JP4137708B2 - Printer for heat-sensitive adhesive sheet - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, a heat-sensitive adhesive layer that normally exhibits non-adhesiveness and develops adhesiveness when heated is formed on one side of a sheet-like substrate. For example, a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet used as a label for sticking The present invention relates to a printer having a thermal 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]
The thermal printer P of FIG. 11 includes a roll storage unit 20 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 wound in a roll shape, a printing unit 30 that prints on the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and a heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. And a thermal activation unit 50 as a thermal activation device that thermally activates the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21.
[0007]
The printing unit 30 includes a printing thermal head 31 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 31. The printing platen roller 32 and the like are pressed against each other. In FIG. 11, the printing platen roller 32 is rotated clockwise, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed to the right side.
[0008]
The cutter unit 40 is for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 printed by the printing unit 30 with an appropriate length. The cutter unit 40 is operated by a drive source (not shown) such as an electric motor. The stationary blade 42 is opposed to the movable blade 41.
[0009]
The thermal activation unit 50 includes a thermal activation thermal head 51 having a heating element, a thermal activation platen roller 52 that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and the like. In FIG. 11, the thermal activation platen roller 52 is rotated in the direction opposite to the printing platen roller 32 (counterclockwise in the figure), and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed in a predetermined direction (right side). ing.
[0010]
In addition, there is a printer in which a heat activation unit, a printing unit, and a cutter unit are arranged in this order, and the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label is thermally activated and then the label is cut (Patent Document). 2).
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-79152
[0012]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-264322 A
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the thermal printer of the above-mentioned patent document 1, when the cutting operation by the cutter unit 40 is performed, the conveyance of the thermosensitive adhesive label 21 is stopped for the time required for the movable blade 41 to move up and down (for example, 0.4 sec). There was a need. That is, the cutting by the cutter unit 40 is performed in a state where the rotational driving of the printing platen roller 32 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 is stopped.
[0014]
For this reason, when the label length is longer than the distance from the cutting position of the cutter unit 40 to the thermal activation thermal head 51, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 includes the thermal activation thermal head 51 and the thermal activation platen roller. The conveyance is stopped in a state of being sandwiched between the two. As a result, the heat-sensitive adhesive layer that expresses adhesiveness sticks to the thermal activation thermal head 51, and even if the conveyance is resumed, it is not smoothly conveyed, resulting in a conveyance failure such as a paper jam. There is a problem in that the heat from the thermal activation thermal head 51 is transmitted to the printable layer (heat-sensitive color developing layer) of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 to cause color development.
[0015]
In this case, even if it is ejected, the appearance of the label is poor, so it cannot be used as a label for sticking. Further, when the heat-sensitive adhesive layer strongly adheres to the thermal activation thermal head 51, the printer processing may be stopped and maintenance may be required.
[0016]
Moreover, in the thermal printer of the above-mentioned patent document 2, since the adhesive component (heat-sensitive adhesive) adheres to the movable blade 41 and the fixed blade 42 when the adhesive part of the label is cut, the cutting performance is impaired. The position is not thermally activated. For this reason, the produced label is formed with non-adhesive regions at the front and rear end portions in the paper feeding direction, and is relatively easy to peel off. Furthermore, when the cutter unit is arranged at the last stage, it is necessary to return the leading end of the label to the thermal activation apparatus which is the front stage when the next label is created, which causes a problem that the throughput is lowered.
[0017]
In addition, in order to flexibly cope with various label lengths using the above-mentioned two prior application techniques, for example, a diagram is provided in front of the thermal activation unit. 12 A plurality of rollers shown in FIG. 12 It is conceivable to provide a belt mechanism shown in FIG. However, in such a configuration, although it is possible to cope with a short label, it is necessary to provide a space longer than the maximum length of the label to be produced in order to accommodate a long label, so that the apparatus becomes large There was a problem.
[0018]
The present invention is capable of cutting a sheet without stopping the conveyance of the sheet in a state where the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is sandwiched between the thermal activation thermal head and the thermal activation platen roller, and has various lengths. It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer that can cope with the production of the sheet and can be miniaturized.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Book The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and prints on a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in which a heat-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on one side of a sheet-like substrate and printing is possible on the other side. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing thermal head; a printing platen roller facing the thermal head and capable of conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction; and the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet provided at a subsequent stage of the printing apparatus. A thermal activation thermal head for heating the thermosensitive adhesive layer, and a thermal activation platen that conveys the thermosensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. A heat activating device having a roller, and between the cutter device and the heat activating device, a buffer means capable of holding a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet longer than the distance between the two is provided. One in which the.
