Label attachment machine

Abstract

To provide a label attachment device that allows for easy recovery of the peeling material after the label has been removed, while also enabling miniaturization.SOLUTION: A peeling agent 10B, which remains when a label is peeled off from the tape, is transported to a discharged paper accommodating section 16. The discharged paper accommodating section 16 is provided in an accommodating area 11A at an upper portion inside a casing 11. A tape accommodating section 2A for housing a tape cassette TC is provided in a mounting area 11B inside the casing 11. The accommodating area 11A is located above the mounting area 11B and communicates with the mounting area 11B. Therefore, the peeling agent 10B accommodated in the discharged paper accommodating section 16 can enter the mounting area 11B. Since there is no partition wall provided between the discharged paper accommodating section 16 and the tape accommodating section 2A, the casing 11 can accommodate more peeling agent 10B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling device for attaching a label to an adherend. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices for attaching labels to substrates are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a label printing device. The label printing device prints information corresponding to the contents of a package on label paper, and then peels the printed label paper from the backing paper using a peeling roller. The label printing device cuts the printed label paper peeled from the backing paper to match the printing area. The label printing device transports the cut printed label paper toward a conveyor using a guide belt. The label printing device attaches printed labels conveyed by a guide belt to packages being conveyed by a conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-63087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the label printing device, the backing paper from which the printed label paper has been peeled is taken up by a backing paper take-up roller. When replacing the label roll, the user must wind the backing paper around the backing paper take-up roller, which is a time-consuming process.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a label application device that can easily collect the release material after peeling off the label and that can be made compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label application device comprising: an attachment section to which a tape is attached, the tape having a label, an adhesive surface for attaching the label to an adherend, and a release material covering the adhesive surface on the side opposite to the label; a printing section to print on the label of the tape attached to the attachment section; a peeling mechanism to peel the label from the release material of the tape printed by the printing section and discharge the release material; an application section to attach the label peeled from the release material by the peeling mechanism to an adherend; and a storage section disposed within a housing to store the release material discharged by the peeling mechanism.

[0007] By providing the storage section within the housing, the labeling device can easily collect the release material that remains after the label has been peeled off the tape, and the device configuration can be made more compact.

[0008] In this aspect, the peeling mechanism may include a peeling claw that peels the label printed by the printing unit from the release material, a peeling roller that sends the release material to the storage unit after the label has been peeled off by the peeling claw, and a drive unit that drives the peeling roller. By using the peeling roller to pull out the release material and send it to the peeling claw, the peeling mechanism can more reliably peel the tape, and by sending the peeled release material toward the storage unit, the peeling mechanism can more reliably store the release material in the storage unit.

[0009] In this aspect, the storage area, which is the area within the housing where the storage unit is provided, may be in communication with the mounting area within the housing where the mounting unit is provided. In the label application device, the storage area and the mounting area are in communication, and a portion of the mounting unit that is in communication with the storage area is used as the storage area, increasing the capacity of the storage area and making it easier to collect the release material after peeling the labels. Furthermore, since the area of ​​the wall that separates the storage area and the mounting unit can be effectively utilized, the label application device can be made more compact.

[0010] In this aspect, the storage area may be provided above the mounting area within the housing, the tape may be stored in a cassette that can be attached to the mounting section, and the release material stored in the storage section may be able to enter the mounting area. The labeling device can also store the release material stored in the storage section in a portion of the mounting section via a communication section with the mounting section. Therefore, by making the storage section larger in capacity, the labeling device can easily collect the release material after the label has been removed.

[0011] In this aspect, the tape may be stored in a cassette that can be attached to the attachment section, the attachment section opening into the housing in the direction of attaching or detaching the cassette, the storage section being provided in the housing in an area between the attachment section and a bottom wall of the housing, the storage section opening into the housing in the direction of attaching or detaching the cassette to or from the attachment section, and an openable cassette cover covering the opening of the storage section and the opening of the attachment section may be provided. The labeling device can use the empty space between the cassette attachment section and the bottom wall of the housing as a storage section for the release material. Therefore, the labeling device can effectively utilize the space within the housing, thereby achieving a compact device configuration.

[0012] In this aspect, a conveying cover is provided that can be opened and closed to expose and hide a conveying path that conveys the release material from which the label has been peeled by the peeling claw to the storage section, and the peeling mechanism, and the peeling roller may release the hold of the release material in the nip portion when the conveying cover is opened. When the conveying cover is opened for maintenance or the like, the hold of the release material by the peeling roller is mechanically released, making it easy for the user to remove the release material.

[0013] In this aspect, the peeling mechanism may include a guide roller that guides the tape to the peeling claw, and the guide roller may be linked to the opening of the conveying cover to release the tape from the nip portion. When the conveying cover is opened for maintenance or the like, the guide roller releases the tape from its hold, making it easy for a user to remove the tape and the peeling material.

[0014] In this aspect, an inclined portion may be provided at an end of the release material in the conveying direction, the inclined portion having an inclined arc-shaped cross section that guides the release material fed from the peeling roller toward the storage section. The inclined portion can guide the release material into the storage section while rounding the release material and storing it in the storage section.

[0015] In this aspect, a roller may be provided at an end of the conveying direction of the release material to guide the release material fed from the release roller toward the storage section. The roller may guide the release material into the storage section while rolling the release material and storing it in the storage section.

[0016] In this aspect, the storage section may be an empty chamber having an opening for storing the release material and surrounded by a wall. The storage section functions as an empty chamber for storing the release material sent out from the peeling mechanism, and does not include, for example, a take-up roller for winding up the release material. This allows the label application device to be compact.

[0017] This aspect may further include a cutting unit disposed between the printing unit and the peeling mechanism in the tape feed direction, which cuts the tape. By cutting the tape, the tape before peeling and the peeled release material downstream of the cutting unit are separated from the original tape. This allows the user to easily collect the release material stored in the storage unit.

[0018] In this aspect, a release sensor may be provided downstream of the release roller in the conveying direction of the release material to detect the presence or absence of the release material. By detecting the presence or absence of the release material downstream of the release roller with the release sensor, it is possible to confirm whether the release material is being properly sent to the conveying path toward the storage section.

[0019] This aspect may include a receiving unit that receives an input of a tape replacement instruction, and the cutting unit may cut the tape when the receiving unit receives the input of the tape replacement instruction. When a user inputs a replacement instruction to the receiving unit at the time of tape replacement, the tape before label peeling and the release material after peeling, which are located downstream of the cutting unit, are separated from the original tape. This makes it easy for the user to collect the release material stored in the storage unit.

[0020] In this aspect, after the cutting unit cuts the tape, the drive unit of the transport mechanism may drive the peeling roller a predetermined distance corresponding to the length required for the release material cut by the cutting unit and the trailing end of the tape to pass the peeling roller in the transport direction, and then stop. When a user inputs a replacement instruction to the reception unit during tape replacement, the tape before label removal and the release material after removal, which were cut off by the cutting unit, are transported a predetermined length, with their trailing ends positioned downstream of the peeling roller. This makes it easy for the user to collect the release material stored in the storage unit.

[0021] This aspect may further include a display unit that displays a replacement permission notice that allows replacement of the tape after the drive unit stops driving the peeling roller. Because the cutting unit, peeling mechanism, etc. are still operating immediately after the user inputs a replacement instruction to the reception unit when replacing the tape, there is a possibility that the tape may become jammed when the user replaces the tape. By displaying the replacement permission notice on the display unit, the user can be notified of the timing when it is OK to replace the tape.

[0022] In this aspect, the mounting unit may include an attachment sensor that detects whether the tape is attached, and the display unit may continue to display the replacement permission notice when the attachment sensor detects that the tape is attached to the mounting unit or when the peeling sensor detects that the release material is on the transport path. The display unit continues to display the replacement permission notice not only when the tape is removed from the mounting unit but also until the release material is collected from the storage unit. This prevents the user from forgetting to collect the release material when replacing the tape.

[0023] In this aspect, when replacing the tape, the attachment sensor detects that the tape is attached when the previous tape is attached to the attachment portion and when the replaced tape is attached to the attachment portion, and the display unit may continue to display the replacement permission notice when the peeling sensor detects that the release material is on the transport path after the previous tape is removed from the attachment portion and the attachment sensor no longer detects the tape. Even if the user replaces the tape before removing the release material, the label application device can stop displaying the replacement permission notice on the display unit once the release material is removed.

[0024] This aspect includes a semi-cutting unit disposed between the printing unit and the peeling mechanism in the tape feed direction, which cuts a predetermined portion of the tape while leaving the release material, thereby producing the label. The release material cut by the cutting unit and the release material downstream of the trailing end of the tape in the feed direction are stored in the storage unit without being cut from the trailing end by the semi-cutting unit. When the release material is removed from the storage unit during tape replacement, the trailing end is removed from the release material feed path along with the release material, and the peel sensor may no longer detect the release material. The release material discharged before tape replacement is stored in the storage unit in a continuous, uncut state. Therefore, when a user removes the release material from the storage unit, the cut trailing end of the tape is also removed from the feed path, allowing the label application device to stop displaying the replacement permission notification on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a label wrapping device 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the label winding device 1A (third cover 123: open). [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a label winding device 1A (first cover 121: open, fourth cover 124: absent). [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the label winding device 1A (first cover 121: open). [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the label winding device 1A taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, viewed from the direction of the arrow. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame line W1 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame line W2 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the peeling guide mechanism 4 (second position). [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of first roller 301, second roller 302, and fourth roller 304 (at the clamping position). [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the peeling guide mechanism 4 (first position), the first roller 301, and the fourth roller 304 (separated position). [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the peeling guide mechanism 4 (first position). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of first roller 301, second roller 302, and fourth roller 304 (at the clamping position). [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the peeling guide mechanism 4 (first position), the first roller 301, and the fourth roller 304 (clamping position). [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of driven rollers 311 to 313. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transmission unit 3B (a link mechanism 38: a contact position). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the transmission unit 3B (motor Mw2: normal rotation, link mechanism 38: contact position). [Figure 18] 10 is a right side view of the transmission unit 3B (motor Mw2: reverse rotation, link mechanism 38: contact position). FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view of the peeling guide mechanism 4 (second position) and the link mechanism 38 (contact position). FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a peeling guide mechanism 4 (at an intermediate position) and a link mechanism 38 (at a distant position). [Figure 21]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a peeling guide mechanism 4 (first position) and a link mechanism 38 (contact position). [Figure 22] 10 is a right side view of the transmission unit 3B (link mechanism 38: in the separated position). FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by a frame W3 in FIG. 6. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the opening / closing member 5 (closed position). [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the opening / closing member 5 (open position). [Figure 26] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sticking mechanism 6 (opening / closing member 5: closed position) taken along line AA in FIG. 1, as viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 27] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sticking mechanism 6 (opening / closing member 5: open position) taken along line AA in FIG. 1, as viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 28] 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the joining mechanism 6 taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 29] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sticking mechanism 6 (opening / closing member 5: open position) taken along line AA in FIG. 1, as viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the vicinity of the holding member 7A (close position). [Figure 31] 30 with the cover 117A removed. [Figure 32] 32 is a cross-sectional view of the holding member 7A in the state shown in FIG. 31. FIG. [Figure 33] 10 is a right side view showing the vicinity of the holding member 7A (at the separated position) with the cover 117A removed. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holding member 7 (close position). [Figure 35] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holding member 7 (at the separated position). [Figure 36] 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first clamping member 71 and the opening / closing member 5 (closed position) when the cable 19 is inserted into the insertion section 62A. FIG. [Figure 37] 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first clamping member 71 and the opening / closing member 5 (open position) when the cable 19 is inserted into the insertion portion 62A. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the label wrapping device 1A. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart showing a process when a tape is mounted. [Figure 40] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process. [Figure 41] 41 is a flowchart showing the main processing, which is a continuation of FIG. 40. [Figure 42] 10 is a flowchart showing a winding process. [Figure 43] 10A is a diagram showing how a label 10A is wrapped around a cable 19. FIG. [Figure 44] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed when a tape is replaced. [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart showing a process to be performed when an operation is malfunctioning. [Figure 46] 10 is a perspective view of a cutting portion 2C as seen from the full-cut cutting blade 23 side. FIG. [Figure 47] 10 is a perspective view of a cutting portion 2C as seen from the half-cut cutting blade 24 side. FIG. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the main processing. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the main processing. [Figure 50] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the area within the frame line W4 in FIG. 6. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tape replacement process. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a label winding device 1B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An embodiment of a label winding device 1A embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the device described is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the present invention. The label winding device 1A is a device that generates a label 10A by printing on the tape 10 of a tape cassette TC, and wraps and affixes the generated label 10A around a cable 19. Hereinafter, the lower left, upper right, upper left, lower right, upper, and lower sides of FIG. 1 will be referred to as the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower sides of the label winding device 1A, respectively.

[0027] <Outline of Label Winding Device 1A> An overview of the label wrapping device 1A will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The label wrapping device 1A has a box-shaped housing 11. The housing 11 houses a frame 13 (see Figure 4) consisting of side plates 13A and 13B facing each other in the left-right direction, and a frame 14 (see Figure 3). The frame 13 supports a conveying mechanism 3A (first roller 301, second roller 302, third roller 303), a transmission unit 3B, a peeling guide mechanism 4, an opening / closing member 5, an application mechanism 6, a holding member 7, etc. The frame 14 is provided behind the frame 13 and supports a printing unit 2B and a cutting unit 2C.

[0028] 1 and 6, the bottom surface of the housing 11 forms an installation surface 110 that faces a table or the like when the housing 11 is placed on the table or the like. The installation surface 110 has a flat shape and extends horizontally. The label wrapping device 1A is used with the housing 11 installed on a table or the like via the installation surface 110.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the tape accommodating section 2A, the printing section 2B, and the cutting section 2C are provided in a portion rearward of the center in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 11. A tape cassette TC (see FIG. 6) is removably accommodated in the tape accommodating section 2A. The tape cassette TC is a laminated type tape cassette. The second cover 122 is rotatably provided at the bottom end of the housing 11. A rotation center 122C of the second cover 122 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The second cover 122 can open and close the tape accommodating section 2A and the discharged paper accommodating section 16. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the second cover 122 in an open state. The second cover 122 has a side wall section 122R that covers the right side of the housing 11 when closed and a top wall section 122U that covers the top surface of the housing 11 when closed, and is generally L-shaped when viewed from the front. When the second cover 122 is closed, the discharged paper storage section 16, tape storage section 2A, printing section 2B, and cutting section 2C are covered by the second cover 122 and are not exposed. On the other hand, when the second cover 122 is in the open state, the discharged paper storage section 16, tape storage section 2A, printing section 2B, and cutting section 2C are exposed. The opening on the right side of the housing 11 formed when the second cover 122 is in the open state is referred to as the second opening 122A, and the opening on the top side of the housing 11 is referred to as the third opening 122B. The second opening 122A opens to the right, and the third opening 122B opens upward. When the second cover 122 is in the open state, the tape cassette TC is attached to and detached from the tape storage section 2A through the second opening 122A. The attachment and detachment direction of the tape cassette TC is left-right.

[0030] The label 10A is printed on the tape 10 by the printing unit 2B and then cut by the cutting unit 2C to produce a label 10A, which is then peeled off from the release material 10B by the peeling guide mechanism 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The label 10A peeled off from the release material 10B passes through a passing area 300A in the housing 11 and is guided to the guide member 8A and the application mechanism 6. Meanwhile, the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled passes through the passing area 300B in the housing 11 and is stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16 provided in the upper part of the housing 11. The passing areas 300A and 300B are formed below the first cover 121 of the housing 11 (see FIG. 8).

