Manufacturing method and supply method of roller with roller retainer

Abstract

A manufacturing method and a supply method of a roll provided with a roll holder, the method including: a holder providing step of providing a roll holder including a memory, the roll holder being capable of mounting a roll around which a sheet is wound; a mounting step of mounting the roll to the roll holder provided in the holder providing step; and a writing step of writing information associated with the roll to the memory by a writing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and a method for manufacturing a roller with a roller retainer installed. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus that prints text, etc., on a strip of sheet with release paper adhered to an adhesive sheet via a hot-head printing process. The strip of sheet for printing is wound around a hollow core to form a roller. The roller is mounted on a roller holder, and the core is rotatably mounted on the roller holder. Rollers of various sheet widths can be mounted on the roller holder. The roller holder is supported by a support mechanism within the printing apparatus and is detachable.

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-193468.

[0004] When a memory storing the control parameters of the hot head is installed in the roller holder, various rollers with different hot head control parameters can be used. Therefore, a new technology is needed to provide rollers equipped with a roller holder containing a memory. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new technology, namely, a roller equipped with a roller holder having a memory.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller holder, comprising: a holder providing step of providing a roller holder including a memory, the roller holder being capable of mounting a roller wound with a sheet; an mounting step of mounting the roller onto the roller holder provided in the holder providing step; and a writing step of writing information associated with the roller into the memory using a writing device.

[0007] In this invention, for various rollers, information associated with the roller can be written into the memory of the retainer.

[0008] The installation step can also be performed by the roller supplier who performs the roller supply step. In this case, the roller supplier can supply the roller and install it onto the roller holder.

[0009] The installation step can also be performed by the retainer supplier who performs the retainer supply step. In this case, the retainer supplier can supply the roller retainer and install the roller-to-roller retainer.

[0010] The writing step can also be performed with the roller mounted on the roller holder. In this case, information about the roller suitable for mounting on the roller holder can be written into the memory of the roller holder.

[0011] The process may also include a shipping step, in which the roller equipped with a roller holder is shipped after the information is written to the memory. In this case, the roller equipped with a roller holder to which information suitable for the roller is written to the memory can be shipped.

[0012] The shipping step can also be performed by the roller supplier who performs the roller supply step. In this case, the roller with a roller holder installed and whose information suitable for the roller is written into the memory can be shipped from the roller supplier.

[0013] In the writing step, a data file containing printing parameters can also be written to the memory. In this case, a data file containing printing parameters suitable for printing on the sheet can be written to the memory. Therefore, printing on the sheet can be performed well.

[0014] The data file can also be supplied from the retainer supplier performing the retainer supply step to the roller supplier performing the roller supply step. In this case, the roller supplier can write a data file containing printing parameters suitable for printing on the sheet by the printer into memory.

[0015] The data file can also be a batch file executed by a printer that prints on the sheet. In this case, since the data file is a batch file executed by the printer, reverse engineering of the data file can be prevented.

[0016] The roller supplier that performs the roller supply step can be different from the retainer supplier that performs the retainer supply step. In this case, the roller can be supplied from a different roller supplier than the retainer supplier that performs the retainer supply step.

[0017] The retainer supplier who performs the retainer supply step can also perform the sales step, selling the roller with the roller retainer installed. In this case, the retainer supplier can directly sell the roller with the roller retainer installed.

[0018] A third party, different from the retainer supplier who performs the retainer provision step, may also perform the sales step and sell the roller equipped with the roller retainer. In this case, the sale of the roller equipped with the retainer can be entrusted to a third party.

[0019] The retainer supplier performing the retainer supply step may also perform the roller retainer sales step, selling the roller retainer including the memory to the third party. In this case, it is possible to sell the roller retainer including the memory to the third party, enabling them to supply rollers equipped with the roller retainer.

[0020] The roller supplier who performs the roller supply step can also perform the sales step, selling rollers equipped with roller retainers. In this case, the roller supplier who performs the roller supply step is able to sell rollers equipped with roller retainers.

[0021] The retainer supplier performing the retainer supply step can also perform the roller retainer sales step, selling a roller retainer including the memory to the roller supplier performing the roller supply step. In this case, it is possible to sell a roller retainer including the memory to the roller supplier performing the roller supply step, thereby enabling the supplier to sell rollers equipped with the roller retainer.

[0022] Alternatively, the process may include: a data file creation step, creating a data file containing printing parameters for a sample; a test printing step, writing the data file into the memory and performing a test print on the sheet using a printer; and a data file sending process, sending the data file, in which no problems were found in the test print results, to perform the writing step. In this case, the test print can be performed using the printing parameters as a sample. Therefore, it is possible to send the data file, in which no problems were found in the test print results, to perform the writing step, thereby enabling mass production of rollers equipped with roller holders.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention describes a method for manufacturing a roller with a roller holder, comprising: an mounting step of mounting a roller wound with sheet material onto a roller holder including a memory; and a writing step of writing information associated with the roller into the memory using a writing device. In this case, for various types of rollers, information associated with the roller can be written into the memory of the holder.