[0020]
Accordingly, the sheet can be cut by the cutter device while the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the platen roller for heat activation or before the tip of the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the thermal activation thermal head. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate problems such as paper jam and other defective transport due to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet sticking to the thermal activation thermal head, and unnecessary maintenance such as discharging paper jammed labels is unnecessary. Therefore, the production efficiency of the label for sticking can be significantly improved. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a large space in the transport direction in order to create a long label, the apparatus can be miniaturized.
[0021]
Also book The invention is configured such that the first driving source for driving the printing platen roller and the second driving source for driving the thermal activation platen roller can be independently controlled, and the buffer means includes: When the conveyance speed by the printing platen roller is controlled to be faster than the conveyance speed by the thermal activation platen roller, a tension is applied to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. A tension applying means is provided.
[0022]
As a result, when a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet that is longer than the distance in the conveyance direction is held in the buffer area (area where the buffer means is provided), the sheet becomes unstable by applying an appropriate tension to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of a conveyance failure due to the bending, and to improve the reliability in the sheet conveyance process.
[0023]
Also book According to the present invention, a discharge roller connected to the first drive source is provided in the front stage of the buffer means, and a drawing roller connected to the second drive source is provided in the rear stage of the buffer means. . As a result, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is held by the discharge roller and the pull-in roller and bends between the two, so that a conveyance failure is less likely to occur.
[0024]
Also book In the invention, the tension applying means is air blowing means for blowing air against the paper surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet.
[0025]
Also book In the invention, the tension applying means is a sheet suction means for sucking air and drawing the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet.
[0026]
Also book According to the present invention, the tension applying means is a tension roller that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet.
[0027]
By applying tension to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by such various tension applying means, the sheet does not bend in an unstable manner, so that it is possible to effectively prevent poor conveyance.
[0028]
Also book The present invention is such that the tension applying means applies tension to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in conjunction with the timing at which the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is started to be conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller or the pull-in roller. It is a thing. That is, after the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the conveying means (the drawing roller or the thermal activation platen roller) arranged at the rear stage of the buffering means, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet bends in the buffer area due to the difference in the conveying speed. Therefore, a tension is applied at the timing when the bending starts.
[0029]
Also book In the invention, the tension applying means releases the tension applied to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in conjunction with the cutting timing of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the cutter device. That is, since the bending of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet does not increase after cutting by the cutter device, the tension is released at that time.
[0030]
Also book According to the present invention, the buffer means includes a storage space for temporarily storing the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is inserted into the storage space from the cutter device side or from the storage space to the thermal activation device side. Conveying means for discharging, a guide member that forms a transport path from the cutter device side to the storage space, a transport path from the storage space to the thermal activation device, and the heat sensitive stored in the storage space When the adhesive sheet is discharged, there is a restriction means for restricting the discharge path so as not to return to the cutter device side. That is, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet that has been printed and cut is once stored in the storage space and then sent to the thermal activation device.
[0031]
As a result, even with a relatively long heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, it is possible to sequentially perform the printing process, the cutting process, and the thermal activation process one by one. Further, the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet temporarily stored in the storage space by the restricting means is surely sent out to the heat activation device side.
[0032]
Also book 10. The heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer according to claim 9, wherein the regulating means is a guide piece having predetermined elasticity and cantilevered. As a result, the restricting means can be provided with a relatively simple configuration.
[0033]
Also book In the invention, the guide piece is formed of a resin material such as polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester. For example, an induction piece obtained by molding these resin materials into a film shape can be considered. This
The conveyance path can be regulated without applying extra stress to the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet.
[0034]
Also book The invention is characterized in that the buffer means is composed of a transport roller group in which a plurality of transport roller pairs facing each other are provided, and a guide member for guiding the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet along the transport roller group. The adhesive sheet is conveyed by detouring from the shortest path. Thereby, since a small space can be used effectively, it can respond to creation of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet having a relatively long sheet length.
[0035]
Also book In the invention, the plurality of conveying roller pairs are arranged to meander and convey the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. Thereby, it is possible to cope with creation of a longer sheet.
