Printing device, storage medium and label making method

Abstract

A printing apparatus, storage medium, and label manufacturing method are provided that can produce self-laminating labels wrapped around an object using the same tape regardless of the object's diameter and circumference length. The control unit of the printing apparatus acquires the object's circumference length (S2), acquires an image (S3), and, based on the circumference length, sets the length of the printing area, anchoring area, and transport direction to be a pasting area (S5-S7) equal to or greater than the difference between the circumference length and the length of the printing area in the transport direction, and the length from one end of the printing area in the transport direction to the other end of the image in the transport direction. The control unit prints the image (S25), performs a half cut in the tape width direction at the boundary between the printing area and the anchoring area and at the boundary between the printing area and the laminating area (S27), and performs a full cut in the tape width direction at the other end of the anchoring area in the transport direction or the end of the laminating area in the transport direction (S29).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus, a storage medium, and a label manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, labels are known that are installed by wrapping around a cable and have a printed area and a transparent area for laminating the printed area. The label consists of a transparent film having a first adhesive area, a non-adhesive flat area, and a second adhesive area. When the transparent film is wrapped around the cable in the order of the first adhesive area, the non-adhesive flat area, and the second adhesive area, the first adhesive area adheres to a portion of the cable's circumference. The non-adhesive flat area is not adhered to the cable but wraps around it once. The second adhesive area adheres to the non-adhesive flat area and wraps around the cable once. If the transparent film wrapped around the cable is rotated, the perforated wire breaks, and the first adhesive area separates from the non-adhesive flat area and the second adhesive area. Thus, the label, including the non-adhesive flat area and the second adhesive area, can rotate around the cable.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-524154 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Traditional labels were designed for cables of a specific diameter. When users need to create labels that can be applied to cables of various diameters, they need to prepare different types of labels depending on the cable diameter.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing data generation program that can use the same tape to produce self-laminating labels that are wrapped around an object, regardless of the diameter of the object's outer perimeter.

[0009] Furthermore, a further object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing data generation program, and a label manufacturing method capable of producing a label that can separate the substrate at a desired location or peel the release material from the substrate at a desired location using the same tape having a substrate and a release material.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The printing apparatus of the first embodiment includes: a printing unit for printing an image onto a substrate; a transport unit for transporting a strip formed by bonding the substrate and a release liner, on which the image has been printed by the printing unit, in a transport direction; a cutting unit for performing a half cut that cuts the release liner without cutting the substrate and a full cut that cuts both the substrate and the release liner; and a control unit for controlling the transport unit, the printing unit, and the cutting unit. The control unit, as a main process, is capable of performing the following processes: a length acquisition process for acquiring the outer perimeter length of an object around which a label obtained by cutting the strip is wrapped; an image acquisition process for acquiring the image printed onto a printing area; and a region setting process for determining, based on the acquired outer perimeter length, the printing area, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and an adhesive area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction, and setting the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction as the lamination length. The lamination length is greater than or equal to the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printed area in the transport direction and the length from one end of the printed area in the transport direction to the other end of the image in the transport direction; the printing process controls the printing unit and the transport unit to print the image onto the printed area; the first half-cutting process controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printed area and the anchoring area in the entire width direction of the strip; the second half-cutting process controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printed area and the adhesive area in the entire width direction of the strip; and the full-cutting process controls the cutting unit to perform the full-cutting at the end of one side of the anchoring area in the transport direction or the end of the adhesive area in the transport direction in the entire width direction of the strip.

[0012] The printing apparatus of the first embodiment can produce labels where the release liner is cut off at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, and at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area. The user, for example, uses a tape with a transparent film substrate to make the label. The release liner for the anchoring area and the adhesive area are peeled from the substrate, and the release liner for the printing area is adhered to the substrate. The label is then wrapped around the object in the order of the anchoring area, the printing area, and the adhesive area. The anchoring area is adhered to the outer perimeter of the object. The printing area has the release liner adhered to it; therefore, even if the substrate is transparent, if the release liner is colored, it can serve as a background. The adhesive area is adhered to at least one of the outer perimeter of the object and the printing area, covering the image printed on the printing area. Thus, the printing apparatus can use the same tape to produce self-laminating labels that wrap around the object, regardless of the outer perimeter of the object.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting section includes a half-cutter for performing the half-cut and a full-cutter for performing the full-cut, and the control section controls the transport section and the half-cutter to perform the first half-cut process and the second half-cut process respectively, and controls the transport section and the full-cutter to perform the full-cut process.

[0014] Preferably, the system further includes an assembly section for detachably assembling at least a box containing the substrate and a detection section for detecting the type of box assembled in the assembly section. The control section performs the main processing when the detected type is the first type, in which a strip of release material is adhered to the back of the printed surface of the transparent substrate via an adhesive layer.

[0015] Preferably, when the detected type is the second type, in which the strip containing the release material is attached to an opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit performs: a printing area setting process, setting the printing area according to the acquired outer perimeter length; an image acquisition process; a printing process; and a cutting process, controlling the cutting unit to perform a full cut along the entire width of the strip at an end upstream of the printing area in the transport direction or at a position upstream of the end.

[0016] Preferably, the system further includes a storage unit for storing templates corresponding to the detected type and the outer perimeter length, and the control unit executes the region setting process and the print region setting process by reading the templates corresponding to the detected type and the outer perimeter length, respectively.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes an input unit, which executes the main processing when an instruction is detected via the input unit.

[0018] Preferably, the length of the printed area in the transport direction is less than or equal to the outer perimeter length.

[0019] Preferably, the length of the pasting area in the transport direction is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length.

[0020] Preferably, in the first half-cutting process, the control unit controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area, along the entire width of the strip, and from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction.

[0021] Preferably, in the second half-cutting process, the control unit controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area, along the entire width of the strip, and along the thickness direction from the peeling material to the portion of the substrate that is the same as in the first half-cutting process.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes an assembly section for detachably assembling at least a box containing the substrate and a detection section for detecting the type of the box assembled in the assembly section.

[0023] Preferably, when the detected type is the type of strip on which the release material is adhered via an adhesive layer and housed in an opaque substrate, the control unit, in the area setting process, sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction as the adhesive length instead of the lamination length. The control unit sets the adhesive length to a length less than or equal to the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on one side of the transport direction.

[0024] Preferably, in the case where the detected type is the second type, where the strip containing the release material is attached to an opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction to the adhesive length during the area setting process.

[0025] The second embodiment stores a print data generation program in its storage medium. This program is executed by a control unit of a print data generation device that generates print data using a printing device. The printing device includes: a printing unit that prints an image onto a substrate; a transport unit that transports a strip formed by bonding the substrate and a release liner, on which the image has been printed by the printing unit, in a transport direction; and a cutting unit that performs a half-cut without cutting the substrate and a full cut that cuts both the substrate and the release liner. The print data generation program includes instructions for the control unit to perform the following processes: a length acquisition process that acquires the outer perimeter length of an object around which a label obtained by cutting the strip is wrapped; an image acquisition process that acquires the image printed onto a printing area; and a region setting process that, based on the acquired outer perimeter length, sets the printing area, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and an adhesive area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction, and sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction. The process includes: a lamination length set as greater than or equal to the sum of the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printed area in the transport direction and the length from one end of the printed area in the transport direction to the other end of the image in the transport direction; a first half-cut setting process, which sets a first half-cut position indicating that the half-cut is performed at the junction of the printed area and the anchoring area in the entire width direction of the strip; a second half-cut setting process, which sets a second half-cut position indicating that the half-cut is performed at the junction of the printed area and the pasting area in the entire width direction of the strip; a full-cut setting process, which sets a full-cut position indicating that the full-cut is performed at the end of one side of the anchoring area in the transport direction or the end of the pasting area in the transport direction on the other side of the strip in the entire width direction of the strip; and a generation process, which generates printing data including data of printing the image to the printed area, the first half-cut position, the second half-cut position, and the full-cut position.

[0026] By printing data generated by the printing device according to the printing data generation program of the second scheme, a label can be produced where the release liner is cut off at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, and at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area. For example, a user can use a tape with a transparent film substrate to make the label. The release liner for the anchoring area and the adhesive area is peeled from the substrate, and the release liner for the printing area is adhered to the substrate. The label is then wrapped around the object in the order of anchoring area, printing area, and adhesive area. The anchoring area is adhered to the outer periphery of the object. The printing area has the release liner adhered to it; therefore, even if the substrate is transparent, the printed content can be identified because the release liner is colored. The adhesive area is adhered to at least one of the outer periphery of the object and the printing area, covering the image printed on the printing area. Therefore, the printing data generation program can generate printing data that allows the printing device to produce self-laminating labels wrapped around the object using the same tape, regardless of the outer perimeter of the object.

[0027] The label manufacturing method of the third scheme is as follows: Length acquisition processing: Obtain the outer perimeter length of the object to be wrapped with the label, wherein the label is obtained by cutting a strip formed by bonding a substrate and a release liner; Image acquisition processing: Obtain an image to be printed onto the printing area of ​​the substrate; Area setting processing: Based on the obtained outer perimeter length, set the printing area, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction of the strip, and an adhesive area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction; set the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction as the lamination length, which is the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printing area in the transport direction and the length of the printing area from the printing area in the transport direction. The length of the image extends from one end to the other end in the transport direction of the image, plus or greater; printing process, printing the image into the printing area; first half-cutting process, cutting the release material without cutting the substrate at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area in the entire width direction of the strip; second half-cutting process, cutting the substrate at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area in the entire width direction of the strip; and full-cutting process, cutting the substrate and the release material at the end of the anchoring area in the transport direction of the anchoring area or the end of the adhesive area in the transport direction of the adhesive area in the entire width direction of the strip.

[0028] The label-making method of the third solution can produce labels identical to those of the printing device in the first solution. Therefore, the label-making method of the third solution can achieve the same effect as the first solution. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of printing device 1.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the printing process.

[0031] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing of the anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and lamination area RL of the label F when the box type is the first type.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing of the anchoring area RA and printing area RP of label J when the box type is the second type.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing of the anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and adhesive area RG of label E when the box type is the third type.

[0034] Figure 6 This is an illustration of the process of wrapping the label F, made according to the printed data, around the cable C.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an illustration of the process of wrapping label J, made according to the printed data, around cable C.

[0036] Figure 8 This is an illustration of the process of wrapping label E, made according to the printed data, around cable C.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the printing process.

[0038] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing of the anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and pasting area RG in the case where the type of setting box is the first.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing of the anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and pasting area RG when the type of setting box is the third.

