JP2012046235A - Label print sticking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label print sticking machine which can print and stick a label with a simple structure at synchronous timing.SOLUTION: The label sticking machine sets a distance L1 from the print position P1 of a thermal head 23 to the peeling/sticking position P2 by a peeling plate 25 to be an integral multiple of the pitch L2 of a label 31A. When the leading end of the preceding label 31A reaches the peeling/sticking position P2, the trailing end of this label or those of labels 31A of next order and after pass through the print position P1 to end the printing, and the label 31A can be peeled/pasted. Further, the leading ends of the labels 31A of next order and after reach the print position and printing can be performed. Thus, the timing of the print start and the print end of the label 31A is matched with that of the peeling/sticking start and the peeling/sticking end of the label 31A.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printing applicator that conveys a long label sheet to print on a label and attaches the printed label to a medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a label printing applicator that performs printing on a label attached to a long mount and attaches the printed label to a medium while peeling the label from the mount (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). In such a label printing sticking machine, it has become a subject to be able to stick a label continuously.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-34268

  When the leading edge of the preceding label reaches the pasting position on the medium, if the second and subsequent labels are in the middle of the printing position, the second and subsequent sheets are transferred while the preceding label is transported to the peeling / pasting position. If the printing of the second label is continued, the leading end of the preceding label reaches the peeling / sticking position and the conveyance of the label is stopped, so that the printing of the second and subsequent labels is stopped halfway.

  However, when printing is resumed with respect to a label in the middle of printing, printing unevenness and white spots occur, and if the label printing and pasting operations are continuously performed, the print quality is degraded.

  Also, in order not to stop the printing of the label halfway, if the printing of the second and subsequent labels is stopped while the preceding label is transported to the peeling / applying position, the preceding label is peeled / applied. The printing operation for the second and subsequent labels cannot be performed simultaneously, and the processing time becomes long.

  In Patent Document 1, the label transfer path length is made variable, and the label issuance speed and the label application speed are matched. However, a mechanism for making the label transfer path length variable is necessary, and the apparatus can be downsized and reduced. Costing is difficult.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a label printing applicator capable of performing label printing and application with synchronized timing with a simple configuration.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a label conveying unit that conveys a label sheet pulled out from a label roll, a printing unit that performs printing on a label sheet label conveyed by the label conveying unit, and a label conveying unit The peeling means for peeling the label from the label paper conveyed by the medium, the medium setting means for setting the medium to which the label is attached, the medium set on the medium setting means, and the label peeled off by the peeling means , And a medium conveying means for attaching to the medium in cooperation with the label conveying means, and the distance from the printing position by the printing means to the peeling / pasting position by the peeling means is an integral multiple of the label pitch. Label printing machine.

  In the label printing sticking machine of the present invention, when the leading edge of the preceding label reaches the peeling / sticking position, the trailing edge of the label or the next and subsequent labels passes through the printing position, and printing is completed. Can be peeled and pasted. In addition, the leading edge of the label after the next position reaches the printing position, printing is possible, and the timing of label printing start and printing end can be matched with the timing of label peeling / pasting start and peeling / pasting end.

  According to the label printing and pasting machine of the present invention, the preceding label can be peeled off and the label can be pasted on the medium, and at the same time, the next and subsequent labels can be printed, and the overall processing time can be shortened. Further, since printing on the label does not stop halfway, it is possible to prevent printing unevenness and white spots from occurring.

It is a sectional side view which shows an example of an internal structure of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the internal structure of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the internal structure of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the label paper of this Embodiment. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows an example of the label guide of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows an example of the label guide of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the label guide of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between a label set position and an envelope set position. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the label stickable range. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an envelope position guide. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the length from a printing position to a peeling and sticking position, and the size of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the control function of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an operation part. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a label sticking position guide. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization operation example of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of label printing and sticking operation | movement of the label printing sticking machine of 1st Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of label printing and sticking operation | movement. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of label printing and sticking operation | movement. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of label printing and sticking operation | movement.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a label printing applicator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration example of label printing sticking machine according to the first embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the label printing applicator of the first embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are examples of the internal configuration of the label printing applicator of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are external perspective views showing an example of a label printing applicator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the label sheet of the present embodiment.

  1 A of label printing sticking machines of 1st Embodiment are affixed on envelope 10 grade | etc., With the structure which can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 11 with which the envelope 10 or a postcard as a medium is set, and the apparatus main body 11 A label processing unit 2A in which a label is set is provided. In the following description, a case where the envelope 10 is used as a medium will be described as an example.

<Configuration Example of Label Processing Unit of Label Printing and Pasting Machine of First Embodiment>
For example, the label processing unit 2A is set with a label roll 30A formed by winding a label sheet 3A as shown in FIG. 6, conveys the label sheet 3A fed out from the label roll 30A, and affixes the label sheet 3A to the label sheet 3A. While printing on the attached label 31A, the label 31A is peeled off from the label paper 3A.

  The label processing unit 2A is configured such that label paper 3A having different widths can be set. For example, a label roll 30A around which the label paper 3A having the first width is wound and a second width (not shown) wider than the first width. The label roll around which the label paper is wound can be set.

  In the label sheet 3A, a plurality of labels 31A are attached to a long release sheet 32A having a first width along the longitudinal direction of the release sheet 32A. The label roll 30A is a form called inner winding in which the surface which is one surface of the label paper 3A to which the label 31A is attached is inwardly wound, and the label paper 3A is wound around a hollow core 33A. The

  The label processing unit 2A includes a loading unit 20 in which the label roll 30A is set, and a guide roller 21 that configures a conveyance path for the label paper 3A drawn from the label roll 30A set in the loading unit 20.

  The loading unit 20 includes a shaft support groove 20a to which a shaft 34A inserted into the core 33A of the label roll 30A is detachably attached, and an openable / closable stopper 20b to prevent the shaft 34A attached to the shaft support groove 20a from dropping off. Prepare. The loading section 20 is provided with a shaft support groove 20a and a stopper 20b on each of a pair of frames 20c facing each other at a predetermined interval wider than the width of the maximum width label paper that can be set in the label processing unit 2A. The label roll 30A is set in a form that supports both ends of the shaft 34A.

  The guide roller 21 is configured to be able to rotate following the conveyance of the label sheet 3A without receiving a driving force, and guides the conveyance path of the label sheet 3A drawn from the label roll 30A set in the loading unit 20. To do.

  The label processing unit 2A includes a platen roller 22 that transports the label paper 3A, and a label feed motor 22M that drives the platen roller 22 that transports the label paper 3A in the label processing unit 2A. The label processing unit 2 </ b> A includes a thermal head 23 that prints on the label paper 3 </ b> A conveyed by the platen roller 22, and a head lifting mechanism 23 a that lifts and lowers the thermal head 23.

  The platen roller 22 is an example of a label transport unit. In this example, the platen roller 22 is provided on the lower side of the transport path of the label paper 3A, and is driven to rotate by driving force of the label feed motor 22M transmitted by a driving force transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear. Is done.

  The thermal head 23 is an example of a printing unit, and is provided on the upper side of the conveyance path of the label paper 3 </ b> A so as to face the platen roller 22. In this example, since thermal paper is used as the label 31A, a thermal head is used. The thermal head 23 is formed with a printing surface having a predetermined length along the axial direction of the platen roller 22 according to the maximum width of the label that can be printed by the label processing unit 2A.

  Thus, printing can be performed at an arbitrary position on the label 31A by combining the output control of the print data in the length direction of the thermal head 23 and the control of the conveyance of the label paper 3A by the platen roller 22.