[0036]
Also book The invention is such that the conveying force of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the conveying roller group is smaller than the sheet holding force by the printing thermal head and the printing platen roller. As a result, when the drive source of the plurality of transport rollers constituting the buffer means and the drive source of the printing platen roller are different, the sheet slides on the plurality of rollers when the printing platen roller is stopped. When cutting, it is only necessary to stop the printing platen roller, which facilitates conveyance control.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0038]
(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 20 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 wound in a roll shape, a printing unit 30 that prints on the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and a heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 that has a predetermined shape. It comprises a cutter unit 40 that cuts into length, a heat activation unit 50 that thermally activates the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and the like.
[0039]
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.
[0040]
The printing unit 30 includes a printing thermal head 31 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 31. The printing platen roller 32 and the like are pressed against each other. 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 by thin film technology on a ceramic substrate. Therefore, detailed explanation is omitted.
[0041]
Further, the printing unit 30 includes a drive mechanism including a first stepping motor 110 (see FIG. 2) for rotating the printing platen roller 32 and a gear transmission mechanism. The heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed to the right side. Further, a pressing means (not shown) made of, for example, a coil spring or a plate spring is provided, and the printing thermal head 31 is pressed toward the printing platen roller 32 by the elastic force of the pressing means. At this time, by keeping the rotation axis of the printing platen roller 32 and the arrangement direction of the heating elements parallel to each other, the entire pressure-sensitive adhesive label 21 in the width direction can be pressed uniformly.
[0042]
Further, a paper sensor S1 is provided in front of the printing thermal head 31, and the driving of the printing platen roller 32 is controlled based on the detection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 by the paper sensor S1. For example, when the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is detected by the paper sensor S1, printing processing can be executed, and when the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is not detected by the paper sensor S1, processing such as error message display is performed.
[0043]
The cutter unit 40 is for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 printed by the printing unit 30 with an appropriate length, and includes a movable blade 41 operated by a cutter driving unit 108 (see FIG. 2). The movable blade 41 is composed of a fixed blade 42 and the like.
[0044]
The thermal activation unit 50 includes a thermal activation thermal head 51 as a heating unit having a heating element, a thermal activation platen roller 52 as a conveyance unit that conveys the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and the printing unit 30 side. The transferred heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is constituted by a pair of drawing rollers 53 (drive), 54 (driven) and the like which draws between the thermal activation thermal head 51 and the thermal activation platen roller 52.
[0045]
In this embodiment, the thermal activation thermal head 51 has the same structure as that of the printing thermal head 31, 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. As described above, by using the thermal activation thermal head 51 having the same configuration as that of the printing thermal head 31, it is possible to reduce the cost by using common parts.
However, the heating element of the thermal activation thermal head 51 does not need to be divided in units of dots like the heating element of the printing head 31 and may be a continuous resistor.
[0046]
Further, the heat activation unit 50 includes a drive mechanism including a second stepping motor 111 (see FIG. 2) for rotating the platen roller 52 for heat activation and the pull-in roller 53, a gear transmission mechanism, and the like. As a result, the thermal activation platen roller 52 and the drawing roller 53 are rotated in the direction opposite to the printing platen roller 32 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1), and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed to the right side. The thermal activation unit 50 includes a pressurizing unit (for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring) that presses the thermal activation thermal head 51 toward the thermal activation platen roller 52. At this time, the rotational axis of the thermal activation platen roller 52 and the arrangement direction of the heating elements are kept in parallel so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 can be uniformly pressed over the entire width direction.
[0047]
A paper sensor S2 is provided between the drawing rollers 53 and 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 52. Based on the detection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 by the paper sensor S2, the drawing roller 53 and the thermal activation platen. The rotational drive of the roller 52 and the thermal activation process of the thermal activation thermal head 51 are controlled.
[0048]
Further, the thermal printer P <b> 1 includes a buffer unit 70 that can hold the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 longer than the distance between the cutter unit 40 and the thermal activation unit 50. The buffer means 70 according to the present embodiment is configured by an air ejection device 71 as a tension applying means for applying a tension to the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. This air ejection device 71 is connected to a solenoid valve 112 (see FIG. 2), and by controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 112, the air 73 is ejected onto the paper surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 at a predetermined pressure. A desired tension can be applied to the adhesive label 21. Thereby, since the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 does not bend in an unstable manner, it is possible to effectively prevent a conveyance failure such as a paper jam. Further, a support member 72 having a concave portion on the lower side is provided so as to face the air ejection device 71 so that the shape when the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is bent can be regulated to some extent.
