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 has a supply member, an application member 23, and a sandwiching member 63. The supply member 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 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. Both ends in a lateral direction of the sandwiching member 63 are located at the inner side relative to both ends in the lateral direction of the application member 23 when viewed from the front.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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.

[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 equipped with a conveying unit that conveys the medium, an application member that contacts the second surface of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit and applies the water to the second surface, and a clamping member that contacts the first surface and clamps the medium between the clamping member and the first surface, and is characterized in that when viewed from the conveying direction of the medium, both ends of the clamping member in the width direction are located inside both ends of the medium in the width direction.

[0007] In the water applicator of the present invention, the clamping member clamps the medium between itself and the applicator. When viewed from the conveyance direction, both ends of the clamping member in the width direction are inside both ends of the medium in the width direction. Therefore, the clamping member is shielded by the medium and is not exposed to the applicator. This allows the water applicator to prevent water from adhering to the first surface of the medium.

[0008] The water applicator of the present invention may include a regulating unit provided on a first width direction side of the clamping member, which is one of the width directions, and proximate to the first surface of the medium transported by the transport unit, and an end of the regulating unit in a second width direction opposite to the first width direction may be located between the end of the clamping member in the first width direction and the end of the medium in the first width direction. In this way, the portion of the medium closer to the clamping member in the first width direction is prevented from lifting up by the regulating unit. This allows the water applicator to prevent the medium from lifting up and causing insufficient application of water to the second surface.

[0009] In the present invention, the first width direction end of the restricting portion may be located closer to the first width direction than the first width direction end of the medium. This allows the first width direction end of the restricting portion to be positioned closer to the first width direction than the first width direction end of the medium, thereby preventing the first width direction end of the medium that is prone to lifting from lifting up by the restricting portion. This further prevents the water application device from insufficiently applying water to the second surface due to lifting up of the medium.

[0010] In the present invention, the applicator may be in the form of a roller. With this, since the applicator is in the form of a roller, the water applicator can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0011] The water application device of the present invention may have a water tank for storing the water, and a portion of the application member may be immersed in the water stored in the water tank. In this way, since a portion of the application member is immersed in water, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0012] In the present invention, 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.

[0013] In the present invention, the holding member may be in the form of a roller. With this, since the holding member is in the form of a roller, the water application device can apply water uniformly to the second surface.

[0014] In the present invention, the holding member may be in the form of a plate. With this, since the holding member is a plate, the water application device can apply water to the second surface with a simple configuration.

[0015] In the present invention, the clamping member may be movable between a clamping position where it contacts the first surface of the medium and clamps the medium between itself and the applying member, and a retracted position different from the clamping position and spaced apart from the applying member, and the device may include a drive unit that moves the clamping member between the clamping position and the retracted position, and a control unit that controls the drive unit to place the clamping member in the retracted position when the applying member and the clamping member are not clamping the medium. According to this configuration, the clamping member is moved between the clamping position and the retracted position by the movement drive unit. The clamping position is a position where it contacts the first surface of the medium and clamps the medium between itself and the applying member. The retracted position is a position different from the clamping position and spaced apart from the applying member. By placing the clamping member in the retracted position when the applying member and the clamping member are not clamping the medium, the water application device can prevent water from the applying member from adhering to the first surface of the medium, compared to when the clamping member is not placed in the retracted position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [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] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 when the clamping member 63 is placed at the clamping position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the water application device 1 when the clamping member 63 is placed in the clamping position. [Figure 5] 1 is a left side view showing a water application device 1 that conveys labels L while applying water 9 to the labels L. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a view showing the water application device 1 when the holding member 63 is placed at the retracted position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water application device 1. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 when a clamping member 163 of a modified example is placed at the clamping position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 when the clamping member 163 of the modified example is placed at the retracted position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 having a modified application member 123 and when the clamping member 63 is placed in the clamping position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the water application device 1 having a modified application member 123 and when the holding member 63 is placed at the retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an 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.

[0018] <Configuration of water application device 1> The configuration of the water application apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. 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 in this embodiment, the up-down direction is used for convenience of explanation and is not limited to the vertical direction.

[0019] 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).

[0020] The water application device 1 includes a package 10, an application mechanism 20, a clamping mechanism 50, a regulating unit 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. 7).

