Label sticking device

Abstract

To provide a label sticking device capable of suppressing positional deviation of a stop position of a mount with a label at a position of sticking the label.SOLUTION: A label sticking device 1 comprises: a raw fabric holder 11 that holds a long mount L with a label; a buffer part 3 that buffers the mount L with the label conveyed from the raw fabric holder 11; a tension adjustment part 4 disposed on the downstream side of the buffer part 3 to adjust tension of the mount L with the label; and a label delivery part 15 disposed on the downstream side of the tension adjustment part 4 to deliver a label La. The tension adjustment part 4 has: a shaft member 41 having a curved surface; and a pressing part 42 made of a fabric material or a skin material disposed to face the shaft member 41 and having a planar surface on the shaft member 41 side. The mount L with the label is disposed to be held between the shaft member 41 and the pressing part 42, and the tension of the mount L with the label is adjusted to be constant on the downstream side of the tension adjustment part 4 by pressing the pressing part 42 to the shaft member 41 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a labeling device that conveys a long label-attached backing sheet to which a label is temporarily attached, and attaches the label to an object (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-83565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the label application device described in Patent Document 1, when various mechanisms are added to the label path, the stopping position of the label liner may shift at the position where the label is applied. If the stopping position of the label liner shifts, there is a possibility that labels cannot be supplied stably.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a label application device that can prevent the position of a label-attached backing sheet from shifting from its stopping position at the position where the label is to be attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a label application device comprising: a base roll holder that holds a long labeled backing sheet with a label temporarily affixed thereto; a buffer unit that buffers the labeled backing sheet transported from the base roll holder; a tension adjustment unit that is located downstream of the buffer unit and adjusts the tension of the labeled backing sheet; and a label feeding unit that is located downstream of the tension adjustment unit and feeds out the label, wherein the tension adjustment unit has an axis member with a curved surface and a pressing unit that is located opposite the axis member and has a flat surface on the axis member side and is made of a cloth or leather material, and the labeled backing sheet is sandwiched between the axis member and the pressing unit, and the pressing unit is pressed against the axis member to adjust the tension of the labeled backing sheet so that it is constant downstream of the tension adjustment unit.

[0007] The pressing portion is preferably made of felt, nonwoven fabric, or leather.

[0008] The buffer section preferably has a curved guide section that curves the label-attached mount into a U-shape and guides it.

[0009] It is also preferable that the buffer section has an air blowing section that blows air toward the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet so as to maintain the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet guided by the curved guide section.

[0010] It is also preferable that the buffer section has a tension roller that is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing paper guided by the curved guide section and that can move the labeled backing paper along the curved guide section while applying tension to the labeled backing paper.

[0011] Furthermore, the raw roll holder can selectively be fitted with either an outer-wound raw roll in which the label is temporarily affixed to the outside of the labeled backing and wound around the roll, or an inner-wound raw roll in which the label is temporarily affixed to the inside of the labeled backing and wound around the roll, and is provided with an introduction roller that is arranged downstream of the raw roll holder and is capable of winding the labeled backing pulled out from the raw roll attached to the raw roll holder so that it can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and when the outer-wound raw roll and the inner-wound raw roll are used, it is preferable that the labeled backing pulled out from the outer-wound raw roll and the labeled backing pulled out from the inner-wound raw roll are wound around the introduction roller in a direction that corresponds to each case, and that the labeled backing is wound around the introduction roller so that the introduction roller rotates clockwise or counterclockwise when the labeled backing moves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a label application device that can prevent the position at which a label mount stops from shifting at the position where the label is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view showing a label application device of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a buffer unit of the labeling device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure around a tension adjusting unit of the label sticking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tension adjusting section of the label sticking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a side view of a tension adjusting section of the labeling device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tension adjusting section of the labeling device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a buffer unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a buffer unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an overall view showing a label application device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is an overall view showing a labeling device of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view showing a buffer unit 3 of the labeling device 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of a tension adjusting unit 4 of the labeling device 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the tension adjusting unit 4 of the labeling device 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a view of the tension adjusting unit 4 of the labeling device 1 of the first embodiment as seen from the side. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tension adjusting unit 4 of the labeling device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0015] The labeling device 1 of this embodiment is a device that peels off labels La from a long, label-attached liner L and attaches the labels to an object. As shown in FIG. 1, the label-attached liner L is configured by temporarily attaching a plurality of labels La to a liner Lb at predetermined intervals. The labels La are formed in the shape of a flat sheet having a predetermined size. The labels La have a predetermined rigidity (stiffness). The liner Lb is formed in a long shape. The plurality of labels La are temporarily attached to the liner Lb at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the liner Lb.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the label application device 1 of this embodiment has a raw roll holder 11 to which is attached a raw roll 111 on which a labeled backing sheet L is wound and held, an introduction roller 12, an auxiliary feed section 2, a buffer section 3, a guide roller 13, a tension adjustment section 4, a label detection sensor 14, a label payout section 15, a backing sheet feed drive section 16, and a backing sheet take-up holder 17 that takes up the backing sheet Lb.