[0049]
Further, discharge rollers 61 (drive) and 62 (follower), which are arranged in contact with each other and are connected to the drive mechanism of the printing platen roller 33 via a gear transmission mechanism, are arranged at the subsequent stage of the cutter unit 40. Prepare.
[0050]
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the thermal printer P1. The control unit of the thermal printer P1 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 print data and print formats. An operation unit 103 for inputting, setting or calling data, 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 print thermal head 31 are driven. Drive circuit 106 that drives the thermal activation thermal head 51, drive circuit 108 that drives the movable blade 41 that cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, and paper that detects the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 Drive the sensors S1 and S2, the printing platen roller 32, and the discharge roller 61. The first stepping motor 110, and a second stepping motor 111 for driving the thermally activating platen roller 52 and the drawing roller 53 and the like.
[0051]
Based on the control signal transmitted from the CPU 100, the printing unit 30 performs desired printing, the cutter unit 40 performs a cutting operation at a predetermined timing, and the thermal activation unit 50 activates the heat-sensitive adhesive layer 64. Is executed.
[0052]
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. Thus, the rotational speeds of the printing platen roller 32 and discharge roller 61 driven by the first stepping motor 110 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 and pull-in roller 53 driven by the second stepping motor 111, that is, heat sensitivity. Since the conveyance speed of the pressure-sensitive adhesive label 21 can be controlled independently, when creating a relatively long label, the heat-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesive label 21 is bent in the buffer area by appropriately controlling the respective conveyance speeds. Can do.
[0053]
Next, the printing process and thermal activation process using the thermal printer P1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the conveyance state transition diagram of FIG.
[0054]
First, when a print start command is issued by the user, it is determined in step S101 whether the solenoid valve 112 is open or closed. After determining that the solenoid valve 112 is “closed” and confirming that the air ejection device is not operating, The process proceeds to step S102. Then, in step S102, the first stepping motor 110 is rotated in the forward direction, and the rotational drive of the printing platen roller 32 and the discharge roller 61 is started to pull out the thermosensitive adhesive label 21 at a predetermined conveyance speed. Printing is performed on the printable surface (thermal color developing layer) by the thermal head 31 (FIG. 4A).
[0055]
Next, when it is determined in step S104 that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 having the predetermined length L1 (label cutting position to the drawing rollers 53 and 54) has been conveyed, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward in step S105, and the drawing roller 53 and The rotational drive of the thermal activation platen roller 52 is started to prepare for the delivery of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 (FIG. 4B). At this time, the conveyance speed of the printing platen roller 32 and the discharge roller 61 is faster than the conveyance speed of the drawing roller (drive) 53 and the thermal activation platen roller 52, and the printing platen roller 32 and the discharge roller 61 are discharged. The amount of deflection of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 at the time when the conveyance of the label by the roller 61 is stopped is larger than the conveyance amount conveyed by the drawing roller 53 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 during the label cutting by the cutter unit 40. Controlled.
[0056]
In step S106, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S2, and if it is determined to be "ON" (label end reached), the solenoid valve is determined in step S107. 112 is opened and air is ejected by the air ejection device 71 to apply a predetermined tension to the paper surface of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 does not bend unstably. At the same time, in step S108, the thermal activation process by the thermal activation thermal head is started (FIG. 4C).
[0057]
Next, if it is determined in step S109 that a predetermined length of label has been printed and conveyed, the printing thermal head 31 is stopped in step S110, and the driving of the first stepping motor 110 is stopped in step S111 to perform printing. The label conveyance by the platen roller 32 and the discharge rollers 61 and 62 is stopped (FIG. 4D). Thereafter, in step S112, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is cut by the movable blade 41 (FIG. 4E). After the label is cut, the amount of deflection of the label decreases as the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed. Therefore, the solenoid valve 112 is closed at the label cutting timing, and the tension applied to the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is applied. Release (step S113). Here, since the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is sufficiently bent between the discharge roller 61 and the drawing rollers 53 and 54, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed by the drawing rollers 53 and 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 51. The cutting process can be executed while doing so.