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 constantly urges the label stack L0 downward toward the bottom plate of the housing 11.

[0024] The shaft 16 is provided below the discharge opening 12 and extends in the left-right direction. The longitudinal position of the axis of the shaft 16 is located rearward of the front end of the housing 11 and at approximately the same position 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 by 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the coating mechanism 20, the clamping mechanism 50, and the regulating unit 70 (see FIG. 1) are 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. 7). The water tank 21 is box-shaped and open upward. The water tank 21 stores water 9. The water 9 is for coating the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0027] The shaft 22 is accommodated in the water tank 21 and extends in the left-right direction. 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 the shape of a roller rotatably supported by the shaft 22. The upper end of the coating member 23 is located above the water surface of the water 9 and is substantially at the same position as the upper end of the supply member 17 in the up-down direction. That is, a part of the coating member 23 is immersed in the water 9 stored in the water tank 21. The upper end of the coating member 23 is separated from the upper end of the supply member 17 by a length D2 in the forward direction. 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. Both left and right ends of the coating member 23 in the left-right direction are located outside both left and right ends of the label L when viewed from the front (see FIG. 4).

[0028] 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 FIG. 5).

[0029] The clamping mechanism 50 is provided above the application mechanism 20. The clamping mechanism 50 has a moving mechanism 61, a shaft 62, a clamping member 63, and a clamping motor 52. The moving mechanism 61 includes a pinion gear 57, a rack gear 58, a connecting plate 59, and an elevation motor 54.

[0030] The pinion gear 57 is generally cylindrical with an axis extending in the left-right direction. A plurality of teeth extending radially of the pinion gear 57 are arranged circumferentially of the pinion gear 57 on the side of the pinion gear 57. The pinion gear 57 is rotatable around the axis. The rack gear 58 is plate-shaped and extends vertically. A plurality of teeth extending rearward are arranged vertically on the rear surface of the rack gear 58. The teeth of the pinion gear 57 and the teeth of the rack gear 58 mesh with each other. The rack gear 58 moves vertically due to the rotation of the pinion gear 57. The lower end of the vertical movement range of the rack gear 58 is located above the upper end of the applying member 23 (see Figure 5). The connecting plate 59 extends forward from the lower end of the rack gear 58.

[0031] The lifting motor 54 rotates the pinion gear 57. When the pinion gear 57 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side, the rack gear 58 and the connecting plate 59 move downward (see FIG. 3). When the pinion gear 57 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side, the rack gear 58 and the connecting plate 59 move upward (see FIG. 6).

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the shaft 62 is connected to the front end of the connecting plate 59 and extends in the left-right direction. The clamping member 63 is cylindrical with 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 in the form of a roller that is rotatably supported on the shaft 62. The left-right ends of the clamping member 63 are located inside the left-right ends of the applying member 23 when viewed from the front (see Figure 4).

[0033] The clamping member 63 moves vertically together with the rack gear 58. The lower end of the vertical movement range of the clamping member 63 is called the clamping position (see FIG. 5). The lower end of the clamping member 63 at the clamping position 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 at the clamping position 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 positioned at the clamping position 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 (see FIG. 5). In the conveyance path R of the label L, the position where the label L is clamped between the applying member 23 and the clamping member 63 is called the clamped position RC. The left and right ends of the clamping member 63 are located inside the left and right ends of the label L when viewed from the front (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The upper end of the vertical movement range of the clamping member 63 is called the retracted position (see FIG. 2). The lower end of the clamping member 63 positioned in the retracted position is spaced above the label L being transported along the transport path R. Therefore, the label L is not clamped between the application member 23 and the clamping member 63 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the retracted position is a position of the clamping member 63 that is different from the clamping position, and is a position of the clamping member 63 that is spaced away from the application member 23.

[0035] The clamping motor 52 rotates the clamping member 63. When the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side, the label L is transported forward. In this embodiment, the application member 23 and the clamping member 63 are both rollers. The application member 23 and the clamping member 63 perform nip transport, whereby the label L is transported.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the regulating portion 70 is provided above the application mechanism 20. For ease of explanation, the regulating portion 70 is not shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. The regulating portion 70 has a right regulating portion 71 and a left regulating portion 72. The right regulating portion 71 is provided to the right of the clamping member 63 located in the clamping position. The left regulating portion 72 is provided to the left of the clamping member 63 located in the clamping position. The right regulating portion 71 and the left regulating portion 72 have a symmetrical structure with the clamping member 63 in between. In the following explanation, the structure of the right regulating portion 71 will be mainly described, and the structure of the left regulating portion 72 will be briefly described.

