EP4129876A1 - Roll holder for a label roll and label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roll holder for a label roll (11). This is in particular a cross-wound linerless label roll. The roll holder comprises a horizontally arranged axle (12) which is held by a frame on at least one side. The roll holder comprises a rotatable roll mount (80) which is aligned parallel to the axle (12) and is mounted on the axle. The roller mount (80) is mounted on the axle so that it can be displaced linearly with at least one linear bearing. A label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll (11) comprises a roll holder for the label roll and at least one print head for printing the paper tape. A paper path runs along the direction of movement of the paper web from the roll holder to the print head. The label printer includes a deflection roller along the paper path, along which the paper tape is guided

Description

The present invention relates to a roll holder for a label roll and a label printer, in particular a label printer with a roll holder for a label roll.

Label printers, in particular label printers for labeling packages for foodstuffs, include a rotatable roll holder which is provided for carrying a label roll made from a wound paper strip. During printing, the paper ribbon is unrolled and transported along a paper path to a print head. The roll holder includes, for example, a stop in the axial direction against which the label roll, in particular the core of the label roll, is struck when it is applied to the roll holder, so that the label roll is in a defined position along the axial direction of the roll holder. If the individual paper layers of the label roll are rolled up exactly one on top of the other on the label roll, then when the paper tape is unwound, its edges are always in an intended axial position. The paper web under tension is therefore not twisted along the paper path.

Most of the known label rolls are rolled up in such a way that the edges of the individual paper layers of the label roll are exactly one above the other. The sides of the label roll are aligned along its diameter.

In the food sector, however, so-called F-Wrap or C-Wrap packaging is being used more and more. This packaging is marked with a label that is not only on one side of the packaging, but runs all the way around the packaging (F-Wrap) or is attached to three sides of the packaging (C-Wrap). What these packages have in common is that the label to be applied has an elongated shape, which means that the extension of the label in one direction is significantly greater, for example four to eight times greater than that Expansion of the label in the direction perpendicular to it. If the roll width of a label roll with F-Wrap or C-Wrap labels corresponds to the length of the label, a lot more labels can be wound up with the same roll diameter than if the roll width corresponds to the short side of the label. Such a label roll has a roll width of between 30 cm and 50 cm, for example. Label rolls, in particular linerless label rolls without carrier tape, of this width often cannot be rolled up for production reasons in such a way that the edges of the individual paper layers of the paper tape form an alignment. Rather, these label rolls often have an S-shaped course on their sides, which means that when the roll core is axially aligned on the roll holder, an axial alignment of the side edges of the paper tape cannot be achieved automatically over the entire paper length. Rather, when the roll core is stationary in the axial direction, its side edges move back and forth in the axial direction during the unrolling process of the paper strip. With a defined paper path, this axial movement of the paper tape leads to the paper tape twisting along the paper path and, in the worst case, to malfunctions in the label printer.

A device is known from the prior art, in which a paper sensor detects an edge of the unrolled part of the paper strip and, based on the current position of the edge of the paper strip or the direction in which the edge of the paper strip is currently moving, with the aid of a motor controls the axial position of the roll holder and thus the axial position of the roll core in such a way that the axial displacement of the paper tape on the label roll is compensated. The paper tape is safely guided through the paper path and there is no twisting of the paper. However, such a roller mount is complex and expensive.

The object of the invention is to find a more cost-effective and less maintenance-prone solution.

This object is achieved by a roll holder according to claim 1 and a label printer according to claim 14.

According to the invention, a roll holder for a label roll is proposed. The label roll is in particular a linerless label roll, ie a label roll without a carrier tape. In particular, the label roll is rolled up transversely. The person skilled in the art understands that it is a paper tape made up of a number of labels attached next to one another, a so-called endless tape, with the long side of the labels lying next to one another in the unwinding direction of the label roll, so that the short side of each label corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the paper tape. The paper tape is intended for individual labels to be severed from the paper tape with a cutting unit, possibly printed before or after the separation by a label printer and then by a corresponding device on packaging, in particular as an F-wrap or C-wrap label be applied. In one embodiment, the width of the label roll and thus the long side of a label is between 150 mm and 500 mm. In one embodiment, the short side of the label is between 50mm and 150mm long. In one embodiment, the paper tape that is wound up on the label roll is several hundred meters long.

The roll holder comprises a horizontally arranged axle which is held by a frame on at least one side. In one embodiment, the horizontally arranged axle is supported on one side by a frame, while the other side of the axle is free-floating and thus unsupported.

The roll holder also includes a rotatable roll mount, which is aligned parallel to the axle and is mounted on the axle. The roller mount is mounted on the axle with at least one linear bearing and is linear on the axle via the at least one linear bearing movable. In one embodiment, there are two linear bearings that allow the roller mount to be displaced on the axis, with the two linear bearings being attached in particular to the axial end regions of the roller mount.

In this context, a person skilled in the art understands a linear bearing to mean a bearing that allows the roller seat to be displaced on the axis along both axial directions, that is to say back and forth on the axis. The term linear bearing does not include any statement as to whether the bearing allows or blocks the roller mount from rotating on the axis.