  The head elevating mechanism 23 a elevates and lowers the thermal head 23 in a direction to be in contact with and separated from the platen roller 22 by a driving force generated by operating the handle 23 b. In this example, the retreat position where the thermal head 23 is separated from the platen roller 22 by the rotation operation with the shaft 23 c of the member supporting the thermal head 23 as a fulcrum, and the printing position where the thermal head 23 is pressed against the platen roller 22. A mechanism for raising and lowering the thermal head 23 is provided.

  When the thermal head 23 is moved to the retracted position, a gap is formed between the platen roller 22 and the thermal head 23 so that the label paper 3A can be inserted. When the thermal head 23 is moved to the printing position, the thermal head 23 is pressed against the circumferential surface of the platen roller 22 by a spring such as a coil spring, and the label paper 3A is pressed between the thermal head 23 and the platen roller 22. The

  The head elevating mechanism 23a includes a head elevating sensor 23S that detects that the thermal head 23 is in the printing position or the retracted position. The head lifting sensor 23S turns on the output when the thermal head 23 is at the printing position, for example, and turns off the output when the thermal head 23 is at the retracted position, for example. Thus, when the thermal head 23 is moved from the retracted position to the printing position, the output of the head lifting sensor 23S changes from OFF to ON, and a head position detection signal indicating that the thermal head 23 has moved to the printing position is generated. Is output.

  The label processing unit 2A includes a label edge sensor 24S that detects the label 31A attached to the label paper 3A. The label edge sensor 24 </ b> S is an example of a label detection unit, and is provided in a conveyance path between the guide roller 21 and the platen roller 22.

  In this example, the label edge sensor 24S is constituted by a transmission type optical sensor having a pair of light receiving and emitting elements facing each other across the conveyance path of the label paper 3A. In the label paper 3A, the light of the label 31A and the release paper 32A is detected. From the difference in transmittance, the front and rear ends of the label 31A are detected.

  The label edge sensor 24S turns on the output when the label 31A is at the detection position, for example, and turns off the output when the release paper 32A is at the detection position, for example. Thus, in the transport operation in which the label sheet 3A is transported in the direction of being pulled out from the label roll 30A, the label leading edge indicating that the leading edge of the label 31A has been detected by changing the output of the label edge sensor 24S from OFF to ON. A detection signal is output. Further, when the output of the label edge sensor 24S changes from ON to OFF, a label rear end detection signal indicating that the rear end of the label 31A has been detected is output.

  On the other hand, in the transport operation in which the label paper 3A is transported in the direction of returning to the label roll 30A, the label indicating that the leading edge of the label 31A has been detected by changing the output of the label edge sensor 24S from ON to OFF. A tip detection signal is output. Further, when the output of the label edge sensor 24S changes from OFF to ON, a label rear end detection signal indicating that the rear end of the label 31A has been detected is output.

  The label processing unit 2A includes a peeling plate 25 that peels the label 31A from the label paper 3A. The label processing unit 2 </ b> A includes a guide plate 25 d that guides the label paper 3 </ b> A that has passed between the platen roller 22 and the thermal head 23 to the peeling plate 25.

  The peeling plate 25 is an example of a peeling means, and the label 31A is peeled off from the label paper 3A by utilizing the rigidity of the label 31A by folding the conveyance direction of the label paper 3A within a predetermined acute angle range.

  The label processing unit 2A includes a label transport roller 26 that transports the release paper 32A from which the label 31A has been peeled, and a take-up reel 27 that winds the release paper 32A transported by the label transport roller 26.

  The label transport roller 26 is an example of a label transport unit, and is rotated by a driving force transmitting mechanism (not shown) such as a gear to which the driving force of the label feed motor 22M is transmitted. The take-up reel 27 is an example of a label take-up unit, and is rotated by a driving force transmitting mechanism (not shown) such as a gear to which the driving force of the label feed motor 22M is transmitted.

  Here, a reduction ratio or the like is set so that the conveyance speed of the label paper 3A by the platen roller 22 and the conveyance speed of the release paper 32A by the label conveyance roller 26 are synchronized. On the other hand, the reduction ratio is set so that the take-up reel 27 takes up the release paper 32A faster than the release speed of the release paper 32A by the label carrying roller 26, and the label feed motor 22M and the take-up reel A torque limiter (not shown) is provided between the take-up reels 27.

  Thereby, the winding speed of the release paper 32A by the take-up reel 27 due to the change in the diameter of the take-up reel 27 due to the release paper 32A being taken up, and the transport of the release paper 32A by the label transport roller 26 The difference between the speed and the take-up speed of the release paper 32A by the take-up reel 27 is absorbed by a torque limiter so that the release paper 32A does not sag.

  In the label processing unit 2A, the loading unit 20 on which the label roll 30A is set is provided on one end side, the peeling plate 25 is provided on the other end side, and between the loading unit 20 and the peeling plate 25. A platen roller 22, a thermal head 23, and a label edge sensor 24S are provided.

  In the label processing unit 2A, the transport direction of the label paper 3A is folded back at an acute angle by the peeling plate 25, so that the take-up reel 27 is provided below the original winding side transport path 21b through which the label paper 3A drawn from the label roll 30A passes. A take-up side conveyance path 21c through which the release paper 32A taken up is passed is arranged, and the take-up reel 27 is arranged in the vicinity of the label roll 30A and is provided in the loading unit 20.

  Thereby, both the original winding side of the label paper 3A and the winding side of the release paper 32A are arranged in the loading unit 20. In the loading unit 20, the distance between the label sheet 3 </ b> A drawn from the label roll 30 </ b> A and passing through the original winding side transport path 21 b and the release sheet 32 </ b> A taken up by the take-up reel 27 through the winding side transport path 21 c is short. Thus, the original winding side conveyance path 21b and the winding side conveyance path 21c are configured.

<Configuration example of label guide according to first embodiment>
7 and 8 are enlarged perspective views of main parts showing an example of the label guide mechanism of the label printing applicator of the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the label guide of the first embodiment. Next, the label guide mechanism of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The label processing unit 2A includes a label roll 30A, a label sheet 3A drawn from the label roll 30A, a label sheet 3A guided by the guide roller 21 and sent to the platen roller 22 and the thermal head 23, and a take-up reel 27. A pair of label guides 28A for guiding the release paper 32A to be wound is provided.

  Further, the label processing unit 2A includes a pair of peeling guides 29A for guiding the label paper 3A before the label 31A is peeled by the peeling plate 25 and the peeling paper 32A from which the label 31A is peeled by the peeling plate 25.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the label guide 28A is pulled out from the label roll 30A set in the loading unit 20 and the label roll 30A and guides the label sheet 3A passing through the original winding side conveyance path 21b. And a winding-side guide portion 28c for guiding the release paper 32A taken up by the take-up reel 27 through the take-up side conveyance path 21c, and a plate-like member formed integrally.

  In the label processing unit 2A, as described above, in the loading unit 20, the label roll 30A, the take-up reel 27, the original winding side conveyance path 21b, and the winding side conveyance path 21c are arranged in the vicinity.

