TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to an unwinder mechanism and in particular aspects, the disclosure relates to an unwinder mechanism for a label printer or label applicator machine for applying labels on an object.

BACKGROUND

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

There is a need for an automatic label application system, specifically label applicators and print and apply systems, that requires fewer mechanical configurations or adjustments.

Label applicator systems and print and apply systems often encounter the challenge of applying labels to uneven surfaces, as the target products are not always perfectly flat or aligned.

The most effective solutions for label applicators that adapt to uneven surfaces work best when they can operate symmetrically, with the label placed in the centre of the label applicator. This symmetry can be achieved by implementing a mechanical adjustment or configuration between the label printer/dispenser and the label application module, ensuring that the labels are consistently presented or fed to the applicator along a centre line. Alternatively, adjusting the label roll to a centre line on the label printer/dispenser can also achieve the desired symmetry.

Furthermore, many products packaging or sealing machines dispense products in the centre of a conveyor belt. On the same production line, different label sizes are often used, requiring the labels to be applied to the target products adjusted to the centre of the conveyor belt. Minimizing mechanical adjustments in order to achieve label application in the centre of the product conveyor belt is highly desirable. By aligning the label roll to the centre of the label printer or a label dispenser, the aforementioned objectives can be accomplished with the three main modules in the system mechanically fixed to each other, resulting in a simplified total system with no additional mechanical adjustments.

These modules may include:

- The label printer or label dispenser

- The label applicator

- The conveyor belt and production line

However, in the most common design of label printers and label dispensers, the labels are adjusted to one side, either left or right, making it impossible to fix the three modules together. As a result, when the labels are adjusted to the left or right of the label printer or dispenser, the label applicator module needs to be movable to the left or right relative to the label printer or dispenser to ensure that the labels are fed onto the label applicator in the centre.

On the other hand, adjusting the labels so that the printhead is centred allows for the label applicator module to be fixed in a centred position within a print and apply system. When both the label applicator module and the labels are adjusted to the centre of the printhead, they can symmetrically adapt to uneven surfaces.

SUMMARY

The arrangement of according to the present disclosure enables a label printer or a label dispenser design that automatically adjusts the label roll to approximately a centre line, measured in the label transportation direction.

The arrangement as presented in the present disclosure facilitates either using a fixed label width or to change between different label widths between batches. The arrangement ensures that the effect of gravity, for example, does not change the label width settings, allowing to tilt the printer in many angles.

There are several benefits with automatically centered label: The applicators do not need to be moved sideways in order to be held in the center and thus adapt to uneven surfaces symmetrically and efficiently. This reduces complexity and cost on the applicator holder bracket; Simplifies the installation process; Increases the robustness; and simplifies the use of and switch between multi label formats on one printer.

Moreover, in certain applications, round and oval labels can easily be managed since the label gap sensor is located in the center of the label.

Conveyor type applicators, such as the parallel applications titled “APPLICATOR ARRRANGEMENT, LABEL APPLICATOR AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A LABEL TO AN OBJECT “, Application No. PCT/EP2023/071307, incorporated herein by reference and “A LABEL DISPENSER AND A METHOD OF DISPENSING LABELS” Application No. PCT/EP2023/071309, incorporated herein by reference, can use dispensing edge of the printer. With side adjusted labels the dispensing edge would need to be the most forward part of the printer and thus made wider. This decreases the performance and adds mechanical complexity as smaller dispensing edge reduces the distance between the print head/print dot row and the point of dispensing, which may decrease the required backfeed distance, which saves time.

In the case of, for example, a marking module, the module can have the bottom printer fixed in the center and the top printer can often be fixed too. This reduces the time for format changes on the line, both label size and product size, as well as reducing the mechanical complexity. A marking module, in this context, elates to a solution where a printer and applicator is combined with a conveyor to provide a complete labeling module. With centered labels the printer and the applicator can thus typically be fixed in one position. The marking module can be more than one print and apply system, for example one for bottom labeling and one for top labeling of an object.

