Water application device

Abstract

To provide a water application device which can inhibit water from adhering to a first surface of a medium.SOLUTION: A water application device 1A has a supply member 17, an application member 23, a sandwiching member 63, and a water removal mechanism 91. The supply member 17 transports a label L to the application member 23. The application member 23 contacts with a second surface F2 of the label L transported by the supply member 17 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2. The sandwiching member 63 contacts with a first surface F1 of the label L to sandwich the label L with the application member 23. The water removal mechanism 91 is formed separately from the sandwiching member 63 and removes water 9 adhering to the sandwiching member 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A water application device is known that applies water to labels with a water-activated adhesive layer on the back side. The water application 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 water adhering to the rotating roller may adhere to the pressure spring. Water adhering to the pressure spring may fall as droplets, or may come into contact with the front surface of the label via the pressure spring and adhere to the front surface of the label.

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

[0006] The water application device of the present invention is a water application device that applies water to a second surface of a medium opposite to the first surface and on which a water-activated adhesive is provided, and is characterized by comprising: a transport unit that transports the medium; an application member that contacts the second surface of the medium transported by the transport unit and applies the water to the second surface; a clamping member that contacts the first surface and clamps the medium between the clamping member and the application member; and a water removal mechanism that is separate from the clamping member and removes water adhering to the clamping member from the clamping member.

[0007] In the water application device of the present invention, the water removal mechanism removes water adhering to the clamping members from the clamping members, thereby preventing water adhering to the clamping members from adhering to the first surface.

[0008] In the present invention, the clamping member may be a rotatable roller. With this, since the clamping member includes a roller, the water application device can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0009] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include a blade that contacts the roller to scrape off the water. In this case, since the water removal mechanism includes the blade, the water application device can move and remove water adhering to the roller from the roller. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the roller from adhering to the first surface.

[0010] In the present invention, the blade may contact the roller upstream in the rotation direction of the roller from a clamping position where the medium is clamped between the roller and the applicator. This allows the blade to remove water adhering to the roller before the roller reaches the clamping position where it is close to the applicator. Therefore, the water applicator can further prevent water adhering to the roller from adhering to the first surface.

[0011] In the present invention, the contact portion of the blade with the roller may be inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the roller when viewed from the radial direction of the roller. In this way, water adhering to the roller is removed from the roller in the axial direction of the roller by the blade. Therefore, the water applicator can prevent the water removed from the roller from adhering to the first surface of the medium.

[0012] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include a spraying device that blows air onto the roller. In this case, since the water removal mechanism includes the spraying device, the water application device can move and remove water adhering to the roller without contacting the roller. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the roller from adhering to the first surface.

[0013] In the present invention, the spraying device may spray the air in the axial direction of the roller. This causes water adhering to the roller to be moved in the axial direction of the roller by the air and removed. Therefore, the water application device can further prevent water adhering to the roller from adhering to the first surface.

[0014] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may further include a recovery unit that recovers the water removed from the roller. In this configuration, the water removal mechanism moves and removes water adhering to the roller. The water removed from the roller is recovered in the recovery unit. Therefore, the water application device can prevent the water removed from the roller from adhering to the first surface of the medium.

[0015] In the present invention, the holding member may be a plate. According to this, since the holding member is a plate, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0016] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include a spray device that sprays air onto the plate. In this case, since the water removal mechanism includes the spray device, the water application device can move and remove water adhering to the plate without contact. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the plate from adhering to the first surface.

[0017] In the present invention, the spraying device may spray the air in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium. In this way, water adhering to the plate is moved by the air in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction and removed. Therefore, the water application device can further prevent water adhering to the plate from adhering to the first surface.

[0018] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include an absorber that contacts the clamping members and absorbs the water. Since the water removal mechanism includes the absorber, the water application device can absorb and remove water adhering to the clamping members from the clamping members. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the clamping members from adhering to the first surface.

[0019] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include a suction device that sucks the water adhering to the clamping member. Since the water removal mechanism includes the suction device, the water application device can move and remove water adhering to the clamping member without contacting the clamping member. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the clamping member from adhering to the first surface.

