Label Printing Device

Abstract

To provide a label printing device capable of suppressing occurrence of device abnormality.SOLUTION: A label printing device 5 includes: conveyance rollers 33A, 33B and a printing roller 34 for conveying a mount-less label Ls; a shaft part 36 around which a printing surface Ls1 side of the mount-less label Ls which is conveyed is wound, and which changes a conveyance direction of the mount-less label Ls; a cutter mechanism 37 which cuts the mount-less label Ls whose conveyance direction has been changed by the shaft part 36, and which issues a label L; and a control device 70. A preparation operation mode execution part 71 of the control device 70 executes a preparation operation mode in which the mount-less label Ls in the case where the label L is not issued beyond a predetermined time period is conveyed by the conveyance rollers 33A, 33B and the printing roller 34 for a predetermined distance longer than a length of a portion from the shaft part 36 in the mount-less label Ls to the cutter mechanism 37 so as to be cut by the cutter mechanism 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a label printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known label printing device is, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1. The label printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport mechanism that transports a linerless label along its longitudinal direction, a printing mechanism that prints product information on the linerless label transported by the transport mechanism, and a control unit that controls at least one of the transport mechanism and the printing mechanism. In the label printing device described in Patent Document 1, the control unit has a first printing mode for printing product information on the linerless label in a first printing state, and a second printing mode for printing product information on the linerless label in a second printing state in which characters or the like indicating the product information are compressed in the transport direction of the linerless label compared to the first printing state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-153198 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the label printing device as described above, the non-adhesive side of the linerless label being conveyed is wound around a shaft portion, the conveying direction of the linerless label is changed by the shaft portion, and the linerless label is cut by a cutting portion to issue the label. In such a label printing device, for example, if the device is left for a predetermined period of time without issuing labels, the portion of the linerless label that was wound around the shaft portion will become warped and creased. When the linerless label is cut at the creased portion, the linerless label will be turned up. If the linerless label is further conveyed in this state, there is a risk of device abnormalities occurring, such as the creased portion sticking to the cutting blade of the cutting portion or the linerless label being wrapped around the cutting portion and not being conveyed properly.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a label printing device that is capable of suppressing the occurrence of device abnormalities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A label printing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a label printing device that prints on linerless labels and has a conveying unit that conveys the linerless label along its longitudinal direction, a shaft unit around which the non-adhesive side of the conveyed linerless label is wrapped and which changes the conveying direction of the linerless label, a cutting unit that cuts the linerless label whose conveying direction has been changed by the shaft unit and issues a label, and a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit, and the control unit executes a preparatory operation mode in which, for linerless labels that have not been issued for a predetermined time, the conveying unit conveys the linerless label a predetermined distance longer than the length of the portion of the linerless label from the shaft unit to the cutting unit and then the cutting unit cuts the label.

[0007] In this label printer, when a linerless label has not been printed for a predetermined time, even if the portion of the label that was wound around the shaft becomes curled, the curled portion can be removed by executing the preparatory operation mode. This makes it possible to prevent the curled portion from sticking to the cutting blade of the cutting unit, etc. In other words, the label printer according to one aspect of the present invention makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of device abnormalities.

[0008] A label printer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on the linerless labels transported by the transport unit, and the shaft unit may change the transport direction of the linerless labels toward the printing unit. In this case, the shaft unit can guide the linerless labels to the downstream printing unit.

[0009] In the label printer according to one aspect of the present invention, when a new label is to be printed, if the control unit determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous label was printed, the control unit may execute a preparation operation mode. In this case, when a new label is to be printed, any curled portions of the linerless label can be removed.

[0010] A label printer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a label detection sensor that is provided in the vicinity of a label issuing port and detects the presence or absence of a linerless label that has been separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode, and the control unit may prohibit issuing a new label when the label detection sensor detects the linerless label. If the linerless label that has been separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode is not removed and remains in the vicinity of the label issuing port, there is a possibility that the linerless label will get in the way when issuing a new label, causing an apparatus abnormality. Therefore, in the label printer according to one aspect of the present invention, when the label detection sensor detects a linerless label, it is determined that the linerless label remains in the vicinity of the label issuing port and prohibits issuing a new label. This makes it possible to avoid an apparatus abnormality that may occur when the linerless label gets in the way when issuing a new label.