[0017] In the label application device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the raw sheet holder 11, introduction roller 12, auxiliary feed section 2, buffer section 3, guide roller 13, tension adjustment section 4, label detection sensor 14, label payout section 15, backing sheet feed drive section 16, and backing sheet take-up holder 17 are arranged in this order from the raw sheet holder 11 to the backing sheet take-up holder 17 along the conveying direction D of the labeled backing sheet L and backing sheet Lb.

[0018] The web holder 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The web holder 11 holds a long labeled liner L with a label La temporarily affixed thereto. The web holder 11 can selectively mount either an outer-wound web roll 111 (see FIG. 1) in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the outside of the labeled liner L and the liner is wound around, or an inner-wound web roll 112 (see FIG. 9) in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the inside of the labeled liner L and the liner is wound around. In the first embodiment, the web holder 11 is fitted with an outer-wound web roll 111 in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the outside of the labeled liner L and the liner is wound around.

[0019] The introduction roller 12 is disposed downstream of the raw sheet holder 11. The introduction roller 12 can wrap the label-attached backing sheet L pulled out from the raw sheet roll 111 attached to the raw sheet holder 11 around it so that the label-attached backing sheet L can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0020] 1 , an outwardly wound web roll 111 is attached to the web holder 11. Therefore, when the outwardly wound web roll 111, on which a label La is temporarily attached to the outside of a labeled liner L and wound up, is attached to the web holder 11, the labeled liner L is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the introduction roller 12 so that the introduction roller 12 rotates counterclockwise. As a result, downstream of the introduction roller 12, with the labeled liner L wound around the outer circumferential surface of the feed drive roller 21, the conveyed labeled liner L is introduced into the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 with the label La positioned on the outside.

[0021] The auxiliary feed unit 2 has a feed drive roller 21 and a pressure roller 22 arranged opposite the feed drive roller 21. The feed drive roller 21 is driven by a roller drive unit (not shown) controlled by a control unit (not shown). As the feed drive roller 21 rotates, the labeled liner L sandwiched between the feed drive roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 is transported in the transport direction D. The auxiliary feed unit 2 is driven by the roller drive unit (not shown) to adjust the feed amount of the labeled liner L introduced into the buffer unit 3 based on detection signals from a first buffer sensor unit 32 and a second buffer sensor unit 33 of the buffer unit 3, which will be described later.

[0022] The buffer unit 3 buffers the labeled liner L transported from the original web holder 11 by the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2. The buffer unit 3 is a marginal area provided to prevent excessive tension from acting on the labeled liner L on its path to the downstream tension adjustment unit 4. In the buffer unit 3, the labeled liner L can be curved and positioned in a U-shape depending on the transport amount of the labeled liner L, and by configuring the position of the U-shape of the labeled liner L to be movable, the labeled liner L is buffered.

[0023] 2, the buffer unit 3 has a curved guide unit 31, a first buffer sensor unit 32, and a second buffer sensor unit 33. The curved guide unit 31 curves the label-attached mount L into a U-shape and guides it.

[0024] The bending guide portion 31 is configured to have a pair of plate-like portions 311, 312 arranged in parallel with each other and spaced a predetermined distance apart. In this embodiment, the bending guide portion 31 is arranged horizontally, extending horizontally, and the pair of plate-like portions 311, 312 are arranged a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction and are formed to extend horizontally. Note that in this embodiment, the bending guide portion 31 is arranged horizontally, extending horizontally, but is not limited to this. For example, the bending guide portion 31 may be arranged vertically, extending vertically.

