JP2016064541A - Label creation method in label creation device and label creation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label creation method in a label creation device capable of performing printing on a medium corresponding to a processing position in the medium even when the medium where an eye mark is not formed beforehand is used.SOLUTION: A label creation method in a label creation device executes steps of: performing laser processing in a processing region R1 with respect to a medium 100 fed from the processing region R1 where the laser processing is performed with respect to the medium 100 toward a printing region R2 where printing is performed with respect to the medium 100; detecting a processing position P where the laser processing is performed in the medium 100; and performing the printing with respect to the medium 100 in the printing region R2 after detecting the processing position P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a label producing method and a label producing apparatus in a label producing apparatus that performs laser processing and printing on a medium.

  Conventionally, laser processing is performed in the processing area from the processing area where laser processing is performed on the label continuum to the printing area where printing is performed on the label continuum, and printing is performed. 2. Description of the Related Art Label manufacturing apparatuses that perform printing on a continuous label in a region are known. This label manufacturing apparatus detects an eye mark previously formed on a label continuous body upstream of the processing area and the printing area. The label manufacturing apparatus determines the cut position and the print position based on the detected position of the eye mark (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-226313 A

The inventor has found the following problems.
When the label producing apparatus is configured to determine the processing position and the printing position in the medium by detecting the eye mark formed in advance on the medium as in the conventional label manufacturing apparatus, the eye mark is formed in advance. When no media is used, printing cannot be performed on the media according to the processing position on the media.

  The present invention provides a label producing method and a label producing apparatus in a label producing apparatus capable of printing on a medium according to a processing position on the medium even when a medium on which an eye mark is not formed in advance is used. It is an issue.

  The label producing method in the label producing apparatus of the present invention is a method of performing laser machining in a machining area on a medium sent from a machining area where laser machining is performed to the medium to a printing area where printing is performed on the medium. And a step of detecting a processing position at which laser processing has been performed on the medium, and a step of performing printing on the medium in the printing area after detecting the processing position.

  The label producing apparatus of the present invention includes a media feeding unit that sends media from a processing area where laser processing is performed to a medium to a printing area where printing is performed on the media, and a laser for the media in the processing area. A laser processing unit that performs processing, a detection unit that detects a processing position where laser processing has been performed on the medium, and a printing unit that performs printing on the medium in the printing region after the processing position is detected It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the label producing apparatus performs printing on the medium based on the detection of the processing position. Therefore, the label producing apparatus can print on the medium according to the processing position on the medium even when the medium on which the eye mark is not formed is used.

  In the label producing method in the above label producing apparatus, in the step of performing laser processing on the medium, in the step of forming a cut line as an outline of the label piece on the medium and printing on the medium, at least the label piece It is preferable to apply ink to the peripheral portion.

When the label making device forms a cut line on the media by laser processing, the cross-sectional shape is open to the laser beam irradiation side on both sides of the cut line due to the intensity distribution of the laser beam. An inclined surface (hereinafter referred to as “peripheral inclined surface”) is formed on the medium. When the label producing apparatus performs laser processing after applying ink to the medium, ink is not applied to the peripheral slope. For this reason, the label producing apparatus cannot produce a label piece whose peripheral part is colored.
On the other hand, according to the present configuration, after the cut line is formed, the label producing apparatus applies ink to the peripheral portion of the label piece, that is, the peripheral inclined surface. Thereby, the peripheral slope is colored with ink. Therefore, the label producing apparatus can produce a label piece whose peripheral part is colored.

  In this case, in the step of performing laser processing on the medium, it is preferable that the detection mark is formed on the medium together with the cut line, and the detection mark is detected in the step of detecting the processing position.

  According to this configuration, the label producing apparatus can detect the processing position by detecting the detection mark.

  In this case, in the step of performing laser processing on the medium, it is preferable to change the intensity of the laser beam for forming the detection mark on the medium according to the material of the medium.

  According to this configuration, the detection mark can be appropriately formed according to the material of the medium.

  In this case, in the step of performing laser processing on the media, in order to cut the label continuum and not cut the liner with respect to the media including the label continuum and the liner attached to the label continuum, It is preferable to form a cut line.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the label piece formed by laser processing from being detached from the medium while being sent from the processing area to the printing area.

  In this case, the steps of acquiring print data and processing the print data so as to increase the print density of the peripheral portion of the label piece are further processed in the step of printing on the medium. It is preferable to apply ink to the media based on the print data.

When the peripheral slope formed by laser processing is not as good as the printed surface of the media, and the label creation device applies ink according to the original print data, printing the peripheral slope, that is, the peripheral edge of the label piece The concentration will be lower than expected.
On the other hand, according to this configuration, the label producing apparatus applies ink to the medium based on the print data processed so that the print density of the peripheral portion of the label piece increases. For this reason, the label producing apparatus can color the peripheral portion of the label piece with an appropriate printing density even when the peripheral inclined surface is poorly loaded with ink as compared with the printing surface of the medium.