[0037] The right regulating portion 71 includes plate portions 73 and 74. The plate portion 73 is provided above the applying member 23 and extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of the plate portion 73 is spaced upward from the upper end of the applying member 23. More specifically, the lower end of the plate portion 73 is close to the first surface F1 of the label L conveyed along the conveyance path R and is spaced slightly upward from the first surface F1. Therefore, the label L can pass through the gap between the applying member 23 and the plate portion 73.

[0038] The left end of the plate portion 73 is located in the left-right direction between the right end of the clamping member 63 located in the clamping position and the right end of the label L. The right end of the plate portion 73 is located in the left-right direction between the right end of the label L and the right end of the applying member 23. Therefore, the plate portion 73 prevents the portion of the label L to the right of the clamping member 63 from lifting up from the applying member 23.

[0039] Plate portion 74 extends upward from the left end of plate portion 73. The upper end of plate portion 74 is located higher than the upper end of clamping member 63 located in the clamping position, and lower than the lower end of clamping member 63 located in the retracted position. Therefore, when clamping member 63 is moved between the clamping position and the retracted position by movement mechanism 61, it is guided by plate portion 74. Plate portion 74 restricts clamping member 63 located in the retracted position from moving to the right.

[0040] The left regulation unit 72 includes plate parts 75 and 76. The plate part 75 has a configuration corresponding to the plate part 73. The lower end of the plate part 75 is spaced upward from the upper end of the coating member 23 and is slightly spaced upward from the label L conveyed along the conveyance path R. The right end of the plate part 75 is positioned between the left end of the clamping member 63 located at the clamping position and the left end of the label L in the left-right direction. The left end of the plate part 75 is positioned between the left end of the label L and the left end of the coating member 23 in the left-right direction. The plate part 76 has a configuration corresponding to the plate part 74. The plate part 76 extends upward from the right end of the plate part 75. The upper end of the plate part 76 is positioned above the upper end of the clamping member 63 located at the clamping position and is positioned below the lower end of the clamping member 63 located at the retracted position.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the detection output unit 80 is provided downstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the coating mechanism 20 and the clamping mechanism 50 in the conveyance path R. More specifically, the detection output unit 80 is separated forward by a length D3 from the upper end of the coating member 23. The length D3 is smaller than the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction (D3 < D1). Therefore, the leading end LT of the label L conveyed forward from the coating member 23 reaches the detection output unit 80. The detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed between the coating member 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position. That is, the detection output unit 80 detects the label L coated by the coating member 23.

[0042] 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 upward light 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.

[0043] When a label L is present between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82 (see FIG. 6), 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 between the application member 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position 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.

[0044] <Electrical configuration of water application device 1> The electrical configuration of the water application device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. 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.

[0045] 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. 8) described below. RAM 33 temporarily stores various data used in the control programs, etc.

[0046] The drive circuits 41 to 44, the detection output unit 80, the operation unit 35, and the display unit 36 ​​are electrically connected to the substrate 90 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 42 is connected to the clamping motor 52. The drive circuit 42 rotates the clamping motor 52 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 44 is connected to the lifting motor 54. The drive circuit 44 rotates the lifting motor 54 based on a control signal received from the CPU 31.

[0047] 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 clamping motor 52 is provided with an encoder 52A. The encoder 52A detects the rotational position of the clamping motor 52 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 lifting motor 54 is provided with an encoder 54A. The encoder 54A detects the rotational position of the lifting motor 54 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, 52A, and 53A. The CPU 31 identifies the vertical position of the clamping member 63 based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 54A.

[0048] 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.