[0020] In the present invention, the water removal mechanism may include a heater that heats the clamping member. Since the water removal mechanism includes the heater, the water application device can evaporate and remove water adhering to the clamping member. Therefore, the water application device can prevent water adhering to the clamping member from adhering to the first surface.

[0021] In the present invention, the applicator may be a roller and have a water tank for storing the water, and a portion of the applicator may be immersed in the water stored in the water tank. In this way, since the applicator includes a roller, the water applicator can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0022] In the present invention, the application member may be an impregnated member impregnated with the water. According to this, since the application member includes the impregnated member, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view showing the water applicator 1A before applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1A when the label L is being conveyed to the application member 23. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a left side view showing the water application device 1A when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the periphery of a contact portion 911 in the water application device 1A. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the periphery of a contact portion 912 in a water application device 1A having a water removal mechanism 910 of a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a water application device 1A having an application member 123 of a modified example. [Figure 7] 1B is a left side view showing the water application device 1B when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing the application mechanism 20 and the clamping mechanism 60B in the water application apparatus 1B. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a water application device 1B having a modified clamping member 163. [Figure 10] 10 is a rear view showing the application mechanism 20 and the clamping mechanism 61B in the water application device 1B having a clamping member 163 of a modified example. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1C when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a left side view showing the water application device 1D when applying water to a label L. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1E when applying water to a label L. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] First Embodiment A water application device 1A 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 merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] <Configuration of Water Application Device 1A> The configuration of the water application apparatus 1A will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of the paper in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left side, right side, front side, back side, top side, and bottom side of the water application apparatus 1A, respectively. Note that the direction of gravity is downward.

[0026] The water applicator 1A 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).

[0027] The water application device 1A includes a package 10, an application mechanism 20, a clamping mechanism 60A, 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 (not shown).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The leaf spring 13 is a metal plate and has 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.

[0031] 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 a roller rotatably supported by the shaft 16. The upper end of the supply member 17 is housed in the housing 11 through 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.

[0032] The supply motor rotates the supply member 17. When the supply member 17 rotates clockwise in left side view, the label L arranged at the bottom of the label stack 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 conveying path R. Therefore, the rear is upstream in the conveying direction on the conveying path R, and the front is downstream in the conveying direction on the conveying path R. The label L is conveyed on the conveying path R parallel to the longitudinal direction of the label L. Therefore, the length of the label L in the conveying direction is length D1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the coating mechanism 20 is provided downstream of the package 10 in the conveyance direction. The coating mechanism 20 includes a water tank 21, a shaft 22, a coating member 23, and a coating motor (not shown). The water tank 21 has 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.

[0034] 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. Both left - right ends of the shaft 22 are fixed to the water tank 21 (see FIG. )The coating member 23 has a cylindrical shape 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 a roller rotatably supported by the shaft 22.

[0035] 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 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 up - down 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 label L supplied forward from the supply member 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 called the sandwiching position RC. Although details will be described later, the coating member 23 sandwiches the label L with the sandwiching member 63 at the sandwiching position RC.

[0036] The coating motor rotates the coating member 23. When the coating member 23 rotates, water 9 adheres to the surface of the coating member 23. When the coating member 23 rotates clockwise in a left - side view, the label L is conveyed forward and water 9 is coated on the second surface F2 of the label L (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0037] The clamping mechanism 60A is provided downstream of the package 10 in the conveying direction and above the coating mechanism 20. The clamping mechanism 60A has a shaft 62, a clamping member 63, a clamping motor (not shown), and a water removal mechanism 91. The shaft 62 is provided above the conveying path R and extends in the left-right direction.

[0038] The clamping member 63 is cylindrical and has an axis extending in the left-right direction. The material of the clamping member 63 is, for example, silicone rubber. The clamping member 63 is a roller rotatably supported on the shaft 62. In a plan view, the clamping member 63 is disposed inside the water tub 21 (see FIG. 4).

