JP4110045B2 - Printer for heat-sensitive adhesive sheet - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that normally exhibits adhesiveness and exhibits adhesiveness when heated is formed on one side of a sheet-like substrate, and the heat of the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet used as a sticking label, for example. The present invention relates to a printer including an activation device, and more particularly to a thermal printer using a thermal head as a printing unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, one of the sheets affixed to products is a heat-activated sheet (for example, a print medium having a coating layer containing a heat-active component formed on a surface such as a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet), such as a food POS sheet, It is used in a wide range of fields such as logistics / delivery sheets, medical sheets, baggage tags, and stickers for displaying bottles and cans.
[0003]
This heat-sensitive adhesive sheet usually has a heat-sensitive adhesive layer that exhibits non-adhesiveness on one side of a sheet-like substrate and develops adhesiveness when heated, and a printable surface on the other side. Formed and configured.
[0004]
As such a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, a head having a plurality of resistors (heat-generating elements) provided on a ceramic substrate as a heat source, such as a thermal head used as a print head of a thermal printer, is heat-sensitive. The thing provided with the thermal activation apparatus made to contact an adhesive label and to heat a thermosensitive adhesive layer is proposed (patent document 1).
[0005]
Here, a general configuration of a conventional heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer will be described with reference to a thermal printer P in FIG.
[0006]
A thermal printer P in FIG. 11 includes a roll storage unit 10 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 wound in a roll shape, a printing unit 50 that prints on the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70, and a heat-sensitive adhesive label 70. And a heat activation unit 60 as a heat activation device for thermally activating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive label 70.
[0007]
The printing unit 50 includes a printing thermal head 51 having a plurality of heating elements composed of a plurality of relatively small resistors arranged in the width direction so that dot printing is possible, and the printing thermal head 51. The printing platen roller 52 and the like are in pressure contact. In FIG. 11, the printing platen roller 52 is rotated clockwise, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed to the right side.
[0008]
The cutter unit 30 is for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 printed by the printing unit 50 with an appropriate length, and is operated by a driving source (not shown) such as an electric motor. The stationary blade 32 is opposed to the movable blade 31.
[0009]
The thermal activation unit 60 includes a thermal activation thermal head 61 having a heating element, a thermal activation platen roller 62 that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70, and the like. In FIG. 11, the thermal activation platen roller 62 is rotated in a direction opposite to the printing platen roller 52 (counterclockwise in the figure), and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed in a predetermined direction (right side). ing.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-79152
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the thermal printer P having the above-described configuration, when the cutting operation by the cutter unit 30 is performed, the conveyance of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is stopped only for the time required for the movable blade 31 to move up and down (for example, 0.4 sec). There was a need. That is, the cutting by the cutter unit 30 is performed in a state where the rotational driving of the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 is stopped.
[0012]
For this reason, when the label length is longer than the distance from the cutting position of the cutter unit 30 to the thermal activation thermal head 61, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is connected to the thermal activation thermal head 61 and the thermal activation platen roller. The conveyance is stopped while being sandwiched between the two. As a result, the heat-sensitive adhesive layer that expresses adhesiveness sticks to the thermal activation thermal head 61, and even if the conveyance is resumed, it is not smoothly conveyed, resulting in a conveyance failure such as a paper jam. As a result, the heat from the thermal activation thermal head 61 is transmitted to the printable layer (heat-sensitive color developing layer) of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 to cause color development.
[0013]
In this case, even if it is discharged, the appearance of the label is poor, so it cannot be used as a sticking label. Further, when the heat-sensitive adhesive layer strongly adheres to the thermal activation thermal head 61, the printer processing may be stopped and maintenance may be required.
[0014]
According to the present invention, the conveyance of a sheet is stopped in a state where a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is sandwiched between a thermal activation thermal head and a thermal activation platen roller disposed opposite to the thermal activation thermal head. It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer capable of cutting a sheet at a predetermined length.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Book The invention has been made to achieve the above object, and houses a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a sheet-like substrate and printing is enabled on the other surface. A sheet storage unit, a drawer roller that pulls out the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from the sheet storage unit and conveys it in a predetermined direction, and a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet that is disposed downstream of the drawer roller and is conveyed by the drawer roller A cutting device provided with a cutting means for performing printing, a thermal head for printing arranged on a printable surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and a printing device for conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. A printing apparatus including a platen roller, a thermal activation thermal head that is disposed downstream of the printing apparatus and heats the heat-sensitive adhesive layer, and the heat-sensitive viscosity. A thermal activation device comprising a thermal activation platen roller for conveying the sheet in a predetermined direction; and provided between the cutter device and the printing device to loosen the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by a predetermined length. A storage sheet portion having a space that can be formed, a first driving means for driving the drawing roller, a second driving means for driving the printing platen roller, the first driving means, and the second driving means. And a drive control device capable of independently controlling the printer.
