Water application device

Abstract

To provide a water application device which can inhibit water on an application member from adhering to a first surface of a label.SOLUTION: A water application device 1 has an application member 23, a first contact member 63, and a second contact member 73. The application member 23 contacts with a second surface F2 of a label L at a first position R1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2. The first contact member 63 contacts with a first surface F1 of the label L at a second position R2. The second position R2 is an upstream position relative to the first position R1 in a transport direction on a transport path R. The second contact member 73 contacts with the first surface F1 of the label L at a third position R3. The third position R3 is a downstream position relative to the first position R1 in the transport direction on the transport path R. A distance between the second position R2 and the third position R3 in the transport direction is a length D5. The length D5 is smaller than a length D1 in the transport direction of the label L (D5<D1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A water-applying device that applies water to labels with a water-soluble adhesive layer on the back side is known. The water-applying device described in Patent Document 1 has a liquid tank, a rotating roller, and a pressure spring. The liquid tank contains water. The rotating roller is rotatable around a rotation axis supported horizontally within the liquid tank. The pressure spring is provided above the rotating roller and contacts the rotating roller from above. When the rotating roller is rotated to transport the label, the label is clamped between the rotating roller and the pressure spring, and the water from the liquid tank that has adhered to the rotating roller is applied to the back side of the label. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 52-124700 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the water application device described above, the pressure spring comes into contact with the rotating roller, so there is a possibility that water adhering to the rotating roller will adhere to the pressure spring. Even if the pressure spring does not come into contact with the rotating roller, the pressure spring holds the label between itself and the rotating roller, so the pressure spring is only spaced from the rotating roller by about the thickness of the label, so there is a possibility that water adhering to the rotating roller will adhere to the pressure spring and then to the front surface of the label via the pressure spring.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a water applicator that can prevent water from the applicator member from adhering to the first surface of the label. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A water application device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a water application device that applies water to a second surface of a label opposite to the first surface of the label and having a water-activated adhesive thereon while transporting the label, and is characterized by comprising: an application member that contacts the second surface at a first position on the label transport path and applies the water to the second surface; a first contact member that contacts the first surface at a second position on the transport path that is upstream of the first position in the label transport direction; and a second contact member that contacts the first surface at a third position on the transport path that is downstream of the first position in the transport direction, the third position being shorter in the transport direction than the second position.

[0007] In the water application device of the first aspect, by providing a first contact member and a second contact member instead of a clamping member facing the application member, a clamping member for clamping the label is not required, and therefore, it is possible to prevent water from the application member from adhering to the first surface.

[0008] In the first aspect, the applicator may be in the form of a roller. With this, since the applicator is a roller, the water applicator can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0009] In the first aspect, the water applicator may further include a coating rotation drive unit that rotates the applicator member. By rotating the coating member with the coating rotation drive unit, the water applicator can convey the label while uniformly applying water to the second surface.

[0010] In the first aspect, a water tank for storing the water may be provided, and a portion of the applicator member may be immersed in the water stored in the water tank. In this way, since a portion of the applicator member is immersed in water, the water applicator can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0011] In the first aspect, the application member may be an impregnated member impregnated with the water. According to this, since the application member is an impregnated member, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0012] In the first aspect, the first contact member may be in the form of a roller. With this, since the first contact member is a roller, the water application device can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0013] In the first aspect, the label conveying device may further include a first drive unit that rotates the first contact member. With this, the first drive unit rotates the first contact member, whereby the water application device can convey the label while uniformly applying water to the second surface.

[0014] In the first aspect, the first contact member may be plate-shaped. With this, since the first contact member is a plate, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0015] In the first aspect, the second contact member may be in the form of a roller. With this, since the second contact member is a roller, the water application device can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0016] In the first aspect, the label conveying device may further include a second drive unit that rotates the second contact member. In this case, the second drive unit rotates the second contact member, whereby the water applicator can convey the label while uniformly applying water to the second surface.

[0017] In the first aspect, the second contact member may be plate-shaped. With this, since the second contact member is a plate, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0018] The water application device of the first aspect may have a supply member provided upstream of the first contact member and supplying the label downstream toward the applying member, wherein the distance between the supply member and the applying member in the transport direction is shorter than the length of the label in the transport direction. In this way, since the distance between the supply member and the applying member is shorter than the length of the label in the transport direction, the water application device can stably supply the label to the applying member by the supply member.

[0019] The water applicator of the first aspect may have a detection output unit that outputs a detection signal in response to the label passing over the second contact member, whereby a user can easily confirm whether water has been applied to the second surface by checking whether a detection signal has been output from the detection output unit.

[0020] The water applicator of the first aspect may include a contact clamping member that clamps the label between itself and the second contact member, and a water removal mechanism that is separate from the second contact member and the contact clamping member and removes water adhering to at least the second contact member and the contact clamping member. With this mechanism, the label is conveyed while being clamped between the second contact member and the contact clamping member, allowing for stable conveyance without wrinkling. Since water is applied to the second surface, water adheres to the contact clamping member that clamps the label between itself and the second contact member. In the water applicator, the water removal mechanism removes water adhering to at least the second contact member and the contact clamping member. This prevents water adhering to the contact clamping member from adhering to the first surface of the label.

[0021] A first aspect of the water applicator includes a supply member disposed upstream of the first contact member and configured to supply the label downstream toward the applicator member, the supply member having a distance from the applicator member in the transport direction shorter than the length of the label in the transport direction; a supply drive unit configured to drive the supply member; a supply output unit configured to output a supply drive signal corresponding to the amount of label transported by the supply drive unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls the supply drive unit based on the supply drive signal to execute a supply process for supplying the label from the supply member to the applicator member, a supply determination process for determining whether the label has been supplied to the applicator member by the supply process, and a supply stop process for stopping the supply of the label by the supply process when the supply determination process determines that the label has been supplied to the applicator member. In this configuration, the water applicator supplies the label to the applicator member by the supply process, and stops the supply of the label by the supply drive unit when the supply of the label to the applicator member is complete. This configuration prevents the water applicator from experiencing an increase in the drive time of the supply drive unit associated with supplying the label to the applicator member.

[0022] In the first aspect, the control unit may determine, in the supply determination process, based on the supply drive signal, that the label has been conveyed to the applying member when the supply process has supplied the label by the length of the label in the conveyance direction. This causes the water application device to supply one label to the applying member. Therefore, the water application device can prevent an increase in the drive time of the supply drive unit associated with supplying the label to the applying member.

[0023] The water applicator of the first aspect may have an input unit that receives an input of the length of the label in the transport direction. In this way, the water applicator supplies one label to the applicator member based on the label size input by the input unit. Therefore, even if the labels have different lengths in the transport direction, the water applicator can prevent an increase in the drive time of the supply drive unit that accompanies supplying the labels to the applicator member.