[0039] The lower end of the clamping member 63 is located on the transport path R, and is located slightly above the upper end of the applying member 23 with a gap therebetween. More specifically, the lower end of the clamping member 63 is located above the upper end of the applying member 23 by a length equal to or shorter than the thickness of the label L. Therefore, when the clamping member 63 is located at the clamping position RC with the applying member 23 in contact with the label L from below, the clamping member 63 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above and clamps the label L between itself and the applying member 23. Both left and right ends of the clamping member 63 are located inside both left and right ends of the applying member 23 and outside both left and right ends of the label L.

[0040] The clamping motor rotates the clamping member 63. When the clamping member 63 rotates counterclockwise in a left side view, the label L is transported forward. Therefore, the counterclockwise rotation direction in a left side view is the upstream rotation direction of the clamping member 63, and the counterclockwise rotation direction in a left side view is the downstream rotation direction of the clamping member 63.

[0041] 3 and 4, the water removal mechanism 91 is separate from the clamping member 63 and removes the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. In the water application device 1A, the water removal mechanism 91 is a blade that comes into contact with the surface of the clamping member 63 and scrapes off the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the water removal mechanism 91 extends obliquely downward and forward in a left side view, and the water removal mechanism 91 contacts the rear upper end of the clamping member 63. The contact portion between the water removal mechanism 91 and the clamping member 63 is referred to as a contact portion 911. In other words, the contact portion 911 contacts the clamping member 63 on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the clamping member 63 with respect to the clamping position RC. Therefore, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is removed from the clamping member 63 before reaching the clamping position RC.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the contact portion 911 extends obliquely rightward and rearward when viewed from above, and is inclined with respect to the rotational direction of the clamping member 63. Both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the contact portion 911 are located outside both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the clamping member 63, and are substantially at the same positions as both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the coating member 23. Therefore, when the clamping member 63 rotates around the shaft 62, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is removed to the right side of the clamping member 63 by the water removal mechanism 91. Here, the above direction is the radial direction of the clamping member 63, and the right side is the axial direction of the clamping member 63. The water 9 removed to the right side of the clamping member 63 drops and is collected in the water tank 21.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the detection output unit 80 is provided downstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the coating mechanism 20 and the clamping mechanism 60A in the conveyance path R. The detection output unit 80 is separated from the clamping position RC by a length D3 forward. The length D3 is smaller than the length D1 in the conveyance direction of the label L (D3 < D1). Therefore, the label L that has passed through the coating member 23 reaches the detection output unit 80. The detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed through the coating member 23.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the detection output unit 80 is a transmissive photosensor and includes a light emitting element 81 and a light receiving element 82. The light emitting element 81 is provided below the conveyance path R and irradiates light upward toward the label L conveyed on the conveyance path R. The light emitting element 81 is, for example, an infrared light emitting diode that emits infrared rays. The light receiving element 82 is provided above the light emitting element 81 with the conveyance path R therebetween, and detects the light irradiated 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 rays.

[0046] When a label L is present between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 (see FIG. 3), 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 1A determines whether or not the label L has passed through the application member 23 based on the level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82.

[0047] <Application to Label L> 1 to 3, a method for applying water 9 to labels L using the water applicator 1A 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 water applicator 1A rotates the applicator member 23 a predetermined number of times using the applicator motor. Water 9 contained in the water tank 21 adheres to the surface of the applicator member 23.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the water applicator 1A conveys the label L by rotating the supply member 17, the applicator 23, and the clamping member 63 using a supply motor, an applicator motor, and a clamping motor. 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 applicator 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 label L is conveyed to the clamping position RC, where it is clamped between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63. While conveying the label L, the water applicator 1A applies water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L using the applicator 23.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the label L that has passed the applicator 23 is positioned between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. The detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed the applicator 23, and the light-receiving element 82 outputs a detection signal. The user removes the label L forward along the transport path R. The label L is no longer between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82, and the level of the voltage output by the light-receiving element 82 changes. The water applicator 1A determines that the label L has been removed, and starts applying water to the next label L.