[0040] Figure 12 This is an illustration of the process of wrapping the label F, made according to the printed data, around the cable C.

[0041] Figure 13 This is an illustration of the process of wrapping label E, made according to the printed data, around cable C. Detailed Implementation

[0042] A printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that can be employed by the present invention. That is, the structure and control of the apparatus shown in the drawings are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is a thermal transfer printer capable of printing characters (text, symbols, numbers, and graphics, etc.) onto a strip-shaped printing medium. The printing apparatus 1 can perform printing onto the strip-shaped medium based on printing data generated by the printing apparatus 1 or printing data obtained from an external device B. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 2, a storage unit 3, a communication unit 5, an assembly unit 21, a sensor 4, a transport unit 9, a printing unit 8, a cutting unit 16, an input unit 6, and a display unit 7. The storage unit 3, communication unit 5, sensor 4, transport unit 9, printing unit 8, cutting unit 16, input unit 6, and display unit 7 are each electrically connected to the control unit 2.

[0044] Storage unit 3 includes, for example, ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Storage unit 3 stores various programs required for controlling the printing device 1. Control unit 2 performs various calculations based on these programs. In storage unit 3, dot pattern data for printing various characters is categorized by format and size and stored corresponding to code data. Storage unit 3 is provided with multiple storage areas such as a text memory and a print buffer. The text memory stores data about the object to be printed. The print buffer stores the dot pattern data for the object to be printed. Table 17 and various calculation data are stored in other storage areas of storage unit 3. Table 17 stores multiple templates corresponding to the type of box that can be assembled into printing device 1 and the outer circumference length of the diameter of the object to which the label described later is affixed. These multiple templates include templates T1 to T3. Template T1 is used when the type of box is the first type and the outer circumference length of the diameter of the cable C is Q1 mm. Template T2 is used when the type of box is the first type and the outer circumference length of the diameter of the cable C is Q2 mm. Template T3 is used when the box type is the second type and the outer circumference length of the cable C is Q1mm. Communication unit 5 includes a communication module for connecting to a public line network. Printing device 1 can send and receive data with external device B via communication unit 5. External device B is an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal.

[0045] Assembly section 21 assembles at least one box containing a substrate in a detachable manner. Assembly section 21 assembles a recess selected from various boxes, including boxes 80 and 90, in a detachable manner. The types of boxes are classified according to the length of the tape contained inside in the width direction W, the color of the substrate or release material, the printing color, and the material of the tape. Box 80 is the first type of box, containing tape 81 and ink tape (not shown). Tape 81 is a long strip (of variable length) of printing media wound on a reel 82. Tape 81 has a substrate 85 and a release material 88, and the release material 88 is adhered to the back side 87 of the printing surface 86 of the transparent substrate 85 via an adhesive layer. That is, tape 81 is a single-sided adhesive tape with an adhesive layer formed only on one side of the substrate 85. Transparent means that the other side can be visually seen from one side in the thickness direction T of the substrate 85. The substrate 85 can be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. The release material 88 is adhered to the adhesive layer. The first type of label, with its printed surface 86 not protected by other tapes, is produced by cutting tape 81 and is discharged from box 80 with the printed surface 86 exposed to the outside.

[0046] Box 90 is either a second or third type of box, containing substrate 91, tape 93, and ink ribbon (not shown). Substrate 91 is a long, transparent film tape wound on spool 92. After printing, tape 93 is adhered to the printed surface 95 of the box 90 via an adhesive layer. Tape 93 is a long strip wound on spool 94. Tape 93 has a substrate 98 and a release liner 99. Adhesive layers are formed on both sides of the substrate 98, and the release liner 99 is adhered to the substrate 98 via one side of the adhesive layer. In other words, tape 93 is a double-sided adhesive tape. The substrate 98 of the second type of box is opaque. Opaque means that the other side cannot be visually seen from one side of the substrate 98 in the thickness direction T. The substrate 98 of the third type of box is transparent. After printing, the printed surface 95 of substrate 91 is adhered to tape 93. The label, produced by cutting tape 100, is discharged from box 90 with the printed surface 95 protected by tape 93.

[0047] Substrates 85, 91, and 98 are formed, for example, of plastic films such as polyethylene film, polyamide film, polyester film, polypropylene film, and vinyl chloride film. If the label is to be wrapped around an object and curved along that object, substrates 85, 91, and 98 are preferably formed of vinyl-based films. Release materials 88 and 99 are opaque and are formed, for example, by coating cellophane, pulp-free paper, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a release agent such as silicone or polyethylene.

[0048] Sensor 4 is a known sensor that mechanically detects the type of cartridge assembled in the printing device 1 and outputs the information to the control unit 2. The printing unit 8 prints an image onto the substrate housed in the cartridge. Roller 10 presses the printing surface of the substrate against the printing unit 8. The printing unit 8 is a thermal printhead equipped with a heating element, which prints an image onto the substrate by thermally transferring ink. When the substrate is thermal paper, the printing unit 8 performs thermal printing. The transport unit 9 transports the substrate with the image printed by the printing unit 8 and the release liner bonded together in the transport direction Q by rotating the transport rollers 11 and 12 that hold the belt. The transport unit 9 is, for example, a stepper motor.

[0049] The cutting section 16 performs partial cuts (cutting the release material without cutting the substrate) and full cuts (cutting both the substrate and the release material). In this embodiment, the cutting section 16 includes half-cutters 14 and 15 for partial cuts and a full-cutter 13 for full cuts. The half-cutters 14 and 15 and the full-cutter 13 are each located downstream of the transport rollers 11 and 12 in the transport direction Q. The half-cutter 14 adds a slit to the belt from the roller 10 side in the direction from the roller 10 to the printing section 8. The half-cutter 15 adds a slit to the belt from the printing section 8 side in the direction from the printing section 8 to the roller 10. When the release material of the belt is cut by the half-cutters 14 and 15, the release material, cut into multiple pieces in the transport direction Q, becomes adhered to the substrate via the adhesive layer. This allows for the formation of an adhesive portion where the adhesive layer of the substrate is exposed by the user peeling off a portion of the release material arbitrarily selected from the label, and a non-adhesive portion where the release material is not peeled off. Labels produced by cutting the tape using the cutter 13 are discharged from the outlet 18 to the outside of the printing device 1. The input unit 6 inputs various instructions to the control unit 2. The input unit 6 is, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 7 displays various images.

[0050] Reference Figures 2-8The printing process of printing device 1 will be described using specific examples 1 to 3. Specific example 1 involves manufacturing a self-laminating label F, used to wrap around a cable C having a circular outer circumference with a diameter of K mm, using a first type of box 80. Specific example 2 involves manufacturing a laminating label J, used to wrap around a cable C, using a second type of box 90. Specific example 3 involves manufacturing a laminating label E, used to wrap around a cable C, using a third type of box 90. The printing process is performed with either box 80 or box 90 assembled in printing device 1. The printing processes in specific examples 1 to 3 are each performed at different timings, but for simplicity, they are described side-by-side below. When the control unit 2 detects an instruction to start the printing process via the input unit 6, it reads the print data generation program for performing the printing process from the storage unit 3. The control unit 2 executes the printing process, which includes the following steps, according to the instructions contained in the read print data generation program. Various data obtained during the printing process are appropriately stored in the storage unit 3. Hereinafter, the steps will be abbreviated as S. The diameter Kmm of cable C is sufficiently large compared to the thickness of the label produced by the printing process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printing process is performed without considering the effect of the label thickness when the label is wrapped around cable C. Figures 6-8 In the image, the extended setting range of image G is shown with thick lines.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 2 obtains the type of box assembled in the assembly unit 21 based on the detection result of the sensor 4 (S1). As the type of box, the control unit 2 obtains a first type in specific example 1, a second type in specific example 2, and a third type in specific example 3. The control unit 2 obtains the outer circumference length M of the diameter of the object to which the label obtained by winding the tape is cut, i.e., the cable C (S2). The method for obtaining the outer circumference length M of the diameter of the cable C can be appropriately determined. For example, the control unit 2 can obtain the outer circumference length M as the value input by the user via the input unit 6, or it can obtain the outer circumference length M as the calculation result using the diameter K input by the user via the input unit 6. If the storage unit 3 stores the relationship between the type of object such as the name and model of the cable C and the outer circumference length M of the diameter of the cable C, the control unit 2 can also obtain the outer circumference length M corresponding to the type of cable C input by the user via the input unit 6 from the storage unit 3. The control unit 2 obtains the image G to be printed to the printing area RP described later (S3). Figures 3-5 As shown, in specific examples 1 to 3, the image G is an image in which the Latin letters ABCD are arranged at equal intervals from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 obtains the length LC of the image G in the transport direction Q.

[0052] Control unit 2 determines whether the type of box obtained in S1 is the first type (S4). In specific example 1, if it is determined that the type of box is the first type (S4: Yes), control unit 2 executes the main process of making a self-laminating label F used for winding onto cable C. Specifically, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 2 sets the printing area RP (S5) based on the type of box 80 obtained in S1 and the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. The length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W is determined by the type of box 80. The control unit 2 sets the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to be less than or equal to the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. The length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is greater than or equal to the length LC of the image G in the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 positions the image G obtained in S3 at a predetermined position on the printing area RP. In specific example 1, the image G is positioned at a position where the distance from the downstream end P1 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the downstream end P7 of the image G in the transport direction Q is distance D1, and the distance from the upstream end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the upstream end P8 of the image G in the transport direction Q is distance D2. The control unit 2 may also configure the image G to be positioned at one end P1 or the other end P2 in the transport direction Q of the printing area RP, and appropriately set the configuration of the image G relative to the printing area RP.

[0053] Control unit 2 sets the anchoring region RA (S6). The anchoring region RA is the area adjacent to the printing region RP on one side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, the downstream side of the transport direction Q is set as one side of the transport direction Q, and the upstream side of the transport direction Q is set as the other side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, control unit 2 does not place or print images in the anchoring region RA. The length LW of the anchoring region RA in the width direction W is specified by the type of box 80 and is the same as the length LW of the printing region RP in the width direction W. The length LA of the anchoring region RA in the transport direction Q is shorter than the length LP. In this embodiment, the length LA is shorter than half of the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2.

