JPH0543582B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a thermal label printer capable of inputting and outputting data to and from external equipment, and in particular, a thermal label printer that performs data input transmission and label issuing. The present invention relates to a thermal label printer useful in various fields, in which the relative angular relationship between a unit and a data terminal unit can be changed.

(Prior Art) Various portable data input and transmission devices called data collectors, data terminals, etc. have been developed. For example, in 1987-
There are issues such as No. 155633.

These devices are equipped with a data reader such as a pen scanner, which temporarily stores data read by scanning barcodes or input data using a keyboard, and prints the data on paper using a small printer for data confirmation or for backup purposes. In addition to outputting the data, it also performs various data processing by transmitting the stored data to a host computer or the like.

However, these data devices can only be used to confirm or keep records of the input data by simply printing out the data read or input from the host computer on regular paper, and these data cannot be used again. It lacks the ability to be displayed on a label or the like and affixed to a product or article, and its field of use is also limited.

Furthermore, these data devices can be used in two ways: one is used as a tabletop type in an office, and the other is a portable type used outside the office in a warehouse or factory. There is also the problem that the issuance angle of the label and the label sticking angle during the label sticking operation cannot correspond to changes in various manual operation modes, which is inconvenient for the operator.

To be more specific, when printing out data on a label and attaching the printed label to an item, the angle of the printed label relative to the entire printer is the same for desktop type and portable type. If there is, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform the pasting work. Alternatively, it would be easier for the operator to work if the angle of the label during visual confirmation operation to confirm the printed content of the printed label was different from the angle when actually pasting the label. There are cases.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is capable of inputting and processing various data and transmitting it to external equipment such as a host computer. Information can be printed on thermal labels and used to label products, article files, etc., enabling a wide range of uses.Furthermore, in usage situations where the data input location and the label issuing location are different, Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal label printer that can be used in various ways by making the angle of the label with respect to the entire printer variable even during label pasting operations.

(Means for Solving the Problem) That is, the present invention includes a means for transmitting to a personal computer or a host computer (data input/output means) and a data storage means, and also prints necessary data on a thermal label. A thermal label printer is characterized in that it can be peeled off and affixed to a desired article or location, and is provided with an angle variable mechanism that changes the relative angle of a label printer unit and a data terminal unit to each other. It is.

If necessary, input means such as a pen scanner or a keyboard can be provided in addition to the data input/output means.

(Function) In the present invention, data can be sent and received by a transmission means (data input/output means) to a personal computer or a host computer, and a single printer can perform both data management and label issuing work.

In particular, the entire printer is separated into a label printer unit and a data terminal unit, and a variable angle mechanism is installed to change the relative angle of the label printer unit and data terminal unit to each other. By changing the angle at which the label is issued depending on the case, the handling or processing of the label can be made suitable for each case. In addition, the angle of the label when visually checking the content of the printed label and the angle when actually pasting the label can be changed to suit each case, improving work efficiency. becomes possible.

(Example) Next, an example of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal label printer 1 according to the present invention, and the main body of the device is configured as a desktop type and is composed of a data terminal unit 2a and a label printer unit 2b. These units 2a, 2b have planar bottom portions 3a, 3b, respectively, which can be placed on any table.

A keyboard 6 having a numeric keypad 4 and various function keys 5 arranged thereon is provided on the upper surface of the data terminal unit 2a as means for inputting data and commands, and a display 7 made of liquid crystal or the like is provided above this as means for displaying data. Further, a power switch 8 is provided on the side surface.

A pair of left and right opening/closing knobs 9 are provided on the side surface of the printer unit 2b. Further, a holding member 10 for a label roll R having a thermal label T wound thereon is provided on the upper surface thereof, so that the label piece L peeled off after printing is discharged from the front.

A connecting portion 12 for a pen scanner 11 and a charging connecting portion 13 for a battery 27, which will be described later, are provided on the front side of the data terminal unit 2a. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a discharge hole 14 for the mount S is formed at the lower rear of the label printer unit 2b.