[0024] In a first aspect, the applicator is roller-shaped and includes a coating rotation drive unit that rotates the applicator, a coating output unit that outputs a coating drive signal corresponding to the amount of label transport driven by the coating rotation drive unit, and a water tank that contains the water. A portion of the applicator is immersed in the water contained in the water tank, and the control unit controls the coating rotation drive unit based on the coating drive signal to perform an initial process of rotating the applicator a predetermined number of times before the supply process is performed. In this manner, the water applicator applies water to the applicator through the initial process before the label is transported to the applicator. This allows the water applicator to apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0025] In the first aspect, the control unit may include a detection output unit that outputs a detection signal in response to the label passing through the second contact member, and the control unit may execute the supply process when the detection output unit does not output the detection signal. In this way, the water applicator applies water to the second surface of one label based on the detection signal, and then starts supplying another label. This allows the water applicator to more reliably apply water to the second surface.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention provides a water applicator that applies water to a second surface of a label opposite the first surface of the label while conveying the label, the second surface having a water-activated adhesive, and includes: an applicator that contacts the second surface of the label at a first position on the label conveyance path and applies water to the second surface; a supply member that contacts the second surface of the label at a second position on the label conveyance path upstream of the first position in the label conveyance direction and supplies the label downstream in the label conveyance direction toward the applicator; a supply clamping member that presses the first surface of one of the labels supplied by the supply member against another label at the second position to clamp the one of the labels between itself and the supply member; and a downstream contact member that contacts the first surface at a third position on the label conveyance path downstream of the first position, the third position being shorter in the label conveyance direction than the second position. The water applicator of the second aspect achieves the same effects as the water applicator of the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view showing the water applicator 1 before applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a left side view showing the water applicator 1 when a label L is being supplied to the applicator member 23. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a left side view showing the water applicator 1 when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a front view showing the water application device 1 when application to the label L is completed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water application device 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 7] 1 is a left side view showing the water application device 100 before application to the label L. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a left side view showing the water application device 100 when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 9]10 is a left side view showing the water applicator 1 having a modified applicator member 123 and applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 having a modified first contact member 163 and second contact member 173 and applying water to a label L. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] First Embodiment A water application device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. In other words, the configurations and the like shown in the drawings are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0029] <Configuration of water application device 1> The configuration of the water application apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the paper in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left side, right side, front side, rear side, upper side, and lower side of the water application apparatus 1, respectively. Note that the up and down directions are used for convenience of explanation and are not limited to the vertical direction.

[0030] The water applicator 1 shown in FIG. 1 applies water 9 to a long label L. The label L is a rectangular linerless label having a first side F1 and a second side F2 (see FIG. 2). Text or images such as letters, numbers, symbols, and figures are printed on the first side F1. A water-activated adhesive is provided on the second side F2. The water-activated adhesive is, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol resin. The second side F2 becomes adhesive when water 9 is applied. Therefore, the label L is used with water 9 applied to the second side F2. The length of the long side of the label L is D1 (see FIG. 2).

[0031] The water application device 1 includes a package 10, an application mechanism 20, a first contact mechanism 60, a second contact mechanism 70, and a detection output unit 80. The package 10 includes a housing 11, a leaf spring 13, a shaft 16, a supply member 17, and a supply motor 53 (see FIG. 5).

[0032] The housing 11 is box-shaped and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and houses the label stack L0 and the leaf spring 13. The label stack L0 is composed of labels L stacked in the vertical direction. In the label stack L0, the labels L are stacked with their long sides extending in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the front-to-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the labels L, and the left-to-right direction is the width direction of the labels L.

[0033] An outlet 12 is formed at the front end of the bottom plate of the housing 11. The length of the outlet 12 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the length D1 of the long side of the label L. Although not shown, the length of the outlet 12 in the left-to-right direction is longer than the length D1 of the short side of the label L. The label L is discharged from the housing 11 through the outlet 12.

[0034] The leaf spring 13 is a metal plate with elasticity. The leaf spring 13 includes an extension portion 14 and a contact portion 15. The extension portion 14 slopes downward as it moves forward. The rear upper end of the extension portion 14 is connected to the rear upper end of the housing 11. The contact portion 15 extends forward from the front lower end of the extension portion 14. The contact portion 15 contacts the label stack L0 from above and presses the label stack L0 downward toward the bottom plate of the housing 11.

[0035] The shaft 16 is provided below the discharge opening 12 and extends in the left-right direction. The position of the axis of the shaft 16 in the front-rear direction is rearward of the front end of the housing 11 and is approximately the same as the front end of the label stack L0. The supply member 17 is cylindrical with an axis extending in the left-right direction. The supply member 17 is roller-shaped and rotatably supported on the shaft 16. The upper end of the supply member 17 is housed in the housing 11 via the discharge opening 12. The upper end of the supply member 17 contacts the front lower end of the label stack L0. The first surface F1 (see FIG. 2) of the lowest label L of the label stack L0 is pressed downward by the leaf spring 13 via the label stack L0. That is, the leaf spring 13 presses the first surface F1 of the label L via the label stack L0, thereby clamping the lowest label L of the label stack L0 between the leaf spring 13 and the supply member 17.

[0036] The supply motor 53 rotates the supply member 17. When the supply member 17 rotates clockwise in a left side view, the label L disposed at the lowermost position among the label bundle L0 is discharged forward from the housing 11 through the discharge port 12 (see FIG. 2). The label L discharged from the housing 11 is conveyed forward on the conveyance path R. Therefore, the rear is the upstream in the conveyance direction on the conveyance path R, and the front is the downstream in the conveyance direction on the conveyance path R. The label L is conveyed on the conveyance path R parallel to the longitudinal direction of the label L. Therefore, the length of the label L in the conveyance direction is the length D1.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the coating mechanism 20 is provided downstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the package 10. The coating mechanism 20 includes a water tank 21, a shaft 22, a coating member 23, and a coating motor 51 (see FIG. ⒌). The water tank 21 is in a box shape with an upward opening. The water tank 21 stores water 9. The water 9 is for coating the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0038] The shaft 22 is accommodated in the water tank 21 and extends in the left-right direction. The shaft 22 is located below the conveyance path R. The coating member 23 is cylindrical with an axis extending in the left-right direction. The material of the coating member 23 is, for example, silicone rubber. The coating member 23 is in a roller shape rotatably supported by the shaft 22.

[0039] The upper end of the coating member 23 is located above the water surface of the water 9. That is, a part of the coating member 23 is immersed in the water 9 stored in the water tank 21. Further, the upper end of the coating member 23 is substantially at the same position as the upper end of the supply member 17 in the vertical direction and is located on the conveyance path R. The upper end of the coating member 23 is separated forward by a length D2 from the upper end of the supply member 17. The length D2 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction (D2 < D1). Therefore, the tip LT of the label L supplied forward from the supply member 17 reaches the upper end of the coating member 23. The coating member 23 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L from below. The position on the conveyance path R where the coating member 23 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L is referred to as the first position R1.