  The loading unit 20 is configured in such a manner that a space in which the label roll 30A is set, a space through which the original winding side conveyance path 21b and the winding side conveyance path 21c pass, and a space in which the take-up reel 27 is provided. The

  The label guide 28A is attached to the space formed inside the pair of frames 21a in the loading unit 20 so as to face each other at intervals corresponding to the width of the label sheet 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A. The label roll 30A set in the loading unit 20 and the label sheet 3A that is drawn from the label roll 30A and passes through the original winding side conveyance path 21b are regulated in the width direction by the original winding side guide portion 28b of the label guide 28A. . Further, the position of the release paper 32A taken up on the take-up reel 27 through the take-up side conveyance path 21c is regulated in the width direction by the take-up side guide portion 28c of the label guide 28A.

  As a result, the position in the width direction of the label paper 3A drawn from the label roll 30A and the release paper 32A taken up on the take-up reel 27 is regulated by one left and right label guide 28A with respect to the width direction of the label paper 3A. Thus, the positional deviation in the width direction does not occur between the label paper 3A on the original winding side and the release paper 32A on the winding side.

  Further, in the loading unit 20, the label roll 30A, the take-up reel 27, and the original winding side conveyance path 21b and the winding side conveyance path 21c are arranged in the vicinity, so that the label guide 28A can be enlarged without increasing the size of the label guide 28A. The winding side guide portion 28b and the winding side guide portion 28c are integrally formed.

  The peeling guide 29A includes a label guide 29b before peeling, which guides the label paper 3A before the label 31A passing through the upper surface side which is one surface of the peeling plate 25 is peeled, and a lower surface side which is the other surface of the peeling plate 25. The post-peeling label guide 29c for guiding the release paper 32A after the label 31A passing through is formed of a flat plate member integrally formed.

  In the peeling plate 25, mounting hole portions 25a into which the label guide 29b before peeling of the peeling guide 29A is inserted are formed at intervals corresponding to the width of the label paper 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A.

  The peeling guide 29A is a form in which the label guide 29b before peeling is inserted into the mounting hole 25a of the peeling plate 25, and is attached to the lower surface of the peeling plate 25, so that the label guide 29b before peeling protrudes from the upper surface of the peeling plate 25. At the same time, the post-peeling label guide 29 c protrudes from the lower surface of the peeling plate 25. The peeling guide 29A opposes the label guide 29b before peeling and the label guide 29c after peeling at intervals corresponding to the width of the label paper 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A.

  As a result, the position in the width direction of the label paper 3A in the process of peeling the label 31A as the label paper 3A is conveyed and the release paper 32A after the label 31A is peeled off are regulated by the same peeling guide 29A. The positional deviation in the width direction of the label paper 3A does not occur before and after the separation of the label 31A, and the bending of the label 31A attached to the envelope 10 is prevented.

  As described above, the label processing unit 2A is configured to be able to set the label paper 3A having different widths, and the interval and position of the label guide 28A and the peeling guide 29A can be adjusted according to the width of the label paper 3A. .

  The label guide 28A is attached to an attachment plate 20d provided between the pair of frames 20c in the loading unit 20. As shown in FIG. 9, in the label guide 28A, the first mounting convex portion 28d is integrally formed in the vicinity of the original winding side guide portion 28b, and the second mounting convex portion 28e is in the vicinity of the winding side guide portion 28c. Are integrally formed. The label guide 28A has a permanent magnet 28f, which is a guide fixing means for fixing to the mounting plate 20d, attached to a position facing the mounting plate 20d.

  The mounting plate 20d has a first mounting hole 20e into which the first mounting convex portion 28d of the label guide 28A is inserted, and a second mounting hole into which the second mounting convex portion 28e of the label guide 28A is inserted. A portion 20f is formed. The first mounting hole 20e and the second mounting hole 20f are formed at a plurality of positions at intervals corresponding to the width of the label paper 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A. Further, it is formed at a plurality of locations in accordance with the mounting positions in the width direction of the label sheet 3A.

  Similarly, in the peeling guide 29A, mounting hole portions 25a of the peeling plate 25 into which the label guide 29b before peeling is inserted are formed at a plurality of positions at intervals corresponding to the width of the label paper 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A. The Further, the label paper 3A is formed at a plurality of locations according to the attachment position in the width direction.

  In the label guide 28A, the first mounting convex portion 28d is inserted into the first mounting hole portion 20e of the mounting plate 20d selected in accordance with the width and mounting position of the label paper 3A, and the second mounting hole portion 20f is inserted. The second mounting protrusion 28e is inserted. In the label guide 28A, when the first mounting convex portion 28d is inserted into the first mounting hole portion 20e and the second mounting convex portion 28e is inserted into the second mounting hole portion 20f, the permanent magnet 28f is attached. Adsorb to the plate 20d.

  Thus, the pair of label guides 28A is attached to the attachment plate 20d in accordance with the width and attachment position of the selected label sheet 3A. In the label guide 28A, the original winding side guide portion 28b that restricts the position in the width direction of the label paper 3A on the original winding side is regulated by the first attachment convex portion 28d. In addition, the winding side guide portion 28c that regulates the position in the width direction of the release paper 32A on the winding side is regulated by the second mounting convex portion 28e.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the position of the label guide 28A from shifting between the original winding side and the winding side of the label paper 3A, and the width direction between the original winding side label paper 3A and the winding side release paper 32A. The position of the position does not shift.

  As for the peeling guide 29A, the label guide 29b before peeling is inserted into the mounting hole 25a of the peeling plate 25 selected in accordance with the width and the mounting position of the label paper 3A. In the peeling guide 29A, the permanent magnet 29d is attracted to the peeling plate 25 when the pre-peeling label guide 29b is inserted into the mounting hole 25a.

  Accordingly, the pair of peeling guides 29A is attached to the peeling plate 25 in accordance with the width and attachment position of the selected label paper 3A. The first mounting hole portion 20e and the second mounting hole portion 20f of the mounting plate 20d to which the label guide 28A is attached and the mounting hole portion 25a of the peeling plate 25 to which the peeling guide 29A is attached are provided in alignment. It is done.

  Accordingly, the positional deviation between the label guide 28A and the peeling guide 29A is prevented from occurring, and the label paper 3A on the original winding side, the label paper 3A at the peeling / pasting position, and the peeling paper 32A on the winding side are prevented. The positional deviation in the width direction does not occur, and the label 31A is prevented from being bent and stuck by the operation of sticking the label 31A to the envelope 10.

<Example of Configuration of Device Main Body of Label Printing and Pasting Machine of First Embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the apparatus main body 11 will be described. In the apparatus main body 11, the envelope stacker 4 in which the envelope 10 to which the label 31A is attached is set, and the envelope 10 set in the envelope stacker 4 is conveyed, and the label 31A is attached to the envelope 10 in cooperation with the label processing unit 2A. An envelope conveyance path 5 is provided.

  The envelope stacker 4 is an example of medium setting means, and is configured to be placed in a form in which a plurality of envelopes 10 are stacked on the envelope guide surface 40, and the position in the width direction of the envelope 10 placed on the envelope guide surface 40 A pair of envelope guides 41 for regulating the envelope, and an envelope tip abutting guide 42 for regulating the tip position of the envelope 10 placed on the envelope guide surface 40 in the conveying direction.

  The envelope guide 41 is an example of a medium guide means, and is erected on both the left and right sides with respect to the conveyance direction of the envelope 10 placed on the envelope stacker 4 and is movable along the width direction of the envelope 10. 40. The envelope guide 41 can adjust the interval according to the width of the envelope 10 placed on the envelope stacker 4, and can adjust the position of the envelope 10 in the width direction.

  The envelope leading end abutting guide 42 is provided along the stacking direction of the envelope 10, and an envelope entrance 40 a into which the envelope 10 enters is formed between the lower end of the envelope leading end abutting guide 42 and the envelope guide surface 40.

