Label conveying device and roller

Abstract

To provide a label printer capable of preventing troubles of linerless label paper and appropriately issuing linerless labels in a linerless label issuing process.SOLUTION: A label printer 1 has a sub-roller 33 which is composed of an upper roller 33-1 and a lower roller 33-2 and conveys linerless label paper downstream, and the upper roller 33-1 has a large-diameter portion that pinches the lower roller 33-2 and a central portion of a linerless label paper 21, and a small-diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portion and interposing an end of the linerless label paper 21 perpendicular to a conveying direction, between the small-diameter portion and the second roller without applying pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a label printer capable of issuing linerless labels. [Background technology]

[0002] Film-wrapped sandwiches, rice balls, and other items are affixed with labels bearing the product name and price. In the label issuing process, the backing paper is discarded after the label is affixed to the item, but because a considerable amount of backing paper is discarded, there has been a desire to eliminate the need for backing paper.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 proposes a linerless label comprising a linerless label body wound into a roll, the linerless label body being made of a laminate having an adhesive layer formed of an adhesive as the bottom layer and a release layer that is peelable from the adhesive as the top layer, and the release layer that is wound into a roll of the linerless label body is not removed, but at least the release layer that is not wound into a roll is removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-156707 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, labels without a backing, so-called linerless label paper made up of consecutive linerless labels, are prone to bending due to the lack of a backing, and the adhesive surface is exposed when the labels are printed, making it difficult to print the labels properly.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a label conveying device that can prevent defects in linerless label paper and properly issue linerless labels in the linerless label issuing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the label conveying device of the present invention is a label conveying device that issues linerless labels from a long linerless label paper in which individual linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and the label conveying device has a sub-roller composed of a first roller and a second roller that conveys the linerless label paper downstream, and the first roller has a large diameter portion that presses the center of the linerless label paper between the second roller and the first roller, and a small diameter portion that has a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion and interposes the end of the linerless label paper that is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction between the first roller and the second roller without applying pressure.

[0008] The functional units constituting the label conveying device according to the present invention can also be configured as inventions relating to methods, systems, or computer programs having similar configurations. Furthermore, computer programs can be provided by downloading them via a network such as the Internet, or by recording them on various computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in the process of issuing linerless labels, defects in linerless label paper can be prevented and linerless labels can be issued appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a physical configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing linerless label paper used in a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a label roll used in a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a package to which a linerless label printed by a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is affixed, where (a) shows an example of the package and linerless label before opening, and (b) shows an example of the package and linerless label in the process of being opened. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating guide rollers of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention and the state of linerless label paper being transported via the guide rollers. [Figure 7] 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. 1C is a side view showing an upper roller that constitutes a sub-roller of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a sub-roller of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention and the state of linerless label paper being transported by the sub-roller. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sub-roller and a lower roller constituting the sub-roller of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams showing the configurations of a first detection unit and a second detection unit that detect gaps using a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A shows the configuration of the first detection unit and FIG. 1B shows the configuration of the second detection unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of a label printing process executed by a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of an abnormality determination process executed by the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A label printer 1 constituting a label conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 unwinds linerless label paper 21 from a label roll 22 set in a label supply unit 2 and supplies the linerless label paper 21 to a printing unit 4 via a tension roller 31, a guide roller 32, and a sub-roller 33 (hereinafter, the tension roller 31, guide roller 32, and sub-roller 33 may be collectively referred to as the "feed unit"). After printing on the linerless label paper 21 in the printing unit 4, the printed linerless label paper 21 is cut by a cutter unit 5 to produce sheet-like linerless labels 20 as shown in FIG. 4, and the linerless labels 20 are affixed to objects such as products.

[0012] ●Linerless Label 20 Figure 2 shows the linerless label paper 21 used in the label printer 1 according to this embodiment. The linerless label paper 21 is also called linerless label paper or linerless label paper, and is a label paper without a liner. This linerless label paper 21 is a long sheet of paper in which sheet-like linerless labels 20 are connected in a cuttable manner, and is continuous only in the left-right direction in Figure 2.

[0013] The front surface of the linerless label paper 21 constitutes a printing surface, and the back surface constitutes an adhesive surface. 3, the linerless label paper 21 is wound in a roll around a paper tube 23 with the print surface facing outward and the adhesive surface facing inward to form a label roll 22. The print surface is appropriately treated with a release coating, which makes it easy to pull out the linerless label paper 21 from the label roll 22.

[0014] The label roll 22 is loaded into the label printer 1, and the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 is cut into sheets at a connecting location by the label printer 1. The linerless label 20 formed into sheets is affixed to a package 25 (subject) for packaging a product such as rice balls, as shown in Figure 4.

[0015] The linerless label paper 21 has slits 21b formed at a predetermined interval L1 in the transport direction of the linerless label paper 21. The slits 21b are formed at a predetermined interval L2 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the linerless label paper 21, i.e., in the width direction of the linerless label paper 21. The slits 21b are formed as through holes or thin portions having a length in the conveyance direction. The number, shape, formation position, intervals, etc. of the slits 21b are appropriately set depending on the manner in which the package 25 is opened.

[0016] The slit 21b can be formed at the top or bottom end, or both, of the linerless label 20 by adjusting the cutting position of the linerless label paper 21. Even when cutting the linerless label paper 21 at a fixed position, the slit 21b can be formed at the top or bottom end, or both, of the linerless label 20 by adjusting the position and shape of the slit 21b in the linerless label paper 21 in advance, allowing linerless labels 20 with the same design to be issued.