[0040] The application motor 51 rotates the application member 23. When the application member 23 rotates, the water 9 adheres to the surface of the application member 23. When the application member 23 rotates clockwise in a left side view, the label L is transported forward and the water 9 is applied to the second surface F2 of the label L (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0041] The first contact mechanism 60 is provided downstream of the package 10 in the conveying direction and upstream of the coating mechanism 20 in the conveying direction. The first contact mechanism 60 has a shaft 62, a first contact member 63, and a first contact motor 55 (see FIG. 5). The shaft 62 is provided above the conveying path R and extends in the left-right direction. The first contact member 63 is cylindrical with an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first contact member 63 is made of a material such as silicone rubber. The first contact member 63 is roller-shaped and rotatably supported on the shaft 62.

[0042] The lower end of the first contact member 63 is located at approximately the same position as the upper end of the supply member 17 and the upper end of the application member 23 in the vertical direction, and is positioned on the conveying path R. The first contact member 63 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above. The position on the conveying path R where the first contact member 63 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L is referred to as a second position R2. The second position R2 is located upstream in the conveying direction from the first position R1 by a length D3 (see FIG. 1) on the conveying path R (0 <D3<D1)。

[0043] The second position R2 is a position on the conveying path R that is upstream of the first position R1 in the conveying direction. Therefore, the first contact member 63 and the applying member 23 are spaced apart on the conveying path R, and the water 9 adhering to the applying member 23 is unlikely to directly adhere to the first contact member 63. The first contact motor 55 rotates the first contact member 63. When the first contact member 63 rotates clockwise in left side view, the label L is conveyed forward.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the second contact mechanism 70 is provided downstream of the coating mechanism 20 in the conveying direction. The second contact mechanism 70 includes a shaft 72, a second contact member 73, a second contact motor 56 (see FIG. 5), a shaft 76, a contact clamping member 77, and water removal mechanisms 91 and 92. The shaft 72 is provided above the conveying path R and extends in the left-right direction. The second contact member 73 is cylindrical with an axis extending in the left-right direction. The material of the second contact member 73 is, for example, silicon rubber. The second contact member 73 is in the form of a roller rotatably supported by the shaft 72.

[0045] The lower end of the second contact member 73 is substantially at the same position as the upper end of the supply member 17, the upper end of the coating member 23, and the lower end of the first contact member 63 in the vertical direction and is located on the conveying path R. The second contact member 73 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above. The position on the conveying path R where the second contact member 73 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L is referred to as the third position R3. The third position R3 is located downstream in the conveying direction from the first position R1 by a length D4 (see FIG. 4) on the conveying path R (where 0 < D4 < D1).

[0046] The third position R3 is a position downstream of the first position R1 in the conveying direction on the conveying path R. Therefore, the second contact member 73 and the coating member 23 are separated on the conveying path R, and the possibility that the water 9 adhering to the coating member 23 directly adheres to the second contact member 73 is low.

[0047] In the conveying path R, the conveying direction distance between the second position R2 and the third position R3 is a length D5 (see FIG. 3) (D5 = D3 + D4). The length D5 is smaller than the conveying direction length D1 of the label L (D5 < D1). Therefore, the label L conveyed on the conveying path R is bridged between the first contact member 63 and the second contact member 73. The second contact motor 56 rotates the second contact member 73. When the second contact member 73 rotates clockwise in a left side view, the label L is conveyed forward.

[0048] The shaft 76 is provided below the conveying path R and extends in the left - right direction. The shaft 76 is arranged vertically with the shaft 72. The contact and clamping member 77 is cylindrical with an axis extending in the left - right direction. The material of the contact and clamping member 77 is, for example, silicone rubber. The contact and clamping member 77 is in the shape of a roller rotatably supported on the shaft 76. The upper end of the contact and clamping member 77 is located at the third position. The contact and clamping member 77 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L from below. The contact and clamping member 77 clamps the label L between it and the second contact member 73. When the second contact member 73 rotates by the second contact motor 56, the rotation of the second contact member 73 is transmitted to the contact and clamping member 77 through the label L, causing the contact and clamping member 77 to rotate. Since the contact and clamping member 77 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L, the water 9 attached to the coating member 23 adheres to the label L.

[0049] The water removal mechanisms 91 and 92 are separate from the second contact member 73 and the contact and clamping member 77, and are mechanisms for removing the water 9 attached to the second contact member 73 and the contact and clamping member 77. In this embodiment, the water removal mechanism 91 is a blade that contacts the surface of the contact and clamping member 77 and scrapes off the water 9 attached to the contact and clamping member 77. The water removal mechanism 92 is a blade that contacts the surface of the second contact member 73 and scrapes off the water 9 attached to the second contact member 73. Even when the water removal mechanism 91 fails to sufficiently remove the water 9 attached to the contact and clamping member 77, the water removal mechanism 92 removes the water 9 attached to the second contact member 73. Therefore, the water 9 attached to the contact and clamping member 77 is prevented from adhering to the second contact member 73 and then adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L through the second contact member 73.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the detection and output unit 80 is provided downstream in the conveying direction with respect to the second contact mechanism 70 in the conveying path R. The detection and output unit 80 is separated forward by a length D6 from the upper end of the coating member 23. The length D6 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveying direction (D6 < D1). Therefore, the leading end LT of the label L that has passed through the second contact mechanism 70 reaches the detection and output unit 80. The detection and output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed through the second contact mechanism 70.

[0051] In this embodiment, the detection output unit 80 is a transmissive photosensor and has a light-emitting element 81 and a light-receiving element 82. The light-emitting element 81 is provided below the conveying path R and emits light upward toward the labels L conveyed on the conveying path R. The light-emitting element 81 is, for example, an infrared light-emitting diode that emits infrared light. The light-receiving element 82 is provided above the light-emitting element 81 across the conveying path R and detects the light emitted by the light-emitting element 81. The light-receiving element 82 outputs a voltage at a level corresponding to the intensity of the detected light. The light-receiving element 82 is, for example, a phototransistor that detects infrared light.

[0052] When a label L is present between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 (see FIG. 4), the light emitted by the light-emitting element 81 is reflected by the label L. The level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82 is smaller than when there is no label L between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 (see FIG. 1). The water application device 1 determines whether or not the label L has passed through the second contact member 73 based on the level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82. The voltage output by the light-receiving element 82 when there is a label L between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 is called a detection signal. The voltage output by the light-receiving element 82 when there is a label L between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 is called a non-detection signal.

[0053] <Electrical configuration of water application device 1> The electrical configuration of the water application device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The water application device 1 includes a substrate 30. The substrate 30 is equipped with a CPU 31, a flash memory 32, a RAM 33, etc. The CPU 31 controls the water application device 1 and functions as a processor. The CPU 31 is electrically connected to both the flash memory 32 and the RAM 33.

[0054] Flash memory 32 is nonvolatile and stores control programs used by CPU 31 to control the operation of water application device 1, information required by CPU 31 when executing various programs, etc. The control programs include a program for executing main processing (see FIG. 6) described below. RAM 33 temporarily stores various data used in the control programs, etc.