To achieve the objectives, according to a first aspect an unwinder mechanism configured to unwind a label stock is provided. The unwinder mechanism comprising: a centering tube; a first label guide and a second label guide, at least partly spaced from each other to form a label stock holder space; first and second threaded tracks substantially symmetrically arranged on the centering tube on either side of a center line; a first and a second substantially straight guide track substantially symmetrically arranged on a shaft on either side of the center line; the first label guide comprising a first guide pin and the second label guide comprising a second guide pin; the first guide pin configured to run in the first threaded track and the substantially straight first guide track; and the second guide pin configured to run in the second threaded track and the substantially straight second guide track. The first and the second guide pins are configured to be displaced due to a rotational movement of the centering tube and to transfer the rotational movement to lateral counter movements of the first and the second guides to thereby alter the spacing therebetween.

According to a second aspect a method of operating the unwinder mechanism according to the first aspect is provided. The method comprising: pushing the opposing buttons on the adjustable stop and move the adjustable stop to its inner position; pulling the second label guide to causes a sleeve to move, which sleeve is guided by guide pins moving along straight guiding tracks in the main tube whereby the centering tube comprising the threaded guide track making the centering tube rotate as the second label guide moves away from the center line; when the guide tracks in the main tube reach their end, pushing release buttons to unlock a second guide lock and releasing the second label guide from the sleeve; removing the second label guide and installing a label roll; repositioning the second label guide and pushing the second label guide away to initiate an inverted process to the initial step making the first label guide to move towards the center line with the label roll part attached; optional step of upon appearance of a resistance the label roll reaches a center position; and pushing the opposing buttons on the adjustable stop and sliding it against the inner disc.

The above aspects, accompanying claims, and/or examples disclosed herein above and later below may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art.

Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. There are also disclosed herein control units, computer readable media, and computer program products associated with the above discussed technical benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of aspects of the disclosure cited as examples. Reference is made to the attached drawings, wherein elements having the same reference number designation may represent like elements throughout.

Fig. 1 depict schematically a cross sectional view of a label unwinder comprising an automatic label centering according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is cross section view of a portion of the unwinder as disclosed herein;

Fig. 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the label unwinder;

Figs. 3b-3d are side views of the parts in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view from the encircled portion of Fig. 3a; and

Fig. 5 schematically shows the center part of the label unwinder according to Fig.l;

Figs. 6 and 7 are schematical frontal view of the label unwinder comprising the automatic label centering according to the present disclosure in two operational states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following disclosure a lifting and supporting device is described with reference to labelling and print and label applications. However, to a person skilled in the art, it is evident that the device has the potential for application in numerous other applications.

The term “unwinder”, as used herein, may refer to a machine or device used to unwind or roll off various flexible materials, such as paper, film, tape, or labels, into an application area.

The term “industrial printer”, also known as an “industrial-grade printer”, as used herein, may refer to a type of printer specifically designed for heavy-duty printing tasks in industrial environments. These types of printers are built to manage large volumes of printing, often with high-speed and precision, and are capable of printing on various materials such as paper, cardboard, labels, plastics, and metals. The industrial printers, as referred to herein, may commonly be used in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and retail, where there is a need for efficient and reliable printing solutions. They are typically more robust and durable compared to standard office printers, as they are required to withstand harsher conditions and extended operation periods. Depending on the specific application, industrial label printers may utilize different printing technologies. Some common types may include:

Thermal Transfer Printers (TTP): These printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the printing material, such as labels or tags. They are widely used for barcode printing and labeling applications.

Direct Thermal Printers (DTP): These printers use heat-sensitive paper that turns black when exposed to heat, creating the desired print. They are commonly used for printing receipts, shipping labels, or temporary labels.

Inkjet Printers: Industrial inkjet printers use inkjet technology to propel tiny droplets of ink onto the printing surface. They can print high-resolution images and are suitable for printing on various materials, including paper, plastics, and metals. Laser Printers: Industrial laser printers use laser technology to create the desired print. They are often used for high-speed and high-volume printing applications, such as printing documents or product packaging.