[0011] The label printer according to one aspect of the present invention may include a notification unit that notifies an operator that the preparatory operation mode is to be executed when the preparatory operation mode is executed. In this case, it is possible to effectively notify an operator that the preparatory operation mode is to be executed.

[0012] The label printer according to one aspect of the present invention may include an output unit that outputs, after the preparatory operation mode is executed, an instruction to remove the linerless label separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode from the label issuing port. In this case, it is possible to urge the operator to remove the linerless label separated in the preparatory operation mode.

[0013] The label printing device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a first input unit that accepts input of the predetermined time. In this case, an operator can set a desired predetermined time via the first input unit.

[0014] The label printing device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a second input unit that receives an input of the predetermined distance. In this case, the operator can set a desired predetermined distance via the second input unit.

[0015] The label printing device according to an aspect of the present invention may further include a third input unit that receives an input for prohibiting execution of the preparatory operation mode. In this case, the operator can prohibit execution of the preparatory operation mode via the third input unit. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a label printing device that is capable of suppressing the occurrence of device abnormalities. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a packaging device having a label printing device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the packaging device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the label printing device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a control block diagram showing a functional configuration of the packaging device in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 3 for explaining a predetermined distance in the preparation operation mode. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the label printing device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0019] (1) Overall structure FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a packaging device 1 having a label printing device 5 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the packaging device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging device 1 weighs and packages an item M (hereinafter simply referred to as "item M") as a commodity in which food or other packaged items are accommodated in a tray, and attaches a label L on which product information is printed to the packaged item M. The packaging device 1 includes a weighing and packaging unit 10, a label issuing unit 30, a label application unit 50, a sealing mechanism 60, a control device 70, and a display input panel 80. The label printing device 5 is composed of the label issuing unit 30 and a control device (control unit) 70.

[0020] The weighing and packaging unit 10 weighs and packages the item M. The weighing and packaging unit 10 has a weighing unit 13, a conveying unit 21, a packaging unit 15, and a pusher 25. The weighing unit 13 weighs the item M placed on the weighing unit 13. The weighing unit 13 transmits the weighing value of the item M to the control device 70. The conveying unit 21 conveys the weighed item M to the packaging unit 15.

[0021] The packaging unit 15 packages the item M. The packaging unit 15 raises the lift 23 on which the item M is placed and presses the item M against a film stretched above the lift 23 by a film feeder (not shown), thereby covering the upper surface of the item M with the film. The packaging unit 15 packages the item M by folding the film onto the lower surface of the item M by a folding plate (not shown). The pusher 25 pushes the item M packaged by the packaging unit 15 to a position where the label L is affixed by the label affixing unit 50.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the label issuing unit 30. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the label issuing unit 30 issues labels L to be affixed to packaged items M. The label issuing unit 30 has a roll holder 31, conveying rollers 33A and 33B, a print roller 34, a thermal head 35, a shaft portion 36, a cutter mechanism (cutting portion) 37, a holding roller 38, a label detection sensor 39, and a label holding portion 41.

[0023] The roll holder 31 rotatably holds the label roll LR around which the tape-like linerless label Ls is wound. The roll holder 31 rotates and drives the rotating shaft on which the label roll LR is attached to unwind the linerless label Ls. The linerless label Ls is made of a strip-shaped material (e.g., film, etc.), one side of which is a print surface Ls1 and the other side is an adhesive surface Ls2. The print surface Ls1 of the linerless label Ls is formed with a thermosensitive coloring layer that can develop at least two colors depending on the temperature. The adhesive surface Ls2 of the linerless label Ls is formed with an adhesive layer that has adhesive properties. The linerless label Ls does not have a liner attached to the adhesive surface Ls2, and the size of the label L issued for one item M can be freely determined.

[0024] The transport rollers 33A, 33B and the print roller 34 constitute a transport section that transports the linerless label Ls along its longitudinal direction. The transport roller 33A is a drive roller disposed below the linerless label Ls. The transport roller 33B is a driven roller disposed above the linerless label Ls. The transport rollers 33A, 33B rotate with the linerless label Ls sandwiched between them. The print roller 34 is disposed downstream of the transport rollers 33A, 33B in the transport direction. The print roller 34 is a drive roller disposed below the linerless label Ls.