[0025] An opening is formed in one longitudinal end 31a of the pair of plate-like portions 311, 312. The curved guide portion 31 guides the labeled mount L introduced from the opening side of one longitudinal end 31a of the pair of plate-like portions 311, 312 along the upper plate-like portion 311, changes its direction by 180° by curving the labeled mount L at the other longitudinal end 31b side into a U-shape that is convex toward the other longitudinal end 31b, and then guides and leads the labeled mount L from the other longitudinal end 31b side along the lower plate-like portion 312 toward the one longitudinal end 31a side.

[0026] 2, the first buffer sensor unit 32 is disposed at position P1 on the other longitudinal end 31b side of the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31. The first buffer sensor unit 32 detects the label-attached liner L when the tip of the U-shaped portion of the label-attached liner L moves toward the other longitudinal end 31b side between the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31 and reaches position P1 on the other longitudinal end 31b side of the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31.

[0027] The second buffer sensor unit 33 is disposed at position P2 toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31. The second buffer sensor unit 33 detects that the labeled mount L is not present when the tip of the U-shaped portion of the labeled mount L moves toward the center in the longitudinal direction between the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31 and moves toward the one end portion 31a in the longitudinal direction relative to the second buffer sensor unit 33.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the guide roller 13 is disposed downstream of the buffer unit 3. The guide roller 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The guide roller 13 is rotatable about a rotation axis. The guide roller 13 guides the transport of the labeled liner L transported from the buffer unit 3, and transports the labeled liner L toward the tension adjustment unit 4.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the tension adjustment unit 4 is positioned downstream of the guide roller 13. The tension adjustment unit 4 applies a brake to the labeled liner L downstream of the buffer unit 3 and the guide roller 13, thereby adjusting the tension of the labeled liner L so as to maintain a constant tension on the labeled liner L downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the tension adjustment unit 4 has a fixed shaft portion 41 (shaft member) with a curved surface, a pressing portion 42, and a spring 43 (biasing member).

[0030] The fixed shaft portion 41 is a shaft member formed in a cylindrical shape. The fixed shaft portion 41 is arranged fixedly without rotating. The label-attached mount L fed from the work sheet holder 11 is wound around the fixed shaft portion 41.

[0031] The pressing portion 42 is disposed opposite the fixed shaft portion 41 with the label-attached backing L sandwiched between the pressing portion 42 and the fixed shaft portion 41. The surface of the pressing portion 42 facing the fixed shaft portion 41 is formed flat before being pressed against the fixed shaft portion 41. When the pressing portion 42 is pressed against the curved surface of the fixed shaft portion 41, it deforms into a shape that fits the curved surface of the fixed shaft portion 41. Since the support body 46 is configured to be rotatable about the fulcrum axis A, the pressing portion 42 is rotatable about the fulcrum axis A, and is biased by the spring 43 in the direction of pressing against the fixed shaft portion 41.

[0032] 4 and 6, the pressing unit 42 is held by a holding member 44, and the holding member 44 is detachably fixed to a support 46 by a screw 45. When fixing the holding member 44 to the support 46 by the screw 45, the holding member 44 can be fixed to the support 46 by the screw 45 by rotating a pair of operation pieces 45a formed on the head of the screw 45 with the screw 45 passing through an elongated hole 46a formed in the support 46.

[0033] The pressing portion 42 is made of a cloth material having a predetermined thickness. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 42 is made of, for example, felt (cloth material) made from animal fibers such as wool. The pressing portion 42 may also be made of a nonwoven fabric (cloth material) made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, or a leather material made from leather.

[0034] The pressing unit 42 is made of felt, nonwoven fabric, or leather material, and is a consumable item that must be replaced when worn out. When replacing the pressing unit 42, an operator can remove the holding member 44 that holds the pressing unit 42 from the support body 46 by turning the screw 45 shown in Fig. 6, and then replace the pressing unit 42 held by the holding member 44.

[0035] The tension adjustment unit 4 is arranged with the labeled liner L sandwiched between the fixed shaft portion 41 and the pressing portion 42, and when the labeled liner L is transported by the liner feed drive unit 16 (see FIG. 1), the pressing portion 42, which is biased by the spring 43, presses against the fixed shaft portion 41, causing the spring 43 to brake the labeled liner L in accordance with the tension of the labeled liner L, thereby adjusting the tension of the labeled liner L. In this way, the tension of the labeled liner L is adjusted to be constant downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4.