[0055] The substrate 90 is electrically connected to the drive circuits 41, 43, 45, 46, the detection output unit 80, the operation unit 35, and the display unit 36 ​​via a harness 34. The drive circuit 41 is connected to the application motor 51. The drive circuit 41 rotates the application motor 51 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31. The drive circuit 43 is connected to the supply motor 53. The drive circuit 43 rotates the supply motor 53 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31. The drive circuit 45 is connected to the first contact motor 55. The drive circuit 45 rotates the first contact motor 55 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31. The drive circuit 46 is connected to the second contact motor 56. The drive circuit 46 rotates the second contact motor 56 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31.

[0056] The application motor 51 is provided with an encoder 51A. The encoder 51A detects the rotational position of the application motor 51 and outputs a rotational position signal indicating the detected rotational position to the CPU 31. The supply motor 53 is provided with an encoder 53A. The encoder 53A detects the rotational position of the supply motor 53 and outputs a rotational position signal indicating the detected rotational position to the CPU 31. The first contact motor 55 is provided with an encoder 55A. The encoder 55A detects the rotational position of the first contact motor 55 and outputs a rotational position signal indicating the detected rotational position to the CPU 31. The second contact motor 56 is provided with an encoder 56A. The encoder 56A detects the rotational position of the second contact motor 56 and outputs a rotational position signal indicating the detected rotational position to the CPU 31. The CPU 31 determines the conveyance amount of the label L based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 51A, 53A, 55A, and 56A.

[0057] The light-emitting element 81 of the detection output unit 80 emits light toward the light-receiving element 82 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31. The light-receiving element 82 of the detection output unit 80 outputs a detection signal or a non-detection signal to the CPU 31 depending on whether or not the label L passes between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. The operation unit 35 accepts input operations by the user, such as various information and various instructions, and outputs them to the CPU 31. The operation unit 35 is, for example, an operation button. The display unit 36 ​​displays various screens based on the control signal received from the CPU 31. The display unit 36 ​​is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0058] <Application to Label L> 1 to 4, a method for applying water 9 to labels L using the water applicator 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, before the label L is coated, the label L is not being transported on the transport path R. The user operates the operation unit 35 to input an instruction to apply water to the label L. In this embodiment, the instruction to apply water to the label L is an instruction to execute main processing, which will be described later. When the CPU 31 receives the instruction to apply water to the label L, it causes the applicator motor 51 to rotate the applicator member 23 a predetermined number of times. The water 9 contained in the water tank 21 adheres to the surface of the applicator member 23.

[0059] 2, the CPU 31 rotates the supply member 17, the first contact member 63, and the applying member 23 using the supply motor 53, the first contact motor 55, and the applying motor 51 to transport the label L. One label L is discharged from the label stack L0 through the discharge opening 12 of the package 10. The supply member 17 supplies the label L toward the applying member 23. At this time, the supplied label L is clamped between the leaf spring 13 and the supply member 17 via the label stack L0. The leading edge LT of the label L passes through the second position R2, the first position R1, and the third position R3 in this order.

[0060] When the leading edge LT of the label L reaches the first position R1, the label L is stretched between the supply member 17 and the applying member 23. The CPU 31 stops the supply motor 53, the first contact motor 55, and the applying motor 51 to stop the supply of the label L. Next, the CPU 31 rotates the first contact member 63, the applying member 23, and the second contact member 73 using the first contact motor 55, the applying motor 51, and the second contact motor 56, thereby applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L while conveying it.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, when the leading edge LT of the label L reaches the third position R3, the trailing edge LE of the label L is located upstream of the second position R2 in the conveyance direction. The applicator 23 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L from below at the first position R1, the first contact member 63 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above at the second position R2, and the second contact member 73 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above at the third position R3. Therefore, the label L contacts the applicator 23 while being stretched between the first contact member 63 and the second contact member 73. Therefore, even without a nipping member for nipping and conveying the label L with the applicator 23, the second surface F2 of the label L is pressed against the applicator 23, and the applicator 23 applies water 9 to the label L.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, when the trailing edge LE of the label L reaches the third position R3, the CPU 31 stops the first contact motor 55, the application motor 51, and the second contact motor 56, thereby stopping the supply of the label L. The label L is disposed between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. The detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed through the second contact mechanism 70, and the light-receiving element 82 outputs a detection signal. The user removes the label L forward along the conveying path R. The label L is no longer between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82, and the light-receiving element 82 outputs a non-detection signal instead of a detection signal. The CPU 31 determines that the label L has been removed, and repeats application to the label L until the desired number of labels L have been applied.

[0063] <Main processing> The main processing executed by the CPU 31 will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the main processing, application to the label L is performed. The user operates the operation unit 35 to input an instruction to execute the main processing. The operation unit 35 accepts the user's input operation, and the CPU 31 reads out a control program for executing the main processing from the flash memory 32. This causes the CPU 31 to start the main processing.

[0064] When the main processing starts, no labels L are being conveyed on the conveying path R, and the number of labels L to be applied and the length D1 of the labels L in the conveying direction are stored in advance in the flash memory 32. The user operates the operation unit 35 to input the number of labels L to be applied and the length D1 of the labels L in the conveying direction. The operation unit 35 accepts the input operation, and the CPU 31 stores the number of labels L to be applied and the length D1 of the labels L in the conveying direction accepted by the operation unit 35 in the flash memory 32. A variable N is stored in the RAM 33. The value of the variable N indicates the number of labels L to which water 9 has been applied.

[0065] When the main processing starts, the CPU 31 acquires the number of labels L to be coated and the length D1 of the labels L in the conveyance direction from the flash memory 32 (S1). The CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction to start coating the labels L has been received (S2). The user operates the operation unit 35 to input an instruction to start coating the labels L. When the CPU 31 determines that an instruction to start coating the labels L has not been received (S2: NO), the processing returns to S2.

[0066] When the CPU 31 determines that it has received an instruction to start applying water to the labels L (S2: YES), it sets the value of the variable N to 0 (S3). The CPU 31 rotates the applying member 23 a predetermined number of times using the applying motor 51 (S4), causing water 9 to adhere to the surface of the applying member 23. The CPU 31 starts supplying the labels L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 by rotating the supply member 17, the first contact member 63, and the applying member 23 using the supply motor 53, the first contact motor 55, and the applying motor 51 (S5). The labels L are supplied to the applying member 23 while being sandwiched between the leaf spring 13 and the supply member 17 via the label stack L0.

[0067] The CPU 31 determines whether the supply of the label L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 is complete (S6). In the processing of S6, the CPU 31 identifies the transport amount of the label L based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 51A, 55A, and 53A, and determines that the supply of the label L is complete when the label L has been transported by a length D1 in the transport direction of the label L since the start of transport in S5. When the CPU 31 determines that the label L has not been transported by the length D1 and that the supply of the label L to the applying member 23 is not complete (S6: NO), the processing returns to S6.

[0068] When the CPU 31 determines that the label L has been conveyed by the length D1 and has been completely supplied to the applying member 23 (S6: YES), it stops the supply motor 53, the first contact motor 55, and the applying motor 51, thereby stopping the supply of the label L (S7). The label L is stretched between the supply member 17 and the applying member 23.