[0025] The thermal head 35 constitutes a printing unit that prints product information and the like on the linerless label Ls being conveyed. The thermal head 35 is disposed above the linerless label Ls. The thermal head 35 faces the print roller 34 across the linerless label Ls.

[0026] The print surface Ls1 side (non-adhesive side) of the linerless label Ls being conveyed is wrapped around the shaft portion 36. The shaft portion 36 changes the conveying direction of the linerless label Ls. The shaft portion 36 includes a cylindrical shaft body made of, for example, metal. The shaft portion 36 is disposed on the upstream side of the conveying rollers 33A and 33B. The print surface Ls1 of the linerless label Ls abuts against the surface of the shaft portion 36. The shaft portion 36 changes the conveying direction of the linerless label Ls so that it bends at an acute angle. In other words, the angle between the linerless label Ls upstream of the shaft portion 36 and the linerless label Ls downstream of the shaft portion 36 is an acute angle. The shaft portion 36 changes the conveying direction of the linerless label Ls toward the thermal head 35.

[0027] The cutter mechanism 37 cuts and separates (cuts off) the linerless label Ls at a predetermined position. The cutter mechanism 37 cuts the linerless label Ls whose conveying direction has been changed by the shaft portion 36, and issues the label L from the label issuing port 30H. The cutter mechanism 37 is disposed downstream of the thermal head 35. The cutter mechanism 37 includes a moving cutter 37A and a fixed cutter 37B as cutting blades. The cutter mechanism 37 cuts the linerless label Ls by reciprocating the moving cutter 37A relative to the fixed cutter 37B. The holding roller 38 is a roller that places and holds the linerless label Ls (i.e., the label L and the blank feed label described later) that has been separated by cutting by the cutter mechanism 37. The holding roller 38 is disposed downstream of the cutter mechanism 37.

[0028] The label detection sensor 39 detects the presence or absence of the label L and the empty feed label described later. For example, a photoelectric sensor is used as the label detection sensor 39. The label detection sensor 39 is provided around the label issuing port 30H. The label detection sensor 39 is disposed downstream of the cutter mechanism 37. The label detection sensor 39 irradiates light onto the label L and the empty feed label described later around the label issuing port 30H, and detects the reflected light reflected in response to the irradiation. In the illustrated example, the label detection sensor 39 is disposed so as to be able to detect the label L on the holding roller 38 and the empty feed label described later. The label holding unit 41 is provided downstream of the label issuing port 30H. The label holding unit 41 holds the label L protruding outward from the label issuing port 30H and the empty feed label described later.

[0029] Returning to Fig. 2, the label application unit 50 applies the label L issued by the label issuing unit 30 to the packaged item M. The label application unit 50 has an adsorption unit 51 and a moving unit 53. The adsorption unit 51 has an adsorption surface for adsorbing the label L, and receives the label L from the label issuing unit 30 by sucking in air through holes formed in the adsorption surface to adsorb the label L. The adsorption unit 51 adsorbs the label L so that the center of gravity of the adsorption unit 51 and the center of gravity of the label L coincide with each other.

[0030] The moving unit 53 is a moving mechanism that moves the suction unit 51 between a receiving position P1 where the label L is received from the label issuing unit 30 and an application position P3 where the label L is applied to the item M packaged by the measuring and packaging unit 10. The moving unit 53 is driven by a driving unit (not shown) such as a stepping motor, for example.

[0031] The sealing mechanism 60 heat-seals the film folded by the packaging unit 15. The sealing mechanism 60 has a conveying roller and a heating roller, and heat-seals the article M pushed out by the pusher 25 while conveying it with the conveying roller and the heating roller. The sealing mechanism 60 discharges the packaged article M toward the discharge table 62.