[0024] The installation process can also be performed by the roller supplier. In this case, the roller supplier can supply the roller and install it onto the roller holder.

[0025] The installation process can also be performed by the supplier of the roller retainer. In this case, the supplier of the roller retainer and the installation of the roller-to-roller retainer can both be performed by the supplier.

[0026] The writing process can also be performed with the roller mounted on the roller holder. In this case, information about the roller suitable for mounting on the roller holder can be written into the memory of the roller holder. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of printer 1 with cover 12 in the open position.

[0028] Figure 2 (A) is a three-dimensional view of roller core 93. Figure 2 (B) is a three-dimensional view of roller 90.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the roller holder 91.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of printer 1.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the sample making process of the first manufacturing method and supply method.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the mass production process of the first manufacturing method and supply method.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the sample making process for the second manufacturing method and supply method.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the mass production process of the second manufacturing method and supply method.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the sample making process for the third manufacturing method and supply method.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the mass production process of the third manufacturing method and supply method. Detailed Implementation

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that may be employed in the present invention. The structure of the described apparatus, etc., is not limited thereto, but is merely an illustrative example.

[0038] Printer 1

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a roller 90 equipped with a roller holder 91 supplied by the present invention is mounted on a printer 1. Hereinafter, the roller 90 equipped with the roller holder 91 will be referred to as roller unit 9. Figure 1 Above, below, lower left, upper right, upper left, and lower right are respectively the top, bottom, front, back, left, and right of printer 1. First, let's describe printer 1.

[0040] <Summary of Printer 1>

[0041] Printer 1 performs printing using a thermal method. Printer 1 extracts the media sheet 92 from a roller 90 wound with the media sheet 92. The media sheet 92 is a thermal medium that develops color by heating. Printer 1 utilizes... Figure 4The head 14 shown heats the media sheet 92 drawn from the roller 90. Color is developed on the media sheet 92, and printing is performed on it. The printer 1 uses a cutting unit to cut the printed portion of the media sheet 92, containing the printed portion, from the roller 90. The cut media sheet 92 is made into a label with the printed portion.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, printer 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 has a main body 11 and a cover 12. The main body 11 includes a front wall portion 11F, a rear wall portion 11S, a left wall portion 11L, a right wall portion 11R, an upper wall portion 11U, and a lower wall portion 11B.

[0043] The front wall portion 11F includes a first wall portion 111 orthogonal to the front-rear direction and a second wall portion 112 extending from the first wall portion 111 toward the inside of the housing 10. An outlet 16 for discharging the printed portion of the media sheet 92 is provided at the inner end of the second wall portion 112. The printed portion of the media sheet 92, including the portion to be printed, is discharged from the outlet 16. The cover 12 is rotatably supported on the upper end of the rear wall portion 11S.

[0044] An interface panel 18 is provided on the upper wall portion 11U. The interface panel 18 includes multiple buttons 18A and multiple LEDs 18B. When the user performs an input operation on the printer 1, the buttons 18A are activated. The LEDs 18B indicate the status of the printer 1. A lever 17 is provided on the right wall portion 11R, which is operated when the cover 12 is opened. The main body 11 has a receiving portion 13 inside. The receiving portion 13 forms a space for receiving the roller unit 9.

[0045] <Structure of Roller Unit 9>

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The structure of roller unit 9 is explained. Roller unit 9 is a structure in which roller 90 is mounted on roller holder 91. For example... Figure 2 As shown in (B), a strip of dielectric material 92 is wound around a core 93 on a roller 90 at a certain width. Figure 2 As shown in (A), one example of the roller core 93 is a paper cylinder. The media sheet 92 is a sheet of label with a heat-sensitive material on its surface. The roller 90 can utilize various media sheets 92 with labels of different shapes.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the roller holder 91 supports the roller 90 so that it can rotate. Figure 3 As shown, the roller holder 91 includes a core 97 passing through the center of the roller 90 and flanges 91L and 91R disposed on both sides of the core 97. Flange 91L is disposed on the left side of the roller 90. Flange 91R is disposed on the right side of the roller 90. The roller holder 91 holds various rollers 90 with different lengths in the left-right direction so that they can rotate.

[0048] A memory 96 is provided on the right surface of flange 91R. The memory 96 is a non-volatile memory. The memory 96 stores at least the management number of roller unit 9, the width of medium sheet 92, and parameter data indicating the heating conditions of head 14 when printing onto medium sheet 92.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the receiving section 13 of the printer 1 is provided with unit support sections 13L and 13R. The unit support section 13L supports the flange 91L of the roller unit 9 when it is received in the receiving section 13. The unit support section 13R supports the flange 91R of the roller unit 9 when it is received in the receiving section 13.

