Printing medium

Abstract

To provide a printing medium that is configured so that a mark formed on the printing medium can be stably detected by a reflection-type sensor of a printing device.SOLUTION: On a mount surface 120 of a mount 100, first regions 181 are regions between marks 140 arranged with a mark interval M in a longitudinal direction, which are set adjacent to the marks 140. A second region 182 does not overlap with the marks 140 and the first regions 181, on the mount surface 120. Transmission of light with a specific wavelength in the first region 181 is lower than transmission of light with a specific wavelength in the second region 182. In other words, a reflectance ratio TP of light in the first region 181 is higher than a reflectance ratio Tr in the second region 182 and a difference between the reflectance ratio TP and a reflectance ratio TM of the mark 140 is large, which enables the mark 140 to be stably detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to long sheets of print media. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that irradiates a long length of recording paper with a black mark with detection light from a reflective photosensor and detects the presence or absence of the black mark based on the reflected light. The reflective photosensor detects the presence or absence of the black mark based on the difference in reflectance of the detection light at the black mark and the reflectance of the detection light at an area without the black mark. The printer sets the print area and target cutting position based on the detection result of the black mark, and then prints on and cuts the recording paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-23386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the thickness and color of the recording paper, the recording paper may be more susceptible to transmitting the detection light of the reflective photosensor. In this case, the difference in reflectance of the detection light from the black mark and the area without the black mark may not be stable, which may result in false detection of the black mark.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printing medium that allows marks formed on the printing medium to be stably detected by a reflective sensor of a printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing medium comprising a sheet-like backing extending in a longitudinal direction and a label affixed to the backing, wherein the backing has a backing surface extending in the longitudinal direction and a short direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, a mark formed on the backing surface and detectable by a reflective sensor of a printing device, a first region included on the backing surface and adjacent to the mark in the longitudinal direction, and a second region included on the backing surface and not overlapping with the mark or the first region, wherein the first region has a lower transmittance of light of a specific wavelength than the second region.

[0007] The first region of the backing surface has a lower transmittance of light of a specific wavelength than the second region. Therefore, the reflectance of light in the first region is less affected by transmission through the printing medium, and therefore has a more stable value than the reflectance of light in the second region. Therefore, the difference between the reflectance of light at the mark and the reflectance of light at the first region is more stable than the difference between the reflectance of light at the mark and the reflectance of light at the second region. Because the first region is adjacent to the mark, when the printing device detects the mark on the printing medium with a reflective sensor, the printing medium allows the mark to be stably detected based on the difference in reflectance of the detected light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a label printer 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the label printer 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet 10 as viewed from an attachment surface 110, a backing surface 120, and a side surface. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet 10A as viewed from an attachment surface 110, a backing surface 120, and a side surface. [Figure 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet 10B as viewed from an attachment surface 110, a backing surface 120, and a side surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of sheets 10C and 10D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following description will discuss specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that the present invention can employ, and the configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0010] The schematic configuration of a label printer 1, which is an example of a printing device that prints on a print medium according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, the upper right, lower left, lower right, upper left, upper, and lower sides of Figure 1 will be referred to as the rear, front, right, left, upper, and lower sides of the label printer 1, respectively.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, label printer 1 is a device that prints various characters (letters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc.) on a strip-shaped label sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as "sheet") 10. Label printer 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a curved top surface of cover 5. Label printer 1 comprises housing 2, which is the main body of label printer 1, and cover 5, which is rotatably supported on the rear of housing 2 and covers part of the top surface of housing 2.

[0012] An operation unit 7 including various input buttons such as a FEED key and a power key is provided on the top surface at the front end of the housing 2. A plate-shaped tray 6 made of transparent resin is provided behind the operation unit 7. When the cover 5 is closed, a discharge opening 21 (see FIG. 2) that is long in the left-right direction is formed behind the tray 6 by the front end 51 of the cover 5 and the housing 2. The tray 6 receives printed sheets 10 that are discharged from the discharge opening 21.

[0013] A storage section 4 is provided at the rear of the housing 2. The storage section 4 has a shape that is concave downward in an arc shape when viewed from the side (see FIG. 2). A holder 3 that holds a sheet 10 wound in a roll on a spool 35 (see FIG. 2) is detachably stored in the storage section 4. The sheet 10 is, for example, a print medium in which self-coloring heat-sensitive labels 150 are attached to one side of a strip-shaped backing 100 via an adhesive. The sheet 10 of this embodiment is a label sheet in which plate-shaped cuts of a predetermined size are made at equal intervals in a heat-sensitive sheet attached to the backing 100, and the margins are removed, so that multiple labels 150 (see FIG. 3) are arranged side by side on the attachment surface 110.

[0014] The holder 3 can be attached to the storage section 4 with the cover 5 open (see FIG. 1). The holder 3 is held in the storage section 4 with the axis of the spool 35 oriented in the left-right direction of the label printer 1, sandwiched between a pair of supports 41 provided in the storage section 4. The label printer 1 can handle sheets 10 of various widths by changing the length of the spool 35 to match the width of the sheet 10. Marks 140 are printed on a backing surface 120 on the outer side of the wound sheet 10, on the opposite side in the thickness direction from the application surface 110, at intervals corresponding to the placement intervals of the labels 150. The marks 140 are read by a reflective sensor 95 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. Details of the marks 140 will be described later.