This has the advantage that a label roll that is held at a defined position on the roll holder can be moved linearly in relation to the axis. In the case of a label roll whose paper layers have an S-shaped course in relation to the roll core and the individual paper layers therefore have an axial displacement in relation to the roll core, this displacement can be compensated for by an opposite displacement of the roll holder, so that the paper tape does not twist in the paper path is prevented. This is particularly advantageous for wide label rolls. Since the paper tape is under tension in the paper path and the linear bearing enables a smooth movement between the axis and the roll holder in the axial direction, the roll holder aligns itself to the corresponding axial position of the paper web due to the paper tension if the paper edges are guided at a defined position in the paper path or being held. A sensor for detecting the current paper position along the axial direction and a control unit with a motorized setting unit for moving the roll holder axially can be omitted.

In one embodiment, the linear bearing is a sliding bearing.

In one embodiment, the linear bearing is a linear ball bearing, in particular a linear ball bearing angular error compensation. A linear ball bearing allows the reel seat to move linearly on the axle with little frictional resistance. This is advantageous because the linear displacement of the roll holder on the axis of the roll holder takes place through the paper tension of the paper tape in the paper path. A smooth linear displacement of the reel seat supports the function of the mechanism. A self-aligning linear ball bearing is necessary when the axis deflects slightly due to the weight of the label roll. Since the weight of the label rolls is several 10 kg, in particular more than 25 kg, there is always slight bending, especially with an axis that is free-floating at one end, which is compensated for by a linear bearing with angular error compensation. The linear bearing with angular error compensation not only compensates for the bending of the axis but also for misalignment of the housing bores or the mounting of the axis in the housing.

In one embodiment, the axis is non-rotatably connected to the frame. The roller mount is rotatably mounted on the axle. In particular, the at least one linear bearing is a linear ball bearing, which enables both an axial movement and a rotational movement of the roller mount on the axis. The axial mobility of the roll mount on the axis by the linear ball bearing compensates for the offset of the individual paper layers transverse to the direction of roll-off on the label roll. The linear ball bearing also allows the roll mount to rotate on the axis for unwinding the paper tape from the label roll.

In one embodiment, the axle is rotatably supported by the frame. The roller mount is connected to the axle in a rotationally fixed and linearly movable manner. In one embodiment, the roller mount is connected to the axle in a rotationally fixed manner via a driver, and the driver transmits a rotation of the roller mount to the axle. In one embodiment, in the tang embodiment, the linear bearing is on linear ball bearing. The driver prevents the rotational movement of the roller mount on the axle, although this rotational movement would be made possible by the linear ball bearing. However, the linear ball bearing, in particular a linear ball bearing with angular error compensation, has the advantage that tolerances are compensated. The use of a linear ball bearing is also advantageous in this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the driver consists of a sleeve with a slot in the axial direction. The sleeve is non-rotatably connected to the axle. This also means that the sleeve and the axle are not directly connected to one another, but via an intermediate element. The technical effect is that a rotational movement caused at the sleeve also causes a rotational movement of the axle. A pin connected to the roller mount engages in the slot of the driver. This has the advantage that a rotational movement of the roll holder is transferred to the sleeve with the aid of the pin. The rotational movement is transmitted to the axle through the non-rotatable connection between the sleeve and the axle. If the label roll, which is located on the roll holder, is unrolled by exerting a force on the paper tape in the direction of the paper path, a rotational movement occurs in the roll holder, which leads to a rotational movement of the axis. At the same time, the design of the sleeve with a slot in the axial direction and the non-rotatable connection between the roller mount and the sleeve by the pin that engages in the slot create a driver that can be displaced in the direction of the slot, i.e. in the axial direction . This allows the roller mount to be shifted on the axle in the axial direction and at the same time the non-rotatable connection between the roller mount and the axle.

In one embodiment, the sleeve of the driver or the axle is non-rotatably connected to a brake disc. The The brake disc is connected by a belt to a guide roller located in the paper path. In one embodiment, the band is wrapped around the brake disc so that the brake disc rotates in a loop formed by the band. When the band is tightened by pulling the end of the band in a direction away from the brake disc, it exerts a frictional force on the brake disc and slows the brake disc. In one embodiment, one end of the strap is fixed in a fixed position. The other end of the belt is fixed to a movable holder for a paper path deflection roller. When the tension of the paper tape in the paper path is released, the holder moves and moves the end of the tape, applying a braking force to the brake disc. In one embodiment, the strap is formed of stretchable material. In one embodiment, the band is formed from a flexible but non-extensible material, in particular from a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet, in particular a steel sheet with a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.45 mm, in particular 0.3 mm educated.

In one embodiment, the roll holder consists of a base body, in particular a tubular base body. At least one rail, in particular three rails, which are open in the radial direction, is attached to the base body. The base body is mounted on the axle in a linearly movable manner via the at least one linear bearing. The at least one rail guides an at least radially movable clamping element, in particular a clamping plate. In one embodiment, a clamping plate is guided in each rail so that it can move radially and axially.

