Label wrapping machine

Abstract

We provide a label winding machine that can be made smaller. [Solution] The label winding machine comprises a label R, a transport guide 21, a peeling guide 23, a peeling section 4, a support section 6, a winding section 7, a first guide section 11, a guide surface 51, and a support section 6. The peeling section 4 peels the transported label R from the release paper Rp at the intersection of the transport guide 21 and the peeling guide 23. The support section 6 supports the downstream end of the label R peeled off by the peeling section 4 from the opposite side of the adhesive surface R1. The winding section 7 has an insertion opening 73 and winds the label R peeled off by the peeling section 4 onto a rod-shaped member. The first guide section 11 is positioned upstream of the insertion opening 73 in the direction of insertion of the rod-shaped member and guides the rod-shaped member into the insertion opening 73. The guide surface 51 guides the first guide section 11 from the upstream side in the transport direction of the label R to the insertion opening 73. The support section 6 guides from the downstream side to the insertion opening 73. At least a portion of the guide surface 51 includes the peeling portion 4, and at least a portion of the support portion 6 includes the support surface 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a label winding machine.

Background Art

[0002] The label affixing apparatus of Patent Document 1 comprises a printing section, a peeling section, a conveying section, a supporting section, and an affixing section. The printing section performs printing on a label. The peeling section peels the label printed by the printing section from a release material. The conveying section is arranged on the downstream side of the peeling section in the label conveying direction, and comprises a pair of conveying rollers. The conveying section conveys the peeled label toward the supporting section. The supporting section supports the label conveyed by the conveying section. An adherend moves together with the label from the supporting section to the affixing section. The affixing section affixes the label to the adherend.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The aforementioned label affixing apparatus comprises a conveying section between the peeling section and the supporting section, and the distance between the peeling section and the supporting section is separated by the length of the conveying section. This increase in size accordingly means that the label affixing apparatus has room for improvement in terms of size reduction.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a label winding machine that can be reduced in size.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The label winding machine according to the present invention includes a transport guide through which a label having an adhesive surface and a release liner attached to the adhesive surface of the label are transported in the transport direction; a peeling guide through which the release liner is transported in a direction intersecting the transport guide; a peeling section at the intersection of the transport guide and the peeling guide for peeling the transported label from the release liner; a support section positioned downstream of the peeling section in the transport direction of the label and supporting the downstream end of the label peeled off by the peeling section from the opposite side of the adhesive surface; and an insertion opening, through which an insertion opening is inserted. The device comprises a rotating member that supports and rotates an inserted rod-shaped member, a winding portion that winds the label peeled off by the peeling portion around the rod-shaped member, and a first guide portion that is positioned on the adhesive side of the label and upstream of the insertion opening of the rod-shaped member in the insertion direction, and guides the rod-shaped member to the insertion opening, wherein the first guide portion has an upstream portion that guides the label from the upstream side in the transport direction to the insertion opening and a downstream portion that guides the label from the downstream side to the insertion opening, and at least a part of the upstream portion includes the peeling portion, and at least a part of the downstream portion includes the support portion.

[0007] In a label winding machine, labels, which have their release paper peeled off in a peeling section and are supported in a support section, are wound onto a rod-shaped member inserted through an insertion opening. A first guide section guides the rod-shaped member into the insertion opening. At least a portion of the upstream part of the first guide section includes a peeling section. At least a portion of the downstream part of the first guide section includes a support section. Therefore, the label winding machine does not need to have a transport section from the peeling section to the support section. Consequently, the label winding machine can be made smaller.

[0008] In the present invention, the label winding machine may further include a second guide portion which is arranged along the peeling path of the release paper between the peeling portion and the tension-applying portion for winding the release paper, and which guides the rod-shaped member toward the upstream portion of the first guide portion. Since the second guide portion is arranged along the peeling path, the label winding machine can be made smaller than if the second guide portion were arranged independently. Also, the downstream end of the label in the transport direction supported by the support portion is prone to curling. The user guides the rod-shaped member with the second guide portion from the opposite end where curling occurs in the transport path. As a result, the rod-shaped member is less likely to come into contact with the curled label. This makes it possible for the label winding machine to suppress the occurrence of label jams and unstable label posture.

[0009] In the present invention, the invention further comprises a winding section for winding the release paper from which the label has been peeled off in the peeling section toward the winding direction, and the support section may include a protruding section that covers at least a portion of the downstream end of the label supported by the support section in the transport direction from the upstream side in the insertion direction and protrudes toward the downstream side in the winding direction. The downstream end of the label supported by the support section in the transport direction is prone to curling. The protruding section can prevent the rod-shaped member from coming into contact with the label from the downstream end.

[0010] In the present invention, at least a portion of the peeling portion may be visible when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. The user can visually inspect the peeling portion without being obstructed by the protruding portion. Therefore, the user can easily insert the rod-shaped member using a portion of the peeling portion as a guide.

