JP2005186355A - Cutter device for printing paper - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cutter device for printing paper wherein the efficiency of a cleaning operation is improved and the performance of the cutter device can be sustained by measuring the degree of deposition of paste, paper powder, dust or the like by counting the operating time of a cutter to reduce any adverse effect caused by the deposition of the paste or the like on the blade of the cutter device and letting a user to know timing of cleaning the cutter. <P>SOLUTION: This cutter device for printing paper is aimed at measuring the operating time (one cycle time) of the cutter and issuing a warning when the operating time exceeds a specified level (a threshold value), so that an appropriate timing for the cleaning operation can be determined. In addition, the cutter device drives a movable blade to cut the printed paper by transferring the printed paper to a position between a fixed blade and the movable blade. Besides, one cycle time for the movable blade is counted and the warning is issued when one cycle time exceeds the specified level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing paper cutter device, and more particularly to a printing paper cutter device that is equipped with various printers that perform printing by loading a belt-like printing paper and cut it into single-sheet paper with a predetermined pitch. is there.

Conventionally, a non-mounting label having a configuration in which a paste surface or an adhesive layer is formed on the back surface of a printing paper, for example, a label paper, and no mount facing the paste surface is provided is transferred onto the transfer path of the printer. There is a cutter device for cutting this after printing.
In a label sticking machine in which a single-piece label piece cut by this cutter device is attached to an object to be attached such as a cardboard or other article, it is cut at a predetermined pitch after the label without a mount is printed and before the attachment starts. However, since the label without a mount does not have a mount, the glue surface and the blade of the cutter device are in direct contact with each other. There is a problem that the cutting time as the cutter device becomes longer, that is, the cutting operation is delayed, due to the resistance action due to the adhesion of glue, and further the adhesion of paper dust accompanying the cutting and other dust.
That is, when the cutting time is extended, a series of operation time from printing to cutting and pasting is extended, and as a result, when the performance of the cutter device deteriorates, the conveyance speed itself of the adherend does not change. As an apparatus, a handling amount of articles exceeding its processing capacity is supplied, and there is a problem that the entire apparatus stops when an error occurs.
Of course, not only when cutting a label without a mount, but also when cutting a general label continuum having a mount or a tag without a glue surface, or incorporating a cutter device into a label applicator Regardless of whether or not the problem of extension of the cutting time due to such glue adhesion or paper dust adhesion occurs, some countermeasure is required.

Conventionally, the blades of the cutter device are regularly cleaned as a countermeasure against the delay of the cutting operation due to adhesion of glue, paper powder, dust, or the like.
However, the degree of adhesion of the glue to the cutter device is not constant, and it is difficult to determine at what timing it is best to clean, and it is necessary to reduce the influence of such glue adhesion as much as possible. It is necessary to inform the worker that the cutting time due to adhesion has exceeded the limit and prompt the cleaning work. Furthermore, in order to reduce work efficiency instead of frequent cleaning, it is required to widen the interval between this cleaning and the next cleaning.

JP 2001-151215 A

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been considered in view of the above problems, and provides a printing paper cutter device capable of reducing the influence of adhesion of glue or adhesive to the blade of the cutter device, and paper dust and dust. This is the issue.

    Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing paper cutter device that can accurately notify the timing of cleaning the cutter and contribute to improving the efficiency of cleaning work and maintaining the performance of the device.

    Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the cutter apparatus of the printing paper which enabled it to perform the cleaning operation | work of a cutter efficiently.

    Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the cutter apparatus of the printing paper which can measure the working time of a cutter and can measure the adhesion degree of glue etc.

    In addition, the present invention can transmit the state where the cutting time is extended due to adhesion of glue or the like and the performance as a cutter device is reduced to the upstream printing unit or the downstream pasting unit, and the printing timing, It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing paper cutter apparatus capable of performing overall adjustments such as adjustment of speed reduction of a conveyor, conveyance timing, or adjustment of cutting timing of the cutter apparatus itself.