[0031] As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 46, the discharged paper storage section 16 is open to the right, above, and in front. The open portion at the front is closed by a first cover 121. The open portions at the right and above are closed by a second cover 122. When the second cover 122 is closed, the discharged paper storage section 16 opens a storage opening 16A through which the release material 10B passing through a passing area 300B (described below) enters the discharged paper storage section 16. The storage opening 16A extends elongatedly in the left-right direction. When the first cover 121 is closed, the storage opening 16A is connected to the passing area 300B. A roller 16B is provided below the storage opening 16A. The roller 16B is a cylindrical rotating body extending in the left-right direction. The rollers 16B round the separation material 10B so that the separation material 10B entering the discharged paper storage section 16 from the storage opening 16A can be easily rounded in the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 and 46, the storage area 11A in which the discharged paper storage unit 16 is provided in the housing 11 is located above the mounting area 11B in which the tape storage unit 2A is provided in the housing 11. The storage area 11A and the mounting area 11B are connected to each other. That is, the discharged paper storage unit 16 and the tape storage unit 2A are not partitioned within the housing 11. Therefore, the release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16 can also enter the mounting area 11B where the tape storage unit 2A is located. When the second cover 122 is open, it opens both the discharged paper storage unit 16 and the tape storage unit 2A. The release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16 and the tape storage unit 2A is removed and discharged to the outside through the second opening 122A and the third opening 122B when replacing the tape cassette TC, etc.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first cover 121 is rotatably provided in front of the tape accommodating unit 2A. A rotation center 121K (see FIG. 1) of the first cover 121 extends in the left-right direction. The first cover 121 opens and closes the peeling guide mechanism 4, a conveying path R2 disposed in the passage area 300A, and conveying paths R3 and R4 disposed in the passage area 300B. More specifically, the first cover 121 opens and closes the peeling guide mechanism 4, a second roller 302 (described later) for conveying the label 10A along the conveying path R2, and a third roller 303 (described later) for conveying the release material 10B and the tape 10 along the conveying paths R3 and R4. As shown in FIG. 8, the conveying path R2 is a path along which the label 10A peeled from the release material 10B by the peeling guide mechanism 4 passes as it is conveyed toward the guide member 8A and the application mechanism 6 housed in the front end of the housing 11. Conveying path R3 is a path along which the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled by the peeling guide mechanism 4 passes when being conveyed toward the discharged paper storage section 16 of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 11 , conveying path R4 is a path along which the tape 10 of the tape cassette TC passes when being conveyed directly toward the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0034] 1 and 18 show the first cover 121 in a closed state. In this state, the peeling guide mechanism 4 and the conveying paths R2 to R4 are covered by the first cover 121 and are not exposed. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the first cover 121 in an open state. In this state, the peeling guide mechanism 4 and the conveying paths R2 to R4 are exposed. As shown in FIG. 4, an opening formed by opening the first cover 121 is called a first opening 121S. The first opening 121S opens upward. The opening direction (upward) of the first opening 121S is different from the opening direction (rightward) of the second opening 122A (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 46 , when the first cover 121 is closed, a gap that serves as the passage area 300B is formed between the first cover 121 and the front surface of the housing 11 above the peeling guide mechanism 4. The tip portion 121E, which is the end portion on the free end side of the first cover 121, covers the storage opening 16A of the discharged paper storage unit 16 from the front when the first cover 121 is closed. The surface of the tip portion 121E facing the storage opening 16A is inclined, forming an inclined portion 121F that guides the release material 10B passing through the passage area 300B into the storage opening 16A. The inclined portion 121F curves while maintaining a gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of the roller 16B. The inclined portion 121F guides the transport direction of the release material 10B, which is transported diagonally upward and rearward from the peeling guide mechanism 4 along the transport path R4, rearward.

[0036] The label 10A peeled from the release material 10B by the peel guide mechanism 4 is wrapped around the cable 19 and attached by the attachment mechanism 6. The third cover 123 is rotatably provided at the front end of the housing 11 to open and close the attachment mechanism 6. The rotation center 123C of the third cover 123 extends in the left-right direction. Figures 1 and 3 show the third cover 123 in a closed state. In this state, the attachment mechanism 6 is covered by the third cover 123 and is not exposed. Figure 2 shows the third cover 123 in an open state. In this state, the attachment mechanism 6 is exposed. The opening formed by opening the third cover 123 is called the third opening. The third opening opens upward. The opening direction (upward) of the first opening 121S and the opening direction (upward) of the third opening (see Figure 2) are the same.

[0037] The fourth cover 124 is detachably provided on the opposite side of the tape accommodating unit 2A from the second cover 122. Figures 1 and 2 show the state in which the fourth cover 124 is attached. In this state, the drive unit 9B that drives the printing unit 2B and cutting unit 2C is covered by the fourth cover 124 and is not exposed. Figure 3 shows the state in which the fourth cover 124 has been detached. In this state, the drive unit 9B is exposed.

[0038] The operation unit 120A is provided at the front end of the housing 11, in other words, at the end of the housing 11 that is downstream in the conveying direction of the label 10A conveyed along the conveying path R2. The operation unit 120B is provided at the top end of the housing 11, in other words, at the end of the housing 11 that is opposite to the side where the installation surface 110 is located. The operation units 120A and 120B are multiple push buttons for performing input operations on the label winding device 1A.

[0039] <Print section 2B> The printing unit 2B shown in Figures 1 and 2 is capable of printing using a laminated type tape cassette TC. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tape accommodating unit 2A is provided with a thermal head 21, a platen holder 22, etc. as the printing unit 2B.

[0040] When a tape cassette TC is installed in the tape accommodating section 2A, the thermal head 21 is inserted into the head insertion section of the tape cassette TC. The platen holder 22 is provided below the tape accommodating section 2A and is supported rotatably about a rotation shaft 22C (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 7, a platen roller 22A and a tape sub-roller 22B are rotatably supported on the platen holder 22. The platen roller 22A faces the thermal head 21. The tape sub-roller 22B is provided in front of the platen roller 22A and faces the drive roller Ts of the tape cassette TC. The platen holder 22 rotates in response to the drive of a motor Mp2 (see FIG. 38) and moves between a standby position and a printing position. The motor Mp2 drives in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first cover 121, which will be described later. When the motor Mp2 drives in conjunction with the opening of the first cover 121, the platen holder 22 is positioned at the standby position, and the platen roller 22A is separated from the thermal head 21. When the motor Mp2 drives in conjunction with the closing of the first cover 121, the platen holder 22 is positioned at the printing position, the platen roller 22A is close to the thermal head 21, and the tape sub-roller 22B is close to the drive roller of the tape cassette TC.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the tape cassette TC contains a first tape 101, a second tape 103, and an ink ribbon Ir. The first tape 101 is a transparent PET film tape. The second tape 103 is a tape in which a base material 102 and a release material 10B are laminated together with an adhesive interposed between them. The first tape 101 and the ink ribbon Ir are unwound from the tape cassette TC with the ink ribbon Ir positioned above the first tape 101.

[0042] When the platen holder 22 moves from the standby position to the printing position, the platen roller 22A overlaps the first tape 101 and the ink ribbon Ir and presses them against the thermal head 21. The platen roller 22A rotates, feeding the first tape 101 forward. At the same time, the thermal head 21 generates heat, heating the ink ribbon Ir. This causes the ink on the ink ribbon Ir to be transferred to the top surface of the first tape 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "printing surface Ut"). This prints character information including letters and the like. After printing, the ink ribbon Ir separates from the first tape 101 and is taken up into the tape cassette TC.

[0043] Next, the second tape 103 is superimposed on the printed surface Ut of the first tape 101, on which printing has been completed. The substrate 102 of the second tape 103 comes into contact with the printed surface Ut of the first tape 101. In this state, the first tape 101 and the second tape 103 pass between the drive roller Ts and the tape sub-roller 22B of the tape cassette TC. The substrate 102 comes into close contact with the printed surface Ut of the first tape 101, thereby producing a printed label 10A. The top surface of the label 10A corresponds to the adhesive surface Ur of the substrate 102 to which the adhesive is adhered, and the release material 10B is attached to the adhesive surface Ur. The label 10A and the release material 10B are referred to as the "tape 10." The width direction of the tape 10 corresponds to the left-right direction. The transport path of the tape 10 from the printing unit 2B to the peeling guide mechanism 4, which will be described later, is referred to as the "transport path R1." The transport direction of the tape 10 on the transport path R1 is referred to as the “transport direction Y1.” The transport direction Y1 faces forward.

[0044] <Cut section 2C> The cutting unit 2C is disposed downstream in the conveying direction Y1 relative to the tape sub-roller 22B of the printing unit 2B. As shown in Figures 46 and 47, the cutting unit 2C has a full-cut cutting blade 23 and a half-cut cutting blade 24. The full-cut cutting blade 23 has a fixed blade 231 fixed above the conveying path R1 and a movable blade 232 movable below the conveying path R1. The fixed blade 231 extends in the left-right direction with its cutting edge facing downward. The movable blade 232 has a curved plate shape and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 233. The rotating shaft 233 is located to the left of the conveying path R1 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The movable blade 232 has a left end 234 that curves and extends to the left of the rotating shaft 233 and a right end 235 that extends straight to the right of the rotating shaft 233. The left end 234 has an elongated hole 236. The right end 235 faces rightward, with the cutting edge extending in the left-right direction facing upward. That is, the direction in which the right end 235 of the movable blade 232 faces coincides with the opening direction of the second opening 122A (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the second cover 122. Therefore, if the tape 10 becomes jammed, the user can easily remove the tape 10 jammed in the cutting section 2C through the second opening 122A.

[0045] The cutting unit 2C has a transmission unit 237 that transmits the driving force of the motor Mp3 to the movable blade 232, located to the left of the conveying path R1 and in front of the full-cut cutting blade 23. The transmission unit 237 has a group of multiple gears, and the drive shaft of the motor Mp3 meshes with the uppermost gear. The lowermost drive gear 238 of the transmission unit 237 has a pin 239 that engages with the elongated hole 236 of the movable blade 232. The motor Mp3 rotates the drive gear 238 and moves the pin 239 in the elongated hole 236, thereby moving the movable blade 232 between the cutting position and the standby position. The cutting position is the position where the movable blade 232 rotates clockwise from the standby position in a rear view, and the cutting edge of the right end 235 intersects with the fixed blade 231. The standby position is a position where, as viewed from behind, the movable blade 232 rotates counterclockwise from the cutting position and the blade edge of the right end portion 235 retreats below the conveying path R1. The full-cut cutting blade 23 can cut (full-cut) the tape 10 by moving the blade edge of the movable blade 232 from below the conveying path R1 to above across the conveying path R1 relative to the blade edge of the fixed blade 231.

[0046] The half-cut cutting blade 24 is provided downstream of the full-cut cutting blade 23 on the conveying path R1. The half-cut cutting blade 24 has a fixed base 241 fixed above the conveying path R1 and a movable blade 242 movable below the conveying path R1. The fixed base 241 extends in the left-right direction and has a blade abutment surface 241A facing downward, i.e., toward the conveying path R1. The movable blade 242 has a plate shape extending in the left-right direction and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 243. The rotating shaft 243 is provided to the left of the conveying path R1 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The movable blade 242 has a left end 244 extending straight to the left of the rotating shaft 243 and a right end 245 extending straight to the right of the rotating shaft 243. The left end 244 has a pin 246 protruding rearward at its end. The right end 245 faces to the right, with the cutting edge extending in the left-right direction facing upward. That is, the direction in which the right end 245 of the movable blade 242 faces coincides with the opening direction of the second opening 122A of the second cover 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Therefore, if the tape 10 becomes jammed, the user can easily remove the jammed tape 10 from the cutting section 2C through the second opening 122A. The end of the right end 245 also has a protrusion 247 that protrudes slightly upward beyond the cutting edge. The amount by which the protrusion 247 protrudes upward beyond the cutting edge is equal to or less than the thickness of the release material 10B, and is at least greater than half the thickness of the release material 10B.

[0047] The cutting unit 2C has a transmission unit 248 located to the left of the conveying path R1 and behind the half-cut cutting blade 24. The transmission unit 248 transmits the driving force of the motor Mp4 to the movable blade 242. The transmission unit 248 has multiple gear groups, and the drive shaft of the motor Mp4 meshes with the uppermost gear. The lowermost drive gear 249 of the transmission unit 248 has a long groove 250 with which the pin 246 of the movable blade 242 engages. The long groove 250 extends from near the rotation center of the drive gear 249 toward the outer periphery. The motor Mp4 rotates the drive gear 249, moving the pin 246 along the long groove 250, thereby moving the movable blade 242 between the cutting position and the standby position. The cutting position is reached when the movable blade 242 rotates counterclockwise from the standby position in a front view and the protrusion 247 of the right end 245 abuts against the blade abutment surface 241A of the fixed base 241. In this case, the cutting edge of the movable blade 242 forms a gap with the blade abutment surface 241A that is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the release material 10B. The standby position is a position where, as viewed from the front, the movable blade 242 rotates clockwise from the cutting position and the cutting edge of the right end portion 245 retreats below the conveying path R1. The half-cut cutting blade 24 has the cutting edge of the movable blade 242 approaching the blade contact surface 241A of the fixed base 241, forming a gap that is less than the thickness of the release material 10B, thereby cutting the first tape 101 and base material 102, i.e., the label 10A, which are below the release material 10B during transport, and leaving the release material 10B uncut (half-cutting).

[0048] <First roller 301> As shown in FIG. 8, the first roller 301 is disposed downstream of the cutting unit 2C (see FIG. 7) in the tape 10 feed direction Y1 and below the feed path R1. As shown in FIG. 9, the first roller 301 is composed of cylindrical bodies 301A, 301B, and 301C spaced apart in the left-right direction. The cylindrical bodies 301A, 301B, and 301C are aligned in order from right to left. The cylindrical bodies 301A, 301B, and 301C are supported rotatably about a rotation axis 301K extending in the left-right direction. The first roller 301 feeds the tape 10, which has been printed by the printing unit 2B and passed through the cutting unit 2C, downstream in the feed direction Y1 toward the peeling guide mechanism 4, which will be described later.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, a fourth roller 304 is provided above the first roller 301. As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth roller 304 is made up of three cylinders arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The three cylinders are lined up in order from right to left. Each of the three cylinders faces each of the cylinders 301A, 301B, and 301C of the first roller 301, with the conveying path R1 between them (see FIG. 8). The fourth roller 304 is supported by a support 31 provided above the first roller 301 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0050] The fourth roller 304 is rotatably supported by a support 31. The support 31 has a curved plate shape and is biased upward by a spring (not shown). As shown in Fig. 8, the support 31 biases the fourth roller 304 downward by a spring 31A held on the lower side.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 10, above the support 31, a D-cut shaft 31B is disposed. The shaft 31B extends in the left-right direction and contacts from above the upper surface of the support 31. A lever 31S connected to the left end of the shaft 31B swings in response to the opening and closing of the first cover 121 (see FIG. 1). The shaft 31B rotates in response to the swing of the lever 31S.

[0052] 8 and 10 show the lever 31S and shaft 31B when the first cover 121 is in the closed state (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 10, the curved surface 310B of the shaft 31B is in contact with the support 31, and the distance between the center of the shaft 31B and the support 31 is at its largest. In this state, the support 31 moves downward against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). The fourth roller 304, supported by the support 31, approaches the first roller 301. Therefore, when the first cover 121 is in the closed state, the fourth roller 304 clamps the tape 10 passing through the conveying path R1 in the nip portion between the fourth roller 304 and the first roller 301, as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the rotation of the first roller 301 allows the tape 10 to be conveyed toward the peeling unit 4A (described later), enabling the peeling unit 4A to peel off the label 10A. Hereinafter, the position of the fourth roller 304 in this state will be referred to as the "clamping position."

[0053] 11 and 13 show the lever 31S and the shaft 31B when the first cover 121 is in the open state (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 13, the flat portion 310A of the shaft 31B is in contact with the support 31, and the distance between the center of the shaft 31B and the support 31 is smallest. In this state, the support 31 moves upward due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown). The fourth roller 304, supported by the support 31, moves upward relative to the first roller 301, and the nip portion separates. Therefore, when the first cover 121 is in the open state, the fourth roller 304 separates from the tape 10 passing through the feed path R1, as shown in FIG. 11, and releases the tape 10 from the nip portion. In this state, even if the first roller 301 rotates, the tape 10 cannot be fed toward the peeling portion 4A, and the peeling portion 4A cannot peel the label 10A. Hereinafter, the position of the fourth roller 304 in this state will be referred to as the "separate position."