[0011] In the present invention, the second guide portion may include a first guide that protrudes upward from a position separated from the release paper in one width direction relative to the release paper in the winding path between the release portion and the tension-applying portion, and more than the thickness of the release paper, and a second guide that protrudes upward from a position separated from the release paper in the other width direction relative to the release paper in the winding path between the release portion and the tension-applying portion, and more than the thickness of the release paper. The user moves the rod-shaped member along the first and second guides in the opposite direction to the winding direction of the release paper. The first and second guides reduce the possibility of the user accidentally bringing the rod-shaped member into contact with the release paper. Therefore, the label winding machine does not obstruct the winding of the release paper by the winding roller.

[0012] In the present invention, the winding portion is positioned below the peeling portion and the support portion, the first guide portion guides the rod-shaped member downward toward the winding portion together with the label, and the second guide portion may be inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction of the rod-shaped member. Since the path for inserting the rod-shaped member into the winding portion does not oppose gravity, the user can easily insert the rod-shaped member. Furthermore, since the inclination of the second guide portion is less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction, the rod-shaped member can be easily guided along the second guide portion.

[0013] In the present invention, at least a portion of the peeling portion may protrude to the downstream side of the member in the upstream part of the first guide portion. The user can apply the label to the rod-shaped member while keeping it in contact with the peeling portion without being obstructed by other members. Therefore, the user can easily keep the rod-shaped member straight relative to the label.

[0014] In the present invention, the release portion may be a rotatably held roller. In a label winding machine, the roller rotates as the release paper is transported, which reduces the amount of adhesive from the release paper adhering to the release portion.

[0015] In the present invention, the outer surface of the roller may be uneven. The unevenness of the roller can further reduce the adhesion of adhesive from the release paper to the label winding machine.

[0016] In the present invention, a third guide portion may be further provided, which is positioned between the peeling portion and the transport portion that transports the label and the release paper, and which guides the label away from the peeling portion. Before using the label winding machine, the user positions the label and release paper along the transport path. When the user moves the label and release paper to the peeling portion, the third guide portion can prevent the downstream ends of the label and release paper in the transport direction from colliding with the peeling portion.

[0017] In the present invention, the label winding machine may further include a winding roller for winding the release paper, thereby applying tension to the release paper as the winding roller winds the release paper. By applying tension to the release paper, the label winding machine can reliably peel off labels.

[0018] In the present invention, a printing unit for printing on the label may be further provided upstream of the peeling unit in the transport direction. The label winding machine can print on the label before peeling.

[0019] In the present invention, a half-cutter for cutting only the label may be further provided between the peeling section and the printing section. Since the label can be half-cut, the label winding machine can handle labels of indefinite length.

[0020] In the present invention, a full cutter for cutting the label and the release paper may be further provided between the peeling section and the printing section. Because a full cut is possible, the label winding machine can easily remove the label and the release paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of label winding machine 1. [Figure 2] This is a right-side cross-sectional view of the label winding machine 1, cut along line II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of region C1 in Figure 2. [Figure 4]It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where conveyance of label R is stopped at stop position P1. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where cable 19 is placed on second guide portion 16. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where cable 19 is guided by second guide portion 16. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where cable 19 guided by first guide portion 11 is disposed at affixing position P2. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where cable 19 is guided by first guide portion 11. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, which is a continuation of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view of region C2 in FIG. 2, showing a state where cable 19 is guided to winding portion 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] One embodiment of label winding machine 1 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration and the like of the device described in the drawings are not intended to be limited thereto, and are merely illustrative examples. Hereinafter, the lower left, upper right, upper left, lower right, upper and lower directions in FIG. 1 are respectively defined as the front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions of label winding machine 1.

[0023] Label winding machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. Label winding machine 1 generates label R having adhesive surface R1 by performing printing on the tape of tape cassette 100, and winds and affixes the generated label R around cable 19.

[0024] The label winding machine 1 has a box-shaped casing 10. The casing 10 is equipped with a handle 10A used for carrying the label winding machine 1.

[0025] The housing 10 includes a tape mounting section 30, a printing section 3, a cutting section 9, a guide mechanism 20, a winding section 8, a support section 6, and a winding section 7.

[0026] The tape mounting section 30 is located approximately in the center of the housing 10 in both the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. The tape mounting section 30 is box-shaped with an open right side. A tape cassette 100 can be mounted in the tape mounting section 30. The tape cassette 100 can be, for example, a laminated type, a thermal type, a receptacle type, etc.

[0027] In the following description, tape cassette 100 will be described as a laminated type. Inside tape cassette 100, a film tape Rf, an ink ribbon Ir, and double-sided adhesive tape with release paper Rp attached to one side are installed. The film tape Rf, ink ribbon Ir, and double-sided adhesive tape with release paper Rp are wound inside tape cassette 100.