[0054] Control unit 2 sets the lamination area RL (S7). The lamination area RL is adjacent to the printing area RP on the other side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, control unit 2 does not place or print images in the lamination area RL. The length LW of the lamination area RL in the width direction W is specified by the type of box 80 and is the same as the length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W. Control unit 2 sets the length LL of the lamination area RL in the transport direction Q to be greater than or equal to the sum H of the difference N between the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2 and the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q set in S5 and the length from the end P1 of the printing area RP on one side of the transport direction Q to the end P8 of the image G on the other side of the transport direction Q (the sum of length D1 and length LC). When the length LP is equal to the outer perimeter length M, and the label F is wound around the cable C, the printing area RP wraps around the outer perimeter of the diameter of the cable C once, and the other end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is connected to one end P1 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q. Figure 6 As shown, when the length LP is smaller than the outer circumference length M, and the label F is wrapped around the cable C, the printing area RP does not wrap around the outer circumference of the cable C's diameter. The other end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q and one end P1 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q are separated along the outer circumference of the cable C by the difference N between the length LP and the outer circumference length M. When the length LL is equal to H, and the label F is wrapped around the cable C, the other end P6 of the lamination area RL in the transport direction Q overlaps with the other end P8 of the image G in the transport direction Q. That is, the image G printed on the printing area RP is entirely covered by the lamination area RL. The area between the other end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q and the other end P8 of the image G in the transport direction Q is not covered by the lamination area RL. The length LL of the laminating region RL in the transport direction Q can also be the sum of the difference N between the outer perimeter length M and the length N of the printing region RP in the transport direction Q, and the length LP from one end P1 of the printing region RP in the transport direction Q to the other end P2 of the printing region RP in the transport direction Q, i.e., the outer perimeter length M or more. When the length LL is equal to the outer perimeter length M, and the label F is wrapped around the cable C, the end P6 of the laminating region RL in the transport direction Q overlaps with the end P2 of the printing region RP in the transport direction Q. In other words, the entire printing region RP is covered by the laminating region RL.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit 2 performs the processing steps S5 to S7 by reading the templates stored in Table 17 in the storage unit 3. Each template includes information indicating the length LW of the label in the width direction W, the length LA of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q, the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q, and the length LL of the lamination area RL in the transport direction Q.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 2 sets a first half-cut position HC1 (S8). The first half-cut position HC1 is the position where the cutting unit 16 performs a half-cut along the entire width W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the anchoring area RA. The control unit 2 sets a second half-cut position HC2 (S9). The second half-cut position HC2 is the position where the cutting unit 16 performs a half-cut along the entire width W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the lamination area RL. The control unit 2 can also set the cutting amount and cutting direction in S8 and S9. In Specific Example 1, the control unit 2 sets the thickness of the release material 88 as the cutting amount and the direction from the roller 10 to the printing unit 8 as the cutting direction.

[0057] The control unit 2 sets the full-cut position FC (S10). The full-cut position FC is the position where the control cutting unit 16 makes a full cut along the entire width direction W of the belt 81 at either end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring region RA or end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the laminating region RL. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 sets the full-cut position FC at end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the laminating region RL. In this embodiment, the first half-cut position HC1, the second half-cut position HC2, and the full-cut position FC are each represented by a distance from end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring region RA. That is, the first half-cut position HC1 is represented by the length LA, the second half-cut position HC2 is represented by the sum of the lengths LA and LP, and the full-cut position FC is represented by the sum of the lengths LA, LP, and LL, i.e., the length LT. At least a portion of the first half-cut position HC1, the second half-cut position HC2, and the full-cut position FC can also be set by a template stored in Table 17.

[0058] The control unit 2 generates printing data (S11) including data for printing the image G obtained in S3 to the printing area RP set in S5, the first half-cut position HC1 set in S8, the second half-cut position HC2 set in S9, and the full-cut position FC set in S10.

[0059] In specific examples 2 and 3, if it is determined that the type of box 90 obtained in S1 is not the first type (S4: No), the control unit 2 determines whether an execution instruction including S5 to S11 is detected (S12). When the main process is being executed, the user inputs the execution instruction via the input unit 6. If the execution instruction is detected (S12: Yes), the main process including S5 to S11 is executed. If no execution instruction is detected (S12: No), ... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the control unit 2 sets the printing area RP (S13) in the case where the type of the cartridge 90 is the second or third type. The length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W is determined by the type of the cartridge 90. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 sets the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. The control unit 2, similar to S5, positions the image G obtained in S3 at the predetermined position of the printing area RP. The control unit 2 sets the anchoring area RA (S14). The length LW of the anchoring area RA in the width direction W is determined by the type of the cartridge 90 and is the same as the length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W. The control unit 2 sets the length LA of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q to be shorter than the outer perimeter length M. In specific example 2, the length LT is the sum of the length of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q and the length LA of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q. In specific example 3, the length LT is the sum of the length of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q, the length LA of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q, and the length of the pasting area RG in the transport direction Q. The length LT is larger than the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 executes S13 and S14 by reading the template stored in Table 17 of the storage unit 3.

[0060] Control unit 2 determines whether the type of box 90 obtained in S1 is the second type (S15). In specific example 2, it is determined that the type of box 90 is the second type (S15: Yes), and control unit 2 sets the full cut position FC (S16). Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 2 sets the upstream end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the full-cut position FC. The full-cut position FC is represented by the distance from the end P3 on one side of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 generates printing data including data for printing the image G obtained in S3 to the printing area RP set in S13 and the full-cut position FC set in S16 (S17).

[0061] In specific example 3, it is not determined that box 90 belongs to the second type (S15: No), such as Figure 5As shown, the control unit 2 sets the pasting area RG (S18). The pasting area RG is adjacent to the printing area RP on the other side of the transport direction Q. The length LW of the pasting area RG in the width direction W is determined by the type of box 90 and is the same as the length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W. The control unit 2 sets the first half-cut position HC1 and the second half-cut position HC2 (S19). The first half-cut position HC1 is the position where the cutting unit 16 performs a half-cut in the entire width direction W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the anchoring area RA. The second half-cut position HC2 is the position where the cutting unit 16 performs a half-cut in the entire width direction W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the pasting area RG. The control unit 2 can also set the cutting amount and cutting direction in S19. In specific example 3, the control unit 2 sets the thickness of the peeling material 99 as the cutting amount and the direction from the printing unit 8 to the roller 10 as the cutting direction. The control unit 2 sets the full-cut position FC (S20). Control unit 2 sets the upstream end P6 of the conveying direction Q of the pasting area RG to the full-cut position FC. Control unit 2 generates printing data including data for printing the image G obtained in S3 to the printing area RP set in S13, the half-cut positions HC1 and HC2 set in S19, and the full-cut position FC set in S20 (S21).

[0062] Following S11, S17, or S21, the control unit 2 determines whether a print instruction has been detected (S22). When the user initiates printing based on the print data generated in S11, S17, or S21, they input a print instruction via the input unit 6. If no print instruction is detected (S22: No), the control unit 2 waits until a print instruction is detected. If a print instruction is detected (S22: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the transport unit 9 to begin conveying the tape (S23). The control unit 2 determines whether the tape is in the printing position based on the driving amount of the transport unit 9 (S24). If the tape is in the printing position (S24: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the printing unit 8 according to the print data to print onto the tape substrate (S25). If the tape is not in the printing position (S24: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the tape is in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 based on the driving amount of the transport unit 9 (S26). In Specific Example 1, when the tape 81 is in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the half-cutter 14 of the cutting unit 16 by an amount corresponding to the cutting amount based on the cutting amount and cutting direction contained in the printing data, and cuts the tape 81 in half from the stripping material 88 side (S27). In Specific Example 3, when the tape 100 is in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the half-cutter 15 of the cutting unit 16 by an amount corresponding to the cutting amount based on the cutting amount and cutting direction contained in the printing data, and cuts the tape 100 in half from the stripping material 99 side (S27).

[0063] If the belt is not in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the belt is in the full-cut position FC based on the driving amount of the transport unit 9 (S28). If the belt is in the full-cut position FC (S28: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the full cutter 13 of the cutting unit 16 to cut the belt completely (S29). After S25, S27, S29 or S28 is no, the control unit 2 performs the processing of S30.

[0064] If the tape is not in the full-cut position FC (S28: No), the control unit 2 determines whether printing has ended (S30). Based on the drive amount of the transport unit 9, if the tape has been transported a predetermined amount after the full-cut process in S29, the control unit 2 determines that printing has ended. If printing has not ended (S30: No), the control unit 2 returns the process to S24. If printing has ended (S30: Yes), the control unit 2 stops the drive of the transport unit 9 (S31), and the printing process ends. In Specific Example 1, a product is manufactured through this printing process. Figure 3 The label F is created in specific example 2. Figure 4 The label J is created in specific example 3. Figure 5 The label E.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 The operation of wrapping a self-laminating label F, produced through a printing process related to Example 1, onto a cable C is described. The user peels off the release material 88 of the anchoring region RA and the release material 88 of the lamination region RL from the release material 88 of the label F using the cuts formed at the half-cut positions HC1 and HC2. The user makes the width direction W of the label F the extension direction of the cable C, and the side of the adhesive layer exposed becomes the cable C side. Following the order of the anchoring region RA, the printing region RP, and the lamination region RL, the user wraps the label F around the cable C in the winding direction V. The anchoring region RA is attached to the cable C. The printing region RP contacts the cable C and a portion of the anchoring region RA. The lamination region RL is attached to a portion of the anchoring region RA and the printing region RP. The substrate 85 of the printing region RP is covered and protected by the substrate 85 of the lamination region RL. Since the substrate 85 is transparent, the user can visually confirm the image G printed on the printing region RP. Because the anchoring region RA is attached to the cable C, the position of the label F relative to the cable C is fixed.

[0066] Reference Figure 7 The operation of wrapping the laminated label J, produced through the printing process related to Example 2, onto the cable C is described. The user completely peels off the release liner 99 of the label J. The user makes the width direction W of the label J the extension direction of the cable C, with the exposed side of the adhesive layer facing the cable C side, and wraps the label J around the cable C in the wrapping direction V, following the order of the anchoring area RA and the printing area RP. The anchoring area RA is attached to the cable C. The printing area RP is attached to the cable C and a portion of the anchoring area RA. The printing surface 95 of the substrate 91 of the printing area RP is attached to the substrate 98, and is therefore protected by the substrate 91. Since the substrate 91 is transparent, the user can visually confirm the image G printed on the printing area RP. Since the substrate 98 is opaque, the substrate 98 of the printing area RP becomes the background of the printing area RP.