[0016]
According to such a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, by appropriately controlling the conveyance speed of the drawing roller and the printing platen roller, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet can be temporarily loosened in the storage sheet portion, During the cutting of the adhesive sheet, the sheet loosened by the storage sheet portion is conveyed by the printing platen roller. Therefore, when the sheet is cut, it is only necessary to stop the operation of the drawing roller. .
[0017]
As a result, the sheet can be cut by the cutter device while the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller or before the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the thermal activation thermal head. In addition, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet can be fixed on the thermal activation thermal head to eliminate paper jams, and wasteful maintenance such as discharging the paper jammed label becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the production efficiency of the sticking label can be significantly improved.
[0018]
Specifically, a sheet of a predetermined length is temporarily placed between the cutter device and the printing device by making the conveyance speed by the printing platen roller slower than the conveyance speed by the drawing roller or by stopping only the printing platen roller for a predetermined time. Can be relaxed. Normally, the sheet is conveyed so that the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet does not sag so as not to cause a conveyance failure. However, in the present invention, the conveying speed of the drawing roller and the platen roller for printing is intentionally different so that the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is Is loosened by a predetermined length.
[0019]
Book According to the present invention, the platen roller for heat activation is connected to the second driving means. As a result, both the printing platen roller and the thermal activation platen roller can be driven by a single driving source, which simplifies the apparatus and simplifies control of the driving source. Further, since the conveyance speed by the printing platen roller and the conveyance speed by the thermal activation platen roller can be easily synchronized, it is possible to prevent a conveyance failure such as a paper jam due to a difference in the conveyance speed between the two.
[0020]
Book The invention includes a sheet storage portion for storing a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a sheet-like base material and printing is enabled on the other surface, and the heat-sensitive adhesive from the sheet storage portion. A drawer roller that pulls out the adhesive sheet and conveys it in a predetermined direction; a cutter device that is disposed downstream of the drawer roller and includes cutting means for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet conveyed by the drawer roller; and the cutter A printing apparatus provided at a subsequent stage of the apparatus and provided with a printing thermal head for printing on a printable layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet and a printing platen roller for conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction; A thermal activation thermal head that is arranged at the rear stage of the apparatus and that heats the heat-sensitive adhesive layer and that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. A thermal activation device including a latin roller, a storage sheet portion provided between the printing device and the thermal activation device, and having a space capable of loosening the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet for a predetermined length, and the printing The first driving means for driving the platen roller for heating, the second driving means for driving the platen roller for thermal activation, and the first driving means and the second driving means can be controlled independently. A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer.
[0021]
According to such a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, it is possible to temporarily loosen the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in the storage sheet portion by appropriately controlling the speeds of the printing platen roller and the thermal activation platen roller. During the cutting of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, the sheet loosened by the storage sheet portion is conveyed by the heat activation platen roller. It is only necessary to stop the operation of the platen roller.
[0022]
As a result, the sheet can be cut by the cutter device while the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller or before the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the thermal activation thermal head. In addition, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet can be fixed on the thermal activation thermal head to eliminate paper jams, and wasteful maintenance such as discharging the paper jammed label becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the production efficiency of the sticking label can be significantly improved.
[0023]
Specifically, the transfer speed of the thermal activation platen roller is made slower than the transfer speed of the printing platen roller, or only the thermal activation platen roller is stopped for a predetermined time, so that the printing apparatus and the thermal activation apparatus A sheet of a predetermined length can be temporarily loosened in between.
[0024]
Book In the invention, the drawing roller is connected to the first driving means. This simplifies the device and simplifies control of the drive source. Further, since the conveyance speeds of the drawing roller and the printing platen roller can be easily synchronized, it is possible to prevent a conveyance failure such as a paper jam due to a difference in the conveyance speed between the two.
[0025]
Book The invention further includes a pull-in roller that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction in front of the thermal activation platen roller. Thereby, when a heat sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed from a printing apparatus to a thermal activation apparatus, it can prevent that a conveyance defect arises and can improve the reliability of sheet conveyance. This is particularly effective in a printer having a construction in which a storage label portion is provided between the printing device and the thermal activation device as in the invention according to claim 3.
[0026]
Book The invention is such that the pull-in roller is connected to the second driving means. Thereby, it is not necessary to add the drive source together with the drawing roller, and the apparatus is simplified and the control of the drive source is simplified.