Industrial printers may also incorporate additional features, such as advanced connectivity options, rugged enclosures, automatic label applicators, or integrated systems for data management and control. These features enhance their productivity, efficiency, and integration with other industrial processes.

The term “label”, as used herein, may include an information carrier media which can be made of several types of materials, depending on the specific requirements and application. Some common materials used for printer labels may for example include (but not limited to): paper, synthetic materials, cardstock, clear and transparent materials, thermal labels, and specialty materials.

The term “label backing paper” or “liner”, as used herein, may refer to a carrier on which labels are arranged and may comprise different materials.

Shortly, the present disclosure, in some exemplary embodiments provides a label unwinder mechanism designed to automatically center the label roll, in some examples, relative to a center of the printhead if applied in a printer.

A cross sectional view of an exemplary label unwinder 100 is illustrated in Fig. 1 . The label unwinder may be a part of a label printer, especially an industrial label printer using any of technologies as exemplified previously. The label unwinder may also be a part of label dispenser. In operation, the label unwinder will be rotatably attached to a support wall of the label printer or label dispenser.

The label unwinder 100 comprises at least: an inner label guide 101 , outer label guide 102, centring tube 104, outer threaded guide tracks 105, sleeve 106, inner adjustable stop 107, outer release buttons 108, outer guide lock 109, outer lower guide rollers 110, main tube 111 , inner guide tracks 113, inner lower guide rollers 114, inner upper guide rollers 115, outer upper guide rollers 116, outer guide pins 117, inner guide pins 118, inner release buttons 119.

Reference 112 designates the centre line along vertical axis of the label unwinder. Here the “inner” parts refer to parts on the left side of the centre line and the “outer” parts refer to the parts on the right side of the centre line 112.

A label roll 103 may be illustrated mounted on the unwinder on the main tube 111 and between the label guides 101 , 102.

In the following description all directions are with respect to the plane of the drawings.

The disclosed mechanism ensures that the inner label guide 101 and the outer label guide 102 are each retained in place by guide pins 117 and 108. The guide pins run through two guide tracks 105 and 113 each. There are arranged upper guide tracks 121 and 122 (Fig. 5) to prevent the pins 115 and 116 rotating but can only move towards and away from the center line 112.1 The upper guide tracks 121 , 122 are straight and run in the main tube 111. The inner threaded guide tracks run in the centering tube 104. The treaded guide tracks are symmetrical around the center line to make sure that the inner and outer label guides are always at the same distance from the center line. Using, e.g., steep threading, e.g., substantially 45°, the guide tracks can operate symmetrically. This means that when the outer label guide is pushed, the centering tube starts rotating, which is translated into an opposite linear movement on the inner label guide. Pushing the inner label guide will affect the outer label guide in same way. The guide pins have lower and upper guide rollers to ensure that the pins follow the guide tracks with low friction losses.

There are also arranged “upper” guide tracks 121 and 122 (Fig. 5) used to prevent the pins rotating but can only move towards and away from the center line 112. The upper guide tracks are straight tracks and run in the main tube 111. The upper guide tracks may run, e.g., in three straight lines along the main tube in the same positions along the perimeter as the bent plates 601 (Fig 2). Consequently, according to this example, three on the inside of the center line 112 and three on the outside of the plates, which are positioned in the middle.

The centering tube can rotate freely but is prevented from moving relative to the center line 112.

The inner label guide is directly connected to the inner guide pins. The outer label guide works slightly differently because it must be possible to remove it, e.g., when changing the label roll 103. Therefor the outer guide pins are directly connected to a sleeve which in return connects to the outer label guide through an outer guide lock 109.

The arrangement is usable in all angles regardless of the gravity. Therefor there is an inner adjustable stop 107. This stop is situated inside the inner label guide to prevent the inner label guide from being pushed away from the center line direction, e.g. by the gravity. When for example an operator pushes the inner release buttons 119 then the inner adjustable stop is released and can move along the main tube 111.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section through the main tube 111 , which according to this exemplary embodiment comprises small bent plates 601 or springs, mechanically fixed inside spaces on the main tube, which allow the label roll 103 to move freely in and out but preventing it from rotating faster than the label unwinder. The plates 601 may be fixed in position, e.g., by means of screws 602.