[0067] Reference Figure 8The operation of wrapping a laminated label E, produced through a printing process related to Example 3, around a cable C is described. The user peels off the release liner 99 of the anchoring region RA and the release liner 99 of the adhesive region RG from the release liner 99 of the label E using the cuts formed at the half-cut positions HC1 and HC2. The user makes the width direction W of the label E the extension direction of the cable C, and the side of the adhesive layer exposed becomes the cable C side. Following the order of the anchoring region RA, the printing region RP, and the adhesive region RG, the user wraps the label E around the cable C in the wrapping direction V. The anchoring region RA is then attached to the cable C. The printing region RP contacts the cable C and a portion of the anchoring region RA. The adhesive region RG is attached to a portion of the anchoring region RA and the printing region RP. The printing surface 95 of the substrate 91 of the printing region RP is attached to the substrate 98 and is therefore protected by the substrate 91. Since the substrate 91 is transparent, the user can visually confirm the image G printed on the printing region RP. Since the substrate 98 is transparent, the release liner 99 of the printing region RP becomes the background of the printing region RP.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the printing device 1, control unit 2, sensor 4, input unit 6, transport unit 9, cutting unit 16, storage unit 3, and assembly unit 21 are each examples of the printing device, control unit, detection unit, input unit, printing unit, transport unit, cutting unit, storage unit, and assembly unit of the present invention. Half-cutters 14 and 15 are examples of half-cutters of the present invention. Full-cutter 13 is an example of a full-cutter of the present invention. Processing S2 is an example of the length acquisition process of the present invention. Processing S3 is an example of the image acquisition process. Processings S5 to S7 are examples of the region setting process of the present invention. Processing S25 is an example of the printing process of the present invention. Processing S27 is an example of the first half-cutting process of the present invention. Processing S27 is an example of the second half-cutting process of the present invention. Processing S29 is an example of the full-cutting process of the present invention. Processing S8 is an example of the first half-cutting setting process of the present invention. Processing S9 is an example of the second half-cutting setting process of the present invention. Processing S10 is an example of the full-cutting setting process of the present invention. Processing S11 is an example of the generation process of the present invention. The process in S13 is an example of the printing area setting process of the present invention. The process in S29 is an example of the cutting process of the present invention.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 8, a transport unit 9, a cutting unit 16, and a control unit 2. The printing unit 8 prints an image G onto a substrate 85. The transport unit 9 transports the substrate 85, on which the image G has been printed by the printing unit 8, and the strip 88, after being bonded together, in the transport direction Q. The cutting unit 16 performs half-cuts without cutting the substrate 85 but cutting the strip 88, and full cuts that cut both the substrate 85 and the strip 88. The control unit 2 controls the transport unit 9, the printing unit 8, and the cutting unit 16. The control unit 2 performs the following processes as the main process: The control unit 2 obtains the outer circumference length M (S2) of the diameter of the cable C of the label obtained by winding the cut strip 81. The control unit 2 obtains the image G printed onto the printing area RP (S3). Based on the obtained outer perimeter length M, control unit 2 sets the printing area RP, the anchoring area RA adjacent to the printing area RP on one side of the transport direction Q, and the lamination area RL (S5-S7) adjacent to the printing area RP on the other side of the transport direction Q, with a length LL equal to the sum of the difference N between the outer perimeter length M and the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q, and the length from the end P1 of the printing area RP on one side of the transport direction Q to the end P8 of the image G on the other side of the transport direction Q. Control unit 2 sets a first half-cut position HC1 (S8) indicating that a half-cut is performed in the entire width direction W of the tape 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the anchoring area RA. Control unit 2 sets a second half-cut position HC2 (S9) indicating that a half-cut is performed in the entire width direction W of the tape 81 at the junction of the printing area RP and the lamination area RL. The control unit 2 sets a full-cut position FC (S10) at either end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring region RA or end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the laminating region RL, where a full cut is made along the entire width direction W of the belt 81. The control unit 2 generates printing data including data for printing the image G to the printing region RP, a first half-cut position HC1, a second half-cut position HC2, and a full-cut position FC (S11). The control unit 2 controls the printing unit 8 to print the image G to the printing region RP (S25). The control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to perform a half-cut along the entire width direction W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing region RP and the anchoring region RA (S27). The control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to perform a half-cut along the entire width direction W of the belt 81 at the junction of the printing region RP and the laminating region RL (S27). The control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to make a full cut along the entire width direction W of the tape 81 at the end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring area RA or the end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the laminating area RL, cutting off the label F (S29).

[0070] The printing apparatus 1 can produce a label F in which the release liner 88 is cut at the junction of the printing area RP and the anchoring area RA, and at the junction of the printing area RP and the lamination area RL. The user, for example, uses a strip 81 with a transparent substrate 85 to produce the label F. The release liner 88 of the anchoring area RA and the release liner 88 of the lamination area RL are peeled from the substrate 85, with the release liner 88 of the printing area RP adhered to the substrate 85. The label F is then wrapped around the cable C in the order of the anchoring area RA, the printing area RP, and the lamination area RL. The anchoring area RA is adhered to the outer perimeter of the cable C's diameter. Since the printing area RP is covered with the release liner 88, the user can recognize the printed image G even if the substrate 85 is transparent, if the release liner 88 is colored. The lamination area RL is adhered to the outer perimeter of the cable C's diameter and at least one of the printing area RP, covering the image G printed on the printing area RP. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can produce a self-laminating label F wrapped around the cable C using the same strip 81, regardless of the outer perimeter length M of the cable C's diameter. By changing the color of the side of the substrate 85 of the peeling material 88, the background color of the label F can be changed by tape 81. Since tape 81 is of variable length, when making the self-laminating label F, by obtaining the outer circumference length M of the cable C in S2, it is possible to make a label with lengths LP and LL that are set to match the outer circumference length M, which is more efficient than before.

[0071] The cutting section 16 of the printing apparatus 1 includes half-cutters 14 and 15 for half-cutting and a full-cutter 13 for full-cutting. When label F is produced using the first type of box 80, the control unit 2 controls the transport unit 9 and the half-cutter 14 to perform the first half-cutting process and the second half-cutting process respectively (S27). When label E is produced using the third type of box 90, the control unit 2 controls the transport unit 9 and the half-cutter 15 to perform the first half-cutting process and the second half-cutting process respectively (S27). The control unit 2 controls the transport unit 9 and the full-cutter 13 to perform the full-cutting process. The printing apparatus 1 can use the half-cutters 14 and 15 and the full-cutter 13 separately to perform the main process.

[0072] The printing apparatus 1 includes an assembly section 21 for detachably assembling at least a box containing a substrate, and a sensor 4 for detecting the type of box assembled in the assembly section 21. When the type detected by the sensor 4 is a first type—a strip 81 containing a release liner 88 adhered to the back side 87 of the printing surface 86 of a transparent substrate 85 via an adhesive layer—the control unit 2 can perform main processing. The printing apparatus 1 avoids the undesirable situation when using a strip 93 where the substrate 98 is not a transparent film to perform main processing. Furthermore, by performing main processing, the printing apparatus 1 can produce a self-laminating label F that covers the printing surface 86 of the substrate 85 using the lamination area RL of the substrate 85 and protects the image G.

[0073] When the detected type is the second case (S4: No), the control unit 2 of the printing device 1 performs the following processing: The control unit 2 sets the printing area RP according to the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2 (S13). The control unit 2 obtains the image G to be printed onto the printing area RP (S3). The control unit 2 controls the printing unit 8 to print the image G onto the printing area RP (S25). The control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to perform a full cut along the entire width direction W of the tape 100 at either the end P2 upstream of the end P2 in the transport direction Q of the printing area RP or at a position upstream of the end P2 (S29). When the type detected by the sensor 4 is the second type, the printing device 1 can set the printing area RP according to the obtained outer perimeter length M and produce the label J.

[0074] The printing device 1 includes a storage unit 3 that stores templates corresponding to the type of box and its outer perimeter length M detected by the sensor 4. The control unit 2 executes steps S5 to S7 by reading the template corresponding to the detected type and outer perimeter length M from the storage unit 3. By reading the template, the printing device 1 can more easily execute the processing steps S5 to S7 and the processing step S13.

[0075] The printing device 1 includes an input unit 6. When the control unit 2 detects an instruction via the input unit 6 (S12: Yes), it performs main processing. The printing device 1 can perform main processing upon detecting an instruction. Compared to situations where main processing is performed without user instructions, the printing device 1 improves user convenience.

[0076] The length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is less than or equal to the outer circumference length M. For the printing device 1, compared to the case where the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is longer than the outer circumference length M of the cable C diameter, the amount of tape 81 used can be suppressed.

[0077] The length LL of the lamination region RL in the transport direction Q is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length M. For the printing device 1, when the label F, whose substrate 85 is a transparent film, is wrapped around the outer perimeter of the diameter of the cable C, the lamination region RL covers the entire printing area RP, so that the image G can be reliably covered by the lamination region RL regardless of the configuration of the image G relative to the printing area RP.

[0078] Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same structures and steps as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0079] The printing device 1 in the second embodiment has the same structure as Table 17, except that the storage unit 3 does not have the structure shown in Table 17. Figure 1 The structures described are the same.

[0080] In the second embodiment, regarding box 90, the use of a second type of box is not envisioned; instead, the use of only a third type of box is envisioned. However, in the second embodiment, the substrate 98 of the third type of box is either transparent or opaque.

[0081] The thickness of substrates 85, 91, and 98 is, for example, in the range of 50–100 μm, such as 80 μm. The thickness of release material 88 and 99 is, for example, in the range of 10–50 μm, such as 20 μm. The thickness of substrates 85, 91, and 98 is greater than that of release material 88 and 99.

[0082] In the second embodiment of the half-cut, the cutting portion 16 cuts off a portion of the strip in the thickness direction T from the strip material side.

[0083] Reference Figures 9-13 The printing process of printing device 1 will be described using specific examples 4 and 5. Specific example 4 involves manufacturing a self-laminating rotary label F, which is used to wrap around a cable C having a circular outer perimeter with a diameter of K mm, using a first type of box 80. Specific example 5 involves manufacturing a laminating rotary label E, which is used to wrap around a cable C, using a third type of box 90. The printing process is performed with either box 80 or box 90 assembled in printing device 1. The printing processes in specific examples 4 and 5 are performed at different timings, but for simplicity, they will be described side by side below. When the control unit 2 detects an instruction to start the printing process via the input unit 6, it reads the print data generation program for performing the printing process from the storage unit 3. The control unit 2 executes the printing process with the following steps according to the instructions contained in the read print data generation program. Various data obtained during the printing process are appropriately stored in the storage unit 3. Hereinafter, the steps will be abbreviated as S. The diameter Kmm of the cable C is sufficiently large compared to the thickness of the label produced by the printing process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printing process is performed without considering the effect of the label thickness when the label is wrapped around the cable C.