[0054] <Peeling guide mechanism 4> The peeling guide mechanism 4 has a peeling unit 4A, a conveying guide 4B, a pair of holding units 4C, and a drive mechanism 4D. As shown in FIG. 9, the peeling unit 4A peels the label 10A from the release material 10B. The conveying guide 4B guides the label 10A, release material 10B, and tape 10 in an appropriate conveying direction. The pair of holding units 4C hold the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B. The drive mechanism 4D drives the peeling unit 4A, the conveying guide 4B, and the pair of holding units 4C.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8, the peeling portion 4A is disposed downstream of the first roller 301 in the transport direction Y1 of the tape 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the peeling portion 4A has a long, narrow plate shape and extends in the left-right direction. The corners of the front end portion (hereinafter referred to as the "tip portion 400") of the peeling portion 4A are curved.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the transport guide 4B is disposed at a predetermined distance from the peeling unit 4A. As shown in FIG. 9, the transport guide 4B has a base 411 and a protruding portion 412. The base 411 is plate-shaped and faces the tip 400 of the peeling unit 4A of the transport guide 4B. A concavely curved curved portion 41R is formed on the surface of the base 411 facing the tip 400 of the peeling unit 4A. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 41R is referred to as r1. The protruding portion 412 is made up of three protruding pieces 412A, 412B, and 412C protruding from the front end of the base 411. The protruding pieces 412A, 412B, and 412C are arranged in this order from right to left at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0057] The pair of holding portions 4C each have a long, narrow plate shape and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The pair of holding portions 4C are connected to both left-right ends of the peeling portion 4A and the conveying guide 4B, and hold the peeling portion 4A and the conveying guide 4B from both left and right directions. Each of the pair of holding portions 4C has a hole through which the rotation shaft 301K of the first roller 301 is inserted. Each of the pair of holding portions 4C is rotatable around the rotation shaft 301K. As the pair of holding portions 4C rotates, the peeling portion 4A and the conveying guide 4B move in conjunction with each other between a first position shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and a second position shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Each of the pair of holding portions 4C also has an elongated hole 431 at a position opposite the side to which the peeling portion 4A is connected, relative to the hole through which the rotation shaft 301K is inserted.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B, which are positioned in the second position, are located downstream of the first roller 301 in the conveying direction Y1 of the tape 10. The conveying path R1 of the tape 10 passes downstream between the first roller 301 and the fourth roller, extends diagonally downward and forward along the first roller 301, and reaches the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A. The label 10A of the tape 10 is peeled from the release material 10B as the peeling unit 4A bends the release material 10B, and is conveyed forward from the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A. At this time, the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A to which the release material 10B was attached faces upward, and the surface opposite the adhesive surface Ur (hereinafter referred to as the "opposite surface Us") faces downward. Meanwhile, the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled is conveyed diagonally upward and rearward from the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 14, the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A arranged at the first position is located above the upper end of the first roller 301. The transport path R1 of the tape 10 passes downstream between the first roller 301 and the fourth roller and reaches the leading end 400 of the peeling unit 4A. Because the bending angle of the release material 10B at the peeling unit 4A is gentler than that at the second position, the label 10A of the tape 10 is not peeled off from the release material 10B. The tape 10 is transported diagonally upward and rearward toward the discharged paper storage unit 16 (see FIG. 1) with the label 10A attached to the release material 10B. The transport path of the tape 10 transported past the peeling unit 4A arranged at the first position is called transport path R4.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B arranged at the second position are held in a position forward and above the hole of the pair of holders 4C through which the rotation shaft 301K is inserted. Therefore, when the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B are arranged at the second position, the weight of the peeling unit 4A applies a counterclockwise force to the pair of holders 4C when viewed from the right. This direction coincides with the rotation direction (counterclockwise) of the pair of holders 4C when the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B move from the first position (see FIG. 11) to the second position (see FIG. 8), and is opposite to the rotation direction (clockwise) of the pair of holders 4C when the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B move from the second position (see FIG. 8) to the first position (see FIG. 11).

[0061] The drive mechanism 4D moves the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B of the peeling guide mechanism 4 in conjunction with each other between a first position and a second position. As shown in Figures 9 and 12, the drive mechanism 4D has a pair of drive units 46A and a rotation shaft 46C. Each of the pair of drive units 46A is a circular plate-shaped cam that is perpendicular to the left-right direction. The pair of drive units 46A are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The right drive unit 46A is adjacent to the left side of the right holder 4C. The left drive unit 46A is adjacent to the right side of the left holder 4C. The rotation shaft 46C extends in the left-right direction and is installed between the pair of drive units 46A. The pair of drive units 46A are rotatable around the rotation shaft 46C.

[0062] As shown in Figure 32, a motor Mw1 is provided below the left drive unit 46A. The motor Mw1 is located below the conveyance path R2 of the label 10A in the vertical direction. A gear group G1 is interposed between a gear connected to the rotation shaft of the motor Mw1 and the left drive unit 46A. The gear group G1 transmits the rotational driving force of the motor Mw1 to the left drive unit 46A. 9 and 12, the rotational driving force of the left drive unit 46A rotated by the motor Mw1 is transmitted to the right drive unit 46A via the rotation shaft 46C. Therefore, as the motor Mw1 rotates, the pair of drive units 46A rotate in unison.

[0063] The pair of drive units 46A each have an insertion portion 461 on its outer left and right surfaces. The insertion portion 461 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes outward to the left and right. The insertion portion 461 is inserted into an elongated hole 431 of a holder 4C disposed outward relative to each of the pair of drive units 46A.

[0064] For example, when moving the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B from the second position shown in FIG. 9 to the first position shown in FIG. 12, the pair of driving units 46A rotate clockwise as viewed from the right from the state shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the insertion portion 461 moves downward along the elongated hole 431 from a state in which it is in contact with the upper end of the elongated hole 431 of the holding unit 4C, then changes direction and moves upward along the elongated hole 431. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the insertion portion 461 moves to a state in which it is in contact with the upper end of the elongated hole 431. During this process, the pair of holding units 4C rotate clockwise as viewed from the right, moving the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B from the second position to the first position. In other words, whether the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are positioned at the first position or the second position, the insertion portion 461 is in contact with the upper end of the elongated hole 431 of each of the pair of holding units 4C.

[0065] 9 and 12, when viewed from the left and right, a virtual arc Cm is defined with its center at the rotation axis 301K, which is the rotation center of the pair of holders 4C. A radius rm of the virtual arc Cm is equal to the distance between the rotation axis 301K and the rotation axis 46C of the drive mechanism 4D. In this case, the position of the insertion portion 461 when the peeler 4A and the conveying guide 4B are disposed at the first position (see FIG. 12), the position of the insertion portion 461 when the peeler 4A and the conveying guide 4B are disposed at the second position (see FIG. 9), and the position of the rotation axis 46C of the drive mechanism 4D are all disposed in the circumferential direction along the virtual arc Cm when viewed from the right.

[0066] A load is applied to the peeling portion 4A when the label 10A is peeled from the release material 10B. Similarly, loads are applied to the conveying guide 4B when guiding the label 10A, release liner 10B, tape 10, etc. These loads are transmitted to the insertion portions 461 of the pair of driving units 46A as rotational forces centered on the rotation axis 301K. As described above, when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are positioned at the first position and the second position, the positions of the insertion portions 461 and the rotation axis 46C are located along an imaginary arc Cm centered on the rotation axis 301K. Therefore, even if a rotational force is transmitted to the insertion portion 461 in response to the loads applied to the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are positioned at the first position or the second position, the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B do not move due to this rotational force. Therefore, the position of the peeling unit 4A can be stabilized at the second position, allowing the label 10A to be properly peeled. Furthermore, since the position of the conveying guide 4B can be stabilized at the first position or the second position, the label 10A, the release material 10B, and the tape 10 can be guided appropriately.

[0067] <Passing area 300A, 300B> 8, a passing area 300A, which is a space through which the label 10A passes, is provided downstream in the conveyance direction of the label 10A peeled from the peeling material 10B relative to the peeling guide mechanism 4. The passing area 300A is a space sandwiched in the vertical direction between a lower wall 121A of the first cover 121 in the closed state and an opposing wall 121B facing downwardly from the lower wall 121A. In the passing area 300A, a second roller 302 and driven rollers 311 to 313, which will be described later, are partially exposed.

[0068] The conveying path R2 of the label 10A peeled by the peeling unit 4A arranged at the second position is arranged within the passing area 300A. The conveying direction of the label 10A conveyed along the conveying path R2 is referred to as the "conveying direction Y2." The conveying guide 4B arranged at the second position guides the label 10A along the conveying path R2 in the conveying direction Y2. The conveying guide 4B is spaced downward from the conveying path R2. In other words, the conveying guide 4B arranged at the second position is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the movement of the label 10A along the conveying path R2, thereby guiding the label 10A in the conveying direction Y2.

[0069] 8 and 14, a passing area 300B, which is a space through which the separation material 10B or the tape 10 passes, is provided downstream of the peeling guide mechanism 4 in the feeding direction of the separation material 10B or the tape 10. The passing area 300B is a space sandwiched in the front-rear direction between a rear wall 121C of the first cover 121 in the closed state and an opposing wall 121D facing rearward from the rear wall 121C. A third roller 303 and a driven roller 323, which will be described later, are partially exposed in the passing area 300B.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, a conveyance path R3 of the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled by the peeling unit 4A arranged at the second position is arranged in the passing area 300B. The conveyance direction of the release material 10B conveyed along the conveyance path R3 is referred to as the conveyance direction Y3. As shown in FIG. 14, a conveyance path R4 of the tape 10 conveyed after passing through the peeling unit 4A arranged at the first position is arranged in the passing area 300B. The conveyance direction of the tape 10 conveyed along the conveyance path R4 is referred to as the conveyance direction Y4. The conveyance guide 4B arranged at the first position guides the tape 10 in the conveyance direction Y4.

[0071] <Second roller 302> As shown in FIG. 8, the second roller 302 is disposed downstream of the first roller 301 in the conveying direction Y2 of the label 10A. As shown in FIG. 4, the second roller 302 is composed of cylindrical bodies 302A, 302B, and 302C spaced apart in the left-right direction. The cylindrical bodies 302A, 302B, and 302C are arranged in order from right to left. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical bodies 302A, 302B, and 302C are supported rotatably around a rotation shaft 302K extending in the left-right direction. The second roller 302 contacts the opposite side Us of the label 10A from which the release material 10B has been peeled by the peeling unit 4A located at the second position, and conveys the label 10A downstream along the conveying path R2.

[0072] The driven roller 312 is provided above the second roller 302. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the driven roller 312 is made up of spurs 312A, 312B, and 312C arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The spurs 312A, 312B, and 312C are aligned in order from right to left. The spurs 312A to 312C are cylindrical and have concave and convex portions on their peripheral edges. The spurs 312A to 312C are supported by the first cover 121 for rotation around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0073] The lower end of each of the spurs 312A, 312B, and 312C contacts the upper end of each of the cylindrical bodies 302A, 302B, and 302C of the second roller 302. The driven roller 312 contacts the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A being conveyed along the conveying path R2, and sandwiches the label 10A between itself and the second roller 302.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the driven roller 311 is located upstream of the driven roller 312 in the label 10A conveyance direction Y2 and above the conveyance path R2 of the label 10A. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the driven roller 311 is made up of spurs 311A, 311B, 311C, and 311D spaced apart in the left-right direction. The spurs 311A, 311B, 311C, and 311D are aligned in order from right to left. The spurs 311A ​​to 311D are cylindrical and have concave and convex portions on their peripheral edges. The spurs 311A ​​to 311D are rotatably supported by the first cover 121 around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The spurs 311A ​​to 311D come into contact with the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A conveyed along the conveyance path R2 and guide the label 10A in the conveyance direction Y2.

[0075] When the conveying guide 4B moves between the first position and the second position, the protruding pieces 421A, 412B, and 412C (see FIG. 9, etc.) of the protruding portion 412 pass between the spurs 311A, 311B, 311C, and 311D of the driven roller 311. Specifically, the protruding piece 421A passes to the left of the spur 311A, and the protruding piece 421C passes to the left of the spur 311D. The protruding piece 421B passes between the spurs 311B and 311C. Therefore, when the conveying guide 4B moves between the first position and the second position, the protruding portion 412 does not come into contact with the driven roller 311.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the driven roller 313 is located downstream of the driven roller 312 in the label 10A conveyance direction Y2 and above the conveyance path R2 of the label 10A. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the driven roller 313 is composed of spurs 313A, 313B, 313C, 313D, 313E, and 313F spaced apart in the left-right direction. The spurs 313A, 313B, 313C, 313D, 313E, and 313F are arranged in order from right to left. The spurs 313A to 313F are cylindrical and have concave and convex portions on their peripheral edges. The spurs 313A to 313F are rotatably supported by the first cover 121 around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The spurs 313A to 313F come into contact with the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A conveyed along the conveyance path R2.

[0077] <Support part 32> As shown in Fig. 8, the support portion 32 is provided below the driven roller 313 and is disposed in the passing area 300A. As shown in Fig. 4, the support portion 32 is made up of ribs 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, and 32F arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The ribs 32A to 32F have a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction and protrudes upward from the opposing wall 121B. An inclined portion that slopes upward toward the front is formed at the rear end of the ribs 32A to 32F.

[0078] Each of the ribs 32A to 32F contacts the lower end of each of the spurs 311A ​​to 311F of the driven roller 313. The support portion 32 contacts the opposite side Us of the label 10A being conveyed along the conveying path R2, and sandwiches the label 10A between itself and the driven roller 313. As a result, the support portion 32 supports, from below, the opposite side Us of the label 10A after it has been completely peeled off from the release material 10B by the peeling portion 4A. The side on which the support portion 32 supports the opposite side Us of the label 10A coincides with the side on which the installation surface 110 of the casing 11 is disposed relative to the label 10A. In other words, the support portion 32 supports the label 10A from the installation surface 110 side. The label 10A supported by the support portion 32 extends horizontally and is parallel to the installation surface 110.

[0079] <Third roller 303> As shown in Fig. 8, the third roller 303 is provided above the support 31 that supports the fourth roller 304. As shown in Fig. 3, the third roller 303 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 8, the third roller 303 is supported rotatably about a rotation shaft 303K that extends in the left-right direction.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, the third roller 303 contacts the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled by the peeling unit 4A located at the second position, and conveys the release material 10B along a conveying path R3. The release material 10B is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction Y3 toward the discharged paper storage unit 16 (see FIG. 1). The conveying path R3 for the release material 10B is located above the conveying path R2 for the label 10A peeled from the release material 10B by the peeling unit 4A. Meanwhile, the installation surface 110 of the housing 11 (see FIG. 1) is located below the conveying path R2 for the label 10A. Therefore, the conveying path R3 is located on the opposite side of the installation surface 110 from the conveying path R2 in the vertical direction.

[0081] 14, the third roller 303 comes into contact with the tape 10 from which the label 10A has not been peeled by the peeling unit 4A located at the first position, and feeds the tape 10 along the feed path R4. The tape 10 is fed downstream in the feed direction Y4 toward the discharged paper storage unit 16 (see FIG. 1).

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the driven roller 323 is disposed diagonally above and in front of the third roller 303. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the driven roller 323 is composed of cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C spaced apart in the left-right direction. The cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C are aligned in order from right to left. The cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C are supported by the first cover 121 to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the first cover 121 is opened, the driven roller 323 supported by the first cover 121 moves away from the third roller 303 disposed on the housing 11 side, releasing the clamping of the release material 10B or the tape 10 at the nip portion. When the first cover 121 is closed, the driven roller 323 approaches the third roller 303, and the release material 10B or the tape 10 can be sandwiched and conveyed at the nip portion.

[0083] Each of the cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C contacts the third roller 303. As shown in Fig. 8, the cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C contact the separation material 10B being transported along transport path R3, and sandwich the separation material 10B between themselves and the third roller 303. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 14, the cylindrical bodies 323A, 323B, and 323C contact the tape 10 being transported along transport path R4, and sandwich the tape 10 between themselves and the third roller 303.