The pen scanner 11 (FIG. 1) can now be used to read product codes and other barcodes B preprinted on shelf labels F and input data into the thermal label printer 1. There is.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the data terminal unit 2a and the label printer unit 2b are configured separately, and the label printer unit 2b is adjusted relative to the data terminal unit 2a via an angle variable mechanism. The label printer unit 2b is rotatably and integrally connected to the data terminal unit 2a so that the angular relationship is variable.

Specifically, the label printer unit 2b is held between a pair of fixing yokes 40 formed in front of the data terminal unit 2a, and is made detachable.

Furthermore, a pair of pivoting steel balls 41, an upper limit stopper 45, and a pair of lower limit stoppers 46 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the label printer unit 2b. Steel balls 42, 43, and 44, which are positioned on an arc centered on the pivoting steel ball 41, are urged outward to be retractable by a spring (not shown) that urges them from the inside to the outside. . Furthermore, if the label printer unit 2b is engaged between the fixing yoke 40 along its length, any of the steel balls 42, 43, or 44 will move along the guide groove 47 formed inside the fixing yoke 40. Pivot hole 48 and variable angle fixing hole 4
9 so as to be removable and retractable. By rotating the label printer unit 2b about the pivoting steel ball 41 in this engaged state, the relative angular relationship of the label printer unit 2b to the data terminal unit 2a can be made variable.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the label printer unit 2b is connected to the data terminal unit 2.
This is rotated and fixed so that it is tilted upward from a position, the fixing yoke 40 comes into contact with the lower limit stopper 46, and the steel ball 44 is inserted into the variable angle fixing hole 4.
9 is engaged.

In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the label printer unit 2b is rotated and fixed so as to be tilted to a lower position than the data terminal unit 2a, the fixing yoke 40 is in contact with the upper limit stopper 45, and the steel ball 42 is rotated and fixed. is the angle variable fixing hole 49
It is in a state where it is engaged. Of course, by engaging the steel ball 43 with the variable angle fixing hole 49, it is also possible to fix the label printer unit 2b at an angle in the above-mentioned intermediate state.

Furthermore, the reference numeral 50 indicates the data terminal unit 2.
A connector is shown as an electrical connection means for electrically connecting the label printer unit 2a and the label printer unit 2b.

The angle variable mechanism as described above can be a mechanism using any parts such as screws, cams, leaf springs, or links as necessary, and is not limited to the one shown in the figure. The units may be integral as long as they are pivoted to each other so that the angle between them can be varied. For example, the pivoting steel ball 41 and the pivoting hole 48 may be a pivoting boss and a screw hole, and the data terminal unit 2a and the label printer unit 2b may be pivotally connected by bolts or the like (not shown).

Next, the internal structure of the thermal label printer 1 will be explained based on FIG. 2. Holding member 1 for label roll R provided in label printer unit 2b
The thermal label T fed out from zero passes through the position detection sensor 15 and the guide roller 17 of the label presser 16, and is fed out into the thermal label T passage 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermal label T has a structure in which label pieces L of thermal paper with adhesive are successively temporarily attached onto a mount S coated with a release agent.

On the label piece L of this thermal label T, a bar code B such as a product code or manufacturer code and other information I such as a department code or price are printed on the mount S.
A detection hole D for position detection is bored in the upper part. Incidentally, this detection hole D is also used for transfer by the transfer roller 19 (FIG. 2).

Returning to FIG. 2, the thermal label T passes through the transfer roller 19 and reaches the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 21. The backing paper S is turned around at the platen roller 21, the label piece L is peeled off, and the lower label presser 22 guides the thermal label T. The mount S engages with the transfer roller 19 again while being guided by the roller 23, and the mount S
is discharged from the discharge hole 14 to the outside of the label printer unit 2b.

In addition, as a label peeling means, a turning pin P (imaginary line in the figure) is installed in front of the platen roller 21 separately from the platen roller 21.
The label piece L may be peeled off by providing a mount S thereon and turning it around.

When loading the thermal label T, by operating the pair of left and right opening/closing knobs 9, the bottom cover 24 portion including the platen roller 21 and the lower label presser 22 is rotated downward about the pivot 25 to open the thermal label T. Loading of the label T becomes possible.
(Virtual line in the figure. Note that any conventional mechanism for opening and closing the bottom cover 24 can be adopted as the pair of left and right opening and closing knobs 9, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.) The roller 19 is driven to rotate by the step rotation of the stepping motor M, and is used for printing and transporting the thermal label T.
is used to transport in a predetermined direction.