[0084] like Figure 9As shown, the control unit 2 obtains the type of box assembled in the assembly unit 21 based on the detection result of the sensor 4 (S1). As the type of box, the control unit 2 obtains the first type in specific example 4 and the third type in specific example 5. The control unit 2 obtains the outer perimeter length M of the object to which the label obtained by winding the tape is cut, i.e., the cable C (S2). The method for obtaining the outer perimeter length M of the cable C can be appropriately determined. For example, the control unit 2 can obtain the outer perimeter length M as the value input by the user via the input unit 6, or it can obtain the outer perimeter length M as the calculation result using the diameter K input by the user via the input unit 6. If the storage unit 3 stores the relationship between the type of cable C, such as the name and model of the cable C, and the outer perimeter length M of the cable C, the control unit 2 can also obtain the outer perimeter length M corresponding to the type of cable C input by the user via the input unit 6 from the storage unit 3. The control unit 2 obtains the image G to be printed to the printing area RP (S3). Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in specific examples 3 and 4, the image G is an image in which the Latin letters ABCD are arranged at equal intervals from the downstream side to the upstream side of the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 obtains the length LC of the transport direction Q of the image G.

[0085] Control unit 2 determines whether the type of box obtained in S1 is the first type (S4). In specific example 4, it is determined that the type of box 80 is the first type (S4: Yes), and control unit 2 performs the process of making the cable C wrapped with the box. Figure 10 The self-lamination process shown uses a rotating label F. Specifically, as... Figure 10 As shown, the control unit 2 sets the printing area RP (S5) based on the type of box 80 obtained in S1 and the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. The length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W is determined by the type of box 80. The control unit 2 sets the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to be greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2. The length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is greater than or equal to the length LC of the image G in the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 positions the image G obtained in S3 at a predetermined position on the printing area RP. In specific example 4, the image G is positioned at a position where the distance from the downstream end P1 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the downstream end P7 of the image G in the transport direction Q is distance D1, and the distance from the upstream end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the upstream end P8 of the image G in the transport direction Q is distance D2. The control unit 2 may also configure the image G to be positioned at one end P1 or the other end P2 in the transport direction Q of the printing area RP, and appropriately set the configuration of the image G relative to the printing area RP.

[0086] Control unit 2 sets the anchoring region RA (S6). The anchoring region RA is the area adjacent to the printing region RP on one side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, the downstream side of the transport direction Q is set as one side of the transport direction Q, and the upstream side of the transport direction Q is set as the other side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, control unit 2 does not place or print images in the anchoring region RA. The length LW of the anchoring region RA in the width direction W is specified by the type of box 80 and is the same as the length LW of the printing region RP in the width direction W. The length LA of the anchoring region RA in the transport direction Q is shorter than the length LP. In this embodiment, the length LA is shorter than half of the outer perimeter length M obtained in S2.

[0087] The control unit 2 is located on the other side of the transport direction Q, adjacent to the printing area RP, in an adhesive area RG (S7). The adhesive area RG is adjacent to the printing area RP on the other side of the transport direction Q. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 does not place or print images in the adhesive area RG. The length LW of the adhesive area RG in the width direction W is specified by the type of box 80 and is the same as the length LW of the printing area RP in the width direction W. Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, when the type of box 80 is the first type, the control unit 2 sets the length LG of the pasting area RG in the transport direction Q to a lamination length that is H or more of the sum of the value N obtained by subtracting the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q from the outer perimeter length M and the length from the end P1 of the printing area RP on one side of the transport direction Q to the end P8 of the image G on the other side of the transport direction Q. Since the length LP is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length M, the value N is 0 or less. The lamination length can also be the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q or the outer perimeter length M. When the label F is wrapped around the cable C with the length LP equal to the outer perimeter length M, the printing area RP wraps around the outer perimeter of the cable C once, and the other end P2 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q is connected to one end P1 of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q. When the label F is wrapped around the cable C with the length LP greater than the outer perimeter length M, the two ends of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q overlap by a length of N. When label F is wrapped around cable C with lengths LG and H equal, the end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the adhesive area RG overlaps with the end P8 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the image G. That is, the entire image G printed on the print area RP is covered by the adhesive area RG. The area between the end P2 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the print area RP and the end P8 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the image G is not covered by the adhesive area RG. The length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q can also be the outer perimeter length M. When label F is wrapped around cable C with length LG equal to the outer perimeter length M, the end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the adhesive area RG overlaps with the end P2 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the print area RP. That is, the entire print area RP is covered by the adhesive area RG. Alternatively, the length LG can be set to a lamination length greater than or equal to the length LP of the print area RP.

[0088] like Figure 10As shown, the control unit 2 sets the first half-cut position HC1 (S8). The first half-cut position HC1 is the position where the boundary between the printing area RP set in S5 and the anchoring area RA set in S6, controlled by the cutting unit 16, is half-cut along the entire width direction W of the belt 81. The control unit 2 sets the second half-cut position HC2 (S9). The second half-cut position HC2 is the position where the boundary between the printing area RP set in S5 and the pasting area RG set in S7, controlled by the cutting unit 16, is half-cut along the entire width direction W of the belt. The control unit 2 can also set the cutting amount and cutting direction in S8 and S9. In specific example 4, the control unit 2 sets the cutting amount to a value obtained by adding a value greater than 0 and less than half the thickness of the substrate 85 to the thickness of the release material 88, and sets the cutting direction to the direction from the roller 10 to the printing unit 8. The value smaller than half the thickness of the substrate 85 can be appropriately set according to the type and thickness of the substrate 85. For example, when the thickness of the substrate 85 is 20μm, it is 1μm.

[0089] The control unit 2 sets the full-cut position FC (S10). The full-cut position FC is the position where the control cutting unit 16 makes a full cut along the entire width direction W of the belt at either end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring area RA or end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the pasting area RG. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 sets the full-cut position FC at end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of the pasting area RG. In this embodiment, the first half-cut position HC1, the second half-cut position HC2, and the full-cut position FC are each represented by a distance from end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of the anchoring area RA. That is, the first half-cut position HC1 is represented by the length LA, the second half-cut position HC2 is represented by the sum of the length LA and the length LP, and the full-cut position FC is represented by the sum of the length LA, the length LP, and the length LG, i.e., the length LT.

[0090] The control unit 2 generates printing data (S11) including data for printing the image G obtained in S3 to the printing area RP set in S5, the first half-cut position HC1 set in S8, the second half-cut position HC2 set in S9, and the full-cut position FC set in S10.

[0091] In specific example 5, if it is determined that the type of box obtained in S1 is not the first type (S4: No), the control unit 2 determines whether an execution instruction including S5 to S11 is detected (S32). When the main process is being executed, the user inputs the execution instruction via the input unit 6. If the execution instruction is detected (S32: Yes), the control unit 2 executes the same main process including S5 to S11 as when the box is determined to be the first type. If no execution instruction is detected (S32: No), ... Figure 11As shown, the control unit 2 sets the box 90 to the third type of printing area RP, anchoring area RA, and pasting area RG (S33-S35). Specifically, the control unit 2 sets the printing area RP (S33) in the same way as in S5, and arranges the image G obtained in S3 at a predetermined position in the printing area RP. The control unit 2 sets the anchoring area RA (S34) in the same way as in S6.

[0092] Control unit 2 sets the adhesive area RG (S35). When the type detected by sensor 4 is the third case, where a strip 93 containing a release liner 99 is attached to an opaque substrate 98 via an adhesive layer, control unit 2 sets the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to an adhesive length D1 or less, from the end P1 on one side of the print area RP in the transport direction Q to the end P7 on one side of the image G in the transport direction Q. Control unit 2 can also set the adhesive length to a value obtained by subtracting a value N from the length D1. When the adhesive length is set to a value obtained by subtracting a value N from the length D1, even when the label, with an opaque substrate 98, is wound around the cable C in the order of anchoring area RA, print area RP, and adhesive area RG, it is reliably possible to prevent at least a portion of the image G printed on the print area RP from being covered by the adhesive area RG and thus unable to be visually confirmed.

[0093] The control unit 2 sets a first half-cut position HC1 (S8) at the boundary between the printing area RP set in S33 and the anchoring area RA set in S34, and sets a second half-cut position HC2 (S9) at the boundary between the printing area RP set in S33 and the pasting area RG set in S35. In specific example 5, the control unit 2 sets the cutting amount as a value obtained by adding a value greater than the thickness of the substrate 91 and less than half the thickness of the substrate 98 to the thickness of the release material 99, and sets the cutting direction as the direction from the printing unit 8 to the roller 10. The value greater than the thickness of the substrate 91 and less than half the thickness of the substrate 98 can be appropriately set according to the type and thickness of the substrate 98.

[0094] Control unit 2 sets the end P6 on the upstream side of the conveying direction Q of the pasting area RG set in S35 to the full-cut position FC (S10). Control unit 2 generates printing data including data for printing the image G obtained in S3 to the printing area RP set in S33, the first half-cut position HC1 set in S8, the second half-cut position HC2 set in S9, and the full-cut position FC set in S10 (S11).

[0095] Control unit 2 determines whether a print instruction has been detected (S22). When the user initiates printing based on the print data generated in S11, they input a print instruction via input unit 6. If no print instruction is detected (S22: No), control unit 2 waits until a print instruction is detected. If a print instruction is detected (S22: Yes), control unit 2 drives transport unit 9 to begin conveying the belt (S23). Control unit 2 determines whether the belt is in the printing position based on the drive amount of transport unit 9 (S24). If the belt is in the printing position (S24: Yes), control unit 2 drives print unit 8 according to the print data to print onto the belt substrate (S25).

[0096] If the tape is not in the printing position (S24: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the tape is in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 based on the driving amount of the transport unit 9 (S26). In specific example 4, if the tape 81 is in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the half-cutter 14 of the cutting unit 16 by an amount corresponding to the cutting amount based on the cutting amount and cutting direction contained in the printing data, and cuts the tape 81 in half from the peeling material 88 side (S27). Through the half-cut, the peeling material 88 is cut off from the peeling material 88 side in the entire width direction W, and a slit is added to a portion of the thickness direction T of the substrate 85 in the entire width direction W.