[0050] On the left surface of the unit support 13R, there is a Figure 4 The reader 77 and sensor 78 are shown. The reader 77 has electrodes. The electrodes of the reader 77 are electrically connected to the electrodes of the memory 96 when the roller unit 9 is housed in the housing 13. The reader 77 is capable of reading specific data stored in the memory 96 via the electrodes.

[0051] Sensor 78 is a contact switch. Sensor 78 outputs different signals when roller unit 9 is housed in housing 13 and when roller unit 9 is not housed in housing 13. Sensor 78 is used to detect whether roller unit 9 is housed in housing 13.

[0052] A head 14 is provided in front of the receiving part 13. The head 14 has multiple heating elements on its upper surface. The head 14 is forced upward by a spring connected to its lower end.

[0053] A cutting tool unit is provided in front of the head 14 and behind the outlet 16. The cutting tool unit includes a pair of cutting tools. The media sheet 92 passes forward between the pair of cutting tools. The media sheet 92 is cut by the pair of cutting tools moving towards each other. Thus, the printed portion of the media sheet 92 is cut from the roller 90.

[0054] The upper ends of the front wall portion 11F, the rear wall portion 11S, the left wall portion 11L, and the right wall portion 11R, and the rear end of the upper wall portion 11U, form openings 110 in the main body 11. When the printer 1 is placed on the mounting surface, the lower wall portion 11B is opposite to the mounting surface.

[0055] The cover 12 is movable between a closed position of the opening 110 of the closed body 11 and an open position of the opening 110 that is not closed. Figure 1 The diagram shows the cover 12 in the open position. Unless otherwise specified, the following descriptions assume the cover 12 is in the closed position, and will cover the cover 12 in the following directions (above, below, in front, behind, left, and right).

[0056] The cover 12 includes an upper wall portion 12U, a left wall portion 12L, a right wall portion 12R, and a rear wall portion 12S. The upper wall portion 12U is disposed behind the upper wall portion 11U of the main body 11. The left wall portion 12L is disposed above the left wall portion 11L of the main body 11. The right wall portion 12R is disposed above the right wall portion 11R of the main body 11. The rear wall portion 12S is disposed above the rear wall portion 11S of the main body 11. The lower end of the rear wall portion 12S is rotatably supported on the upper end of the rear wall portion 11S of the main body 11.

[0057] A pressure plate assembly 19 is rotatably supported at the front end of the lower surface of the upper wall portion 12U. The pressure plate assembly 19 includes a pressure plate roller 19A, a shaft 19B, and a secondary gear Gs.

[0058] The pressure roller 19A is cylindrical. The shaft 19B includes a portion protruding to the left from the left end of the pressure roller 19A and a portion protruding to the right from the right end of the pressure roller 19A. A bearing 12B provided on the upper wall portion 12U of the cover 12 supports the shaft 19B of the pressure assembly 19 so that it can rotate.

[0059] A secondary gear Gs is connected to the portion of the shaft 19B that protrudes to the left from the left end of the pressure roller 19A.

[0060] With the cover 12 in the closed position, the pressure roller 19A is positioned above the head 14. The auxiliary gear Gs meshes with the main gear located on the main body 11. An electric motor 76 is connected to the main gear.

[0061] The driving force corresponding to the rotation of the motor 76 is transmitted to the pressure roller 19A via the main gear and the auxiliary gear Gs. As a result, the pressure roller 19A rotates, and the medium sheet 92 is drawn out from the roller 90.

[0062] The media sheet 92, drawn from roller 90, passes between head 14 and pressure roller 19A. Head 14 receives an upward force from a spring and is pressed against the media sheet 92. In this state, the media sheet 92 is heated by multiple heating elements in head 14, causing it to develop color. Thus, printing is performed on the media sheet 92. The printed portion of the media sheet 92 is cut from the roller by a cutting unit and discharged from outlet 16.

[0063] <Electrical Structure>

[0064] Reference Figure 4The electrical structure of printer 1 is described below. Printer 1 has a control board 70. On the control board 70, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a flash memory 74, and an input / output interface 75 are interconnected.

[0065] CPU 71 controls printer 1. ROM 72 stores various parameters required by CPU 71 when executing various programs, such as printer type. RAM 73 temporarily stores various information such as the calculation results of CPU 71. Flash memory 74 stores the programs executed by CPU 71.

[0066] The input / output interface 75 is connected to a button 18A, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 18B, a head 14, a motor 76, a reader 77, and a sensor 78.

[0067] <Manufacturing and Supply Methods of Roller Units>

[0068] In the following description, the manufacturer and seller of printer 1 will be referred to as the printer manufacturer. The manufacturer of roller 90 will be referred to as the roller supplier. The manufacturer of roller retainer 91 will be referred to as the retainer supplier.