[0015] In the housing 2, a lever 11 is provided on the front left of the storage section 4. A roller holder 25 that is long in the left-right direction is provided to the right of the lever 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the roller holder 25 holds a platen roller 26, a connection roller 27, and a transport roller 28 so that they can rotate about their axial direction in the left-right direction. A plate-shaped thermal head 31 is disposed below the roller holder 25, facing the platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28. The roller holder 25 moves up and down around a fulcrum at its rear end in conjunction with the vertical rotation of the lever 11.

[0016] The lever 11 is always biased upward by a coil spring (not shown), but when the cover 5 is closed, the lever 11 rotates downward against the biasing force of the coil spring. As a result, the roller holder 25 moves downward, and the platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28 press the sheet 10 toward the thermal head 31. In this case, the label printer 1 is ready to print. On the other hand, when the cover 5 is opened, the lever 11 rotates upward. As a result, the roller holder 25 moves upward, and the platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28 move away from the thermal head 31 and the sheet 10. In this case, the label printer 1 is unable to print.

[0017] A conveyance path 22 for the sheet 10 is provided on the front side (left side in FIG. 2) of the storage unit 4. The conveyance path 22 extends diagonally downward and forward (diagonally downward and left in FIG. 2) and then bends and extends forward. The conveyance path 22 passes between the conveyance roller 28 and the thermal head 31, and between the platen roller 26 and the thermal head 31, and extends toward the discharge port 21 provided on the top surface of the label printer 1.

[0018] Printing is performed on the sheet 10 as it is transported from the storage unit 4 to the discharge outlet 21 along the transport path 22. In the following description, the direction in which the sheet 10 is transported along the transport path 22 is referred to as the transport direction of the sheet 10. The storage unit 4 side of the transport path 22 is referred to as the upstream side of the transport direction, and the discharge outlet 21 side is referred to as the downstream side of the transport direction. Normally, when printing is performed, the sheet 10 is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the platen roller 26, the conveyance roller 28, the connecting roller 27, and the thermal head 31 are located approximately in the center of the conveyance path 22 in the front-to-rear direction. The thermal head 31 is positioned opposite the platen roller 26 and includes a plurality of heating elements (not shown) arranged in a row in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The thermal head 31 uses the heating elements to print on the sheet 10 sandwiched between the platen roller 26 and the heating elements. Note that, hereinafter, the position between the platen roller 26 and the heating elements where printing is performed on the sheet 10 is referred to as the printing position. The platen roller 26 is biased toward the thermal head 31. The platen roller 26 is connected to a conveyance motor (not shown) via a gear and rotates forward and backward as the conveyance motor is driven. Forward rotation of the platen roller 26 refers to rotation in a direction to convey the sheet 10 downstream (clockwise in FIG. 2), and reverse rotation refers to rotation in a direction to convey the sheet 10 upstream (counterclockwise in FIG. 2).

[0020] A transport roller 28 is disposed behind the platen roller 26, slightly spaced from the platen roller 26. A connecting roller 27 is disposed between the platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28. The outer circumferential surface of the connecting roller 27 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the platen roller 26 and the outer circumferential surface of the transport roller 28. The connecting roller 27 transmits power from the platen roller 26 to the transport roller 28. The transport roller 28 is rotated in the same direction as the platen roller 26 by the power transmitted from the platen roller 26 via the connecting roller 27.

[0021] The platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28 contact the same surface of the sheet 10 (the upper surface in FIG. 2 ) and sandwich the sheet 10 between themselves and the thermal head 31. The platen roller 26 and the transport roller 28 rotate in the same direction with the sheet 10 sandwiched between themselves and the thermal head 31, thereby transporting the sheet 10 in the transport direction (the forward direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, or the reverse direction from the downstream side to the upstream side). Printing on the sheet 10 is performed line by line, corresponding to a row of heating elements arranged in the thermal head 31 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0022] A reflective sensor 95 is provided diagonally above and behind the connection roller 27 and the conveyance roller 28. The reflective sensor 95 of this embodiment is a photosensor that receives reflected light R of detection light D emitted from a light-emitting unit with a light-receiving unit and outputs a detection value corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light R. The light-emitting element provided in the light-emitting unit is, for example, an LED that emits near-infrared light (0.8 to 1.0 μm). The light-receiving element provided in the light-receiving unit is, for example, a photodiode sensitive to near-infrared light. The CPU (not shown) of the label printer 1 can read the mark 140 printed on the sheet 10 based on the detection value of the reflective sensor 95. A reflector 97 is provided opposite the reflective sensor 95 across the conveyance path 22. When the sheet 10 is not positioned on the conveyance path 22, the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 is reflected by the reflector 97 and received by the light-receiving unit. The detection value of the reflective sensor 95 at this time differs from the detection value when the mark 140 is detected, and the CPU can detect that the sheet 10 is not placed on the conveying path 22.

[0023] The structure of the sheet 10 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The sheet 10 is strip-shaped and extends in predetermined longitudinal and lateral directions. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction along which the sheet 10 wound around the spool 35 (see Figure 2) is pulled out from the storage section 4 and conveyed. The lateral direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and corresponds to the width direction of the sheet 10. Note that the lateral direction does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and may be a direction that intersects obliquely with the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sheet 10 is the thickness direction.