[0058]
Thereafter, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller 52 and the drawing rollers 53 and 54. However, the drawing rollers 53 and 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 have the same driving source and have a conveyance speed. Since no deviation occurs, no bending occurs between the drawing rollers 53 and 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 52, and no extra tension is applied.
[0059]
Next, in step S114, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S2, and is determined to be “OFF” (label end passage) (FIG. 4 (f)). If it is determined in step S115 that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 having the predetermined length L2 (paper sensor S2 to thermal activation thermal head 51) has been conveyed, the thermal activation thermal head 51 is stopped in step S116, and step S117. Then, the driving of the second stepping motor is stopped.
[0060]
As described above, according to the thermal printer P1 of the present embodiment, the label cutting can be performed while the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed by the thermal activation platen roller 52. As the conveyance is stopped, the heat-sensitive adhesive layer can be prevented from sticking to the thermal activation thermal head 51 to cause a conveyance failure such as a paper jam.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the structure using the air ejection device as the tension applying means has been described. However, the suction means for sucking air and pulling the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 can be moved perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. A tension roller, a suction means using electrostatic suction, or the like can be used as the tension applying means. Although the tension to be applied is not described in detail, a predetermined tension can be applied to the heat-sensitive adhesive label by performing fine adjustment according to the transport amount of the heat-sensitive adhesive label.
[0062]
Further, the case where the drawing speeds of the drawing rollers 53 and 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 are controlled to be slower than the feeding speed of the printing platen roller 32 and the discharge rollers 61 and 62 has been described. , 54 when the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 reaches (for example, step S106), the driving of the second stepping motor 111 is stopped and the conveyance of the leading edge of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is stopped. Good.
[0063]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer P2 for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet according to the second embodiment. As with the thermal printer P1 according to the first embodiment, the thermal printer P2 prints on the roll storage unit 20 that holds the tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 wound in a roll shape and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. Printing unit 30, cutter unit 40 that cuts heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 to a predetermined length, and heat activation unit 50 that thermally activates the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. .
[0064]
In the first embodiment, a buffer means 70 provided between the cutter unit 40 and the thermal activation unit 50 is provided with a storage space 82 for temporarily storing the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 and a heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. Temporary storage rollers 84 and 85 for insertion into the storage space 82 from the cutter unit 40 side or delivery from the storage space 82 to the heat activation unit 50 side, a conveyance path from the cutter unit 40 side to the storage space 82, and When discharging the induction member 81 that forms the conveyance path from the storage space 82 to the heat activation unit 50 and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 stored in the storage space 82 to the heat activation unit 50 side, The difference is that the guide piece (valve mechanism) 86 restricts the discharge path so as not to return. A paper sensor S3 is provided between the guide piece 86 and the temporary storage rollers 84 and 85. With such a configuration, even when a relatively long heat-sensitive adhesive label is produced, it is possible to sequentially perform a printing process, a cutting process, and a thermal activation process one by one.
[0065]
Further, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 temporarily stored in the storage space 82 by the guide piece 86 is surely delivered to the heat activation device side. Here, as the guide piece 86, it is desirable to use a resin material such as polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester molded into a film. Thereby, a conveyance path | route can be controlled, without giving extra stress to the thermosensitive adhesive label 21. FIG.
[0066]
Further, after the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is stored in the storage space 82, it is sent to the heat activation unit 50 along the U-shaped guide member 81 shown in FIG. For this reason, the positional relationship between the thermal activation thermal head 51 of the thermal activation unit 50 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 is opposite to that in the first embodiment (upper: thermal activation thermal head 51, Bottom: Thermally activated platen roller 52).
[0067]
FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the thermal printer P2, and has substantially the same configuration as the control block diagram (FIG. 2) of the thermal printer P1.
[0068]
2 differs from the control block diagram of FIG. 2 in that a third stepping motor 113 for driving the temporary storage rollers 84 and 85 is provided instead of the solenoid valve 112 for driving the air ejection device 71.
[0069]
Next, printing processing and thermal activation processing using the thermal printer P2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the conveyance state transition diagram of FIG.
[0070]
First, when the user issues a print start command, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signals from the paper sensors S2 and S3 in step S201, and it is determined to be “OFF”. After confirming that the previous label is not on the transport path, the process proceeds to step S202. Then, in step S202, the first stepping motor 110 is rotated forward to start the rotational drive of the printing platen roller 32 and the discharge roller 61, and the thermosensitive adhesive label 21 is pulled out at a predetermined transport speed. Printing is started on the printable surface (thermosensitive color developing layer) by the thermal head 31 (FIG. 8A).