[0069] <First Manufacturing Method and Supply Method>

[0070] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first manufacturing method and supply method are described. In the mass production process, the roller supplier manufactures the roller 90, installs the roller holder 91 onto the roller 90, writes parameter data into the memory 96, and ships the roller unit 9.

[0071] <Sample making process>

[0072] First, refer to Figure 5 The sample production process of the first manufacturing method and supply method for roller unit 9 will be described. In the sample production process of roller unit 9, the printer manufacturer entrusts the roller supplier to produce a prototype of roller unit 9 (S11). In this prototype entrustment, the data of the specifications and written documents of the prototype entrustment, which are generated by the printer manufacturer's computer, are sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the roller supplier's computer (S11).

[0073] The specifications must at least specify the dimensions and material of roller 90. The written commission for the trial production must at least specify the quantity of roller 90 to be produced and the roller supplier at the destination of the roller 90.

[0074] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0075] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 5 Steps S12 to S15 are enclosed by the dotted lines at the top. At the roller supplier, based on the data from the specifications and written commissioning document received by the roller supplier's computer, the roller core 93 is first manufactured. The number of roller cores 93 samples manufactured is only the number specified in the written commissioning document (S12). Next, at the roller supplier, the roller 90 is manufactured by winding the media sheet 92 around the roller core 93 (S13). The roller 90 is manufactured according to the dimensions and material specified in the specifications, and the number specified in the written commissioning document is as follows. Next, the manufactured roller 90 is packaged (S14). Next, the packaged roller 90 is shipped to the printer manufacturer (S15).

[0076] <The printer manufacturer's assignment>

[0077] At the printer manufacturer, the execution is carried out by Figure 5 Steps S16 to S20 are enclosed by the dashed lines at the bottom of the document. The printer manufacturer mounts the roller 90 received from the roller supplier onto the roller holder 91 (S16). Next, the printer manufacturer's computer generates parameter data (S17). In the processing of S17, a data file containing printing parameters indicating the heating conditions of the printing head when printing onto the media sheet is generated as parameter data. Then, the parameter data is written to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via a ROM writer by the printer manufacturer's computer (S18). Alternatively, in S18, the printer 1 may have a ROM writer instead of the printer manufacturer's computer. In this case, the printer manufacturer uses the printer 1 to write the parameter data to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with memory 96, is mounted on the printer 1, and the CPU 71 of the printer 1 writes parameter data to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via a ROM writer.

[0078] Next, the roller unit 9, on which parameter data was written in step S18, is installed on printer 1, and a printing test is performed (S19). The printer 1 used in the printing test is the same model as the printer 1 used by the user. If the printing test results meet the specifications, a data file containing the parameter data is sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the roller supplier's computer (S20). Alternatively, the parameter data can be converted into a batch file executed by the roller supplier's computer, and this batch file is sent to the roller supplier's computer (S20). The roller supplier's computer receives the data file or batch file containing the parameter data sent from the printer manufacturer's computer (S21).

[0079] <Mass Production Process>

[0080] Reference Figure 6 The mass production process of the roller unit 9 in the first manufacturing method and supply method will be described. First, the printer manufacturer processes the receipt and issuance of orders for the roller unit 9 (S31). Specifically, the printer manufacturer's computer sends an instruction to the warehouse department's computer to send the roller holders 91 required for the mass production of the roller unit 9 according to the order received from the user to the roller supplier (S31). In addition, the printer manufacturer's computer sends the mass production specifications and written mass production authorization documents to the roller supplier's computer (S31).

[0081] The specification sheet must at least specify the type of roller unit 9. The written mass production order must at least specify the quantity of roller units 9 to be mass-produced and the destination of the roller units 9.

[0082] The warehouse department packages the received quantity of roller holders 91 (S32). Then, the warehouse department ships the packaged roller holders 91 to the roller supplier (S33). Furthermore, in the mass production process of the first manufacturing method and supply method, the printer manufacturer's warehouse department is the holder supplier.

[0083] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0084] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 6 Steps S34 to S39 are enclosed by the dotted lines in the lower section. At the roller supplier, the required number of roller cores 93 are manufactured according to the specifications and mass production order received from the printer manufacturer (S34). Next, at the roller supplier, the roller cores 93 are wound with the media sheet 92 to form rollers 90 (S35). The number of rollers 90 are manufactured according to the dimensions and materials used in the roller unit 9 type specified in the specifications and the number specified in the mass production order.

[0085] At the roller supplier, mass-produced rollers 90 are mounted on roller holders 91, assembling roller units 9 (S36). Next, parameter data is written to the memory 96 of roller holders 91 via the roller supplier's computer (S37). The written parameter data is... Figure 5 The data received in step S21. Furthermore, in step S37, printer 1 may have a ROM writer instead of the roller supplier's computer. In this case, the roller supplier uses printer 1 to write parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with memory 96, is mounted on printer 1, and the CPU 71 of printer 1 writes parameter data to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the ROM writer. Next, the roller unit 9 is inspected (S37). Roller units 9 that pass the inspection are packaged (S38).