[0017] The linerless label 20 to be attached to a packaging body 25 such as a rice ball as a commodity is printed so that slits 21b are arranged on the bottom side (bottom end) and top side (top end) of the packaging body 25 when attached to the packaging body 25. As a result, when the opening tab 251 of the packaging body 25 is pulled, the packaging body 25 is cut along the planned cutting line 252, and the linerless label 20 attached on the planned cutting line 252 is also cut in response, from the slit 21b on the side where cutting starts on the opening tab 251 side toward the other slit 21b. Depending on how the slits 21b are provided or how the linerless label paper 21 is cut, the slits 21b may be provided only on the bottom side (bottom end) or top side (top end) of the linerless label 20.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linerless label paper 21 has a printing surface on the front side and an adhesive surface on the back side, but regardless of this, the present invention can also be applied to linerless label paper 21 that does not have printing on the front side, i.e., the front side does not form a printing surface.

[0019] ●Gap 21a A gap 21a is provided between adjacent linerless labels 20 on the linerless label paper 21, which is a cut point for the linerless label paper 21 and is also used to detect the adjacent positions of the linerless labels 20. The label printer 1 detects the gap 21a using the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7, which will be described later, and can thereby identify the adjacent positions that are cut points for the linerless label paper 21.

[0020] The gap 21a is provided at each location where the linerless labels 20 are successively provided, at the end of the linerless label paper 21 in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and is open to the outside. The gap 21a is formed by cutting out the widthwise end of the linerless label paper 21. In the example of Figure 2, the corner on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet-like linerless label 20 forms a right angle, while the corner on the upstream side of the conveying direction is formed in an arc shape so that the width of the gap 21a gradually widens outward.

[0021] Here, the central portion of each linerless label 20 that is connected to the adjacent linerless label 20 in the conveying direction constitutes a connecting portion 201. Also, the end portion (the end portion in the width direction of the linerless label paper 21) extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction from the connecting portion 201, where the gap 21a is provided before and after the conveying direction, constitutes a tongue portion 202.

[0022] In the example of Figure 1, gaps 21a are provided at both ends of the linerless label paper 21 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide gaps 21a only at one end and detect the connection point using the gap 21a provided only at that end. 1, the gap 21a is open toward the outside, but this is not a limitation and the ends may be closed. If a portion that penetrates from the front to the back of the linerless label paper 21 in at least the width direction of the linerless label paper 21 is provided, the penetrating portion can form the gap 21a for detecting the connection point. However, in terms of the relationship between the gap 21a and the slit 21b, it is preferable that the length of the slit 21b in the conveying direction be longer than the length of the gap 21a. In other words, because the gap 21a is made as small as possible in design, it is easier to cut the package 25 and the linerless label 20 attached to the package 25 if the slit 21b is the same length as the gap 21a or longer.

[0023] Furthermore, the width and length of the gap 21a, i.e., the distance between adjacent linerless labels 20 and the distance in the width direction of the linerless label paper 21, are not particularly limited, but are determined appropriately based on the detection accuracy of the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 that detect the gap 21a, the width of the slit 21b, etc. The shape of the arc or corner that defines the shape of the gap 21a and the corner of the linerless label 20 can be determined in accordance with the shape of the package 25 (subject) to which the linerless label 20 is affixed. Therefore, the corners on both the upstream and downstream sides of the conveyance direction of the linerless label 20 may be formed in an arc shape, or both corners may be formed at right angles. The radius of curvature of the arc on the upstream side and the downstream side may also be different. Conversely to this embodiment, the upstream side may be formed at a right angle and the downstream side may be formed in an arc shape.

[0024] ●Lead tape 24 As shown in FIG. 3, a lead tape 24 is attached to the leading end of a linerless label paper 21 wound around a paper tube 23 as a label roll 22. The lead tape 24 is the leading end for pulling out the linerless label paper 21 from the label roll 22, and is connected to the linerless label paper 21. When the lead tape 24 is pulled out from the label roll 22, the linerless label paper 21 is pulled out following the lead tape 24. This lead tape 24 is a strip-shaped paper sheet that does not have gaps 21a or slits 21b, and has no adhesive surface on either the front or back side.

[0025] By providing such a lead tape 24, when the label roll 22 is taken out from the bag or the like that contains the label roll 22, the leading end portion of the linerless label paper 21 does not stick to the bag or the like, making it difficult to take out, and as a result, the linerless label paper 21 does not tear. Furthermore, when the label roll 22 is set in the label printer 1 and the leading edge is pulled out, the lead tape 24 is not adhered to the linerless label paper 21, so it is easy to see which leading edge to pull out. Furthermore, when pulling out the leading edge of the linerless label paper 21 from the label roll 22, if the leading edge is stuck to the inner linerless label paper 21, the tongue portion 202 around the gap 21a is likely to be torn by the adhesive force, but this does not happen. Furthermore, when setting the label roll 22 in the label printer 1, the leading edge is pulled out and routed from the tension roller 31 to the printing unit 4 via the guide roller 32 and sub-roller 33, and the linerless label paper 21 does not stick to the operator's hands or the components of the label printer 1, making it easy to set. In this regard, it is advisable to provide the lead tape 24 with a length corresponding to the portion that the operator will hold when pulling out the leading edge from the label roll 22 and setting it in the label printer 1. For example, it is advisable to provide the lead tape 24 with a length equal to or greater than the length from the platen roller 42 to the tension roller 31 of the label printer 1.

[0026] The lead tape 24 is cut when the label roll 22 is initially set, before the linerless labels 20 are issued. That is, the operator pulls out the lead tape 24 from the label roll 22, and then pulls the lead tape 24 around the platen roller 42 via the tension roller 31, guide roller 32, and sub-roller 33 to complete the setting. Then, the label printer 1 is driven to feed the lead tape 24 in the feed direction, and the lead tape 24 is cut by the cutter unit 5.