[0049] <Application to Label L> 1 to 6, 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 clamping members 63 are placed in the retracted position, and the label L is not transported along 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 application 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.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 31 rotates the supply member 17 and the application member 23 using the supply motor 53 and the application motor 51 to transport the label L. One label L is discharged from the label stack L0 through the discharge port 12 of the package 10. The supply member 17 supplies the label L toward the application member 23. The leading edge LT of the label L passes through the gap between the application member 23 and the regulating unit 70 and reaches the clamped position RC. When the leading edge LT of the label L reaches the clamped position RC, the CPU 31 stops the supply motor 53 and the application motor 51 to stop the supply of the label L. The upper end of the application member 23 is covered by the label L from above.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, the CPU 31 causes the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the retracted position to the clamping position. As shown in Fig. 4, the clamping member 63 moves downward while being guided by the right regulating portion 71 and the left regulating portion 72. The clamping member 63 placed in the clamping position clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 23. Because the upper end of the applicator 23 is covered from above by the label L, the water 9 adhering to the applicator 23 does not adhere to the clamping member 63.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 31 rotates the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63 using the applicator motor 51 and the clamping motor 52, thereby conveying the label L forward. The applicator 23 applies water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L. The label L is placed between the light-emitting element 81 and the light-receiving element 82. The detection output unit 80 detects that the label L has passed between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63, which is positioned at the clamping position, and the light-receiving element 82 outputs a detection signal. When the trailing end LE of the label L reaches the clamped position RC, the CPU 31 stops the applicator motor 51 and the clamping motor 52, thereby stopping application to the label L. The upper end of the applicator 23 remains covered by the label L from above.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 31 causes the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the clamping position to the retracted position. The clamping of the label L between the clamping member 63 and the application member 23 is released. The user pulls the label L forward along the conveyance 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 pulled out, and repeats application to the labels L until the desired number of labels L has been applied.

[0054] <Main processing> The main processing executed by the CPU 31 will be described with reference to Figure 8. 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.

[0055] When the main processing starts, the clamping member 63 is placed in the retracted position, the labels L are not 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] When the CPU 31 determines that it has received an instruction to start applying water to the label 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), and causes the water 9 to adhere to the surface of the applying member 23. The CPU 31 rotates the supply member 17 and the applying member 23 using the supply motor 53 and the applying motor 51, thereby starting the supply of the label L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 (S5).

[0058] The CPU 31 determines whether or not 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 determines that the supply of the label L is complete when the leading edge LT of the label L reaches the clamped position RC based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 51A and 53A. When the CPU 31 determines that the leading edge LT of the label L has not reached the clamped position RC and the supply of the label L to the applying member 23 has not been completed (S6: NO), the processing returns to S6.

[0059] When the CPU 31 determines that the leading edge LT of the label L has reached the clamped position RC and that supply of the label L to the applying member 23 has been completed (S6: YES), it stops the supply motor 53 and the applying motor 51 to stop the supply of the label L (S7). The CPU 31 then causes the lifting motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the retracted position to the clamping position (S8). The clamping member 63 and the applying member 23 that have been placed at the clamping position clamp the label L.

[0060] The CPU 31 rotates the applying member 23 and the clamping member 63 using the applying motor 51 and the clamping motor 52, thereby conveying the label L and starting to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L (S11). 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 between the applying member 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position.

[0061] The CPU 31 determines whether or not application to the label L is complete (S12). In the processing of S12, the CPU 31 determines that application to the label L is complete when the trailing edge LE of the label L reaches the clamped position RC based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 51A and 52A. When the CPU 31 determines that the trailing edge LE of the label L has not reached the clamped position RC and application to the label L is not complete (S12: NO), the processing returns to S12.

[0062] When the CPU 31 determines that the trailing edge LE of the label L has reached the clamped position RC and coating of the label L has been completed (S12: YES), it stops the coating motor 51 and the clamping motor 52 and stops coating of the second surface F2 of the label L (S13). The CPU 31 causes the lifting motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the clamping position to the retracted position (S14).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] <Actions and Effects of This Embodiment> (1-1, 2-9) As described above, the water application device 1 includes the application member 23, the clamping member 63, the lifting motor 54, and the CPU 31. The clamping member 63 is movable between a clamping position (see FIG. 5) and a retracted position (see FIG. 2). The lifting motor 54 positions the clamping member 63 at the clamping position and the retracted position. In the main processing, the CPU 31 positions the clamping member 63 at the retracted position when the application member 23 and the clamping member 63 are not clamping the label L. Accordingly, by positioning the clamping member 63 at the retracted position when the label L is not being clamped between the application member 23 and the clamping member 63, the water application device 1 can prevent water 9 adhering to the application member 23 from adhering to the clamping member 63 and then from the clamping member 63 to the first surface F1 of the label L, compared to when the clamping member 63 is not positioned at the retracted position.