A control circuit 26 is provided in the data terminal unit 2a as an electrical control means, and this control circuit 26 includes a battery 27, an interface 28 for data input/output with external equipment, and a ROM for communication and various controls. program storage circuit 29, data storage circuit 30 consisting of RAM, keyboard 6, display 7, and position detection sensor 15, thermal head 20, and stepping motor M on the label printer unit 2b side via a connector 50 for electrical connection. are connected to each other and controlled by a control circuit 26. Note that the battery 27 is rechargeable, and can be connected to an external charger 31 through the connection part 13.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a connection form when data is output from the thermal label printer 1 to the personal computer 32, or a connection form when data is input from the personal computer 32 to the thermal label printer 1. That is, data can be exchanged with an external personal computer 32 via the connection section 12 using the connection cable 33.

Further, FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which a large host computer 37 and the thermal label printer 1 are connected via a telephone 34 wirelessly or by a wire 36 using an acoustic coupler 35.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be explained by taking as an example the case of ordering replenishment of products at a supermarket or the like.

The person in charge of replenishment orders at the supermarket carries a thermal label printer 1 and a pen scanner 11, scans the shelf label F on the product display shelf with the pen scanner 11, inputs the product code, etc., and inputs the required replenishment order quantity using the numeric keypad 4. do. The contents of the input data can be confirmed on the display 7. Then, move to the next shelf and enter the product code and replenishment order quantity in the same way.

However, if there is no need to immediately issue labels on the spot after inputting data in such work to confirm the number of replenishment orders, you can remove the label printer unit 2b section and carry only the data terminal unit 2a section to the product display shelf.
By reducing the overall weight, the burden of carrying around and inputting information for a relatively long period of time is reduced.

The input replenishment order data is temporarily stored in the data storage circuit 30, and when the replenishment order quantity confirmation operation is completed, it is sent from the data terminal unit 2a of the thermal label printer 1 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The data is transmitted to the personal computer 32 or host computer 37.

Furthermore, after the replenishment order data transmission process is completed, when the product returns to the back yard or when the product is received, the label printer unit 2b is connected to the data terminal unit 2a, and the required label piece L is issued by this thermal label printer 1. be able to.

That is, since the data storage circuit 30 stores the product code and number of items required for issuance, when the PRINT PR button in the function key 5 is pressed, the thermal label T is transferred by the rotation of the transfer roller 19. , an arbitrary bar code B or the like can be printed on the label piece L using the thermal head 20 according to the printing pattern. Further, only the backing paper S is turned by the platen roller 21, and the label piece L is peeled off from the backing paper S and discharged outside the label printer unit 2b, so that it can be picked up with a finger and pasted on a product (not shown). .

Therefore, labels can be issued simply by pressing the issue switch button PR without having to input the product code, quantity, etc. one by one.

When issuing such a label, if the label printer unit 2b is tilted and fixed in a relative angular relationship with the data terminal unit 2a in the state shown in FIG. Kuru label piece L
The printed content can be easily confirmed, and when the thermal label printer 1 is used as a desktop type, it can be stably placed on any table.

Incidentally, if the pasting roller 38 is provided in front of the platen roller 21 (phantom line in FIG. 2) if necessary, it is possible to easily perform the work of pasting a large number of labels.

During such a pasting operation, if the label printer unit 2b is changed to have a relative angle relationship with the data terminal unit 2a in the state shown in FIG. 7, the label printer unit 2b can be tilted downward from the data terminal unit 2a. data terminal unit 2.
When gripping and operating part a, the issuing angle of the label piece L issued from the label printer unit 2b faces downward, which improves the workability of attaching the label piece L to the article. can.

In the present invention, the previously described pen scanner 1 is used instead of the keyboard 6 as a means for inputting data.
It is also possible to simplify the mechanism by providing only a reader such as 1 or a touch scanner and omitting the display means. In this case, the input connection section may be provided separately in addition to the connection section 12 described above. In addition, this thermal label printer 1
For convenience when using the data terminal unit 2a or label printer unit 2b in a portable manner, a handle (not shown) or the like may be provided in a removable or fixed manner at an arbitrary position at the bottom of the data terminal unit 2a or the label printer unit 2b.