  In this case, after the step of performing laser processing on the medium and before the step of performing printing on the medium, a precoat liquid for forming a precoat layer for receiving ink is applied to at least the peripheral portion of the label piece. It is preferable to do.

When the label producing apparatus performs laser processing on the media on which the precoat layer is formed, the precoat layer is removed on the peripheral slope formed by laser processing, that is, the peripheral portion of the label piece. For this reason, the label producing apparatus applies ink to the peripheral portion of the label piece without the precoat layer. In the region without the precoat layer, the ink is poorly placed, and thus the peripheral portion of the label piece is not appropriately colored.
On the other hand, according to the present configuration, the label producing apparatus applies the precoat liquid to at least the peripheral portion of the label piece after laser processing. For this reason, the label producing apparatus applies ink with the precoat layer formed on the peripheral edge of the label piece. Therefore, the label producing apparatus can appropriately color the peripheral portion of the label piece.

  In this case, in the step of detecting the processing position, the passage of the processing position accompanying the feeding of the media is detected, and the step of printing on the media is executed after stopping the feeding of the media based on the detection of the passing of the processing position. It is preferable to do.

  According to this configuration, the label producing apparatus performs printing on the medium after stopping the feeding of the medium based on the passage detection of the processing position. Thereby, the label producing apparatus can perform printing on the medium according to the processing position.

It is a block diagram of the label production apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of a laser processing part. It is a perspective view of a dregs raising part. It is a control block diagram of a label production apparatus. It is process drawing which produces the printed label in a label production apparatus, (a) is before a laser processing process, (b) is a laser processing process, (c) is before detection of a detection mark, (d) is detection of a detection mark. Later, (e) shows a printing process. It is sectional drawing of the media in which the cut line was formed by the label production apparatus, (a) before the laser processing step, (b) the laser processing step, (c) before the detection mark detection, (d) the detection mark (E) is a figure which shows the medium in a printing process after detecting this. It is process drawing which produces a printed label in the label production apparatus which concerns on related technology, (a) is before a printing process, (b) is a printing process, (c) shows a laser processing process. It is sectional drawing of the media in which the cut line was formed by the label production apparatus which concerns on related technology, (a) is a figure before a printing process, (b) is a printing process, (c) is a figure which shows the medium in a laser processing process. . It is a control block diagram of the label production apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the procedure which processes print data in the label production apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a control block diagram of the label production apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is process drawing which produces the printed label in the label production apparatus which concerns on a modification, (c) is before detection of a detection mark, (d) is after detection of a detection mark, (e) is a precoat liquid provision process, (f ) Indicates a printing process. It is sectional drawing of the media in which the cut line was formed by the label production apparatus which concerns on a modification, (a) is before a laser processing process, (b) is a laser processing process, (c) is a precoat liquid provision process, (d). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a medium in a printing process. It is process drawing which produces a printed label in the label production apparatus which concerns on related technology, (a) is pre-coat liquid provision application, (b) is pre-coat liquid application process, (c) is a laser processing process, (d) is printing The process is shown. It is sectional drawing of the media in which the cut line was formed by the label production apparatus which concerns on related technology, (a) is before a precoat liquid provision, (b) is a precoat liquid application process, (c) is a laser processing process, (d) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a medium in a printing process. It is sectional drawing of the medium in which the cut line was formed with the label production apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the modification of the provision method of a precoat liquid. FIG. 2A is a photograph of a medium on which a cut line is formed, in which FIG. 3A is a photograph of the area around the cut line taken from the printing surface side, and FIG.

  Hereinafter, a label producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The label producing apparatus of the present embodiment produces a printed label by performing printing after laser processing on a medium to be supplied and removed by a roll-to-roll method.

First, the media will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the medium 100 is a long belt-like sheet. The medium 100 includes a label continuous body 101 and a liner 102. The liner 102 is detachably attached to the attaching surface of the label continuous body 101. The medium 100 is set in the label producing apparatus 1 as a label roll 100R wound in a roll shape with the label continuous body 101 outside. The material of the label continuous body 101 is not particularly limited, and various materials such as paper and resin film can be used.

Next, the label producing apparatus 1 will be described.
The label producing device 1 includes a laser processing device 2 and a printing device 3. The laser processing device 2 is provided with a processing side feed mechanism 4, and the printing device 3 is provided with a print side feed mechanism 5. The processing-side feed mechanism 4 and the print-side feed mechanism 5 constitute a media feed unit 6 that feeds the media 100 in a roll-to-roll manner. A buffer unit 7 is provided between the laser processing device 2 and the printing device 3. In the buffer unit 7, the medium 100 sent out from the laser processing apparatus 2 is temporarily stored.