[0027] Label printer 1 As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the label printer 1 includes a label supply unit 2, a feed unit (tension roller 31, guide roller 32, sub-roller 33), a printing unit 4, a cutter unit 5, a first detection unit 6, a second detection unit 7, and a label application unit 8. The control device 9 that controls the label printer 1 also includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 for executing information processing, storage devices such as a flash memory 92 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93, a display and operation unit 94, and an I / O interface 95. The control device 9 is connected to the lower roller 33-2, the printing unit 4, the cutter unit 5, the first detection unit 6, the second detection unit 7, and the label application unit 8 via the I / O interface 95.

[0028] The CPU 91 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the label printer 1 by reading and executing programs stored in the flash memory 92 . The flash memory 92 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 91, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 91, including programs. The RAM 93 is the main storage device for the CPU 91 and also serves as a work area for temporarily retrieving and processing data.

[0029] The label printer 1 uses hardware resources such as a CPU 91, flash memory 92, and RAM 93 to configure, as software resources, functional units related to issuing and affixing linerless labels 20. The functional units include, for example, a memory unit that stores setting information for the label printer 1, such as the feed speed of the linerless label paper 21 and information about the linerless labels 20 to be used, as well as information about the products to which the linerless labels 20 are affixed, and a processing unit that inputs, outputs, and extracts various types of information and generates information necessary for each functional unit to execute its function.

[0030] Label supply unit 2 The label supply unit 2 is a part that supplies linerless label paper 21 to the printing unit 4 via a feed unit, and rotatably holds a label roll 22 by a cylindrical roll set.

[0031] The linerless label paper 21 is drawn from the label roll 22 held in the label supply unit 2 by the rotational drive of the platen roller 42, which presses the print head 41 and the linerless label paper 21 together. The drawn linerless label paper 21 is transported to the printing unit 4 via the feed unit.

[0032] The feed section is a section that feeds the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 to the printing section 4, and is composed of a tension roller 31, a guide roller 32, and a sub-roller 33 in this order from the upstream side.

[0033] ●Tension roller 31 The tension roller 31 conveys the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 to the guide roller 32 while contacting the side (right side in the figure) of the outer circumferential surface of the tension roller 31 with the underside. In this embodiment, the tension roller 31 is realized by a rotatable free roller, but is not limited to this and may be configured as a non-rotatable rod-shaped or plate-shaped member.

[0034] The tension roller 31 is provided with a biasing means such as a spring that biases the linerless label paper 21 in the direction opposite to the direction of transport to the guide roller 32. This prevents the linerless label paper 21 that is pulled out from the label roll 22 from slackening, and the linerless label paper 21 is transported to the guide roller 32 in a tensioned state. In this way, the tension roller 31 serves as a tensioning means for the linerless label paper 21 in that it applies tension to the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 to prevent the linerless label paper 21 from sagging.

[0035] The tension roller 31 is provided at least on the opposite side (right side in the figure) of the guide roller 32 from the direction in which the linerless label paper 21 is transported via the guide roller 32. The vertical and horizontal installation positions of the tension roller 31 relative to the guide roller 32 determine the angle at which the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 is transported to the guide roller 32, for example, the angle θ between the direction perpendicular to the transport direction in which the linerless label paper 21 is transported linearly from the guide roller 32 to the printing unit 4, and the direction in which the linerless label paper 21 is transported from the tension roller 31 to the guide roller 32.

[0036] By providing the tension roller 31 so that the angle θ is gentle, it is possible to prevent problems with the linerless label paper 21 at the position of the guide roller 32, as will be described in detail later. In this way, the tension roller 31 constitutes a regulating means for regulating the angle at which the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 is conveyed to the guide roller 32.

[0037] ● Guide roller 32 The guide roller 32 is provided downstream of the tension roller 31, and transports the linerless label paper 21 transported from the tension roller 31 to a sub-roller 33 provided further downstream. 1, the guide roller 32 is provided below the label supply unit 2 and the label roll 22 set in the label supply unit 2. That is, in the transport direction of the linerless label paper 21, the guide roller 32 is provided at approximately the same position as the label roll 22, or at least upstream in the transport direction from the position where the linerless label paper 21 is pulled out from the label roll 22. As a result, the positional relationship between the label supply unit 2 and the guide roller 32 allows the length of the label printer 1 to be shortened, making the label printer 1 itself more compact.

[0038] 6 shows the guide rollers 32 as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper 21, and the linerless label paper 21 being conveyed via the guide rollers 32. As shown in FIG. The guide roller 32 is a rotatable shaft rod, and is composed of a rod-shaped sliding contact portion 321 that slides against the underside of the outer circumferential surface of the guide roller 32, and a pair of disk-shaped flanges 322 that are provided on both sides of the sliding contact portion 321 and have a larger diameter than the sliding contact portion 321. The linerless label paper 21 conveyed from the tension roller 31 is conveyed toward the sub-roller 33, passing between the pair of flanges 322 and in contact with the underside of the sliding contact portion 321.

[0039] A support plate 323, a plate-like member, is provided below the guide roller 32. The support plate 323 supports the guide roller 32 with a specific member and prevents the linerless label paper 21 from drooping as it is transported below the guide roller 32. A through hole 323a is provided in the support plate 323 at a position corresponding to the position where the flange 322 is to be provided. The flange 322 is provided so as to protrude slightly downward from the through hole 323a of the support plate 323.

[0040] The linerless label paper 21, which is transported to the sub-roller 33 via the guide roller 32, is restricted from moving in the width direction by the flange 322. Furthermore, because the flange 322 of the guide roller 32 protrudes downward from the support plate 323 through the through-hole 323a, the linerless label paper 21 will not slip past below the flange 322 even if it sags.