The above has described an example in which the present invention is used when ordering product replenishment, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the present invention is not limited to this case. It is possible to transmit the information to a central computer, receive data from the central computer, and issue labels based on this data. Therefore, by issuing labels based on the exchange of various data, a wide range of applications can be achieved. It can be applied to various fields and can find unprecedented use cases.

For example, in addition to inventory management in retail stores, data file management in offices, labeling of blood cards or test tubes in blood centers, medical records in medical offices,
It can be widely used for attaching barcode labels to medical certificates, process control in factories, parts or inventory control, etc. Furthermore, it can be applied to the issuing of confirmation labels at the time of arrival and shipment of cargo in the transportation industry, data management and label issuance of external businesses such as department stores and supermarkets, and customer management.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the present invention, labels can be issued in accordance with input/output of data. It can be displayed on files and many other things, and it is possible to deal with data display and data management at a later date, and the relative angle relationship between the data terminal unit and the label printer unit can be made variable. Therefore, when using the unit as a tabletop type or portable type, the unit should be tilted depending on the type of label piece pasting work, etc., so that the operability and workability are suitable for various types of work. I can do it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional explanatory view of the internal structure, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a thermal label T, and FIG. 4 is a thermal label printer 1. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the thermal label printer 1 and the host computer 37, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the data terminal unit 2a and the label printer unit 2b separated. , FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the data terminal unit 2a and label printer unit 2b in a state converted to a different relative angle from that of FIG. 1, in which they are integrated. In the figure, 1... thermal label printer, 2a...
...Data terminal unit, 2b...Label printer unit, 3a...Planar bottom part, 3b
...Flat bottom part, 4...Numeric keypad, 5...Function key, 6...Keyboard, 7...Display, 8...Power switch, 9...Pair of left and right opening/closing knobs, 10...Label roll R holding member, 11... Pen scanner, 12... Connection part,
13... Connection for filling, 14... Discharge hole of mount S, 15... Position detection sensor, 16... Upper label presser, 17... Guide roller, 18... Passage for thermal label T, 19... Transfer Laura, 20...
...Thermal head, 21...Platen roller, 2
2... Lower label presser, 23... Guide roller,
24... Bottom cover, 25... Axis, 26... Control circuit, 27... Battery, 28... Interface for data input/output, 29... Program storage circuit for communication and various controls, 30... RAM a data storage circuit consisting of 31...an external charger, 3
2...PC, 33...Connection cable, 34...
...telephone, 35...acoustic coupler, 36...wired,
37...Host computer, 38...Pasting roller, 40...Pair of fixing yokes, 41...
Steel ball for pivot, 42, 43, 44... Steel ball 42, 45... Upper limit stopper, 46
... Lower limit stopper, 47 ... Guide groove, 48 ... Pivot hole, 49 ... Angle variable fixing hole, 50 ... Connector for electrical connection, B ... Bar code, D ...
...Position detection hole, F...Shelf label, I...Information, L...
Label piece, M...Stepping motor, P...Turning pin, R...Label roll, S...Paper, T...
...Thermal label.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A printer main body having a thermal label passage in which thermal paper label pieces are successively temporarily attached to a mount; holding means for holding a label roll of the thermal label; and a position of the thermal label. a detecting means; a thermal printing means that holds the thermal label between a thermal head and a platen roller and performs thermal printing on the label piece; a label peeling means that turns only the mount and peels the label piece from the mount; a thermal label feeding means for transporting the backing paper turned by the label peeling means; a label printer unit having: a data input/output means capable of transmitting data between an external device; and input data. a data terminal unit comprising: a data storage means; a program storage means; and a control means for controlling the position detection means, thermal printing means, feeding means, data input/output means, data storage means, and program storage means; further comprising: electrical connection means for controllably connecting the label printer unit and the data terminal unit by the control means; and electrical connection means for rotatably and integrally connecting the label printer unit to the data terminal unit. 1. A thermal label printer, comprising: a variable angle mechanism that enables the label printer unit to operate the data terminal unit;