[0069] The CPU 31 rotates the first contact member 63, the applying member 23, and the second contact member 73 using the first contact motor 55, the applying motor 51, and the second contact motor 56, thereby conveying the label L and starting to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L (S11). With the label L pressed against the applying member 23 by the first contact member 63 and the second contact member 73, the second surface F2 is applied. The label L passes between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. The light-receiving element 82 outputs a detection signal, and the detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed through the second contact mechanism 70.

[0070] The CPU 31 determines whether or not application to the label L is complete (S12). In the process of S12, the CPU 31 determines the transport amount of the label L based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 55A, 51A, and 56A, and determines that application to the label L is complete when the label L has been transported a length (D2+D4) since the start of transport in S11. When the CPU 31 determines that the label L has not been transported a length (D2+D4) and application to the label L is not complete (S12: NO), the process returns to S12.

[0071] The CPU 31 conveys the label L by the length (D2+D4), and when it determines that application to the label L is complete (S12: YES), it stops the first contact motor 55, the application motor 51, and the second contact motor 56, and stops application to the second side F2 of the label L (S13). When the label L has been conveyed by the length (D2+D4) since the process of S11, the end LE of the label L reaches the third position R3 (see FIG. 4).

[0072] The CPU 31 causes the display unit 36 ​​to display a removal display image (S15). The removal display image is an image indicating that application to the label L has been completed, that the clamping of the label L has been released, and that the user can remove the label L. The user checks the removal display image displayed on the display unit 36 ​​and removes the label L forward along the conveying path R. The CPU 31 determines whether removal of the label L has been completed (S16). In S16, the CPU 31 determines that removal of the label L has been completed when the light receiving element 82 does not output a detection signal but outputs a non-detection signal. The CPU 31 determines that removal of the label L has not been completed when the light receiving element 82 outputs a detection signal. When the CPU 31 determines that removal of the label L has not been completed (S16: NO), the CPU 31 returns the process to S16.

[0073] When the CPU 31 determines that removal of the labels L has been completed (S16: YES), it adds 1 to the value of the variable N (S17). The CPU 31 determines whether or not coating of the number of labels L to be coated has been completed (S18). In S18, the CPU 31 makes this determination based on whether or not the value of the variable N matches the number of labels to be coated acquired in S1. When the CPU 31 determines that the value of the variable N is smaller than the number of labels to be coated and that coating of the number of labels L has not been completed (S18: NO), it returns the process to S4. The CPU 31 repeats the processes of S4 to S18 until coating of the number of labels L to be coated has been completed. When the value of the variable N matches the number of labels to be coated and that coating of the number of labels L to be coated has been completed (S18: YES), the CPU 31 ends the main process.

[0074] <Operations and Effects of the First Embodiment> As described above, the water application device 1 includes an application member 23, a first contact member 63, and a second contact member 73. The application member 23 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L at the first position R1 and applies water 9 to the second surface F2. The first contact member 63 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L at the second position R2. The second position R2 is upstream of the first position R1 in the conveyance direction on the conveyance path R. The second contact member 73 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L at the third position R3. The third position R3 is downstream of the first position R1 in the conveyance direction on the conveyance path R. The distance in the conveyance direction between the second position R2 and the third position R3 is the length D5. The length D5 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction (D5 < D1). According to this, with the label L pressed against the application member 23 at two points, the second position R2 and the third position R3, the second surface F2 is applied. As a result, the water application device 1 does not require a sandwiching member that faces the application member 23 and sandwiches the label L between the application member and itself. Since the second position R2 and the third position R3 are separated from the first position R1, it is difficult for the water 9 adhering to the application member 23 to adhere to the first contact member 63 or the second contact member 73. Therefore, the water application device 1 can suppress the water 9 adhering to the application member 23 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0075] In the water application device 1, the application member 23 is in the shape of a roller. According to this, the water application device 1 can uniformly apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0076] The water application device 1 has an application motor 51 that rotates the application member 23. According to this, the water application device 1 can convey the label L while uniformly applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0077] The water application device 1 has a water tank 21 that stores water 9. A part of the application member 23 is immersed in the water 9 stored in the water tank 21. According to this, the water application device 1 can apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration.

[0078] In the water applicator 1, the first contact member 63 is in the form of a roller. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0079] The water application device 1 has a first contact motor 55 that rotates the first contact member 63. This allows the water application device 1 to convey the label L while uniformly applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0080] In the water applicator 1, the second contact member 73 is roller-shaped. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0081] The water application device 1 has a second contact motor 56 that rotates the second contact member 73. This allows the water application device 1 to convey the label L while uniformly applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0082] The water application device 1 has a supply member 17. The supply member 17 is provided upstream of the first contact member 63 on the transport path R. The supply member 17 supplies the label L toward the applicator 23. A length D2 from the upper end of the supply member 17 to the upper end of the applicator 23 is shorter than a length D1 of the label L in the transport direction. Because the length D2 is shorter than the length D1, the water application device 1 can stably supply the label L to the applicator 23 using the supply member 17.

[0083] The water applicator 1 has a detection output unit 80. The label L that has passed through the second contact member 73 passes between a light-emitting element 81 and a light-receiving element 82. At this time, the level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82 changes, and the detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed through the second contact member 73. This allows the user to easily confirm whether water 9 has been applied to the second surface F2 of the label L by checking the level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82.

[0084] The water application device 1 includes a contact clamping member 77 and water removal mechanisms 91 and 92. The contact clamping member 77 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L and clamps the label L between itself and the second contact member 73. The water removal mechanisms 91 and 92 are separate from the second contact member 73 and the contact clamping member 77 and are mechanisms for removing water 9 adhering to the second contact member 73 and the contact clamping member 77. The water removal mechanism 91 contacts the surface of the contact clamping member 77 and removes water 9 adhering to the contact clamping member 77. The water removal mechanism 92 contacts the surface of the second contact member 73 and removes water 9 adhering to the second contact member 73. This prevents water 9 adhering to the contact clamping member 77 from adhering to the second contact member 73 and then to the first surface F1 of the label L via the second contact member 73. As a result, the label L is clamped between the second contact member 73 and the contact clamping member 77 and conveyed in a so-called nip, allowing the label L to be conveyed stably without wrinkling. Here, since water 9 is applied to the second surface F2 by the applicator 23, the water 9 adheres to the contact clamping member 77 through the second surface F2. In the water application device 1, water removal mechanisms 91 and 92 remove the water 9 adhering to the second contact member 73 and the contact clamping member 77. Therefore, the water application device 1 can prevent the water 9 adhering to the contact clamping member 77 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0085] The water applicator 1 includes a supply member 17, a supply motor 53, an encoder 53A, and a CPU 31. The CPU 31 supplies labels L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 using the supply motor 53 (S5). The CPU 31 determines the conveyance distance of the labels L based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A. The CPU 31 determines whether the supply of the labels L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 is complete (S6). When the CPU 31 determines that the supply of the labels L to the applicator 23 is complete (S6: YES), it stops the supply motor 53 and stops the supply of the labels L (S7). In this manner, the water applicator 1 supplies the labels L to the applicator 23, and when the supply of the labels L to the applicator 23 is complete, the supply motor 53 stops the supply of the labels L. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can prevent an increase in the drive time of the supply motor 53 when the labels L are supplied to the applicator 23.