[0041] As described above, the support plate 323 that supports the guide roller 32 has a through hole 323a through which the flange 322 protrudes, and there is a risk that the tongue portion 202 of the linerless label paper 21 will get caught on the periphery of the through hole 323a. That is, because the tongue portion 202 has gaps 21a at the front and rear in the conveyance direction, it is prone to bending outward in the width direction. When the paper is conveyed from the tension roller 31 to the guide roller 32 at a predetermined angle, it may sink into the through hole 323a at that angle and get caught on the periphery of the through hole 323a. If the tongue portion 202 is conveyed while caught in the through hole 323a, the tongue portion 202 will break.

[0042] In contrast, by making the angle at which the linerless label paper 21 is transported from the tension roller 31 to the guide roller 32, the angle θ described above, gentle, it is possible to prevent the tongue portion 202, which is the end of the linerless label paper 21, from bending outward in the width direction and getting caught on the periphery of the through hole 323a and tearing. In this respect, the angle θ is preferably, for example, 40 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, and more preferably, 50 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less.

[0043] The angle θ, which indicates the angle at which the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 is conveyed to the guide roller 32, may be defined as the angle between the conveyance direction in which the linerless label paper 21 is conveyed linearly from the guide roller 32 to the printing unit 4 and the direction in which the linerless label paper 21 is conveyed from the tension roller 31 to the guide roller 32 (the angle in this case is referred to as the "angle θ2"). In this case, the angle θ2 is, for example, 10 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, and more preferably 30 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less. This becomes:

[0044] ● Subroller 33 The sub-roller 33 is provided downstream of the guide roller 32 and transports the linerless label paper 21 transported from the guide roller 32 to the printing unit 4. The sub-roller 33 consists of an upper roller 33-1 that constitutes a first roller located on the printing surface side (upper side) of the linerless label paper 21, and a lower roller 33-2 that constitutes a second roller located on the adhesive surface side (lower side) of the linerless label paper 21. Both the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 are longer than the width of the label roll 22, and the linerless label paper 21 is sandwiched between them.

[0045] As will be described later, the large diameter portion 331 of the upper roller 33-1 clamps the linerless label paper 21 with the lower roller 33-2, and this pressure is set lower than the pressure at which the linerless label paper 21 is clamped between the print head 41 and platen roller 42 in the printing unit 4. The clamping pressure between the large diameter portion 331 of the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 may be fixed to a constant pressure, or it may be adjustable within a predetermined pressure range. A structure that allows the pressure to be adjusted, for example, may be one in which a biasing member such as a spring is provided on either the upper roller 33-1 or the lower roller 33-2 to bias them in the direction of contact with each other, and the resilience of this biasing member may be adjustable.

[0046] The upper roller 33-1 is rotatably provided above the lower roller 33-2. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper roller 33-1 is made up of a large diameter portion 331 constituting the central portion in the length direction, and a small diameter portion 332 having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 331. The large diameter portion 331 presses the continuous portion 201, which corresponds to the center portion of the linerless label paper 21 in the width direction, between the large diameter portion 331 and the lower roller 33-2.

[0047] The small diameter portions 332 are provided as a pair on both sides of the large diameter portion 331, and interpose the tongue portions 202 corresponding to both widthwise ends of the linerless label paper 21 between them and the lower roller 33-2 without applying pressure. Although small diameter portion 332 has a smaller diameter than large diameter portion 331, it has a larger diameter than the axis, and prevents tongue portion 202 from bending upward excessively. In other words, if tongue portion 202 bends excessively, tongue portion 202 abuts against small diameter portion 332 and does not bend any further.

[0048] Additionally, on the widthwise outer side of the small diameter portion 332 is provided an expanded diameter portion 333 that has a diameter that is approximately the same as that of the large diameter portion 331. A pair of expanded diameter portions 333 are provided on the outer side of the small diameter portion 332, and each expanded diameter portion 333 abuts against the lower roller 33-2 at a symmetrical position, thereby preventing uneven pressure applied to the linerless label paper 21 by the sub-roller 33. Furthermore, on the outer side of the enlarged diameter portion 333, a connecting portion 334 is provided for rotatably connecting the upper roller 33-1 to a predetermined member.

[0049] The lower roller 33-2 is provided below the upper roller 33-1. The lower roller 33-2 has approximately the same length as the upper roller 33-1, a constant diameter along its axis (lengthwise), and is configured to be rotatable by a stepping motor or the like. A one-way clutch is provided between the lower roller 33-2 and a member that supports the lower roller 33-2, so that the driving force of a stepping motor or the like is transmitted in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper 21, and the lower roller 33-2 rotates freely in the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper 21. In other words, when the linerless label paper 21 is conveyed by the driving rotation of the platen roller 42, the lower roller 33-2 rotates freely to convey the linerless label paper 21 to the printing unit 4. On the other hand, after the linerless label paper 21 has been cut by the cutter section 5, when the linerless label paper 21 is fed back to adjust the printing start position of the linerless label paper 21, the cutter section 5 rotates in conjunction with the driving rotation of the platen roller 42, pulling the linerless label paper 21 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0050] Preferably, at least the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 are configured to be non-adhesive to the linerless label paper 21. In this case, for example, the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 are covered with a covering member made of a resin material such as rubber and capable of impregnating with a chemical. This covering member may be, for example, silicone rubber or elastomer. Furthermore, it is preferable that this covering member be saturated with a chemical, for example, by immersing it in silicone oil. The shape of the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 may be determined by the shape of this covering member.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows the linerless label paper 21 being transported by the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2. In this state, the linerless label paper 21 receives pressure from the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 only at its center, but not at its edges. More specifically, the linerless label paper 21 is pinched between the large diameter portion 331 and the lower roller 33-2 only at its connecting portion 201, and the tongue portion 202 simply resides between the small diameter portion 332 and the lower roller 33-2 without receiving any pressure. However, this does not prevent the tongue portion 202 from abutting or contacting the upper roller 33-1 or the lower roller 33-2. As a result, the linerless label paper 21 is clamped between the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 only at the connecting portion 201, and since there is space between the tongue portion 202 and the small diameter portion 332, a force is applied to the tongue portion 202 so that the tongue portion 202 bends upward.