    That is, the present invention measures the operation time (one cycle time) of the cutter, and can issue a warning when the operation time exceeds a certain level (threshold value). This is a printing paper cutter that transports printed printing paper between a fixed blade and a movable blade and cuts the printing paper by driving the movable blade. Thus, the printing paper cutter device is characterized in that one cycle time of the movable blade is measured and a warning is issued when the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level.

    The predetermined level may be a preset threshold value that is larger than the time for normal cutting (for example, about 2 to 3 times the normal cutting time).

    The predetermined level may be a first threshold value set based on a cutting time when the printing paper loaded in various printers has the maximum width.

    The predetermined level is a second threshold value set based on a cutting time when the movable blade is idly driven when the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade. Can do.

    When the printing paper is positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade can be driven to measure one cycle time.

    When the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade can be driven idle to measure one cycle time.

    When the cutter device is turned on, the movable blade can be driven idle (initially driven), and the cycle time can be measured.

    When all the printing on the printing paper is completed, the movable blade can be idly driven (final idling drive), and one cycle time can be measured.

    When the printing paper is back-fed to the upstream side in the transfer direction after printing on the printing paper, the movable blade can be driven idle to measure one cycle time.

    When the printing paper is not located between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is idled to measure one cycle time, and the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level. Sometimes, the movable blade is idled a predetermined number of times, and its cycle time can be measured again.

    When the printing paper is not located between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is idled to measure one cycle time, and the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level. Sometimes, the movable blade is idled a predetermined number of times, and its cycle time is measured again, and the warning can be issued when the cycle time exceeds the predetermined level.

    As the above-mentioned printing paper, the effect of the present invention is remarkably exhibited by a label without a mount. Of course, this label without a mount, a continuous label with a normal mount, or a tag or tag without an adhesive layer, etc. Arbitrary forms can be targeted for cutting.

In the printing paper cutter device according to the present invention, the operation time (one cycle time) of the cutter is measured, and a warning can be issued when the operation time exceeds a certain level (threshold). Therefore, by arbitrarily setting the predetermined level as a warning level for cutting performance degradation, a warning can be issued according to the degree of adhesion of glue or paper dust, and the timing of cleaning or maintenance can be more accurately notified.
Therefore, the state of adhesion of glue, etc., or the state of malfunction due to this adhesion is discovered as soon as possible, and maintenance and inspection or cleaning is performed appropriately and promptly to bring the performance of the cutter device, and in particular the printer and especially the labeling machine, to a predetermined level. Can be maintained.

In particular, when the operation time of the cutter device exceeds the warning level, the glue may become dry or cold due to the idle drive of the cutter device at an appropriate timing even when the power is turned on, printing is completed, or operation is in progress. When solidified, glue, paper powder, attached dust or the like is removed, and the normal cutting operation can be restored. If the operation does not return to normal operation, a warning can be issued to indicate that the cleaning time has come on the display device such as the cutter device itself or the operation panel, thereby prompting cleaning.
Of course, by transmitting the measured cutting time to a control device such as a higher-level personal computer via an interface such as RC232C, it can be used for convenience of adjustment or control of the printing unit, the pasting unit, the conveying unit, and the entire system. .

    According to the present invention, a warning is issued when one cycle time measured with respect to the movable blade exceeds a predetermined level, and thus a printer or its cutter device capable of performing a cleaning operation at an appropriate time is realized.

Next, a label applicator 1 equipped with a printing paper cutter device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a label applicator 1, which includes a printing unit 2, a cutter device 3, a label transfer unit 4, a label applicator 5, and an article transport unit 6. And a control unit 7.

    The printing unit 2 includes a thermal head 8 and a platen roller 9, and a label 10 without a mount is transferred between them to print on the label 10 without a mount.