[0028] The printing unit 3 is located below the tape attachment unit 30. Furthermore, the printing unit 3 is positioned upstream of the peeling unit 4 (described later) in the transport direction Y1.

[0029] The printing unit 3 includes a head holder 31, a thermal head 32, a platen holder 37, a platen roller 33, a transport roller 34, and a drive roller 35, among other things.

[0030] The head holder 31 is plate-shaped. The head holder 31 extends in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. The thermal head 32 is supported by the head holder 31. The thermal head 32 is equipped with multiple heating elements. The multiple heating elements are arranged in a line in the left-to-right direction.

[0031] With the tape cassette 100 mounted in the tape mounting section 30, the thermal head 32 heats the ink ribbon Ir with multiple heating elements and transfers the ink to the film tape Rf.

[0032] The platen holder 37 is located below the head holder 31. The platen holder 37 is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis of the support shaft 37A.

[0033] The platen roller 33 and the transport roller 34 are rotatably supported on the tip side of the platen holder 37. The transport roller 34 is located to the left of the platen roller 33. When the platen holder 37 swings to the printing position, the platen roller 33 comes into contact with the thermal head 32.

[0034] The drive roller 35 is positioned above the platen roller 33 at the printing position. In other words, the drive roller 35 faces the transport roller 34 from above. The drive roller 35 is driven, for example, by the driving force of a motor. When the platen holder 37 swings to the printing position, the drive roller 35 can come into contact with the transport roller 34. The position between the platen holder 37 and the transport roller 34 is also called the bonding position P4.

[0035] The cutting section 9 is positioned downstream of the transport roller 34 of the printing section 3 in the tape transport direction Y1. The cutting section 9 has a full cutter 91 and a half cutter 92. Both the full cutter 91 and the half cutter 92 are cutting blades.

[0036] The full cutter 91 cuts the label R and release paper Rp between the release section 4 and the printing section 3, as described later. The half cutter 92 cuts only the label R between the release section 4 and the printing section 3, without cutting the release paper Rp.

[0037] The guiding mechanism 20 guides the label R and release paper Rp, which have been half-cut at the cutting section 9, to the release section 4. The guiding mechanism 20 also guides the release paper Pr to the winding section 8, which will be described later. The guiding mechanism 20 also guides the cable 19 to the winding section 7 in the insertion direction. The insertion direction is the direction in which the user inserts the cable 19 into the winding section 7. The insertion direction is downward.

[0038] The guide mechanism 20 comprises left and right side walls 211, 211, a transport guide 21, a movable member 50, a guide section 5, a peeling section 4, a peeling guide 23, and a second guide section 16.

[0039] The left and right side walls 211, 211 are located at the front lower end of the housing 10. The left and right side walls 211, 211 extend upward from the bottom of the housing 10. The upper ends of the left and right side walls 211, 211 slope upward as they move from front to rear.

[0040] The transport guide 21 is positioned between the left and right side walls 211, 211. The transport guide 21 is positioned between the cutting section 9 and the peeling section 4. The transport guide 21 is inclined upward as the transport direction Y2 progresses from upstream to downstream. The transport guide 21 has a surface that faces forward and downward.

[0041] The movable member 50 is positioned between the left and right side walls 211, 211. The movable member 50 is positioned below the transport guide 21. The movable member 50 extends in the left-right direction. The movable member 50 is rotatable about the shaft 59. The front end of the movable member 50 rotates counterclockwise along the cam 53. The movable member 50 is biased clockwise in a right-side view by the biasing force of the spring 55.

[0042] With the spring 55 biased, the upper surface of the movable member 50 faces the transport guide 21. In other words, the upper surface of the movable member 50 is facing upward and rearward.

[0043] The guide section 5 is located at the front ends of the left and right side walls 211, 211. The guide section 5 is located upstream of the insertion opening 73 of the winding section 7 in the direction of cable 19 insertion.

[0044] The guide section 5 includes guide surfaces 51 and 52. The guide surfaces 51 and 52 located on the right side wall 211 will be described below. The guide surfaces 51 and 52 on the left side wall 211 have the same structure, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0045] The guide surfaces 51 and 52 extend in the vertical direction, that is, in the direction in which the cable 19 is inserted. The guide surfaces 51 and 52 face forward. The guide surfaces 51 and 52 are positioned vertically apart.

[0046] The guide surface 51 is positioned on the adhesive surface R1 side of the label R near the attachment position P2 in the insertion direction of the cable 19. The guide surface 51 is positioned above the label R. Attachment position P2 is the position where the cable 19 is attached to the label R supported by the support surface 61. Attachment position P2 corresponds to the position of the peel-off portion 4.

[0047] The guide surface 52 is positioned on the opposite side of the adhesive surface R1 of the label R in the insertion direction of the cable 19. The guide surface 52 is positioned below the label R.