[0024] The sheet 10 has a mount 100 and a label 150. The mount 100 is, for example, a release paper in which a release material (e.g., a silicone-based material) is applied to the surface of a strip of paper (e.g., glassine paper, wood-free paper, or kraft paper) extending in the longitudinal direction. The mount 100 may also be a material other than a release paper (i.e., a release film), such as a resin film. The mount 100 has an attachment surface 110, which is one surface in the thickness direction, and a mount surface 120, which is the other surface. A label 150 is attached to the attachment surface 110. A mark 140 is formed on the mount surface 120. The base color of the mount 100 in this embodiment is white. Therefore, the color of the attachment surface 110 and the mount surface 120 is white, which corresponds to the base color of the mount 100.

[0025] The labels 150 are created by attaching a self-coloring, heat-sensitive sheet to the attachment surface 110 of the mount 100 via an adhesive, forming a cut 155 of a predetermined size, and then removing any excess material. The cut 155 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. A plurality of labels 150 are formed in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined label spacing L between them. In other words, the sheet 10 is a die-cut label sheet in which a plurality of labels 150 are attached to the attachment surface 110 of the mount 100, side by side with the label spacing L between them.

[0026] The label 150 has a printed layer 15A and an adhesive layer 15B laminated in the thickness direction. The printed layer 15A is, for example, thermal paper containing a color former that changes color when heated. The adhesive layer 15B is a transparent layer formed of an adhesive on the surface of the printed layer 15A that is attached to the backing sheet 100. The adhesive layer 15B contains, for example, an acrylic adhesive. The background color of the printed layer 15A in this embodiment is white. Therefore, the color of each of the one and other surfaces in the thickness direction of the label 150 is white, corresponding to the background color of the printed layer 15A. The adhesive layer 15B of the label 150 is removably attached to the attachment surface 110 of the backing sheet 100. The thermal head 31 (see FIG. 2) causes the color former to change color when heated, and prints an image on the printed layer 15A.

[0027] A plurality of marks 140 are formed on the mount surface 120 of the mount 100 at a predetermined mark interval M in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the marks 140 are printed with ink containing a black pigment. Therefore, the background color of the marks 140 is black. All of the marks 140 are formed in the same rectangular shape and are located closer to one end of the mount surface 120 than the center in the short direction. The marks 140 are provided corresponding to the labels 150, and are formed, for example, at a position that overlaps in the thickness direction with an edge 151 of the label 150 in a first direction, which is one of the longitudinal directions of the sheet 10, and that straddles the edge 151 in the longitudinal direction. Note that in this embodiment, the first longitudinal direction is the downstream direction in the conveyance direction of the sheet 10. Furthermore, a second direction opposite to the first direction is the upstream direction in the conveyance direction of the sheet 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sheet 10 is wound around a spool 35 (see FIG. 2 ) with the label 150 on the inner periphery and the backing paper 100 on the outer periphery, i.e., with the backing paper surface 120 on the outer periphery. The label printer 1 emits detection light D from the reflective sensor 95 toward the sheet 10 from the backing paper surface 120 side of the sheet 10 conveyed along the conveyance path, and detects the presence or absence of a mark 140 based on the intensity of the reflected light R. Therefore, the position of the mark 140 in the short direction on the sheet 10 corresponds to the position of the reflective sensor 95, and is the position where the detection light D irradiates the mark 140 on the sheet 10 conveyed along the conveyance path. Note that the detection light D is irradiated intermittently, for example, multiple times in accordance with the conveyance of the sheet 10, and the mark 140 is detected based on the average intensity of the reflected light R for the multiple times or the number of times it exceeds a threshold. Therefore, the longitudinal length of the mark 140 is set to a length required to detect the mark 140 depending on the conveyance speed of the label printer 1 and the irradiation interval of the detection light D.

[0029] During transport of the sheet 10, the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 is irradiated sequentially onto the backing surface 120, namely, onto an area of ​​only the backing 100 from which the margin has been peeled off, an area where the mark 140 is formed, and an area overlapping the affixing position of the label 150. Figures 3, 4, and 5 show a trajectory DT along which the detection light D is irradiated on the backing surface 120. The reflectance TR is the reflectance obtained when a conventional backing is irradiated with light of a specific wavelength. Here, the reflectance TR is a reflectance within a predetermined range that includes not only the specific reflectance but also reflectances that approximate the specific reflectance. The light of the specific wavelength is the detection light D emitted by the light-emitting element of the reflective sensor 95. Note that the specific wavelength may have a certain range. For example, the specific wavelength may be within a wavelength range to which the light-receiving element of the reflective sensor 95 has light-receiving sensitivity.

[0030] The mark 140 is printed in black on the backing surface 120, and its reflectance when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength is designated as reflectance TM. Because light of a specific wavelength is absorbed by black, reflectance TM is lower than reflectance TR. Meanwhile, the area of ​​the backing surface 120 that overlaps the position where the label 150 is attached is thicker than the area consisting of only the backing paper, resulting in a lower transmittance of light of the specific wavelength. Therefore, the reflectance TRL of this area is higher than the reflectance TR of the area consisting of only the backing paper. The CPU of the label printer 1 detects the position of the mark 140 based on the difference between the reflectance TRL or reflectance TR of the backing surface 120 and the reflectance TM of the mark 140. By associating the position of the mark 140 with the position of an edge 151 of the label 150 in the first direction as the sheet 10 is conveyed, the CPU can set the start position for printing on the label 150 based on the detection result of the mark 140.