[0066] (1-2, 2-4) In the water applicator 1, the applicator member 23 is roller-shaped. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0067] (1-3) The water applicator 1 has an applicator motor 51 that rotates the applicator member 23. This allows the water applicator 1 to convey the label L while uniformly applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0068] (1-4, 2-7) In the water applicator 1, the clamping member 63 is roller-shaped. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0069] (1-5) The water application device 1 has a clamping motor 52 that rotates the clamping 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.

[0070] (1-7, 2-5) The water application device 1 has a water tank 21 that contains water 9. A portion of the application member 23 is immersed in the water 9 contained in the water tank 21. This allows the water application device 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration.

[0071] (1-12) The water application device 1 has a supply member 17. The supply member 17 supplies the label L toward the application member 23. A length D2 from the upper end of the supply member 17 to the upper end of the application member 23 is shorter than a length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction. Since the length D2 is shorter than the length D1, the water application device 1 can stably supply the label L to the application member 23 using the supply member 17.

[0072] (1-13) The water applicator 1 has a detection output unit 80. The label L that has passed between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position passes between the light-emitting element 81 and the 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 between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position. 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.

[0073] (1-14) In the water applicator 1, the CPU 31 supplies the label L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 (S5). The CPU 31 determines whether supply of the label L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 has been completed (S6). When the CPU 31 determines that supply of the label L to the applicator 23 has been completed (S6: YES), the CPU 31 causes the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the retracted position to the clamping position (S8). In this manner, the water applicator 1 places the clamping member 63 in the clamping position with the label L supplied to the applicator 23. The label L is interposed between the clamping member 63, which has been placed in the clamping position, and the applicator 23. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can prevent water 9 adhering to the applicator 23 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0074] (1-15) The water applicator 1 has 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 CPU 31 determines the conveyance distance of the label L based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A. When determining whether the supply of the label L from the supply member 17 to the applicator 23 is complete (S6), the CPU 31 determines that the supply of the label L is complete if the leading edge LT of the label L reaches the clamped position RC based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A. As a result, when the label L is supplied to the applicator 23, the label L spans between the supply member 17 and the applicator 23 and covers the applicator 23. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can prevent water 9 adhering to the applicator 23 from adhering to the clamping member 63 and then from the clamping member 63 to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0075] (1-18) In the water applicator 1, when the CPU 31 determines that the supply of labels L to the applicator 23 has been completed (S6: YES), it stops the supply motor 53 and the applicator motor 51, thereby stopping the supply of labels L (S7). After the supply of labels L has stopped, the CPU 31 causes the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the retracted position to the clamping position (S8). In this way, the supply of labels L has been stopped when the clamping member 63 is placed in the clamping position. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can stably clamp the labels L between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63, compared to when the clamping member 63 is placed in the clamping position while labels L are being supplied.

[0076] (1-19, 1-22) In the water applicator 1, with the clamping member 63 positioned at the clamping position, the applicator motor 51 rotates the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63 to convey the label L and start applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L (S11). The CPU 31 determines whether application to the label L is complete (S12). In the process of S12, the CPU 31 makes this determination based on the rotation position signals output by the encoders 51A and 52A. When the CPU 31 determines that application to the label L is complete (S12: YES), it causes the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the clamping position to the retracted position (S14). In this way, the water applicator 1 positions the clamping member 63 at the retracted position with the water 9 applied to the second surface F2 of the label L. This allows the water applicator 1 to more reliably apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0077] (1-20, 1-23) When determining whether application to the label L is complete (S12), the CPU 31 determines that application to the label L is complete if the trailing edge LE of the label L reaches the clamped position RC, based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A. According to this, when the clamping member 63 is placed in the retracted position, the trailing edge LE of the label L reaches the clamped position RC. Because the applicator 23 is covered by the trailing edge LE of the label L, the water applicator 1 can prevent the water 9 adhering to the applicator 23 from adhering to the first surface F1 of the label L.

[0078] (1-21) 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 using the applicator 23.