[0048] The guide surfaces 51 and 52 can contact the cable 19 from the upstream side in the transport direction Y2 of the label R.

[0049] The peeling section 4 is located at the downstream end of the guide mechanism 20 in the transport direction Y2. The peeling section 4 is located between the lower end of the guide surface 51 and the upper end of the guide surface 52. At least a portion of the guide mechanism 20 includes the peeling section 4.

[0050] The peeling section 4 includes a support member 41 and a roller 40.

[0051] The support member 41 is positioned between the left and right side walls 211, 211. The support member 41 extends in the left-right direction. The front end portion of the support member 41 is recessed to the rear along the left-right direction. The lower end of the support member 41 extends downward and forward. This portion is also called the third guide portion 41A.

[0052] The third guide section 41A is positioned between the peeling section 4 and the movable member 50. The third guide section 41A protrudes along the lower right portion of the roller 40 in the transport direction Y2. The third guide section 41A guides the label R and the release paper Rp away from the peeling section 4.

[0053] The roller 40 extends in the left-right direction. The outer surface of the roller 40 is uneven. Because the outer surface is uneven and non-uniform, the outer surface of the roller 40 has non-stick properties. The rear end of the roller 40 is rotatably supported by a support member 41.

[0054] Furthermore, the front upper end of the roller 40 is positioned by contacting the right lower end of the guide surface 51. The front lower end of the roller 40 is positioned by contacting the upper end of the guide surface 52. In other words, at least a portion of the guide surfaces 51 and 52 constitutes the peeling portion 4.

[0055] The roller 40 is rotatably supported by the support member 41 and the guide surfaces 51 and 52. The front end of the roller 40 protrudes forward beyond the guide surfaces 51 and 52. In other words, the front end of the roller 40 protrudes to the downstream side of the guide mechanism 20.

[0056] The release guide 23 is positioned between the left and right side walls 211, 211. The release guide 23 extends upward and rearward from the release section 4. The surface of the release guide 23 faces upward and front. The release guide 23 supports the lower surface of the release paper Rp.

[0057] The second guide section 16 comprises a first guide 16L and a second guide 16R. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R are located at the upper ends of the left and right side walls 211, 211, respectively. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R are located at both ends of the release guide 23. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R are located along the winding path Z3 of the release paper Rp between them and the winding section 8.

[0058] The second guide section 16 is inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction. The second guide section 16 guides the movement of the cable 19 in the insertion direction. More specifically, the second guide section 16 guides the movement toward the guide surface 51.

[0059] The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R extend along the peeling guide 23. In other words, the first guide 16L and the second guide 16R are positioned along the winding path Z3 between the peeling section 4 and the winding section 8.

[0060] The first guide 16L extends upward from the left end of the release guide 23. The first guide 16L protrudes upward from a position to the left of the release paper Rp in the winding path Z3, and extends more than the thickness of the release paper Rp. The front end of the first guide 16L connects to the upper end of the right guide surface 51.

[0061] The second guide 16R extends upward from the right end of the release guide 23. The second guide 16R protrudes upward from a position to the right of the release paper Rp in the winding path Z3, and extends more than the thickness of the release paper Rp. The front end of the second guide 16R connects to the upper end of the left guide surface 51.

[0062] The winding section 8 is positioned diagonally above and behind the peeling section 4. The winding section 8 is positioned above the front upper corner of the tape mounting section 30. The winding section 8 includes a winding roller 82. The winding roller 82 winds the release paper Rp, from which the label R has been peeled off by the peeling section 4, into a roll in the winding direction Y3. The winding roller 82 rotates around the winding shaft 81.

[0063] The support section 6 is positioned downstream of the peeling section 4 in the transport direction Y1 of the label R. The support section 6 is box-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The support section 6 is rotatable around the shaft 6A.

[0064] The support portion 6 includes a support surface 61, protruding portions 65L and 65R, and a pressing surface 62.

[0065] The support surface 61 is located at the upper and rear ends of the support portion 6. The support surface 61 faces diagonally upward and backward. The support surface 61 supports the label R at the stopping position P1 from below. The position of the label R in this state is also called the stopping position P1. The stopping position P1 is the position where the label R is peeled off from the release paper Rp and the transport of the label R in the transport direction Y2 is stopped.

[0066] A pair of protrusions 65L and 65R are located at the upper end of the support portion 6. Protrusion 65L is located at the left end of the support portion 6. Protrusion 65R is located at the right end of the support portion 6. Protrusions 65L and 65R protrude toward the downstream side in the winding direction Y3. The lower surfaces of protrusions 65L and 65R face the front end portions of the first guide 16L and the second guide 16R.