In one embodiment, the roll holder has an operating lever at its axial end. The operating lever can be transferred from a working position to an installation position via an eccentric. For the purpose of this disclosure, an eccentric is to be understood as an element which can be rotated about a pivot point, in which the distance between the pivot point and an edge of the element is measured in of the horizontal plane changes when the element is rotated.

In one embodiment, the operating lever protrudes from the roller holder in the installation position in an extension to the axis of the roller holder, that is to say the operating lever is aligned in its longitudinal direction in the axial direction of the axis. The at least one clamping plate is adjusted in the radial direction by moving the operating lever from the installation position to the working position via the eccentric.

In one embodiment, the at least one clamping plate includes a connecting link that runs on a pin in the at least one rail of the base body. The connecting link is arranged in such a way that a movement of the clamping plate in an axial direction of the base body leads to a radial displacement of the clamping plate outwards and a movement of the clamping plate in the other axial direction of the base body leads to a radial displacement of the clamping plate inwards. In one embodiment, the eccentric and the clamping plate work together in such a way that a movement of the operating lever from the installation position into the working position leads to a displacement of the clamping plate in the axial direction, through which the clamping plate is guided outwards in the radial direction by the connecting link. The eccentric and the clamping plate interact in such a way that a movement of the operating lever from a working position into an installation position leads to a displacement of the clamping plate in the axial direction, through which the clamping plate is guided inward in the radial direction by the connecting link.

In one embodiment, an adjustment element is coupled to the operating lever. Rotating the operating lever along or against the direction of rotation of the base body causes the at least one clamping plate to move in the axial direction of the base body. In one embodiment, the adjustment element is form-fitting in the direction of rotation of the Body connected to the operating lever, so that turning the operating lever causes turning of the adjustment element. The distance between the base body and the setting element is changed by rotating the setting element. The setting element also includes a driver for the at least one clamping plate, with which the clamping plate is displaced in the axial direction with the setting element.

In one embodiment, the roll holder, in particular the base body, includes a latching device for latching the roll mount in a central position along a displacement path of the roll mount on the axis. The middle position is not to be interpreted in such a way that the roller mount has to have exactly the same travel path in both axial directions away from the middle position. Rather, the middle position is to be understood in such a way that the latching takes place essentially in the middle of the travel path, so that the movement in both axial directions is possible after the latching is canceled. Due to the latching, the roller mount is not latched in an axial end position.

According to the invention, a label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll is proposed. The label printer includes a roll holder for the label roll and at least one print head for printing on the paper tape. The label printer has a paper path that runs along the direction of travel of the paper web from the roll holder to the print head. In one embodiment, the paper tape is separated into individual labels by a cutting device between the roll holder and the print head. In this case, too, the paper path is to be understood as the direction of movement from the roll holder to the print head. The label printer includes a deflection roller along the paper path, along which the paper tape is guided. The deflection roller has the effect that the paper path changes direction at the deflection roller and the deflection roller guides the paper web accordingly. The Label printer includes a roll holder in one of the embodiments described above.

In one embodiment, the deflection roller comprises a paper guide device. The paper guide device comprises a guide element on each side of the paper strip, the guide elements being adjustable and lockable in the axial direction of the deflection roller. In one embodiment, the guide elements can be adjusted by a motor. In one embodiment, the guide elements can be adjusted manually. In one embodiment, the guide elements are coupled to one another such that the adjustment of one guide element in one direction leads to the adjustment of the other guide element in the opposite direction. The guide elements form a guide for the edges of the paper tape. Since the paper tape is under tension on the deflection roller, the axial position of the paper tape on the deflection roller is defined by the guide elements. The axial position of the reel holder follows this position accordingly, so that the paper tape is not twisted between the paper reel and the deflection roller, regardless of whether the top layer of paper is offset from the reel core.

In one embodiment, the deflection roller comprises markings along its axial direction, which indicate positions for an arrangement of the guide elements on the deflection roller. The markings are related to the position of the at least one print head and/or the paper width of the label roll. This has the advantage that the markings show the operator the positions of the guide elements to which the guide elements must be set for a certain paper width in order to feed the paper tape to the print head at the correct position for printing in a designated field.

In one embodiment, the label printer includes a control device that includes an input device.

The control device receives at least one paper width of a label roll from the input device. The control device includes a processor that determines axial positions of the guide elements on the deflection roller from the received paper width. In one embodiment, the axial positions of the guide elements on the deflection roller are displayed on a display unit. In one embodiment, the processor controls an adjustment unit that moves the guide elements by motor to the specific axial positions on the deflection roller.

In one embodiment, the idler pulley is held by a pivotable arm. By swiveling the arm, the position of the deflection roller and thus the paper path is changed. The arm is biased by a spring, and the spring pulls the arm in a direction that lengthens the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the printhead. The tension of the paper web pulls the arm in a direction that shortens the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the printhead. The tension of the paper band or by tightening the paper band pulls the arm against the spring force. This has the effect that when the paper tape is transported, for example by a transport roller, the paper is tensioned and the deflection roller pulls it in a direction in which the paper path becomes shorter. This enables rapid, jerky acceleration of the paper tape. The spring force pulls the arm in the opposite direction. In particular, when the paper tape is not fed, the spring force overcomes the tension of the paper tape, and the arm is pulled in a direction in which the paper path becomes longer.