[0031] If the thickness of the backing sheet 100 is made thinner than conventional ones to reduce weight, the rigidity of the sheet 10 will be weakened and the transmittance of the backing sheet 100 will increase, resulting in reduced ease of handling and readability of the sheet 10. The reflectance Tr is the reflectance when light of a specific wavelength is irradiated onto an area where only the backing sheet 100 remains after the margin has been peeled off. If the label printer 1 is black, the backing sheet 100 transmits the black color of the label printer 1, so the reflectance Tr of the backing sheet 100 is lower than the reflectance TR of a backing sheet of conventional thickness. In other words, the reflectance Tr approaches the reflectance TM of the mark 140, so the difference between the reflectance Tr and the reflectance TM becomes smaller. The value of the reflectance Tr varies depending on the transmittance of the backing sheet 100. If the reflectance Tr of the backing sheet 100 varies, the mark 140 may not be detected or may be erroneously detected. Therefore, in the sheet 10 of this embodiment, the basis weight and thickness of the backing sheet 100 are set within optimum ranges.

[0032] [Evaluation Test 1] Table 1 shows the results of evaluation tests conducted to determine the optimal ranges for the basis weight and thickness of the backing sheet 100. The basis weight was measured using a known weighing scale, the PB303-S manufactured by Mettler-Toledo K.K. The thickness was measured using a known film thickness gauge, the 543-390BS manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation. The handleability was evaluated based on the ease of inserting the sheet 10 into the transport path 22 when loading a roll of the sheet 10 into the storage section 4, pulling out the sheet 10, and setting it in the transport path 22. As the thickness of the backing sheet 10 decreases, its rigidity decreases, making it difficult to insert the sheet 10 into the transport path 22. When the sheet 10 could be smoothly inserted into the transport path 22, the handleability was evaluated as "good." When it took time to insert the sheet 10 into the transport path 22, but it was possible, the handleability was evaluated as "fair." When it was difficult to insert the sheet 10 into the transport path 22 due to folding or other reasons, the handleability was evaluated as "poor."

[0033] The readability was evaluated by irradiating the mount 100 with detection light D from the reflective sensor 95, and evaluating the readability of the mark 140 based on the difference between the reflectance Tr of the mount-only area and the reflectance TM of the mark 140. If the mark 140 could be read, the readability was evaluated as "good." If the mark 140 could be read but was not read near the lower tolerance limit of the reflectance Tr, the readability was evaluated as "fair." If the mark 140 could not be read, the readability was evaluated as "poor."

[0034] [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, the basis weight is 60 g / m 2 As described above, in the samples n1 to n3 of the mount 100 having a thickness of 55 μm or more, both the handling property and the readability were "good." 2 In the case of sample n4, which is a mount 100 having a thickness of 50 μm, the handling property is "good", but the readability is "fair". 2 In the case of sample n5, which is made of a mount 100 having a thickness of 45 μm, the handling property is "good", but the readability is "bad". 2 In the case of sample n6 using a mount 100 having a thickness of 35 μm, both the handling property and the readability were "unacceptable."

[0035] Based on the results of evaluation test 1, the sheet 10 of this embodiment has a basis weight of 55 g / m 2 or more, and 60g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the backing paper 100 of the sheet 10 of this embodiment is set to 50 μm or more and less than 55 μm. The basis weight of the backing paper 100 is set to 55 g / m 2 By specifying the thickness as above and specifying it to be 50 μm or more, the sheet 10 can be rated "good" in terms of handleability and "fair" in terms of readability. 2 The thickness is set to less than 60 g / m 2The reason for specifying the weight as less than this is that the upper limit is set to the range where both the handleability and the readability are "good" in order to reduce the weight of the mount 100. By specifying the basis weight and thickness in this way, it is possible to reduce the weight of the mount 100 without impairing the handleability and the readability.

[0036] [Evaluation Test 2] Based on the results of Evaluation Test 1, Table 2 shows the results of an evaluation test conducted to determine the optimal range of transmission density of the sheet 10 to ensure the readability of the mark 140. Transmission density indicates the optical density of an object, and indicates a high density when the object does not transmit light. In other words, the higher the transmission density, the lower the transmittance and the higher the reflectance. The transmission density was measured using a well-known transmission densitometer, Ihac-T5 from Ihara Electronics Co., Ltd.

[0037] [Table 2] As shown in Table 2, sample n2 of the mount 100 was evaluated as "good" in both handleability and readability in evaluation test 1, and is equivalent to a mount that has been conventionally used. The average transmission density of the five samples n11 to n15 for the sheet 10 in which the label 150 was attached to the mount 100 of sample n2 was 0.72, with a maximum value of 0.74 and a minimum value of 0.70. On the other hand, the average transmission density of the five samples n11 to n15 for the sheet 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n2 was 0.31, with a maximum value of 0.36 and a minimum value of 0.28.

[0038] Sample n4 of the mount 100 was evaluated as "good" for handleability and "fair" for readability in Evaluation Test 1, and corresponds to the mount targeted in this application. The average transmission density of samples n11 to n15 for the sheet 10 in which the label 150 was attached to the mount 100 of sample n4 was 0.68, with a maximum value of 0.72 and a minimum value of 0.65. On the other hand, the average transmission density of samples n11 to n15 for the sheet 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n4 was 0.24, with a maximum value of 0.26 and a minimum value of 0.23.

[0039] Sample n6 of the mount 100 is a mount equivalent to the mount evaluated as "unacceptable" for both handleability and readability in evaluation test 1. The transmission density of the sheet 10 in which the label 150 was attached to the mount 100 of sample n6 was 0.55 on average for samples n11 to n15, with a maximum value of 0.59 and a minimum value of 0.52. On the other hand, the transmission density of the sheet 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n6 was 0.16 on average for samples n11 to n15, with a maximum value of 0.20 and a minimum value of 0.11.