The cutter device 3 includes a fixed blade 11 and a movable blade 12, a cutter motor 13 such as a DC motor that reciprocally drives the movable blade 12, a magnetic sensor 14, and a warning device 15.
When the movable blade 12 is reciprocated toward the fixed blade 11, the label 10 having no mount is cut into single sheets to form a label piece 10 A, and the label piece 10 A is transferred by the label transfer unit 4 to the label applying unit 5. Position.
The cutter device 3 may be a reciprocating cutter as shown. For example, a rotary type in which the movable blade rotates with respect to the fixed blade, or a circle type in which the movable blade reciprocates in the width direction of the label. It may be of a form.
A small magnet 16 is attached to the movable blade 12, and the movement time of the magnet 16 (one cycle time and operation time of the movable blade 12) when the movable blade 12 is driven, that is, the movement time from the home position to the home position. Can be measured by the magnetic sensor 14. A detection signal from the magnetic sensor 14 can be input to the control unit 7.
As a sensor for measuring the operation time of the movable blade 12, in addition to the magnetic sensor 14, it is possible to measure the reciprocating drive time of the movable blade 12 using an optical sensor such as a reflection type or a transmission type. Any configuration can be adopted.
When the operating time of the movable blade 12 exceeds a predetermined warning level, the warning machine 15 issues a warning to the operator to urge the cleaning, and precautions such as an operation stop during the operation of the entire label applicator 1 are in advance. It is possible to avoid and take measures. As warning means, in addition to an optical (visual) or acoustic (audible) warning by a warning device 15 provided in the cutter device 3, an operation unit or display unit of the label applicator 1 or the printing unit 2 portion. A technique of displaying a warning (both not shown) may be used.

    The label transfer unit 4 includes a label transfer belt 17, a holding plate spring 18, and a label detection sensor 19. The label transfer unit 17 transfers the cut label piece 10A by rotating the label transfer belt 17, and applies the label. Let unit 5 wait.

    The label affixing unit 5 forms this in a gap between the front conveyor belt 20 and the rear conveyor belt 21 of the article transport unit 6, and the article M conveyed by the front belt conveyor 20 is transferred from the front belt conveyor 20 to the rear belt. When moving to the conveyor 21, the label piece 10A can be attached to the bottom surface of the article M.

The control unit 7 has a memory unit 22 that controls each of the above-described units and stores a predetermined level (threshold value) for one cycle time of the movable blade 12, and a detection signal from the magnetic sensor 14 is received. When this level is exceeded, a warning by the warning device 15 can be issued.
The threshold value of the predetermined level can be set in advance as a time longer than the time for normal cutting (for example, about 2 to 3 times the normal cutting time).
Further, the label transfer unit 4 or the label sticking unit 5 can be arbitrarily configured, and without the label transfer unit 4, for example, the cut label piece 10A is sucked in vacuum and pressed against a predetermined article. For example, such a pasting configuration is adopted, and the transfer or pasting configuration of the label piece 10A is arbitrary.

FIG. 2 is a graph for explaining a specific level of the threshold value, and is movable when the mountless label 10 is positioned between the fixed blade 11 and the movable blade 12 in the cutter device 3. The first threshold value T1 for comparison with the actual driving operation time t (one cycle time) of the blade 12, and when the non-mounting label 10 is not positioned between the fixed blade 11 and the movable blade 12. A second threshold value T2 is shown for comparison with the idle drive operation time t (one cycle time) of the movable blade 12.
The first threshold value T1 is set to a value that exceeds the normal cutting time by, for example, a predetermined value on the basis of the normal (normal) cutting time of the non-mounting label 10 having the maximum width.
The second threshold value T2 is smaller than the first threshold value T1, and is set with reference to the cutting time when the cutter device 3 (movable blade 12) is actually idling or idling. .