[0086] When CPU 31 determines whether supply of labels L is complete (S6), it determines that supply of labels L is complete when, based on encoder 53A, label L has been supplied a length D1 in the conveyance direction since supply of labels L began in S5. In this way, water application device 1 supplies one label L to applicator 23. Therefore, water application device 1 can prevent an increase in the driving time of supply motor 53 when supplying labels L to applicator 23.

[0087] The water application device 1 has an operation unit 35 that receives input of the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction. In this way, the water application device 1 supplies one label L to the application member 23 based on the length D1 in the conveyance direction received by the operation unit 35. Therefore, even if the labels L have different lengths D1 in the conveyance direction, the water application device 1 can prevent an increase in the driving time of the supply motor 53 when supplying the label L to the application member 23.

[0088] Before starting to supply the labels L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 (S5), the CPU 31 causes the applicator motor 51 to rotate the applicator 23 a predetermined number of times (S4). In this manner, the water applicator 1 rotates the applicator 23 a predetermined number of times before the labels L are supplied to the applicator 23, thereby causing the water 9 to adhere to the applicator 23. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can apply the water 9 uniformly to the second surface F2 by the applicator 23.

[0089] In the water applicator 1, the light-receiving element 82 of the detection output unit 80 outputs a detection signal when the label L passes through the second contact member 73 and passes between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. When the label L does not pass between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82, the light-receiving element 82 outputs a non-detection signal instead of a detection signal. The CPU 31 determines whether removal of the label L is complete (S16). When the light-receiving element 82 does not output a detection signal but outputs a non-detection signal, the CPU 31 determines that removal of the label L is complete (S16: YES) and starts supplying the next label L to the applicator 23 (S5). In this way, the water applicator 1 starts supplying the next label L after application of water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L is completed. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can more reliably apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0090] <Special Notes on the First Embodiment> The water application device 1 is an example of a "water application device" of the present invention. The label L is an example of a "label" of the present invention. The first side F1 is an example of a "first side" of the present invention. The second side F2 is an example of a "second side" of the present invention. The transport path R is an example of a "transport path" of the present invention. The first position R1 is an example of a "first position" of the present invention. The application member 23 is an example of an "application member" of the present invention. The second position R2 is an example of a "second position" of the present invention. The first contact member 63 is an example of a "first contact member" of the present invention. The third position R3 is an example of a "third position" of the present invention. The second contact member 73 is an example of a "second contact member" of the present invention. The application motor 51 is an example of a "application rotation drive unit" of the present invention. The water tank 21 is an example of a "water tank" of the present invention. The first contact motor 55 is an example of a "first drive unit" of the present invention. The second contact motor 56 is an example of a "second drive unit" of the present invention. The supply member 17 is an example of a "supply member" of the present invention. The detection output unit 80 is an example of a "detection output unit" of the present invention. The contact clamping member 77 is an example of a "contact clamping member" of the present invention. The water removal mechanisms 91 and 92 are an example of a "water removal mechanism" of the present invention. The supply motor 53 is an example of a "supply drive unit" of the present invention. The encoder 53A is an example of a "supply output unit" of the present invention. The rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A is an example of a "supply drive signal" of the present invention. The CPU 31 is an example of a "control unit" of the present invention. The processing of S5 is an example of a "supply processing" of the present invention. The processing of S6 is an example of a "supply determination processing" of the present invention. The processing of S7 is an example of a "supply stop processing" of the present invention. The operation unit 35 is an example of an "input means" of the present invention. The encoder 51A is an example of a "coating output unit" of the present invention. The rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A is an example of a "coating drive signal" of the present invention. The processing of S4 is an example of an "initial processing" of the present invention.

[0091] Second Embodiment The water application device 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the front side, the back side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side of FIG. 7 are defined as the left side, the right side, the front side, the back side, the upper side, and the lower side of the water application device 100, respectively. Note that, for example, the vertical direction is used for convenience of explanation and is not limited to the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the differences from the water application device 1 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment in the water application device 100 will be mainly described. In the water application device 100, components having the same shape or function as those of the water application device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0092] The water application device 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes a package 110, an application mechanism 20, a second contact mechanism 70, and a detection output unit 80. The package 110 is different from the package 10 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment in that it is closer to the application mechanism 20, and has the same configuration as the package 10.

[0093] The supply member 17 of the package 110 is provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the application member 23. The upper end of the supply member 17 is separated rearward by a length D7 from the upper end of the application member 23. The length D7 is smaller than the length D1 in the transport direction of the label L and smaller than the length D2 (see FIG. 2) between the package 10 and the application member 23 (0 < D7 < D2 < D1). The position where the supply member 17 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L in the transport path R is referred to as the second position R20. The supply member 17 supplies the label L disposed at the lowermost position among the label bundles L0 to the application member 23 at the second position R20. At this time, the supplied label L is sandwiched between the leaf spring 13 and the supply member 17 via other labels L in the label bundle L0.

[0094] In the transport path R, the transport direction distance between the second position R20 and the third position R3 is the length D8 (D8 = D7 + D4). The length D8 is smaller than the length D1 in the transport direction of the label L (D8 < D1). Therefore, the label L transported through the transport path R is bridged between the first contact member 63 and the second contact member 73.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, when the leading end LT of the label L reaches the third position R3, in the label L being conveyed, at the first position R1, the second surface F2 is contacted by the coating member 23 from below, at the second position R20, the first surface F1 is contacted from above by the label bundle L0 pressed by the leaf spring 13, and at the third position R3, the first surface F1 is contacted from above by the second contact member 73.

[0096] <Operations and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The water coating device 100 includes a coating member 23, a supply member 17, a leaf spring 13, and a second contact member 73. The supply member 17 supplies the label L toward the coating member 23 at the second position R20. The second position R20 is a position upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the first position R1 on the conveyance path R. The leaf spring 13 presses the first surface F1 of the label L supplied by the supply member 17 via the label bundle L0 at the second position R20, thereby sandwiching the label L between the supply member 17. The conveyance direction distance between the second position R20 and the third position R3 is the length D8. The length D8 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction (D8 < D1). According to this, with the label L pressed against the coating member 23 at two points, the second surface F2 is coated. As a result, the water coating device 1 does not require a sandwiching member that faces the coating member 23 and sandwiches the label L therebetween. Since the second position R20 and the third position R3 are separated from the first position R1, the water 9 adhering to the coating member 23 is less likely to adhere to the first contact member 63 or the second contact member 73. Therefore, similar to the water coating device 1 of the first embodiment, the water coating device 100 can suppress the water 9 adhering to the coating member 23 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0097] <Particular Matters of the Second Embodiment> The water application device 100 is an example of a "water application device" of the present invention. The label L is an example of a "label" of the present invention. The first side F1 is an example of a "first side" of the present invention. The second side F2 is an example of a "second side" of the present invention. The conveying path R is an example of a "conveying path" of the present invention. The first position R1 is an example of a "first position" of the present invention. The application member 23 is an example of an "application member" of the present invention. The second position R20 is an example of a "second position" of the present invention. The supply member 17 is an example of a "supply member" of the present invention. The leaf spring 13 is an example of a "supply clamping member" of the present invention. The third position R3 is an example of a "third position" of the present invention. The second contact member 73 is an example of a "downstream contact member" of the present invention.