By way of explanation, it is noted here that the expression "distance from the idler pulley to the printhead" is for purposes of illustration. Due to the paper roll diameter decreasing over the printing time and the fact that the top layer of paper of a paper roll is always unwound, the exact paper guidance changes depending on the diameter the paper roll. However, those skilled in the art of label printers are well acquainted with the interpretation of the term paper path. In one embodiment, the deflection roller defines a deflection point for the paper web in the paper path. The flat side of the paper tape runs over the deflection roller. In one embodiment, the non-adhesive side of the paper tape runs over the deflection roller. In one embodiment, the adhesive side of the paper tape runs over the deflection roller, the deflection roller being provided with an anti-stick coating. In one embodiment, the adhesive side of the paper tape comprises a plurality of longitudinal strips of adhesive material, the longitudinal strips being narrow in comparison to the width of the paper tape. In one embodiment, the longitudinal strips of adhesive material are interrupted at the points at which the paper tape is provided for separating individual labels.

In one embodiment, the label printer includes an actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder. The actuator moves the arm against the spring force to an installation position. In the installed position, the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the printhead is short. That is, the actuator pushes the arm against the spring force, which, as described above, tensions the paper tape. In other words, the actuator pushes the arm into a position in which, if a paper tape is loaded in the paper path, the paper tape is relaxed. The actuator is triggered by the control device of the label printer. In one embodiment, the control device of the label printer triggers the actuator when a sensor detects the opening of the cover of the label printer or the control device receives a signal from the input device that the label roll should be changed. This has the effect that the actuator moves the arm and the idler pulley to a position where, after a new roll of labels has been placed on the roll holder, the paper tape is removed from the paper path Roll holder can be inserted to the print head. In particular, when the actuator is moved, a further actuator creates a distance between a pressure roller and the print head or a transport roller and a counter-holder for the transport roller, so that the end of the paper tape can be inserted into the distance. If the transport roller and counterage or print roller and print head and the arm are returned to their original position, the label printer is ready for operation again.

In one embodiment, the band that is connected to the brake disc is attached at one end to the pivotable arm. The band runs over at least part of the circumference of the brake disc. In one embodiment, the band wraps around the brake disc in a loop or part of a loop. The band is tightened around the brake disc when the pivoting arm moves with the spring force and the band is relaxed about the brake disc when the pivoting arm moves against the spring force. This has the effect that the brake disc and thus the roll holder with the label roll are braked when the paper path becomes longer, i.e. when more paper is unwound from the roll than is processed by the print head. This prevents the paper roll from running on when the transport of the paper tape is stopped.

In one embodiment, the roll holder, in particular the base body or in particular a closing element on the base body, comprises a latching device for latching the roll mount in a central position along a displacement path of the roll mount on the axis. The linear displacement of the roll holder on the axis is prevented by the locking device. This is advantageous for changing the paper roll, since the operator does not have to ensure that when pushing on the paper roll, he does not move the roll holder into the end position of the axial displacement path, meaning that the label roll could only be displaced in one axial direction.

If the roll holder is locked with the locking device in particular in the middle of the axial displacement path and remains in this axial position when the paper roll is applied, the roll holder can move in both axial directions during printing after the locking device has been released. In one embodiment, the latching device is triggered when the sensor for the hood detects the opening of the hood. In one embodiment, the latching device is coupled to the actuator, in particular to the pneumatic cylinder of the arm. In one embodiment, the latching device consists of a movable holding plate which engages in a slot in the roll holder.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittzeichnung einer Etikettenrolle,

Fig. 2a

einen Rollenhalter für einen Etikettendrucker in einer ersten Ansicht,

Fig. 2b

einen Rollenhalter für einen Etikettendrucker in einer zweiten Ansicht,

Fig. 3

eine Umlenkrolle,

Fig. 4

eine Rastvorrichtung für einen Rollenhalter,

Fig. 5a

eine Schnittzeichnung von einen Rollenhalter,

Fig. 5b

einen Rollenhalter,

Fig. 6a

einen Mitnehmer eines Rollenhalters,

Fig. 6b

eine Hülse für den Mitnehmer eines Rollenhalters,

Fig. 7

eine Achse eines Rollenhalters,

Fig. 8a

eine Rollenaufnahme eines Rollenhalters in einer ersten Ansicht,

Fig. 8b

eine Rollenaufnahme eines Rollenhalters in einer zweiten Ansicht,

Fig. 9a

eine Spannvorrichtung eines Rollenhalters in einer ersten Ansicht,

Fig. 9b

eine Spannvorrichtung eines Rollenhalters in einer zweiten Ansicht, und

Fig. 9c

Spannbleche und ein Einstellelement der Spannvorrichtung.