[0040] Based on the results of evaluation test 2, the transmission density of the mount 100 of the sheet 10 of this embodiment was specified to be 0.6 or more and less than 0.72 in the area where the label 150 was attached, and 0.2 or more and less than 0.31 in the area where the label 150 was not attached. Regarding the lower limit of the transmission density, taking into account variation, the value obtained by rounding down to one decimal place from the lowest value in sample n4 was used, and the average value in sample n2 was used as the upper limit. By specifying the transmission density, it is possible to ensure readability while reducing the weight of the mount 100.

[0041] [Evaluation Test 3] Table 3 shows the results of an evaluation test conducted to determine the optimum range of bending rigidity of sheet 10 based on the results of evaluation test 1 in order to ensure the ease of handling of sheet 10. At the center of label 150 attached to mount 100, a range of 10 mm in the longitudinal direction and 12 mm in the lateral direction of sheet 10 was set, and bending rigidity was measured by bending this range at three points in the longitudinal direction using a three-point bending tester.

[0042] [Table 3] As shown in Table 3, sample n2 of the mount 100 was evaluated as "good" in both handleability and readability in evaluation test 1, and is equivalent to a mount that has been conventionally used. The bending rigidity of three samples n31 to n33 of sheets 10 in which labels 150 were attached to the mount 100 of sample n2 was 5.38 on average, with a maximum value of 5.45 and a minimum value of 5.33. On the other hand, the bending rigidity of samples n41 to n43 of sheets 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n2 was 1.62 on average, with a maximum value of 1.69 and a minimum value of 1.55.

[0043] Sample n4 of the mount 100 was evaluated as "good" for handleability and "fair" for readability in Evaluation Test 1, and corresponds to the mount targeted in this application. The bending rigidity of samples n31 to n33 of sheets 10 in which labels 150 were attached to the mount 100 of sample n4 was an average of 5.37, with a maximum of 5.49 and a minimum of 5.27. On the other hand, the bending rigidity of samples n41 to n43 of sheets 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n4 was an average of 1.28, with a maximum of 1.35 and a minimum of 1.17.

[0044] Sample n6 of the mount 100 is equivalent to the mount evaluated as "unacceptable" for both handleability and readability in evaluation test 1. The bending rigidity of samples n31 to n33 of sheets 10 in which labels 150 were attached to the mount 100 of sample n6 was an average of 2.20, with a maximum value of 2.28 and a minimum value of 2.13. On the other hand, the bending rigidity of samples n41 to n43 of sheets 10 consisting of only the mount 100 of sample n6 was an average of 0.34, with a maximum value of 0.37 and a minimum value of 0.30.

[0045] Based on the results of evaluation test 3, the sheet 10 of this embodiment has a bending rigidity of 5.2 N·mm in the area where the label 150 is attached. 2 Above 5.38N·mm 2 1.1 N·mm in areas where label 150 is not attached. 2 or more, and 1.62N·mm 2The lower limit of the bending stiffness was set to less than 1 / 2. Taking into consideration variations, the lower limit was set to the value obtained by rounding down the first decimal place from the lowest value in sample n4, and the upper limit was set to the average value in sample n2. By specifying the bending stiffness, it is possible to reduce the weight of the backing sheet 100 while ensuring ease of handling.

[0046] In this way, by specifying the basis weight and thickness of the mount 100 and the transmission density and bending rigidity of the sheet 10, the sheet 10 is lightweight while ensuring ease of handling and readability. When the basis weight and thickness of the mount 100 are at the lower limit values, the sheet 10 has "good" handleability but "fair" readability. The sheet 10 of this embodiment has a painted portion 190 formed on the mount surface 120, which can improve readability.

[0047] The coated portion 190 formed on the sheet 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The sheet 10A shown in Figure 4 is a first example of the sheet 10. The sheet 10B shown in Figure 5 is a second example of the sheet 10. In the following description, parts of the sheets 10A and 10B that have the same configuration will be given the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0048] A first example of a sheet 10A shown in Figure 4 will be described. The sheet 10A is a die-cut label sheet in which the margins of the labels 150 have been removed. The sheet 10A has multiple notches 155 formed by a so-called half-cut process. The notches 155 penetrate the labels 150 of the sheet 10A but do not penetrate the backing sheet 100. The notches 155 are formed with a closed contour. By removing the outer portions of the notches 155 in the sheet 10A as margins, the inner portions of the notches 155 remain in the shape of a plate on the attachment surface 110 of the backing sheet 100, forming the labels 150.

[0049] The label 150 extends close to the edge of the mount 100 in the short direction. The length of the label 150 in the long direction is shorter than the length in the short direction. The corners of the label 150 are rounded. Multiple labels 150 are attached to the attachment surface 110 of the mount 100 with a label spacing L in the long direction.

[0050] As described above, the mark 140 is disposed in a position that longitudinally straddles the edge 151 in the first direction of the label 150. Therefore, the edge 142 in the second direction of the mark 140 overlaps the area in the thickness direction where the label 150 is disposed. The edge 141 in the first direction of the mark 140 overlaps the area in the thickness direction between two labels 150 that are lined up in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] On the mount surface 120 of the mount 100, an area adjacent to the mark 140 in the longitudinal direction is defined as a first area 181. In the first example, the first area 181 is adjacent to both the edge 142 in the second direction and the edge 141 in the first direction of the mark 140. That is, the first area 181 is the area between two marks 140 lined up in the longitudinal direction. The first area 181 is the area through which the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 passes before entering the mark 140 as the sheet 10A is conveyed, and is the area into which the detection light D enters after passing through the mark 140. In the thickness direction, the first area 181 longitudinally straddles the edge 162 in the second direction of the label 150. The length of the first area 181 in the lateral direction is the same as the length of the mark 140 in the lateral direction.