[0071]
Next, in step S204, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S3. The stepping motor 113 is rotated forward to start driving the temporary storage rollers 84 and 85, and the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed to the storage space 82. Here, when the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 reaches the guide piece 86, the guide piece 86 is rotated in a direction to open the transport path so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is inserted into the guide path. (FIG. 8B).
[0072]
Next, when it is determined in step S206 that a predetermined length of label has been printed and conveyed, the printing thermal head 31 is stopped in step S207 to end the printing process, and in step S208, the first stepping motor 110 is driven. In step S209, the driving of the third stepping motor 113 is stopped and the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is stopped (FIG. 8C). Thereafter, in step S210, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is cut by the movable blade 41 (FIG. 8D).
[0073]
Next, in step S211, the third stepping motor 113 is rotated forward to start driving the temporary storage rollers 84 and 85, and the cut heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed to the storage space 82 (FIG. 8E). ). In step S212, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S3. If it is determined to be “OFF” (passing the label end), the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is Since all are stored in the storage space 82 (the terminal portion is held by the temporary storage rollers 84 and 85), the third stepping motor 113 is rotated in the reverse direction in step S213 so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is attached. It sends out to the heat activation unit 50 side (FIG. 8F). Thereafter, the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 reaches the guide piece 86. The guide piece 86 blocks the conveyance path to the print unit 30 side so that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is not sent to the print unit 30 side. The heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is conveyed along the guide member 81 to the heat activation unit 50.
[0074]
If it is determined in step S214 that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 having the predetermined length L3 (paper sensor S3 to the drawing rollers 53 and 54) has been conveyed, the second stepping motor 111 is rotated forward in step S215, and the drawing roller 53, 54 and the thermal activation platen roller 52 are rotated to prepare for delivery of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 (FIG. 8G).
[0075]
Next, in step S216, the presence / absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S2, and if it is determined to be “ON” (the end of the label has been reached), thermal activation is performed in step S217. The thermal activation process is started by the thermal head. Next, in step S218, the presence or absence of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is determined based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S2, and after determining that it is “OFF” (label end passage) (FIG. 8 (h)), If it is determined in step S219 that the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 having the predetermined length L2 (paper sensor S2 to thermal activation thermal head 51) has been conveyed, the thermal activation thermal head 51 is stopped in step S220, and step S221 is performed. Then, the driving of the second stepping motor 111 and the third stepping motor 113 is stopped. The third stepping motor 113 rotates the third stepping motor 113 in the reverse direction and starts sending the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 to the heat activation unit 50, and then heat-sensitive based on the ON / OFF signal from the paper sensor S3. The presence or absence of the adhesive label 21 may be determined, and when it is determined to be “OFF” (passing the label end), the driving may be stopped.
[0076]
As described above, according to the thermal printer P2 of the present embodiment, since the label cutting can be executed before the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 reaches the thermal activation thermal head 51, the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 at the time of label cutting. As the conveyance of the sheet is stopped, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive layer from sticking to the thermal activation thermal head 51 and causing a conveyance failure such as paper jam. In addition, it is possible to easily handle the production of relatively long labels.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, the heat-sensitive adhesive labels 21 are processed one by one. However, for example, the next label printing process may be started while the previous label is in the thermal activation process.
[0078]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a thermal printer P3 for heat-sensitive adhesive sheets according to the third embodiment. Similar to the thermal printers P1 and P2 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the thermal printer P3 includes a roll storage unit 20 that holds a tape-like heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 wound in a roll shape. The thermal unit that thermally activates the print unit 30 that prints on the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21, the cutter unit 40 that cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 into a predetermined length, and the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21. And the like.
[0079]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the buffer means 70 provided between the cutter unit 40 and the thermal activation unit 50 is provided with a plurality of conveying roller pairs 91, 92, 93 facing each other, The difference is that the guide member 94 is configured to guide the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 along the transport roller pair 91, 92, 93.
[0080]
FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the thermal printer P3, and has substantially the same configuration as the control block diagram of the thermal printer P2 (FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the third stepping motor 113 is configured to drive the conveyance roller pairs 91, 92, 93.