Some embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example in the drawings and described below. They show, each in a schematic representation:

1

a sectional drawing of a label roll,

Figure 2a

a roll holder for a label printer in a first view,

Figure 2b

a roll holder for a label printer in a second view,

3

a pulley,

4

a locking device for a roll holder,

Figure 5a

a sectional drawing of a roll holder,

Figure 5b

a roll holder,

Figure 6a

a driver of a roll holder,

Figure 6b

a sleeve for the driver of a roll holder,

7

an axis of a roll holder,

Figure 8a

a roll holder of a roll holder in a first view,

Figure 8b

a roll holder of a roll holder in a second view,

Figure 9a

a clamping device of a roll holder in a first view,

Figure 9b

a clamping device of a roll holder in a second view, and

9c

Clamping plates and an adjustment element of the clamping device.

1 shows a sectional drawing through a label roll 11. The drawing serves to illustrate the effect that the individual paper layers 14a, 14b, 14c are not rolled up vertically at the edges in a planar manner. This effect is particularly pronounced when the label rolls 11 are wound transversely and are therefore very wide, such as are used for F-wrap labeling, for example. Such a label roll 11 is, for example, up to 50 cm wide. The label roll 11 is wound around a roll core 13 . The center point of the roll core 13 defines the axis 12 of the label roll 13 around which the continuous strip of the label roll 11 is unwound. The individual paper layers 14a, 14b, 14c of the endless strip are continuously wound onto the label roll 11. The production process results in a horizontal displacement of the individual paper layers 14a, 14b, 14c, so that 11 bulges 16 and 15 indentations arise on the left and right vertical edge of the label roll. That is, the individual paper layers 14a, 14b, 14c can be shifted horizontally to one another. Since the top layer of paper is always unwound, a vertical displacement of the paper band occurs when the paper band is unwound from the label roll 11 .

Figure 2a and 2 B show a roll holder of a label printer for a label roll 11 in two different views. The roll holder includes a frame, which is attached to a labeller, for example an F-Wrap labeller. The frame comprises a vertical support 21, which is continued by a holder 22 for a roller mount 80. The roller mount 80 is rotatably attached to the bracket 22 via ball bearings. The roll holder also includes a tensioning device 70 and a driver device 60. The roll holder includes a latching device 50 for latching the roll holder 80 in an axial position. The roll holder also includes a deflection roll 30, which is pivotably attached via a pivoting device 40 and defines the paper strip. The pivoting device 40 comprises a pivotable arm 41 which is pivotably mounted about a pivot point 42 . The deflection roller 30 is rotatably attached to the pivotable arm 41 . The pivotable arm 41 is pulled in a direction 48 by the spring force of a spring 46, in which the paper path defined by the deflection roller 30 between the label roll 11 and the print head becomes longer. When the pneumatic cylinder 45 is extended, a plunger 45 of a pneumatic cylinder 44 moves the pivotable arm 41 in an opposite direction 47, in which the paper path defined by the deflection roller 30 between the label roll 11 and the print head becomes shorter. This movement is limited by a stop 49 for the pivotable arm. With a fastening mechanism 43, a flexible steel band 62 is attached to the pivotable arm 41, in particular near the pivot point 42, which is guided over a brake disk.

3 shows the deflection roller 30 for the paper tape. The paper tape, which is unwound from the label roll 11, wraps around a rotatable roller 31 of the deflection roller 30. The paper tape comprises a first side edge 12 and a second side edge 13 Leading paper path, the deflection roller 30 includes a paper guide device. At the Rotatable roller 31 is fitted with a first guide element 32 which is movable in the axial direction and which can be fixed in an axial position on the rotatable roller 31 with a first fixation 34 . Furthermore, a second guide element 35 that can be moved in the axial direction is attached to the rotatable roller 31 and can be fixed in an axial position on the rotatable roller 31 with a second fixation 37 . The side edges 12, 13 of the paper strip slide along the inner sides 33, 36 of the respective guide element 32, 35. The guide elements 32, 35 are fixed in the axial direction in such a way that the distance between the inner sides 33, 36 of the guide elements 32, 35 corresponds to the width of the paper strip , possibly corresponds to the width of the paper tape including a small tolerance, the paper tape wraps tightly around the rotatable roller 31 due to the paper tension and is guided in a defined manner. The rotatable roller 31 further comprises markings 38 along its axial direction, which indicate positions for an arrangement of the guide elements on the deflection roller. The markings 38 are related to the position of the at least one print head and/or the paper width of the label roll. This means that the markings 38 show an operator at which position in the axial direction he must fix the guide elements 32, 35 for a specific paper roll 11 with a defined width and a predetermined pressure field.

