cable slot into the area of ​​the cable clamped between the pressure rollers. The end of the label that meets the cable is fixed to the cable by pressing down the adhesive surface. As the winding drum rotates, the remaining section of the label is wound around the cable under tension, with the adhesive surface in contact with the cable surface, and pressed down, i.e., wound. The axially parallel pressure rollers maintain a uniform contact pressure along the longitudinal axis via their linear contact zones, ensuring that air bubbles are rolled out, creases are prevented, the label is wrapped evenly, and a reproducible overlap of the label layers is achieved.

[0025] The spring-loaded roller holders ensure that the contact pressure remains constant within a defined range, regardless of variations in cable diameter, and that the adhesive surface is reliably in contact with the cable surface. The axially oriented cable slot facilitates or even enables the insertion and removal of the cable without having to thread it through a closed opening. Once the wrapping is complete, the label remains permanently attached to the cable surface, while the winding drum is ready for the next labeling process.

[0026] In this embodiment of the application and winding device, two roller holders are preferably arranged diametrically opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum on its inner wall, with each roller holder carrying at least one pressure roller. This achieves a diametrically aligned pressure, which supports uniform application of the strip-shaped label to the cable.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the two roller holders carries two of the pressure rollers, which are arranged symmetrically about an axial plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the winding drum and the two diametrically opposed roller holders. This promotes the symmetrical arrangement of the pressure rollers and further supports the tensioned guidance of the strip-shaped label around the circumference of the cable.

[0028] Preferably, the feeding and winding device comprises two pressure rollers per roller holder, wherein the two roller holders with the pressure rollers they carry are arranged diametrically opposite each other in a mirror-image fashion. Alternatively, an arrangement has also proven effective in which one roller holder has two pressure rollers arranged symmetrically to the described axial plane, and the other roller holder carries only one pressure roller located centrally in the described axial plane, wherein the three roller axes of the three pressure rollers installed inside the winding drum form the vertices of an approximately equilateral triangle in cross-section. That is, the axial planes that pass through the longitudinal axis of the winding drum and each of the roller axes are at an angle of 120° to each other.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the cable marking device, the label printing unit is designed as a thermal direct printer or thermal transfer printer.

[0030] The cable marking device can also feature a wireless or wired data interface for connecting to external devices or databases. Suitable wireless options include Bluetooth, WLAN, or cellular connections. Wired options include USB, and in industrial environments, serial fieldbus or Ethernet interfaces. The data interface can provide protocols for transmitting print and / or write commands, for feedback on operating states, error messages, and process parameters, as well as for transferring label data and configurations. Preferably, secure communication is provided, for example, by means of authentication and encryption. Furthermore, a device pairing and rights management concept can be implemented to control access by external devices.Furthermore, the data interface can be set up for firmware or software updates, for time synchronization, and for the import / export of data sets in common formats.

[0031] The cable marking device may also include a power supply unit for providing electrical power to its components. This power supply unit is preferably designed as a replaceable and / or rechargeable power source, such as a battery or accumulator, enabling the cable marking device to operate independently of a mains power supply directly at the point of use. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply unit may be designed for mains operation, i.e., it may be wired. According to a further embodiment, the label storage unit comprises a roll holder designed to receive a tape roll, the tape roll carrying a wound label strip consisting of a plurality of interconnected labels.The cable marking system implemented with this design of the cable marking device comprises one or more tape rolls.

[0032] Supplying labels from a tape roll offers several advantages. The tape allows for a continuous feed to the label printing unit, NFC reader / writer, and labeling unit, enabling printing, electronic recording, and wrapping of the labels to be performed sequentially in a single, continuous operation. The consistent web feed also ensures constant tape tension, improving the positioning accuracy of the label(s) in the label transport channel and reducing misalignment. Furthermore, the tape roll increases process reliability by reducing setup times and handling steps compared to individual label supply, and by allowing for quick material changes simply by replacing the tape roll.At the same time, storage is space-saving and protected, preventing contamination and supporting the optical labeling quality and the reliability of the integrated NFC transponder. Preferably, the label tape has perforations between adjacent labels, enabling defined and low-force separation of individual labels, particularly after printing and / or electronic labeling, as well as after application. Such perforations can be designed as weakening lines, further reducing cycle times, increasing the reproducibility of the separation point, and minimizing material waste.