  The envelope conveyance path 5 is an example of a medium conveyance path, and includes an envelope conveyance guide 50 connected to the envelope guide surface 40 of the envelope stacker 4. The envelope stacker 4 and the envelope conveyance path 5 are configured such that the envelope guide surface 40 and the envelope conveyance guide 50 are inclined in a direction in which the envelope discharge port 50a is lower than the envelope entrance 40a. As a result, when the envelope 10 is set in the envelope stacker 4, the tip of the loaded envelope 10 is abutted against the envelope tip abutting guide 42 by its own weight due to the inclination of the envelope guide surface 40, and the tip position of the envelope 10 is determined. They are aligned by the envelope tip butting guide 42.

  The envelope discharge port 50a can be set in the envelope stacker 4 so that all the envelopes 10 set in the envelope stacker 4 can be stacked when all the envelopes 10 are discharged from the envelope discharge port 50a. In accordance with the number of envelopes 10 to be provided, it is provided at a position higher than the stacking height of the envelopes 10.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes pickup rollers 51 a and 51 b that feed out the lowest sheet of the envelope 10 set in the envelope stacker 4.

  Further, the apparatus body 11 is arranged so as to face the transport roller 52a and the transport roller 52a that transports the envelope 10 fed by the pickup rollers 51a and 51b, and separates the envelope 10 transported by the transport roller 52a into one sheet. And a pick-up motor 52M that drives the pick-up rollers 51a and 51b and the conveying roller 52a.

  The pickup rollers 51a and 51b are an example of a medium conveying unit. In the envelope stacker 4, the pickup roller 51a has a form in which a part of the circumferential surface is exposed on the envelope guide surface 40 on the front end side along the conveying direction of the envelope 10. And is in contact with the envelope 10 set on the envelope guide surface 40.

  In the envelope stacker 4, the pickup roller 51 b is provided in a form in which a part of the circumferential surface is exposed on the envelope guide surface 40 on the rear end side along the conveyance direction of the envelope 10, and is set on the envelope guide surface 40. Contact the envelope 10. The pickup rollers 51a and 51b are driven to rotate by the driving force of the pickup motor 52M being transmitted by a driving force transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear or a belt. The pickup rollers 51a and 51b are configured to transmit a driving force via a one-way bearing (not shown), and can be rotated in the feeding direction by an external force while the pickup motor 52M is stopped.

  The conveyance roller 52a is an example of a medium conveyance unit, and is provided in a form in which a part of the circumferential surface is exposed to the envelope conveyance guide 50 in the envelope conveyance path 5 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the envelope entrance 40a. The conveyance roller 52a is driven to rotate in synchronization with the pickup roller 51a by receiving the driving force of the pickup motor 52M by a driving force transmission mechanism 52c such as a belt. The roller 52b is pressed against the transport roller 52a by a spring 52d such as a coil spring.

  The conveying roller 52a is configured to transmit a driving force via a one-way bearing (not shown), and can be rotated in the feeding direction by an external force while the pickup motor 52M is stopped. The roller 52b is pivotally supported via a torque limiter (not shown), and a load is applied to the rotation of the envelope 10 in the feeding direction.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a conveyance roller 53a that conveys the envelope 10 separated by the conveyance roller 52a, and a driven roller 53b that is disposed to face the conveyance roller 53a. Further, the apparatus main body 11 includes a discharge roller 54 a that conveys the envelope 10 to which the label 31 </ b> A is attached, and a sticking roller 54 b that is disposed to face the discharge roller 54 a and attaches the label 31 </ b> A to the envelope 10. Furthermore, the apparatus main body 11 includes a feed motor 53M that drives the transport roller 53a and the discharge roller 54a.

  The conveyance roller 53a is an example of a medium conveyance unit, and is provided in a form in which a part of the circumferential surface is exposed to the envelope conveyance guide 50 in the envelope conveyance path 5 on the downstream side in the envelope conveyance direction with respect to the conveyance roller 52a. The transport roller 53a is driven to rotate by the driving force of the feed motor 53M being transmitted by a driving force transmission mechanism 53c such as a gear or a belt. The driven roller 53b is pressed against the transport roller 53a by a spring 53d such as a coil spring.

  The discharge roller 54a is an example of a medium transfer unit, and is provided in a form in which a part of the circumferential surface is exposed to the envelope transfer guide 50 in the envelope transfer path 5 between the peeling plate 25 of the label processing unit 2A and the envelope discharge port 50a. It is done. The discharge roller 54a is driven to rotate in synchronism with the conveying roller 53a by receiving the driving force of the feed motor 53M by a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear or a belt (not shown). The sticking roller 54b is pressed against the discharge roller 54a by a spring 54c such as a coil spring.

  In this example, an example in which a roller is applied as a rotating body that sandwiches and conveys the envelope 10 has been described. However, a belt hung between pulleys may be used.

  The apparatus main body 11 is provided with a detection sensor 55S for detecting the envelope 10 fed out from the envelope stacker 4 and an envelope tip detection sensor 56S for detecting that the envelope 10 has been conveyed to a predetermined labeling position.

  The whirling detection sensor 55S is an example of a medium detection unit, and is provided in the envelope conveyance path 5 on the downstream side in the envelope conveyance direction with respect to the conveyance roller 52a. In this example, the whirling detection sensor 55S is formed of a reflection type optical sensor having a pair of light receiving and emitting elements on the envelope conveyance guide 50 of the envelope conveyance path 5, and detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the envelope 10 based on the presence or absence of the envelope 10. To do.

  The whirling detection sensor 55S turns on the output when the envelope 10 is at the detection position, for example, and turns off the output when the envelope 10 is not at the detection position, for example. As a result, the envelope leading edge detection signal indicating that the leading edge of the envelope 10 has been detected is output when the output of the stir detection sensor 55S changes from OFF to ON. Further, when the output of the stir detection sensor 55S changes from ON to OFF, an envelope rear end detection signal indicating that the rear end of the envelope 10 has been detected is output.

  The envelope tip detection sensor 56S is an example of a medium detection unit, and is provided in the envelope conveyance path 5 on the downstream side in the envelope conveyance direction with respect to the peeling plate 25 of the label processing unit 2A. In this example, the envelope tip detection sensor 56 </ b> S is configured by a reflective optical sensor including a pair of light receiving and emitting elements on the envelope conveyance guide 50 of the envelope conveyance path 5, and detects the tip of the envelope 10 based on the presence or absence of the envelope 10.

  The envelope tip detection sensor 56S turns on the output when the envelope 10 is at the detection position, for example, and turns off the output when the envelope 10 is not at the detection position, for example. As a result, the envelope tip detection signal indicating that the tip of the envelope 10 has been detected is output when the output of the envelope tip detection sensor 56S changes from OFF to ON.

  In this example, the occurrence of reverse peeling of the label 31A in the label processing unit 2A is detected by the output of the envelope tip detection sensor 56S. That is, when the label paper 3A is transported in the direction of returning to the label roll 30A by the initialization operation, if the label 31A is affixed to the label paper 3A in the winding side transport path 21c ahead of the peeling plate 25, the label 31A May peel off. Such an event in which the label 31A is peeled in the operation of transporting the label paper 3A in the returning direction is referred to as reverse peeling. The envelope tip detection sensor 56S is provided at a position where the label 31A where reverse peeling has occurred can be detected in addition to the tip of the envelope 10.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a driven roller 57 that faces the label conveyance roller 26 of the label processing unit 2 </ b> A, and a guide roller 58 that guides the release paper 32 </ b> A taken up by the take-up reel 27.