[0086] Next, the packaged roller unit 9 is shipped to the user (S39). The address and name of the distribution source at this time are recorded as the address and name of the printer manufacturer's distribution source. The roller unit 9 is installed and used by the user in the printer 1 (S40). Since the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 contains parameter data suitable for printing in the printer 1, the printing result on the media sheet 92 is good.

[0087] <Second Manufacturing Method and Supply Method>

[0088] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second manufacturing and supply method is described below. In the mass production process, the printer manufacturer's factory performs tasks such as installing the roller holder 91 onto the roller 90, writing parameter data to the memory 96, and shipping the roller unit 9. The printer manufacturer's factory can also be an overseas factory. For example, the overseas factory could be the printer manufacturer's US factory or UK factory.

[0089] <Sample making process>

[0090] First, refer to Figure 7 The sample production process of the second manufacturing method and supply method for roller unit 9 will be described. In the sample production process of roller unit 9, the printer manufacturer entrusts the roller supplier to produce a prototype of roller unit 9 (S51). In this prototype entrustment, the data of the specifications and written documents of the prototype entrustment, which are generated by the printer manufacturer's computer, are sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the roller supplier's computer (S51).

[0091] The specifications must at least specify the dimensions and material of roller 90. The written commission for the trial production must at least specify the quantity of roller 90 to be produced and the roller supplier at the destination of the roller 90.

[0092] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0093] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 7 Steps S52 to S55 are enclosed by the dotted lines at the top. At the roller supplier, based on the data from the specifications and written commissioning document received by the roller supplier's computer, the roller core 93 is first manufactured (S52). The number of roller core 93 samples manufactured is only the number specified in the written commissioning document (S52). Next, at the roller supplier, the media sheet 92 is wound around the roller core 93 to manufacture the roller 90 (S53). The roller 90 is manufactured according to the dimensions and material specified in the specifications, and the number specified in the written commissioning document is as follows. Next, the manufactured roller 90 is packaged (S54). Next, the packaged roller 90 is shipped to the printer manufacturer (S55).

[0094] <The printer manufacturer's assignment>

[0095] At the printer manufacturer, the execution is carried out by Figure 7 The steps S56 to S60 are enclosed by the dashed lines at the bottom. The printer manufacturer installs the roller 90 received from the roller supplier onto the roller holder 91 (S56). Next, the printer manufacturer's computer sets parameter data (S57). Then, the printer manufacturer's computer writes the parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 (S58). Alternatively, in S58, the printer 1 may have a ROM writer instead of the printer manufacturer's computer. In this case, the printer manufacturer uses the printer 1 to write the parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with the memory 96, is installed on the printer 1, and the CPU 71 of the printer 1 writes parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the ROM writer.

[0096] Next, the roller unit 9, on which parameter data was written in step S58, is installed on printer 1, and a printing test is performed (S59). The printer 1 used in the printing test is the same model as the printer 1 used by the user. If the printing test results meet the specifications, the parameter data is sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the printer manufacturer's factory computer (S60).

[0097] The printer manufacturer's factory computer receives parameter data sent from the printer manufacturer's computer (S61).

[0098] <Mass Production Process>

[0099] Reference Figure 8 The mass production process of roller unit 9 in the second manufacturing and supply method will be described. First, the printer manufacturer processes the receipt and issuance of orders for roller unit 9 (S71). Specifically, the printer manufacturer's computer sends the mass production specifications and written mass production authorization documents to the roller supplier's computer (S71). In addition, the printer manufacturer's computer also sends the specifications and written mass production authorization documents to the computer at the printer manufacturer's factory (S71).

[0100] The specification sheet must at least specify the type of roller unit 9. The written mass production order must at least specify the production quantity of roller unit 9 and the destination of roller unit 9.

[0101] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0102] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 8Steps S72 to S75 are enclosed by the dotted lines at the top. At the roller supplier, based on the data from the specifications and the written mass production order received by the roller supplier's computer, the roller core 93 is first manufactured (S72). The number of roller core 93 samples manufactured is only the number specified in the written mass production order. Next, at the roller supplier, the roller 90 is manufactured by winding the media sheet 92 around the roller core 93 (S73). The roller 90 is manufactured according to the size and material used for the type of roller unit 9 specified in the specifications, and the number specified in the written mass production order is as follows. Next, the manufactured roller 90 is packaged (S74). Next, the packaged roller 90 is shipped to the printer manufacturer's factory (S75).