[0027]
Book According to the present invention, a detection means for detecting a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is provided in the front stage of the platen roller for heat activation. Accordingly, when the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is actually detected, the conveyance speed of the printing platen roller or the drawing roller can be changed (stopped). It is possible to control more accurately than controlling the transport speed at the timing determined from the transport time.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer P1 for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet according to the first embodiment. The thermal printer P1 includes a roll storage unit 10 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 wound in a roll shape, a cutter unit 30 that cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 into a predetermined length, and a heat-sensitive adhesive. A printing unit 50 for printing on the label 70, a heat activation unit 60 as a heat activation device for thermally activating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive label 70, and the like.
[0030]
Here, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 used in the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, a heat insulating layer and a heat-sensitive color developing layer (printing is performed on the surface side of the label-like substrate as described in Patent Document 1 described above. A heat-sensitive adhesive layer formed by applying and drying a heat-sensitive adhesive on the back surface side. The heat-sensitive adhesive layer is made of a heat-sensitive adhesive mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin, a solid plastic resin or the like. The heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 may not have the heat insulating layer, or may have a protective layer or a colored printing layer (pre-printed layer) on the surface of the heat-sensitive color developing layer.
[0031]
Further, in the present embodiment, feeders 21 and 22 are provided as pull-out rollers arranged in contact with each other at the front stage of the cutter unit 30. The feeders 21 and 22 are connected to a first stepping motor 110 (see FIG. 3) via a gear transmission mechanism (not shown), and the feeders 21 and 22 are rotationally driven by the first stepping motor 110 so that a heat-sensitive adhesive is provided. The label 70 is conveyed to the cutter unit 30.
[0032]
Further, a second guide bent at a substantially right angle on the upper side provided in the plate-shaped first guide 43, the feeding section of the cutter unit 30 and the insertion section of the printing unit 50 in the conveyance path from the cutter unit 30 to the printing unit 50. A guide unit 40 including guides 41 and 42 is provided. The space between the second guides 41 and 42 is opened, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 becomes a storage label portion that can temporarily loosen a predetermined amount. With this guide unit 40, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 can be securely loosened to the storage sheet portion.
[0033]
The second guides 41 and 42 may be constituted by a single member having a concave portion on the upper side as a storage sheet portion, or the first guide 43 and the second guides 41 and 42 may be provided upside down. Also good. In this case, the storage label portion is formed on the lower side with respect to the transport direction. Further, the slackening of the label is performed by controlling the label conveying speed by the feeders 21 and 22 and the label conveying speed by the printing platen roller 52 (thermal activation platen roller 62) as described later.
[0034]
The cutter unit 30 is for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 drawn out from the roll storage unit 10 by the feeders 21 and 22 and transported at an appropriate length. The cutter drive unit 108 (see FIG. 2) The movable blade 31 is operated, and the fixed blade 32 is opposed to the movable blade 31.
[0035]
The printing unit 50 includes a plurality of heating elements that are arranged at the rear stage of the cutter unit 30 via the guide unit 40 and are configured by a plurality of relatively small resistors arranged in the width direction so that dot printing is possible. The printing thermal head 51 includes a printing platen roller 52 that is in pressure contact with the printing thermal head 51. The heating element has the same configuration as a print head of a known thermal printer in which a protective film of crystallized glass is provided on the surface of a plurality of heating resistors formed on a ceramic substrate by thin film technology. Therefore, detailed explanation is omitted.
[0036]
The printing platen roller 52 is connected to a second stepping motor 111 (see FIG. 3) via a gear transmission mechanism (not shown), and the printing platen roller 52 is rotationally driven by the second stepping motor 111. The heat sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed to the heat activation unit 60. Further, the printing unit 50 includes a pressing means (not shown) made of, for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring, and the printing thermal head 51 is pressed against the printing platen roller 51 by the elastic force of the pressing means. It has become. At this time, by keeping the rotation axis of the printing platen roller 52 and the arrangement direction of the heating elements parallel to each other, the entire pressure-sensitive adhesive label 60 can be pressed evenly over the entire width direction.
[0037]
The thermal activation unit 60 is disposed after the printing unit 50 and has a thermal activation thermal head 61 as a heating unit having a heating element and a thermal activation platen as a conveyance unit that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70. And a roller 62. Although omitted in the present embodiment, a pair of drawing rollers for drawing the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 supplied from the printing unit 50 side between the thermal activation thermal head 61 and the thermal activation platen roller 62. You may comprise so that it may provide.