[0067] The pressing surface 62 is located at the rear end of the support portion 6. The pressing surface 62 extends in the up, down, left, and right directions. The pressing surface 62 faces the guide surface 51. The pressing surface 62 contacts the cable 19 from the downstream side in the transport direction Y1 of the label R, guiding the cable 19 to the wrapping portion 7 of the label R.

[0068] The upper ends of the guide surface 51 and the pressing surface 62 guide the movement of the cable 19 to the adhesive position P2 in the insertion direction of the cable 19.

[0069] Hereinafter, the guide surfaces 51 and 52 and the pressing surface 62 will be collectively referred to as the "first guide section 11". In other words, the first guide section 11 guides the movement of the cable 19 to the attachment position P2 in the insertion direction of the cable 19.

[0070] The winding section 7 is located at the bottom of the housing 10. The winding section 7 is located below the peeling section 4 and the support surface 61. The winding section 7 includes an insertion opening 73 and a rotating member 70.

[0071] The insertion opening 73 is located above the winding section 7. The cable 19, with a portion of the label R attached, is inserted into the insertion opening 73. The rotating member 70 is approximately cylindrical in shape. The rotating member 70 rotates with the driving force of the motor. The rotation of the rotating member 70 causes the label R to be wound around the cable 19.

[0072] The printing and winding operations will be described. The user places the tape cassette 100 into the tape mounting section 30. The transport roller 34 presses the film tape Rf and the double-sided adhesive tape with release paper Rp attached to it against the drive roller 35 at the bonding position P4. The platen roller 33 presses the film tape Rf and the ink ribbon Ir against the thermal head 32.

[0073] The user, for example, edits print information on an external terminal and sends it to the label winder 1. The label winder 1 then performs printing based on the print information.

[0074] When printing is initiated, the drive roller 35 rotates to transport the film tape Rf and ink ribbon Ir from the tape cassette 100. More specifically, the platen roller 33 rotates together with the drive roller 35 to transport the film tape Rf and ink ribbon Ir toward the thermal head 32.

[0075] The thermal head 32 heats the ink ribbon Ir. The ink from the ink ribbon Ir is transferred to the printed surface of the film tape Rf. The film tape Rf is then transported to the bonding position P4. The ink ribbon Ir is wound up inside the tape cassette 100.

[0076] Furthermore, as the drive roller 35 rotates, the transport roller 34 rotates, transporting the printed film tape Rf and the double-sided adhesive tape with the release paper Rp attached to it to the bonding position P4. At the bonding position P4, the double-sided adhesive tape with the release paper Rp attached is bonded to the film tape Rf. After that, the film tape Rf and the release paper Rp are discharged to the outside of the tape cassette 100.

[0077] The cutting section 9 uses a half-cutter 92 to cut only the film tape Rf. The label R is transported together with the release paper Rp in the transport direction Y2. The label R and release paper Rp move towards the release section 4.

[0078] The label R, along with the release paper Rp attached to the adhesive surface R1 of the label R, is transported in the transport direction Y2 between the transport guide 21 and the movable member 50.

[0079] The peeling section 4 peels the transported label R from the release paper Rp at the intersection of the transport guide 21 and the peeling guide 23, i.e., at the position of the roller 40. At the peeling section 4, the release paper Rp is bent at an obtuse angle with the peeling section 4 facing inward. The edges of the label R are peeled away from the release paper Rp.

[0080] The release paper Rp is conveyed toward the winding section 8. The release guide 23 conveys the release paper Rp in a direction intersecting the transport guide 21. The second guide section 16 guides the cable 19 toward the first guide section 11. After that, the release paper Rp is wound up in the winding section 8. In the winding section 8, tension is applied to the release paper Rp by winding it up with the winding roller 82.

[0081] The support surface 61 supports the downstream end of the label R peeled off at the peeling section 4 in the transport direction Y2 from the opposite side of the adhesive surface R1. The end of the label R peeled off from the release paper Rp rests on the support surface 61.

[0082] The protrusions 65L and 65R cover at least a portion of the downstream end of the label R, which is supported by the support surface 61, in the transport direction Y2, from the upstream side in the insertion direction of the cable 19. Therefore, the protrusions 65L and 65R can prevent the cable 19 from coming into contact with at least a portion of the downstream end of the label R.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the user grasps the cable 19, which extends in the left-right direction, with both hands and places the cable 19 onto the second guide section 16, for example, from the direction of arrow A1. The cable 19 makes contact with the first guide 16L and the second guide 16R of the second guide section 16.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, the user moves toward the cable 19 toward the label R supported by the support surface 61. The user moves in the direction of arrow A2 with the cable 19 in contact with the first guide 16L and the second guide 16R.