[0103] <Work at the printer manufacturer's factory>

[0104] In the printer manufacturer's factory, the execution is carried out by... Figure 8 The steps S76 to S79 ​​are enclosed by the dashed lines at the bottom of the document. At the printer manufacturer's factory, the roller unit 9 is assembled (S76) according to the specifications and mass production order received from the printer manufacturer. In step S76, the roller 90 received from the roller supplier is installed on the roller holder 91, assembling the roller unit 9 (S76). Furthermore, in the mass production process of the second manufacturing method and supply method, the printer manufacturer's factory is the holder supplier. Next, parameter data is written into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the printer manufacturer's factory computer (S77). The written parameter data is... Figure 7 The data received in step S61. Furthermore, in S77, printer 1 may also have a ROM writer instead of the computer at the printer manufacturer's factory. In this case, the printer manufacturer's factory operator uses printer 1 to write parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with memory 96, is mounted on printer 1, and the CPU 71 of printer 1 writes parameter data to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the ROM writer.

[0105] Next, the roller unit 9 is inspected (S77). Roller units 9 that pass inspection are packaged (S78). The packaged roller units 9 are then shipped from the printer manufacturer's factory to the user (S79). The shipped roller units 9 are installed in the printer 1 by the user for use (S80). Because parameter data suitable for printing on the printer 1 is written into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91, the printing results on the media sheet 92 are good.

[0106] <Third Manufacturing Method and Supply Method>

[0107] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10The third manufacturing and supply method is explained. In the mass production process, the printer manufacturer's factory installs the roller holder 91 onto the roller 90 and writes parameter data into the memory 96. The printer manufacturer's warehouse department then ships the roller unit 9. The printer manufacturer's factory can also be an overseas factory. For example, an overseas factory could be a factory in the printer manufacturer's Asian region.

[0108] <Sample making process>

[0109] First, refer to Figure 9 The sample production process of the third manufacturing method and supply method for roller unit 9 is described. In the sample production process of roller unit 9, the printer manufacturer entrusts the roller supplier to produce a prototype of roller unit 9 (S91). In this prototype entrustment, the data of the specifications and written documents of the prototype entrustment, which are generated by the printer manufacturer's computer, are sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the roller supplier's computer (S91). The roller supplier may be a roller supplier in the Asian region.

[0110] The specifications must at least specify the dimensions and material of roller 90. The written commission for the trial production must at least specify the quantity of roller 90 to be produced and the printer manufacturer to which the roller 90 is destined.

[0111] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0112] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 9 The steps S92 to S95 are enclosed by the dotted lines at the top. At the roller supplier, based on the data from the specifications and written prototype request received by the roller supplier's computer, the roller core 93 is first manufactured (S92). The number of roller cores 93 samples manufactured is only the number specified in the written prototype request (S92). Next, at the roller supplier, the media sheet 92 is wound around the roller core 93 to manufacture the roller 90 (S93). The roller 90 is manufactured according to the dimensions and material specified in the specifications, and the number specified in the written prototype request is as follows. Next, the manufactured roller 90 is packaged (S94). Next, the packaged roller 90 is shipped to the printer manufacturer (S95). Furthermore, the roller supplier is preferably a roller supplier located in Asia, close to the printer manufacturer's factory in Asia.

[0113] <The printer manufacturer's assignment>

[0114] In the printer manufacturer's factory, the execution is carried out by... Figure 9The steps S96 to S100 are enclosed by the dashed lines at the bottom. The printer manufacturer installs the roller 90 received from the roller supplier onto the roller holder 91 (S96). Next, the printer manufacturer's computer sets parameter data (S97). Then, the printer manufacturer's computer writes the parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 (S98). Alternatively, in S98, the printer 1 may have a ROM writer instead of the printer manufacturer's computer. In this case, the printer manufacturer uses the printer 1 to write the parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with the memory 96, is installed on the printer 1, and the CPU 71 of the printer 1 writes parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the ROM writer.

[0115] Next, the roller unit 9, on which parameter data was written in step S98, is installed on printer 1, and a printing test is performed (S99). The printer 1 used in the printing test is the same model as the printer 1 used by the user. If the printing test results meet the specifications, the parameter data is sent from the printer manufacturer's computer to the printer manufacturer's factory computer (S100).

[0116] The printer manufacturer's factory computer receives parameter data sent from the printer manufacturer's computer (S101).

[0117] <Mass Production Process>

[0118] Reference Figure 10 The mass production process of roller unit 9 in the third manufacturing and supply method will be described. First, the printer manufacturer processes the receipt and issuance of orders for roller unit 9 (S111). Specifically, the printer manufacturer's computer sends the mass production specifications and written mass production authorization documents to the roller supplier's computer (S111). The roller supplier may be a roller supplier in Asia. In addition, the printer manufacturer's computer also sends the specifications and written mass production authorization documents to the printer manufacturer's factory computer (S111). The printer manufacturer's factory is preferably a factory in Asia that is close to the roller supplier in Asia.