[0084] The length of conveying guide 4B in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the length from the right end of cylindrical body 323A to the left end of cylindrical body 323C of third roller 303. In other words, in the left-right direction, part of conveying guide 4B is disposed between cylindrical bodies 323A and 323B and between cylindrical bodies 323B and 323C.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 8, 11, and 14, a guide portion 127 is provided on the rear wall 121C of the first cover 121, upstream of the driven roller 323 in the conveying directions Y3 and Y4. As shown in FIG. 15, the guide portion 127 is made up of plate-shaped guides 127A, 127B, 127C, 127D, 127E, and 127F. The guides 127A, 127B, 127C, 127D, 127E, and 127F are arranged in this order from right to left. The guides 127A to 127B are perpendicular to the left-right direction and protrude from the rear wall 121C toward the passing area 300B.

[0086] The downstream ends of the guide members 127A and 127B in the conveying directions Y3 and Y4 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the cylindrical body 323A of the driven roller 323. The downstream ends of the guide members 127C and 127D in the conveying directions Y3 and Y4 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the cylindrical body 323B of the driven roller 323. The downstream ends of the guide members 127E and 127F in the conveying directions Y3 and Y4 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the cylindrical body 323C of the driven roller 323. The guide members 127A to 127F guide the tape 10, which is guided by the conveying guide 4B arranged at the first position and passes through the passing area 300B, along the conveying path R4 toward the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0087] At the tip of each of the guide members 127A to 127F, a curved portion 127R that is curved in a concave shape is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, the curved portion 41R of the conveying guide 4B that is disposed at the first position is disposed upstream of the upstream end of the curved portion 127R in the conveying direction Y4. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 127R is referred to as r2. The radius of curvature r1 of the curved portion 41R of the conveying guide 4B is smaller than the radius of curvature r2 of the curved portion 127R (r1 <r2)。

[0088] <Transmission part 3B> The transmission unit 3B transmits the rotational driving force of the motor Mw2 to the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 16, the motor Mw2 is disposed below the conveyance path R2 (see FIG. 8) of the label 10A in the up-down direction. The motor Mw2 can rotate in either the counterclockwise direction (see FIG. 17) or the clockwise direction (see FIG. 18) when viewed from the right. Unless otherwise specified, the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) will be described below assuming a state viewed from the right. Rotation of the motor Mw2 in the counterclockwise direction is referred to as "motor Mw2 rotating forward." Rotation of the motor Mw2 in the clockwise direction is referred to as "motor Mw2 rotating in the reverse direction."

[0089] As described above, the motor Mw1 (see FIG. 3) that moves the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B between the first position and the second position is also disposed below the conveying path R2 of the label 10A in the vertical direction. Therefore, both the motors Mw1 and Mw2 are disposed on the same side (below) of the imaginary plane that passes through the conveying path R2 of the label 10A.

[0090] 16 to 20, the transmission unit 3B includes a gear group consisting of gears 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365A, 365B, 366A, 366B, 367, 368, and 369. The gear 360 is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor Mw2. The gears 361 to 364 are located on the right side of the side plate 13A that is perpendicular to the left-right direction, and are rotatably supported by the side plate 13A.

[0091] Gear 365A is connected to a rotating shaft 365C. Gear 365B is connected to the rotating shaft 365C via a clutch C2, which will be described later. Gear 366A is connected to a rotating shaft 302K of second roller 302 via a clutch C1, which will be described later. Gear 366B is connected to a rotating shaft 302K of second roller 302 via a clutch C3, which will be described later. Gear 367 is connected to a rotating shaft 301K of first roller 301 via a stepwise conveying mechanism 39, which will be described later. Clutches C1 to C3 are one-way clutches.

[0092] Gears 360 and 361 mesh together. Gears 361 and 362 mesh together. Gears 362 and 363 mesh together. Gears 363 and 364 mesh together. Gears 364 and 365A mesh together. Gears 364 and 366A mesh together. Gears 365B and 366B mesh together. Gears 365B and 367 mesh together. Gears 365B and 368 mesh together.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 17, when the motor Mw2 rotates in the forward direction, the gear 364 rotates clockwise and the gear 365A rotates counterclockwise. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 18, when the motor Mw2 rotates in the reverse direction, the gear 364 rotates counterclockwise and the gear 365A rotates clockwise.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 17, when the gear 364 rotates clockwise, the clutch C1 connects the gear 366A, which rotates counterclockwise in response to the rotation of the gear 364, to the rotation shaft 302K. As a result, the rotational drive force of the gear 364 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 302K, and the second roller 302 rotates counterclockwise. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the gear 364 rotates counterclockwise, the clutch C1 disconnects the gear 366A, which rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of the gear 364, from the rotation shaft 302K. As a result, the rotational drive force of the gear 364 is not transmitted to the rotation shaft 302K. Furthermore, when the rotation shaft 302K rotates counterclockwise, the clutch C1 also disconnects the rotation shaft 302K from the gear 366A. As a result, the counterclockwise rotation of the rotation shaft 302K is not suppressed by the gear 366A.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 17, when gear 365A rotates counterclockwise, clutch C2 disconnects gear 365B from rotating shaft 365C, which rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of gear 365A. As a result, the rotational driving force of gear 365A is not transmitted to gear 365B. In this case, gear 367, which meshes with gear 365B, does not rotate, and therefore first roller 301 does not rotate. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when gear 365A rotates clockwise, clutch C2 connects gear 365B to rotating shaft 365C, which rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of gear 365A. As a result, the rotational driving force of gear 365A is transmitted to gear 365B, and gear 365B rotates clockwise. In this case, gear 367, which meshes with gear 365B, rotates counterclockwise, and first roller 301 also rotates counterclockwise.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 17, when the rotational drive force of gear 366A causes rotational shaft 302K to rotate counterclockwise, clutch C3 disconnects rotational shaft 302K from gear 366B. Therefore, the counterclockwise rotation of rotational shaft 302K is not inhibited by gear 366B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when gear 365B rotates clockwise, clutch C3 connects gear 366B, which rotates counterclockwise in response to the rotation of gear 365B, to rotational shaft 302K. As a result, the rotational drive force of gear 366B is transmitted to rotational shaft 302K, causing second roller 302 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0097] In other words, whether the motor Mw2 rotates forward or backward, the second roller 302 rotates counterclockwise. This rotation direction coincides with the rotation direction in which the second roller 302 can transport the label 10A in the transport direction Y2 along the transport path R2. Furthermore, when the motor Mw2 rotates forward, the first roller 301 does not rotate, and when the motor Mw2 rotates backward, the first roller 301 rotates counterclockwise. This rotation direction coincides with the rotation direction in which the first roller 301 can transport the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1.

[0098] Furthermore, when the second roller 302 rotates counterclockwise, the clutch C1 disengages the gear 366A from the rotating shaft 302K, and the clutch C3 disengages the gear 366B from the rotating shaft 302K. Therefore, for example, when the label 10A is forcibly moved in the conveying direction Y2 during the label 10A application process, the rotation of the second roller 302 is not suppressed by the transmission unit 3B including the gears 366A and 366B.

[0099] 19 to 21, the transmission unit 3B has a switching unit 3C that switches the meshing state between the gears 368, 369 depending on the positions of the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B. The switching unit 3C has link mechanisms 37, 38. The link mechanisms 37, 38 are disposed to the left of the right-hand holding unit 4C of a pair of holding units 4C that hold the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B.

[0100] The link mechanism 37 has a cylindrical base 370 and arms 371 and 372 extending from the base 370. A through-hole penetrating the base 370 in the left-right direction is formed. A rotation shaft 302K (see FIG. 16) of the second roller 302 is inserted into the through-hole in the base 370. The link mechanism 37 can swing around the rotation shaft 302K. The arm 371 extends downward from the base 370. A protrusion 371A protruding to the right is provided at the tip of the arm 371. In addition, an annular groove 47 is formed on the left surface of the right drive unit 46A of the pair of drive units 46A that drive the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B. The protrusion 371A of the arm 371 enters the groove 47. The arm 372 extends upward from the base 370. The arm portion 372 is provided with a slot 372A that is long in the direction in which the arm portion 372 extends.

[0101] Link mechanism 38 has a long, thin plate shape. Gear 368, meshed with gear 365B, is rotatably supported at the upper end of link mechanism 38. A protrusion 381, which protrudes leftward, is provided at the lower end of link mechanism 38. Protrusion 381 enters elongated hole 372A provided in arm portion 372 of link mechanism 37.

[0102] 19, when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are arranged in the second position, the gear 368 meshes with the gears 365B and 369. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are arranged in the first position, the gear 368 meshes with the gears 365B and 369.

[0103] In this state, for example, when the motor Mw2 rotates in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. 18, the rotational drive force of the gear 365B is transmitted to the gear 369 via the gear 368. As a result, the rotation shaft 303K connected to the gear 369 rotates, and the third roller 303 connected to the rotation shaft 303K rotates clockwise. This rotation direction coincides with the rotation direction in which the third roller 303 can transport the release material 10B in the transport direction Y3 along the transport path R3. This rotation direction also coincides with the rotation direction in which the third roller 303 can transport the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4. Here, the transmission unit 3B adjusts the gear ratio of the gears 360 to 369 so that, when the motor Mw2 is driven in the reverse direction, the transport speed of the tape 10 or the release material 10B transported by the rotation of the third roller 303 is greater than the transport speed of the tape 10 transported by the rotation of the first roller 301.

[0104] For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the motor Mw2 rotates forward, the gear 365B does not rotate, so the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the gear 369 via the gear 368, and the third roller 303 does not rotate.

[0105] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 20, during the process in which the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B move between the first position and the second position, the pair of driving units 46A rotate, and the protrusion 371A of the arm unit 371 of the link mechanism 37 moves along the groove 47. This causes the link mechanism 37 to swing around the rotation axis 302K. In response to the swing of the link mechanism 37, a force acts on the protrusion 381 inserted into the elongated hole 372A of the arm unit 372, and the link mechanism 38 moves. As a result, the gear 368 supported by the link mechanism 38 moves away from the gear 369. This interrupts the transmission path of the rotational drive force between the gears 368 and 369. Therefore, for example, in this state, even if the motor Mw2 is reversely driven as shown in FIG. 22 and the gears 365B and 368 rotate, the gear 369 does not rotate, and therefore the third roller 303 does not rotate either.

[0106] In other words, when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are positioned at the first position or the second position, the switching unit 3C transmits the rotational driving force of the motor Mw2 to the third roller 303 to rotate the third roller 303. On the other hand, when the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are positioned between the first position and the second position, the switching unit 3C places the third roller 303 in a freely rotatable state. Therefore, even if the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B move between the first position and the second position, causing the tape 10 to move along the conveying path R4, the switching unit 3C does not hinder the movement of the tape 10, and the third roller 303 can place the tape 10 in a movable state.

[0107] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the staged transport mechanism 39 is provided inside a gear 367 having an annular shape. The staged transport mechanism 39 has a pair of protruding pieces 39A that protrude from the inside of the gear 367 toward the center, and a base 39B that is fixed to a rotation shaft 301K. The pair of protruding pieces 39A are provided inside the gear 367 at positions opposite to each other with the rotation shaft 301K in between. The base 39B has a pair of protruding pieces 39C that protrude in opposite directions from each other with the rotation shaft 301K in between. The pair of protruding pieces 39A, 39C are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0108] 18, when gear 367 rotates counterclockwise in response to rotation of gear 365B, rotation shaft 301K connected to base 39B does not rotate until pair of protruding pieces 39A of gear 367 abuts pair of protruding pieces 39C of base 39B. After that, when pair of protruding pieces 39A of gear 367 abuts pair of protruding pieces 39C of base 39B, the rotational drive force of gear 367 is transmitted to rotation shaft 301K via pair of protruding pieces 39A, 39C, and rotation shaft 301K rotates. In other words, when reverse driving of motor Mw2 is started as shown in FIG. 18, first roller 301 starts to rotate a predetermined time after second roller 302 and third roller 303 start to rotate.

[0109] <Opening and closing member 5> 23, the opening / closing member 5 is disposed downstream of the support portion 32 and above the conveyance path R2 of the label 10A.

[0110] The base 51 has a cylindrical portion 51A, an extension portion 51B, and a pair of side plate portions 51C. The cylindrical portion 51A is disposed around a rotation shaft 50 that is installed between side plates 13A, 13B (see FIG. 16) that are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and is rotatable about the rotation shaft 50. The extension portion 51B extends downward from the cylindrical portion 51A. The pair of side plate portions 51C are provided on both left and right ends of the extension portion 51B and are perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0111] The opening / closing member 5 is pivotally supported by the side plates 13A and 13B via a rotating shaft 50. The base 51 can pivot around the rotating shaft 50 in a direction in which the lower end of the extension portion 51B moves forward and backward. The position of the opening / closing member 5 when the lower end of the extension portion 51B has moved forward is called the closed position. The opening / closing member 5 in the closed position covers from above the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A moving along the conveying path R2. The position of the opening / closing member 5 when the lower end of the extension portion 51B has moved backward is called the open position. The opening / closing member 5 in the open position does not cover the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A. Similarly, the first cover 121 is pivotally supported by the side plates 13A and 13B via a rotating shaft 50.

[0112] As shown in Figure 24, the rotating body 52 includes rotating bodies 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E arranged in the left-right direction. The rotating bodies 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E are arranged in this order from right to left. The rotating bodies 52A to 52E are disk-shaped and have irregularities on their peripheral edges. The rotating bodies 52A to 52E protrude outward from the extension portion 51B at the front and lower ends rather than at approximately the center in the front-rear direction.

[0113] A rotating shaft 520 shown in FIG. 23 is inserted into a hole provided in the center of the rotating body 52. ​​The rotating shaft 520 is rod-shaped and extends in the left-right direction. The rotating body 52 is rotatably supported on the base 51 by the rotating shaft 520. The ribs 53 have pairs of ribs 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D, and 53E arranged in the left-right direction. Each pair of ribs 53A to 53E is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the left-right direction. The pair of ribs 53A is adjacent to both the left and right sides of the rotating body 52A. The pair of ribs 53B is adjacent to both the left and right sides of the rotating body 52B. The pair of ribs 53C is adjacent to both the left and right sides of the rotating body 52C. The pair of ribs 53D is adjacent to both the left and right sides of the rotating body 52D. The pair of ribs 53E is adjacent to both the left and right sides of the rotating body 52E. The pairs of ribs 53A to 53E have the same shape. The peripheral end of rib 53 extends from the vicinity of cylindrical portion 51A at the upper end of extension portion 51B in a direction inclined forward relative to extension portion 51B. Rib 53 curves at the lower end and extends rearward.

[0114] 23, when the opening / closing member 5 is in the closed position, the rib 53 covers, from the left and right, the portion of the rotating body 52 that protrudes forward from the extension portion 51B. That is, the rib 53 protrudes outward from the radial end of the rotating body 52 at the portion of the rotating body 52 that protrudes forward from the extension portion 51B. In FIG. 23, the lower end of the rotating body 52 protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the rib 53.

[0115] A biasing portion 56 is provided on the rear side of the base portion 51 of the opening / closing member 5. The biasing portion 56 is a compression coil spring. The biasing portion 56 applies a forward biasing force to the opening / closing member 5. The opening / closing member 5 is biased by the biasing portion 56 from the open position (see FIG. 25) toward the closed position (see FIG. 24).

[0116] The label 10A conveyed by the second roller 302 passes below the opening / closing member 5 along the conveying path R2 and is supported by the support part 32. At this time, the rotating body 52 of the opening / closing member 5 comes into contact with the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A from above. As a result, the opening / closing member 5 corrects the curl of the label 10A that tends to curl upward.

[0117] <Guide member 8A> The guide member 8A is disposed downstream of the opening / closing member 5 in the label conveying direction Y2 and above the conveying path R2. As shown in FIG. 25, the guide member 8A has an inclined surface 81A at its rear. The inclined surface 81A extends obliquely downward from its front end to its rear end. The front end of each inclined surface 81A, i.e., the upper end 811 located at the uppermost position of the inclined surface 81A, is positioned below the rotation shaft 50 that rotatably supports the opening / closing member 5 in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 23, the rear end of the inclined surface 81A, i.e., the lower end 812 located at the lowermost position of the inclined surface 81A, is close to the conveying path R2.