4 shows a latching device 50 for a roll holder for latching the roll mount 80 in a middle position along the axial displacement path of the roll mount. The locking device 50 consists of a movable retaining plate 51 which engages with one end 53 in a slot 54 in the roller holder 80, in particular in a slot 54 of a closing element 64 of the roller holder 80. The locking device 50 includes a locking guide 52 which is fixed to the bracket 22 of the vertical support 21 is connected. The holding plate 51 can be moved linearly in the locking guide 52 . The retaining plate 51 is by a pneumatic cylinder 55 in the Locking position moved in the direction of the roll holder. In 4 the view of the pneumatic cylinder 55 is obscured. If the pneumatic cylinder 55 is vented, the holding plate 51 is pulled by a spring 56 into a release position in which the end 53 of the holding plate 51 no longer engages in the slot 54 .

Figures 5a and 5b show a roll holder for a label printer. In Figure 5a the roll holder is shown in a sectional drawing. Figure 5b shows a plan view of the roll holder. The roll holder is rotatably fastened with its horizontal axis 81 via ball bearings 82 in a holder 22 . The bracket 22 continues a vertical support of the label printer in the vertical direction. The axis 81 is with reference to 7 described below. Figures 5a and 5b Fig. 12 shows the roll holder entraining device 60, which is referred to with reference to Figs Figures 6a and 6b is described below. Figures 5a and 5b also show the fixture 70 referred to in FIG 9a, 9b and 9c is described below. As in Figures 5a and 5b shown, the roll holder includes a roll mount 80. The roll mount 80 consists of a base body 84 (see also Figures 8a and 8b ), which is linearly displaceable on the axis 81 via linear ball bearings 86, 87 with angular error compensation. The path of travel of the linear ball bearings 86, 87 on the axis 81 is not limited by stops on the axis 81, since this path of travel is limited by the driver device 60. The base body 84 of the roller mount 80 is designed as an elongate tube 89 which is placed on the axle 81 via the linear ball bearings 86, 87. On the outside of the tube 89 are three rails 88 which run in the axial direction and are open in the radial direction. In the rails 88 there are clamping plates 83 that can be moved in the axial and in the radial direction, the clamping plates 83 having links 93 arranged at an angle, which can be moved via fixed pins 94 . The pins 94 are in bores 91 of the rails 88 held. The pins 94 thus form a fixed guide for the links 93 within the rails 88. When the clamping plates move axially in an axial direction, the clamping plates 83 are moved out of the rails 88 in the radial direction via the pins 94 and the links 93. With an axial movement of the clamping plates in the opposite axial direction, the clamping plates 83 are moved in the radial direction into the rails 88 via the pins 94 and via the links 93 . Supporting elements 85 are arranged between the rails 88 on the outside of the base body 84 and are fastened in screw connections 92 of the base body 84 . The support elements 85, interrupted by the rails 88, bind a round contour of the roll mount 80. The rails 88 have a smaller radial extension than the support elements 85. The support elements 85 thus form a roll mount on which the roll core is placed. The diameter of the roll mount 80 formed by the support elements 85 is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the roll core, so that the label roll 11 can be easily pushed onto the roll mount 80 . The clamping plates 83 protrude from the rails 88 and are radially displaceable. The radial displaceability of the clamping plates 83 extends from an area in which the outer sides of the clamping plates 83 do not protrude radially beyond the carrying elements 85 to an area in which the outer sides of the clamping plates 83 protrude radially beyond the carrying elements 85 . This makes it possible to clamp the roll core on the roll holder 80 by radially displacing the clamping plates 83 .

The roll holder also includes a driver device 60, which transmits to the axis 81 a rotary movement of the roll holder 80, which takes place as a result of the paper strip of the label roll 11 being unwound. The driver device 60 comprises, as in Figure 6b shown a sleeve 62, in the inner region 69 of which the roller mount 80, in particular a closing element 64 ( Figure 6a ), which is connected to the base body 84 of the roller mount 80 is screwed with screws 65, is mounted axially movable. The closing element 64 includes a pin 63 which engages in an axial slot 66 of the sleeve 62 . An axial movement of the closing element 64 in the sleeve 62 is thus possible. However, the extent of the axial movement is limited by the length of the slot 66. In this respect, the driver device 60 limits the path of travel of the roller mount 80 on the axis 81 of the roller holder in the axial direction. The sleeve 62 is attached to the axle 81 in a rotationally fixed manner. The non-rotatable connection is produced in particular via a bore 67 in a wall of the sleeve and an associated recess 68 in the bore 67 . The sleeve 62 is fitted with the bore 67 in a receiving area 67' on the axle 81, the axle comprising a nose 68' which engages in the recess 68 and forms the non-rotatable connection. The sleeve 62 includes bores 61 ′ in a side wall, via which the sleeve is connected to a brake disk 61 . As shown, the brake disc 61 is braked via a flexible steel band 62 when the pivotable arm 41 of the pivot device 40 is moved by the spring force of the spring 46 in a direction in which the paper path is lengthened.

Figure 8b shows bores 90, which are present in the axial direction in the base body 84, in which a cylinder 73 of the clamping device 70 is fastened with screws. Equally are on the other, in Figure 8b There are holes on the rear and therefore not visible side of the base body, in which the closing element 64 is screwed to the base body with screws.