[0033] In this context, the cable marking device can include a cutting tool, for example a blade, for separating individual labels from the label tape. The cutting tool is preferably arranged in or in the immediate vicinity of the labeling unit. According to a further embodiment, the cable marking system comprises an NFC-enabled mobile device with a software application, wherein the mobile device is configured by the software application to read or write the NFC transponder of the label attached to the cable. The mobile device is, in particular, a smartphone. The software application provides user interfaces for capturing, displaying, and verifying marking data and enables the immediate transfer, updating, and confirmation of the information stored in the NFC transponder at the point of use. For this purpose, the NFC-enabled mobile device has, in particular, an NFC reader / writer.This NFC reader / writer can also be used as part of the cable marking device, i.e., in this case, the NFC reader / writer of the mobile device simultaneously forms the NFC reader / writer of the cable marking device.

[0034] The mobile device can be wirelessly connected to the cable marking device to transmit print and / or write commands. This enables the parameterization, triggering, and feedback of printing and writing processes within a continuous workflow. Furthermore, the software application can be configured to link the data stored on the labels to an external database, allowing identification, project, or maintenance data to be consistently stored, searched, and documented.

[0035] Using a smartphone as a mobile device offers the additional advantage of utilizing existing, standard integrated NFC functions, eliminating the need for special additional hardware. This reduces procurement costs, setup times, and training efforts, while simultaneously increasing mobility, as reading, writing, documenting, and initiating process steps can all be performed from any location within a single compact unit.

[0036] The cable marking system can – even independently of a mobile device – comprise a software application running on a data processing unit. This application enables the acquisition, display, and management of marking data via a user interface on the data processing unit and communicates with the cable marking device via the data interface. Beyond the previously described link to an external database, the software application can provide additional functions, in particular local logging and history recording of read, write, print, and assembly events; plausibility checks of the data to be entered or transmitted; the use of templates, field assignments, and serial number logic; a preview of the optical marking; and wizards to guide the user step-by-step through the marking process.Furthermore, import and export functions, offline buffering with subsequent synchronization, role-based access rights, logging for audit purposes, and interfaces to third-party systems can be provided. In one configuration, the software application can provide functions for scanning and interpreting optical codes (for example, using a device camera) to import or verify data records.

[0037] The label(s) of the cable marking system preferably each comprise a labeling field for optical markings, a transponder field containing the readable and writable NFC transponder, and a transparent mounting section. This provides optical markings in the labeling field and the readable and writable NFC transponder in the transponder field within a single label, while the transparent mounting section allows attachment to the cable without obscuring the labeling field.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the schematic drawings, wherein identical or similar features are provided with the same reference numerals; to this end, the following are shown:

[0039] Fig. 1: a schematic sectional view of a cable marking device

[0040] Fig. 2: a top view of the label, Fig. 3: a label strip on a roll in perspective view,

[0041] Fig. 4: Attaching the label to the cable in perspective view, Fig. 5: The label attached to the cable in perspective view,

[0042] Fig. 6: Reading data from the labels attached to the cable using a mobile device in perspective view,

[0043] Fig. 7: a stationary version of the cable marking device in perspective view,

[0044] Fig. 8: a perspective view of the label printing unit, Fig. 9: a perspective view of a handheld version of the cable marking device,

[0045] Fig. 10: the cable marking device according to Fig. 9 in side view, Fig. 11: details of the labeling unit of the cable marking device according to Fig. 9 in perspective view,

[0046] Fig. 12: Details of the labeling unit of the cable marking device according to Fig. 9 in cross-sectional view,

[0047] Fig. 13: another handheld version of the cable marking device in perspective view,

[0048] Fig. 14: the cable marking device according to Fig. 13 in side view, Fig. 15: details of the labeling unit of the cable marking device according to Fig. 13 in cross-sectional view, and

[0049] Fig. 16: Details of the labeling unit of the cable marking device according to Fig. 13 in perspective view.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a handheld version of the cable marking device 3, similar in design to a cordless screwdriver, with the essential components for the workflow. On the right side of the device is the label supply unit 33, into which a tape roll is inserted. The labels 2 are unwound from this roll in the form of a label strip and guided into the label transport channel 30. In the illustration, the label transport channel 30 runs essentially straight to the left and guides the labels 2 sequentially past the label printing unit 32 and the NFC reader / writer 4 located above it to the labeling unit 31 on the left side of the device. The power supply unit 34, here a replaceable and rechargeable battery, supplies the components of the cable marking device 3 shown in Fig. 1 with electrical energy.The label printing unit 32 is configured to apply the optical markings to the labels 2 as they are guided through the label transport channel 30. Above the label transport channel 30 is the NFC reader / writer 4, which allows the NFC transponder integrated into each label 2 to be read and / or written electronically.