[0038]
In this embodiment, the thermal activation thermal head 61 has the same configuration as the printing thermal head 51, that is, the surface of a plurality of heating resistors formed by thin film technology on a ceramic substrate is made of crystallized glass. The thing of the structure similar to the print head of the well-known thermal printer provided with the protective film is used. Thus, by using the thermal activation thermal head 61 having the same configuration as that of the printing thermal head 51, it is possible to reduce the cost by sharing parts. However, the heating element of the thermal activation thermal head 61 does not need to be divided in units of dots like the heating element of the printing thermal head 51, and may be a continuous resistor.
[0039]
Similarly to the printing platen roller 52, the thermal activation platen roller 62 is connected to the second stepping motor 111 (see FIG. 3) via a gear transmission mechanism (not shown), and is thermally activated by the second stepping motor 111. The heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is discharged by rotating the platen roller 62. The thermal activation platen roller 62 is configured to rotate in the opposite direction to the printing platen roller 52 by being connected to the second stepping motor 111 via a predetermined gear. In this way, by connecting the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 to the same drive source (second stepping motor 111), the conveyance speed of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is made the same in synchronization with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 from being loosened due to a shift in the conveyance speed and causing a conveyance failure. Further, since the drive mechanism is simplified, the apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0040]
The thermal activation unit 60 includes a pressurizing unit (for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring) that presses the thermal activation thermal head 61 toward the thermal activation platen roller 62. At this time, the rotational axis of the heat activation platen roller 62 and the arrangement direction of the heating elements are kept in parallel so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 can be uniformly pressed over the entire width direction.
[0041]
Paper sensors S1, S2, and S3 are provided at the front stage of the feeders 21 and 22, the front stage of the thermal activation platen roller 62, and the rear stage of the thermal activation unit 60, respectively. These paper sensors S1, S2, and S3 are provided. Based on the detection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70, the operation of each conveying means, the printing process in the printing unit 50, and the thermal activation process in the thermal activation unit 60 are controlled.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the thermal printer P1. The control unit of the thermal printer P1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 100 as a control device that controls the control unit, a ROM 101 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 100, a RAM 102 that stores various print formats, and a print An operation unit 103 for inputting, setting or calling data, print format data, etc., a display unit 104 for displaying print data, an interface 105 for inputting / outputting data between the control unit and the drive unit, and a printing thermal A drive circuit 106 that drives the head 51, a drive circuit 107 that drives the thermal activation thermal head 61, a drive circuit 108 that drives the movable blade 31 that cuts the thermosensitive adhesive label 60, and a thermosensitive adhesive label 70. Drive the paper sensors S1, S2, S3 and the feeders 21, 22 that perform the detection. 1 a stepping motor 110, and the like the second stepping motor 111 for driving the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62.
[0043]
Based on a control signal transmitted from the CPU 100, the cutter unit 40 performs a cutting process at a predetermined timing, the printing unit 30 performs a desired printing process, and the thermal activation unit 50 performs heat of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer. Activation processing is executed.
[0044]
Further, the CPU 100 is configured to be able to transmit control signals to the first stepping motor 110 and the second stepping motor 111 independently. Accordingly, the rotation speeds of the feeders 21 and 22 driven by the first stepping motor 110 and the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 driven by the second stepping motor 111, that is, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. The conveyance speed can be controlled independently.
[0045]
Next, printing processing and thermal activation processing using the thermal printer P1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the conveyance state transition diagram of FIG.
[0046]
First, when a print start command is issued by the user, it is determined in step S101 whether the paper sensor S3 is ON / OFF. If it is determined to be “ON”, the previous label processing has not been completed. Therefore, it waits until the paper sensor S3 is turned “OFF”. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that it is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S102 to determine whether the paper sensor S1 is ON / OFF.
[0047]
If it is determined in step S102 that it is “OFF”, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 has not been set. Therefore, in step S103, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (no paper), and the process ends. . On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that it is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S104, the first stepping motor 110 is rotated forward to start the rotational driving of the feeders 21 and 22, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is set to a predetermined value. Pull out at the conveyance speed (FIG. 5A). Next, in step S105, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward to start the rotational drive of the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 to prepare for the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70. When the leading end of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 reaches the printing platen roller 52, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is drawn between the printing platen roller 52 and the printing thermal head 51, and the conveying speed is the rotation of the printing platen roller 52. The speed is controlled (FIG. 5B).
[0048]
Next, it is determined in step S106 whether the paper sensor S2 is ON / OFF. If it is determined that the paper sensor S2 is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S107 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, the time when the leading end of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is expected to reach the paper sensor 2 after the first stepping motor 110 starts to rotate (from the cutting position of the cutter unit 30 to the paper sensor). It can be roughly calculated from the path length to S2 and the rotation speed of the stepping motor). If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has elapsed, a paper jam or the like has occurred in the conveyance failure. Therefore, the first stepping motor 110 and the second stepping motor 111 are stopped, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label. 70 is stopped (steps S108 and S109), and at step S110, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (conveyance failure), and the process is terminated.