The clamping device 70 is in the 9a, 9b , and 9c shown. Basically, the clamping device 70 has the function of axially displacing the clamping plates 83 relative to the base body 84 in the slots 88 of the base body 84 . The radial position of the clamping plates 83 with respect to the center depends on the links 93 in the clamping plates 83 and through the pins 94, which are firmly connected to the base body 84 of the base body 84 from the axial position of the clamping plates 83 in the slots 88 of the base body 84. This means that by axially displacing the clamping plates 83 in the slots 88 of the base body 84, the diameter of a cylinder that is spanned by the outer edges of the clamping plates 83 changes. This is effected via the tensioning device 70 .

In this case, two adjustment mechanisms are implemented via the clamping device 70 in order to adapt the radial position of the clamping plates 83 in the base body 84, both mechanisms being implemented with the cooperation of an adjustment element 72. The first mechanism changes the position of the clamping plates by turning the adjustment element 72 and serves to establish a basic setting. The second mechanism is effected by transferring an operating lever 71 from a working position in which the operating lever is oriented perpendicularly to the axis 81 to an installation position in which the operating lever is oriented parallel to the axis 81 . After a label roll 11 has been placed on the roll holder, this mechanism is used to tighten the label roll by moving the operating lever 71 from the installation position to the working position, i.e. to move the clamping plates 83 radially outwards with this transfer of the operating lever 71 .

The adjusting element 72 is in particular made in one piece and consists of a rotary element 72a, a holder 72b for the operating lever 71, a driver disk 72c and a sleeve 72d. The sleeve 72d forms the main body of the adjustment element 72 and is open on one side. The drive disk 72c is mounted on the sleeve 72d and the rotary element 72a is mounted on the axial end of the sleeve 72d opposite the opening. In the axial direction between driver disk 72c and rotary element 72a there is a defined distance, in which the clamping plates 83 engage with a coupling device 94 . The coupling device 94 is designed as a hook that can be inserted from the outside into engages in the gap between drive plate 72c and rotary element 72a, the hook being formed by a metal sheet that has the width of the gap between drive plate 72c and rotary element 72a. Thus, the sheet metal is touched on one side by the drive plate 72c and on the other side by the rotating element 72a. If the adjustment element 72 is displaced in the axial direction, the clamping plates 83 are also displaced in the axial direction via the coupling device 94 . Since driver disk 72c and rotary element 72a are concentric in the area in which they touch coupling device 94, this effect is present regardless of the rotary position in which adjustment element 72 is located.

The adjusting element 72 is mounted with the sleeve 72d on a cylinder 73, the cylinder forming a sliding surface for the sleeve 72d. The cylinder 73 is firmly connected to the base body 84 . A screw 77 is screwed into an internal thread of the cylinder 73 . The operating lever 71 is tiltably attached to the screw head 74 . Turning the screw 77 changes the distance between the cylinder 73 and the operating lever 71. The operating lever 71 is placed in the holder 72b of the adjusting element 72 in such a way that it can be tilted, but is connected in a rotationally fixed manner in the direction of rotation of the screw 77 . Rotating the rotary member 72a consequently rotates the operating lever 71 about the axial direction of the screw 77 and screws the screw 77 in or out of the cylinder 73. Thus, the distance between the operating lever 71 and the cylinder 73 is reduced or increased. Thus, rotating the rotary element 72a changes the distance between the base body 84 and the area between the driver disk 72c and the rotary element 72a, and the clamping plates 83 thus move in the slots 88 of the base body in the axial direction. This causes a change in the radial position of the clamping plates 83 via the link 93. Thus, by turning the adjusting element 72, the diameter of a cylinder, the is spanned by the outer edges of the clamping plates 83 can be changed.

The operating lever 71 has an eccentric 75 at its end at which it is tiltably connected to the screw head 74 of the screw 77. A washer 76 rests on the screw 77 on the eccentric. This in turn rests against the setting element 72 . If the operating lever 71 is moved from the installation position (not shown in the drawings, in extension of the axis 81) to the working position ( Figures 9a and 9b ) is tilted from the horizontal position to the vertical position by turning the screw head 74, the eccentric 75 shifts the washer 76 on the screw 77 in the direction of the cylinder 73. The setting element 72 is moved in the direction of the base body 84 . The clamping plates 83 are pushed radially outwards. When the operating lever 71 is tilted from the working position to the installation position by rotating it about the screw head 74, a spring (not shown) pushes the adjusting element 72 in the direction of the operating lever 71 until the washer 76 abuts the eccentric. The distance between the adjusting element 72 and the base body 84 increases and the clamping plates 83 are retracted. By axially displacing the clamping plates 83 in the slots 88 of the base body 84, the diameter of a cylinder that is spanned by the outer edges of the clamping plates 83 changes and the label roll 11 is clamped or released accordingly. The mechanism is encased by a cover 78 .

The functions of various elements shown in the drawings, including the function blocks, can be realized by dedicated hardware or by generic hardware capable of executing software associated with the corresponding software. If the functions are provided by a processor, they may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple generic processors, which in turn may be shared be asked. The functions can be implemented, without limitation, by a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) with stored software, random access memory (RAM ), and non-volatile memory are made available.