  The label printing sticking machine 1A is configured such that the label processing unit 2A is disposed above the envelope conveyance path 5 of the apparatus main body 11, and the label processing unit 2A can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 11 with a shaft 59 as a fulcrum. When the label processing unit 2A is opened, the winding side conveyance path 21c is exposed, the label roll 30A is set to the loading unit 20, the label sheet 3A is set to the original winding side conveyance path 21b and the winding side conveyance path 21c, In addition, the release paper 32A can be wound around the take-up reel 27.

  When the label printing sticking machine 1A closes the label processing unit 2A on which the label roll 30A is set, the release paper 32A is sandwiched between the label transport roller 26 of the label processing unit 2A and the driven roller 57 of the apparatus main body 11, and the label The release paper 32A is conveyed by the conveyance roller 26 being rotationally driven. Further, the release paper 32A taken up by the take-up reel 27 is guided by the guide roller 58 to the take-up side conveyance path 21c.

<Setting example of label application position by label set position and envelope set position>
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the label set position and the envelope set position, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the label pastable range, and FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the envelope position guide. .

  As described above, the label printing sticking machine 1A is configured such that the label paper 3A having different widths can be set, and the interval and position of the label guide 28A and the peeling guide 29A can be adjusted according to the width of the label paper 3A. is there.

  In this example, the label setting position can be selected at a predetermined position in the width direction of the label paper 3A by selecting the attachment positions of the label guide 28A and the peeling guide 29A for the first width of the label paper 3A. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a label set position called a label left set in which the label roll 30A is set by being biased to the left side which is one side along the width direction of the label sheet 3A can be selected. . Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, a label set position called a label right set in which the label roll 30A is set by being biased to the right side which is the other side in the width direction of the label sheet 3A can be selected. .

  On the other hand, the setting position of the envelope 10 can be adjusted by moving the envelope guide 41 along the width direction of the envelope 10, and the envelope 10 of a certain standard is shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). In this way, an envelope adjustable range 43 in which the position of the envelope 10 in the width direction can be adjusted is set.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), if the label set position is the label left set, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the position of the envelope 10 in the width direction can be adjusted within the envelope adjustable range 43. The label pastable range 44 a is set in a predetermined range in the width direction of the envelope 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the label set position is the label right set, if the position in the width direction of the envelope 10 is adjusted in the envelope adjustable range 43, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the label pastable range 44 b is set in a predetermined range in the width direction of the envelope 10.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG.11 (c), the label stickable range 44c is set to the whole width direction of the envelope 10, for example by the combination of a label set position and an envelope set position.

  Therefore, by making it possible to adjust both the label setting position and the envelope setting position, the label application possible range can be expanded without increasing the position adjustment range in the width direction of the envelope 10, and the apparatus main body is enlarged. The range in which labels can be applied can be widened without any problems.

  In the label printing applicator 1A, an envelope position guide 45 shown in FIG. 12 is provided at a position where it can be seen together with the envelope guide 41 in the apparatus main body 11. In the envelope position guide 45, label left set position information 46a and label right set position information 46b are visible as label position information indicating the width and width direction attachment position of the label paper 3A that can be set in the label processing unit 2A. Shown as information.

  Since the label paper having a second width (not shown) wider than the first width is set in such a manner that the center in the width direction is set to the center of the loading unit 20, the label paper having the second width is set in accordance with the label paper having the second width. Label set position information 46c is shown as visible information.

  Thus, if the position of the envelope guide 41 is adjusted so that the label position information is included, the label 31A can be put in the width direction of the envelope 10 and without performing the actual sticking operation. The position where the label 31A is attached can be confirmed in advance.

<Setting example of printing position, peeling / sticking position and label size>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the length from the printing position to the peeling / sticking position and the size of the label. In the label printing and sticking machine 1A, when the printing surface printing position of the thermal head 23 is set as the printing position P1, and the tip position of the peeling plate 25 is set as the peeling / sticking position P2, as shown in the following equation (1), the printing position P1 The dimension of each part is set so that the distance L1 from the position P2 to the peeling / sticking position P2 is an integral multiple of the pitch L2 in the conveyance direction of the label 31A.

L1 = n × L2 (1)
Where n is an integer

  If the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / pasting position P2 is an integer multiple of the pitch L2 of the label 31A, the printing start timing and printing end timing of the label 31A and the peeling / pasting start of the label 31A And the timing of the end of peeling and pasting can be matched.

  In the above equation (1), n = 1, that is, if the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / sticking position P2 is the same as the pitch L2 of the label 31A, the leading end of the preceding label 31A is the peeling / sticking position. When P2 is reached, the rear end of the label 31A passes through the printing position P1, printing is completed, and the label 31A can be peeled off and pasted. Further, the leading end of the next label 31A reaches the printing position P1, and printing is possible.

  In the above-described equation (1), if n ≧ 2, that is, if the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / pasting position P2 is an integer multiple of twice or more the pitch L2 of the label 31A, the leading edge of the preceding label 31A When it reaches the peeling / sticking position P2, the label 31A can be peeled / sticked. Further, the trailing edge of the second and subsequent predetermined labels 31A passes through the printing position P1, and the printing is completed. At the same time, the leading edge of the next label 31A reaches the printing position P1, and printing is possible.

<Example of control function of label printing sticker of first embodiment>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control function of the label printing applicator according to the first embodiment. 1 A of label printing stickers are provided with the control apparatus 100 comprised with a microcomputer etc., and the operation part 101. FIG.

  In this example, the label printing sticking machine 1A is connected to an external input device 110 such as a personal computer, and the control device 100 receives various information related to printing such as print data, a print instruction, and the number of prints. 110, and performs control of printing the label 31A and applying the label 31A to the envelope 10.

  The control device 100 controls the label feed motor 22M to carry the label paper 3A. Further, the control device 100 receives the label leading edge detection signal and the label trailing edge detection signal from the label edge sensor 24S, and determines that the label 31A has been transported to a predetermined position by the transport operation of the label paper 3A.

  A stepping motor is used as the label feed motor 22M, and the control device 100 determines the transport amount of the label paper 3A and the label 31A by the number of steps for driving the label feed motor 22M.

  In the label leading edge detection operation for transporting the label 31A to a predetermined initial position upstream of the thermal head 23 by the initialization operation, the control device 100 returns the label paper 3A to the label roll 30A by the transport operation of the label paper 3A. Transport in the direction.

  Then, in the transport operation for returning the label paper 3A, after a label leading edge detection signal is input, a predetermined amount of label paper 3A is returned, and if the label trailing edge detection signal is not input, the leading label 31A is set to a predetermined initial position. Judged as having been transported.

  In addition, the control device 100 performs control to convey the label 31A to a predetermined position, for example, a pasting standby position, based on the input of the label leading edge detection signal and the number of steps for driving the label feed motor 22M.

  Further, in the transport operation in which the label 31A is transported in the direction of being pulled out from the label roll 30A, the number of steps for driving the label feed motor 22M from when the label leading edge detection signal is input to when the label trailing edge detection signal is input. The length of the label 31A, which is label size information, is obtained.

  Alternatively, in the transport operation in which the label 31A is transported in the direction in which the label 31A is returned to the label roll 30A, the number of steps for driving the label feed motor 22M after the label trailing edge detection signal is input and before the label leading edge detection signal is input. The length of the label 31A is obtained.