[0049]
When it is determined in step S106 that the paper sensor S2 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S111, the second stepping motor 111 is stopped, and the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 by the printing platen roller 52 is stopped. At this time, since the printing platen roller 52 is stopped, the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is not conveyed, but since the conveyance by the feeders 21 and 22 is continued, the heat-sensitive adhesive label is added to the storage label portion of the guide unit 40. 70 will bend (FIG.5 (c)).
[0050]
In step S112, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, in step S113, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward to rotate the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62. Resume driving. Here, the predetermined time is a time when the deflection amount of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 becomes larger than the conveyance amount conveyed by the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 during the label cutting by the cutter unit 30. To do. That is, when the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is sufficiently bent here, the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 can perform the cutting process while conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70.
[0051]
Next, in step S114, the printing thermal head driving unit 106 is driven to start printing processing, and in step S115, the thermal activation thermal head driving unit 107 is driven to start thermal activation processing. At this time, if the conveyance speed by the feeders 21 and 22 is the same as the conveyance speed by the printing platen roller 52, the amount of deflection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 does not change (FIG. 5D). In this embodiment, the printing process is started after the rotational driving of the second stepping motor 111 is restarted in step S113. However, when the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 passes the printing thermal head 51, the printing process is started. (For example, after step S105). However, in this case, the conveyance of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is stopped in the middle of printing, that is, the printing process is interrupted, so that the printing quality may be deteriorated.
[0052]
And after conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 of predetermined length, the 1st stepping motor 110 is stopped by step S116, the conveyance by the feeders 21 and 22 is stopped, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is cut | disconnected by step S117 (FIG. 5 (e)). Thereafter, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed by the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 (FIG. 5F).
[0053]
Next, in step S119, it is determined whether the paper sensor S2 is ON / OFF. If it is determined that the paper sensor S2 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S120 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, the time when the end of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 reaches the paper sensor 2 after the rotation of the second stepping motor 110 is started (step S113) (conveyance by the feeders 21 and 22). It can be roughly calculated from the length and the rotation speed of the stepping motor). If it is determined in step S120 that a predetermined time has elapsed, a paper jam or the like has failed to be conveyed. Therefore, in step S121, the thermal activation process is stopped, and in step S122, the second stepping motor 111 is stopped. Is stopped and the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is stopped. In step S123, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (conveyance failure), and the process ends.
[0054]
If it is determined in step S119 that the paper sensor 2 is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S124 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is the time from when the end of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 passes through the paper sensor S2 until it passes through the thermal activation platen roller 62 (from the paper sensor S2 to the thermal activation platen roller 62). It can be roughly calculated from the path length and the rotation speed of the stepping motor). If it is determined in step S124 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the thermal activation process is stopped in step S125, and the second stepping motor 111 is stopped in step S126 to stop the conveyance of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70. Then, a series of control processing is terminated (FIG. 5 (g)).
[0055]
As described above, in the thermal printer P1 of the present embodiment, the cutter unit can be used without stopping the conveyance in the state where the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is held between the thermal activation thermal head 51 and the thermal activation platen roller 52. Since the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 can be cut by 30, it can be avoided that the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 sticks to the thermal activation thermal head 51 to cause a conveyance failure such as paper jam.
[0056]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer P2 for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet according to the second embodiment. Similar to the thermal printer P1 according to the first embodiment, the thermal printer P2 has a roll storage unit 10 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 wound in a roll shape and a heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 as a predetermined. A thermal activation unit as a thermal activation device that thermally activates a thermal sensitive adhesive layer of the thermal sensitive adhesive label 70, a printing unit 50 that prints on the thermal sensitive adhesive label 70 The feeders 21 and 22 are configured by 60 and the like, and are composed of rollers arranged in contact with each other in front of the cutter unit 30.
[0057]
The first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a guide unit 40 that forms a storage label portion that temporarily loosens the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is provided in the conveyance path from the printing unit 50 to the thermal activation unit 60. . In addition, the heat activation unit 60 is provided with pull-in rollers 63 and 64 in front of the paper sensor S2, so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is smoothly inserted into the heat activation unit 60.