[0085] Since the inclination angle of the second guide section 16 is less than 45 degrees, the user can easily move the cable 19. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R prevent contact with the release paper Rp. Therefore, the user's influence on tensioning the release paper Rp due to the cable 19 contacting the release paper Rp is minimal.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the cable 19 moves in the direction of arrow A3 toward the attachment position P2. In this case, the cable 19 is guided by the first guide portion 11 in the insertion direction. Specifically, the left and right guide surfaces 51, 51 and the upper ends of the pressing surface 62 guide the movement of the cable 19 toward the attachment position P2.

[0087] The guide surface 51 guides the label R from the upstream side of the transport direction Y2 toward the insertion opening 73. In other words, the guide surface 51 contacts the cable 19 from the rear and guides the downward movement of the cable 19. The upper end of the pressing surface 62 guides the cable R from the downstream side of the transport direction Y2 toward the insertion opening 73. In other words, the upper end of the pressing surface 62 contacts the cable 19 from the front and guides the downward movement of the cable 19. The upper end of the pressing surface 62 presses the cable 19 against the guide surface 51.

[0088] At attachment position P2, the cable 19 is attached to a portion of the label R. When viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction, the user can see at least a portion of the peel-off portion 4 through the space between the protrusions 65L and 65R. Therefore, the user can easily insert the cable 19.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the user further moves the cable 19 from the attachment position P2 in the direction of arrow A4, i.e., downward. The cable 19 is guided by the first guide portion 11 in the insertion direction. Specifically, the upper ends of the guide surfaces 52, 52 and the upper end of the pressing surface 62 guide the movement of the cable 19 toward the movable member 50. The label R moves downward together with the cable 19. The cable 19 and the label R come into contact with the front end of the movable member 50.

[0090] As shown in Figure 9, the user further moves the cable 19 in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., downward. The first guide section 11 guides the cable 19 downward toward the winding section 7 together with the label R. In detail, the left and right guide surfaces 52, 52 and the pressing surface 62 contact the cable 19 from the upstream side in the transport direction Y2 of the label R, guiding the cable 19 into the insertion opening 73.

[0091] The movable member 50 rotates counterclockwise around the axis 59 against the biasing force of the spring 55. The label R attached to the cable 19 is peeled off from the release paper Rp as the cable 19 moves downward.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10, the user moves the cable 19 through the insertion opening 73 to the winding section 7.

[0093] Next, the user positions the cable 19 inserted through the insertion port 73 at the support position P3. The rotating member 70 supports the cable 19 inserted through the insertion port 73 and rotates. As a result, the rotating member 70 wraps the label R, which was peeled off at the peeling section 4, around the cable 19. Thus, the label R is attached to the cable 19 by the adhesive.

[0094] The user takes out the cable 19 with label R wrapped around it. The user visually checks whether label R is properly wrapped around the cable 19.

[0095] As described above, the first guide section 11 is positioned upstream of the insertion opening 73 in the direction of cable 19 insertion. The guide surface 51 is positioned on the adhesive surface R1 side of the label R. The first guide section 11 guides the cable 19 to the insertion opening 73. The first guide section 11 has a guide surface 51 that guides the cable R to the insertion opening 73 from the upstream side in the transport direction Y2 of the label R, and a support section 6 that guides the cable to the insertion opening 73 from the downstream side. At least a part of the guide mechanism 20 includes a peeling section 4. At least a part of the support section 6 includes a support surface 61.

[0096] In the label winding machine 1, the label R, which has its release paper Rp peeled off by the peeling section 4 and is supported by the support section 6, is wound onto the cable 19 inserted through the insertion opening 73. The first guide section 11 guides the cable 19 into the insertion opening 73. At least a part of the guide mechanism 20 of the first guide section 11 includes the peeling section 4. At least a part of the support section 6 of the first guide section 11 includes the support surface 61. Therefore, the label winding machine 1 does not need to have a transport section from the peeling section 4 to the support section 6. Thus, the label winding machine 1 can be made smaller.

[0097] The second guide section 16 is positioned along the winding path Z3 of the release paper Rp between the release section 4 and the winding section 8 that winds the release paper Rp. The second guide section 16 guides the cable 19 toward the guide surface 51 of the first guide section 11. Because the second guide section 16 is positioned along the winding path Z3, the label winding machine 1 can be made smaller than if the second guide section 16 were positioned independently. Also, the downstream end of the label R supported by the support section 6 in the transport direction Y2 is prone to curling. The user guides the cable 19 with the second guide section 16 from the opposite end where curling occurs in the transport path Z2. As a result, the cable 19 is less likely to come into contact with the curl of the label R. This allows the label winding machine 1 to suppress the occurrence of jams of the label R and the unstable posture of the label R.

[0098] The winding section 8 winds the release paper Rp, from which the label R has been peeled off in the peeling section 4, in the winding direction Y3. The support section 6 is equipped with protrusions 65L and 65R. The protrusions 65L and 65R protrude toward the upstream side in the winding direction Y3. The protrusions 65L and 65R cover at least a portion of the downstream end of the label R supported by the support section 6 in the transport direction Y2 from the upstream side in the insertion direction. The downstream end of the label R supported by the support section 6 in the transport direction Y2 is prone to curling. The protrusions 65L and 65R can prevent the cable 19 from coming into contact with the label R from its downstream end.