[0051] The labeling unit 31 is located on the left side of the device. In this zone, the cable 1 and the label 2 meet; the labeling unit 31 is designed to fix the label 2, which is located at the end of the label tape, to the cable 1 and to guide or wrap it around the circumference of the cable 1.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the label 2 and its division into functional areas. The left area contains the labeling field 2.1, which is designed to receive optical markings; the illustration shows an example of a machine-readable code located within the labeling field 2.1, which can be read together with alphanumeric data. The transponder field 2.2 is formed as a narrow section in the upper left area; the NFC transponder is embedded in the label 2 within the transponder field 2.2. The large right-hand part of the label 2 forms the attachment section 2.3, which is designed for wrapping around a cable 1. The adhesive surface 2.4 is located on the side of the label 2 facing away from the viewer and is formed at least in the area of ​​the attachment section 2.3, so that the label 2 adheres continuously to the cable surface after being fixed in place.the preceding winding layers of the label 2 are in contact with it. Since the labeling field 2.1 and the transponder field 2.2 are wrapped and covered by the fastening section 2.3, the fastening section 2.3 is transparent.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a tape roll as part of the label supply unit 33, on which a label tape with a plurality of interconnected labels 2 is wound, as shown and described in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows the application of the label 2 to a cable 1: After the first end of the label 2 has been placed on the cable surface of the cable 1, the remaining section of the label 2 – here the free end – is wrapped around the cable 1. Fig. 5 shows the label 2 attached to the cable 1 in its final state.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows the reading and / or writing of the labels 2 attached to a cable 1 using an NFC-enabled mobile device 5, in this case a smartphone. The NFC capability is provided by the NFC reader / writer 4 integrated into the mobile device 5. The mobile device 5 is positioned so that the NFC transponder of the label 2 is within range of the smartphone's NFC reader / writer 4, enabling contactless communication with the NFC transponder integrated into the label 2. A user interface is displayed on the screen of the mobile device 5, allowing labeling data to be captured, displayed, and confirmed. The label 2, correctly wrapped around the cable, is shown on the left side; an unwrapped label 2 is shown on the right side of the cable 1 for illustrative purposes only.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows the cable marking device 3 in a stand-alone or table-top configuration, which can also be used as a handheld device, with functional units arranged along the label transport channel 30. On the right side, the label supply unit 33 is shown as a tape roll holder, from which a tape consisting of a plurality of connected labels 2 is drawn from the tape roll into the label transport channel 30. The label transport channel 30 guides the tape towards the left side of the device and forms the conveying path between the label supply unit 33 and the labeling unit 31.

[0056] In the central area of ​​the cable marking device 3, the NFC reader / writer 4 is arranged along the label transport channel 30. In this position, the NFC reader / writer 4 can read and / or write the NFC transponder integrated into the label 2 during its transit without interrupting the material flow. The label 2 is then conveyed further along the label transport channel 30 to the left and fed to the labeling unit 31. The labeling unit 31 is located at the top left and forms the station where the label 2 is prepared for application. The enlarged detail window shows the working zone of the labeling unit 31, in which mechanical positioning and pressure elements are arranged. Within this zone, the label 2 is guided so that it can be reliably positioned at its final application point on the cable 1 and wrapped with a defined pressure.The labeling unit 31 is designed similarly to a bag sealing device. The arrangement of the components in the labeling unit 31 facilitates the even feeding and pressing of the label 2, thus enabling it to wrap around and be applied to the cable 1.

[0057] The label printing unit 32, not shown in Fig. 7, is concealed between the label supply unit 33 and the NFC reader / writer 4. Fig. 8 shows, by way of example, a label printing unit 32 designed as a thermal printer, which is connected to a control board 35. The control board 35 handles the central control of the label printing unit 32 and coordinates its integration into the workflow of the cable marking device 3.