[0118] 24, the lower end of the opening / closing member 5 is close to the lower end 812 of the guide member 8A when the opening / closing member 5 is positioned at the closed position. At this time, the rib 53 of the guide member 8A comes into contact with the lower end 812 of the guide member 8A. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, the lower end of the opening / closing member 5 is separated rearward from the lower end 812 of the guide member 8A when the opening / closing member 5 is positioned at the open position.

[0119] As shown in Figure 26, the cable 19 for winding the label 10A is attached to the label winding device 1A from above the guide member 8A in a state in which it extends in the left-right direction. Note that the label 10A supported by the support part 32 is placed above an insertion part 62A (see Figure 18) of the application mechanism 6, which will be described later.

[0120] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the guide member 8A guides the cable 19 along the inclined surface 81A from a position near the upper end 811, i.e., position P11 away from the label 10A, to a position near the lower end 812, i.e., position P13 close to the label 10A. Position P11 corresponds to a position downstream in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A and away from the support unit 32. Position P13 corresponds to a position close to the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A. The movement direction of the cable 19 guided by the guide member 8A (diagonally downward and rearward; hereinafter referred to as the "guiding direction Y11") is inclined toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A, relative to the downward direction that is perpendicular to the label 10A. The guide member 8A guides the cable 19 toward the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A and the insertion unit 62A of the application mechanism 6.

[0121] The guide direction Y11 of the cable 19 faces diagonally downward and rearward. An installation surface 110 (see FIG. 1, etc.) of the housing 11, which is installed on a table or the like, is located on an extension of the guide direction Y11. The guide direction Y11 has a component facing downward and a component facing in the opposite direction (rearward) to the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A. In other words, the guide member 8A guides the cable 19 in the guide direction Y11 by applying a force to the cable 19 that is parallel to and opposite to the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A.

[0122] When the opening / closing member 5 is in the closed position, the cable 19, guided by the guide member 8A and moving in the guide direction Y11, comes into contact with the rib 53 of the opening / closing member 5. An external force is applied from above to the lower end of the opening / closing member 5 by the cable 19. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, the lower end of the opening / closing member 5 moves rearward against the biasing force of the biasing part 56, thereby moving from the closed position to the open position. As a result, an opening 620B of the attachment mechanism 6, which will be described later, is switched from a state closed by the opening / closing member 5 (see FIG. 26) to an open state (see FIG. 27).

[0123] The vertical position of the upper end 811 of the guide member 8A coincides with a part of the curved portions 127R (see FIGS. 8 and 15) of the guides 127A to 127F that constitute the guide section 127 provided on the rear wall 121C of the first cover 121. The vertical position of the lower end 812 of the guide member 8A is located lower than the lower ends of the curved portions 127R (see FIGS. 8 and 15) of the guides 127A to 127F that constitute the guide section 127 provided on the rear wall 121C of the first cover 121. Therefore, the vertical positions of the guide member 8A and the guide section 127 coincide with each other. Furthermore, when viewed in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the label 10A, i.e., from the front-rear direction, the guide member 8A and the guide section 127 partially overlap with each other.

[0124] <Restriction part 8B> As shown in Figures 26 and 27, a regulating portion 8B is formed below the lower end portion 812 of the guide member 8A. The regulating portion 8B has a recessed portion 85 that is recessed forward. The recessed portion 85 extends linearly in the left-right direction. The opening of the recessed portion 85 faces rearward. The label 10A transported by the second roller 302 passes through the opening / closing member 5 and is transported further until its downstream end (hereinafter referred to as "end portion 105") contacts the regulating portion 8B. The regulating portion 8B can prevent the label 10A from being transported excessively downstream by bringing the end portion 105 of the label 10A into contact with the inner wall of the recessed portion 85. When transport is restricted, the label 10A is supported by the support portion 32 from the opposite side Us.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 27, the cable 19 comes into contact with the label 10A from above as it is guided downward by the guide member 8A toward the application mechanism 6. A portion of the cable 19 is applied to the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A. As the cable 19 moves downward, the end 105 of the label 10A attempts to move vertically. In response to this, the regulating unit 8B regulates the end 105 of the label 10A from moving upward relative to the conveying path R2 by using the inner wall of the recess 85. Hereinafter, the position of the label 10A with the end 105 positioned inside the recess 85 of the regulating unit 8B will be referred to as the "application position." All of the B portions of the label 10A placed in the application position have been peeled off by the peeling unit 4A.

[0126] <Attachment mechanism 6> The application mechanism 6 applies a label 10A, which is placed in the application position and supported by the support part 32, to a cable 19 guided by the guide member 8A. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the application mechanism 6 has a substantially cylindrical base part 61 with a side part missing. The center of the base part 61 is supported by the side plates 13A, 13B of the frame 13 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis 6A. The axis 6A extends in the left-right direction.

[0127] 26 to 28, the base 61 has a pair of bottom surface portions 62 provided on both left and right ends, and side surface portions 63A, 63B, 63C. Each of the pair of bottom surface portions 62 is disk-shaped and faces each other while being spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0128] 26 and 27, an insertion portion 62A recessed from the peripheral end toward the axis 6A is provided in each of the pair of bottom surface portions 62. The insertion portion 62A is generally U-shaped and extends radially from a position on the bottom surface portion 62 a predetermined distance below the axis 6A (hereinafter referred to as bottom portion 620A; see FIG. 29) to an opening 620B corresponding to a part of the peripheral end of the bottom surface portion 62.

[0129] The application mechanism 6 is capable of inserting the cable 19 and the label 10A into the insertion portion 62A when the opening 620B is located at the upper end of the bottom 620A. Hereinafter, the rotational position of the application mechanism 6 at which the cable 19 can be inserted, i.e., the rotational position of the application mechanism 6 when the opening 620B is located at the upper end of the bottom 620A, is referred to as the initial position. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the application mechanism 6 is located at the initial position.

[0130] The insertion unit 62A is positioned downstream of the second roller 302 and the support unit 32 in the label conveying direction Y2 and below the conveying path R2. An opening 620B of the insertion unit 62A opens toward the opposite side Us (bottom side) of the label 10A supported by the support unit 32 when the label 10A is positioned in the application position. As shown in FIG. 26, the opening 620B of the insertion unit 62A is closed by the opening / closing member 5 positioned in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 27, the opening 620B of the insertion unit 62A is open and not closed by the opening / closing member 5 positioned in the open position.

[0131] The application mechanism 6 has a first arm member 66, a second arm member 67, a first spring 68, and a second spring 69 inside the base 61. The first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67 sandwich and hold the cable 19 when the application mechanism 6 wraps the label 10A around the cable 19 (see FIG. 29 ). The first spring 68 and the second spring 69 bias the first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67 so that the cable 19 is held by the first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67.

[0132] The first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67 each have a curved plate shape and extend in the left-right direction between the pair of bottom surface portions 62. The first arm member 66 is provided downstream of the second arm member 67. The first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67 face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 28 , the upper end of the first arm member 66 is supported to be swingable around a rotation shaft 661 extending between the pair of bottom surface portions 62. The rotation shaft 661 is supported by the pair of bottom surface portions 62 near the downstream side of the opening 620B of the insertion portion 62A in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A. Therefore, the upper end of the first arm member 66 is located near the downstream side of the opening 620B of the insertion portion 62A in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A. The upper end of the second arm member 67 is supported to be swingable around a rotation shaft 671 extending between the pair of bottom surface portions 62. The rotation shaft 671 is supported by the pair of bottom surface portions 62 near the upstream side of the opening 620B of the insertion portion 62A in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A. Therefore, the upper end of the second arm member 67 is disposed near the upstream side of the opening 620B of the insertion portion 62A in the conveyance direction Y2 of the label 10A.

[0134] A bent portion 66A recessed toward the front is formed near the lower end of the first arm member 66. A bent portion 67A recessed toward the rear is formed near the lower end of the second arm member 67. The bent portions 66A and 67A face each other in the front-to-rear direction with the axis 6A in between.

[0135] The first spring 68 is interposed between the side surface portion 63B of the base 61 and the first arm member 66. The second spring 69 is interposed between the side surface portion 63C of the base 61 and the second arm member 67. The first spring 68 and the second spring 69 are compression springs with the same characteristics. The first spring 68 biases the first arm member 66 in a direction in which the first arm member 66 approaches the second arm member 67. The second spring 69 biases the second arm member 67 in a direction in which the second arm member 67 approaches the first arm member 66.

[0136] An upwardly protruding rib 630 is provided on the side surface 63A. The rear surface of the lower end of the first arm member 66 abuts against the front surface of the rib 630 due to the biasing force of a first spring 68. Similarly, the front surface of the lower end of the second arm member 67 abuts against the rear surface of the rib 630 due to the biasing force of a second spring 69.

[0137] 29, the label 10A, which is supported by the support portion 32 and thus positioned in the attachment position, completely covers the opening 620B of the insertion portion 62A. The cable 19, guided downward by the guide member 8A, comes into contact with the label 10A and enters the insertion portion 62A together with the label 10A. At this time, the cable 19 moves diagonally rearward following the direction in which it is guided along the inclined surface 81A of the guide member 8A, so that it first comes into contact with the second arm member 67 and moves the second arm member 67 rearward against the biasing force of the second spring 69. The cable 19 then comes into contact with the second arm member 67 and is guided downward (guiding direction Y12).

[0138] Next, cable 19 comes into contact with first arm member 66, causing first arm member 66 to move forward against the biasing force of first spring 68. Cable 19 continues to move downward. Cable 19 reaches bottom portion 620A of insertion section 62A, where it is sandwiched and held from the front-rear direction between bent portion 66A of first arm member 66 and bent portion 67A of second arm member 67. Hereinafter, the position of cable 19 that has reached bottom portion 620A will be referred to as winding position Pm.

[0139] The label 10A is interposed between the cable 19 arranged at the winding position Pm and the first and second arm members 66 and 67. The label 10A is wrapped around and affixed to approximately the lower half of the cable 19, i.e., approximately the lower half of the outer circumferential surface of the cable 19. In this state, the label wrapping device 1A rotates the application mechanism 6. The application mechanism 6 rotates around the cable 19 about the axis 6A. In this case, the label 10A is guided so that it wraps around the cable 19 arranged at the winding position Pm. As a result, the label 10A is wrapped around and affixed to the cable 19.

[0140] <Retaining member 7> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the holding member 7 has holding members 7A and 7B. The holding member 7A is arranged on the right side of the application mechanism 6 (see Figure 6, etc.). As shown in Figure 30, a cover 117A connected to the right surface of the side plate 13A covers the lower part of the holding member 7A from the right side. The holding member 7B is arranged on the right side of the application mechanism 6 (see Figure 6, etc.). As shown in Figure 4, a cover 117B connected to the left surface of the side plate 13B covers the lower part of the holding member 7B from the left side. The holding members 7A and 7B have a symmetrical structure with respect to a symmetry plane that passes through the center of the label winding device 1A in the left-right direction and is perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0141] The holding members 7A and 7B guide the cable 19, which has entered the insertion portion 62A (see FIGS. 26 and 27) of the attachment mechanism 6, downward to the winding position Pm (see FIG. 29) at two positions spaced apart in the left-right direction, and hold the cable 19 at the winding position Pm. Below, details of the holding member 7A will be described, and a description of the holding member 7B will be omitted.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, the holding member 7A includes a first clamping member 71, a second clamping member 72, and a biasing portion 73 (see FIG. 32). As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the first clamping member 71 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the rear of the guide member 8A, bends forward midway, and extends further obliquely downward and frontward. The second clamping member 72 extends obliquely downward and frontward from below the lower end portion 812 of the guide member 8A, bends backward midway, and extends further obliquely downward and rearward. The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 intersect near their lower ends. The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 are supported to be swingable about a swing shaft 70 that extends in the left-right direction and passes through the point where they intersect. The swing shaft 70 is provided on the side plate 13A of the frame 13 and extends rightward.

[0143] 33, the swing shaft 70 is provided at a position spaced downward from a winding position Pm, which is the position of the cable 19 when the application mechanism 6 wraps the label 10A around it. In other words, the winding position Pm is spaced from the swing shaft 70 in the movement direction Y22 of the cable 19 inserted into the insertion portion 62A of the application mechanism 6.

[0144] 32, a protrusion 110A that protrudes to the right is provided on the side plate 13A below the swing shaft 70. The lower end of the first clamping member 71 abuts against the protrusion 110A from behind. The lower end of the second clamping member 72 abuts against the protrusion 110A from the front. The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 are maintained in a position where their respective lower ends abut against the protrusion 110A by the biasing force of a biasing portion 73, which will be described later.

[0145] 30, cover 117A covers the lower portions of first clamping member 71 and second clamping member 72. Cover 117A has a recess 119A that is recessed downward. Wrapping position Pm is located at the bottom of recess 119A.

[0146] 31 to 33, a portion of the front end of the first clamping member 71 that is above the swing shaft 70 will be referred to as the first opposing portion 710. A portion of the rear end of the second clamping member 72 that is above the swing shaft 70 will be referred to as the second opposing portion 720. The second opposing portion 720 of the second clamping member 72 is disposed forward of the first opposing portion 710 of the first clamping member 71. The holding member 7 guides the cable 19 downward to the winding position Pm by means of the gap between the first opposing portion 710 of the first clamping member 71 and the second opposing portion 720 of the second clamping member 72, and holds the cable 19 from the front-rear direction at the winding position Pm.

[0147] The first clamping member 71 has a first inclined portion 711 at the upper end of the first opposing portion 710. The first inclined portion 711 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the up-down direction, more specifically, obliquely upward and rearward toward the tip. The first inclined portion 711 is disposed rearward relative to the inclined surface 81A of the guide member 8A. The distance between the first inclined portion 711 and the inclined surface 81A in the front-to-rear direction increases the further upward the position. In other words, the first inclined portion 711 is inclined such that the distance between the first inclined portion 711 and the inclined surface 81A increases the further upward the position. The first inclined portion 711 guides the cable 19 toward the insertion portion 62A. The first inclined portion 711 is inclined with respect to the movement direction Y22 (see FIG. 33) when the cable 19 is inserted into the insertion portion 62A.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 32 , the biasing portion 73 is a torsion spring wound around the oscillation shaft 70. One end 73A of the biasing portion 73 is connected to the inside of the first clamping member 71. The other end 73B of the biasing portion 73 is connected to the inside of the second clamping member 72. The biasing portion 73 biases the first clamping member 71 in the counterclockwise direction and the second clamping member 72 in the clockwise direction. As a result, the biasing portion 73 biases the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 in a direction in which the first opposing portion 710 and the second opposing portion 720 approach each other. The biasing force of the biasing portion 73 keeps the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 in a position in which their respective lower ends abut against the protrusion 110A.

[0149] 34 and 35, a pressing member 76 and a protrusion 71D are provided on the holding member 7. The pressing member 76 has a first pressing member 77 and a second pressing member 78.

[0150] The first pressing member 77 is installed between the first clamping members 71 of the holding members 7A and 7B. The first pressing member 77 has a rod shape that is elongated in the left-right direction and perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The first pressing member 77 is connected to the upper end of the first opposing portion 710 of the inner surface 71U, which is the surface of the first clamping member 71 that is close to the opening / closing member 5. The length between the first clamping members 71 of the holding members 7A and 7B is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction Y2 of the label 10A, i.e., the width of the label 10A. Therefore, the length of the first pressing member 77 in the left-right direction is also longer than the width of the label 10A.