[0058]
The printing platen roller 52 is connected to the first stepping motor 110 (see FIG. 7) through a gear transmission mechanism (not shown), similar to the feeders 21 and 22. Further, the thermal activation platen roller 62 and the drawing rollers 63 and 64 are connected to the second stepping motor 111 (see FIG. 7) via a gear transmission mechanism (not shown). In this way, the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52, or the thermal activation platen roller 62 and the drawing rollers 63 and 64 are connected to the same drive source, respectively, so that they are synchronized with each other so as to have the same conveying speed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 from being loosened due to a shift in the conveyance speed and causing a conveyance failure. Further, since the drive mechanism is simplified, the apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the thermal printer P2, which is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The first stepping motor 110 is connected to the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52, and the second stepping motor 111 is connected to the thermal activation platen roller 62 and the drawing rollers 62 and 64. .
[0060]
Next, printing processing and thermal activation processing using the thermal printer P2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the conveyance state transition diagram of FIG.
[0061]
First, when a print start command is issued by the user, it is determined in step S201 whether the paper sensor S3 is on or off. If it is determined to be “on”, the previous label processing has not been completed. Therefore, it waits until the paper sensor S3 is turned “OFF”. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that it is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S202 to determine whether the paper sensor S1 is ON / OFF.
[0062]
If it is determined in step S202 that it is “OFF”, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 has not been set. Therefore, in step S203, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (no paper) and the process is terminated. . On the other hand, if it is determined as “ON” in step S202, the process proceeds to step S204, where the first stepping motor 110 is rotated in the forward direction to start rotating the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52. The adhesive label 70 is pulled out at a predetermined conveyance speed (FIG. 10A). Next, in step S205, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S206, and the printing thermal head driving unit 106 is driven to start the printing process. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a time predicted from the start of the rotation of the first stepping motor 110 to the end of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 reaching the printing thermal head 51 (printing from the cutting position of the cutter unit 30). For example, from the path length to the thermal head 51 and the number of rotations of the stepping motor.
[0063]
Next, in step S207, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward to start the rotational driving of the drawing rollers 63 and 64 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 to prepare for the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70. When the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 reaches the drawing rollers 63 and 64, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is drawn between the drawing rollers 63 and 64, and the conveying speed is the rotation of the drawing rollers 63 and 64 and the printing platen roller 52. The speed is controlled (FIG. 10B).
[0064]
Next, in step S208, it is determined whether the paper sensor S2 is ON / OFF. If it is determined that the paper sensor S2 is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S209 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a time when the leading edge of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 reaches the paper sensor S2 after the rotation of the first stepping motor 110 is started (from the cutting position of the cutter unit 30 to the paper sensor S2). And can be roughly calculated from the rotation length of the stepping motor). If it is determined in step S209 that the predetermined time has elapsed, a paper jam or other conveyance failure has occurred, so the first stepping motor 110 and the second stepping motor 111 are stopped and the heat-sensitive adhesive label. 70 is stopped (steps S210 and S211), and at step S212, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (conveyance failure), and the process is terminated.
[0065]
When it is determined in step S208 that the paper sensor S2 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S213, the second stepping motor 111 is stopped, and the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 by the drawing rollers 63 and 64 is stopped. At this time, since the drawing rollers 63 and 64 are stopped, the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is not conveyed, but since the conveyance by the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52 is continued, the storage label of the guide unit 40 is stored. The heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 will bend at the part (FIG. 10C).
[0066]
In step S214, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, in step S215, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward to rotate the drawing rollers 63, 64 and the thermal activation platen roller 62. Resume driving. Here, the predetermined time is a time during which the deflection amount of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 becomes larger than the conveyance amount conveyed by the printing platen roller 52 and the thermal activation platen roller 62 during cutting by the cutter unit 30. . That is, by sufficiently deflecting the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 here, it is possible to perform the cutting process while being conveyed by the drawing rollers 63 and 64 and the platen roller 62 for heat activation.
[0067]
In step S216, the thermal activation thermal head driving unit 107 is driven to start the thermal activation process. At this time, if the conveyance speed by the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52 is the same as the conveyance speed by the drawing rollers 63 and 64 and the thermal activation platen roller 62, the amount of deflection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 does not change ( FIG. 10 (d)).
[0068]
Then, after the predetermined length of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed, the printing process is finished in step S217, and in step S218, the first stepping motor 110 is stopped and the heat sensitivity by the feeders 21 and 22 and the printing platen roller 52 is reached. The conveyance of the adhesive label 70 is stopped. In step S219, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is cut (FIG. 10E).
[0069]
In this implementation failure, the cutting process is executed after the printing process is finished in step S217, but the printing process can also be executed after the label is cut. However, in this case, since the printing process is interrupted while the label is cut, the printing quality may be deteriorated.