[0032] (2) Control device The control device 70 is a part that controls various operations in the packaging device 1, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 70 controls the operations of the measuring and packaging unit 10, the label issuing unit 30, the label application unit 50, and the sealing mechanism 60.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the control device 70 controls the conveyance by the conveying unit in the label issuing unit 30, specifically, the driving of the conveying roller 33A and the print roller 34. The control device 70 controls the cutting by the cutter mechanism 37, specifically, the reciprocating movement of the moving cutter 37A relative to the fixed cutter 37B. The control device 70 has, as conceptual parts, a preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 and a memory unit 72. The preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 can be configured as software in which a program stored in a ROM is loaded onto a RAM and executed by a CPU, for example. Note that the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 may also be configured as hardware such as an electronic circuit.

[0034] The preparatory operation mode executing unit 71 executes the preparatory operation mode. The preparatory operation mode is an operation mode in which, for a linerless label Ls in which a label L has not been issued for a predetermined time, the linerless label Ls is conveyed by the conveying rollers 33A, 33B and the print roller 34 a predetermined distance that is longer than the length of the portion of the linerless label Ls from the shaft portion 36 to the cutter mechanism 37, and cut by the cutter mechanism 37. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 to 120 minutes.

[0035] 5, the length D0 of the portion of the linerless label Ls extending from the shaft portion 36 to the cutter mechanism 37 is, for example, the distance from the upstream end of the contact area with the shaft portion 36 to the position where the blade of the cutter mechanism 37 hits in the linerless label Ls. In other words, the length D0 of the portion of the linerless label Ls extending from the shaft portion 36 to the cutter mechanism 37 is the distance from the position corresponding to the shaft portion 36 to the position corresponding to the cutter mechanism 37 in the transport path of the linerless label Ls. The predetermined distance D1 of the linerless label Ls transported in the preparation operation mode is set to be longer than the length D0 by a predetermined distance.

[0036] When issuing a new label L, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 executes the preparatory operation mode if it determines that a label L has not been issued for a predetermined time or longer since the previous time the label L was issued. The preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 prohibits execution of the preparatory operation mode if an input to turn off the preparatory operation mode is made via the display input panel 80. After executing the preparatory operation mode, if the linerless label Ls separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode is detected by the label detection sensor 39, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 prohibits issuance of a new label L.

[0037] The storage unit 72 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or an SSD (solid state drive). A predetermined distance D1 and a predetermined time in the preparation operation mode are stored in the storage unit 72. Product information for each product is stored in the storage unit 72. The product information may include, for example, information such as the product name, nutritional components, product price per 100 g, and raw material names.

[0038] (3) Display and input panel The display input panel 80 is connected to the control device 70. An operator can perform various operations of the packaging device 1 via the display input panel 80. When the preparatory operation mode is executed by the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71, the display input panel 80 notifies the user that the preparatory operation mode is to be executed. The notification may be performed, for example, by at least one of a display and a sound. After executing the preparatory operation mode, the display input panel 80 may output an instruction to remove the linerless label Ls separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode from the label issuing port 30H. The output may be performed by at least one of a display and a sound.

[0039] The display input panel 80 accepts the input of a predetermined time. The display input panel 80 allows the input of the predetermined time in 5-minute or 10-minute increments. The display input panel 80 accepts the input of a predetermined distance D1. The display input panel 80 accepts an input to prohibit (turn OFF) the execution of the preparatory operation mode. The display input panel 80 accepts an input to allow (turn ON) the execution of the preparatory operation mode. The display input panel 80 constitutes an alarm section, an output section, a first input section, a second input section, and a third input section.

[0040] (4) Operation of the label printer Next, the operation of the label printer 5 when printing a new label L will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0041] First, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 determines whether the preparatory operation mode is set to ON (whether it is not set to OFF) (step S1). If the result in step S1 is NO, the preparatory operation mode is not executed, and a new label L is issued from the label issuing port 30H (step S2). For example, in step S2, while the linerless label Ls is being conveyed, product information is printed on the printing surface Ls1 of the linerless label Ls by the thermal head 35, and the linerless label Ls is cut by the cutter mechanism 37 for each piece of product information of a single product, and the label L is issued.

[0042] If the answer is YES in step S1, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 determines whether a label L has not been issued for a predetermined time or more, for example, based on the time that has elapsed since the label printing device 5 last issued a label L (step S3). If the answer is NO in step S3, the process proceeds to step S2, where a new label L is issued from the label issuing port 30H without executing the preparatory operation mode. On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S3, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 notifies the user via the display input panel 80 that the preparatory operation mode will be executed (step S4).