[0052] A coated portion 190 is formed in the first region 181. The coated portion 190 is printed on the mount surface 120 using ink containing a pale white or yellow pigment. For example, if the RGB values ​​of white are (255, 255, 255), the RGB values ​​of pale white are (255, 255, 240), and the RGB values ​​of yellow are (255, 255, 0). Pale white, also known as ivory, has a lower light transmittance than white. Yellow also has a lower light transmittance than white. Therefore, the transmittance of the coated portion 190 is lower than that of the mount surface 120, resulting in a relatively high reflectance. The reflectance TP of the coated portion 190 for light of a specific wavelength is higher than the reflectance Tr of the mount 100 from which the margin portion has been peeled off. Of the two marks 140 aligned in the longitudinal direction, the mark 140 on the first direction side is referred to as the first mark 140A, and the mark 140 on the second direction side is referred to as the second mark 140B. An edge 191 in the first direction of the painted portion 190, which is the first region 181, is adjacent to an edge 142 in the second direction of the first mark 140A. The edge 192 in the second direction of the painted portion 190 is adjacent to an edge 141 in the first direction of the second mark 140B.

[0053] The area of ​​the backing surface 120 that does not overlap with the mark 140 and the first area 181 is defined as the second area 182. Since the painted portion 190 is the first area 181, the second area 182 is the area of ​​the backing surface 120 where the mark 140 and the painted portion 190 are not formed. Since the background color of the backing 100 is white, the color of the backing surface 120 is also white. The painted portion 190 contains a pigment, and the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength for the pale white or yellow color formed in the painted portion 190 is lower than the transmittance of light for the white color of the second area 182. Therefore, the reflectance TP of the first area 181, which is the painted portion 190, is relatively higher than the reflectance Tr of the second area 182.

[0054] As the sheet 10A is conveyed, the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 is alternately irradiated onto the first region 181, i.e., the coated portion 190, and the mark 140. The CPU of the label printer 1 detects the position of the mark 140 based on the difference between the reflectance TP of the coated portion 190 and the reflectance TM of the mark 140. By associating the position of the mark 140 with the position of the edge 151 of the label 150 in the first direction as the sheet 10A is conveyed, the CPU can set the start position of printing on the label 150 based on the detection result of the mark 140.

[0055] Next, a second example of sheet 10B will be described, as shown in Fig. 5. Labels 150 of sheet 10B are formed by removing the outer portions of multiple cuts 155 as margins, and multiple labels are attached to attachment surface 110 of mount 100 at label intervals L in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The mark 140 is arranged in a position that spans the edge 151 of the label 150 in the first direction in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the edge 142 of the mark 140 in the second direction overlaps the area in the thickness direction where the label 150 is arranged. The edge 141 of the mark 140 in the first direction overlaps the area in the thickness direction between two labels 150 lined up in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] The first region 281 adjacent to the mark 140 in the longitudinal direction is a region whose longitudinal and lateral lengths are the same as those of the mark 140. In the second example, the first region 281 is adjacent to the edge 141 of the mark 140 in the first direction and does not contact the edge 142 in the second direction. The detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 passes through the first region 281 before entering the mark 140 as the sheet 10B is transported. A painted portion 290 is formed in the first region 281. The painted portion 290 is printed on the backing surface 120 with ink containing a pale white or yellow pigment. Therefore, the transmittance of the painted portion 290 is low and the reflectance is relatively high. The reflectance TP of the painted portion 290 for light of a specific wavelength is higher than the reflectance Tr of the backing sheet 100 from which the marginal portion has been peeled off.

[0058] The second region 282 is a region of the backing surface 120 where the mark 140 and the painted portion 290 are not formed. The painted portion 290 contains a pigment, and the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength for the pale white or yellow color formed in the painted portion 290 is lower than the transmittance of light for the white color of the second region 282. Therefore, the reflectance TP of the first region 281 is relatively higher than the reflectance Tr of the second region 282.

[0059] During conveyance of the sheet 10B, the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 passes through the first region 281 before being irradiated onto the mark 140. The CPU of the label printer 1 detects the position of the mark 140 based on the difference between the reflectance TP of the coated portion 290 and the reflectance TM of the mark 140. The difference between the reflectance TP of the coated portion 290 and the reflectance TM of the mark 140 is greater than the difference between the reflectance Tr of the second region 282 and the reflectance TM of the mark 140. Therefore, since the detection light D passes through the first region 281 before being irradiated onto the mark 140, the CPU can reliably detect the mark 140. By associating the position of the mark 140 with the position of the edge 151 of the label 150 in the first direction as the sheet 10 is conveyed, the CPU can set the start position for printing on the label 150 based on the detection result of the mark 140.

[0060] As described above, the first regions 181, 281 of the backing surface 120 have a lower transmittance of light of a specific wavelength than the second regions 182, 282. Therefore, the light reflectance TP in the first regions 181, 281 is less affected by transmission through the sheets 10A, 10B, and is therefore more stable than the reflectance Tr in the second regions 182, 282. Therefore, the difference between the light reflectance TM in the mark 140 and the light reflectance TP in the first regions 181, 281 is more stable than the difference between the light reflectance TM in the mark 140 and the light reflectance Tr in the second regions 182, 282. Because the first regions 181, 281 are adjacent to the mark 140, when the label printer 1 detects the mark 140 with the reflective sensor 95, the sheets 10A, 10B can stably detect the mark 140 based on the difference in reflectance of the detection light D.