[0098] <Modification> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the above-described embodiment. The various modified examples described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradictions arise. Below, modified examples will be described using the water application device 1 according to the first embodiment as an example, but it goes without saying that these modified examples can also be applied as appropriate to the water application device 100 according to the second embodiment. In describing the modified examples, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components having the same shape or function as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9 , a modified application mechanism 120 will be described. The application mechanism 120 differs from the application mechanism 20 in that it does not have the shaft 22 and has an application member 123 instead of the application member 23. The application member 123 is an impregnated member impregnated with water 9. The application member 123 is, for example, a sponge, gel, or the like. The application member 123 has a box shape extending in the vertical direction. A portion of the application member 123 is immersed in the water 9 contained in the water tank 21. The entire application member 123 is impregnated with the water 9, and the upper surface of the application member 123 is wet with the water 9. The application member 123 contacts the second surface F2 of the label L and applies the water 9 to the second surface F2. The label L is transported forward by the rotation of the first contact member 63 and the second contact member 73. In this manner, the application member 123 may be an impregnated member impregnated with water 9. This allows the water application device 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. Note that the application member 123 may be any impregnated member that is impregnated with water 9, and the shape, material, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 10 , modified first contact mechanism 160 and second contact mechanism 170 will be described. The first contact mechanism 160 differs from the first contact mechanism 60 in that it does not have the shaft 62 and has a first contact member 163 instead of the first contact member 63. The first contact member 163 is a metal plate with elasticity. The first contact member 163 includes an extension portion 164 and a contact portion 165. The extension portion 164 slopes downward as it extends forward. The contact portion 165 extends forward from the lower front end of the extension portion 164. The lower end of the first contact member 163 is located at approximately the same position as the applicator member 23 in the vertical direction and is positioned on the conveyance path R. The contact portion 165 of the first contact member 163 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above at the second position R2. Thus, the first contact member 163 may be plate-shaped. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. The first contact member 163 may be plate-shaped, and the shape, material, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0101] The second contact mechanism 170 is different from the second contact mechanism 70 in that it does not have shafts 72 and 76, contact and clamping members 77, and water removal mechanisms 91 and 92, and has a second contact member 173 instead of the second contact member 73. The second contact member 173 is a plate-shaped member made of metal and has elasticity. The second contact member 173 includes an extension portion 174 and a contact portion 175. The extension portion 174 slopes downward as it extends forward. The contact portion 175 extends forward from the front lower end of the extension portion 174. The lower end of the second contact member 173 is located at substantially the same position as the coating member 23 in the vertical direction and is located on the conveyance path R. The contact portion 175 of the second contact member 173 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above at the third position R3. The distance between the second position R2 and the third position R3 in the conveyance direction is a length D5 (D5 < D1). Thus, the second contact member 173 may be plate-shaped. According to this, the water coating device 1 can coat water 9 on the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. Although not shown, in the water coating device 1, the first contact member 163 may be plate-shaped and the second contact member 73 may be roller-shaped. The first contact member 63 may be roller-shaped and the second contact member 173 may be plate-shaped. The second contact member 173 only needs to be plate-shaped, and its shape, material, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0102] Other modifications will be described. In the above embodiment, the water coating device 1 coated water 9 on the sheet-shaped label L. In contrast, the water coating device 1 may coat water 9 on a long label L. At this time, the long label L may be wound around the housing 11 of the package 10 in a roll shape and stored, or may be folded and stored like fan-fold paper.

[0103] In the above embodiment, at the second position R2, the label L only contacted the first contact member 63. In contrast, the first contact mechanism 60 may have a clamping member that clamps the label L between it and the first contact member 63 at the second position R2. The first contact mechanism 60 does not necessarily have the first contact motor 55.

[0104] The second contact mechanism 70 only needs to have the second contact member 73, and does not necessarily have to have the contact clamping member 77. In this case, at the third position R3, the label L comes into contact only with the second contact member 73. The second contact mechanism 70 does not necessarily have to have the second contact motor 56.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the water application device 1 has a water tank 21 that stores water 9, and a portion of the application member 23 is immersed in the water 9 stored in the water tank 21. In contrast, the water application device 1 may not have the water tank 21, but may have a nozzle that sprays water 9 onto the application member 23. When the application member 123, which is an impregnated member, applies the label L instead of the application member 23, the water application device 1 may not have the water tank 21.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the supply member 17 is a roller rotated by the supply motor 53, but the configuration of the supply member 17 may be modified as appropriate as long as it can supply the label L toward the applicator 23. For example, the supply member 17 may be a conveyor. In the above embodiment, the length D2 from the upper end of the supply member 17 to the upper end of the applicator 23 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction, but it may be the same as the length D1 or may be greater than the length D1. When the length D2 is greater than the length D1, it is preferable to have a mechanism for conveying the label L toward the applicator 23 between the supply member 17 and the applicator 23 on the conveyance path R. The label L may also be conveyed by the user pulling it forward, instead of by the supply member 17.

[0107] The water application device 1 does not necessarily have to have the detection output unit 80. In this case, the CPU 31 may omit the process of S16 in the main processing. That is, the CPU 31 may start supplying the next label L when the detection output unit 80 is not outputting a detection signal but is outputting a non-detection signal. In the above embodiment, the detection output unit 80 is a transmissive photosensor, but the configuration may be changed as appropriate as long as it detects that the label L has passed through the second contact member 73. For example, the detection output unit 80 may be a reflective photosensor.

[0108] The configuration of the water removal mechanisms 91, 92 may be changed as appropriate. The water removal mechanisms 91, 92 may be, for example, sponges that come into contact with the contact clamping member 77 and the second contact member 73 to absorb the water 9, or may be spray devices that blow air onto the contact clamping member 77 and the second contact member 73. In the above embodiment, the water removal mechanism 91 removes the water 9 adhering to the contact clamping member 77, and the water removal mechanism 92 removes the water 9 adhering to the second contact member 73. However, it is sufficient that the water 9 adhering to at least the contact clamping member 77 can be removed, and the second contact mechanism 70 does not have to have the water removal mechanism 92.

[0109] The water application device 1 may use, for example, a microcomputer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. for control instead of the CPU 31. The main processing may be distributed using multiple CPUs 31, or may be performed by combining the CPU 31 with an ASIC, etc.