  As described above, the length information of the label 31A is acquired by the control device 100 from the label leading edge detection signal and the label trailing edge detection signal input from the label edge sensor 24S and the transport operation of the label paper 3A.

  The control device 100 controls the pickup motor 52M to perform the feeding operation of the envelope 10. In addition, the control device 100 controls the feed motor 53M to perform the conveying operation of the envelope 10.

  A stepping motor is used as the pickup motor 52M, and the control apparatus 100 determines the transport amount of the envelope 10 by the number of steps for driving the pickup motor 52M. Further, a stepping motor is used as the feed motor 53M, and the control apparatus 100 determines the transport amount of the envelope 10 by the number of steps for driving the feed motor 53M.

  The control device 100 receives the envelope leading edge detection signal and the envelope trailing edge detection signal from the handing detection sensor 55S, and determines that the envelope 10 has been fed out by the feeding operation of the envelope 10 by inputting the envelope leading edge detection signal. To do. Further, when the envelope rear end detection signal is input, it is determined that the rear end of the envelope 10 has been transported to a predetermined position by the transport operation of the envelope 10.

  As a result, the control device 100 determines the envelope 10 that is the medium size information from the number of steps for driving the pickup motor 52M from the input of the envelope leading end detection signal to the envelope trailing end detection signal after the input of the envelope detection sensor 55S. Find the length of. Further, the control device 100 obtains the remaining length from the peeling / sticking position P2 to the rear end of the envelope 10 and determines whether or not the label 31A is stuck on the envelope 10.

  As described above, the length information of the envelope 10 is acquired by the control device 100 from the envelope leading end detection signal and the envelope trailing end detection signal input from the stir detection sensor 55S and the conveying operation of the envelope 10.

  The control device 100 receives the envelope leading edge detection signal from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S, and receives the envelope leading edge detection signal, thereby determining that the envelope 10 has been transported to a predetermined position by the transport operation of the envelope 10. .

  Furthermore, in the label leading edge detection operation, the control device 100 determines that the label 31A is reversely peeled when an input from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S becomes a label detection signal and the label detection signal is input.

  Thus, the control device 100 synchronizes with the conveyance operation of the label sheet 3A under the control of the label feed motor 22M from the input of the envelope leading edge detection signal from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S and the number of steps for driving the feed motor 53M. Control is performed so that the envelope 10 is conveyed and the label 31 </ b> A is attached to a predetermined application position of the envelope 10.

  The control device 100 receives a head position detection signal from the head lifting sensor 23S, and determines whether or not the thermal head 23 is at the printing position. Further, the control device 100 receives a printing unit open / close detection signal from the printing unit open / close sensor 102S, and determines whether the label processing unit 2A is open or closed.

  FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit, and FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a label attaching position guide. The operation unit 101 includes a pasting position adjustment dial 101a for designating the pasting position of the label 31A. The sticking position adjustment dial 101a is an example of a label sticking position information acquisition unit, and label sticking position information relating to the length from the end of the envelope 10 to the position where the label 31A is pasted is input.

  In this example, the label attaching position guide 120 shown in FIG. 16 is provided at a position where the apparatus main body 11 can be seen, and the length from the tip of the envelope 10 to the label attaching position is specified in the label attaching position guide 120. Position information 121 is shown. In the label sticking position guide 120, stickable range information 122 indicating the relationship between the size of the envelope 10 that can be set in the envelope stacker 4 and the stickable position of the label 31A is shown corresponding to the position information 121. .

  The position information scale 101b corresponding to the position information 121 of the label position guide 120 is shown on the position adjustment dial 101a, and the position position scale 101b is aligned with the desired position information scale 101b so Certain paste instruction position information is input to the control device 100. Then, by providing the labeling position guide 120 and indicating the pastable range information 122, if the pasting position is specified within the range of the possible range information 122 according to the size of the envelope 10, the label will fit inside the envelope 10. Thus, it becomes possible to affix the label 31A.

<Configuration example of label of this embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the label sheet 3A used in the label printing sticking machine 1A will be described with reference to FIG. The label sheet 3A is provided with a start end side label non-attachment area 35A to which the label 31A is not attached in a predetermined area on the start end side. The start end side label non-sticking area 35A is an area where reverse peeling of the label 31A occurs in the initialization operation when the label 31A is stuck.

  Therefore, the distance from the peeling plate 25 to the take-up reel 27, the amount of winding when the label paper 3A is set on the take-up reel 27, the transport amount of the label paper 3A in the return direction in the initialization operation, and the like are taken into consideration. Then, the start end side label non-sticking area 35A is set.

  That is, when the label paper 3A is set, if the label 31A is not adhered between the peeling plate 25 and the take-up reel 27, the label paper 3A passes through the peeling plate 25 even if it is transported in the returning direction. Since there is no label 31A to perform, reverse peeling of the label 31A does not occur.

  Further, the label sheet 3A is provided with a terminal side label non-sticking area 36A to which the label 31A is not attached in a predetermined area on the terminal side. The terminal side label non-sticking region 36A is a region where a label 31A that cannot be attached to the envelope 10 remains when all the label sheets 3A are pulled out from the label roll 30A.

  For this reason, in consideration of the distance from the label roll 30A set in the loading unit 20 to the peeling plate 25, the transport amount of the label paper 3A necessary for peeling and sticking of the label 31A, etc., the terminal side label non-sticking area 36A Is set.

  That is, when all the label sheets 3A are pulled out from the label roll 30A, if the label 31A is not pasted between the peeling plate 25 and the label roll 30A, all the printed labels 31A are pasted on the envelope 10. Can be attached.

<Example of operation of label printing sticker of first embodiment>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initialization operation of the label printing sticking machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a label printing / sticking operation of the label printing sticking machine according to the first embodiment. . FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are operation explanatory views showing an example of label printing / pasting operation. Next, with reference to each figure, operation | movement of 1 A of label printing stickers is demonstrated.

  First, the initialization operation will be described. The control device 100 executes an initialization operation when the power is turned on after the label is set. In the initialization operation, the control device 100 determines whether the label processing unit 2A is opened or closed based on the printing unit opening / closing detection signal input from the printing unit opening / closing sensor 102S in step SA1 in FIG.

  When determining that the label processing unit 2A is closed, the control device 100 determines whether or not the thermal head 23 is in the printing position based on the head position detection signal input from the head lifting sensor 23S in step SA2 in FIG. Determine whether.

  When determining that the thermal head 23 is not at the printing position, the control device 100 notifies that a thermal head 23 set error has occurred at step SA3 in FIG. When the control device 100 determines that the thermal head 23 is in the printing position, in step SA4 in FIG. 17, the presence / absence of the envelope leading edge detection signal input from the handing detection sensor 55S and the envelope input from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S are detected. Based on the presence or absence of the leading edge detection signal, it is determined whether or not a residue such as the envelope 10 is in the envelope conveyance path 5.

  When determining that the residue is in the envelope conveyance path 5, the control device 100 drives the feed motor 53M and discharges the residue in step SA5 of FIG. If it is determined in step SA6 in FIG. 17 that the residue remains in the envelope conveyance path 5 even after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the operation of discharging the residue has started, the step in FIG. In SA7, the drive of the feed motor 53M is stopped, and it is notified that a conveyance jam error has occurred. As the residue in the envelope conveyance path 5, in addition to the envelope 10, there may be a case where the peeled label 31 </ b> A remains stuck in the envelope conveyance path 5.