[0043] After step S4, for example, when an operator inputs an operation to confirm execution of the preparatory operation mode via the display input panel 80 (touching a confirmation button on the screen), the preparatory operation mode is executed by the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71. In the preparatory operation mode, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 controls the driving of the transport roller 33A and the print roller 34 to transport the linerless label Ls a predetermined distance D1 (step S5). Then, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 controls the driving of the cutter mechanism 37 to cut the linerless label Ls transported the predetermined distance D1, and separate the portion of the linerless label Ls for the predetermined distance D1 as an empty feed label (step S6).

[0044] After step S6, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 outputs an instruction to remove the empty-feed label from the label issuing port 30H via the display input panel 80 (step S7). The preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 determines whether the preparatory operation for issuing the label L is completed (step S8). In step S8, if the label detection sensor 39 detects the empty-feed label, the result is NO (preparatory operation is not completed). In step S8, for example, if a sensor or the like detects that a door in the label application unit 50 or the like is not closed, the result is NO. In step S8, if the weight value of the item M placed on the weighing unit 13 and weighed for issuing a new label L is not stable (the amount of fluctuation is equal to or greater than a specified value), the result is NO.

[0045] If the answer is NO in step S8, the issuance of a new label L is prohibited, and the process returns to step S7, and an instruction to remove the empty-feed label is output again via the display input panel 80. If the answer is YES in step S8, the issuance of a new label L is permitted, and the process moves to step S2, where a new label L is issued from the label issuing port 30H.

[0046] (5) Features, Functions and Effects In the label printer 5, even if the linerless label Ls that has not been printed for a predetermined time has become bent in the portion that was wound around the shaft 36, the preparation operation mode can be executed to remove the bent portion in advance. This makes it possible to prevent the bent portion from sticking to the moving cutter 37A and the fixed cutter 37B of the cutter mechanism 37, or from sticking to an unexpected location. In other words, the label printer 5 makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of device abnormalities. It makes it possible to reduce downtime caused by device abnormalities. It makes it possible to reduce the stress of the operator caused by the recovery work from the device abnormality.

[0047] In the label printing device 5, the shaft portion 36 changes the transport direction of the linerless label Ls toward the thermal head 35. In this case, the shaft portion 36 can guide the linerless label Ls to the thermal head 35 on the downstream side.

[0048] In the label printer 5, the preparatory operation mode executing unit 71 of the control device 70 executes the preparatory operation mode when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous printing of the label L when a new label L is to be printed. In this case, when a new label L is printed, it is possible to remove any curled portions of the linerless label Ls.

[0049] In the label printer 5, a label detection sensor 39 is provided around the label issuing port 30H. The label detection sensor 39 detects the presence or absence of a linerless label Ls (i.e., a blank-feed label) that has been separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode. When the label detection sensor 39 detects a blank-feed label, the preparatory operation mode execution unit 71 of the control device 70 prohibits issuing a new label L. If the blank-feed label is not removed and remains around the label issuing port 30H, there is a possibility that the blank-feed label will get in the way when issuing a new label L, causing an apparatus abnormality. Therefore, in the label printer 5, when the label detection sensor 39 detects a blank-feed label, it is determined that the blank-feed label remains around the label issuing port 30H, and the issuing of a new label L is prohibited (not performed). This makes it possible to avoid an apparatus abnormality that may occur when issuing a new label L due to the blank-feed label getting in the way.

[0050] When the label printing device 5 executes the preparatory operation mode, the fact that the preparatory operation mode is to be executed is notified by the display input panel 80. In this case, the execution of the preparatory operation mode can be effectively notified to the operator.

[0051] After the label printing device 5 executes the preparation operation mode, an instruction to remove the empty-feed label from the label issuing port 30H is output via the display input panel 80. In this case, it is possible to prompt the operator to remove the empty-feed label.

[0052] In the label printing device 5, the input of the predetermined time is accepted by the display input panel 80. In this case, the operator can set a desired predetermined time via the display input panel 80.

[0053] In the label printing device 5, the input of the predetermined distance D1 is accepted by the display input panel 80. In this case, the operator can set a desired predetermined distance D1 via the display input panel 80.