  The processing side feed mechanism 4 includes, in order from the upstream side, a feeding shaft 11, a processing side S-shaped roller group 12, a processing side first roller pair 13, a processing side second roller pair 14, and a processing side dancer roller 15. The processing side third roller pair 16 and the processing side fourth roller pair 17 are provided.

  The feeding shaft 11 rotates so that the medium 100 is fed from the set label roll 100R. The processing-side S-shaped roller group 12 forms a substantially “S” -shaped feed path. Thereby, the medium 100 is given rigidity. A guide (not shown) for regulating the media 100 in the width direction is provided on the side of the processing side S-shaped roller group 12. The processing side first roller pair 13 and the processing side second roller pair 14 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the laser processing unit 32 described later, respectively. Between the processing side first roller pair 13 and the processing side second roller pair 14 is a processing region R <b> 1 where the laser processing is performed on the medium 100. A processing-side dancer roller 15 provided between the processing-side second roller pair 14 and the processing-side third roller pair 16 applies a certain tension to the medium 100. The processing-side fourth roller pair 17 sends out the medium 100 toward the printing apparatus 3 side. The buffer portion 7 is between the processing-side fourth roller pair 17 and a printing-side guide roller 21 described later.

  The feeding shaft 11, the processing side first roller pair 13, the processing side second roller pair 14, and the processing side fourth roller pair 17 are rotationally driven by driving units (not shown) provided individually. On the other hand, the processing-side S-shaped roller group 12, the processing-side dancer roller 15, and the processing-side third roller pair 16 are driven to rotate according to the feeding of the media 100.

  In the processing-side feed mechanism 4 configured as described above, when the laser processing for the unit region with respect to the medium 100 is completed in the processing region R1, the feeding shaft 11, the processing-side first roller pair 13, the processing-side second roller pair 14, and The processing-side fourth roller pair 17 rotates substantially synchronously. As a result, the medium 100 is sent out from the laser processing apparatus 2 to the buffer unit 7 by a unit area.

  The printing-side feed mechanism 5 includes a printing-side guide roller 21, a printing-side first roller pair 22, a printing-side first dancer roller 23, a printing-side second roller pair 24, and a detour forming roller in order from the upstream side. A group 25, a printing side third roller pair 26, a printing side second dancer roller 27, a printing side S-shaped roller group 28, a printing side fourth roller pair 29, and a winding shaft 31 are provided.

  The printing-side guide roller 21 guides the medium 100 fed from the buffer unit 7 to the printing-side first roller pair 22. The printing-side first dancer roller 23 provided between the printing-side first roller pair 22 and the printing-side second roller pair 24 applies a certain tension to the medium 100. A printing region R <b> 2 where printing is performed on the medium 100 is between the printing-side second roller pair 24 and the most upstream roller of the detour forming roller group 25, that is, above a platen 33 described later. The medium 100 to which the ink A (see FIG. 5) is applied by the printing unit 34 on the platen 33 is dried by a drying furnace (not shown) while traveling on the detour formed by the detour formation roller group 25. The printing-side second dancer roller 27 provided between the printing-side third roller pair 26 and the printing-side S-shaped roller group 28 applies a certain tension to the medium 100. The printing-side S-shaped roller group 28 imparts rigidity to the medium 100 as in the processing-side S-shaped roller group 12, and a guide is provided on the side of the printing-side S-shaped roller group 28. The printing-side fourth roller pair 29 guides the medium 100 sent from the printing-side S-shaped roller group 28 to the winding shaft 31. The take-up shaft 31 takes up the medium 100 fed through the printing-side fourth roller pair 29 in a roll shape.

  The printing-side second roller pair 24, the printing-side third roller pair 26, and the winding shaft 31 are rotationally driven by driving units (not shown) provided individually. On the other hand, the printing side guide roller 21, the printing side first roller pair 22, the printing side first dancer roller 23, the detour forming roller group 25, the printing side second dancer roller 27, the printing side S-shaped roller group 28 and the printing side first The four-roller pair 29 rotates following the feeding of the medium 100.

In the printing-side feed mechanism 5 configured as described above, when printing for a unit area on the medium 100 is completed in the printing area R2, the printing-side second roller pair 24, the printing-side third roller pair 26, and the winding shaft 31 are Rotates approximately synchronously. As a result, the medium 100 is sent from the buffer unit 7 to the printing apparatus 3 for the unit area.
Note that the slack of the medium 100 caused by the difference between the feed amount of the medium 100 in the laser processing apparatus 2 and the feed amount of the medium 100 in the laser processing apparatus 2 is absorbed by the buffer unit 7.

  The laser processing apparatus 2 includes a laser processing unit 32 and the processing side feed mechanism 4 described above.

  The laser processing unit 32 performs laser processing on the medium 100 by irradiating the medium 100 with laser light from the printing surface 100a side in the processing region R1. That is, the laser processing unit 32 forms a cut line 103 that is an outline of the label piece 104 and a rectangular detection mark 112 detected by the detection unit 35 described later on the medium 100 (see FIG. 5). The detection mark 112 is formed at a predetermined position with respect to the cut line 103, more specifically, at a location that becomes the label residue 105 (see FIG. 3). The position where the laser processing is performed on the medium 100, that is, the position where the cut line 103 and the detection mark 112 are formed is referred to as a processing position P (see FIG. 5).