[0070]
Thereafter, in step S220, the first stepping motor 110 is rotated forward to resume the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 by the printing platen roller 52. In step S211, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S212, and the first stepping motor 110 is stopped. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, the time when the end of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is predicted to pass through the printing thermal head 51 after the rotational driving of the first stepping motor 110 is started (step S220) (the cutter unit 30). And approximately calculated from the path length from the cutting position to the thermal head 51 for printing and the number of rotations of the stepping motor). Thereafter, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is conveyed by the drawing rollers 63 and 64 and the platen roller 62 for heat activation (FIG. 10 (f)).
[0071]
Next, in step S223, it is determined whether the paper sensor S2 is ON / OFF. If it is determined that the paper sensor S2 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S224 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, the time when the end of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 reaches the paper sensor S2 after the rotation of the second stepping motor 110 is started (step S215) (conveyance by the feeders 21 and 22). It can be roughly calculated from the length and the rotation speed of the stepping motor). If it is determined in step S224 that a predetermined time has elapsed, a paper jam or the like has occurred in the conveyance failure. Therefore, the thermal activation process is stopped in step S225, and the second stepping motor 111 is determined in step S226. Is stopped and the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is stopped. In step S227, an error is displayed on the display unit 104 (conveyance failure), and the process ends.
[0072]
If it is determined in step S223 that the paper sensor S2 is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S228 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is the time from when the end of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 passes through the paper sensor S2 until it passes through the thermal activation platen roller 62 (from the paper sensor S2 to the thermal activation platen roller 62). It can be roughly calculated from the path length and the rotation speed of the stepping motor). And when it determines with predetermined time having passed by step S228, while stopping a thermal activation process by step S229, the 2nd stepping motor 111 is stopped by step S230, and conveyance of the thermosensitive adhesive label 70 is stopped. Then, a series of control processing is terminated (FIG. 10 (g)).
[0073]
As described above, in the thermal printer P2 of this embodiment, the cutter unit can be used without stopping the conveyance in the state where the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 is held between the thermal activation thermal head 51 and the thermal activation platen roller 52. Since the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 can be cut by 30, it can be avoided that the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 sticks to the thermal activation thermal head 51 to cause a conveyance failure such as paper jam.
[0074]
Although the invention made by the present inventors has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. .
[0075]
For example, in the above embodiment, the guide unit for forming the storage label portion is provided between the cutter unit 30 and the printing unit 50 or between the printing unit 50 and the thermal activation unit 60. A configuration in which the guide unit 40 is provided may also be employed.
[0076]
Further, as a method of loosening the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 on the storage label portion, a conveying means (in the first embodiment, the printing platen roller 52, Second In the above embodiment, the method of temporarily stopping the drawing rollers 63 and 64) has been described. However, even if these operations are not completely stopped, the conveyance speed is higher than the conveyance speed by the conveyance means positioned in the preceding stage of the storage label portion. Also, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 can be loosened by controlling so as to be slower.
[0077]
In addition, the cutter unit 30, the printing unit 50, and the thermal activation unit 60 can be configured such that the distance between them can be changed, thereby making it possible to cope with the production of various label lengths and cutting at a desired length. Can do. In this case, for example, a guide jig such as a rail is provided in the conveyance direction of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and the distance between each other is adjusted by configuring the cutter device and the thermal activation device to be slidable in the sheet conveyance direction. Can do. Moreover, you may make it adjust a mutual distance by comprising a cutter apparatus and a heat activation apparatus so that a movement in a perpendicular direction is possible.
[0078]
In the above-described embodiment, the application to a thermal transfer type printing apparatus such as a thermal printer has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet system, a laser printing system, and the like. In that case, instead of the thermal printing layer, a label that has been processed suitable for each printing method is used for the printable layer of the label.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in a printer for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, a sheet for storing a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a sheet-like substrate and printing is possible on the other surface. A storage unit; a drawer roller that pulls out the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from the sheet storage unit and conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction; and a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet that is disposed after the drawer roller and is conveyed by the drawer roller. A cutter device provided with a cutting means; a thermal head for printing that is arranged on the printable surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet; and a printing platen that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. A printing apparatus comprising a roller, a thermal activation thermal head that is disposed downstream of the printing apparatus and heats the heat-sensitive adhesive layer, and the heat-sensitive element. A thermal activation device including a thermal activation platen roller that conveys the adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction, and is provided between the cutter device and the printing device, and loosens the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet for a predetermined length. A storage sheet portion having a space capable of forming, a first drive means for driving the pulling roller, a second drive means for driving the printing platen roller, the first drive means, and the second drive. And a drive control device that can control each means independently. By appropriately controlling the conveying speed of the drawing roller and the printing platen roller, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is temporarily placed in the storage sheet portion. While the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is cut, the amount of sheet loosened by the storage sheet portion is conveyed by the printing platen roller. It is only necessary to stop the operation of the drawer rollers when performing cross.