[0036] 3, the label detection sensor 14 detects the leading edge of the label La to be affixed to the labeled liner L being transported in the transport direction D, downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4 and upstream of the label feeding unit 15. Based on information about the leading edge of the label La detected by the label detection sensor 14, the labeled liner L is transported toward the label peeling unit 152 of the label feeding unit 15, thereby stopping the label La at a predetermined fixed position in the label peeling unit 152 of the label feeding unit 15.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, the label feeding unit 15 is disposed downstream of the tension adjusting unit 4. The label feeding unit 15 feeds out the label-attached liner L whose tension has been adjusted by the tension adjusting unit 4. The label feeding unit 15 feeds out the label La toward the object (not shown) being conveyed by the product conveying conveyor, for example, at a speed substantially the same as the movement speed of the product conveying conveyor. The label feeding unit 15 peels off the label La from the long label-attached liner L and feeds it out.

[0038] The label feeding unit 15 has a label support plate 151 and a label peeling unit 152 formed at the tip of the label support plate 151. The label support plate 151 is formed in a plate shape. The label support plate 151 holds the labeled backing sheet L from below as it is transported toward the label peeling unit 152. The label support plate 151 has a base end attached to a holding unit 153 and a tip end provided with the label peeling unit 152.

[0039] The label peeling unit 152 is provided at the tip of the label support plate 151, and the label-attached backing sheet L is conveyed in the conveying direction D on the label support plate 151. The label peeling unit 152 folds the label-attached backing sheet L onto the underside of the label support plate 151, thereby utilizing the rigidity (stiffness) of the label La temporarily attached to the label-attached backing sheet L to peel the label La from the label-attached backing sheet L.

[0040] When a label La is affixed to a substrate (not shown) such as a packaging film, the label La is temporarily affixed to the label-attached backing sheet L detected by the label detection sensor 14, and the label La is stopped at a predetermined fixed position. The label-attached backing sheet L is then transported, and the label La is fed out toward the substrate (not shown) being transported by a product transport conveyor (not shown) or the like. The feeding speed of the label La is adjusted to match the moving speed of the substrate (not shown), which is the object to which the label La is to be affixed, and the label La can be affixed to a predetermined position on the substrate (not shown) being transported by a product transport conveyor (not shown) or the like.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the liner feed drive unit 16 has a feed drive roller 161 and a pressure roller 162. The feed drive roller 161 is cylindrical. The feed drive roller 161 is driven by a roller drive unit (not shown) controlled by a control unit (not shown). When the feed drive roller 161 is rotated by the feed roller drive unit (not shown), the liner Lb sandwiched between the feed drive roller 161 and the pressure roller 162 is transported in the transport direction D. As the liner Lb is transported, the label-attached liner L and the liner Lb are transported from the web holder 11 toward the liner take-up holder 17.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the liner take-up holder 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The liner take-up holder 17 winds up the liner Lb from which the label La has been peeled. For example, the rotation shafts of the liner take-up holder 17 and the feed drive roller 161 are connected to each other, and the liner take-up holder 17 rotates in the direction that winds up the liner Lb as the feed drive roller 161 rotates. The liner Lb from which the label La has been peeled is transported by the liner feed drive unit 16 and taken up by the liner take-up holder 17.

[0043] Next, the operation of the labeling device 1 according to the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the label application device 1 drives and rotates the feed drive roller 161 of the liner feed drive unit 16 to pay out the labeled liner L from the web holder 11. The labeled liner L paid out from the web holder 11 is transported in the transport direction D. The labeled liner L paid out from the web holder 11 is guided and introduced by the introduction roller 12, and then transported in the transport direction D via the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 and introduced into the buffer unit 3. By being introduced into the buffer unit 3, the labeled liner L is pooled and buffered in the buffer unit 3.

[0044] In the buffer section 3, the labeled backing sheet L is introduced by guiding it along one of the plate-shaped sections 311 from the opening side of one longitudinal end 31a of a pair of plate-shaped sections 311, 312, and then is curved into a U-shape at the other longitudinal end 31b to change its direction by 180°, and then is guided from the other longitudinal end 31b side along the lower plate-shaped section 312 toward the one longitudinal end 31a side.

[0045] 2, in the buffer unit 3, when the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 is driven to rotate and the labeled liner L is transported, the leading edge of the U-shape of the labeled liner L moves toward the other longitudinal end 31b between the pair of plate-like portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31 and is detected by the first buffer sensor unit 32 at position P1 of the other longitudinal end 31b of the pair of plate-like portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31. In this case, it is determined that the amount of labeled liner L buffered in the buffer unit 3 has reached its maximum, and the rotation of the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 is stopped.