[0119] The specification sheet must at least specify the type of roller unit 9. The written mass production order must at least specify the production quantity of roller unit 9 and the destination of roller unit 9.

[0120] <Roller Supplier Operations>

[0121] At the roller supplier, the execution is carried out by Figure 10Steps S112 to S115 are enclosed by the dotted lines at the top. At the roller supplier, based on the data from the specifications and the written mass production order received by the roller supplier's computer, the roller core 93 is first manufactured. The number of sample roller cores 93 manufactured is only the number specified in the written mass production order (S112). Next, at the roller supplier, the roller 90 is manufactured by winding the media sheet 92 onto the roller core 93 (S113). The roller 90 is manufactured according to the size and material used for the type of roller unit 9 specified in the specifications, and the number specified in the written mass production order is as follows. Next, the manufactured roller 90 is packaged (S114). Next, the packaged roller 90 is shipped to the printer manufacturer's factory (S115).

[0122] <Work at the printer manufacturer's factory>

[0123] In the printer manufacturer's factory, the execution is carried out by... Figure 10 Steps S116 to S119 are enclosed by the dashed lines at the bottom of the section. At the printer manufacturer's factory, based on the specifications and mass production order received from the printer manufacturer, the roller 90 received from the roller supplier is installed onto the roller holder 91, assembling the roller unit 9 (S116). Furthermore, in the mass production process of the third manufacturing method and supply method, the printer manufacturer's factory in Asia is the holder supplier. Next, parameter data is written into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the computer at the printer manufacturer's factory (S117). The written parameter data is... Figure 9 The data received in step S101. Furthermore, in S117, printer 1 may also have a ROM writer instead of the computer at the printer manufacturer's factory. In this case, the printer manufacturer's factory operator uses printer 1 to write parameter data into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91. Specifically, the roller holder 91, equipped with memory 96, is mounted on printer 1, and the CPU 71 of printer 1 writes parameter data to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 via the ROM writer.

[0124] Next, the roller unit 9 is inspected (S117). The roller unit 9 that passes the inspection is packaged (S118). Then, the packaged roller unit 9 is shipped from the printer manufacturer's factory to the printer manufacturer's warehouse department (S119).

[0125] In the printer manufacturer's warehouse, the roller units 9 received from the printer manufacturer's factory are packaged in batches as needed (S120). Then, the repackaged roller units 9 are shipped from the printer manufacturer's warehouse to the user (S121). The roller units 9 are installed and used by the user in the printer 1 (S122). Because parameter data suitable for printing on the printer 1 is written into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91, the printing results on the media sheet 92 are good.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the mounting step of mounting the roller 90, on which the medium sheet 92 is wound, onto the roller holder 91 is performed. The roller holder 91 includes a memory 96. Therefore, information associated with various rollers 90 can be written into the memory 96 of the roller holder 91 by a computer, which is an example of a writing device.

[0127] When the installation steps are performed by the roller supplier that provides roller 90, the roller supplier can provide the roller and install the roller to the roller holder.

[0128] When the installation steps are performed by the supplier of the roller retainer 91, the supplier of the roller retainer 91 and the roller 90 can be installed onto the roller retainer 91.

[0129] The writing step, which writes information associated with various rollers 90 to the memory 96 of the roller holder 91, is performed while the rollers 90 are mounted on the roller holder 91. Therefore, information suitable for rollers mounted on the roller holder can be written to the memory of the roller holder.

[0130] In the above embodiment, after information is written to the memory 96, the roller 90 equipped with the roller holder 91 is shipped. Therefore, the roller 90 equipped with the roller holder 91, on which information suitable for the roller 90 has been written to the memory 96, is shipped.

[0131] When the roller unit 9, in which the roller 90 is installed on the roller holder 91, is shipped by the roller supplier, the roller 90 with the roller holder 91 containing information suitable for the roller 90 written into the memory 96 can be shipped from the roller supplier.

[0132] In the writing step to memory 96, a data file containing printing parameters is written to memory 96. Therefore, a data file containing printing parameters suitable for printing on the media sheet 92 by printer 1 can be written to memory 96. Thus, printing on the media sheet 92 can be performed smoothly.

[0133] When the data file of parameter data is supplied from the holding component supplier to the roller supplier, the roller supplier can write the parameter data suitable for the printer 1 to print on the media sheet 92 into the memory 96.

[0134] When the parameter data file is a batch file executed by printer 1, reverse engineering of the data file can be prevented.

[0135] In cases where the roller supplier and the retainer supplier are different, it is possible to receive the roller 90 from a roller supplier that is different from the retainer supplier.

[0136] The retainer supplier can also directly sell the roller 90 with the roller retainer 91 installed.

[0137] In the above embodiment, a data file containing parameters of printing data for a sample is created. Next, the data parameters are written to memory 96, and test printing is performed by printer 1. A data file containing parameter data that shows no problems in the test printing results is sent to perform the writing step. Therefore, a data file containing parameter data that shows no problems in the test printing results can be sent to perform the writing step, thereby enabling mass production of rollers equipped with roller holders.