[0052] The lower roller 33-2 only needs to be configured to press at least the connecting portion 201 of the linerless label paper 21 with the upper roller 33-1, and can be configured as follows, for example. As shown in Figure 9, the lower roller 33-2 in one example has a notch in the center that is shorter than the width of the large-diameter portion 331, and a plate-shaped member 34 such as a metal plate is provided in the notch. This plate-shaped member 34 is located at a height closer to the roller axis than the upper end (periphery) of the lower roller 33-2. This prevents the linerless label paper 21 from sticking to and becoming caught in the lower roller 33-2 while being conveyed by being pinched between the upper roller 33-1 and the notch on both sides. Furthermore, because the width of the notch is shorter than the width of the large-diameter portion 331, the lower roller 33-2 near the edge of the notch is pressed by the upper roller 33-1 and sinks slightly. As a result, the linerless label paper 21 is more likely to warp upward toward the edge. As shown in this example, in this embodiment, the configuration in which the large diameter portion 331 clamps the linerless label paper 21 between the lower roller 33-2 includes cases in which the large diameter portion 331 clamps the linerless label paper 21 between the lower roller 33-2 across the entire width, as well as cases in which it clamps the linerless label paper 21 across a portion of the width.

[0053] In another example, the lower roller 33-2 may be configured such that, contrary to the example described above, the center portion is left intact and at least one of the left and right sides is cut out to provide a plate-like member. This prevents the linerless label paper 21 from getting caught. Furthermore, if the lower roller 33-2 itself has sufficiently high non-adhesiveness, the lower roller 33-2 may be configured as a roller with a normal shape without any partial cutouts, i.e., a roller with a constant diameter along its length. In this case, the above-mentioned sheet metal member does not need to be provided.

[0054] This prevents the tongue portion 202 of the linerless label paper 21 from adhering to the lower roller 33-2 and tearing as the lower roller 33-2 rotates. Furthermore, if the materials covering the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 are impregnated with a chemical such as silicone oil to make them non-sticky, the small diameter portion 332 of the upper roller 33-1, unlike the large diameter portion 331, does not press the lower roller 33-2 against the linerless label paper 21. Therefore, the impregnated chemical is less likely to be depleted in the small diameter portion 332 and the portion of the lower roller 33-2 that holds the linerless label paper 21 between it and the small diameter portion 332 than in the large diameter portion 331 and the portion of the lower roller 33-2 that presses the linerless label paper 21 against the large diameter portion 331. As a result, even when the linerless label paper 21 is conveyed for a certain period of time, the linerless label paper 21 is less likely to stick to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 332 than the large diameter portion 331. The above-described chemical impregnation is one example of how to make the upper roller 33-1 and the lower roller 33-2 non-adhesive, but if sufficient non-adhesiveness can be ensured, it is not necessary to use a chemical on the upper roller 33-1 or the lower roller 33-2. While such upper rollers 33-1 and lower rollers 33-2 will deteriorate due to adhesive contamination and peeling of the coating, the small diameter portion 332 is less likely to deteriorate, and it is still possible to prevent the linerless label paper 21 from sticking to the small diameter portion 332 and tearing it.

[0055] The width of the linerless label paper 21 is shorter than the combined length of the large-diameter portion 331 of the upper roller 33-1 and the small-diameter portions 332 at both ends of it. As a result, the upper roller 33-1 normally sandwiches the linerless label paper 21 between itself and the lower roller 33-2 at the large-diameter portion 331 and small-diameter portion 332, but the expanded-diameter portion 333 does not press the linerless label paper 21 against the lower roller 33-2. Here, because the diameter of the expanded-diameter portion 333 is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 332, the expanded-diameter portion 333 presses against the lower roller 33-2, unlike the lower roller 33-2. As a result, the linerless label paper 21 sandwiched between the small-diameter portion 332 and the lower roller 33-2 does not shift widthwise and get caught between the expanded-diameter portion 333 and the lower roller 33-2, and the linerless label paper 21 is transported straight in the transport direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the width of the large diameter portion 331 is smaller than the overall width of the linerless label 20 or linerless label paper 21, and is approximately the same width as the width of the connecting portion 201 of the linerless label 20, and is within a range in which the tongue portion 202 is not pinched by the large diameter portion 331.

[0056] Printing section 4 Under the control of the control device 9, the printing unit 4 prints, for example, product data (product name, price, expiration date, and barcode) of a product selected from the product file on the printing surface of the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22 set in the label supply unit 2.

[0057] The printing unit 4 is composed of a platen roller 42 disposed below and a print head 41 disposed above and facing the platen roller 42. The print head 41 and the platen roller 42 sandwich the linerless label paper 21 between them. As the platen roller 42, which is driven by a motor such as a stepping motor, rotates, the linerless label paper 21 is pulled out from the label roll 22, and predetermined product data is printed on the printing surface of the linerless label paper 21.

[0058] The print head 41 is composed of a thermal head or the like, and by selectively heating the heating elements of the thermal head, prints on the printing surface of the conveyed linerless label paper 21. In this case, thermal paper is used for the linerless label paper 21.