[0110] A non-transitory storage medium such as flash memory 32 may be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the period for which the information is stored. A non-transitory storage medium does not have to include a temporary storage medium (e.g., a transmitted signal). A program for executing the main processing may be downloaded (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) from a server connected to the network and stored in flash memory 32 or the like. In this case, the program or the like may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as an HDD provided in the server.

[0111] In the above embodiment, when determining whether the supply of the label L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 has been completed (S6), the CPU 31 determines that the supply of the label L has been completed when the label L has been transported by the length D1 in the transport direction. In contrast, the CPU 31 may determine that the supply of the label L has been completed, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the supply of the label L. The CPU 31 may also determine that the supply of the label L has been completed when the leading edge of the label L reaches the first position R1. The leading edge of the label L is, for example, the portion from the leading edge LT to a position that is 10% of the length D1 of the label L in the transport direction backward.

[0112] When determining whether the supply of labels L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 has been completed (S6), the CPU 31 determines that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 53A, 55A, and 51A. In response to this, the CPU 31 may determine that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A, or may determine that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 55A, or may determine that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A.

[0113] When the CPU 31 determines that the supply of the labels L from the supply member 17 to the application member 23 has been completed, the supply of the labels L does not have to be stopped, and the supply motor 53 may continue to be driven.

[0114] In the above embodiment, when determining whether coating of the label L is completed (S12), the CPU 31 determines that coating of the label L is completed when the label L has been transported by the length (D2 + D4) in the transport direction. In contrast, the CPU 31 may determine that coating of the label L is completed based on the encoder 53A when the label L has been fed by the length D1 in the transport direction obtained in S1 after starting coating of the label L in S11. The CPU 31 may also determine that coating of the label L is completed when a predetermined time has elapsed since starting coating of the label L. The CPU 31 may also determine that coating of the label L is completed when the trailing edge of the label L reaches the third position R3. The trailing edge of the label L is, for example, the portion from the trailing edge LE to a position 10% forward of the length D1 of the label L in the transport direction.

[0115] When determining whether or not the supply of labels L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 has been completed (S6), the CPU 31 determines that application of label L has been completed based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 55A, 51A, and 56A. In contrast, the CPU 31 may determine that application of label L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 55A, or may determine that application of label L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A, or may determine that application of label L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 56A.

[0116] When the CPU 31 determines that application to the label L is completed, it does not have to stop the transport of the label L. At this time, the CPU 31 only needs to continue driving at least one of the first contact motor 55, the application motor 51, and the second contact motor 56.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the operation unit 35 is an operation button, but it may be configured to receive input of the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction, and may be, for example, a touch panel display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Water application device 17 Supply materials 21 Aquarium 23, 123 Coating material 31 CPU 35 Control section 51 Coating motor 51A, 53A, 55A, 56A Encoders 53 Supply motor 55 First Contact Motor 56 Second contact motor 63, 163 First contact member 73, 173 Second contact member 80 Detection output section

Claims

1. A water application device that applies water to a second surface of the label opposite to the first surface and having a water-activated adhesive thereon while conveying the label, an applicator that contacts the second surface at a first position on a label conveyance path and applies the water to the second surface; a first contact member that contacts the first surface at a second position on the conveyance path that is upstream of the first position in the label conveyance direction; a second contact member that contacts the first surface at a third position on the conveying path downstream of the first position in the conveying direction, where the distance in the conveying direction between the second position and the third position is shorter than the length of the label in the conveying direction; A water application device comprising:

2. 2. The water applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member is in the form of a roller.

3. The water application device according to claim 2, further comprising an application rotation drive unit that rotates the application member.

4. a water tank for containing the water; A part of the application member is immersed in the water contained in the water tank.

4. The water application device according to claim 2 or 3,

5. 2. The water application device according to claim 1, wherein the application member is an impregnated member impregnated with the water.

6. The water applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the first contact member is in the form of a roller.

7. The water application device according to claim 6 , further comprising a first drive unit that rotates the first contact member.

8. The water application device according to claim 1 , wherein the first contact member is plate-shaped.

9. The water applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the second contact member is in the form of a roller.

10. The water application device according to claim 9, further comprising a second drive unit that rotates the second contact member.

11. The water application device according to claim 1 , wherein the second contact member is plate-shaped.

12. a supply member provided upstream of the first contact member and configured to supply the label downstream toward the applying member; The distance between the supply member and the application member in the conveying direction is shorter than the length of the label in the conveying direction. The water application device according to claim 1 .

13. The water applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a detection output unit that outputs a detection signal in response to the label passing over the second contact member.

14. a contact clamping member that clamps the label between itself and the second contact member; a water removal mechanism that is separate from the second contact member and the contact clamping member and that removes the water adhering to at least the second contact member and the contact clamping member; 2. The water application device according to claim 1, further comprising:

15. a supply member that is provided upstream of the first contact member and that supplies the label downstream toward the applying member, the supply member having a distance from the applying member in the conveyance direction that is shorter than a length of the label in the conveyance direction; a supply drive unit that drives the supply member; a supply output unit that outputs a supply drive signal corresponding to the amount of label transported by the supply drive unit; a control unit; The control unit a supply process in which the supply drive unit is controlled based on the supply drive signal to supply the label from the supply member to the application member; a supply determination process for determining whether the label has been supplied to the applying member by the supply process; a supply stop process of stopping the supply of the labels by the supply process when it is determined by the supply determination process that the labels have been supplied to the applying member; 2. The water application device according to claim 1, wherein the water application device performs the following steps.

16. The control unit determines, in the supply determination process, based on the supply drive signal, that the label has been conveyed to the applying member when the label has been supplied by the supply process by an amount corresponding to the length of the label in the conveying direction. The water application device according to claim 15,

17. 17. The water applicator according to claim 16, further comprising an input unit for receiving an input of the length of the label in the conveyance direction.

18. the application member is in the form of a roller, a coating rotation drive unit that rotates the coating member; a coating output unit that outputs a coating drive signal corresponding to the conveyance amount of the label driven by the coating rotation drive unit; a water tank for containing the water, a portion of the application member is immersed in the water contained in the water tank; The control unit controls the application rotation drive unit based on the application drive signal before the supply process is performed, and performs an initial process of rotating the application member a predetermined number of times. The water application device according to claim 15,

19. a detection output unit that outputs a detection signal in response to the label passing through the second contact member; The control unit executes the supply process when the detection output unit does not output the detection signal. The water application device according to claim 15,

20. A water application device that applies water to a second surface of the label opposite to the first surface and having a water-activated adhesive thereon while conveying the label, an applicator that contacts the second surface at a first position on a label conveyance path and applies the water to the second surface; a supply member that contacts the second surface of the label at a second position on the conveyance path that is upstream of the first position in the label conveyance direction and supplies the label downstream in the conveyance direction toward the applying member; a supply clamping member configured to clamp one label between itself and the supply member by pressing the first surface of one label supplied by the supply member through another label at the second position; a downstream contact member that contacts the first surface at a third position on the conveying path downstream of the first position, the third position being a distance from the second position in the conveying direction that is shorter than a length of the label in the conveying direction; A water application device comprising:

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