[0050] <Actions and Effects of First Embodiment> As described above, the water applicator 1A includes the supply member 17, the applicator 23, the clamping member 63, and the water removal mechanism 91. The supply member 17 transports the label L toward the applicator 23. The applicator 23 contacts the second side F2 of the label L transported by the supply member 17 and applies water 9 to the second side F2. The clamping member 63 contacts the first side F1 of the label L and clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 23. The water removal mechanism 91 is separate from the clamping member 63 and removes water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. Accordingly, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is removed from the clamping member 63 by the water removal mechanism 91. Therefore, the water applicator 1A can prevent water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first side F1 of the label L.

[0051] In the water application device 1A, the holding member 63 is a roller. This allows the water application device 1A to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0052] In the water application device 1A, the water removal mechanism 91 includes a blade that comes into contact with the surface of the clamping member 63 and scrapes off the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. As the water removal mechanism 91 is a blade, the water application device 1A can move and remove the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from the clamping member 63. Therefore, the water application device 1A can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0053] In the water application device 1A, the water removal mechanism 91 contacts the clamping member 63 upstream of the clamping position RC in the rotation direction of the clamping member 63. This allows the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 to be removed from the clamping member 63 before it reaches the clamping position RC. Therefore, the water application device 1A can further prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0054] In the water application device 1A, the contact portion 911 extends to the rear right when viewed from above, and is inclined with respect to the direction of rotation of the clamping member 63. As a result, when the clamping member 63 rotates around the shaft 62, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is removed by the water removal mechanism 91 to the right, which is the axial direction of the clamping member 63. Therefore, the water application device 1A can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0055] The water application device 1A has a water tank 21 that stores water 9. The water tank 21 collects the water 9 removed from the clamping members 63. Accordingly, the water removal mechanism 91 moves and removes the water 9 adhering to the clamping members 63. The water 9 removed from the clamping members 63 falls and is collected in the water tank 21. Therefore, the water application device 1A can prevent the water 9 removed from the clamping members 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0056] In the water application device 1A, the application member 23 is a roller, and a portion of the application member 23 is immersed in the water 9 contained in the water tank 21. As the application member 23 of the water application device 1A is a roller, the water application device 1A can apply the water 9 evenly to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0057] <Modification of the first embodiment> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the first embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradictions arise, and it goes without saying that they can also be applied to other embodiments as appropriate as long as no contradictions arise. In the description of the modifications, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components having the same shape or function as the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0058] A modified clamping mechanism 61A will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The clamping mechanism 61A differs from the clamping mechanism 60A in that it has a water removal mechanism 910 instead of the water removal mechanism 91. The contact portion 912 of the water removal mechanism 910 has a mountain shape that protrudes forward when viewed from above. As described above, the contact portion 912 of the water removal mechanism 910 only needs to be inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the clamping member 63 when viewed from the radial direction of the clamping member 63. The contact portion 912 may have an arc shape that protrudes forward when viewed from above, or may be inclined to the left rear when viewed from above. The direction in which the contact portion 912 is viewed may be changed as appropriate depending on the position at which the contact portion 912 contacts the clamping member 63.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, 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 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 clamping member 63. In this way, the application member 123 may be an impregnated member impregnated with water 9. This allows the water application device 1A to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. 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.

[0060] Another modification of the first embodiment will be described. The water applicator 1A applies water 9 to sheet-like labels L. Alternatively, the water applicator 1A may apply water 9 to long labels L. In this case, the long labels L may be stored in the housing 11 of the package 10 in a rolled state, or may be stored folded like fanfold paper.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the label L is transported from the package 10 to the applicator 23 by the rotation of the supply member 17, which is a roller. However, 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 top end of the supply member 17 to the top end of the applicator 23 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the transport 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 transporting the label L toward the applicator 23 between the supply member 17 and the applicator 23 on the transport path R. Instead of using the supply member 17, the label L may be transported by the user pulling it forward.