Claims (20)

Roll holder for a label roll, in particular for a cross-wound linerless label roll, comprising a horizontally arranged axle supported on at least one side by a frame, and a rotatable roller mount, which is aligned parallel to the axis and is mounted on the axis, characterized in that the roller mount is mounted on the axis in a linearly displaceable manner with at least one linear bearing. Roll holder for a label roll according to claim 1,
characterized in that the linear bearing is a sliding bearing. Roll holder for a label roll according to claim 1,
characterized in that the linear bearing is a linear ball bearing, in particular a linear ball bearing with angular error compensation. Roll holder for a label roll according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the axle is connected to the frame in a rotationally fixed manner and the roll holder is mounted rotatably on the axle,
wherein in particular the at least one linear bearing is a linear ball bearing which enables both an axial movement and a rotational movement of the roller mount on the axis. Roll holder for a label roll according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the axle is rotatably held by the frame and the roll holder is connected to the axle in a rotationally fixed and linearly movable manner. Roll holder for a label roll according to Claim 5, characterized in that the roll holder is connected in a torque-proof manner to the axle via a driver and the driver transmits a rotation of the roll holder to the axis. Roll holder for a roll of labels according to claim 6, characterized in that the driver consists of a sleeve with a slot in the axial direction and the sleeve is non-rotatably connected to the axis, and a pin connected to the roll seat engages in the slot of the driver. Roll holder for a label roll according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve of the driver or the axle is non-rotatably connected to a brake disc which is connected by a band to a deflection roller located in the paper path. Roll holder for a label roll according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the roll holder consists of a base body with at least one rail, the base body being mounted on the axis in a linearly movable manner via the at least one linear bearing and the at least one rail having an at least radial movable clamping element, in particular a clamping plate leads. Roll holder for a label roll according to claim 8,
characterized in that the roller holder has an operating lever at its axial end which can be transferred from a working position to an installation position via an eccentric and the operating lever protrudes from the roller holder in the installation position in an extension to the axis of the roller holder, and that via the eccentric by moving the Operating lever from the installation position to the working position, the at least one clamping plate is adjusted in the radial direction. Roll holder for a label roll according to claim 10,
characterized in that the at least one clamping plate comprises a link which runs on a pin in the at least one rail of the base body and the link is arranged in such a way that a movement of the clamping plate in an axial direction of the base body results in a radial outward displacement of the clamping plate and a movement of the clamping plate in the other axial direction of the base body leads to a radial displacement of the clamping plate inwards. Roll holder for a label roll according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that an adjusting element is coupled to the operating lever and rotating the operating lever along or against the direction of rotation causes the at least one clamping plate to move in the axial direction of the base body. Roll holder for a label roll according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the Role holder comprises a locking device for locking the roller mount in a central position along a displacement path of the roller mount on the axis. Label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll, with a roll holder for the label roll and at least one print head for printing the paper tape, and a paper path that runs along the direction of movement of the paper tape from the roll holder to the print head, the label printer having a deflection roller along the paper path comprises, along which the paper tape is guided, characterized in that the label printer comprises a roll holder according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Label printer for printing on a paper tape wound on a label roll according to Claim 14, characterized in that the deflection roller comprises a paper guide device, the paper guide device comprising a guide element on each side of the paper tape, the guide elements being adjustable and lockable in the axial direction of the deflection roller. Label printer for printing on a paper tape wound on a label roll according to Claim 15, characterized in that the deflection roller comprises markings along its axial direction which indicate positions for an arrangement of the guide elements on the deflection roller, and the markings in connection with the position of the at least one print head and/or the paper width of the label roll. Label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the label printer comprises a control device which comprises an input device, the control device receiving at least one paper width of a label roll from the input device and the control device comprising a processor which determines axial positions of the guide elements on the deflection roller from the received paper width and displays the axial positions of the guide elements on the deflection roller on a display unit or controls an adjustment unit that moves the guide elements by motor to the determined axial positions on the deflection roller. Label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll according to Claim 14 or 17, characterized in that the deflection roller is held by a pivotable arm and the position of the deflection roller and thus the paper path is changed by pivoting the arm, the arm being prestressed by a spring and the spring pulls the arm in a direction that lengthens the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the printhead, and the tension of the paper belt pulls the arm in a direction that shortens the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the printhead. Label printer for printing a paper tape wound up on a label roll according to Claim 18, characterized in that the label printer an actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, which moves the arm against the spring force into an installation position in which the distance along the paper path between the roll holder and the print head is short, the actuator being triggered by the control device of the label printer and the control device of the label printer triggering the actuator particularly triggered when a sensor detects the opening of the cover of the label printer or the control device receives a signal from the input device that the label roll should be changed. Label printer for printing on a paper tape wound on a label roll according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the tape which is connected to the brake disc is attached at one end to the pivotable arm and the tape runs over at least part of the circumference of the brake disc and the band is tightened around the brake disc when the pivotable arm moves with the spring force and the band is relaxed about the brake disc when the pivotable arm moves against the spring force.

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