[0151] The second pressing member 78 is installed between the second clamping members 72 of the holding members 7A and 7B. The second pressing member 78 is a cylindrical rotating member that can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The second pressing member 78 is made of elastic rubber. The rotation axis of the second pressing member 78 is connected to the inner surface of the second clamping member 72 near the upper end. As shown in Figures 31 to 45, when the holding member 7 is viewed from the left-right direction, a portion of the second pressing member 78 protrudes upward and rearward from the upper end of the second clamping member 72. Hereinafter, this protrusion will be referred to as the "protrusion 78A." Note that the length between the second clamping members 72 of the holding members 7A and 7B is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction Y2 of the label 10A, i.e., the width of the label 10A. Therefore, the left-right length of the second pressing member 78 is also longer than the width of the label 10A.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 34, when the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 of each of the holding members 7A and 7B are not clamping the cable 19 (see FIGS. 31 and 32), the first pressing member 77 is positioned rearward of the second pressing member 78. The front end of the first pressing member 77 contacts the rear end of the second pressing member 78. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 are positioned below the label 10A supported by the support portion 32 when the label 10A is placed in the attachment position and are close to the opposite side Us of the label 10A. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 37, when the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 of each of the holding members 7A and 7B are clamping the cable 19 therebetween (see FIG. 33), the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction.

[0153] A protrusion 71D that protrudes inward is further provided on the inner surface 71U of the first clamping member 71 of each of the holding members 7A and 7B. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the protrusion 71D is located in front of the protrusion 51D that protrudes outward from the side plate portion 51C of the opening / closing member 5. The protrusions 51D and 71D are located outward in the left-right direction with respect to the insertion portion 62A of the attachment mechanism 6.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 31, when the cable 19 is loaded into the label winding device 1A, the cable 19 is guided diagonally downward and rearward along the inclined surface 81A of the guide member 8A and moves in the movement direction Y21. The cable 19 contacts the lower end of the opening / closing member 5, which moves from the closed position to the open position. The cable 19 continues to move diagonally downward and rearward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27, the cable 19 contacts from above the adhesive surface Ur of the label 10A, which is supported by the support unit 32 while positioned in the application position, and moves downward. At this time, the label 10A is sandwiched between the cable 19 and the first pressing member 77 and second pressing member 78 located below the label 10A. The first pressing member 77 and second pressing member 78 contact the opposite side Us of the label 10A and support the label 10A from the opposite side Us. As a result, the label 10A is pressed against the cable 19 above.

[0155] The cable 19 further moves downward and comes into contact with the first inclined portion 711 of the first clamping member 71 . As shown in FIG. 33, the first clamping member 71 swings clockwise against the biasing force of the biasing portion 73. The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 move away from each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 move away from each other in the front-to-rear direction. The first pressing member 77 contacts the opposite surface Us of the cable 19 located at the rear and presses the label 10A forward toward the cable 19. The protrusion 78A of the second pressing member 78 guides the cable 19 rearward while rotating. The second pressing member 78 then contacts the opposite surface Us of the cable 19 located at the rear and presses the label 10A rearward toward the cable 19. As a result, the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 contact the opposite surface Us of the label 10A from both the front and rear sides and press the label 10A against the cable 19.

[0156] 36, the protrusion 71D of the first clamping member 71 contacts the protrusion 51D of the open-close member 5 from the front and pushes the open-close member 5 rearward. The open-close member 5 moves from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening 620B of the insertion section 62A of the application mechanism 6 is opened as shown in FIG. 37. As shown in FIG. 33, the cable 19 passes through the opened opening 620B and enters the insertion section 62A. The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 clamp the cable 19 from the front-rear direction. The cable 19 moves in the movement direction Y22 toward the downward winding position Pm and is then held at the winding position Pm.

[0157] On the other hand, when the cable 19 is detached from the label winding device 1A, an upward force is applied to the cable 19 at the winding position Pm. The cable 19 passes through the open opening 620B and is removed from the insertion section 62A. After the cable 19 is removed from the insertion section 62A, the first clamping member 71 swings clockwise against the biasing force of the biasing section 73, and the second clamping member 72 swings counterclockwise against the biasing force of the biasing section 73 (see Figures 31 and 32). At this time, the protrusion 71D of the first clamping member 71 moves forward relative to the protrusion 51D of the opening / closing member 5. The opening / closing member 5 returns from the open position (see Figure 37) to its original closed position (see Figure 36). The opening 620B of the insertion section 62A is closed by the opening / closing member 5 arranged in the closed position.

[0158] <Electrical configuration> The electrical configuration of the label wrapping device 1A will be described with reference to Figure 38. The label wrapping device 1A includes a CPU 91A, a ROM 91B, a RAM 91C, a flash memory 91D, and an input / output interface 91E, which are connected via a data bus 92. The CPU 91A controls the label wrapping device 1A. The ROM 91B stores constants required when the CPU 91A executes various programs. The RAM 91C stores temporary data generated when the CPU 91A executes processing. The flash memory 91D stores programs, variables, etc. executed by the CPU 91A.

[0159] The input / output interface 91E is connected to an alarm unit 93A, operation units 120A and 120B, drive circuits MC and HC, a sensor S, and an external interface (I / F) 94. The alarm unit 93A is a plurality of LEDs capable of notifying the status of the label winding device 1A. The alarm unit 93A includes a tape replacement LED that lights up when the tape cassette TC is ready for replacement. The operation units 120A and 120B are buttons for operating the label winding device 1A. The drive circuit MC is an electronic circuit for driving the motor M. The drive circuit HC is an electronic circuit for driving the thermal head 21. The external I / F 94 connects to and communicates with an external terminal 94A (not shown). For example, the CPU 91A can update a program by storing the program received from the external terminal 94A in the flash memory 91D. The external terminal 94A is a general-purpose personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal.

[0160] The motor M includes motors Mw1 to Mw3 and Mp1 to Mp4. The motor Mw1 is a motor for moving the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B between a first position and a second position. The motor Mw2 is a motor for driving the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303. The motor Mw3 is a motor for driving the joining mechanism 6. The motor Mp1 is a motor for driving the platen roller 22A. The motor Mp2 is a motor for moving the platen holder 22 between the standby position and the printing position. The motor Mp3 is a motor for driving the full-cut cutting blade 23. The motor Mp4 is a motor for driving the half-cut cutting blade 24.

[0161] The sensors S include sensors Sw1 to Sw7, Sp1, and Sp2. Sensor Sw1 is an optical reflective sensor provided on conveying path R2 at a position between the second roller 302 and the support portion 32 (position Ps1 in FIG. 8). Sensor Sw1 can detect the presence or absence of a label 10A at position Ps1. Sensor Sw2 is an optical reflective sensor provided on conveying paths R3 and R4 at a position downstream of the third roller 303 in the conveying directions Y3 and Y4 (position Ps2 in FIGS. 11 and 14). Sensor Sw2 can detect the presence or absence of a release material 10B or tape 10 at position Ps2. Sensor Sw3 is a displacement sensor at the right end of the application mechanism 6 that can detect whether a cable 19 is arranged at winding position Pm (see FIGS. 1 and 30). The sensor Sw4 is a displacement sensor that can detect whether the cable 19 is positioned at the winding position Pm at the left end of the joining mechanism 6 (see FIG. 3). The sensor Sw5 is a position sensor that detects the rotational position and rotation speed of the joining mechanism 6 (see FIGS. 26 and 27). The sensor Sw6 is a contact sensor that detects the open / closed state of the first cover 121. The sensor Sw7 is a contact sensor that detects the open / closed state of the third cover 123. The sensor Sp1 is a contact sensor that detects the open / closed state of the second cover 122. The sensor Sp2 is a contact sensor that detects whether a tape cassette TC is attached to the tape accommodating section 2A.

[0162] <Tape loading process> The tape loading process will be described with reference to Figure 39. The tape loading process is initiated by the CPU 91A reading and executing a program stored in the flash memory 91D when an operation to load a new tape cassette TC is input via the operation unit 120A when no tape cassette TC is loaded. Note that it is assumed that the second cover 122 is closed when the tape loading process starts. Furthermore, because the first cover 121 is closed, the fourth roller 304 is positioned in a clamping position close to the first roller 301.

[0163] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mw1 and place the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B in the first position (S101, see FIG. 14). Therefore, in the label winding device 1A, the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B are placed in the first position before the tape cassette TC used for printing is loaded into the tape accommodating unit 2A, and in this state, the printing process (see FIG. 40), which will be described later, is started.

[0164] Next, when an input operation indicating that the tape cassette TC has been installed is input via the operation unit 120A, the CPU 91A determines whether a signal indicating that the second cover 122 is closed is being output from the sensor Sp1 and whether a signal indicating that a new tape cassette TC has been installed in the tape accommodating unit 2A is being output from the sensor Sp2 (S107). If the CPU 91A determines that the second cover 122 is not closed or that a new tape cassette TC has not been installed (S107: NO), the CPU 91A returns the process to S107. If the CPU 91A determines that the second cover 122 is closed and that a new tape cassette TC has been installed in the tape accommodating unit 2A (S107: YES), the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp2 and move the platen holder 22 from the standby position to the printing position. This brings the platen roller 22A close to the thermal head 21 and the tape sub-roller 22B close to the drive roller Ts of the tape cassette TC. The platen roller 22A overlaps the first tape 101 unwound from the tape cassette TC and the ink ribbon Ir, and presses them against the thermal head 21 (see FIG. 7).

[0165] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. In this case, as shown in Fig. 18, the first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S109). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10 unwound from the tape cassette TC between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1 (see Fig. 14).

[0166] Based on the signal output from the sensor Sw2, the CPU 91A determines whether the leading edge of the tape 10 has reached position Ps2 (see FIG. 14) downstream of the third roller 303 in the conveying direction Y4 (S111). If the CPU 91A determines that the leading edge of the tape 10 has not reached position Ps2 (S111: NO), the process returns to S111. If the CPU 91A determines that the leading edge of the tape 10 has reached position Ps2 (S111: YES), the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse drive of the motor Mw2 that began in the process of S109 (S113). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303. Note that because the leading edge of the tape 10 has reached position Ps2, the third roller 303 holds the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 323. That is, the tape 10 can be transported by the rotation of the third roller 303. The CPU 91A ends the tape loading process.

[0167] <Main processing> The main processing will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 43, 48, and 49. The user operates operation unit 120A to select print data indicating the desired print content from a plurality of preset print data. The user inputs the number of labels 10A to be produced and performs an operation to start the operation of wrapping labels 10A around cable 19. The main processing is started by CPU 91A reading and executing a program stored in flash memory 91D. Note that because first cover 121 is closed, fourth roller 304 is positioned in a clamping position close to first roller 301.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 40, first, the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mw1, and places the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B at the first position (S131, see Fig. 14). Note that when the main process is executed immediately after the tape loading process shown in Fig. 39, the peeling unit 4A and the conveying guide 4B have already been placed at the first position by the process of S101 (see Fig. 48(A)).

[0169] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S133). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10 unwound from the tape cassette TC between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1 (see FIG. 14). The third roller 303 also sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 323, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4 (see FIG. 14).

[0170] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp1. This rotates the platen roller 22A, feeding the first tape 101 of the tape 10 and the ink ribbon Ir, which are sandwiched between the platen roller 22A and the thermal head 21, in the feeding direction Y1 (see FIG. 7). The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit HC to cause the thermal head 21 to generate heat. The ink on the ink ribbon, heated by the heat of the thermal head 21, is transferred to the first tape 101 of the tape 10. This starts printing on the first tape 101 (S135). The printed first tape 101 and second tape 103 then pass between the drive roller Ts and tape sub-roller 22B of the tape cassette TC. The base material 102 of the second tape 103 comes into close contact with the printing surface Ut of the first tape 101, and production of the printed label 10A begins. Printing on the first tape 101 continues as the tape 10 is fed. After starting printing through the processing of S135, the CPU 91A controls the print position on the tape 10 according to the number of rotations of the motor Mw1 that drives the platen roller 22A.

[0171] When reverse driving of motor Mw2 is started by the processing of S133, the stepwise conveying mechanism 39 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) starts rotating the first roller 301 a predetermined time after the second roller 302 and the third roller 303 have started to rotate. Furthermore, the CPU 91A adjusts the rotation speed of motor Mp1 that drives platen roller 22A so that the conveyance speed of tape 10 by third roller 303, which has started to rotate by the processing of S133, is greater than the conveyance speed of tape 10 by platen roller 22A. As a result, slack in the tape 10 is suppressed downstream of the third roller 303 in the conveyance direction Y4.

[0172] When the downstream end 105 in the feed direction Y1 of the produced label 10A, i.e., the portion that will become the leading edge of the label 10A, reaches the position of the cutting section 2C based on the number of rotations of the motor Mw1 since printing started, the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse driving of the motor Mw2 that was started in the process of S133 (S137). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303. The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp4. This causes the half-cut cutting blade 24 to half-cut the portion of the label 10A that has started to be produced that will become the downstream end 105 in the feed direction Y1 (S139, see FIG. 48(B)). Note that in FIGS. 48 and 49, printed portions of the first tape 101 are indicated in black.

[0173] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. The first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S141). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1. The third roller 303 sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 324, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4. The CPU 91A continues to control the printing position on the tape 10 in accordance with the rotation speed of the motor Mw1 (S142).

[0174] After the downstream end 105 of the label 10A that has started to be produced has moved to a path switching position downstream of the cutting unit 2C in the conveying direction Y1 and upstream of the peeling unit 4A in the conveying direction Y1, based on the number of rotations of the motor Mw1 since printing started, the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse driving of the motor Mw2 that started in the processing of S141 (S143). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303. The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mw1, and moves the peeling unit 4A and conveyance guide 4B from the first position to the second position (S144, see FIGS. 8 and 48(C)).

[0175] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. The first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S145). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1. The third roller 303 sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 323, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4. The CPU 91A continues to control the printing position on the tape 10 in accordance with the rotation speed of the motor Mw1 (S146). The CPU 91A proceeds to S147 (see FIG. 41).

[0176] As shown in FIG. 41, based on the number of rotations of the motor Mw1 since printing started, when the upstream end of the label 10A in the conveying direction Y1 (hereinafter referred to as the "end 106"), i.e., the portion that will become the rear end of the label 10A, reaches the position of the cutting unit 2C, the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse driving of the motor Mw2 that was started in the processing of S133 (S147). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, second roller 302, and third roller 303. The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp4. This causes the half-cut cutting blade 24 to half-cut the portion of the label 10A that has started to be produced, which will become the upstream end 106 in the conveying direction Y1 (S148, see FIG. 49(A)).

[0177] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S151). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10 fed from the tape cassette TC between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1 (see FIG. 8). The third roller 303 also sandwiches the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 323, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4 toward the discharged paper storage unit 16. The label 10A is peeled off from the release material 10B as it passes through the peeling unit 4A located at the second position. The label 10A peeled off from the release material 10B is transported in the transport direction Y2 along the transport path R2 toward the second roller 302 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, the third roller 303 sandwiches the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled between itself and the driven roller 323, and transports it in the transport direction Y3 along the transport path R4 toward the discharged paper storage section 16 (see FIG. 8). The release material 10B is guided into the storage opening 16A by the inclined portion 121F at the tip end 121E of the first cover 121, and is rounded by the rollers 16B before being stored in the discharged paper storage section 16. The release material 10B is rounded and stored in the discharged paper storage section 16, and further enters the mounting area 11B where the tape storage section 2A is located, and is held in the housing 11. The CPU 91A continues to control the printing position on the tape 10 in accordance with the rotation speed of the motor Mw1 (S152). Note that, since printing on the first label 10A has been completed, the CPU 91A controls printing on the second label 10A.

[0178] The CPU 91A determines whether the end 106 of the label 10A that was half-cut in the process of S148 has passed the peeling unit 4A (S153). If the number of rotations of the motor Mw2 since the reverse driving of the motor Mw2 was started in the process of S151 is less than the first specified number, the CPU 91A determines that the end 106 of the label 10A has not passed the peeling unit 4A (S153: NO). In this case, the CPU 91A returns the process to S153.

[0179] On the other hand, if the number of rotations of the motor Mw2 since the reverse drive of the motor Mw2 was started in the process of S151 becomes equal to or greater than the first specified number, the CPU 91A determines that the end 106 of the label 10A has passed the peeling unit 4A (S153: YES, see FIG. 49(B)). In this case, all of the produced labels 10A have been peeled by the peeling unit 4A. The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse drive of the motor Mw2 that was started in the process of S151 (S155). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303.