[0059] It is preferable that at least the outer circumferential surface of the platen roller 42, which presses the print head 41 and the linerless label paper 21, is configured to be non-adhesive to the linerless label paper 21. In this case, for example, the surface of the platen roller 42 may be coated with a release agent. This prevents the adhesive applied to the adhesive surface of the linerless label paper 21 opposite the printing surface from adhering to the platen roller 42, allowing the linerless label paper 21 to be transported smoothly. The configuration for preventing the adhesive applied to the adhesive surface of the linerless label paper 21 from adhering to the platen roller 42 is not limited to the above configuration, and the platen roller 42 itself or the outermost layer of the platen roller 42 may also be made of an easily peelable material. The printing unit 4 may also print by applying ink to the linerless label paper 21. The printing unit 4 may also print by irradiating the linerless label paper 21 with light such as laser light.

[0060] ●Cutter part 5 The cutter unit 5 cuts the linerless label paper 21, on which product data for one linerless label 20 has been printed by the printing unit 4, and issues single-sheet linerless labels 20. The cutter unit 5 is located downstream of the printing unit 4 and close to the platen roller 42.

[0061] The cutter section 5 is composed of a pair of upper and lower strip-shaped blades that use a shearing action to cut the linerless label paper 21. Specifically, it is composed of a fixed blade 52 that is positioned below the linerless label paper 21 that has been conveyed in a straight line, and a movable blade 51 that is positioned above the linerless label paper 21 and moves toward and away from the fixed blade 52, and the movable blade 51 is configured to be driven by a stepping motor.

[0062] First detection unit 6 The first detection unit 6 is a sensor that detects the gaps 21a in the linerless label paper 21 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 9. The first detection unit 6 is located upstream of the feed unit in the transport direction of the linerless label paper 21, near the position where the linerless label paper 21 is pulled out from the label roll 22.

[0063] The first detection unit 6 is realized by, for example, a light-emitting unit 61 and a light-receiving unit 62 provided on the front and back sides of the linerless label paper 21, and the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 61 is received by the light-receiving unit 62 to generate a signal. As shown in Figure 10(a), the light-emitting unit 61 and the light-receiving unit 62 are provided so that the optical axis of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 61 toward the light-receiving unit 62 corresponds to the position of the gap 21a formed in the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22. The first detection unit 6 detects the gap 21a by reading a change in the signal that occurs when the optical axis between the light-emitting unit 61 and the light-receiving unit 62 is blocked by the tongue portion 202 of the linerless label paper 21 or becomes detectable by the gap 21a, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 9.

[0064] Here, the control device 9 can determine whether the linerless label paper 21 is being properly pulled out from the label roll 22 and whether any abnormalities have occurred in the linerless label paper 21, based on the detection result by the first detection unit 6. For example, the predetermined threshold value is the time required for the gap 21a of normal linerless label paper 21 to pass through the detection area detected by the first detection unit 6, depending on the transport speed of the linerless label paper 21. If the light-receiving unit 62 continues to receive detection light from the light-emitting unit 61 for a period exceeding the predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the linerless label paper 21 itself or the tongue portion 202 has been torn, or the linerless label paper 21 has become unable to issue linerless labels 20 normally.

[0065] 1 and 10, either the light-emitting element 61 or the light-receiving element 62 may be on the printing surface side or the adhesive surface side of the linerless label paper 21. The examples in Figures 1 and 10 show a case where gaps 21a are provided on both ends of the linerless label paper 21 in the width direction, and two pairs of light-emitting element 61 and light-receiving element 62 are provided to detect the gaps 21a on both ends, but this is not limiting, and one pair of light-emitting element 61 and light-receiving element 62 may be provided to detect only one gap 21a.

[0066] Because the first detection unit 6 configured as described above is located near the position where the linerless label paper 21 is pulled out from the label roll 22, even if an abnormality occurs in the linerless label paper 21, the abnormality can be detected at an early stage and appropriate measures can be taken, such as stopping the operation of the label printer 1. As a result, the label printer 1 will not malfunction if an abnormal linerless label paper 21 is transported, and a damaged linerless label 20 will not be affixed to an object by mistake.

[0067] Second detection unit 7 Similar to the first detection unit 6, the second detection unit 7 detects the gap 21a of the linerless label paper 21 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 9. The second detection unit 7 is located downstream of the sub-roller 33 and upstream of the printing unit 4.

[0068] Like the first detection unit 6, the second detection unit 7 is realized by, for example, a light-emitting unit 71 and a light-receiving unit 72 provided on the front and back sides of the linerless label paper 21, with the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 71 being received by the light-receiving unit 72 to generate a signal. As shown in Figure 10(b), the light-emitting unit 71 and the light-receiving unit 72 are provided so that the optical axis of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 71 toward the light-receiving unit 72 corresponds to the position of the gap 21a formed in the linerless label paper 21 pulled out from the label roll 22. The second detection unit 7 detects the gap 21a by reading a change in the signal that occurs when the optical axis between the light-emitting unit 71 and the light-receiving unit 72 is blocked by the tongue portion 202 of the linerless label paper 21 or becomes detectable by the gap 21a, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 9.

[0069] The second detection unit 7 configured in this manner can detect abnormalities in the linerless label 20 between the sub-roller 33 and the printing unit 4 in the same manner as the abnormality detection process based on the detection results of the first detection unit 6. The detection results from the second detection unit 7, which is located immediately before the printing unit 4, are used to identify the leading edge position of each linerless label 20 arranged consecutively on the linerless label paper 21, thereby determining the timing for starting printing.

[0070] 1 and 10, either the light-emitting element 71 or the light-receiving element 72 of the second detection unit 7 may be located on the printing surface side or the application surface side of the linerless label paper 21. The examples of Figures 1 and 10 show a case where gaps 21a are provided on both ends of the linerless label paper 21 in the width direction, and two sets of light-emitting elements 71 and light-receiving elements 72 are provided to detect the gaps 21a on both ends, but this is not limiting, and one set of light-emitting element 71 and light-receiving element 72 may be provided to detect only one gap 21a.