[0061] The painted portions 190, 290 and the marks 140 are formed on the backing surface 120 opposite the attachment surface 110 to which the labels 150 are attached. Therefore, the sheets 10A, 10B are easy to produce because it is only necessary to form the painted portions 190, 290 and the marks 140 on the backing 100 to which the plurality of labels 150 have already been attached, without having to attach the plurality of labels 150 to the backing 100 on which the painted portions 190, 290 and the marks 140 have already been formed, in accordance with the marks 140.

[0062] On the sheets 10A and 10B, the coated portions 190 and 290 are formed in a pale white or yellow color that has a lower transmittance than the white backing sheet 100. When the label printer 1 detects the mark 140 on the sheets 10A and 10B, the difference between the reflectance TM of the mark 140 at a specific wavelength and the reflectance TP of the coated portions 190 and 290 at a specific wavelength is greater than the difference between the reflectance TM of the mark 140 at a specific wavelength and the reflectance Tr of the coated portions 190 and 290 at a specific wavelength in the second regions 182 and 282 of the backing sheet 100 where the coated portions 190 and 290 are not formed. Because the coated portions 190 and 290 are adjacent to the mark 140, when the label printer 1 detects the mark 140 with the reflective sensor 95, the sheets 10A and 10B can stably detect the mark 140 based on the difference in reflectance of the detection light D. Even if the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength in the sheets 10A and 10B becomes higher than that of the conventional sheets, the sheets 10A and 10B can suppress erroneous detection of the mark 140 by the reflective sensor 95.

[0063] The length in the short-side direction of the coated portions 190, 290 is the same as the length in the short-side direction of the mark 140. In other words, the formation range of the coated portions 190, 290 in the short-side direction is the same as the formation range of the mark 140. Even if the sheets 10A, 10B are conveyed with a shift in the short-side direction, the detection light D irradiated onto the mark 140 is reliably irradiated onto the coated portions 190, 290, so that the sheets 10A, 10B can stably detect the mark 140. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of paint used to form the coated portions 190, 290, costs can be reduced.

[0064] In the first example, the marks 140 and the painted portions 190 are formed adjacent to each other in a continuous, alternating manner along the longitudinal direction of the mount 100. Therefore, the sheets 10A and 10B can stably detect the marks 140 based on the difference between the reflectance TM of the marks 140 at a specific wavelength and the reflectance TP of the painted portions 190 at a specific wavelength. Furthermore, when forming the marks 140 and the painted portions 190, they can be easily formed by printing or the like alternately along the longitudinal direction within a predetermined range in the short direction on the mount surface 120 of the mount 100.

[0065] The transmittance of light of a specific wavelength in the area of ​​the mount 100 where the label 150 is placed is lower than the transmittance in the area where the label 150 is not placed. In the second example, the sheet 10B has a painted portion 290 adjacent to the mark 140 partially formed in the area where the label 150 is not placed. This allows the sheet 10B to stably detect the mark 140 based on the difference between the reflectance TP of the painted portion 290, which is efficiently formed only in the necessary area, and the reflectance TM of the mark 140.

[0066] As in the second example, the shorter the longitudinal length of the coated portion 290, the less paint is required to form the coated portion 290, resulting in cost reduction. Furthermore, when detecting the coated portion using the same process as for the mark 140, it is sufficient that the longitudinal length of the coated portion 290 is equal to or shorter than the longitudinal length of the mark 140. Therefore, since the mark 140 has a longitudinal length sufficient for detection, costs can be reduced without impairing the detection accuracy of the mark 140.

[0067] The sheets 10A and 10B have pale white or yellow painted sections 190 and 290 formed on the white mount 100, thereby making the painted sections 190 and 290 less noticeable while suppressing erroneous detection of the mark 140.

[0068] In the above description, the label printer 1 is an example of a "printing device" of the present invention. The sheet 10 is an example of a "printing medium" of the present invention. The edge 191 in the first direction of the coating section 190 is an example of "one longitudinal end of the coating section" of the present invention. The edge 192 in the second direction of the coating section 190 is an example of "the other longitudinal end of the coating section" of the present invention.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications can be made. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the coated portion 390 may be formed continuously in the longitudinal direction of the backing sheet 100, with the width of the coated portion 390 being longer than the width of the mark 140, and the mark 140 being formed within the first region 381. Even if the sheet 10C is conveyed with a shift in the width direction, the detection light D irradiated onto the mark 140 is reliably irradiated onto the coated portion 390, thereby enabling the mark 140 to be detected stably. Furthermore, the coated portion 390 can be formed without considering the size of the mark 140, making production easier.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the edge 491 of the coated portion 490 in the first direction may be adjacent to the edge 152 of the label 150 in the second direction. When the reflective sensor 95 detects the mark 140 along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 10D, the detection light D is irradiated onto either the first region 481 where the mark 140 or the coated portion 490 is formed, or the region where the label 150 is arranged, but is not irradiated onto the second region 482 of the backing sheet 100. Therefore, in the range where the detection light D is irradiated, a large difference is maintained between the reflectance TM of the mark 140 and the reflectance TP or TRL of the region where the coated portion 490 or the label 150 is arranged. Therefore, the sheet 10D allows the coated portion 490 to be efficiently arranged and allows stable detection of the mark 140. Furthermore, because the coated portion 490 is not formed in the region where the label 150 is arranged, the amount of paint used to form the coated portion 490 can be reduced, resulting in cost reduction.