  When determining that there is no residue in the envelope conveyance path 5, the control device 100 performs a label leading edge detection operation in step SA8 in FIG. In the label leading edge detection operation, the control device 100 drives the label feed motor 22M to convey the label paper 3A in the direction to return it to the label roll 30A.

  In step SA9 of FIG. 17, in the label leading edge detection operation, the control device 100 uses the signal input from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S as a label detection signal, and reverse peeling of the label 31A occurs based on the presence or absence of the label detection signal. Determine whether or not.

  When determining that reverse peeling of the label 31A has occurred, the control device 100 stops driving the label feed motor 22M in step SA10 in FIG. 17 and notifies that a label jam error has occurred. In addition, by using the label sheet 3A provided with the start end side label non-sticking area 35A as shown in FIG. 6, if the label sheet 3A is set normally, the reverse peeling of the label 31A does not occur. However, if the label paper 3A is set incorrectly or a label paper that is being used is set, the label 31A may be peeled off by the initialization operation, so the presence or absence of the reverse peeling of the label 31A is detected. The processing to do is provided.

  In step SA11 in FIG. 17, the control apparatus 100 detects the leading edge of the label 31A with the label edge sensor 24S based on the presence or absence of the label leading edge detection signal input from the label edge sensor 24S in the transport operation for returning the label paper 3A. Determine if you did.

  When the label edge sensor 24S cannot detect the prior application of the label 31A within the predetermined waiting time in step SA12 in FIG. 17, the control device 100 determines that there is no label 31A and stops driving the label feed motor 22M. To notify that there is no label error.

  When the leading edge of the label 31A is detected by the label edge sensor 24S in the transport operation for returning the label paper 3A, the control device 100 drives the label feed motor 22M for a predetermined number of steps in step SA13 in FIG. The operation of returning 3A is continued. If the label trailing edge detection signal is not input, the control device 100 determines that the label 31A is the leading label 31A, and causes the label feed motor 22M to have a predetermined number of steps in the direction in which the label paper 3A is wound around the take-up reel 27. Driven, the leading end of the leading label 31A is conveyed to the printing position P1 shown in FIG.

  Next, label printing / pasting operation will be described. 19, 20, and 21, an example in which the distance L <b> 1 from the printing position P <b> 1 to the peeling / sticking position P <b> 2 described in FIG. 13 is twice the pitch L <b> 2 of the label 31 </ b> A will be described.

  In step SB1 in FIG. 18, the control device 100 performs the above-described initialization operation, and as shown in FIG. 19A, transports the leading end of the leading label 31A to the printing position P1, and operates the label printing pasting machine 1A. Set to the standby state.

  In step SB2 of FIG. 18, the control device 100 monitors whether or not various information related to printing such as print data, a print instruction, and the number of prints is input from the external input device 110.

  When the print information is input from the external input device 110, the control device 100 sets the value of the print number count value X for managing the number of prints to 1. In this example, the number of print data is N. Then, in step SB3 of FIG. 18, the control device 100 expands the Xth print data and performs a printing operation.

  The control device 100 drives the label feed motor 22M to rotate the platen roller 22, the label transport roller 26, and the take-up reel 27, and transports the label paper 3A in the direction in which the label paper 3A is taken up by the take-up reel 27. Further, the thermal head 23 is driven based on the developed print data, and printing is performed on the label 31A.

  In step SB4 of FIG. 18, the control device 100 determines the transport amount of the label paper 3A from the number of steps for driving the label feed motor 22M, and the leading end of the label 31A is peeled and pasted as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the position P2 has been reached.

  If the control device 100 determines that the tip of the label 31A has not reached the peeling / sticking position P2, the control device 100 determines in step SB5 in FIG.

  If the print sheet count value X is not equal to the print data number N, there is print data to be printed next, so the control apparatus 100 sets 1 to the print sheet count value X in step SB6 of FIG. Then, the process returns to step SB3 in FIG. 18, and the (X + 1) th print data is expanded and a printing operation is performed.

  If the print sheet count value X is equal to the print data number N, there is no print data to be printed next, so the control device 100 determines that the leading end of the label 31A is peeled / applied position P2 in step SB7 of FIG. The label paper 3A is transported until reaching.

  If the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / pasting position P2 is an integral multiple of the pitch L2 of the label 31A, when the leading end of the preceding label 31A reaches the peeling / pasting position P2, the label or The trailing edge of the second and subsequent labels 31A passes through the printing position P1, and the printing is completed. At the same time, the leading edge of the next label 31A reaches the printing position P1, and printing is possible.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19B, when the leading edge of the first label 31A reaches the peeling / sticking position P2, the trailing edge of the second label 31A passes through the printing position P1, and the number of print data N Is 2 or more, and printing is completed if printing is performed on the second label 31A. Further, if the leading edge of the third label 31A reaches the printing position P1, the number N of print data is 3 or more, and printing is performed on the third label 31A, printing is possible.

  When the leading end of the label 31A reaches the peeling / sticking position P2, the control device 100 stops driving the label feed motor 22M to stop the conveyance of the label paper 3A, and also feeds the envelope 10 in step SB8 in FIG. I do. That is, the control device 100 drives the pickup motor 52M to rotate the pickup rollers 51a and 51b and the transport roller 52a, and also drives the feed motor 53M to rotate the transport roller 53a and the discharge roller 54a, thereby causing the envelope stacker 4 to move. The lowest one of the set envelopes 10 is fed out by the pickup roller 51a.

  The envelope 10 fed out by the pickup roller 51a is sandwiched between the conveying roller 52a and the separating roller 52b and is conveyed by the conveying roller 52a. When two or more envelopes 10 are unwound, the lowest one that is pressed by the conveying roller 52a is conveyed, and the second and subsequent envelopes 10 are separated by the separating roller 52b.

  In step SB9 of FIG. 18, the control device 100 determines whether the envelope detection sensor 55S has detected the envelope 10 based on the presence / absence of the envelope tip detection signal input from the detection sensor 55S. When the envelope 10 is not detected by the detection sensor 55S within a predetermined waiting time, the control device 100 determines that there is no envelope 10, and stops the driving of the pickup motor 52M and the feed motor 53M in step SB10 of FIG. To notify that there is no envelope error.

  When the envelope leading end detection signal is input from the stir detection sensor 55S, the control device 100 conveys the envelope 10 to the sticking instruction position in step SB11 of FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. 20 (a).

  That is, when an envelope leading edge detection signal is input from the whirl detection sensor 55S, the control device 100 stops driving the pickup motor 52M, and the envelope 10 separated into one sheet by the transport roller 52a and the whirl roller 52b is transported by the transport roller. It is nipped between 53a and driven roller 53b and conveyed. When the rear end of the lowermost envelope 10 passes through the pickup roller 51b, the pickup roller 51b and the pickup roller 51a are stopped from rotating, so that the second and subsequent envelopes 10 are moved to the first sheet. It is prevented that the envelope 10 is pulled out and fed out.

  The control device 100 determines whether the envelope tip detection sensor 56S has detected the envelope 10 based on the presence / absence of an envelope tip detection signal input from the envelope tip detection sensor 56S. When an envelope leading edge detection signal is input from the envelope leading edge detection sensor 56S, the control device 100 determines the transport amount of the envelope 10 from the number of steps for driving the feed motor 53M, and designates it with the pasting position adjustment dial 101a shown in FIG. Based on the pasting instruction position information, the envelope 10 is conveyed to the pasting instruction position.

  When the envelope 10 is conveyed to the sticking instruction position, the control device 100 determines whether the print sheet count value X is equal to or greater than the print data number N in step SB12 of FIG.