[0058] Figures 9 and 10 show the cable marking device 3 in a further embodiment designed as a handheld device with assemblies arranged along the label transport channel 30. The label supply unit 33 is located on the left end face. This unit stores the labels 2 (not shown in Figures 9 and 10) in the form of a label tape wound on a roll, and the label tape is drawn from the supply unit into the label transport channel 30. The label transport channel 30 runs centrally through the device and passes below a screen 36 integrated into the handheld device and the control board 35 towards the labeling unit 31 located on the right end face. The label printing unit 32 is positioned along the label transport channel 30 between the label supply unit 33 and the area of ​​the NFC reader / writer 4, enabling the labels 2 to be printed while the label tape is being fed.

[0059] The screen 36 is located on the top of the device in the central area and displays operating statuses and input dialogs. The control board 35 is integrated centrally in the middle of the device and handles the control of the label printing unit 32, the NFC reader / writer 4, the labeling unit 31, and communication via interfaces. The power supply unit 34 contains a rechargeable battery and can be charged via a USB charging port integrated into the side of the handle.

[0060] The labeling unit 31 is located on the right side of the device. In this area, the cable 1 (not shown in Figures 9 and 10) and the label 2, which forms the end of the label strip, are brought together. The front end of the label 2 is fixed to the cable 1, and the remaining section can be wrapped around the circumference of the cable 1 and pressed down. The NFC reader / writer 4 is located immediately upstream of the labeling unit 31 along the label transport channel 30. This allows the NFC transponder integrated into the label 2 to be read and / or written before the application process without interrupting the material flow. The label printing unit 32 is arranged similarly, printing the labels 2 immediately before they are attached to the cable 1.

[0061] The cable marking device 3 shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrates, by means of the arrow representations, the continuous process from the provision of the labels 2 in the label storage unit 33 via the conveying in the label transport channel 30 with printing by the label printing unit 32 and electronic writing by the NFC reader / writer 4 to the transfer to the labeling unit 31 by means of the easy-to-use and flexibly deployable handheld device.

[0062] Fig. 11 illustrates the details of the labeling unit 31 of the cable marking device 3 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The labeling unit 31 comprises the winding drum 312, which is designed to rotate about its longitudinal axis and has an axially extending cable slot 313 formed in the drum wall. The cable 1 can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the winding drum 312 through this slot. Four pressure rollers 311 are arranged symmetrically inside the winding drum 312, each rotatably mounted in roller holders 314. The roller holders 314 are designed as spring elements and press the pressure rollers 311 parallel to the cable surface of the cable 1 inserted into the winding drum 312.

[0063] A drive gearbox 315 is provided laterally for driving the winding drum 312. The drive gearbox 315 comprises an output gear 315.1 designed as a ring gear on the winding drum 312, two intermediate gears 315.2, and a drive gear 315.3, which is coupled to a drive motor (not shown). The two intermediate gears 315.2 ensure continuous engagement between the drive and output, as one of the two intermediate gears 315.2 always remains engaged with the output gear 315.1, even when the other intermediate gear 315.2 passes over the gap in the ring gear of the output gear 315.1 caused by the cable slot 313. In this way, a uniform rotation of the winding drum 312 is achieved, so that the label 2, after its front end has been fixed, can be guided in a controlled manner around the circumference of the cable 1 and pressed down reliably.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows a cross-section through the winding drum 312 of the labeling unit 31 of the cable marking device 3 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11. Two diametrically opposed roller holders 314 each carry two of the pressure rollers 311, which are arranged symmetrically around the cable 1 guided along the longitudinal axis of the winding drum 312. Due to the spring action of the roller holders 314, these four pressure rollers 311 press axially against the cable surface of the centrally guided cable 1.

[0065] To attach the label 2 (not shown in Fig. 12) to the cable 1 inserted into the winding drum 312, the label tape is fed into the winding drum 312 via the cable slot 313, so that the front end of the label 2, located at the tape end, rests against the cable 1 and is pressed down by the pressure rollers 311. The adhesive surface 2.4 of the label 2 rests against the cable 1, while the opposite, non-adhesive side is pressed against the cable 1 by the pressure rollers 311. The winding drum 312 is then set into rotation – driven by the drive gear 315, preferably with the output gear 315.1 – whereby the label 2, located at the tape end, is cut or sheared off from the label tape and wound around the circumference of the cable 1 under continuous pressure from the pressure rollers 311. After complete wrapping, the cable 1 can be removed from the winding drum 312 via the cable slot 313.