  When forming the cut line 103 on the medium 100, the laser processing unit 32 performs a half cut on the medium 100, that is, cuts the label continuous body 101 and does not cut the liner 102. On the other hand, when the detection mark 112 is formed on the medium 100, the laser processing unit 32 weakens the intensity of the laser light as compared with the case where the cut line 103 is formed. Thereby, when the material of the label continuum 101 is paper, the label continuum 101 is burnt, and when the material of the label continuum 101 is a resin film, the label continuum 101 is discolored. The burned or discolored portion becomes the detection mark 112.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the laser processing unit 32 scans the medium 100 with laser light by a galvano method. The laser processing unit 32 includes an oscillator 41, a first lens 42, a second lens 43, a first mirror 44, a second mirror 45, a first lens moving unit 46, a first motor 47, and a second motor. And a motor 48.

  The oscillator 41 oscillates laser light. As the oscillator 41, a carbon dioxide laser, a YAG laser, or the like can be used. The laser beam emitted from the oscillator 41 has its beam diameter expanded by the first lens 42 and is incident on the second lens 43. The second lens 43 emits laser light so that the laser light converges on one point on the medium 100. The laser light emitted from the second lens 43 is reflected by the first mirror 44 and the second mirror 45 and is applied to the medium 100.

  The first lens moving unit 46 moves the first lens 42 along the optical axis of the laser light. Thereby, the distance between the 1st lens 42 and the 2nd lens 43 changes, and the focal distance of a laser beam can be adjusted. The first lens moving unit 46 includes, for example, a stepping motor as a drive source.

  The first motor 47 rotates the first mirror 44 and changes its angle. The second motor 48 rotates the second mirror 45 and changes its angle. As the first motor 47 and the second motor 48, for example, a stepping motor can be used. The laser processing unit 32 changes the angles of the first mirror 44 and the second mirror 45 to cause the medium 100 to scan the laser beam two-dimensionally. Note that laser light may be scanned by an XY plotter method instead of the galvano method.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 3 includes a platen 33, a printing unit 34, a detection unit 35, a dregs raising unit 36, and the printing side feeding mechanism 5 described above.

  The upper surface of the platen 33 is a print region R <b> 2 where printing is performed on the medium 100. A plurality of suction holes (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the platen 33 so as to communicate with the suction fan 37. The suction fan 37 is driven when the printing side feed mechanism 5 is stopped. As a result, the medium 100 is attracted to the upper surface of the platen 33, and the medium 100 is brought into a stationary state. On the other hand, the suction fan 37 is stopped when the printing-side feed mechanism 5 is operating. Thereby, the suction of the medium 100 to the upper surface of the platen 33 is released, and the feeding of the medium 100 is allowed.

  The printing unit 34 applies ink A to the medium 100 adsorbed on the upper surface of the platen 33. The printing unit 34 includes a carriage 51, an X-axis table 52, and a Y-axis table (not shown). A plurality of recording heads 54 are mounted on the carriage 51. The recording head 54 ejects, for example, CMYK four-color ink A. As the recording head 54, an ink jet head can be suitably used. The X-axis table 52 moves the carriage 51 in the X-axis direction that is the feeding direction of the medium 100. The Y-axis table is mounted on the X-axis table 52, and moves the carriage 51 in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane.

  The printing unit 34 configured in this manner is configured such that the recording head 54 mounted on the carriage 51 moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the X-axis table 52 and the Y-axis table and is attracted to the platen 33. An image is printed on the medium 100 by ejecting the ink A onto the print surface 100a of 100.

  The detection unit 35 is provided on the upstream side of the printing unit 34. The detection unit 35 detects the passage of the detection mark 112 formed by the laser processing unit 32 and outputs the detection result to the controller 60 described later. As the detection unit 35, for example, a photo interrupter can be used.

  The residue raising portion 36 is provided above the printing side S-shaped roller group 28. The residue raising portion 36 includes a residue raising roller 38 and a residue raising shaft 39. The label residue 105 (see FIG. 3) is peeled from the liner 102 by the residue raising roller 38. The peeled label residue 105 is wound around the residue raising shaft 39.

  A control system of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label producing apparatus 1 includes a controller 60 in addition to the media feeding unit 6, the laser processing unit 32, the printing unit 34, and the detection unit 35.

  The controller 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown). The CPU of the controller 60 loads a program from the ROM and executes it using the RAM, and controls the overall operation of the label producing apparatus 1.

  The controller 60 includes a data acquisition unit 61, a cut data processing unit 68, a main control unit 62, a feed control unit 63, a processing control unit 64, and a print control unit 65. At least a part of these functional units is realized by executing a predetermined program by the controller 60.