[0099] When viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction, at least a portion of the peeling portion 4 is visible. The user can visually inspect the peeling portion 4 without being obstructed by the protruding portions 65L and 65R. Therefore, the user can easily insert the cable 19 using a portion of the peeling portion 4 as a guide.

[0100] The second guide section 16 comprises a first guide 16L and a second guide 16R. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R are arranged along the winding path Z3 between the release section 4 and the winding section 8. The first guide 16L protrudes upward from a position to the left of the release paper Rp in the winding path Z3, and beyond the thickness of the release paper Rp. The second guide 16R protrudes upward from a position to the right of the release paper Rp in the winding path Z3, and beyond the thickness of the release paper Rp. The user moves the cable 19 along the first guide 16L and the second guide 16R in the opposite direction to the winding direction Y3 of the release paper Rp. The first guide 16L and the second guide 16R reduce the possibility of the user accidentally bringing the cable 19 into contact with the release paper Rp. Therefore, the label winding machine 1 does not obstruct the winding of the release paper Rp by the winding roller 82.

[0101] The winding section 7 is positioned below the peeling section 4 and the support section 6. The first guide section 11, together with the label R, guides the cable 19 downward toward the winding section 7. The second guide section 16 is inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction of the cable 19. Because the path for inserting the cable 19 into the winding section 7 does not go against gravity, the user can easily insert the cable 19. Also, because the inclination of the second guide section 16 is less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction, the user can easily guide the cable 19 along the second guide section 16.

[0102] At least a portion of the peeling portion 4 protrudes to the downstream side of the guide mechanism 20 of the first guide portion 11. The user can attach the label R to the cable 19 while keeping it in contact with the peeling portion 4 without being obstructed by other members. Therefore, the user can easily keep the cable 19 straight relative to the label R.

[0103] The release section 4 is equipped with a rotatably held roller 40. As the release paper Rp is transported, the roller 40 rotates in the label winding machine 1, which reduces the amount of adhesive from the release paper Rp adhering to the release section 4.

[0104] The outer surface of the roller 40 may be uneven. The uneven surface of the roller 40 can further reduce the adhesion of adhesive from the release paper Rp to the label winding machine 1.

[0105] The third guide section 41A is positioned between the peeling section 4 and the movable member 50 that transports the label R and release paper Rp. The third guide section 41A guides the label R away from the peeling section 4. Before using the label winding machine 1, the user positions the label R and release paper Rp along the transport paths Z1 and Z2. When the user moves the label R and release paper Rp to the peeling section 4, the third guide section 41A can prevent the downstream ends of the label R and release paper Rp in the transport direction Y2 from colliding with the peeling section 4.

[0106] The winding roller 82 winds up the release paper Rp. By winding up the release paper Rp, the winding roller 82 applies tension to the release paper Rp. The label winding machine 1 can reliably peel off the label R by applying tension to the release paper Rp.

[0107] The printing unit 3 is located upstream of the peeling unit 4 in the transport direction Y2. The printing unit 3 prints on the label R. The label winding machine 1 can print on the label R before peeling.

[0108] The half-cutter 92 cuts only the label radius R between the peeling section 4 and the printing section 3. Because the label radius R can be half-cut, the label winding machine 1 can handle labels of any length R.

[0109] The full cutter 91 cuts the label R and release paper Rp between the release section 4 and the printing section 3. Because it can fully cut, the label winder 1 can easily remove the label R and release paper Rp.

[0110] In the above description, cable 19 is an example of the "rod-shaped member" of the present invention. Guide surface 51 and guide mechanism 20 are examples of the "upstream part" of the present invention. Support part 6 is an example of the "downstream part" of the present invention. Support surface 61 is an example of the "support part" of the present invention. Support surface 61 transport paths Z1, Z2 and winding path Z3 are examples of the "peeling path" of the present invention.

[0111] The film tape Rf is an example of the "printed tape" of the present invention. The film tape Rf, ink ribbon Ir, and release paper Rp are examples of the "medium" of the present invention. The winding section 8 is an example of the "tensioning section" of the present invention. The right side is an example of "one side in the width direction" of the present invention. The left side is an example of "the other side in the width direction" of the present invention.

[0112] The movable member 50 is an example of the "conveying unit" of the present invention.

[0113] The above embodiments and variations can be further modified in various ways as follows. The above disclosures and the various variations described below can be combined in any way that does not conflict with each other.