[0097] In Specific Example 5, when the tape 100 is in either the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: Yes), the control unit 2, based on the cutting amount and cutting direction contained in the printing data, drives the half-cutter 15 of the cutting unit 16 by an amount corresponding to the cutting amount, and cuts the tape 100 in half from the peeling material 99 side (S27). Through this half-cut, the peeling material 99 and the substrate 98 are cut off from the peeling material 99 side along the entire width direction W, and a slit is added to a portion of the substrate 91 in the thickness direction T along the entire width direction W. In the processing of S27 related to the second half-cut position HC2, the control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to perform a half-cut at the junction of the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG, along the entire width direction W of the tape 100, and in the thickness direction T, from the peeling material 99 to a portion of the substrate 91, the same as in the processing of S27 related to the first half-cut position HC1.

[0098] If the belt is not in the first half-cut position HC1 or the second half-cut position HC2 (S26: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the belt is in the full-cut position FC based on the driving amount of the transport unit 9 (S28). If the belt is in the full-cut position FC (S28: Yes), the control unit 2 drives the full cutter 13 of the cutting unit 16 to cut the belt completely (S29). Following S25, S27 or S29, the control unit 2 performs the processing in S30.

[0099] If the tape is not in the full-cut position FC (S28: No), the control unit 2 determines whether printing has ended (S30). Based on the drive amount of the transport unit 9, if the tape has been transported a predetermined amount after the full-cut process in S29, the control unit 2 determines that printing has ended. If printing has not ended (S30: No), the control unit 2 returns the process to S23. If printing has ended (S30: Yes), the control unit 2 stops the drive of the transport unit 9 (S31), and the printing process ends. In Specific Example 4, a product is manufactured through this printing process. Figure 10 The label F is created in specific example 5. Figure 11 The label E.

[0100] Reference Figure 12 The operation of wrapping a self-laminating rotary label F, produced through a printing process related to Example 4, around a cable C is described. The user peels off the release material 88 of the anchoring region RA and the release material 88 of the adhesive region RG from the release material 88 of the label F using the cuts formed at the half-cut positions HC1 and HC2. The user makes the width direction W of the label F the extension direction of the cable C, with the side of the adhesive layer exposed becoming the cable C side, and wraps the label F around the cable C in the winding direction V, following the order of the anchoring region RA, the printing region RP, and the adhesive region RG. The anchoring region RA is then attached to the cable C. The printing region RP contacts the cable C and a portion of the anchoring region RA. The adhesive region RG is then attached to the printing region RP. The substrate 85 of the printing region RP is covered and protected by the substrate 85 of the adhesive region RG. Since the substrate 85 is transparent, the user can visually confirm the image G printed on the printing region RP. The user rotates the label F wrapped around the cable C in the winding direction V. Because a slit is added to a portion of the substrate 85 in the thickness direction T between the anchoring area RA and the printing area RP, it is prone to cracking at this location. By rotating the label F, the anchoring area RA separates from the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG. Upon separation, the label F, including the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG, can rotate relative to the cable C. The label F can move relative to the cable C in the extension direction of the cable C. The anchoring area RA remains adhered to the cable C. The user can also peel the anchoring area RA off the cable C.

[0101] Reference Figure 13The operation of wrapping a laminated rotary label E, produced through a printing process related to Example 5, around a cable C is described. The user peels off the release liner 99 of the anchoring region RA and the release liner 99 of the adhesive region RG from the release liner 99 of the label F using the cuts formed at the half-cut positions HC1 and HC2. The user makes the width direction W of the label E the extension direction of the cable C, and makes the side of the adhesive layer exposed the cable C side, and wraps the label E around the cable C in the winding direction V in the order of anchoring region RA, printing region RP, and adhesive region RG. The anchoring region RA is then attached to the cable C. The release liner 99 of the printing region RP comes into contact with the cable C, the anchoring region RA, and a portion of the printing region RP. The adhesive region RG is then attached to a portion of the printing region RP. The printing surface 95 of the substrate 91 of the printing region RP is attached to the substrate 98 and is therefore protected by the substrate 91. Since the substrate 91 is transparent, the user can visually confirm the image G printed on the printing region RP. When the substrate 98 is transparent, the release liner 99 of the printing region RP becomes the background of the printing region RP. When the substrate 98 is opaque, it serves as the background for the printing area RP. The user rotates the label E, which is wrapped around the cable C, in the winding direction V. Because a slit is added to a portion of the substrate 91 in the thickness direction T between the anchoring area RA and the printing area RP, it is prone to cracking at this location. By rotating the label E, the anchoring area RA separates from the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG. Through separation, the label E, including the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG, can rotate relative to the cable C. The anchoring area RA remains adhered to the cable C. The user can also peel the anchoring area RA off the cable C.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the printing device 1, control unit 2, sensor 4, input unit 6, transport unit 9, cutting unit 16, and assembly unit 21 are each examples of the printing device, control unit, detection unit, input unit, printing unit, transport unit, cutting unit, and assembly unit of the present invention. Process S2 is an example of the length acquisition process of the present invention. Process S3 is an example of the image acquisition process. Processes S5 to S7 and processes S33 to S35 are examples of the region setting process of the present invention. Process S25 is an example of the printing process of the present invention. Process S27 is an example of the first half-cut process of the present invention. Process S27 is an example of the second half-cut process of the present invention. Process S29 is an example of the full-cut process of the present invention. Process S8 is an example of the first half-cut setting process of the present invention. Process S9 is an example of the second half-cut setting process of the present invention. Process S10 is an example of the full-cut setting process of the present invention. Process S11 is an example of the generation process of the present invention.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 8, a transport unit 9, a cutting unit 16, and a control unit 2. The printing unit 8 prints an image G onto a substrate. The transport unit 9 transports the substrate with the image G printed by the printing unit 8 and the strip after the release material is bonded together in the transport direction Q. The cutting unit 16 performs half cuts without cutting the substrate and full cuts that cut both the substrate and the release material. The control unit 2 controls the transport unit 9, the printing unit 8, and the cutting unit 16. The control unit 2 performs the following processes as the main process. The control unit 2 obtains the outer perimeter length M of the cable C around the label obtained by cutting the strip (S2). The control unit 2 obtains the image G printed onto the printing area RP (S3). Based on the obtained outer perimeter length M, the control unit 2 sets the length LP in the transport direction Q to be a printing area RP with an outer perimeter length M or more, an anchoring area RA adjacent to the printing area RP on one side of the transport direction Q, and an adhesive area RG adjacent to the printing area RP on the other side of the transport direction Q (S5-S7, S33-S35). Control unit 2 controls printing unit 8 to print image G onto printing area RP (S25). Control unit 2 controls cutting unit 16 to perform a half cut at the junction of printing area RP and anchoring area RA, extending from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction T along the entire width W of the tape (S27). Control unit 2 controls cutting unit 16 to perform a half cut at the junction of printing area RP and adhesive area RG, cutting at least half of the peeling material in the thickness direction T along the entire width W of the tape (S27). Control unit 2 controls cutting unit 16 to perform a full cut at the end P3 on one side of the transport direction Q of anchoring area RA or the end P6 on the other side of the transport direction Q of adhesive area RG, cutting off the label in the entire width W of the tape (S29).

[0104] The printing device 1 is capable of producing labels where the release liner is cut at the junction of the printing area RP and the anchoring area RA, and at the junction of the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG. The printing device 1 can use the same strip 81 having a substrate 85 and a release liner 88 to produce a label F in which the substrate 85 can be separated at the first half-cut position HC1, or the release liner 88 can be peeled off from the substrate 85 using the first half-cut position HC1. Because a slit is added to a portion of the substrate 85 in the thickness direction T between the anchoring area RA and the printing area RP, it is prone to cracking at this location. By pulling by hand, it can be separated into the anchoring area RA, the printing area RP, and the adhesive area RG. For example, the user uses a strip 81 where the substrate 85 is a transparent film to produce the label F. The release liner 88 of the anchoring area RA and the release liner 88 of the adhesive area RG are peeled off from the substrate 85, and the release liner 88 of the printing area RP is adhered to the substrate 85. The label is then wrapped around the cable C in the order of the anchoring area RA, the printing area RP, and the adhesive area RG. The anchoring area RA is then adhered to the cable C. The printing area RP is in a state where the release material 88 is attached, so it is not attached to the cable C. The adhesive area RG is attached to the printing area RP. The label F is fixed in position relative to the cable C by being attached to the cable C through the anchoring area RA, so the user can easily wrap the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG around the cable C compared to the case without the anchoring area RA. The user rotates the label F wrapped around the cable C in the winding direction V. Since the substrate 85 has a slit added in the thickness direction T between the anchoring area RA and the printing area RP, it is easy to crack at this location. By rotating the label F, the anchoring area RA separates from the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG. By separating, the label F, including the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG, can rotate relative to the cable C. Therefore, the printing device 1 can use the same tape to produce a label F that can be wrapped around the cable C and rotated around the cable C, regardless of the length M of the outer perimeter of the cable C.

[0105] In the processing of S27 related to the second half-cut position HC2, the control unit 2 controls the cutting unit 16 to perform a half-cut at the junction of the printing area RP and the adhesive area RG, along the entire width direction W of the tape and in the thickness direction T, from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate, the same as in the processing of S27 related to the first half-cut position HC1. Therefore, when the printing device 1 produces a label, the cutting length in the thickness direction T of the tape can be the same in both S27 related to the first half-cut position HC1 and S27 related to the second half-cut position HC2. For the printing device 1, compared to the case where the cutting lengths in S27 related to the first half-cut position HC1 and S27 related to the second half-cut position HC2 are different, the adjustment of the cutting length in S27 can be simplified.

[0106] In step S7, control unit 2 sets the length LG of the pasting area RG in the transport direction Q to a lamination length greater than or equal to the sum of the value N obtained by subtracting the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q from the outer perimeter length M and the length from the end P1 on one side of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the end P8 on the other side of the image G in the transport direction Q. When a label F made using a strip 81 with a transparent film substrate 85 is wrapped around the cable C in the order of anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and pasting area RG, the pasting area RG is pasted onto the printing area RP, covering the entire image G printed on the printing area RP and protecting the image G. Therefore, the printing device 1 can produce a self-laminating rotating label F that can be wrapped around the cable C and rotated around the cable C using the same strip, regardless of the outer perimeter length M of the cable C.

[0107] In step S7, control unit 2 sets the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to be a lamination length greater than or equal to the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q. For printing device 1, when a label F with a transparent film substrate 85 is wound around the outer periphery of cable C in the order of anchoring area RA, printing area RP, and adhesive area RG, the adhesive area RG covers the entire printing area RP. Therefore, regardless of the image G's arrangement relative to the printing area RP, the image G can be reliably covered by the adhesive area RG.