The operation of the label sticking machine 1 and the cutter device 3 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control for measuring the operation time t when the cutter device 3 actually cuts the label 10 without mount, that is, when the cutter device 3 is actually driven and compared with the first threshold value T1. In step S3-1, printing is performed by the printing unit 2, and in step S3-2, the cutter device 3 (movable blade 12) is driven (actual driving) to cut the non-mounting label 10, and step S3- 3, the operation time t (one cycle time) is measured.
In step S3-4, it is determined whether the operation time t is smaller than the first threshold value T1. If it is smaller, it is determined that the operation of the cutter device 3 is still normal, and the operation moves to the operation of attaching the label piece 10A (step S3-5).

If the operation time t becomes larger than the first threshold value T1 in step S3-4, glue or the like adheres to the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12 of the cutter device 3, and the operation time t of the movable blade 12 is extended. In step S3-6, the warning device 15 issues a warning.
After this warning is generated, control for forcibly stopping the entire label applicator 1 or control for fine adjustment of the printing unit 2, the label transfer unit 4 or the article transport unit 6 may be performed. Only the operator is warned and the process proceeds to step S3-5 (see the virtual line in the figure), and cleaning or other maintenance may be performed after a predetermined cutting operation or pasting operation.
For example, as a control for forcibly stopping the entire cutter device 3, a third threshold value T3 larger than the first threshold value T1 is set in advance, and the third threshold value T3 is activated. When the time t is exceeded (that is, when the movable blade 12 does not return to its home position even when the operating time t exceeds the third threshold value T3), the power of the cutter motor 13 is turned off. A control method can be adopted. In other words, it is conceivable that, due to excessive glue accumulation on the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12, the cutting of the label 10 without the mount is insufficient and the movable blade 12 stops and the cutter motor 13 burns out. This burnout can be avoided by turning off the motor 13.

Thus, the actual driving time (operation time t) of the movable blade 12 in the cutter device 3 is measured, and a warning is issued when the operation time t exceeds the first threshold value T1. It is possible to recognize the state of the movable blade 12 in accordance with the substantial resistance action to the movable blade 12 due to paper dust or the like and accurately notify the timing of cleaning.
Further, the entire operating state including the operating time t measured while the labeling machine 1 is in operation can be transmitted to a host system (not shown), thereby adjusting the flow rate of the article M in the entire system. It is possible to perform control in accordance with the system and avoid system failures.

In this invention, it is not limited to the above control shown in FIG. 3, The operation time of the cutter apparatus 3 can be measured and controlled at the timing according to the operation state of the label sticking machine 1. FIG.
For example, FIG. 4 shows an operation time t in which the label sticking machine 1, that is, the cutter device 3 is idly driven (initial idling drive) before actual printing and cutting operations and compared with the second threshold value T 2. In step S4-1, a power source (not shown) is turned on, and the movable blade 12 is idly driven (initial idling) in step S4-2, and the operation time in step S4-3. t is measured.
In step S4-4, it is determined whether the operation time t is smaller than the second threshold value T2. If it is smaller, it is determined that the operation of the cutter device 3 is still normal, and the operation proceeds to the printing operation on the label 10 without mount (step S4-5).

In step S4-4, if the operation time t becomes larger than the second threshold value T2, glue or the like adheres to the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12 of the cutter device 3, and the operation time of the movable blade 12 is extended. In step S4-6, the movable blade 12 is idly driven a predetermined number of times (at least once, usually several times). In step S4-7, the operation time t of the movable blade 12 is measured again, and step S4- In step 8, it is determined again whether the operation time t is smaller than the second threshold value T2. If it is smaller, it is determined that the operation of the cutter device 3 has returned to normal, and the operation proceeds to a printing operation on the label 10 without mount (step S4-5).
If the operation time t becomes longer than the second threshold value T2 in step S4-8, the adhesive or the like adhering to the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12 despite the idle driving of the movable blade 12 several times is sufficiently obtained. It indicates that it could not be removed, and issues a warning by the warning device 15 in step S4-9.
Similar to the control shown in FIG. 3, after this warning occurs, control such as forcing the entire label applicator 1 to stop may be performed, or the operator should be alerted only with the warning. Then, the process proceeds to step S4-5 (see the phantom line in the figure), and cleaning or other maintenance may be performed after predetermined printing, cutting or pasting operations.