[0046] Next, when the rotational drive of the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed section 2 is stopped and the feed drive roller 161 of the backing paper feed drive section 16 is driven to rotate, the labeled backing paper L is fed downstream from the buffer section 3, and the U-shaped tip of the labeled backing paper L moves toward one end 31a of the buffer section 3 in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] Thereafter, when the second buffer sensor unit 33 detects that the labeled liner L is not present at position P2 toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31, the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 begins to rotate. As a result, the leading edge of the U-shape of the labeled liner L moves toward the other longitudinal end 31b between the pair of plate-shaped portions 311, 312 of the curved guide unit 31 until the labeled liner L is detected by the first buffer sensor unit 32 on the other longitudinal end 31b side of the buffer unit 3. Then, as described above, when the leading edge of the U-shape of the labeled liner L is detected by the first buffer sensor unit 32, the rotation of the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 is stopped. By repeatedly performing this operation, the labeled liner L is buffered and pooled in the buffer unit 3.

[0048] The label-attached backing sheet L buffered in the buffer unit 3 is transported by a guide roller 13 to the tension adjustment unit 4 on the downstream side.

[0049] The labeled backing paper L transported to the tension adjustment unit 4 is sandwiched between the fixed shaft unit 41 and the pressing unit 42, and is transported by rotating the feed drive roller 161 of the backing paper feed drive unit 16.

[0050] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 42 of the tension adjusting unit 4 is made of felt, which is made from animal fibers such as wool. The fixed shaft portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, in the tension adjusting unit 4, the label-attached liner L is sandwiched between the arc portion of the fixed shaft portion 41 and the pressing portion 42 made of felt, and with the pressing portion 42 biased by the spring 43 pressed against the fixed shaft portion 41, the label-attached liner L can be conveyed in the conveying direction D with an appropriate brake applied to the label-attached liner L.

[0051] As a result, the frictional force of the pressing portion 42, which is made of felt and pressed against the fixed shaft portion 41 by the biasing force of the spring 43, allows for moderate braking and moderate sliding. Furthermore, by pressing the pressing portion 42, made of felt, against the curved surface of the fixed shaft portion 41, the pressing portion 42, made of felt, can be made to conform to the curved surface of the fixed shaft portion 41, thereby widening the area over which the brake is applied. In this way, the tension adjustment unit 4 can adjust the tension of the label liner L so as to maintain a constant tension on the label liner L. As a result, the tension applied to the label liner L downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4 is constant, thereby improving the accuracy of the application position of the label La in the label peeling unit 152 of the label feed unit 15.

[0052] The labeled backing sheet L, whose tension has been adjusted by the tension adjustment unit 4, is transported downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4 and passes the position where the label detection sensor 14 is disposed. Based on information about the leading edge of the label La detected by the label detection sensor 14, the labeled backing sheet L is transported toward the label peeling unit 152 of the label feeding unit 15, thereby stopping the label La at a predetermined fixed position in the label peeling unit 152 of the label feeding unit 15.

[0053] When the labeled liner L reaches the label feed unit 15, the label La is peeled off from the labeled liner L by the label peeling unit 152 of the label feed unit 15. The label peeling unit 152 peels off the label La from the labeled liner L by folding back the labeled liner L, which is fed in the feed direction D, at the label peeling unit 152 at the leading end of the label support plate 151. The label La peeled off from the labeled liner L is supplied towards an object to which it is to be affixed (not shown). Meanwhile, the liner Lb from which the label La has been peeled is transported in the feed direction D by the feed drive roller 161 of the liner feed drive unit 16 and the liner take-up holder 17, in that order, and is taken up by the liner take-up holder 17.

[0054] According to the labeling device 1 of this embodiment, for example, the following effects are achieved. The label application device 1 of this embodiment comprises a raw roll holder 11 that holds a long labeled backing sheet L with a label La temporarily attached thereto, a buffer unit 3 that buffers the labeled backing sheet L transported from the raw roll holder 11, a tension adjustment unit 4 that is located downstream of the buffer unit 3 and adjusts the tension of the labeled backing sheet L, and a label feeding unit 15 that is located downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4 and feeds out the label La.The tension adjustment unit 4 has a fixed shaft unit 41 with a curved surface, and a pressing unit 42 that is located opposite the fixed shaft unit 41 and is made of a cloth material and has a flat surface on the fixed shaft unit 41 side.The labeled backing sheet L is sandwiched between the fixed shaft unit 41 and the pressing unit 42, and by pressing the pressing unit 42 towards the fixed shaft unit 41, the tension of the labeled backing sheet L is adjusted to be constant downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4.