[0180] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the forward direction. In this case, as shown in Fig. 17, the first roller 301 and the third roller 303 do not rotate, and only the second roller 302 rotates counterclockwise (S157). As a result, only the label 10A peeled from the release material 10B by the peeling unit 4A is transported in the transport direction Y2 by the second roller 302. Meanwhile, because the second roller 302 does not rotate, the tape 10 is not paid out from the tape cassette TC. Furthermore, because the third roller 303 does not rotate, the release material 10B from which the label 10A has been peeled is not transported.

[0181] The CPU 91A determines whether the label 10A has been conveyed by the second roller 302, which has started to rotate in the process of S157, and has reached the position where the label 10A can be attached (S161). If the number of rotations of the motor Mw2 since the motor Mw2 started to rotate forward in the process of S157 is less than the second specified number, the CPU 91A determines that the label 10A has not reached the position where the label 10A can be attached (S159: NO). In this case, the CPU 91A returns the process to S159.

[0182] On the other hand, if the number of rotations of the motor Mw2 since the start of forward rotation of the motor Mw2 in the process of S157 becomes equal to or greater than the second specified number, the CPU 91A determines that the label 10A has reached the label attachment position (S159: YES, see FIG. 49(C)). The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to stop the forward rotation of the motor Mw2 that was started in the process of S157 (S161). This stops the rotation of the second roller 302. The CPU 91A executes the winding process (see FIG. 42) to attach and wind the label 10A around the cable 19 (S163). After the winding process is completed, the CPU 91A updates a counter (not shown) that counts the number of labels 10A to be produced, and if the number has not reached the number input by the user (S165: NO), the process returns to S145. If the number of labels 10A to be produced reaches the number input by the user (S165: YES), the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mw1 and position the peeling unit 4A and the conveyance guide 4B at the first position (S166, see FIG. 14), and then ends the main process.

[0183] A user places the cable 19 above the guide member 8A to attach and wind the label 10A to the label winding device 1A. As shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, the user moves the cable 19 downward along the inclined surface 81A of the guide member 8A (arrow Y71). As the cable 19 is guided by the guide member 8A toward the insertion portion 62A of the application mechanism 6, the cable 19 comes into contact with the rib 53 of the open-close member 5. An external force is applied to the lower end of the open-close member 5. The open-close member 5 moves from the closed position toward the open position against the biasing force of the biasing portion 56 (arrow Y73). Furthermore, as the cable 19 comes into contact with the first inclined portion 711 of the first clamping member 71, the protrusion 71D pushes the protrusion 51D of the open-close member 5 backward, as shown in FIG. 37. The open-close member 5 further moves from the closed position toward the open position. As a result, the opening 620B of the attachment mechanism 6 is switched from a closed state (see FIG. 43(A)) by the opening / closing member 5 to an open state (see FIG. 43(B)). After that, the cable 19 is attached to the upper surface, i.e., the adhesive surface Ur, of the label 10A placed in the attachment position by the support part 32.

[0184] As shown in Fig. 43(C), the user further moves the cable 19 downward (arrow Y75). At this time, as shown in Fig. 27, the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 of the pressing member 76 located below the label 10A sandwich the label 10A between themselves and the cable 19, supporting the label 10A from the opposite surface Us side. When the user further moves the cable 19 downward, as shown in Fig. 29, the first pressing member 77 and the second pressing member 78 come into contact with the opposite surface Us of the label 10A from both the front and rear, and press the label 10A against the cable 19.

[0185] 43(D), the cable 19 then passes through the opening 620B and enters the insertion portion 62A of the application mechanism 6 from above, and moves within the insertion portion 62A from the opening 620B to the bottom portion 620A (arrow Y77). The cable 19 is clamped by the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 (see FIG. 33) of the holding member 7 and the first arm member 66 and the second arm member 67 of the application mechanism 6, and is held at the winding position Pm. Furthermore, because the label 10A is attached to the cable 19, the label 10A is also inserted into the insertion portion 62A of the application mechanism 6 as the cable 19 moves.

[0186] 16, the clutch C1 of the transmission unit 3B, which is interposed between the rotating shaft 302K of the second roller 302 and the gear 366A, is in a state in which the rotating shaft 302K is disconnected from the gear 366A, and the clutch C3 of the transmission unit 3B, which is interposed between the rotating shaft 302K and the gear 366B, is in a state in which the rotating shaft 302K is disconnected from the gear 366B. Therefore, even if the label 10A moves downstream in the conveying direction Y2 as the cable 19 is inserted into the insertion portion 62A, the movement is not hindered by the transmission unit 3B.

[0187] 43(D), with cable 19 held at wrapping position Pm, label 10A is interposed between first arm member 66 and second arm member 67 and cable 19. Label 10A is wrapped around and attached to approximately half of the lower side of cable 19.

[0188] 42, the CPU 91A determines whether both sensors Sw1 and Sw2 (see FIG. 4, etc.) have detected the cable 19 based on the signals output from the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 (S31). If neither sensor Sw1 nor Sw2 has detected the cable 19, the cable 19 has not reached the bottom 620A of the insertion section 62A and is not positioned at the winding position Pm. If only one of sensors Sw1 and Sw2 has detected the cable 19 and the other has not, the cable 19 is tilted in the left-right direction and is not positioned properly at the winding position Pm.

[0189] Therefore, if at least one of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 has not detected the cable 19 (S31: NO), the CPU 91A proceeds to S51. The CPU 91A determines whether only one of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 has detected the cable 19 (S51). If neither of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 has detected the cable 19 (S51: NO), the CPU 91A returns to S31 and continues to monitor the signals output from the sensors Sw1 and Sw2.

[0190] On the other hand, if the CPU 91A determines that only one of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 has detected the cable 19 (S51: YES), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since it was first determined that only one of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 had detected the cable 19 (S53). If the CPU 91A determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S53: NO), it returns the process to S31 and continues to monitor the signals output from the sensors Sw1 and Sw2. On the other hand, if the CPU 91A determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since it was first determined that only one of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2 had detected the cable 19 (S53: YES), it notifies the user by the notification unit 93A that the cable 19 is not properly attached (S55). The CPU 91A returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 41).

[0191] On the other hand, if both sensors Sw1 and Sw2 detect the cable 19, the cable 19 is positioned at the winding position Pm at each of the two positions of the sensors Sw1 and Sw2, and is therefore correctly positioned at the winding position Pm. When the CPU 91A determines that both sensors Sw1 and Sw2 have detected the cable 19 (S31: YES), the process proceeds to S33. Note that while the application mechanism 6 rotates and the label 10A is wound around the cable 19 by the processes of S33 to S41 described below, the cable 19 is maintained in a state where it is held by the holding member 7 at a position outside the application mechanism 6 in the left-right direction.

[0192] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp3 so that the joining mechanism 6 rotates in the first rotation direction Y81 (see FIG. 43(E)) (S33). Based on the signal output from the sensor Sw5, the CPU 91A rotates the joining mechanism 6 by a predetermined first predetermined amount (rotation angle), and then stops the rotation of the joining mechanism 6 (S35).

[0193] As shown in Figure 43 (E), when the attachment mechanism 6 rotates in the first rotation direction Y81, the portion of the label 10A between the attachment position with the cable 19 and the end 105 is wrapped around the cable 19 and attached by the first clamping member 71.

[0194] 42, the CPU 91A then controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp3 so that the joining mechanism 6 rotates in the second rotation direction Y83 (see FIG. 43(F)) (S37). Based on the signal output from the sensor Sw5, the CPU 91A rotates the joining mechanism 6 by a second predetermined amount (rotation angle) that is greater than the first predetermined amount, and then stops the rotation of the joining mechanism 6 (S41). Thereafter, the CPU 91A returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 41).

[0195] As shown in Figure 43 (F), when the attachment mechanism 6 rotates in the second rotation direction Y83, the portion of the label 10A from the attachment position to the cable 19 to the end 106 is wrapped around the cable 19 and attached by the first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72.

[0196] The cable 19, around which the label 10A has been wound and attached, is moved upward from the winding position Pm to be detached from the label winding device 1A. The cable 19 passes through the opening 620B, which has been opened by the opening / closing member 5 in the open position, and is removed from the insertion section 62A. After the cable 19 has been removed, the first clamping member 71 rotates counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the biasing section 73, and the second clamping member 72 rotates clockwise due to the biasing force of the biasing section 73, returning to their original positions. The opening / closing member 5 also moves from the open position to the closed position due to the biasing force of the biasing section 56, closing the opening 620B of the insertion section 62A of the application mechanism 6.

[0197] <Tape replacement process> The tape replacement process will be described with reference to Figure 44. The tape replacement process is started when CPU 91A reads out and executes a program stored in flash memory 91D when any operation is input to operation unit 120A. Note that since first cover 121 is closed, fourth roller 304 is located in a clamping position close to first roller 301.

[0198] First, the CPU 91A determines whether an operation to start replacing the tape cassette TC has been input to the operation unit 120A (S170). If the CPU 91A determines that an operation other than the operation to start replacing the tape cassette TC has been input (S170: NO), the CPU 91A terminates the tape replacement process. If the CPU 91A determines that an operation to start replacing the tape cassette TC has been input (S170: YES), the process proceeds to S171.

[0199] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp3. As a result, the full-cut cutting blade 23 fully cuts the tape 10 placed on the conveyance path R1 (S171, see FIG. 51(A)). Hereinafter, the cut end of the tape 10 will be referred to as the "cut end 107."

[0200] Next, the CPU 91A determines whether the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B are disposed at the second position (S172). If the CPU 91A determines that the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B are disposed at the first position (S172: NO), the process proceeds to S175. If the CPU 91A determines that the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B are disposed at the second position (S172: YES), the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mw1, and disposes the peeling unit 4A and the transport guide 4B at the first position (S173, see FIGS. 14 and 51(B)).

[0201] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the first roller 301 and the second roller 302 rotate counterclockwise, and the third roller 303 rotates clockwise (S175). The tape 10 cut by the processing of S173 is transported in the transport direction Y4 along the transport path R4 as the third roller 303 rotates clockwise. As a result, a portion of the tape 10, including its leading end, is stored in the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0202] The CPU 91A determines whether the cut end 107 of the tape 10, which is the upstream end in the feed direction Y4, has passed the third roller 303 and reached a position Ps2 downstream in the feed direction Y4 of the third roller 303. When the number of rotations of the motor Mw2 since the reverse drive of the motor Mw2 was started in the process of S175 is less than the third specified number, the CPU 91A determines that the cut end 107 of the tape 10 has not reached position Ps2 (S177: NO), and returns the process to S177.

[0203] If the number of rotations of motor Mw2 since the reverse rotation of motor Mw2 was started in the process of S175 becomes equal to or greater than the third specified number, CPU 91A determines that cut end 107 of tape 10 has reached position Ps2 (S177: YES, see FIG. 51(C)). In this case, tape 10 is not clamped by any member and is in a state in which it can be easily removed from conveyance path R4. CPU 91A controls drive circuit MC to stop the reverse rotation of motor Mw2 that was started in the process of S175 (S179). This stops the rotation of first roller 301, second roller 302, and third roller 303.

[0204] The CPU 91A turns on the tape change LED of the notification unit 93A (S181). When the user confirms that the tape change LED is turned on, the user opens the second cover 122 and removes the tape cassette TC from the tape accommodating unit 2A. The CPU 91A determines whether the tape cassette TC has been removed from the tape accommodating unit 2A based on the signal output from the sensor Sp2 (S183). If the tape cassette TC has not been removed from the tape accommodating unit 2A (S183: YES), the CPU 91A returns the process to S183 and keeps the tape change LED turned on.

[0205] If the tape cassette TC is removed from the tape housing 2A (S183: NO), the CPU 91A determines whether the cut end 107 of the tape 10 is at position Ps2 based on the signal output from sensor Sw2 (S185). If the user has not removed the release material 10B from the discharged paper housing 16, the cut end 107 of the tape 10 is at position Ps2. If sensor Sw2 detects the tape 10 (S185: YES), the CPU 91A returns the process to S185 and keeps the tape change LED lit. If the release material 10B has been removed from the discharged paper housing 16 (S185: NO), the CPU 91A turns off the tape change LED (S187).

[0206] When an input operation indicating that the installation of the tape cassette TC is complete is input via the operation unit 120A, the CPU 91A determines whether a signal indicating that the second cover 122 is closed is being output from the sensor Sp1 and whether a signal indicating that a new tape cassette TC has been installed in the tape accommodating portion 2A is being output from the sensor Sp2 (S189). If a tape cassette TC has not been installed in the tape accommodating portion 2A (S189: NO), the CPU 91A returns the process to S189 and waits. The user installs a new tape cassette TC in the tape accommodating portion 2A and closes the second cover 122. When the CPU 91A determines that the second cover 122 is closed and a new tape cassette TC has been installed in the tape accommodating portion 2A (S189: YES), the CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to rotate the motor Mp2 and move the platen holder 22 from the standby position to the printing position. As a result, the platen roller 22A comes close to the thermal head 21, and the tape sub-roller 22B comes close to the drive roller Ts of the tape cassette TC.

[0207] The CPU 91A controls the drive circuit MC to drive the motor Mw2 in the reverse direction (S191). The first roller 301 sandwiches the tape 10, which has been unwound from the tape cassette TC, between itself and the fourth roller 304, and transports the tape 10 in the transport direction Y1 along the transport path R1 (see FIG. 14). The CPU 91A waits until the leading edge of the tape 10 reaches position Ps2 based on the signal output from the sensor Sw2 (S193: NO). If the CPU 91A determines that the leading edge of the tape 10 has reached position Ps2 (S193: YES), it controls the drive circuit MC to stop the reverse drive of the motor Mw2 (S195). This stops the rotation of the first roller 301, the second roller 302, and the third roller 303. Note that because the leading edge of the tape 10 has reached position Ps2, the third roller 303 holds the tape 10 between itself and the driven roller 323. That is, the tape 10 can be transported by the rotation of the third roller 303. The CPU 91A ends the tape replacement process.

[0208] <Troubleshooting> The malfunction processing will be described with reference to Fig. 45. The malfunction processing is started by the CPU 91A reading and executing a program stored in the flash memory 91D during execution of the main processing (see Figs. 41 and 42). The main processing and the malfunction processing are executed in parallel.

[0209] First, after the peeling unit 4A starts peeling the label 10A and the second roller 302 starts conveying the label 10A through the processing of S151 (see FIG. 41) in the main processing, the CPU 91A determines whether the label 10A has been detected at position Ps1 on the conveying path R2 downstream of the second roller 302 in the conveying direction Y2 based on a signal output from the sensor Sw1 (see FIG. 8) (S201). If the CPU 91A determines that the label 10A has not been detected at position Ps1 for a predetermined first time period or longer after the peeling unit 4A started peeling the label 10A (S201: NO), the CPU 91A determines that a jam of the label 10A has occurred in the peeling unit 4A (S203).

[0210] The CPU 91A temporarily suspends ongoing print control in the main processing (FIGS. 40 and 41) (S204). In the main processing (FIGS. 40 and 41), the CPU 91A identifies the image printed immediately before the jam of the label 10A occurred as the image printed on the jammed label 10A (S205). The CPU 91A notifies the notification unit 93A that a jam of the label 10A has occurred in the peeling unit 4A (S207).

[0211] Next, the CPU 91A determines whether the first cover 121 has been opened or closed based on the signal output from the sensor Sw6 (S209). If the CPU 91A determines that the first cover 121 has not been opened or closed (S209: NO), the process returns to S209. Here, in order to clear the jammed label 10A in the peeling unit 4A, the user opens the first cover 121 and removes the jammed label 10A from the peeling unit 4A, and then closes the first cover 121. If the CPU 91A determines that the first cover 121 has been opened or closed (S209: YES), the process proceeds to S221. The CPU 91A reprints the image of the label 10A identified by the process of S205 and resumes print control in the main process (S221). The CPU 91A ends the malfunction process.

[0212] On the other hand, if the CPU 91A detects the label 10A at position Ps1 during the first time period from when peeling of the label 10A by the peeling unit 4A is started by the processing of S151 (see FIG. 41) in the main processing (S201: YES), the CPU 91A determines whether the label 10A has been continuously detected at position Ps1 for a predetermined second time period or longer based on the signal output from sensor Sw1 (S231). If the CPU 91A determines that the label 10A has been continuously detected for a predetermined second time period or longer since the label 10A was first detected at position Ps1 (S231: YES), the CPU 91A determines that a jam of the label 10A has occurred in the application mechanism 6 (S233).