[0138] In the above description, the dielectric sheet 92 is an example of the "sheet" of the present invention. Step S33 is an example of the "retainer providing step" of the present invention. Steps S16, S36, S56, S76, S96, and S116 are examples of the "installation step" and "installation process" of the present invention. Steps S18, S37, S58, S77, S98, and S117 are examples of the "writing step" and "writing process" of the present invention. Steps S39, S79, and S121 are examples of the "shipping step" of the present invention. Step S79 is an example of the "sales step" of the present invention.

[0139] Steps S15, S55, S75, S95, and S115 are examples of the "roller supply step" of the present invention. Step S33 is an example of the "roller holder sales step" of the present invention. Steps S17, S57, and S97 are examples of the "data file creation step" of the present invention. Steps S18, S60, and S100 are examples of the "data file sending processing" of the present invention. Steps S19, S59, and S99 are examples of the "test printing step" of the present invention.

[0140] <Variation Example>

[0141] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible. The printing method of printer 1 is not limited to thermal printing; it can also be a heat transfer printing method using the head 14 to heat the ink ribbon. The parameter data file can be encrypted. The parameter data file can also be sent without using the Internet via a storage medium such as a USB flash drive, SD memory card, or DVD containing the parameter data file.

[0142] A third party, different from the retainer supplier, may sell the roller 90 equipped with the roller retainer 91. In this case, the sale of the roller 90 equipped with the roller retainer 91 can be entrusted to the third party. Alternatively, the retainer supplier may also sell the roller retainer 91 with a memory 96 to a third party. In this case, the roller retainer 91 with the memory 96 can be sold, enabling the third party to supply the roller 90 equipped with the roller retainer 91.

[0143] Alternatively, the roller supplier may also sell rollers 90 equipped with roller retainers 91. In this case, the roller supplier can directly sell rollers 90 equipped with roller retainers 91.

[0144] Alternatively, the retainer supplier may also sell the roller retainer 913, which includes the memory 96, to the roller supplier. In this case, the roller supplier can sell the roller 90 equipped with the roller retainer 91.

[0145] Alternatively, microcomputers, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc., can be used as processors instead of CPU71.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method and a supply method of a roll provided with a roll holder, characterized by, include: The retainer provision step includes providing a roller retainer including a memory, the roller retainer being capable of mounting a roller on which a sheet is wound; The installation step involves mounting the roller onto the roller retainer provided in the retainer provision step. as well as The writing step involves writing information associated with the roller into the memory using a writing device.

2. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installation step is performed by the roller supplier who performs the roller supply step of providing the roller.

3. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installation steps are performed by the retainer supplier who performs the retainer supply steps.

4. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The writing step is performed with the roller mounted on the roller holder.

5. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The process includes a shipping step, in which the rollers equipped with roller holders are shipped after the information is written into the memory.

6. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shipping step is performed by the roller supplier who performs the roller supply step of providing the roller.

7. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the writing step, a data file containing printing parameters is used to write to the memory.

8. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The data file is supplied from the retainer supplier performing the retainer supply step to the roller supplier performing the roller supply step.

9. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The data file is a batch file executed by the printer that prints on the sheet.

10. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller supplier that performs the roller supply step of providing the roller is different from the retainer supplier that performs the retainer supply step.

11. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer supplier who performs the retainer supply step performs the sales step and sells the roller with the roller retainer installed.

12. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third party, different from the retainer supplier who performs the retainer provision step, performs the sales step and sells the roller with the roller retainer installed.

13. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 12, characterized in that, The retainer supplier that performs the retainer supply step performs the roller retainer sales step, selling the roller retainer including the memory to the third party.

14. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller supplier that performs the roller supply step performs the sales step and sells the roller with roller retainer installed.

15. The method for manufacturing and supplying a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The retainer supplier that performs the retainer supply step performs the roller retainer sales step, selling a roller retainer including the memory to the roller supplier that performs the roller supply step.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein include: The data file creation steps involve creating a data file that includes the printing parameters of the sample; The test printing step involves writing the data file into the memory and then having the printer perform a test print on the sheet. as well as The data file is sent to the test print results where no problems were found, for use in performing the writing step.

17. A method for manufacturing a roller with a roller retainer, characterized in that, include: In the installation process, the roller with the sheet wound on it is installed onto the roller holder, which includes a memory. as well as The writing process involves writing information associated with the roller into the memory using a writing device.

18. The method for manufacturing a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The installation process is performed by the roller supplier that provides the roller.

19. The method for manufacturing a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The installation process is performed by the retainer supplier that provides the roller retainer.

20. The method for manufacturing a roller with a roller retainer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The writing process is performed with the roller mounted on the roller holder.

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