[0079] (1-24) 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 between the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged in the clamping position and the label L 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. After the clamping member 63 is arranged in the retracted position, 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 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.

[0080] (2-1) The water application device 1 has a supply member 17, an application member 23, and a clamping member 63. When viewed from the front, both left and right ends of the clamping member 63 are located inside the left and right ends of the application member 23. As a result, the label L is interposed between the clamping member 63 and the application member 23, and the clamping member 63 is not exposed to the application member 23. Therefore, the water application device 1 can prevent water 9 adhering to the application member 23 from adhering to the clamping member 63.

[0081] (2-2) The water application device 1 has a regulating unit 70. The regulating unit 70 is located close to the first surface F1 of the label L transported along the transport path R. The right regulating unit 71 of the regulating unit 70 is provided to the right of the clamping member 63 in the clamping position. The left end of the right regulating unit 71 is located between the right end of the clamping member 63 in the clamping position and the right end of the label L in the left-right direction. The left regulating unit 72 of the regulating unit 70 is provided to the left of the clamping member 63 in the clamping position. The right end of the left regulating unit 72 is located between the left end of the clamping member 63 in the clamping position and the left end of the label L in the left-right direction. As a result, the right regulating unit 71 prevents the portion of the label L to the right of the clamping member 63 from lifting up from the applicator 23. The left regulating unit 72 prevents the portion of the label L to the left of the clamping member 63 from lifting up from the applicator 23. In this way, the water application device 1 can prevent the label L from floating up and the water 9 from being insufficiently applied to the second surface F2.

[0082] (2-3) In the water applicator 1, the right end of the right restricting portion 71 is located to the right of the right end of the label L in the left-right direction. The left end of the left restricting portion 72 is located to the left of the left end of the label L in the left-right direction. As a result, the right restricting portion 71 prevents the right end of the label L from lifting up from the applicator 23. The left restricting portion 72 prevents the left end of the label L from lifting up from the applicator 23. In this way, the water applicator 1 can prevent the label L from lifting up and causing water 9 to be insufficiently applied to the second surface F2.

[0083] <Modification> The present invention can be modified in various ways from the above-described embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradictions arise. Below, the differences between the configurations of the modifications and the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In the modifications, components having the same shape or function as the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0084] A modified clamping mechanism 150 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The clamping mechanism 150 differs from the clamping mechanism 50 in that it does not have the shaft 62 and has a clamping member 163 instead of the clamping member 63. The clamping member 163 is a metal plate-shaped member having elasticity. The clamping member 163 includes an extension portion 164 and a contact portion 165. The extension portion 164 slopes downward as it extends forward. The rear upper end of the extension portion 164 is connected to the front end of the connecting plate 59. The contact portion 165 extends forward from the front lower end of the extension portion 164. The clamping member 163 is movable between a clamping position and a retracted position by the lift motor 54. When the clamping member 163 is positioned at the clamping position, the contact portion 165 contacts the first surface F1 of the label L. When positioned at the clamping position, the clamping member 163 clamps the label L between itself and the applying member 23. The label L is conveyed forward by the rotation of the applying member 23.

[0085] (1-6, 2-8) As explained above, the clamping member 163 that clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 23 may be plate-shaped. 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 clamping member 163 may be plate-shaped, and the shape, material, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0086] A modified application mechanism 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . 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 clamped between the application member 123 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position and is transported forward by the rotation of the clamping member 63.

[0087] Although not shown, the label L may be clamped between the coating mechanism 120 and a clamping member 163 arranged at the clamping position. In this case, it is preferable to have a mechanism for conveying the label L upstream and downstream of the coating mechanism 20 on the conveying path R. The mechanism for conveying the label L is, for example, a conveying roller that is rotated by driving a motor.

[0088] (1-8, 2-6) As explained above, the applicator 123 that applies water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L may be an impregnated material impregnated with water 9. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration. Note that the applicator 123 may be an impregnated material that is impregnated with water 9, and the shape, material, etc., of the applicator 123 may be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (1-9) The roller-shaped clamping member 63 clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 123. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L evenly.

[0090] (1-10) The clamping member 63 clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 123. The water applicator 1 has a clamping motor 52 that rotates the clamping member 63. This allows the water applicator 1 to convey the label L while uniformly applying water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L.