    Thus, the movable blade 12 is idled during the resting state before the cutter device 3 enters the actual operation, and the operation time t is measured so that the operation state of the cutter device 3 can be confirmed in advance. By the idle driving, the glue and the like adhering to the fixed blade 11 and the movable blade 12 can be removed, the situation in which the operation time is temporarily delayed can be eliminated, and a somewhat smooth cutting operation can be maintained. .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of control for measuring an operation time t to be compared with the second threshold value T2 during the operation of the label applicator 1, and printing is performed by the printing unit 2 in step S5-1. In S5-2, the cutter device 3 (movable blade 12) is driven, and in step S5-3, an operation of attaching the label piece 10A to the article M in the label attaching unit 5 is performed.
In the next step S5-4, the label 10 without the mount 10 is back-fed upstream in the transfer direction in the printing unit 2 to position the leading end of the label 10 without the mount at a predetermined position and wait for the next printing operation. In this standby state, the movable blade 12 is idly driven, and the operation time t is measured in step S5-5.
In step S5-6, it is determined whether the operation time t is smaller than the second threshold value T2. If it is smaller, it is determined that the operation of the cutter device 3 is still normal, and the next printing signal is waited (step S5-7).

If the operation time t becomes longer than the second threshold value T2 in step S5-6, glue or the like adheres to the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12 of the cutter device 3, and the operation time of the movable blade 12 is extended. In step S5-8, the warning device 15 issues a warning.
After the occurrence of this warning, control or other control for forcibly stopping the entire label applicator 1 may be performed similarly to the control shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. To move to step S5-7 (see the phantom line in the figure), and cleaning or other maintenance may be performed after predetermined printing, cutting or pasting operations.

    Thus, since the idle driving time (operation time t) of the movable blade 12 is measured even during actual operation in the label applicator 1, a warning is issued when the second threshold value T2 is exceeded. Even during the driving of the applicator 1, it is possible to detect in advance the malfunction of the movable blade 12 due to glue or paper dust.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control for measuring the operation time t to be compared with the second threshold value T2 after the operation of the label sticking machine 1 or the cutter device 3 is completed or before starting the next printing. Then, printing is performed by the printing unit 2 in step S6-1, the cutter device 3 (movable blade 12) is driven in step S6-2, and the label piece 10A is attached to the article M in the label pasting unit 5 in step S6-3. Perform the operation.
Next, in step S6-4, it is determined whether or not printing of a predetermined number of sheets has been completed. In step S6-5, the movable blade 12 is idly driven (final idle driving), and in step S6-6, the operation time is determined. t is measured.
In step S6-7, it is determined whether or not the operating time t is smaller than the second threshold value T2. If it is smaller, it is determined that the operation of the cutter device 3 is still normal, and a next print start signal is awaited (step S6-8).

If the operation time t becomes larger than the second threshold value T2 in step S6-7, glue or the like adheres to the fixed blade 11 or the movable blade 12 of the cutter device 3, and the operation time of the movable blade 12 is extended. In step S6-9, the warning device 15 issues a warning.
After the occurrence of this warning, it is possible to perform control or other control that forcibly stops the entire label applicator 1 as in the control shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. The power may be turned off by giving attention to the person and proceeding to step S6-8 (see the virtual line in the figure).

    When the operating time t becomes larger than the second threshold value T2 in step S6-7, before issuing a warning by the warning device 15 in step S6-9, the process from step S4-6 shown in FIG. It is also possible to perform a removing operation such as solidified glue by idle driving of the movable blade 12 by performing Step S4-8.

    Thus, after completion of printing, cutting and sticking in the label sticking machine 1, the idle driving time (operation time t) of the movable blade 12 is measured, and a warning is issued when the second threshold value T2 is exceeded. Therefore, after the label sticking machine 1 is driven, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a failure of the movable blade 12 due to glue or paper dust, and cope with printing, cutting, and sticking at the next power-on.