[0213] The CPU 91A temporarily suspends ongoing print control in the main processing (FIGS. 40 and 41) (S234). In the main processing (FIGS. 40 and 41), the CPU 91A identifies the image printed immediately before the jam of the label 10A occurred as the image printed on the jammed label 10A (S235). The CPU 91A notifies the notification unit 93A that a jam of the label 10A has occurred in the application mechanism 6 (S237).

[0214] Next, the CPU 91A determines whether the third cover 123 has been opened or closed based on the signal output from the sensor Sw7 (S239). If the CPU 91A determines that the third cover 123 has not been opened or closed (S239: NO), the process returns to S239. Here, in order to clear the jammed label 10A in the application mechanism 6, the user opens the third cover 123 and removes the jammed label 10A from the application mechanism 6, and then closes the third cover 123. If the CPU 91A determines that the third cover 123 has been opened or closed (S239: YES), the process proceeds to S221. The CPU 91A reprints the image of the label 10A identified by the process of S235 and resumes print control in the main process (S221). The CPU 91A ends the malfunction process.

[0215] <Actions and Effects of This Embodiment>

[0216] By providing the discharged paper storage section 16 inside the housing 11, the label winding device 1A can easily collect the release material 10B remaining after peeling the label 10A from the tape 10, and the device configuration can be made more compact.

[0217] By using the third roller 303 to pull out the release material 10B and send it to the peeling section 4A, the peeling guide mechanism 4 can more reliably peel off the tape 10, and by sending the peeled release material 10B toward the discharged paper storage section 16, the release material 10B can be more reliably stored in the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0218] In the label winding device 1A, the storage area 11A and the attachment area 11B are connected to each other, and a portion of the area of ​​the tape storage section 2A that is connected to the discharged paper storage section 16 is used as the discharged paper storage section 16, making it possible to easily collect the release material 10B after peeling off the label 10A. Furthermore, because the area of ​​the wall that separates the discharged paper storage section 16 and the tape storage section 2A can be effectively used, the label winding device 1A can be made more compact in configuration.

[0219] The label winding device 1A can store the release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16 in a portion of the tape storage unit 2A via a portion that communicates with the tape storage unit 2A. Therefore, by making the discharged paper storage unit 16 larger in capacity, the label winding device 1A can easily collect the release material 10B after the label 10A has been peeled off.

[0220] When the first cover 121 is opened for maintenance or the like, the separation material 10B is mechanically released from the third roller 303, making it easy for the user to remove the separation material 10B.

[0221] When the first cover 121 is opened for maintenance or the like, the tape 10 is released from the first roller 301 in conjunction with the first cover 121, making it easy for the user to remove the tape 10 and the release material 10B.

[0222] The inclined portion 16F can guide the release material 10B to the discharged paper storage section 16 and store the release material 10B in the discharged paper storage section 16 while rolling it up.

[0223] The rollers 16B can guide the release material 10B to the discharged paper storage section 16 and store the release material 10B in the discharged paper storage section 16 while rolling the release material 10B.

[0224] The discharged paper storage section 16 functions as an empty chamber for storing the release material 10B sent out from the peeling guide mechanism 4, and does not include, for example, a take-up roller for winding up the release material 10B. Therefore, the label winding device 1A can be made compact in configuration.

[0225] When the cutting section 2C cuts the tape 10, the tape 10 before peeling and the peeled release material 10B, which are located downstream of the cutting section 2C, are separated from the original tape 10. This makes it easy for the user to collect the release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage section 16.

[0226] By detecting the presence or absence of the separation material 10B downstream of the third roller 303 using the sensor Ps2, it is possible to confirm whether the separation material 10B is being properly sent to the transport path R3 leading to the discharged paper storage unit 16.

[0227] When the user inputs a replacement command to the operation unit 120A to replace the tape 10, the tape 10 before the label 10A is peeled and the release material 10B after the label 10A is peeled, which are downstream of the cutting unit 2C, are separated from the original tape 10. This makes it easy for the user to collect the release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16.

[0228] When the user inputs a replacement command to the operation unit 120A to replace the tape 10, the tape 10 before peeling off the label 10A cut off by the cutting unit 2C and the peeled release material 10B are transported a predetermined length, and the rear end is positioned downstream of the third roller 303. This makes it easy for the user to collect the release material 10B stored in the discharged paper storage unit 16.

[0229] When replacing the tape 10, the cutting unit 2C, peeling guide mechanism 4, etc. are driven immediately after the user inputs a replacement command into the operation unit 120A, so there is a possibility that the tape 10 will become jammed when the user replaces the tape 10. By lighting the tape replacement LED of the notification unit 93A, the user can be notified that it is time to replace the tape 10.

[0230] The notification unit 93A continues to display the tape replacement LED not only until the tape 10 is removed from the tape storage unit 2A but also until the release material 10B is collected from the discharged paper storage unit 16. Therefore, the label winding device 1A can prevent the user from forgetting to collect the release material 10B when replacing the tape 10.

[0231] When replacing the tape cassette TC, the user may replace the tape cassette TC before removing the separation material 10B from the discharged paper storage section 16. Therefore, after the tape cassette TC before replacement is removed from the tape storage section 2A during tape replacement, the CPU 91A can turn off the tape replacement LED if the separation material 10B is removed.

[0232] The release material 10B discharged before the replacement of the tape cassette TC is half-cut and stored in a continuous, uncut state in the discharged paper storage section 16. Therefore, when the user removes the release material 10B from the discharged paper storage section 16, the cut end 107 of the cut tape 10 is also removed from the transport path R3, so the CPU 91A can turn off the tape replacement LED in the notification section 93A.

[0233] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. The printing method by the printing unit 2B is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the label winding device 1A may perform printing using a receptor-type tape cassette TCR. In this case, the tape cassette TCR contains a tape 700 (see FIG. 52) composed of a substrate and a release material 710B adhered to the adhesive surface of the substrate coated with an adhesive, and an ink ribbon Ir. The printing unit 702B prints on the side of the tape 700 opposite the adhesive surface. Note that the substrate of the tape 700 may be, for example, a die-cut label pre-cut to a predetermined size.

[0234] When a receptor-type tape cassette TCR is used, the label winding device 701 has the peeling guide mechanism 704, cutting unit 702C, and transport path R3 arranged in a vertically inverted orientation within the housing 712, as shown in Figure 52. Depending on the layout of each mechanism, there may be an empty space between the tape accommodating unit 702A and the bottom wall 712A of the housing 712. The discharged paper accommodating unit 716 is provided in the empty space below the tape accommodating unit 702A within the housing 712. The discharged paper accommodating unit 716 is configured to communicate with the tape accommodating unit 702A. With this configuration, when second cover 122 is opened, tape accommodating section 702A and discharged paper accommodating section 716 can be opened, and similarly to this embodiment, the user can easily remove release material 710B.

[0235] Therefore, the label winding device 701 can use the empty space between the tape storage section 702A, in which the tape cassette TCR is installed, and the bottom wall 712A of the housing 712 as the discharge storage section 716 for the release material 710B. Therefore, the label winding device 701 can effectively use the space within the housing 712, and the device configuration can be made more compact.

[0236] The label winding device 1A does not have to have the printing unit 2B and the cutting unit 2C. Printing on the tape 10 may be performed by an external printing device. The label winding device 1A may use the tape 10 printed by the printing device to wrap and affix a label to the cable 19. The object to which the label 10A is affixed is not limited to the cable 19, and may be another adherend.

[0237] The label winding device 1A may not have the driven roller 312. The second roller 302 may solely transport the label 10A in the transport direction Y2. The label winding device 1A may not have the driven roller 324. The third roller 303 may solely transport the release material 10B in the transport direction Y3. Also, the third roller 303 may solely transport the tape 10 in the transport direction Y4.

[0238] The positions at which the operation units 120A and 120B are provided on the housing 11 are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and they may be provided in other locations (for example, on the left and right side surfaces or rear surface of the housing 11). The support unit 32 may be provided outside the passage area 300A. For example, the support unit 32 may be provided on the restriction unit 8B.

[0239] The mechanism for conveying the label 10A at the position of the second roller 302 and the mechanism for conveying the release material 10B and the tape 10 at the position of the third roller 303 are not limited to rollers, and may be other mechanisms (for example, belt conveyors).

[0240] The label winding device 1A may have separate covers that can open and close the passage area 300A for the label 10A and the passage area 300B for the release material 10B. The label winding device 1A may have separate covers that can open and close the passage area 300A for the label 10A and the passage area 300B for the release material 10B, and a separate cover that can open and close the peeling section 4A. The label winding device 1A may have separate covers that can open and close the tape storage section 2A and a separate cover that can open and close the cutting section 2C. The opening directions of the first opening 121S when the first cover 121 is open and the second opening 122A when the second cover 122 is open may be the same. For example, the first opening 121S and the second opening 122A may both open to the right.

[0241] Lever 31S swings in response to opening and closing of first cover 121, switching fourth roller 304 between the clamping position (see FIG. 14) and the separated position (see FIG. 11). Alternatively, lever 31S may be manually operable by a user. In other words, the user may be able to manually switch the state in which fourth roller 304 is disposed in the clamping position and the state in which it is disposed in the separated position.

[0242] The label winding device 1A is configured without a partition wall between the discharged paper storage section 16 and the tape storage section 2A, but a partition wall may be provided in part to prevent the release material 10B from entering the drive section or printing section 2B. The area between the mounting area 11B and the bottom wall of the housing 11 may be connected, and also connected to the storage area 11A, so that the release material 10B can be stored in a larger area. The rollers 16B may be omitted.

[0243] <Other> In the above embodiment, the cable 19 is an example of the "adherend" of the present invention. The tape storage unit 2A is an example of the "attachment unit" of the present invention. The peeling guide mechanism 4 is an example of the "peeling mechanism" of the present invention. The label winding device 1A is an example of the "label application device" of the present invention. The bonding mechanism 6 is an example of a "bonding unit" of the present invention. The discharged paper storage unit 16 is an example of a "storage unit" of the present invention. The peeling unit 4A is an example of a "peeling claw" of the present invention. The third roller 303 is an example of a "peeling roller" of the present invention. The motor Mw2 is an example of a "drive unit" of the present invention. The second cover 122 is an example of a "cassette cover" of the present invention. The first cover 121 is an example of a "conveyor cover" of the present invention. The first roller 301 is an example of a "guide roller" of the present invention. The sensor Ps2 is an example of a "peeling sensor" of the present invention. The operation unit 120A is an example of a "receiving unit" of the present invention. The cut end portion 107 is an example of a "rear end portion" of the present invention. The notification unit 93A is an example of a "display unit" of the present invention. The sensor Sp2 is an example of a "mounting sensor" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0244] 1A,701 Label wrapping device 2A Tape storage area 2B Printing Department 2C cutting section 4 Peeling guide mechanism 4A Peeling section 6. Attachment mechanism 10,700 tapes 10A Label 10B,710B release material 11,712 units 11A Containment Area 11B Mounting area 16,716 Paper output storage section 16A Receiving port 16B Coro 16F Slope section 19 Cable 107 Cut end 120A operation unit 121 First Cover 121F Slope 122 Second Cover 301 First Roller 303 Third Roller 712A bottom wall Mw2 motor Ps2 sensor R3 Transport route Sp2 Sensor TC, TCR tape cassette Y1, Y3 conveying direction

Claims

1. an attachment portion to which a tape is attached, the tape including a label, an adhesive surface for attaching the label to an adherend, and a release material covering the adhesive surface on the side opposite to the label; a printing unit that prints on the label of the tape attached to the attachment unit; a peeling mechanism that peels the label from the release material of the tape printed by the printing unit and discharges the release material; an attachment unit that attaches the label peeled from the release material by the peeling mechanism to an adherend; a storage section provided in the housing for storing the release material discharged by the release mechanism; A label application device comprising:

2. The peeling mechanism includes: a peeling claw that peels the label printed by the printing unit from the release material; a peeling roller that sends the release material to the storage section after the peeling claw peels the label; a drive unit that drives the peeling roller; 2. The labeling device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The label application device according to claim 1, wherein an accommodation area in which the accommodation unit is provided in the housing communicates with an attachment area in which the attachment unit is provided in the housing.

4. Within the housing, the storage area is provided above the mounting area, the tape is accommodated in a cassette that can be attached to the attachment portion, The release material accommodated in the accommodation portion is capable of entering the attachment area.

4. The label application device according to claim 3, wherein:

5. the tape is accommodated in a cassette that can be attached to the attachment portion, the mounting portion is open to the housing in a direction in which the cassette is mounted and removed, the housing is provided in a region between the mounting portion and a bottom wall of the housing, and is open to the housing in the attachment / detachment direction to the mounting portion; 4. The label application device according to claim 3, further comprising an openable and closable cassette cover that covers the opening of the storage section and the opening of the attachment section.

6. a conveyance cover that can be opened and closed to expose and hide a conveyance path for conveying the release material from which the label has been peeled by the peeling claw to the storage section and the peeling mechanism, The peeling roller releases the holding of the peeling material in the nip portion when the conveying cover is opened.

6. A label application device according to claim 2, wherein:

7. the peeling mechanism includes a guide roller that guides the tape to the peeling claw, The guide roller is linked to the opening of the conveying cover and releases the holding of the tape at the nip portion.

7. The label application device according to claim 6, wherein:

8. The release roller includes a tapered portion at the end of the release material in the conveying direction, the tapered portion having a cross section tapered in an arc shape, and guiding the release material sent out from the release roller toward the storage portion.

8. A label application device according to claim 2, wherein:

9. a roller for guiding the release material fed from the release roller toward the storage section at the end of the release material conveyance direction; 9. A label application device according to claim 2, wherein:

10. The storage section is an empty chamber having an opening for storing the release material and surrounded by walls.

10. A label application device according to claim 2, wherein:

11. a cutting unit that is provided between the printing unit and the peeling mechanism in the tape feeding direction and that cuts the tape; 11. A label application device according to claim 2, wherein:

12. A peeling sensor is provided downstream of the peeling roller in the conveying direction of the release material, and detects the presence or absence of the release material.

12. The labeling device according to claim 11,

13. a receiving unit that receives an input of an instruction to replace the tape; When the receiving unit receives an input of an instruction to replace the tape, the cutting unit cuts the tape.

13. The labeling device according to claim 12, wherein:

14. After the tape is cut by the cutting unit, the drive unit of the transport mechanism drives the peeling roller by a predetermined amount corresponding to a length required for the release material cut by the cutting unit and the rear end of the tape to pass through the peeling roller in the transport direction, and then stops.

14. The labeling device of claim 13.

15. A display unit is provided that displays a replacement permission notice that allows replacement of the tape after the drive unit stops driving the peeling roller.

15. The labeling device of claim 14.

16. The mounting section is provided with a mounting sensor that detects whether the tape is mounted or not, The display unit When the attachment sensor detects that the tape is attached to the attachment portion, Or, When the peeling sensor detects that the peeling material is on the conveying path, Continue to display the exchange permission notice.

16. The labeling device of claim 15.

17. When replacing the tape, the attachment sensor detects that the tape is in an attached state when the tape before replacement is attached to the attachment portion and when the tape after replacement is attached to the attachment portion, The display unit continues to display the replacement permission notice when the peeling sensor detects that the release material is on the conveying path after the tape before replacement is removed from the mounting unit and the mounting sensor has become in a state of not detecting the tape.

17. The labeling device of claim 16.

18. a semi-cutting unit that is provided between the printing unit and the peeling mechanism in the tape feeding direction and cuts a predetermined portion of the tape while leaving the release material, thereby generating the label; the release material cut by the cutting unit and the release material downstream of the rear end of the tape in the feeding direction are stored in the storage unit without being cut from the rear end by the semi-cutting unit; When the release material is removed from the storage section during replacement of the tape, the trailing end portion is removed from the transport path of the release material together with the release material, and the release sensor is brought into a state of not detecting the release material.

18. A label application device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that

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