[0081]
According to the thermal printer P3 of the present embodiment, since the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 is detoured from the shortest path along the transport roller pair 91, 92, 93 and transported, the transport length is increased. Even if the label is long, the label can be cut before the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 reaches the thermal activation thermal head 51. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive layer from sticking to the thermal activation thermal head 51 due to the stop of the conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive label 21 at the time of label cutting, resulting in a conveyance failure such as paper jam.
[0082]
In addition, if it is set as the structure which increased the conveyance roller pair further, and the thermosensitive adhesive label 21 is made to meander and convey, since a conveyance length can be lengthened further, it can respond also to preparation of a longer label. Desirably, the conveyance force of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the conveyance roller groups 91, 92, 93 is smaller than the sheet holding force by the printing thermal head and the printing platen roller. As a result, when the driving source of the conveying roller groups 91, 92, and 93 and the driving source of the printing platen roller 32 are different from each other, when the printing platen roller 32 is stopped, the conveying roller groups 91, 92, and 93 Therefore, when the sheet is cut, it is only necessary to stop the printing platen roller 32, and the conveyance control is facilitated.
[0083]
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. .
[0084]
For example, 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.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a thermal head for printing that prints on 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, and the thermal head A printing apparatus having a printing platen roller that is opposed to the printing apparatus and capable of conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction, a cutter device that is provided downstream of the printing apparatus and that cuts the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and the cutter A thermal activation device provided at a subsequent stage of the device and having a thermal activation thermal head for heating the thermal adhesive layer; and a thermal activation platen roller for conveying the thermal adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction; In the printer for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet comprising: a buffer means capable of holding a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet longer than the distance between the cutter device and the heat activation device. As a result, the sheet can be cut by the cutter device while the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the platen roller for heat activation or before the tip of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet reaches the thermal activation thermal head. .
[0086]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from sticking to the thermal activation thermal head and causing paper jams and other poor conveyances, and unnecessary maintenance such as discharging the paper jammed label is unnecessary. The production efficiency of the label for sticking can be greatly improved. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a large space in the transport direction in order to create a long label, the apparatus can be miniaturized.
[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 of the thermal printer P1 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 an explanatory diagram illustrating a label conveyance state when the thermal printer P1 is used.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thermal printer P2 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of a thermal printer P2 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart regarding printing processing and thermal activation processing using a thermal printer P2.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a label conveyance state when the thermal printer P2 is used.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thermal printer P2 according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of a thermal printer P2 according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional thermal printer P.
FIG. 12 is an example of a conveyance unit when using a conventional thermal printer P to cope with various label lengths.
[Explanation of symbols]
P, P1, P2, P3 thermal printer
20 roll storage unit
21 heat-sensitive adhesive label
30 Printing unit
31 Thermal head for printing
32 Platen roller for printing
40 Cutter unit
41 Movable blade
42 Fixed blade
50 Thermal activation unit
51 Thermal head for thermal activation
52 Platen Roller for Thermal Activation
53, 54 Pull-in roller
70, 80, 90 shock absorber
71 Air ejection device
72 Support members
81 Guide member
82 Storage space
84,85 Temporary storage roller
86 Guide piece
91, 92, 93 Pair of transport rollers
94 Guide member
S1, S2, S3 Paper sensor

Claims (3)

A thermal head for printing on 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 printing apparatus having a printing platen roller capable of conveying the adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction;
A cutter device provided at a subsequent stage of the printing device, for cutting the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet;
A thermal activation device provided at a subsequent stage of the cutter device and having a thermal activation thermal head for heating the thermal adhesive layer and a thermal activation platen roller for conveying the thermal adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction. And comprising
Between the cutter device and the thermal activation device is provided a buffer means capable of holding a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet longer than the distance between the two ,
The buffer means is used to temporarily store the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and to insert the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet into the storage space from the cutter device side or to discharge the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet from the storage space to the heat activation device side. Conveying means, a guide member that forms a transport path from the cutter device side to the storage space, a transport path from the storage space to the thermal activation device, and the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet stored in the storage space when discharging the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer, wherein Rukoto to have a, a restricting means for restricting the discharge path so as not return to the cutter apparatus. 2. The heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating means is a guide piece having predetermined elasticity and cantilevered. The heat-sensitive adhesive sheet printer according to claim 2 , wherein the guide piece is formed of a resin material such as polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester.

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