[0062] The configuration, shape, material, number, arrangement, etc. of the blade water removal mechanism 91 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the water removal mechanism 91 may be composed of a first blade that contacts the upper rear end of the clamping member 63 and a second blade that contacts the lower rear end of the clamping member 63.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the contact portion 911 comes into contact with the clamping member 63 upstream of the clamping position RC in the rotation direction of the clamping member 63. That is, the contact portion 911 comes into contact with the clamping member 63 rearward of the clamping position RC, which is the center of the clamping member 63 in the front-to-rear direction. In contrast, the contact portion 911 may come into contact with the clamping member 63 downstream of the clamping position RC in the rotation direction of the clamping member 63. That is, the contact portion 911 may come into contact with the clamping member 63 forward of the clamping position RC.

[0064] In the first embodiment, water application device 1A has water tank 21 that stores water 9, and application member 23 is partially immersed in water 9 stored in water tank 21. In contrast, water application device 1A may not have water tank 21, but may have a nozzle that sprays water 9 onto application member 23. When application member 123, which is an impregnated member, applies label L instead of application member 23, water application device 1A may not have water tank 21. Water application device 1A may have a container, separate from water tank 21, that collects water 9 removed from clamping member 63.

[0065] <Special Notes on the First Embodiment> The water application device 1A is an example of a "water application device" of the present invention. The label L is an example of a "medium" 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 supply member 17 is an example of a "conveying section" of the present invention. The application members 23 and 123 are an example of an "application member" of the present invention. The clamping member 63 is an example of a "clamping member" or "roller" of the present invention. The water removal mechanisms 91 and 910 are examples of a "water removal mechanism" or "blade" of the present invention. The clamping position RC is an example of a "clamping position" of the present invention. The contact sections 911 and 912 are examples of a "contact section" of the present invention. The water tank 21 is an example of a "water tank" or "recovery section" of the present invention.

[0066] Second Embodiment A water application apparatus 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of the page in FIG. 7 will refer to the left side, right side, front side, rear side, top side, and bottom side of the water application apparatus 1B, respectively. The direction of gravity is downward. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and in the second embodiment and the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments described below, components having the same shape or function as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0067] 7 and 8 includes a clamping mechanism 60B. The clamping mechanism 60B differs from the clamping mechanism 60A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that it includes a water removal mechanism 92 instead of the water removal mechanism 91.

[0068] The water removal mechanism 92 is a spraying device that blows air onto the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 92 is provided at a distance above and behind the clamping member 63 when viewed from the left side (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 8, the water removal mechanism 92 is provided at a distance above and to the left of the clamping member 63 when viewed from the front. The water removal mechanism 92 has a nozzle 921 that ejects air. The water removal mechanism 92 blows air from the nozzle 921 onto the surface of the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 92 blows air to the right. The right is the axial direction of the clamping member 63. Water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is removed to the right from the clamping member 63 by the air blown from the water removal mechanism 92. The water 9 removed from the clamping member 63 falls and is collected in the water tank 21.

[0069] <Actions and Effects of Second Embodiment> In the water application device 1B, the water removal mechanism 92 includes a spraying device that blows air onto the clamping members 63. As the water removal mechanism 92 is a spraying device, the water application device 1B can remove the water 9 adhering to the clamping members 63 by moving it away from the clamping members 63 without contacting the member. Therefore, the water application device 1B can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping members 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0070] In the water application device 1B, the water removal mechanism 92 blows air to the right, which is the axial direction of the clamping member 63. As a result, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is moved by the air in the axial direction of the clamping member 63 and removed. Therefore, the water application device 1B can further prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0071] <Modification of the second embodiment> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the second embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradictions arise, and it goes without saying that they can also be applied to other embodiments as appropriate as long as no contradictions arise. In the description of the modifications, components having the same shape or function as the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0072] 9 and 10, a modified clamping mechanism 61B will be described. The clamping mechanism 61B differs from the clamping mechanism 60B in that it has a clamping member 163 instead of the clamping member 63 and a water removal mechanism 920 instead of the water removal mechanism 92.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9 , the clamping member 163 is a metal plate-like member having elasticity. The clamping member 163 includes an extending portion 164 and a contact portion 165. The extending portion 164 slopes downward as it extends forward. The contact portion 165 extends forward from the lower front end of the extending portion 164. The lower surface of the contact portion 165 is curved in an arc-like shape that protrudes downward when viewed from the left side. The lower end of the contact portion 165 is located at the clamping position RC and contacts the first surface F1 of the label L from above. The clamping member 163 clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 23. In this way, the clamping member 163 may be plate-shaped. This allows the water applicator 1B to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. The clamping member 163 may be plate-shaped, and its shape, material, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] The water removal mechanism 920 is positioned differently from the water removal mechanism 92, but has the same configuration as the water removal mechanism 92. As shown in FIG. 10, the water removal mechanism 920 is located to the left of the contact portion 165. The water removal mechanism 920 blows air from a nozzle 921 onto the underside of the contact portion 165. The water removal mechanism 920 blows air onto a portion of the underside of the contact portion 165 that is rearward of the clamping position RC (see FIG. 9), but may also blow air onto a portion of the underside of the contact portion 165 that is forward of the clamping position RC. The water removal mechanism 92 blows air to the right. The right is a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. Water 9 adhering to the contact portion 165 of the clamping member 163 is removed to the right by the air blown from the water removal mechanism 920. The water 9 removed from the clamping member 163 falls and is collected in the water tank 21.