[0071] The conveyance direction of the sheet 10 may be opposite to that in this embodiment, depending on the configuration of the printing device to which the sheet 10 is attached. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark 140 is formed in a position that straddles the edge 151 of the label 150 in the first direction in the longitudinal direction, but it may also be formed in a position that straddles the edge 152 of the label 150 in the second direction. Alternatively, the mark 140 does not necessarily have to be formed in a position that straddles the edges 151, 162 of the label 150. For example, the mark 140 may be positioned between two labels 150 lined up in the longitudinal direction, without being adjacent to the labels 150, or may be positioned within a range between the edge 151 in the first direction and the edge 152 in the second direction of one label 150.

[0072] The mark 140 is used to position the label 150 in the transport direction as an example, but may be formed into a barcode shape and used as an identifier including other information such as the position, shape, size, etc. of the label 150.

[0073] The background color of the label 150 and the backing sheet 100 is white, but it may be the same as or have a higher reflectance to light of a specific wavelength than the background color of the backing sheet 100. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 15B may contain metal powder, such as aluminum, so that the reflectance to light of a specific wavelength is higher than white. The background color of the mark 140 is black, but it may be lower in reflectance to light of a specific wavelength than the background color of the backing sheet 100. The background color of the painted portions 190, 290 is pale white or yellow to avoid conspicuousness, but it may be a more conspicuous color as long as it has a lower transmittance to light of a specific wavelength than the background color of the backing sheet 100 and a higher transmittance than the black color of the mark 140. The specific wavelength is not limited to the wavelength of the detection light D of the reflective sensor 95 and may be another wavelength. As examples of each color, the RGB values ​​of white are (255, 255, 255), the RGB values ​​of pale white are (255, 255, 240), and the RGB values ​​of yellow are (255, 255, 0), but these values ​​are not limited to these. For example, the RGB values ​​of white may be set in the ranges of (241 to 255, 241 to 255, 241 to 255), the RGB values ​​of pale white may be set in the ranges of (220 to 240, 220 to 240, 220 to 240), and the RGB values ​​of yellow may be set in the ranges of (215 to 255, 235 to 255, 0 to 150). In other words, the RGB values ​​of each color are not limited to these values ​​as long as pale white and yellow have lower transmittance to light of specific wavelengths compared to white.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the first regions 181, 281, 381, 481 have a lower transmittance for light of a specific wavelength than the second regions 182, 282, 382, ​​482 by forming the painted portions 190, 290, 390, 490, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength may be lowered by making the thickness of the first regions 181, 281, 381, 481 thicker than the thickness of the second regions 182, 282, 382, ​​482. To achieve this, a mount 100 with partially different thicknesses may be used, or the thickness may be changed by folding and stacking the mount 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 label printer 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D sheets 95 Reflective Sensor 100 sheets 110 Adhesive surface 120 Mount surface 140 marks 140A First Mark 140B Second Mark 150 labels 181 First area 182 Second area 190 Painting Department 191,192 En L Label Spacing M mark spacing

Claims

1. a sheet-like mount extending in the longitudinal direction; a label attached to the mount; The mount is a mount surface extending in the longitudinal direction and a lateral direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; a mark formed on the surface of the mount and detectable by a reflective sensor of a printing device; a first region included on the mount surface and adjacent to the mark in the longitudinal direction; a second area included on the mount surface and not overlapping the mark or the first area; and The first region has a lower transmittance of light of a specific wavelength than the second region. A print medium characterized by:

2. A direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is defined as a thickness direction, The label is attached to an attachment surface of the mount, which is the surface opposite to the mount surface in the thickness direction of the mount, and a plurality of labels are arranged in the longitudinal direction. The print medium of claim 1 .

3. the second region is formed in a predetermined first color; the mark is formed in a second color different from the first color; the first region is a painted portion formed with a third color having a reflectance of light of the specific wavelength different from that of the second color, The third color has a lower transmittance of light of the specific wavelength than the first color.

3. The printing medium according to claim 1 or 2,

4. The length of the painted portion in the short side direction is equal to or greater than the length of the mark in the short side direction. The print medium of claim 3 .

5. The length of the painted portion in the short side direction is the same as the length of the mark in the short side direction. The print medium of claim 4 .

6. The marks are formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, the marks include a first mark and a second mark formed at an interval in the longitudinal direction, The coated portion is formed between the first mark and the second mark, and one end of the coated portion in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the first mark, and the other end of the coated portion in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the second mark.

6. The printing medium according to claim 3, wherein:

7. The labels are arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals, The coated portion is formed between two labels arranged with a label gap in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the coated portion in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the mark.

7. The printing medium according to claim 3, wherein:

8. The length of the painted portion in the longitudinal direction is equal to or less than the length of the mark in the longitudinal direction. The print medium of claim 7 .

9. The other end of the coating portion in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the label. The print medium of claim 7 .

10. the first color is white; the second color is black, The third color is pale white, in which the transmittance of the light of the specific wavelength is lower than that of white.

10. The printing medium according to claim 3, wherein:

11. the first color is white; the second color is black, The third color is yellow.

10. The printing medium according to claim 3, wherein:

Images