[0055] Therefore, by providing the buffer unit 3 and tension adjustment unit 4, the labeled liner L buffered by the buffer unit 3 without excessive tension is sandwiched between the fixed shaft unit 41 and the pressing unit 42 in the tension adjustment unit 4, and the pressing unit 42 made of felt (cloth material) is pressed against the fixed shaft unit 41, which has a curved surface, so that the frictional force of the pressing unit 42 made of felt pressed against the fixed shaft unit 41 can apply a moderate brake and allow the label to slide moderately. Furthermore, by pressing the pressing unit 42 made of felt against the curved surface of the fixed shaft unit 41, the pressing unit 42 made of felt can be made to conform to the curved surface of the fixed shaft unit 41, and the area over which the brake is applied can be widened.

[0056] In this way, the tension adjustment unit 4 can adjust the tension of the label liner L so as to maintain a constant tension on the label liner L downstream of the buffer unit 3. Therefore, for example, even if various mechanisms are added to the label path, if the label liner L is loosely wound around the web roll 111, if the tension applied to the label liner L is likely to fluctuate due to repeated label La application operations, or if the winding diameter of the label liner L on the web roll 111 attached to the web holder 11 changes and the tension of the label liner L changes, the label liner L buffered by the buffer unit 3 without excessive tension is subjected to a constant tension on the label liner L downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4. This improves the accuracy of the application position of the label La in the label peeling unit 152 of the label feed-out unit 15. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the position where the label La is to be stuck from shifting from the stopping position of the label-attached mount L, and the label La can be supplied stably.

[0057] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 42 is made of felt. This allows the pressing portion 42, made of felt, to apply a moderate brake and allow the label to slide more smoothly due to the frictional force of the pressing portion 42 pressed against the fixed shaft 41. Furthermore, the pressing portion 42 made of felt can be made to conform to the curved surface of the fixed shaft 41, thereby widening the area over which the brake is applied. This further improves the accuracy of the label La affixing position.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buffer unit 3 has a curved guide unit 31 that curves and guides the labeled mount L into a U-shape. This allows the labeled mount L to be easily buffered in a state where it is curved into a U-shape, without deforming the U-shape of the labeled mount L.

[0059] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a buffer unit 3A of the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the buffer unit 3A. In the description of the second embodiment, a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0060] 7, the buffer section 3A of the second embodiment includes an air blowing section 34 in addition to the configuration of the buffer section 3 of the first embodiment. The air blowing section 34 is arranged on the side of one end 31a in the longitudinal direction of the curved guide section 31. The air blowing section 34 has a blowing main body section 341, a blowing port 342, and an air introduction line 343.

[0061] The air blowing section 34 blows air toward the other longitudinal end 31b of the curved guide section 31 through the blowing port 342, thereby blowing air toward the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L so as to maintain the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L guided by the curved guide section 31.

[0062] In this embodiment, the air blowing unit 34 constantly blows out air at a predetermined air pressure while the label application device 1 is in operation. As in the first embodiment, the feed amount of the labeled backing sheet L buffered in the buffer unit 3A is adjusted by controlling the drive of the auxiliary feed unit 2 based on the detection signals of the first buffer sensor unit 32 and the second buffer sensor unit 33, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] According to the second embodiment, the air blowing section 34 blows air toward the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L, so that the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L guided by the curved guide section 31 can be maintained, and the labeled backing sheet L can be easily and stably buffered without deforming the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L.

[0064] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a buffer unit 3B of the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the buffer unit 3B. In the description of the third embodiment, a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0065] 8, the buffer unit 3B of the third embodiment includes a tension roller mechanism 35 in addition to the configuration of the buffer unit 3 of the first embodiment. The tension roller mechanism 35 has a tension roller 351 and a guide groove 352 extending in the longitudinal direction of the curved guide portion 31.