[0066] Figures 13 to 16 show another embodiment of the cable marking device 3, designed as a handheld device and having a substantially similar construction to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12. In contrast to this embodiment – ​​see in particular Figures 15 and 16 – the labeling unit 31 of the cable marking device 3 comprises three pressure rollers 311, which are arranged at uniform circumferential intervals of 120° around the longitudinal axis of the winding drum 312 and are each attached to the inner wall of the winding drum 312 by one of the spring-loaded roller holders 314. The axial planes defined by the longitudinal axis of the winding drum 312 and each of the roller axes of the pressure rollers 311 are therefore at an angle of 120° to each other.

[0067] Figures 13 and 14, which illustrate the overall structure of the cable marking device 3, show the arrangement of the labeling unit 31, the label printing unit 32, the NFC reader / writer 4, the label storage unit 33, and the power supply unit 34. The cable marking device 3 is operated via the touchscreen 36. The labels 2 are stored in the label storage unit 33 as a label tape wound on a roll. This tape is conveyed through the label transport channel 30. Figure 13 illustrates the transport of the labels in the label transport channel 30 from the exit of the label printing unit 32 to the entry of the labeling unit 31. Figure 14 shows the position of the label 2 at the front of the label tape with the device housing closed.

[0068] In addition to the construction of the labeling unit 31 with the three pressure rollers 311 arranged uniformly around the circumference at an angular interval of 120° around the longitudinal axis of the winding drum 312, Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate the operation of the labeling unit 31 of the cable marking device 3 shown in Figs. 13 to 16. The embodiment of the cable marking device 3 shown in Figs. 9 to 12 functions in the same way.

[0069] Figures 15 and 16 show the transport of the labels 2 in the form of a label strip to the labeling unit 31. The labels 2 are oriented such that their adhesive surface 2.4 points upwards.

[0070] To label the cable 1, the user of the cable marking device 3 pushes the cable 1 downwards through the cable slot 313 into the winding drum 312. Figure 15 illustrates this process using three positions of the cable 1 as examples. During insertion, the adhesive surface 2.4 of the label 2 comes into contact with the cable 1, thereby fixing the label 2 to the cable 1. The label 2, located at the front of the label tape, is drawn into the winding drum 312 together with the cable 1 through the cable slot 313.

[0071] When the cable 1 with the attached label 2 is positioned between the three pressure rollers 311, the winding drum 312 is rotated 120° in the direction of the arrow shown in Figs. 15 and 16. The front edge of the winding drum 312 presses against the label tape, tightening it and guiding it under tension onto the cutting tool 316. This tool, shown only schematically in Fig. 15, is designed as a blade and cuts off the label 2 located at the front of the label tape.

[0072] The detached label 2 is then guided around the circumference of the cable 1 by means of the pressure rollers 311, which are spring-loaded against the cable 1 by the roller holders 314, as the winding drum 312 continues to rotate, and pressed onto its surface. This completes the labeling process.

[0073] The freed end of the label tape, with a new label 2 now forming the front, remains in position and is ready for the next labeling process.

[0074] Since the label 2 is immediately bonded to the cable 1 upon insertion, the label tape remains guided within the labeling unit 31 throughout the entire process. The adhesive surface 2.4 of the label 2 comes into contact exclusively with the cable 1 and not with any other components of the labeling unit 31. This reliably prevents unwanted sticking or snagging within the labeling unit 31. Consequently, the proposed cable marking device 3 does not require the use of a backing paper, as is the case with many conventional labels and which must be removed before application.

[0075] Regarding further details and embodiments of the proposed technology for cable marking, reference is made to the German patent application with application number 10 2024 126 899.9, the contents of which are hereby incorporated into this patent application.