  If the print sheet count value X is smaller than the print data number N, the control apparatus 100 has print data to be printed next. Therefore, in step SB13 of FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. The 22M drive is resumed, the label paper 3A is conveyed, and the Xth print data is printed on the subsequent label 31A. In addition, the leading label 31A is peeled off by the peeling plate 25, and the envelope 10 is conveyed and attached to the envelope 10 in step SB14 of FIG.

  If the print sheet count value X is equal to or greater than the print data number N, the control apparatus 100 has no print data to be printed next, and therefore, in step SB15 of FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. The driving of the motor 22M is resumed, and the label paper 3A is conveyed without printing on the subsequent label 31A. By transporting the label paper 3A, the leading label 31A is peeled off by the peeling plate 25, and the envelope 10 is transported and attached to the envelope 10 in step SB14 of FIG.

  When the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / sticking position P2 is an integer multiple of the pitch L2 of the label 31A, the leading end of the preceding label 31A has reached the peeling / sticking position P2, The leading edge of the second and subsequent labels 31A has reached the printing position P1, and printing is performed from the predetermined leading position of the second and subsequent labels 31A at the same timing as the preceding label 31A peeling / sticking operation. Can do.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, when the leading edge of the first label 31A reaches the peeling / sticking position P2, the leading edge of the third label 31A reaches the printing position P1, If the number N of print data is 3 or more and printing is to be performed on the third label 31A, the predetermined number of the third label 31A is determined at the same timing as the peeling / sticking operation of the first label 31A. Printing can be performed from the top position.

  In step SB16 of FIG. 18, the control device 100 determines whether or not the envelope 10 has been discharged based on the presence or absence of an envelope discharge detection signal input from an envelope discharge detection sensor (not shown). If the discharge of the envelope 10 cannot be detected within a predetermined waiting time, the control device 100 stops the drive of the feed motor 53M in step SB17 of FIG. 18 and notifies that there is an envelope discharge error.

  When determining that the envelope 10 has been discharged, the control device 100 determines whether there is a printed label 31A in step SB18 of FIG. When there is a printed label 31A, 1 is added to the value of the printed sheet count value X in step SB19 in FIG. 18, and the process returns to step SB8 in FIG. 18, and the feeding operation of the envelope 10 and the separation / sticking of the label 31A are performed. Perform the action.

  When there is no printed label 31A, the control device 100 drives the label feed motor 22M for a predetermined number of steps to return the predetermined amount of label paper 3A in step SB20 of FIG. ), The leading end of the unprinted label 31A is transported to the printing position P1 and enters an operation standby state.

  As described above, the label printing and pasting machine 1A performs only the printing operation on the label 31A at the start of the label printing and pasting operation. If the distance L1 from the printing position P1 to the peeling / pasting position P2 is an integer multiple of the pitch L2 of the label 31A, when the preceding label 31A is transported to the peeling / pasting position P2, the second and subsequent sheets The leading end of the label 31A reaches the printing position P1.

  At the end of printing after the printing of the designated number of data on the label 31A is completed, the label 31A is peeled and pasted, and after the stripping and pasting operation is finished, the printing position P1 is not passed. The printing label 31A is returned to the printing position P1.

  When the leading edge of the preceding label reaches the peeling / sticking position, the positional relationship is such that the second and subsequent labels are in the middle of the printing position. If the printing of the second and subsequent labels is continued, the leading edge of the preceding label reaches the peeling / applying position and the conveyance of the label is stopped, so that the printing of the second and subsequent labels is stopped halfway.

  When resuming printing for a label that is in the middle of printing, it is necessary to perform control to eliminate printing shading before and after resuming printing, and control corresponding to white spots in printing, which places a burden on processing and causes uneven printing. White spots cannot be eliminated.

  Also, in order not to stop the printing of the label halfway, if the printing of the second and subsequent labels is stopped while the preceding label is transported to the peeling / applying position, the preceding label is peeled / applied. The second and subsequent labels cannot be printed at the same time. Then, after the preceding label peeling / sticking operation, an operation of returning the unprinted label to the printing position and restarting the printing is necessary, which increases the processing time.

  On the other hand, in the label printing and pasting machine 1A, the preceding label 31A can be peeled off and the label 10A can be printed on the envelope 10 at the same time, and the second and subsequent labels 31A can be printed, reducing the overall processing time. it can. Further, since the operation of returning the label sheet 3A is not required during the printing of the label 31A and the peeling / sticking operation, the entire processing time can be shortened. Furthermore, since printing on the label 31A does not stop halfway, printing unevenness and white spots do not occur.

  In addition, after the peeling and pasting operation of the predetermined number of labels 31A, the unprinted label 31A passing through the printing position P1 is returned to the printing position P1, so that the label 31A is not wasted.

  The present invention can be applied to a label printer that prints a label and attaches the label to a medium such as an envelope or a postcard.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Label printing sticking machine, 10 ... Envelope, 2 ... Label processing unit, 20 ... Loading part, 20d ... Mounting plate, 20e ... 1st mounting hole part, 20f. ..Second mounting hole portion, 21b ... original winding side conveyance path, 21c ... winding side conveyance path, 22 ... platen roller, 23 ... thermal head, 24S ... label edge sensor 25 ... peeling plate, 25a ... mounting hole, 28A ... label guide, 28b ... original winding side guide, 28c ... winding side guide, 28d ... first Attachment convex part, 28e ... 2nd attachment convex part, 29A ... peeling guide, 29b ... label guide before peeling, 29c ... label guide after peeling, 3A ... label paper, 30A ...・ Label roll, 31A ... label, 32A ... peel Paper, 4 ... Envelope stacker, 41 ... Envelope guide, 5 ... Envelope transport path, 51a ... Pickup roller, 52a ... Rolling roller, 53a ... Transport roller, 54a ... Discharge Roller, 54b... Application roller, 55S... Detection sensor, 56S.

Claims (4)

Label transport means for transporting the label paper drawn from the label roll;
Printing means for printing on the label of the label paper conveyed by the label conveying means;
Peeling means for peeling the label from the label paper conveyed by the label conveying means;
Medium setting means on which a medium to which a label is attached is set;
A medium conveying means for conveying the medium set in the medium setting means, and affixing the label peeled off by the peeling means to the medium in cooperation with the label conveying means;
The label printing sticking machine, wherein a distance from a printing position by the printing means to a peeling / sticking position by the peeling means is an integral multiple of a label pitch. The operation of transporting the preceding printed label to the peeling / applying position and the end of the printing operation of the same label or subsequent labels are performed at a synchronized timing,
It is equipped with a control means that synchronizes the operation of applying the printed label that has been transported to the peeling / applying position to the medium and the printing operation of the next and subsequent labels that have been transported to the printing position. The label printing applicator according to claim 1. The control means, at the start of label printing / pasting operation, performs label printing and label conveyance according to the set number of prints until the preceding printed label is conveyed to the peeling / pasting position,
When the printed label is transported to the peeling / applying position, the printing operation of the label or the subsequent label is finished, and the medium is transported to the attaching position.
3. The label printing operation after the next level is performed at a synchronized timing if there is data to be printed next in accordance with the operation of pasting the printed label on the medium and the set number of prints. Label printing machine. When there is no data to be printed on the label, the control means performs the operation of pasting the preceding printed label on the medium without performing the printing operation of the next and subsequent labels,
The label printing sticking machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the pasting operation of all the printed labels on the medium is completed, the unprinted label conveyed to the peeling / pasting position is returned to the printing position.

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