[0075] As in the modified water application device 1B, the water removal mechanism 920 may blow air onto the clamping member 163, which is a plate, to remove the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 163. In this case, the water application device 1B can also remove the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 by moving it away from the clamping member 63 without contacting it. Therefore, the water application device 1B can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0076] As in the modified water application device 1B, the water removal mechanism 920 blows air to the right, perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the label L. This causes the water 9 adhering to the clamping members 63 to move in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction and be removed. Therefore, the water application device 1B can further prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping members 163 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0077] Other modifications of the second embodiment will be described. The configuration, shape, material, number, arrangement, etc. of the water removal mechanism 92, which is a spraying device, may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the direction in which the water removal mechanism 92 blows air may be changed as appropriate. For example, the water removal mechanism 92 may be composed of a first spraying device and a second spraying device. The first spraying device and the second spraying device are disposed in the center of the clamping member 63 in the left-right direction. The first spraying device blows air to the right toward the clamping member 63, and the second spraying device blows air to the left toward the clamping member 63. The first spraying device and the second spraying device may blow air in the same direction. The direction in which the water removal mechanism 92 blows air is not limited to the axial direction of the clamping member 63 or the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0078] The application mechanism 20 may have an application member 123 (see FIG. 6) which is an impregnating member instead of the application member 23.

[0079] <Special Notes on the Second Embodiment> The water application device 1B is an example of the "water application device" of the present invention. The water removal mechanisms 92 and 920 are examples of the "water removal mechanism" and "spraying device" of the present invention. The clamping member 163 is an example of the "clamping member" and "plate" of the present invention.

[0080] Third Embodiment A water application apparatus 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of the paper in Fig. 11 will be referred to as the left side, right side, front side, rear side, top side, and bottom side of the water application apparatus 1C, respectively. Note that the direction of gravity is downward.

[0081] The water application device 1C has a clamping mechanism 60C. The clamping mechanism 60C differs from the clamping mechanism 60A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that it has a water removal mechanism 93 instead of the water removal mechanism 91. The water removal mechanism 93 is an absorbent that comes into contact with the surface of the clamping member 63 and absorbs water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 93 is, for example, a dry sponge or gel. The water removal mechanism 93 comes into contact with the upper rear end of the clamping member 63. Although not shown, the water removal mechanism 93 extends in the left-right direction over the entire left-right area of ​​the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 93 absorbs and removes water 9 adhering to the surface of the clamping member 63.