[0054] In the label printing device 5, an input for prohibiting the execution of the preparatory operation mode is accepted by the display input panel 80. In this case, the operator can prohibit the execution of the preparatory operation mode via the display input panel 80.

[0055] (6) Variations Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the predetermined time may be a preset fixed value. In the above embodiment, the predetermined distance D1 may be a preset fixed value. When the position of the shaft portion 36 is moved by the damper mechanism according to the size of the outer diameter of the label roll LR, the length D0 (see FIG. 5) varies according to the movement. In this case, the predetermined distance D1 may be a distance greater than the maximum value of the varying length D0.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the label printer 5 may include one or more other shaft portions instead of or in addition to the shaft portion 36. In this case, the predetermined distance D1 may be a distance longer than the length of the portion of the linerless label Ls from the most upstream shaft portion among the multiple shaft portions to the cutter mechanism 37.

[0058] In the above embodiment, when a new label L is to be issued, if it is determined that the label L has not been issued for a predetermined time, the preparatory operation mode is executed, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if an operator determines that the label L has not been issued for a predetermined time, the preparatory operation mode may be executed by an operation input by the operator. In short, it is sufficient to be able to execute the preparatory operation mode for mountless labels Ls when the label L has not been issued for a predetermined time.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the label printer 5 included in the packaging device 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the label printer 5 may be included in various devices. The label printer 5 may be included in, for example, an underside labeling device that applies a label to the underside of a product. The label printer 5 may be included in, for example, an electronic scale. Furthermore, a plurality of label printers 5 may be included in a device such as the packaging device 1. In this case, when a label L has not been issued from any of the plurality of label printers 5 for a predetermined period of time or more, the preparatory operation mode may be executed in any of the label printers 5, or the preparatory operation mode may be executed in all of the label printers 5. Furthermore, the label printer 5 may be a device that functions independently.

[0060] The respective configurations in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples are not limited to the above-mentioned materials and shapes, and various materials and shapes can be applied. The respective configurations in the above-mentioned embodiment or modified examples can be arbitrarily applied to the respective configurations in other embodiments or modified examples. A part of each configuration in the above-mentioned embodiment or modified example can be appropriately omitted within the scope of the gist of one aspect of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 5...label printing device, 30H...label issuing port, 33A, 33B...conveying rollers (conveying section), 34...printing rollers (conveying section), 35...thermal head (printing section), 36...shaft section, 37...cutter mechanism (cutting section), 39...label detection sensor, 70...control device (control section), 80...display input panel (alert section, output section, first input section, second input section, third input section), D1...predetermined distance, L...label, Ls...backingless label.

Claims

1. A label printing device that prints on linerless labels, A conveying unit that conveys the linerless label along its longitudinal direction; a shaft portion around which the non-adhesive side of the linerless label being conveyed is wound and which changes the conveying direction of the linerless label; a cutting unit that cuts the linerless label sheet whose conveying direction has been changed by the shaft unit, and issues a label; a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit, The control unit is A label printing device that executes a preparatory operation mode in which, when a label has not been issued for a specified time, the linerless label is transported by the transport unit a specified distance that is longer than the length of the portion of the linerless label from the shaft portion to the cutting portion, and then cut by the cutting unit.

2. a printing unit that prints on the linerless label conveyed by the conveying unit, The label printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft portion changes a conveying direction of the linerless label toward the printing portion.

3. 3. The label printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the preparatory operation mode when, when printing a new label, it is determined that a label has not been printed for more than the predetermined time since the previous label was printed.

4. a label detection sensor provided around a label issuing port for detecting the presence or absence of the linerless label separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode; The control unit is 4. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein when the label detection sensor detects the linerless label, printing of a new label is prohibited.

5. 5. The label printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user that the preparatory operation mode is to be executed when the preparatory operation mode is to be executed.

6. 6. The label printing device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs, after the preparatory operation mode is executed, an instruction to remove the linerless label separated by cutting in the preparatory operation mode from a label issuing port.

7. The label printing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first input unit that accepts an input of the predetermined time period.

8. The label printing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second input unit that accepts an input of the predetermined distance.

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