[0066] The tension roller 351 is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L guided by the curved guide section 31. The tension roller 351 is configured so that its central axis 351a can move along the guide groove 352. When the tension roller 351 is in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L, it is biased by a spring (not shown) towards the other end 31b of the curved guide section 31 in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The tension roller 351 configured in this manner applies tension to the labeled backing sheet L to the extent that the U-shaped shape of the labeled backing sheet L is not deformed, and the central axis 351a of the tension roller 351 is biased by a spring (not shown) toward the other longitudinal end 31b of the curved guide section 31 while being able to move along the guide groove 352, so that the tension roller 351 can move along the longitudinal direction of the curved guide section 31 while abutting against the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L so that the U-shaped shape of the labeled backing sheet L is not deformed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the feed amount of the labeled backing sheet L buffered in the buffer unit 3B is adjusted by controlling the drive of the auxiliary feed unit 2 based on the detection signals of the first buffer sensor unit 32 and the second buffer sensor unit 33, as in the first embodiment.

[0069] 8, the description will begin with a state in which the tension roller 351 is positioned at position P1, which is the reference position detected by the first buffer sensor unit 32, in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled mount L in the buffer unit 3B. The tension roller 351 is positioned on the other longitudinal end 31b side of the curved guide unit 31. In this state, the drive of the auxiliary feed unit 2 is stopped.

[0070] When the labeled liner L is transported by the drive of the feed drive roller 161 of the liner feed drive unit 16 (see FIG. 1), the tension roller 351 is moved toward one end 31a in the longitudinal direction of the curved guide unit 31. Then, as the transport of the labeled liner L continues and the tension roller 351 moves past position P2 detected by the second buffer sensor unit 33, the drive of the auxiliary feed unit 2 begins.

[0071] As a result, the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 pays out the labeled liner L from the web roll 111 attached to the web holder 11 toward the buffer unit 3B. Here, the tension roller 351 is biased toward the other longitudinal end 31b of the curved guide unit 31, and therefore, as the labeled liner L moves toward the other longitudinal end 31b, the tension roller 351 moves toward the other longitudinal end 31b of the curved guide unit 31 while abutting against the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L.

[0072] Then, when the first buffer sensor unit 32 detects that the tension roller 351 is in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L, the drive of the auxiliary feed unit 2 stops. As a result, the tension roller 351 is positioned at position P1, which is the reference position detected by the first buffer sensor unit 32, while in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L. The subsequent operation from the reference position is the same as that described above.

[0073] In this way, in the third embodiment, depending on the feed amount of the labeled backing sheet L to be buffered in the buffer section 3B, the tension roller 351 moves along the curved guide section 31 while abutting against the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L so that the U-shape of the labeled backing sheet L is not deformed.

[0074] According to the third embodiment, the tension roller 351 moves along the curved guide section 31 while abutting against the inner surface of the U-shape of the labeled liner L so as not to deform the U-shape of the labeled liner L. This makes it possible to maintain the U-shape of the labeled liner L guided by the curved guide section 31, and to easily and stably buffer the labeled liner L without deforming the U-shape of the labeled liner L.

[0075] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an overall view showing a label application device 1 of the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the wrapping state of the label-attached liner L around the web roll 112 attached to the web holder 11. The wrapping state of the label-attached liner L may differ depending on the wrapping specifications, such as the web roll 111 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the web roll 112 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the outer surface or inner surface of the label-attached liner L. In the description of the fourth embodiment, a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. In the description of the fourth embodiment, a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, either an outer wound raw roll 111 (see FIG. 1) in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the outside of the label-attached liner L and wound around, or an inner wound raw roll 112 (see FIG. 9) in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the inside of the label-attached liner L and wound around, can be selectively attached to the raw roll holder 11. As shown in FIG. 9, in the fourth embodiment, the inner wound raw roll 112 in which the label La is temporarily affixed to the inside of the label-attached liner L and wound around, is attached to the raw roll holder 11.

[0077] Here, as in the first embodiment, the label-attached backing paper L pulled out from the raw roll roll 111 attached to the raw roll holder 11 can be wound around the introduction roller 12 arranged downstream of the raw roll holder 11 so that it can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0078] 9 , when an inwardly wound web roll 112, in which a label La is temporarily affixed to the inside of a labeled liner L and wound around it, is attached to the web holder 11, the labeled liner L is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the introduction roller 12 so that the introduction roller 12 rotates clockwise. On the downstream side of the introduction roller 12, as in the first embodiment, with the labeled liner L wound around the outer circumferential surface of the feed drive roller 21, the conveyed labeled liner L is introduced into the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2 with the label La positioned on the outside.