[0108] The printing device 1 includes an assembly section 21 for detachably assembling at least a box containing a substrate, and a sensor 4 for detecting the type of box assembled in the assembly section 21. When the type detected by the sensor 4 is a first case (S4: Yes) where a release liner 81 is attached to the back side 87 of the printing surface 86 of a transparent substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit 2 sets the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to the lamination length during the processing in S7. When the type detected by the sensor 4 is the first type, the printing device 1 can set the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to the lamination length. The printing device 1 can avoid the undesirable situation where the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q is set to the lamination length when using a tape whose substrate is not transparent. Furthermore, when wrapping the label F around the cable C, the printing surface 86 of the substrate 85 can be covered by the adhesive area RG of the substrate 85, thus protecting the image G.

[0109] The printing device 1 includes an input unit 6. When the control unit 2 detects an instruction via the input unit 6, it sets the length LG of the transport direction Q of the adhesive area RG to the lamination length in step S7. The printing device 1 can set the length LG of the transport direction Q of the adhesive area RG to the lamination length upon detecting an instruction. The printing device 1 improves user convenience when producing self-laminating rotary labels F.

[0110] In the process of S35, the control unit 2 sets the length LG of the pasting area RG in the transport direction Q to a pasting length less than or equal to the length from the end P1 on one side of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q to the end P7 on one side of the image G in the transport direction Q. The printing device 1 can reliably avoid the undesirable situation that occurs when at least a portion of the image G in the printing area RP is covered by the pasting area RG, even when the label E is wrapped around the cable C.

[0111] In the case where the type detected by sensor 4 is the third type (S4: No), the control unit 2 sets the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to the adhesive length in process S35. In the case where the type detected by sensor 4 is the third type (S4: No), the printing device 1 can set the length LG of the adhesive area RG in the transport direction Q to the adhesive length. The printing device 1 can reliably prevent at least a portion of the image G of the printing area RP from being covered by the adhesive area RG when the label E is wrapped around the cable C.

[0112] The printing apparatus of the first aspect of the second embodiment includes: a printing unit for printing an image onto a substrate; a transport unit for transporting a strip in a transport direction to which the substrate and a release liner, on which the image has been printed by the printing unit, are bonded; a cutting unit for performing a half cut (cutting a portion of the strip in the thickness direction from the release liner side) and a full cut (cutting the substrate and the release liner); and a control unit for controlling the transport unit, the printing unit, and the cutting unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing: a length acquisition process for acquiring the outer perimeter length of an object around which a label obtained by cutting the strip is wrapped; an image acquisition process for acquiring the image printed onto a printing area; and a region setting process for setting a printing area whose length in the transport direction is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and an anchoring area on the other side of the transport direction. The adhesive area adjacent to the printing area; the printing process, controlling the printing unit to print the image onto the printing area; the first half-cutting process, controlling the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, along the entire width of the strip, from the release material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction; the second half-cutting process, controlling the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at least a portion of the release material along the thickness direction at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area, along the entire width of the strip; and the full-cutting process, controlling the cutting unit to perform the full-cutting at the end of one side of the transport direction of the anchoring area or the end of the other side of the transport direction of the adhesive area, along the entire width of the strip.

[0113] The printing apparatus of the first embodiment can produce labels where the release liner is cut at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, and at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area. Therefore, the printing apparatus can use the same strip having a substrate and release liner to produce labels where the substrate can be separated at the first half-cut position, or where the release liner can be peeled off from the substrate at the first half-cut position. For example, the user uses a strip with a transparent film substrate to produce the label, peeling the release liner of the anchoring area and the release liner of the adhesive area from the substrate, with the release liner of the printing area adhered to the substrate, and wraps the label around the object in the order of anchoring area, printing area, and adhesive area. The anchoring area is adhered to the object. The printing area is in a state where the release liner is adhered, and therefore is not adhered to the object. The adhesive area is adhered to the printing area. The user rotates the label wrapped around the object in the winding direction. Because a slit is added to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction between the anchoring area and the printing area, it is prone to cracking at this location. By rotating the label, the anchoring area separates from the printing area and the adhesive area. Through separation, the label, including the printing area and the adhesive area, can rotate relative to the object. Therefore, the printing device can use the same tape to make labels that can be wrapped around and rotated around the object, regardless of the length of the object's outer perimeter.

[0114] The printing apparatus of the second embodiment is based on the printing apparatus of the first embodiment, characterized in that, in the second half-cutting process, the control unit controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area, along the entire width of the strip, and along the thickness direction from the peeling material to the portion of the substrate that is the same as in the first half-cutting process.

[0115] The printing apparatus of the third aspect of the second embodiment is based on the first or second aspect, characterized in that, in the area setting process, the control unit sets the length of the pasting area in the transport direction to a lamination length greater than or equal to the sum of the value obtained by subtracting the length of the printing area in the transport direction from the outer perimeter length and the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on the other side of the transport direction.

[0116] The printing apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the second embodiment is based on the first or second embodiment, characterized in that, in the area setting process, the control unit sets the length of the pasting area in the transport direction to a lamination length that is greater than or equal to the length of the printing area in the transport direction.

[0117] The printing apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the second embodiment is based on the third or fourth embodiment, characterized in that it further comprises an assembly part for detachably assembling at least a box containing the substrate and a detection part for detecting the type of the box assembled to the assembly part. When the detected type is the first type of the strip on which the release material is adhered via an adhesive layer to the back of the printing surface of the transparent substrate, the control part sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction to the lamination length in the area setting process.

[0118] The printing apparatus of the sixth embodiment of the second embodiment is based on the third or fourth embodiment, characterized in that it further includes an input unit, which, when an instruction is detected via the input unit, sets the length of the transport direction of the pasting area to the lamination length.

[0119] The printing apparatus of the seventh embodiment of the second embodiment is based on the first or second embodiment, wherein the control unit, in the area setting process, sets the length of the pasting area in the transport direction to a pasting length less than or equal to the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on one side of the transport direction.

[0120] The printing apparatus of the eighth embodiment of the second embodiment is based on the seventh embodiment and further includes an assembly part for detachably assembling at least a box containing the substrate and a detection part for detecting the type of the box assembled in the assembly part. When the detected type is the second type, in which the strip containing the release material is attached to the opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control part sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction to the adhesive length in the area setting process.

[0121] The print data generation program of the ninth embodiment of the second method is executed by a control unit of a print data generation device that generates print data printed using a printing device. The printing device includes: a printing unit that prints an image onto a substrate; a transport unit that transports a strip formed by bonding the substrate and a release liner, on which the image has been printed by the printing unit, in a transport direction; and a cutting unit that performs a half-cut (cutting a portion of the strip in the thickness direction from the release liner side) and a full cut (cutting the substrate and the release liner). The print data generation program includes instructions for the control unit to perform the following processes: a length acquisition process to acquire the outer perimeter length of an object around which a label obtained by cutting the strip is wrapped; an image acquisition process to acquire the image printed onto a printing area; and a region setting process to set a printing area in the transport direction whose length is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and an anchoring area in the transport direction. The other side is an adhesive area adjacent to the printing area; a first half-cut setting process, which sets a first half-cut position indicating that the half-cut is performed at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, extending from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction along the entire width of the tape; a second half-cut setting process, which sets a second half-cut position indicating that the half-cut is performed at least partially cutting off the peeling material in the thickness direction along the entire width of the tape at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area; a full-cut setting process, which sets a full-cut position at the end of one side of the transport direction of the anchoring area or the end of the other side of the transport direction of the adhesive area, where the full cut is performed in the entire width direction of the tape; and a generation process, which generates printing data including data for printing the image to the printing area, the first half-cut position, the second half-cut position, and the full-cut position. By printing with the printing device according to the printing data generated according to the printing data generation program of the ninth scheme, the same label as the printing device of the first scheme can be produced. Therefore, the printing data generation program of the ninth scheme can achieve the same effect as the first scheme.

[0122] The label manufacturing method of the tenth embodiment of the second method performs the following steps: a length acquisition process, which acquires the outer perimeter length of the label object obtained by cutting a strip formed by bonding a substrate and a release liner; an image acquisition process, which acquires an image printed onto a printing area of ​​the substrate; a region setting process, which sets the printing area, whose length is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length, an anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and an adhesive area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction; and a first half-cut setting process, which sets a first half-cut position at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, where a half-cut is made from the release liner side in the thickness direction of the strip along the entire width direction of the strip. The second half-cut setting process is set at a second half-cut position where a half-cut is made from the peeling material side in the thickness direction along the entire width direction of the tape at the junction of the printing area and the adhesive area; the full-cut setting process is set at a full-cut position where a full cut is made in the entire width direction of the tape at the end of one side of the transport direction of the anchoring area or the end of the other side of the transport direction of the adhesive area; the first half-cut process cuts off a portion of the peeling material and the substrate at the first half-cut position; the printing process prints the image; the second half-cut process cuts off at least the peeling material at the second half-cut position; and the full-cut process cuts off the substrate and the peeling material at the full-cut position. The label manufacturing method of the tenth embodiment can produce labels identical to those of the printing device of the first embodiment. Therefore, the label manufacturing method of the tenth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0123] The printing apparatus of the eleventh embodiment of the second method includes: a printing unit that prints an image onto a substrate; a transport unit that transports a strip, to which the substrate and a release liner are bonded together and the image printed by the printing unit, in a transport direction; and a cutting unit that performs a slit cut from the release liner side, cutting a portion of the strip in the thickness direction from the release liner to the substrate. For the printing apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, since a slit is added in the thickness direction of the strip from the release liner to the substrate, the substrate is prone to cracking at this location, enabling the manufacture of a separable label. Therefore, the printing apparatus can use the same strip having a substrate and a release liner to produce a label that allows the substrate to be separated at a desired location or the release liner to be peeled off from the substrate at a desired location.

[0124] The printing apparatus, printing data generation program, and label making method of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following variations can also be appropriately added. The present invention can be implemented in various ways, for example, it can be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a printing data generation program and a printing control method executed by the control unit 2 of the printing apparatus 1.

[0125] The structure of the printing device 1 can be modified appropriately. The printing device 1 may also omit at least one of the sensor 4, communication unit 5, input unit 6, and display unit 7. The input unit 6 may be a keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc., in addition to a touch panel. The printing device 1 may also only have one of the half-cutters 14 and 15. The cutting unit 16 may also be a cutter capable of performing both half-cutting and full-cutting.