[0080]
Therefore, the sheet can be cut by the cutter device while the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller or before the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the thermal activation thermal head. The heat-sensitive adhesive sheet sticks to the thermal activation thermal head and can eliminate problems such as paper jams. In addition, there is an effect that unnecessary maintenance such as discharging a paper jammed label becomes unnecessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thermal printer P1 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to printing processing and thermal activation processing using a thermal printer P1.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart regarding printing processing and thermal activation processing using the thermal printer P1.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of the transport state of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thermal printer P2 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart regarding printing processing and thermal activation processing using a thermal printer P2.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart regarding printing processing and thermal activation processing using the thermal printer P2.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a transition of the transport state of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 70 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional thermal printer P.
[Explanation of symbols]
P, P1, P2 Thermal printer
10 Label holder
21, 22 Feeder (drawer roller)
30 Cutter unit
31 Movable blade
32 Fixed blade
40 Guide unit (storage label section)
41 Second guide (upstream)
42 Second guide (downstream)
43 First Guide
50 printing unit
51 Thermal head for printing
52 Platen roller for printing
60 Thermal activation unit
61 Thermal head for thermal activation
62 Platen roller for heat activation
63, 64 Pull-in roller
70 heat-sensitive adhesive label (heat-sensitive adhesive sheet)
S1, S2, S3 Paper sensor

Claims (3)

A sheet storage portion for storing a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a sheet-like substrate and printing is enabled on the other surface;
A pull-out roller that pulls out the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from the sheet storage unit and conveys it in a predetermined direction;
A cutter device provided with a cutting means that is disposed downstream of the pulling roller and cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet conveyed by the pulling roller;
A printing apparatus that is disposed downstream of the cutter apparatus and includes a printing thermal head that prints on a printable surface of the thermosensitive adhesive sheet and a printing platen roller that conveys the thermosensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction;
Thermal activation comprising a thermal activation thermal head for heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer and a thermal activation platen roller for conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction, which is arranged at a subsequent stage of the printing apparatus. Equipment,
A storage sheet portion provided between the cutter device and the printing device, and having a space in which the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet can be slackened for a predetermined length;
First driving means for driving the drawing roller;
Second driving means for driving the printing platen roller and the thermal activation platen roller ;
A drive control device capable of independently controlling each of the first drive means and the second drive means ;
When the leading end of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the printing platen roller, the drive control device continues the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the drawer roller, and the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the printing platen roller. Is conveyed by the printing platen roller and the thermal activation platen roller during the cutting of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the cutter device. After the predetermined length larger than the conveyance amount is bent in the storage sheet portion, the conveyance speed by the drawing roller, the printing platen roller, and the thermal activation platen roller is set to the same speed, The printing process and the thermal activation process are performed while maintaining the bent predetermined length. Heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, wherein the controller controls the first driving means and the second driving means so as to transport the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. A sheet storage portion for storing a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a sheet-like substrate and printing is enabled on the other surface;
A pull-out roller that pulls out the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from the sheet storage unit and conveys it in a predetermined direction;
A cutter device provided with a cutting means that is disposed downstream of the pulling roller and cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet conveyed by the pulling roller;
A printing apparatus that is disposed at a subsequent stage of the cutter apparatus and includes a printing thermal head that prints on a printable layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet and a printing platen roller that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction;
Thermal activation comprising a thermal activation thermal head for heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer and a thermal activation platen roller for conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction, which is arranged at a subsequent stage of the printing apparatus. Equipment,
A pull-in roller that is arranged in front of the thermal activation platen roller and conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction;
A storage sheet portion provided between the printing device and the pull-in roller , and having a space in which the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet can be slackened for a predetermined length;
First driving means for driving the drawing roller and the printing platen roller;
Second driving means for driving the pull-in roller and the thermal activation platen roller;
A drive control device capable of independently controlling each of the first drive means and the second drive means ;
When the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the drawing roller, the drive control device continues the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the drawing roller and the printing platen roller, and the heat-sensitive property by the drawing roller. The printing platen roller and the thermal activation platen roller during the cutting of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the cutter device by stopping the conveyance of the adhesive sheet or making it slower than the conveyance speed by the printing platen roller After the predetermined length larger than the transport amount transported by the sheet is bent in the storage sheet portion, the respective transport speeds by the drawing roller, the printing platen roller, the drawing roller, and the thermal activation platen roller To the same speed, the predetermined length Heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, wherein the controller controls the first driving means and the second driving means so as to transport the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet while performing lifting while printing process and the thermal activation process . Heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a detecting means for detecting the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in front of the platen roller for the thermal activation.

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