[0076] Reference symbol list

[0077] 1 cable

[0078] 2 labels

[0079] 2.1 Labeling field

[0080] 2.2 Transponder field

[0081] 2.3 Fastening section

[0082] 2.4 Adhesive surface

[0083] 3 Cable marking device

[0084] 4 NFC readers / writers

[0085] 5 mobile devices

[0086] 30 Label transport channel

[0087] 31 labeling units

[0088] 32 label printing units

[0089] 33 label storage units

[0090] 34 Energy supply unit

[0091] 35 Control board

[0092] 36-inch screen

[0093] 311 Pressure roller

[0094] 312 winding drum

[0095] 313 Cable slot

[0096] 314 Roll holders

[0097] 315 Drive gearbox

[0098] 315.1 Output gear

[0099] 315.2 Intermediate gear

[0100] 315.3 Drive gear

[0101] 316 Cutting tool

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cable marking device (3) for marking a cable (1) by printing, electronically writing and wrapping a strip-shaped label (2) with an integrated NFC transponder, wherein the cable marking device (3) comprises: - a label storage unit (33) for storing and providing the label (2), - a labeling unit (31 ) for wrapping and attaching the label (2) to the cable (1 ), - a label printing unit (32) for printing the label (2) with an optical inscription, and - an NFC reader / writer (4) for electronically writing and / or reading the NFC transponder of the label (2), wherein the label printing unit (32) and the NFC reader / writer (4) are arranged along a label transport channel (30) which is designed to convey the label (2) between the label supply unit (33) and the labeling unit (31).

2. Cable marking device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the labeling unit (31 ) comprises an application and winding device which is configured to fix a first end of the strip-shaped label (2) by pressing an adhesive surface (2.4) onto the cable (1 ) and to guide and press the remaining section of the label (2) under tension with the adhesive surface (2.4) in contact with the cable surface around the circumference of the cable (1 ).

3. Cable marking device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the application and winding device has a winding drum (312) designed to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in a hollow cylindrical shape, wherein - the drum wall of the winding drum (312) has an axially extending cable slot (313) for inserting the cable (1) into the winding drum (312), - the feed and winding device comprises several pressure rollers (311) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (312), each of which is mounted in roller holders (314) so ​​as to be freely rotatable about its respective roller axis, and - the roller holders (314) are attached to the inner wall of the winding drum (312) and are designed as spring elements that press the pressure rollers (311) parallel to the cable surface of the cable (1) inserted into the winding drum (312).

4. Cable marking device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the application and winding device has two roller holders (314) which are arranged diametrically opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (312) on its inner wall, each of the roller holders (314) carrying at least one of the pressure rollers (311 ).

5. Cable marking device (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the two roller holders (314) carries two of the pressure rollers (311) which are arranged symmetrically to an axial plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the winding drum (312) and the two diametrically opposed roller holders (314).

6. Cable marking device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cable marking device (3) is designed as a handheld device.

7. Cable marking device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the label printing unit (32) is designed as a thermal direct printer or thermal transfer printer.

8. Cable marking device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cable marking device (3) has a wireless or wired data interface for connection to external devices or databases.

9. Cable marking device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the label supply unit (33) comprises a roll holder which is configured to receive a tape roll, wherein the tape roll comprises a wound label tape which is formed from a plurality of interconnected labels (2).

10. Cable marking system for marking a cable (1) by printing, electronically writing and wrapping strip-shaped labels (2) with integrated NFC transponder, characterized in that it comprises a cable marking device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more of the strip-shaped labels (2) with integrated NFC transponder.

11. Cable marking system according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises an NFC-enabled mobile terminal (5) which is equipped with a software application, wherein the mobile terminal (5) is configured by means of the software application to read or write the NFC transponder of the label (2) attached to the cable (1).

12. Cable marking system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the software application is configured to establish a link between the data stored on the labels (2) and an external database.

13. Cable marking system according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the mobile terminal device (5) is coupled to the cable marking device (3) via a wireless interface in order to transmit print and / or write commands.

14. Cable marking system according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the cable marking device (3) according to claim 9 and one or more of the tape rolls, wherein the respective tape roll contains the wound-up label tape which is formed from a plurality of interconnected labels (2).

15. Cable marking system according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that each label (2) comprises a marking field (2.1) for receiving the optical marking, a transponder field (2.2) containing the readable and writable NFC transponder, and a transparent fastening section (2.3). - Seven pages of drawings follow -

Images