  The data acquisition unit 61 acquires cut data and print data. The cut data is for forming a star-shaped cut line 103 (see FIG. 5B). The print data is for applying ink A in the shape of a star with the same shape and size as the cut line 103, that is, for printing (see FIG. 5E). The cut data is processed to a state where it can be used by the laser processing unit 32. Similarly, the print data is processed to a state where it can be used by the printing unit 34 after being subjected to halftone processing or the like.

  The cut data processing unit 68 processes the cut data so that the detection mark 112 is formed at a predetermined position with respect to the cut line 103 (see FIG. 5B).

  The main control unit 62 controls the feed control unit 63, the processing control unit 64, and the print control unit 65 so that the number of printed labels 106 is created by the number designated by the user.

  The feed control unit 63 controls the processing-side feed mechanism 4 so that the medium 100 for the unit area is fed after the laser processing is performed on the medium 100. The feed control unit 63 controls the print-side feed mechanism 5 so that the medium 100 is fed until the detection mark 112 is detected by the detection unit 35 after printing on the medium 100. In other words, when receiving a voltage change accompanying the passage of the detection mark 112 from the detection unit 35, the feed control unit 63 controls the printing-side feed mechanism 5 so as to stop the feeding of the medium 100 after a predetermined time. Since the detection mark 112 is formed for each unit area, the feeding control unit 63 controls the feeding of the medium 100 based on the detection of the detection mark 112, so that the medium 100 for the unit area is sent.

  The processing control unit 64 controls the laser processing unit 32 based on the cut data. The print control unit 65 controls the printing unit 34 based on the print data.

  With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the order in which the label creating apparatus 1 creates the printed label 106 on the medium 100 will be described more specifically. Here, the label continuous body 101 has a single-layer structure (see FIG. 6), but the label continuous body 101 may have a laminated structure as described later.

  In the laser processing apparatus 2, when the production of the printed label 106 is started, as shown in FIG. 5A, the medium 100 that has not been subjected to laser processing is fed into the processing region R <b> 1. To do. In the laser processing apparatus 2, when the creation of the printed label 106 is started, the laser processing unit 32 performs laser processing on the medium 100 in the processing region R1, as shown in FIG. 5B. As a result, the cut line 103 and the detection mark 112 that form the outline of the label piece 104 are formed on the medium 100. At this time, on both sides of the cut line 103, due to the intensity distribution of the laser light, the peripheral slope 101a having a substantially “V” shape with a cross-sectional shape opened on the laser light irradiation side, that is, the printing surface 100a side is labeled. It forms in the continuous body 101 (refer FIG.6 (b)). Thereafter, in the laser processing apparatus 2, the processing-side feed mechanism 4 sends the medium 100 by the unit area. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5A, the medium 100 that has not been subjected to laser processing is again fed into the processing region R1. The laser processing apparatus 2 performs each of the above operations, that is, feeding of the medium 100 (see FIG. 5A) and laser processing (see FIG. 5) until the number of printed labels 106 specified by the user is created. 5 (b)) is repeated.

  On the other hand, in the printing apparatus 3, at the time when the production of the printed label 106 is started, as shown in FIG. 5C, the medium 100 that has not been subjected to laser processing is sent to the platen 33. To do. In the printing apparatus 3, when the production of the printed label 106 is started, as shown in FIG. 5D, the printing side feeding mechanism 5 sends the medium 100 until the detection mark 112 is detected by the detection unit 35. As a result, the medium 100 that has been subjected to laser processing is fed into the platen 33. At this time, the detection mark 112 is located at a predetermined position on the platen 33. Subsequently, in the printing apparatus 3, as illustrated in FIG. 5E, the printing unit 34 applies ink A to the medium 100 adsorbed on the platen 33. As a result, a printed label 106 is created. Here, as described above, since the print data is for applying the ink A in the same star shape as the cut line 103, the ink A is applied to the label piece 104 including its peripheral portion. Is done. That is, the ink A is also applied to the peripheral slope 101a formed by laser irradiation (see FIG. 6C).

Subsequently, in the printing apparatus 3, the printing side feeding mechanism 5 feeds the medium 100 until the next detection mark 112 is detected by the detection unit 35. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5D, the medium 100 that has not been subjected to laser processing is again fed into the platen 33. The printing apparatus 3 performs each of the above operations, that is, feeding the medium 100 (see FIG. 5D) and applying ink A to the medium 100 until the number of printed labels 106 specified by the user is created (see FIG. 5D). (See FIG. 5E).
In addition, each operation | movement (refer Fig.5 (a)-(b)) by the laser processing apparatus 2 and each operation | movement (refer FIG.5 (c)-(e)) by the printing apparatus 3 are performed in parallel.