Figs. 3a illustrates schematically a cross section of the inner adjustable stop 107 and Figs. 3b-3d illustrate washers from one side. Fig. 4 is an enlargement of the encircled portion.

The inner adjustable stop 107 is built up around a lock washer 101 , e.g., of star lock type, which normally prevents the stop from moving away from the center line. A release ring 202 is placed against the lock washer 201 . A plain washer 205 holds the release ring in place from the opposite side. Between the lock washer and the plain washer there is an adjustable stop body 203, which snaps on to both the lock washer 201 and the plain washer 205 and makes sure all parts remain together. Inside the adjustable stop body there are two inner release buttons 119/204. The inner release buttons may be wedge shaped to push on the lock ring when the release buttons are pushed (realized by arrows). This causes the lock ring to lose its grip of the main tube 111.

The automatic label centering operation according to one aspect, e.g., conducted by an operator, is disclosed in the following:

1 . An operator facing the unwinder from side pushes the two opposing buttons 119 on the inner adjustable stop 107 and move the “stop” 107 to its inner position to allow the guide mechanism to move freely.

2. The operator pulls the outer guide 102 towards him/her. This causes the outer “sleeve” 106 to move towards the operator. The sleeve is guided by three outer guide pins 117 moving along straight guiding tracks in the main tube 111. The outer guide pins comprise upper guide rollers 116 running in the straight guide tracks 122 (Fig 5). The guide pins also continue through the main tube into the “centering tube” 104. The centering tube comprising outer threaded guide tracks 105 making the centering tube rotate as the outer guide 102 moves away from the center line 112. The outer guide pins 117 make the outer lower guide rollers 110 run in the threaded guide tracks. The centering tube (104) comprises opposite threaded guide tracks 113 and 105 on the inside of the center line. The inner threaded guide tracks 113 affect the inner guide pins 118 that continue through straight guide tracks in the main tube. The inner guide pins 118 connect to the inner label guide 101 . Likewise, the inner label guide 101 departures from the center line to its outer position. The inner guide pins 188 have the same type of inner lower guide rollers 114 running in the inner threaded guide tracks

113 and upper guide rollers 115 running in the inner straight guide tracks 121 (Fig 5).

3. When the guide tracks in the main tube 111 reach their end then the operator may use, e.g., his/her thumbs to push the two outer release buttons 108. This unlocks the outer guide lock 109 and releases the outer label guide 102 from the sleeve (Fig. 6).

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

5. The operator repositions the outer label guide 102 and pushes the outer label guide 102 away from him/her. This initiates the inverted process to step 1 making the inner label guide 101 move towards the center line with the label attached (Fig 7). The inner and outer label guides 101 and 102 will apply side forces to the label roll 103 towards the center line (Fig 7). The main tube 111 comprises small bent plates allowing the label roll to move freely in and out but preventing it from rotating faster than the label unwinder.

6. When resistance appears the label roll has reached the center and the process is finished. 7. The operator pushes the two opposing buttons on the inner adjustable stop and slides it against the inner disc. This can be important especially if the printer is placed at an angle where the gravity pulls the inner disc away from the center line.

Although exemplary embodiments describe unwinders, it should be understood that the teachings of the disclosure may also be applied in rewinders in a printer or applicator system.

It should be noted that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the disclosure may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several “means”, “units” or “devices” may be represented by the same item of hardware.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Software and web implementations of various embodiments of the disclosed methods can be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish various database searching steps or processes, correlation steps or processes, comparison steps or processes and decision steps or processes. It should be noted that the words "component" and "module," as used herein and in the following claims, is intended to encompass implementations using one or more lines of software code, and/or hardware implementations, and/or equipment for receiving manual inputs.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.