[0126] Including for making Figure 2 The program that executes the instructions for processing can be stored in the storage device of the printing device 1 before the control unit 2 executes the corresponding program. Therefore, the method of obtaining the program, the acquisition path, and the device for storing the program can be appropriately changed. The program executed by the printing device 1 can also be received from other devices via cable or wireless communication and stored in a storage device such as the storage unit. Other devices include, for example, PCs and servers connected via a network.

[0127] The steps of the printing process are not limited to the example where they are executed by control unit 2; they may also be partially or entirely executed by other electronic devices (e.g., ASICs). The steps of the printing process may also be processed separately by multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple CPUs). The order of the steps in the printing process can be changed, steps can be omitted, or steps can be added as needed. The following modifications may also be appropriately added to the printing process.

[0128] The object to which the label is wrapped is not limited to cables. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the object to which the label is wrapped can be any shape, such as elliptical or polygonal, in addition to being circular. The label may not be wrapped around the outer periphery of the object's diameter. The control unit 2 can also acquire the image G after setting the printing area RP according to the type of box. The control unit 2 can also set at least one of the lengths LA, LP, LL, LG in the first embodiment, taking into account the influence of the label thickness, and can also set at least one of the lengths LA, LP, LG in the second embodiment, taking into account the influence of the label thickness. Alternatively, one side of the transport direction Q may be the upstream side of the transport direction Q, and the other side of the transport direction Q may be the downstream side of the transport direction Q. The cutting amount in S27 can be any amount that does not cut the tape 81 in the thickness direction T, or it can be an amount that reaches a portion of the substrate 85 to which the release material 88 is attached. In the first embodiment, the printing device 1 may only be able to perform the process of producing the label F using the first type of box 80, and the processes S12 to S21 may be appropriately omitted. In the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 may also be able to perform only one of the processes of producing label F using the first type of box 80 and producing label E using the third type of box 90. In the first embodiment, in the process of producing label J using the second type of box 90, the printing apparatus 1 may also set the full-cut position FC upstream of the end P2 on the opposite side of the transport direction Q of the printing area RP. In the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 may also produce label F or label E using the same process regardless of the type of box.

[0129] The processing steps S1 to S21 of the first embodiment for generating print data and S1 to S35 of the second embodiment can also be performed by the external device B. In this case, in S1, the type of box can be obtained based on the user's input, and the printing device 1 can also create a label based on the print data generated by the external device B by performing the processing steps S22 to S31. The control unit 2 can also choose not to accept instructions during the processing in S12.

[0130] In the first embodiment, the length LL of the laminating region RL in the transport direction Q can be equal to or greater than H. The storage unit 3 may also omit storing Table 17 and perform the processes S5 to S7 without using a template. When the printing apparatus 1 continuously produces multiple labels, it may not completely cut between a label and the label produced after it, but instead perform a half-cut from the substrate side, cutting only the substrate and not the release liner. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can produce multiple labels connected together via the release liner.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 3 may also store multiple templates corresponding to the type of box that can be assembled into the printing device 1 and the length M of the outer perimeter of the cable C to which the label is pasted. Each template may also include information indicating the length LW of the label in the width direction W, the length LA of the anchoring area RA in the transport direction Q, the length LP of the printing area RP in the transport direction Q, and the length LG of the pasting area RG in the transport direction Q. The control unit 2 may also perform at least a portion of the processes S5 to S7 and S13 to S15 by reading the templates stored in the storage unit 3. The cutting amount in S27 may be appropriately changed. The cutting amount at the first half-cut position HC1 and the cutting amount at the second half-cut position HC2 may be the same as each other or different from each other. The cutting amount in S27 may also be manually or mechanically set by the user. The control unit 2 may also configure or print an image in the anchoring area RA. The technologies, structures, processes, etc., described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their variations may also be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

[0132] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0133] 1: Printing unit, 2: Control unit, 3: Storage unit, 4: Sensor, 5: Communication unit, 6: Input unit, 7: Display unit, 8: Printing unit, 9: Transport unit, 13: Full cutter, 14, 15: Half cutter, 16: Cutting unit, FC: Full cut position, G: Image, HC1: First half cut position, HC2: Second half cut position, Q: Transport direction, RA: Anchoring area, RL: Lamination area, RP: Printing area, W: Width direction.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, have: The printing unit prints images onto the substrate; The transport unit transports a belt formed by bonding the substrate and the release material after the image has been printed by the printing unit in the transport direction; The cutting section performs a partial cut that cuts the release material without cutting the substrate, and a full cut that cuts both the substrate and the release material; and The control unit controls the conveying unit, the printing unit, and the cutting unit. The control unit, acting as the main processing unit, is capable of executing: The length acquisition process obtains the outer perimeter length of the object to which the label is obtained by cutting the tape after wrapping; Image acquisition processing is performed to acquire the image to be printed in the printing area; The region setting process, based on the obtained outer perimeter length, sets the printing area, the anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and the pasting area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction. The length of the pasting area in the transport direction is set as the lamination length, which is the sum of the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printing area in the transport direction and the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on the other side of the transport direction. The printing process controls the printing unit and the transport unit to print the image onto the printing area; The first half-cutting process controls the cutting portion to perform a half-cutting along the entire width of the strip at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, cutting from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction, so that the anchoring area can be separated from the printing area. The second half-cutting process involves controlling the cutting portion to perform the half-cutting along the entire width of the strip at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area. and The cutting process involves controlling the cutting portion to perform a full cut along the entire width of the strip at either the end of the anchoring area on one side of the transport direction or the end of the adhesive area on the other side of the transport direction.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting section includes a half-cutter for performing the half-cut and a full-cutter for performing the full-cut. The control unit controls the conveying unit and the half-cutter to perform the first half-cutting process and the second half-cutting process. The control unit controls the transport unit and the full cutter to perform the full cut process.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The assembly section assembles at least a box containing the substrate in a detachable manner; and The inspection department inspects the type of box assembled in the assembly department. When the detected type is the first type, in which the release material is attached to the back of the printed surface of the transparent substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit performs the main process.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case where the detected type is the second type, where the release material is attached to an opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit performs the following: The printing area setting process sets the printing area based on the obtained outer perimeter length; The image acquisition and processing; The printing process; and The cutting process controls the cutting section to perform a full cut along the entire width of the belt at an end on the upstream side of the transport direction in the printing area or at a position closer to the upstream side than the end.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a storage unit for storing templates corresponding to the detected types and the outer perimeter length. The control unit executes the region setting process and the print region setting process by reading the template corresponding to the detected type and the outer perimeter length, respectively.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has an input section. If an instruction is detected via the input unit, the main process is executed.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The length of the printed area in the transport direction is less than the outer perimeter length.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The length of the pasting area in the transport direction is greater than or equal to the outer perimeter length.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second half-cutting process, the control unit controls the cutting unit to perform the half-cutting at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area, along the entire width of the strip, and along the thickness direction from the peeling material to the portion of the substrate that is the same as in the first half-cutting process.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The assembly section assembles at least a box containing the substrate in a detachable manner; and The inspection department inspects the type of box assembled in the assembly department.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the detected type is a strip of release material adhered to an opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit, during the area setting process, sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction as the adhesive length, instead of the lamination length. The control unit sets the pasting length to a length less than or equal to the length from the end of one side of the printing area in the transport direction to the end of one side of the image in the transport direction.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the case where the detected type is the second type, where the strip containing the release material is attached to an opaque substrate via an adhesive layer, the control unit sets the length of the adhesive area in the transport direction as the adhesive length during the area setting process.

13. A storage medium storing a print data generation program, the print data generation program being executed by a control unit of a print data generation apparatus that generates print data printed using a printing device, the printing device comprising: a printing unit for printing an image onto a substrate; a transport unit for transporting a strip formed by bonding the substrate and a release liner, on which the image has been printed by the printing unit, in a transport direction; and a cutting unit for performing a half-cut that cuts the release liner without cutting the substrate and a full cut that cuts both the substrate and the release liner. Its features are, The print data generation program includes instructions for causing the control unit to perform the following processes: The length acquisition process obtains the outer perimeter length of the object to which the label is obtained by cutting the tape after wrapping; Image acquisition processing is performed to acquire the image to be printed in the printing area; The region setting process, based on the obtained outer perimeter length, sets the printing area, the anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction, and the pasting area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction. The length of the pasting area in the transport direction is set as the lamination length, which is the sum of the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printing area in the transport direction and the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on the other side of the transport direction. The first half-cut setting process sets a first half-cut position at the junction of the printed area and the anchoring area, in which a half-cut is made in the entire width direction of the strip and in the thickness direction from the peeling material to a portion of the substrate, so that the anchoring area can be separated from the printed area. The second half-cut setting process sets the position of the second half-cut at the junction of the printing area and the pasting area along the entire width of the strip. The full-cut setting process is set at the end of one side of the transport direction of the anchoring area or the end of the other side of the transport direction of the adhesive area, where the full cut is performed along the entire width of the belt. and The generation process generates the printing data, which includes printing the image onto the printing area, the first half-cut position, the second half-cut position, and the full-cut position.

14. A label creation method, comprising: The length acquisition process obtains the outer perimeter length of the object to which the label is wrapped, the label being obtained by cutting a strip made by bonding a substrate and a release liner; Image acquisition processing is performed to acquire an image printed onto the printing area of ​​the substrate; The region setting process, based on the obtained outer perimeter length, sets the printing area, the anchoring area adjacent to the printing area on one side of the transport direction of the belt, and the pasting area adjacent to the printing area on the other side of the transport direction. The length of the pasting area in the transport direction is set as the lamination length, which is the sum of the difference between the outer perimeter length and the length of the printing area in the transport direction and the length from the end of the printing area on one side of the transport direction to the end of the image on the other side of the transport direction. The printing process involves printing the image onto the printing area. The first half-cutting process involves cutting the strip material in half without cutting the substrate at the junction of the printing area and the anchoring area, along the entire width of the strip. The second half-cutting process involves making the half-cut along the entire width of the strip at the boundary between the printed area and the pasting area. and A full cut is performed at the end of the anchoring area on one side of the transport direction or at the end of the adhesive area on the other side of the transport direction, cutting off both the substrate and the release liner along the entire width of the strip. In the first half-cut process, the half-cut is performed to cut from the stripper material to a portion of the substrate in the thickness direction, so that the anchoring area can be separated from the printing area.

Images