  As described above, the label producing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing on the medium 100 based on the detection of the detection mark 112. Therefore, the label producing apparatus 1 can perform printing on the medium 100 according to the processing position P on the medium 100 even when the medium 100 on which the eye mark is not formed in advance is used. That is, the label producing apparatus 1 can form a print image having the same shape as that of the cut line 103 (label piece 104) on the medium 100. For this reason, the ink A can be appropriately applied also to the peripheral portion of the label piece 104.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, unlike the present embodiment, the label producing apparatus 1 does not include the laser processing apparatus 2, and instead, the laser processing unit 32 is provided in the printing apparatus 3. A case where laser cut is performed (see FIG. 7C) after ink A is applied to the medium 100 on the platen 33 (see FIG. 7B) will be described. In this case, the ink A is not applied to the peripheral slope 101a created by laser irradiation (see FIG. 8C). For this reason, the label producing apparatus 1 cannot produce the label piece 104 whose peripheral portion is colored. In other words, when the user observes the printed label 106 from the side of the printing surface 100a, the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 is formed by laser irradiation instead of the color of the ink A applied to the printing surface 100a. The peripheral slope 101a, that is, the color of the label continuous body 101 itself can be seen. For example, when the color of the label continuous body 101 itself is white, a white edge 109 is generated in the printed label 106 that has been created (see FIG. 7C).

This will be described more specifically with reference to the photograph shown in FIG.
The photograph shown in FIG. 17 is a photograph of the medium 100 on which the cut line 103 is formed by irradiating the medium 100 with the printing surface 100a colored with the blue ink A in advance from the printing surface 100a side. They are a photograph (see FIG. 17A) taken around the cut line 103 from the printing surface 100a side, and a cross-sectional photograph of the medium 100 around the cut line 103 (see FIG. 17B). As the continuous label body 101, a resin film type (trade name “YUPO 80 (UV)”, Lintec Corporation) was used (“YUPO” is a registered trademark).
In addition, the figure which showed the photograph shown in FIG. 17 in the color is submitted by the property submission form. Please refer to the property submission form as necessary.

  As can be seen from FIG. 17, when the medium 100 is irradiated with laser light from the printing surface 100 a side, bulges 113 projecting from the printing surface 100 a side are formed along the cutting line 103 on both sides of the cutting line 103. The Further, on both sides of the cut line 103, a peripheral slope 101a having a substantially “V” shape whose cross-sectional shape is open on the printing surface 100a side is formed. The peripheral slope 101a exhibits the color of the label continuous body 101 itself (here, white).

  On the other hand, as described above, the label producing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs laser cutting on the medium 100 and then the peripheral portion of the label piece 104, that is, the peripheral inclined surface 101a formed by laser irradiation. Ink A is applied. Thereby, the peripheral slope 101a is colored with the ink A. Therefore, the label producing apparatus 1 can produce the label piece 104 whose peripheral portion is colored.

  The label producing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment detects the processing position P by detecting the detection mark 112. For this reason, the label producing apparatus 1 can use a simple configuration such as a photo interrupter as the detection unit 35.

  In the label producing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the laser processing apparatus 2 half-cuts the medium 100. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the label piece 104 formed by laser processing from being detached from the medium while being sent from the processing region R1 to the printing region R2.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, this embodiment can be changed into the following forms.

The label producing apparatus 1 may apply the ink A to the medium 100 based on the print data processed so that the print density at the peripheral edge of the label piece 104 is increased.
In this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 60 is added to the data acquisition unit 61, the cut data processing unit 68, the main control unit 62, the feed control unit 63, the processing control unit 64, and the print control unit 65. The print data processing unit 66 is provided. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires bitmap data as print data. The print data processing unit 66 processes the print data so that the print density at the peripheral edge of the label piece 104 is increased.

  A procedure in which the print data processing unit 66 processes the print data will be described with reference to FIG. First, the print data processing unit 66 superimposes the cut data on the print data, and extracts an overlapping portion D that overlaps the cut data (see FIG. 10A). Subsequently, the print data processing unit 66 thickens the overlap portion D according to a predetermined overlap value (for example, 2 pixels) (see FIG. 10B). Subsequently, the print data processing unit 66 processes the print data so that the print density of the overlapping portion D becomes a predetermined density value (for example, an increase of 10%) (see FIG. 10C). Thereafter, the print data processing unit 66 performs halftone processing or the like on the print data, and generates binarized print data.

  As described above, the label producing apparatus 1 according to this modification applies the ink A to the medium 100 based on the print data processed so that the print density of the peripheral edge of the label piece 104 is increased. For this reason, even when the peripheral slope 101a formed by laser irradiation is less loaded with the ink A than the printing surface 100a of the medium 100, the label producing apparatus 1 uses the peripheral slope 101a, that is, the peripheral portion of the label piece 104. Can be colored with an appropriate printing density. For example, when the original print data is for applying the ink A to the label piece 104 with a uniform print density, and the peripheral slope 101 a is poorer in the ink A compared to the print surface 100 a of the medium 100. When the label producing apparatus 1 applies the ink A without processing the print data, the print density of the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 becomes lighter than the print density of the region other than the peripheral portion. On the other hand, the label producing apparatus 1 of the present modification can also color the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 with the same print density as the region other than the peripheral portion in such a case.