[0114] The label winding machine 1 of the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate, including the arrangement and configuration of each component. The transport direction Y1 does not have to be to the left. The transport direction Y2 does not have to be forward and upward. The winding direction Y3 does not have to be rear and upward. For example, the insertion direction of the cable 19 was downward, but this is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the label R is wrapped around the cable 19, but this is not limited to that. For example, instead of the cable 19, it may be wrapped around stationery such as a pen, or a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the winding unit 8 applied tension to the release paper Rp, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of the winding unit 8, a separate tension-applying unit may be provided. For example, the tension-applying unit may be a pair of rollers that nip-convey the release paper Rp and apply tension to the release paper Rp.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the second guide portion 16 was inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more. The second guide portion 16 was located in the winding path Z3, but it may be located in a different position. For example, the second guide portion 16 may be a separate component.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the support portion 6 was rotatable, but is not limited to this. For example, the support portion 6 may be non-rotatable. The inclination of the support surface 61 of the support portion 6 may be changed as appropriate. The support portion 6 may be arranged separately from the support portion 6. The pressing surface 62 may be arranged separately from the support portion 6. The protruding portions 65R and 65L may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Label winding machine 3. Printer 4. Peeled section 6 Support part 7. Wrapping section 9 Cut section 21 Conveyor Guide 23 Peeling Guide 11 First Information Department 16 2nd Information Department 16L Guide 1 16R Guide 2 40 Laura 41 3rd Information Department 51, 52 Guide surface 62 Pressing surface 65L, 65R protrusion 81 Winding roller 91 Full Cut 92 Half Cutter R label R1 Adhesive surface Rp release paper Z1, Z2 transport route Z3 Winding path

Claims

1. A transport guide that transports a label having an adhesive surface and a release paper attached to the adhesive surface of the label in the transport direction, A release guide in which the release paper is transported in a direction intersecting the aforementioned transport guide, At the intersection of the transport guide and the peeling guide, there is a peeling section that peels the transported label from the release paper, A support portion is positioned downstream of the peeling portion in the transport direction of the label, and supports the downstream end of the label that has been peeled off by the peeling portion from the opposite side of the adhesive surface. An insertion opening is provided, and a rotating member is provided that supports and rotates a rod-shaped member inserted through the insertion opening, and a winding section is provided that winds the label peeled off by the peeling section around the rod-shaped member, A first guide portion is positioned on the adhesive side of the label and upstream of the insertion opening in the insertion direction of the rod-shaped member, and guides the rod-shaped member into the insertion opening. Equipped with, The first guide section includes: An upstream section that guides the label from the upstream side in the transport direction to the insertion opening, There is a downstream section that guides the user from the downstream side to the insertion opening. At least a portion of the upstream section includes the peeling section, A label winding machine characterized in that at least a portion of the downstream section includes the support section.

2. A second guide portion is positioned along the peeling path of the release paper between the peeling portion and the tension-applying portion for winding the release paper, and guides the rod-shaped member toward the upstream portion of the first guide portion. The label winding machine according to claim 1, further comprising the features described above.

3. The system further includes a winding section for winding the release paper, from which the label has been peeled off in the aforementioned peeling section, in the winding direction. The aforementioned support portion is The label winding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a protruding portion that covers at least a portion of the downstream end of the label in the transport direction, supported by the support portion, from the upstream side in the insertion direction, and that protrudes toward the downstream side in the winding direction.

4. The label winding machine according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the peeling portion is visible when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction.

5. The second guide section is, Along the winding path between the release section and the tension-applying section, a first guide is provided that protrudes upward from a position separated from the release paper in one direction in the width direction of the release paper, and exceeds the thickness of the release paper, Along the winding path between the release portion and the tension-applying portion, a second guide is provided that protrudes upward from a position separated from the release paper in the other direction in the width direction of the release paper, and exceeds the thickness of the release paper. The label winding machine according to claim 2, characterized by being equipped with the following:

6. The winding portion is positioned below the peeling portion and the support portion. The first guide section guides the rod-shaped member downward toward the winding section together with the label. The label winding machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the second guide portion is inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the insertion direction of the rod-shaped member.

7. The label winding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the peeling portion protrudes most downstream among the members of the upstream portion of the first guide portion.

8. The label winding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the peeling portion is a roller that is held in a rotatable manner.

9. The label winding machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the outer surface of the roller is uneven.

10. The label winding machine according to claim 1, further comprising a third guide unit disposed between the peeling unit and a transport unit that transports the label and the release paper, and which guides the label away from the peeling unit.

11. The system further comprises a winding roller for winding up the aforementioned release paper, The label winding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the winding roller winds the release paper, thereby applying tension to the release paper.

12. The label winding machine according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit for printing on the label upstream of the peeling unit in the transport direction.

13. The label winding machine according to claim 12, further comprising a half-cutter for cutting only the label between the peeling section and the printing section.

14. The label winding machine according to claim 12, further comprising a full cutter for cutting the label and the release paper between the release section and the printing section.

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