[0082] <Actions and Effects of Third Embodiment> In the water application device 1C, the water removal mechanism 93 is an absorbent that comes into contact with the clamping member 63 and absorbs the water 9. As the water removal mechanism 93 is an absorbent, the water application device 1C absorbs and removes the water 9 that has adhered to the surface of the clamping member 63. Therefore, the water application device 1C can prevent the water 9 that has adhered to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0083] <Modification of the third embodiment> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the third embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0084] The configuration, shape, material, number, arrangement, etc. of the water removal mechanism 93, which is an absorbent, may be changed as appropriate. For example, the water removal mechanism 93 may be composed of a first absorbent that contacts the upper rear end of the clamping member 63 and a second absorbent that contacts the lower rear end of the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 93 contacts the clamping member 63 rearward of the clamping position RC, which is the center of the clamping member 63 in the front-to-rear direction. In contrast, the water removal mechanism 93 may contact the clamping member 63 downstream of the clamping position RC in the rotation direction of the clamping member 63. In other words, the water removal mechanism 93 may contact the clamping member 63 forward of the center of the clamping member 63 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] The clamping mechanism 60C may have a clamping member 163 (see FIG. 9) which is a plate instead of the clamping member 63. The application mechanism 20 may have an application member 123 (see FIG. 6) which is an impregnating member instead of the application member 23.

[0086] <Special Notes on the Third Embodiment> The water application device 1B is an example of the "water application device" of the present invention. The water removal mechanism 93 is an example of the "water removal mechanism" and "absorber" of the present invention.

[0087] <Fourth embodiment> A water application apparatus 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of the paper in Fig. 12 will be referred to as the left side, right side, front side, rear side, top side, and bottom side of the water application apparatus 1D, respectively. Note that the direction of gravity is downward.

[0088] The water application device 1D has a clamping mechanism 60D. The clamping mechanism 60D differs from the clamping mechanism 60A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that it has a water removal mechanism 94 instead of the water removal mechanism 91. The water removal mechanism 94 is a suction device that sucks water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 94 has a head 941, a pump 942, and a tube 943.

[0089] The head 941 is provided at a distance above and behind the clamping member 63 in left side view, and opens toward the clamping member 63. The pump 942 is a rotary pump that creates a negative pressure inside the water removal mechanism 94. A tube 943 connects the head 941 and the pump 942. When the pump 942 creates a negative pressure inside the water removal mechanism 94, the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is sucked into the water removal mechanism 94 via the head 941.

[0090] <Actions and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> In the water application device 1D, the water removal mechanism 94 is a suction device that sucks up the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63. Since the water removal mechanism 94 is a suction device, the water application device 1D moves and removes the water 9 adhering to the surface of the clamping member 63 without contact. Therefore, the water application device 1D can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0091] <Modification of the Fourth Embodiment> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the fourth embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0092] The configuration, shape, material, number, arrangement, etc. of the water removal mechanism 94, which is a suction device, may be changed as appropriate. For example, the water removal mechanism 94 may have a first head spaced apart above and behind the clamping member 63, and a second head spaced apart below and behind the clamping member 63. The pump 942 is not limited to being a rotary pump, and may be, for example, a diffusion pump.

[0093] The clamping mechanism 60D may have a clamping member 163 (see FIG. 9) which is a plate instead of the clamping member 63. The application mechanism 20 may have an application member 123 (see FIG. 6) which is an impregnating member instead of the application member 23.

[0094] <Special Notes on the Fourth Embodiment> The water application device 1D is an example of the "water application device" of the present invention. The water removal mechanism 94 is an example of the "water removal mechanism" and "suction device" of the present invention.

[0095] Fifth Embodiment A water application apparatus 1E according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Hereinafter, the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of the paper in Fig. 13 will be referred to as the left side, right side, front side, rear side, top side, and bottom side of the water application apparatus 1E, respectively. Note that the direction of gravity is downward.

[0096] The water application apparatus 1E shown in FIG. 13 has a clamping mechanism 60E. The clamping mechanism 60E differs from the clamping mechanism 60A (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment in that it has a water removal mechanism 95 instead of the water removal mechanism 91. The water removal mechanism 95 is a heater that is provided at a distance above and rearward of the clamping member 63 and heats the clamping member 63. The water removal mechanism 95 is, for example, a resistance heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied. The water removal mechanism 95 may be a metal heating element such as tungsten, or a non-metal heating element such as silicon carbide. The water removal mechanism 95 is connected to a power supply (not shown) that applies voltage to the water removal mechanism 95. The water removal mechanism 95 generates heat when voltage is applied from the power supply. The water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 is heated by the water removal mechanism 95 and evaporates.