The label producing device 1 does not need to use a constant value as the overlap value. The condition that affects the width of the peripheral slope 101a, such as the material of the label continuum 101 and the intensity of the laser beam, and the overlap value The overlap value is acquired from a database (for example, a database in which the overlap value is set to 3 pixels for the resin film system and 1 pixel for the paper system for the material of the label continuum 101). It may be.
Similarly, the label producing apparatus 1 does not need to use a constant value as the density value, and conditions that affect the specific placement of the ink A on the peripheral slope 101a, such as the material of the label continuum 101 and the intensity of the laser beam. And a database (for example, a database in which the density value of the material of the label continuum 101 is set to 10% increase for a resin film type and 20% increase for a paper type). The density value may be acquired.
Further, the label producing apparatus 1 is not limited to the CMYK color ink A, and for example, when applying other ink A such as clear ink that does not include a color material or a precoat liquid B described later, the label piece 104 is also provided. The print data may be processed so that the printing density of the peripheral edge of the ink increases, in other words, the application amount of the ink A or the precoat liquid B increases.

  After the label piece 104 is formed by the laser processing unit 32, the label producing apparatus 1 applies the precoat liquid B (see FIG. 12) to at least the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 before the printing unit 34 applies the ink A. You may make it provide. The precoat liquid B is for forming the precoat layer 111 (see FIG. 13) on the printing surface 100a of the medium 100. The precoat layer 111 receives the ink A. The precoat layer 111 has various functions such as enhancing the color development of the ink A and enhancing the abrasion resistance of the printing surface 100a.

  In this modification, the printing unit 34 includes a precoat head 55 (see FIG. 12) that discharges the precoat liquid B in addition to the recording head 54 that discharges CMYK ink A. As the precoat head 55, an ink jet head can be suitably used as with the recording head 54.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the data acquisition unit 61, the cut data processing unit 68, the main control unit 62, the feed control unit 63, the processing control unit 64, and the print control unit 65, the controller 60 generates precoat data. A portion 67 is provided. The precoat data generation unit 67 generates precoat data based on the print data so that the precoat liquid B is applied to at least a portion where the ink A is applied. For example, when the print data is for applying the ink A in a star shape, the precoat data is also for applying the precoat liquid B to the medium 100 in a star shape of the same shape and size. The print control unit 65 controls the printing unit 34 based on the generated precoat data.

  With reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the order in which the label producing apparatus 1 of the present modification produces the printed label 106 on the medium 100 will be described focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment. Here, the label continuous body 101 has a laminated structure in which a film 107 and paper 108 are laminated (see FIG. 13), but the label continuous body 101 may have the above-described single-layer structure.

Since the operation performed by the laser processing apparatus 2 is the same as that in the above-described embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.
On the other hand, in the printing apparatus 3, when the creation of the printed label 106 is started, as shown in FIG. Media 100 is sent until it is detected. As a result, the medium 100 that has been subjected to laser processing is fed into the platen 33. At this time, the detection mark 112 is located at a predetermined position on the platen 33. Subsequently, in the label producing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 12E, unlike the above embodiment, the printing unit 34 applies the precoat liquid B to the medium 100. Here, since the precoat data is generated so that the precoat liquid B is also applied to the portion where the ink A is applied, the precoat liquid B is applied to the label piece 104 including its peripheral edge. Then, the precoat layer 111 is formed (see FIG. 13C). Thereafter, in the label producing apparatus 1, the printing unit 34 applies ink A to the medium 100 as shown in FIG. That is, the ink A is applied to the peripheral slope 101a in a state where the precoat layer 111 is formed (see FIG. 13D).

  Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the label producing apparatus 1 is different from the modification example in that it does not include the laser processing apparatus 2, and instead, a laser processing unit 32 is provided in the printing apparatus 3. A case where laser cutting (see FIG. 14C) is performed after applying the precoat liquid B to the medium 100 (see FIG. 14B) will be described. In this case, the precoat layer 111 is removed at the peripheral slope 101a formed by laser irradiation, that is, at the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 (see FIG. 15C). For this reason, the label producing apparatus 1 applies the ink A to the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 without the precoat layer 111 (see FIG. 15D). In the region without the precoat layer 111, since the ink A is not applied, the peripheral edge of the label piece 104 is not appropriately colored.

  On the other hand, as described above, the label producing apparatus 1 of the present modification applies the precoat liquid B to at least the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 after performing laser cutting. For this reason, the label producing apparatus 1 applies the ink A in a state where the precoat layer 111 is formed on the peripheral edge of the label piece 104. Therefore, the label producing apparatus 1 can appropriately color the peripheral edge portion of the label piece 104.