[0071] ●Label attachment section 8 The label application unit 8 is located downstream of the printing unit 4, and applies linerless labels 20 printed by the printing unit 4 and cut into sheets of a predetermined length by the cutter unit 5 to the object to be affixed. The label application unit 8, for example, applies negative pressure to the linerless label 20 by suction from the print surface side, and presses the adhesive surface against the object to apply the linerless label 20 to the object.

[0072] ●Display / operation section 94 The display and operation unit 94 is an input / output device for operating the label printer 1 and outputting data. This display and operation unit 94 is realized, for example, by a touch panel in which input means and output means are integrated.

[0073] ●Processing flow The flow of processing executed by the label printer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as a pre-printing operation, the operator sets the label roll 22 in the label supply unit 2, pulls out the lead tape 24 from the label roll 22, and then pulls the lead tape 24 around the platen roller 42 via the tension roller 31, guide roller 32, and sub-roller 33. Then, the operator drives the label printer 1 to transport the lead tape 24 in the transport direction, and the lead tape 24 is cut by the cutter unit 5 (S101). Furthermore, the control device 9 performs pre-printing processing such as initializing various parameters and reading the label file (S102).

[0074] When the label printer 1 receives a request from the operator to start the process of issuing the linerless label 20, the label printer 1 starts the process of issuing the linerless label 20. That is, the control device 9 drives the platen roller 42 to rotate, and causes the print head 41 of the printing unit 4 to print one linerless label 20 onto the linerless label paper 21 (S103).

[0075] The control device 9 causes the cutter unit 5 to cut the linerless label paper 21 printed by the printing unit 4 (S104), and causes the label application unit 8 to apply the printed linerless label 20 to the object (S105).

[0076] The control device 9 drives the platen roller 42 and the lower roller 33-2 to feed the linerless label paper 21 backward, and aligns the print start position of the linerless label paper 21 with the position of the print head 41 (S106). The process of issuing linerless labels 20 from S103 to S106 continues until the set number of labels has been issued or a request to stop operation is received (S107).

[0077] Meanwhile, in parallel with the issuance process of the linerless label 20, the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 perform a detection process to detect the gaps 21a of the linerless label paper 21, and the control device 9 performs an abnormality determination process for the linerless label paper 21 based on the detection results (S108). In this way, the issuance of the linerless labels 20 is carried out in parallel with the abnormality determination process, and when the issuance of all the linerless labels 20 has been completed under normal conditions, the series of processes ends.

[0078] Here, a specific flow of the abnormality determination process described above is shown in FIG. The first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 each emit detection light from the light-emitting unit 61 (light-emitting unit 71) to the light-receiving unit 62 (light-receiving unit 72). As the linerless label paper 21 is conveyed, the detection light is blocked by the tongue portion 202 of the linerless label paper 21, and then the light is received by the light-receiving unit 62 (light-receiving unit 72) through the gap 21a (S201). The control device 9 determines whether the light-receiving unit 62 (light-receiving unit 72) has been receiving the detection light continuously for a period of time longer than a predetermined threshold (S202).

[0079] As a result, if it is determined that the light receiving unit 62 (light receiving unit 72) has been receiving the detection light continuously for a period of time longer than a predetermined threshold from the time it began to receive the detection light, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the linerless label paper 21, and the operation of the label printer 1 is stopped (S203). On the other hand, if it is determined that the light receiving unit 62 (light receiving unit 72) has stopped receiving the detection light in a time shorter than the predetermined threshold from when it started receiving the light, it determines that the linerless label paper 21 is being transported normally and continues operation.

[0080] In this way, by determining whether or not the gaps 21a of the linerless label paper 21 are detected intermittently at regular intervals, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the linerless label paper 21. In the above-described processing example, the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined by determining whether the light receiving unit 62 (light receiving unit 72) has continuously received the detection light for a period longer than a predetermined threshold, but it may also be determined whether the detection light has stopped being received for a period shorter than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the tongue portion 202 is twisted in the conveying direction, the distance between the gaps 21a in the conveying direction may become smaller, and such a case can also be determined to be an abnormal state.

[0081] The label printer 1 according to the present embodiment described above can prevent defects in the linerless label paper 21 during the process of issuing the linerless labels 20, and can properly issue the linerless labels 20. In particular, for linerless label paper 21 with gaps 21a at the end perpendicular to the conveyance direction, it can prevent the tongue portions 202, which have gaps 21a at the front and rear in the conveyance direction, from bending or sticking to unintended components.

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-mentioned drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purposes, configurations, etc. Furthermore, the contents of the drawings can each be an independent embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings.

[0083] Furthermore, the software resources that make up the label printer 1 can be distributed or consolidated into any of the hardware resources through appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as physically integrated devices or separate devices. This means that, for example, some or all of the software resources can be configured to be held in a centralized upper device or controller, or they can be held in an external server connected via a specified network.

[0084] ● Overview of implementation The present invention relates to a label conveying device capable of issuing linerless labels.

[0085] Film-wrapped sandwiches, rice balls, and other items are affixed with labels bearing the product name and price. In the label issuing process, the backing paper is discarded after the label is affixed to the item, but because a considerable amount of backing paper is discarded, there has been a desire to eliminate the need for backing paper.

[0086] In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-156707 proposes a linerless label comprising a linerless label body wound into a roll, the linerless label body being made of a laminate having an adhesive layer formed from an adhesive as the bottom layer and a release layer that is peelable from the adhesive as the top layer, wherein the release layer that is wound into the roll is not removed, and at least the release layer that is not wound into the roll is removed.

[0087] However, labels without a backing, so-called linerless label paper made up of consecutive linerless labels, are prone to bending due to the lack of a backing, and the adhesive surface is exposed when the labels are printed, making it difficult to print the labels properly.