[0091] (1-11) The plate-shaped clamping member 63 clamps the label L between itself and the applicator 123. This allows the water applicator 1 to apply water 9 to the second surface F2 of the label L with a simple configuration.

[0092] Other modified examples will be described. 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 if the leading edge LT of the label L has reached the clamped position RC, based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A. Alternatively, the CPU 31 may determine that the supply of the label L has been completed based on the encoder 53A when the length D1 of the label L in the feed direction, which was acquired in S1 after the start of the supply of the label L in S5, has been supplied. The length D1 of the label L in the feed direction is received by the operation unit 35 and stored in the flash memory 32.

[0093] (1-16) In this way, when the label L is supplied by the length D1 in the conveyance direction, the label L spans between the supply member 17 and the applicator 23 and covers the applicator 23. Therefore, the water applicator 1 can prevent the water 9 adhering to the applicator 23 from adhering to the clamping member 63.

[0094] (1-17) The water applicator 1 also has an operation unit 35 that accepts input of the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction. Based on the length D1 in the conveyance direction accepted by the operation unit 35, the water applicator 1 moves the clamping member 63 to the clamping position with the label L covering the applicator member 23. Therefore, even for labels with different lengths D1 in the conveyance direction, the water applicator 1 can prevent the water 9 adhering to the applicator member 23 from adhering to the clamping member 63. Note that, although the operation unit 35 is an operation button in the above embodiment, it may be configured to accept input of the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction, and may be, for example, a touch panel display.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the water application device 1 applies water 9 to the sheet-like label L. However, the water application device 1 may also apply water 9 to a long label L. In this case, the long label L may be wound in a roll and stored in the housing 11 of the package 10, or may be folded like fanfold paper and stored.

[0096] The clamping member 63 is not limited to clamping the label L between itself and the upper end of the applying member 23, and the clamping position may be changed as appropriate depending on the conveyance path R of the label L. For example, the clamping member 63 may clamp the label L between itself and the upper front end or the upper rear end of the applying member 23.

[0097] The retracted position may be changed as appropriate as long as it is a position of the clamping member 63 that is different from the clamping position and is a position separated from the application member 23. For example, the retracted position may be above and in front of the clamping position, above and behind the clamping position, or in front or behind the clamping position. The retracted position may be above and to the left, above and to the right, left, or right of the clamping position as long as it does not interfere with the restricting portion 70.

[0098] Although the moving mechanism 61 moves the clamping member 63 by a so-called rack and pinion system, the configuration may be changed as appropriate as long as the clamping member 63 can be placed between the clamping position and the retracted position. For example, the moving mechanism 61 may move the clamping member 63 by using a ball screw, or may move the clamping member 63 by using a crank.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the applicator 23 was rotated by the applicator motor 51, and the clamping member 63 was rotated by the clamping motor 52, so that the label L was conveyed while being coated on the second surface F2. In contrast, the water applicator 1 may not have the applicator motor 51, and the applicator 23 may be rotated by the rotation of the clamping member 63. The water applicator 1 may not have the clamping motor 52, and the clamping member 63 may be rotated by the rotation of the applicator 23. The water applicator 1 may not have the applicator motor 51 or the clamping motor 52. In this case, it is preferable to have mechanisms for conveying the label L upstream and downstream of the conveyance path R relative to the applicator 23 and the clamping member 63.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 between the application member 23 and the clamping member 63 arranged at the clamping position. For example, the detection output unit 80 may be a reflective photosensor.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 leading edge LT of the label L has reached the clamped position RC. 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 determines that the supply of the label L has been completed when the leading edge LT has reached the clamped position RC. However, for example, the CPU 31 may determine that the supply of the label L has been completed when the leading edge LT has reached the clamped position RC. The leading edge of the label L is, for example, the portion from the leading edge LT to a position 10% rearward of the length D1 of the label L in the conveyance direction.

[0106] 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 51A and 53A. In contrast, the CPU 31 may determine that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A, or may determine that the supply of labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 53A.

[0107] When the CPU 31 determines that the supply of the labels L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 is complete, the CPU 31 does not have to stop the supply of the labels L. At this time, the CPU 31 may continue driving either the supply motor 53 or the applying motor 51. While the labels L are being supplied, the CPU 31 may use the lift motor 54 to move the clamping member 63 from the retracted position to the clamping position.