[0097] <Actions and Effects of Fifth Embodiment> In the water application device 1E, the water removal mechanism 95 is a heater that heats the clamping member 63. Since the water removal mechanism 95 is a heater, the water application device 1E evaporates and removes the water 9 adhering to the surface of the clamping member 63. Therefore, the water application device 1E can prevent the water 9 adhering to the clamping member 63 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0098] <Modification of the Fifth Embodiment> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the fifth embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0099] The configuration, shape, material, number, arrangement, etc. of the water removal mechanism 95, which is a heater, may be changed as appropriate. For example, the water removal mechanism 95 may be housed in the shaft 62 and heat the clamping member 63 via the shaft 62. The water removal mechanism 95 may have a first heater spaced apart above and behind the clamping member 63, and a second heater spaced apart below and behind the clamping member 63.

[0100] The clamping mechanism 60E may have a clamping member 163 (see FIG. 9) that is a plate instead of the clamping member 63. The application mechanism 20 may have an application member 123 (see FIG. 6) that is an impregnating member instead of the application member 23.

[0101] <Special Notes on the Fifth Embodiment> The water application device 1E is an example of the "water application device" of the present invention. The water removal mechanism 95 is an example of the "water removal mechanism" and "heater" of the present invention.

[0102] Note that water application devices 1A to 1E may combine two or more of water removal mechanisms 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95 to remove water 9 adhering to clamping member 63. For example, water application device 1B combines water removal mechanism 92, which is a spraying device, with water removal mechanism 95, which is a heater, and blows air heated by the heater onto clamping member 63, thereby heating clamping member 63 while moving water 9 with the air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Water application equipment 17 Supply materials 21 Aquarium 23, 123 Coating material 63, 163 Clamping member 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 910, 920 Water removal mechanism 911, 912 contact points

Claims

1. A water application device that applies water to a second surface of a medium opposite to the first surface and having a water-activated adhesive thereon, a conveying unit that conveys the medium; an applicator that comes into contact with the second surface of the medium transported by the transport unit and applies the water to the second surface; a clamping member that contacts the first surface and clamps the medium between the clamping member and the application member; a water removal mechanism that is separate from the clamping member and removes water adhering to the clamping member from the clamping member; A water application device comprising:

2. 2. The water application device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is a rotatable roller.

3. The water application device according to claim 2 , wherein the water removal mechanism includes a blade that contacts the roller and scrapes off the water.

4. 4. The water applicator according to claim 3, wherein the blade contacts the roller upstream in the direction of rotation of the roller from a clamping position where the medium is clamped between the roller and the applicator member.

5. The water application device according to claim 3 , wherein a contact portion of the blade with the roller is inclined with respect to a rotation direction of the roller when viewed from a radial direction of the roller.

6. 3. The water application device according to claim 2, wherein the water removal mechanism includes a blowing device that blows air onto the roller.

7. The water application device according to claim 6, wherein the spraying device blows the air in the axial direction of the roller.

8. 7. The water application device according to claim 3, wherein the water removal mechanism further comprises a recovery unit that recovers the water removed from the roller.

9. 2. The water application device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is a plate.

10. The water application device according to claim 9, wherein the water removal mechanism includes a spray device that blows air onto the plate.

11. The water application device according to claim 10, wherein the spraying device sprays the air in a direction perpendicular to a transport direction of the medium.

12. 2. The water application device according to claim 1, wherein the water removal mechanism includes an absorber that contacts the clamping member and absorbs the water.

13. The water application device according to claim 1 , wherein the water removal mechanism includes a suction device that sucks the water adhering to the holding member.

14. The water application device according to claim 1 , wherein the water removal mechanism includes a heater that heats the clamping member.

15. the application member is a roller, a water tank for containing the water, A part of the application member is immersed in the water contained in the water tank. The water application device according to claim 1 .

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

Images