  With reference to FIG. 16, the case where the printed label 106 is produced with respect to the medium 100 (refer FIG. 16A) in which the precoat layer 111 is previously formed in the printing surface 100a is demonstrated. In this case, the precoat layer 111 at the peripheral portion of the label piece 104 is removed by laser irradiation (see FIG. 16B), but the precoat liquid B may be applied only to the peripheral portion of the label piece 104. Good. For example, the label producing apparatus 1 may apply the precoat liquid B around the cut line 103 (see FIG. 16C), or may apply the precoat liquid B around the peripheral slope 101a ( (Refer FIG.16 (d)).

  The laser processing unit 32 is not limited to the star-shaped label piece 104 and can form a label piece 104 having an arbitrary shape. Similarly, the printing unit 34 can apply the ink A to any shape, not limited to the star shape. Further, the shape of the label piece 104 formed by the laser processing unit 32 and the shape of the ink A (image shape) applied by the printing unit 34 do not have to be the same. That is, the printing unit 34 does not need to apply the ink A to the entire label piece 104, and may apply the ink A to at least the peripheral portion of the label piece 104. Further, the printing unit 34 may apply the ink A so as to protrude from the cut line.

  The laser processing unit 32 may change the intensity of the laser beam for forming the detection mark 112 on the medium 100 according to the material of the label continuum 101. Specifically, when the material of the label continuum 101 is paper, the intensity of the laser beam is set to an intensity that can burn the label continuum 101, for example, a laser beam for forming the cut line 103. The strength is 20% of the strength (hereinafter referred to as “reference strength”). On the other hand, when the material of the label continuum 101 is a resin film system, the strength is such that the label continuum 101 can be melted and discolored, for example, 10% of the reference strength.

  The laser processing unit 32 is not limited to the rectangular detection mark 112 and can form a detection mark 112 having an arbitrary shape. For example, the laser processing unit 32 may form one linear detection mark 112 or may form a plurality of linear detection marks 112. Since the detection mark 112 is a portion in which the continuous label body 101 is burnt or melted, the detection mark 112 is more prevented from being peeled off during feeding in the linear shape than in the case of a rectangular shape or a circular shape. be able to. Conversely, the laser processing unit 32 may form the detection mark 112 by cutting the medium 100 into a rectangular shape or the like.

As the detection unit 35, for example, an imaging unit such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera may be used.
Further, the detection unit 35 may detect the processing position P by detecting the cut line 103 instead of detecting the detection mark 112. In this case, it is preferable to use an imaging unit as the detection unit 35. Further, it is preferable to irradiate the medium 100 with light from the side opposite to the imaging unit in order to improve the imaging accuracy of the cut line.

1: Label creating device 6: Media feeding unit 32: Laser processing unit 34: Printing unit 35: Detection unit 100: Media P: Processing position R1: Processing region R2: Printing region

Claims (9)

Performing laser processing in the processing region on the media sent from a processing region where laser processing is performed on the media to a printing region where printing is performed on the media;
Detecting a processing position at which laser processing is performed on the medium;
Printing the media in the print area after detecting the processing position;
The label production method in the label production apparatus characterized by performing. In the step of performing laser processing on the media, a cut line that becomes the outline of the label piece is formed on the media,
The label producing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of printing on the medium, ink is applied to at least a peripheral portion of the label piece. In the step of performing laser processing on the medium, a detection mark is formed on the medium together with the cut line,
The label producing method according to claim 2, wherein the detection mark is detected in the step of detecting the processing position.   The label according to claim 3, wherein, in the step of performing laser processing on the medium, an intensity of a laser beam for forming the detection mark on the medium is changed according to a material of the medium. Label creation method in creation device.   In the step of performing laser processing on the media, the label continuum is cut and the liner is not cut with respect to the media including a label continuum and a liner attached to the label continuum. 5. The label producing method in the label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cut line is formed. Obtaining print data; and
Further processing the print data so as to increase the print density at the periphery of the label piece,
6. The label producing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the step of printing on the medium, ink is applied to the medium based on the processed print data. Label creation method.   After the step of performing laser processing on the medium, and before the step of printing on the medium, a precoat liquid for forming a precoat layer for receiving ink is applied to at least a peripheral portion of the label piece. The label producing method in the label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: In the step of detecting the processing position, the passage of the processing position accompanying the feeding of the media is detected,
The label production according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a step of performing printing on the medium is executed after stopping the feeding of the medium based on detection of passage of the processing position. Label creation method in the device. A media feeding section for sending the media from a processing area where laser processing is performed on the media to a printing area where printing is performed on the media;
A laser processing unit that performs laser processing on the medium in the processing region;
A detection unit for detecting a processing position where laser processing is performed in the medium;
After the processing position is detected, a printing unit that performs printing on the media in the printing area;
A label producing apparatus comprising:

Images