[0079] Therefore, when the labeled liner L reaches the feed drive roller 21 of the auxiliary feed unit 2, the label La is conveyed with both labels attached to the same side of the labeled liner L, whether the label La is attached to the outer surface of the labeled liner L in an outward-wound state (label outward-wound) as in the first embodiment, or the label La is attached to the inner surface of the labeled liner L in an inward-wound state (label inward-wound) as in the second embodiment. The configuration downstream of the auxiliary feed unit 2 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As described above, in the label application device 1, the introduction direction of the labeled backing sheet L at the introduction roller 12 is set downstream of the introduction roller 12 so that the side of the labeled backing sheet L to which the label La is attached is the same side, so that the raw roll rolls 111, 112 attached to the raw roll holder 11 can accommodate both labels wound inward and labels wound outward.

[0081] In this case, the transport path of the label-attached liner L up to the introduction roller 12 differs depending on whether the label-attached liner L is label-inward or label-outward wound, but even if the tension of the label-attached liner L changes due to the label-attached liner L being label-inward or label-outward wound, the label-attached liner L is buffered by the buffer unit 3 without excessive tension being applied to the label-attached liner L, and the tension applied to the label-attached liner L buffered in the buffer unit 3 is adjusted by the tension adjustment unit 4, and downstream of the tension adjustment unit 4, the tension applied to the label-attached liner L is constant. Therefore, this embodiment is applicable to both the label-attached liner L with label-inward winding and label-outward winding, and even if the transport path of the label-attached liner L differs partway through, such as when the label-attached liner L is label-inward or label-outward wound, it is possible to prevent the stopping position of the label-attached liner L from shifting at the position where the label La is attached, and the label La can be supplied stably.

[0082] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the fixed shaft portion 41 is used as the shaft member, but this is not limiting. Instead of the fixed shaft portion 41, a rotatable roller such as a guide roller having a brake mechanism may be used as the shaft member, for example, in order to reduce adhesion of glue.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the raw web is the raw web roll 111 in the form of a roll of the labeled backing sheet L, but this is not limited to this. Instead of a roll of the raw web, for example, a fanfold raw web formed by folding the labeled backing sheet L may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Labeling device 3 Buffer section 4 Tension adjustment section 11 Raw material holder 12 Introduction roller 15 Label feeding section 31 Curved guide section 41 Fixed shaft part (shaft member) 42 Pressing part 111,112 Raw roll L Label mount La Label

Claims

1. a label holder for holding a long label-attached backing sheet with a label temporarily attached thereto; a buffer unit that buffers the label-attached backing sheet transported from the original sheet holder; a tension adjusting section disposed downstream of the buffer section and adjusting the tension of the label-attached backing sheet; a label feeding unit that is disposed downstream of the tension adjusting unit and feeds out the label, The tension adjustment unit has an axial member with a curved surface, and a pressing unit arranged opposite the axial member, with the surface on the axial member side formed flat and made of cloth or leather material, and is arranged with the labeled backing paper sandwiched between the axial member and the pressing unit, and by pressing the pressing unit toward the axial member, the tension of the labeled backing paper is adjusted to be constant downstream of the tension adjustment unit, in this label application device.

2. The label application device according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing portion is made of felt, nonwoven fabric, or leather.

3. 3. The label application device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer section has a curved guide section that curves the label-attached backing sheet into a U-shape and guides it.

4. The label application device according to claim 3, wherein the buffer section has an air blowing section that blows air toward the inner surface of the U-shape of the label backing sheet so as to maintain the U-shape of the label backing sheet guided by the curved guide section.

5. The label application device of claim 3, wherein the buffer section has a tension roller that is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the U-shape of the label backing guided by the curved guide section and that can move the label backing along the curved guide section while applying tension to the label backing.

6. The roll holder can selectively mount either an outer roll of rolled material in which the labels are temporarily attached to the outside of the label-attached mount and wound around the roll, or an inner roll of rolled material in which the labels are temporarily attached to the inside of the label-attached mount and wound around the roll, an introduction roller that is disposed downstream of the paper roll holder and that can rotatably wind the label-attached carrier paper pulled out from the paper roll attached to the paper roll holder in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; 3. A label application device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the outer wound raw material roll and the inner wound raw material roll are used, the directions in which the labeled backing paper pulled out from the outer wound raw material roll and the labeled backing paper pulled out from the inner wound raw material roll are wound around the introduction roller correspond to the respective cases, and the labeled backing paper is wound around the introduction roller so that when the labeled backing paper moves, the introduction roller rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

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