[0088] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a label conveying device that can prevent defects in linerless label paper and properly issue linerless labels in the linerless label issuing process.

[0089] In order to achieve the above object, the label printer of the present invention is a label conveying device that issues linerless labels from a long linerless label paper in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, the label conveying device being composed of a first roller and a second roller and having a sub-roller that conveys the linerless label paper downstream, the first roller being composed of a large diameter portion that presses the center of the linerless label paper between the second roller and the first roller, and a small diameter portion that has a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion and interposes the end of the linerless label paper that is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction between the first roller and the second roller without applying pressure.

[0090] The linerless label paper may comprise a connecting portion that connects to an adjacent linerless label in the conveying direction, a gap provided at each connecting point of the linerless label at the end of the linerless label paper perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a tongue portion provided before and after the gap in the conveying direction, wherein the large diameter portion of the first roller clamps the connecting portion of the linerless label paper between the second roller and the linerless label paper, and the small diameter portion of the first roller has a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion, and the tongue portion of the linerless label paper is interposed between the second roller and the first roller without applying pressure.

[0091] The printer may further have a detection unit that detects the gap between the linerless label paper, and the detection unit may be located near the position where the linerless label paper is pulled out from a label roll that has the linerless label paper wound into a roll.

[0092] The first roller may be provided on the print surface side of the linerless label paper being transported, and the second roller may be provided on the adhesive surface side of the linerless label paper being transported.

[0093] The printer may further include a guide roller located upstream of the sub-roller, which contacts the underside of the linerless label paper and transports it to the sub-roller, and a tension roller located upstream of the guide roller, which transports the linerless label paper from a label roll on which the linerless label paper is wound in a roll to the guide roller and tensions the linerless label paper, wherein the linerless label paper is transported in a straight line from the guide roller to the printing unit, and the angle between the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the linerless label paper from the guide roller to the printing unit and the transport direction of the linerless label paper from the tension roller to the guide roller may be between 40 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0094] The guide roller comprises a rod-shaped sliding contact portion on its underside that slides against the linerless label paper, and flanges provided on both sides of the sliding contact portion, and the underside of the guide roller may be provided with a plate-shaped member that prevents the linerless label paper from drooping and has a through hole through which the flanges protrude.

[0095] The label conveying device may further have a printing unit that prints on the linerless label paper, and the sub-roller may be composed of a first roller and a second roller that conveys the linerless label paper to the printing unit.

[0096] Another aspect of the present invention is a roller that transports a long linerless label paper, which has cuttable linerless labels connected together, by sandwiching it between itself and a specified roller.The roller comprises a large diameter portion that presses the center of the linerless label paper between the specified roller and itself, and a small diameter portion that has a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion and sandwiches the end of the linerless label paper that is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction between itself and the specified roller without applying pressure.

[0097] The label conveying device according to the present invention prevents problems with linerless label paper during the linerless label issuing process and ensures proper issuing of linerless labels. In particular, for linerless label paper with gaps at the edges perpendicular to the conveyance direction, it is possible to prevent the tongue portions, which have gaps at the front and back of the label paper in the conveyance direction, from bending or sticking to unintended components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1: Label printer 2: Label supply unit 20: Linerless label 201: Continuous part 202: Tongue piece 21: Linerless label paper 21a: Gap 21b: Slit 22: Label roll 24: Lead tape 31: Tension roller 32: Guide roller 321: Sliding contact part 322: Flange 323: Support plate 323a: Through hole 33: Subrola 33-1: Upper roller 33-2: Lower roller 331: Large diameter section 332: Small diameter part 4: Printing section 41: Print head 42: Platen roller 5: Cutter section 6: First detection unit 7: Second detection unit 8: Label attachment section

Claims

1. A label conveying device that issues linerless labels from a long linerless label sheet in which the sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, The linerless label paper is a connecting portion that connects adjacent linerless labels in the conveying direction; a gap provided at each of the adjacent linerless labels at an end of the linerless label paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction; The gap is provided at the front and rear of the tongue portion in the conveying direction, The label conveying device a sub-roller composed of a first roller and a second roller, which transports the linerless label paper downstream; The first roller is a large diameter portion that presses the second roller against the center of the linerless label paper; a small diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, and allowing an end of the linerless label paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to be interposed between the small diameter portion and the second roller without applying pressure; the large diameter portion of the first roller presses the second roller and the connecting portion of the linerless label paper, the small diameter portion of the first roller has a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion, and the tongue portion of the linerless label paper is interposed between the first roller and the second roller without applying pressure. Label conveying device.

2. The printer further includes a detection unit that detects the gap between the linerless label sheets, the detection unit is provided near a position where the linerless label paper is pulled out from a label roll on which the linerless label paper is wound in a roll shape. The label conveying device according to claim 1.

3. a guide roller provided upstream of the sub-roller, which contacts the underside of the linerless label paper and transports it to the sub-roller; a tension roller that is provided upstream of the guide roller, and that transports the linerless label paper from a label roll having the linerless label paper wound in a roll shape to the guide roller, and that applies tension to the linerless label paper, The linerless label paper is conveyed in a straight line from the guide roller to the printing unit, the angle between the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the linerless label paper from the guide roller to the printing unit and the conveying direction of the linerless label paper from the tension roller to the guide roller is between 40 degrees and 80 degrees; The label conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide roller comprises a rod-shaped sliding contact portion on the underside of which the linerless label paper slides, and flanges provided on both sides of the sliding contact portion, A plate-like member is provided on the underside of the guide roller to prevent the linerless label paper from sagging and to have a through-hole through which the flange protrudes.

4. The label conveying device according to claim 3.

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