[0108] 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 trailing edge LE of the label L reaches the clamped position RC. Alternatively, 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 for the length D1 in the conveying direction obtained in S1 after coating of the label L started in S11. The CPU 31 may also determine that coating of the label L is completed when a predetermined time has elapsed since coating of the label L started. The CPU 31 determined that coating of the label L is completed when the trailing edge LE reaches the clamped position RC. However, for example, the CPU 31 may determine that coating of the label L is completed when the trailing edge of the label L reaches the clamped position RC. 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 conveying direction.

[0109] When determining whether or not the supply of the labels L from the supply member 17 to the applying member 23 has been completed (S6), the CPU 31 determines that application to the labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signals output by the encoders 51A and 52A. In contrast, the CPU 31 may determine that application to the labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 51A, or may determine that application to the labels L has been completed based on the rotational position signal output by the encoder 52A.

[0110] When the CPU 31 determines that application to the label L is complete, it does not have to stop the transport of the label L. At this time, the CPU 31 may continue driving either the application motor 51 or the clamping motor 52. The CPU 31 may move the clamping member 63 from the clamping position to the retracted position by the lifting motor 54 while application to the label L is being performed.

[0111] The water application device 1 does not need to have the restricting unit 70. The restricting unit 70 may have either a right restricting unit 71 or a left restricting unit 72. The left end of the right restricting unit 71 does not need to be located between the right end of the clamping member 63 arranged in the clamping position and the right end of the label L. The right end of the right restricting unit 71 does not need to be located to the right of the right end of the label L. The right restricting unit 71 does not need to have the plate portion 74. The plate portion 74 is not limited to extending upward from the left end of the plate portion 73, but may extend upward from the right end of the plate portion 73, or may extend upward from a portion of the plate portion 73 between the left and right ends. The right end of the left restricting unit 72 does not need to be located between the left end of the clamping member 63 arranged in the clamping position and the left end of the label L. The left end of the left restricting unit 72 does not need to be located to the left of the left end of the label L. The left restricting portion 72 does not necessarily have to have the plate portion 76. The plate portion 76 is not limited to extending upward from the right end of the plate portion 75, but may extend upward from the left end of the plate portion 75, or may extend upward from a portion of the plate portion 75 between the right and left ends.

[0112] <Other> 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 "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, 123 are an example of an "application member" of the present invention. The clamping members 63, 163 are an example of a "clamping member" of the present invention. The left-right direction is an example of a "width direction" of the present invention. The right or left is an example of a "first width direction" of the present invention. The left or right is an example of a "second width direction" of the present invention. The water tank 21 is an example of a "water tank" of the present invention. The lifting motor 54 is an example of a "drive section" of the present invention. The CPU 31 is an example of a "control section" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Water application device 17 Supply materials 21 Aquarium 23, 123 Coating material 31 CPU 35 Control section 51 Coating motor 51A, 52A, 53A Encoders 52 clamping motor 53 Supply motor 54 Lifting motor 63, 163 Clamping member 70 Regulatory Department 71 Right regulation part 72 Left restriction part 80 Detection output section

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, When viewed from the transport direction of the medium, both ends of the clamping member in the width direction are located inside both ends of the medium in the width direction. A water application device characterized by:

2. a regulating portion provided on a first width direction side of the clamping member, the regulating portion being close to the first surface of the medium being conveyed by the conveying portion; An end of the regulating portion in a second width direction opposite to the first width direction is located between an end of the clamping member in the first width direction and an end of the medium in the first width direction. The water application device according to claim 1 .

3. The water applicator according to claim 2 , wherein an end of the restricting portion in the first width direction is located on a side in the first width direction of an end of the medium in the first width direction.

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

5. 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 4,

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

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

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

9. the clamping member is movable between a clamping position where the clamping member contacts the first surface and clamps the medium between itself and the applying member, and a retracted position that is different from the clamping position and is spaced apart from the applying member, a drive unit that moves the clamping member between the clamping position and the retracted position; a control unit that controls the drive unit to place the clamping member at the retracted position when the applying member and the clamping member are not clamping the medium. The water application device according to claim 1 .

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