In the present invention, each of the above-described controls shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 can be carried out independently, or the printing paper, the type of the cutter device itself, the installation location of the device, or any combination as necessary. Can also be implemented.

It is a schematic side view of the label sticking machine 1 equipped with the printing paper cutter device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph for explaining levels of threshold values T1 and T2. In the same manner, when the cutter device 3 actually cuts the label 10 without a mount, that is, a control flowchart for actually driving the cutter device 3 and measuring the operation time t compared with the first threshold value T1. is there. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control for measuring an operation time t for initial idle driving of the label applicator 1, that is, the cutter device 3 and comparing with the second threshold value T2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control for measuring an operation time t to be compared with a second threshold value T2 during the operation of the label applicator 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart of control for measuring an operation time t to be compared with a second threshold value T2 during standby or before starting the next printing after the operation of the label sticking machine 1 or the cutter device 3 is completed.

Explanation of symbols

1 Labeling machine equipped with printing paper cutter 3 (Fig. 1)
2 Printing section 3 Cutter device for printing paper (mountless label 10) (Example, Fig. 1)
4 Label transfer section 5 Label application section 6 Article transport section 7 Control section 8 Thermal head 9 Platen roller 10 Mountless label (printing paper)
10A label 10 without mount 10 label piece 11 fixed blade 12 of cutter device 3 movable blade 13 of cutter device 3 motor 14 for cutter 14 magnetic sensor 15 warning device 16 magnet 17 label belt 18 holding plate spring 19 label detection sensor 20 front belt Conveyor 21 Subsequent belt conveyor 22 Memory unit M Article T1 For comparison with the operation time t (one cycle time) of the movable blade 12 when the label 10 having no mount is located between the fixed blade 11 and the movable blade 12. First threshold (Figure 2)
T2 Second threshold value for comparison with the operation time t (one cycle time) of the movable blade 12 when the non-mounting label 10 is not positioned between the fixed blade 11 and the movable blade 12 (FIG. 2).
t Operation time of movable blade 12 in cutter device 3 (one cycle time)

Claims (11)

A printing paper cutter device for transferring printed printing paper between a fixed blade and a movable blade and cutting the printing paper by driving the movable blade,
While measuring one cycle time of the movable blade,
A printing paper cutter apparatus, wherein a warning is issued when the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level. 2. The printing paper cutter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined level is a preset threshold value that is larger than a normal cutting time. 2. The printing paper cutter device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined level is a first threshold value set based on a cutting time when the printing paper has a maximum width. The predetermined level is a second threshold value set based on a cutting time when the movable blade is idly driven when the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade. The printing paper cutter device according to claim 1. 2. The printing paper according to claim 1, wherein when the printing paper is positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is driven to measure one cycle time thereof. Cutter device. 2. The printing paper according to claim 1, wherein when the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is idly driven to measure one cycle time thereof. Cutter device. 2. The printing paper cutter device according to claim 1, wherein when the power is turned on, the movable blade is idly driven to measure one cycle time thereof. 2. The printing paper cutter device according to claim 1, wherein when all the printing on the printing paper is completed, the movable blade is driven idle to measure one cycle time. 2. The printing according to claim 1, wherein when the printing paper is back-feeded upstream in the transport direction after printing on the printing paper, the movable blade is idly driven to measure one cycle time thereof. Paper cutter device. When the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is idly driven, and its one cycle time is measured,
2. The printing paper cutter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level, the movable blade is idly driven a predetermined number of times and the one cycle time is measured again. When the printing paper is not positioned between the fixed blade and the movable blade, the movable blade is idly driven, and its one cycle time is measured,
When the one cycle time exceeds a predetermined level, the movable blade is idled a predetermined number of times, and the one cycle time is measured again.
2. The printing paper cutter device according to claim 1, wherein the warning is issued when the one cycle time exceeds the predetermined level.

Images