Printing apparatus

Abstract

To make it possible, in a printing apparatus in which, after printing is performed on a label attached to a base sheet, a portion of the label and the base sheet are peeled off, to easily use the label a portion of which is peeled off.SOLUTION: Provided is a printing apparatus including: a printing head configured to perform printing on a front surface of a label of a label sheet obtained by attaching a back surface of the label to a base sheet; an airflow generating unit configured to generate an airflow; a first flow path that includes a one-side end coupled to the airflow generating unit and an another-side end coupled to a first discharge port and through which the airflow passes; and a peeling unit disposed downstream of the printing head in a transport direction of the label sheet and configured to partially peel the label from the base sheet, wherein when, of the label partially peeled from the base sheet by the peeling unit, at least a portion of a peeled portion peeled from the base sheet is at a position not overlapping with the peeling unit in plan view and a non-peeled portion not peeled from the base sheet is in a state of overlapping with the peeling unit in plan view, the first discharge port is disposed at such a position that the airflow outputted from the first discharge port hits the back surface of the peeled portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a printing apparatus that prints on a label attached to a mount and then peels off a part of the label and the mount. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus provided with a medium bending portion downstream of a print head, and bending the medium at the medium bending portion. This printing apparatus can optimize the tension acting on the medium bent at the medium bending portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a printing apparatus such as that of Patent Document 1, no tension acts on the peeled portion of the label peeled from the mount. Therefore, the peeled portion of the label takes different postures depending on the size, shape, and material of the label. For example, the peeled portion of the label may hang down significantly due to its own weight. In such a case, there are problems that automation becomes difficult and it is difficult for an operator to work in a subsequent process such as attaching the label to an article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus comprising: a print head for printing on the surface of a label on label paper, the back side of which is attached to a backing sheet; an airflow generating unit for generating an airflow; a first flow path through which the airflow passes, with one end connected to the airflow generating unit and the other end connected to a first discharge port; and a peeling unit positioned downstream of the print head in the transport direction of the label paper for peeling a portion of the label from the backing sheet, wherein the first discharge port is positioned so that when at least a portion of the peeled portion of the label, which has been partially peeled from the backing sheet by the peeling unit, does not overlap with the peeling unit in a plan view, and when the unpeeled portion that has not been peeled from the backing sheet overlaps with the peeling unit in a plan view, the airflow discharged from the first discharge port strikes the back surface of the peeled portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of a printing device. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the main components of a printing device. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the main components of a printing device. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the main components of a printing device. [Figure 6] Side view of a printing device. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the control system of a printing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [1. Overall configuration of the printing device] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer. The printing apparatus 1 prints on the surface Lu of label L on label paper LM, where the back surface Ld of label L is attached to a backing sheet M. Surface Lu refers to the surface opposite to the back surface Ld. Adhesive is applied to the back surface Ld of label L, and label L is attached to the backing sheet M.

[0008] The printing device 1 performs printing on the surface Lu of the label L, then peels off a portion of the label L and the backing paper M, and discharges the peeled portion La to the outside of the housing 10. The peeled portion La is a part of the label L that has been peeled off from the backing paper M. The rest of the label L remains attached to the backing paper M. The portion of the label L that has not been peeled off, i.e., the portion attached to the backing paper M, is called the unpeeled portion Lb.

[0009] The printing device 1 detects that the label L has been removed by an operator or a subsequent process device when the peel portion La of the label L is protruding from the housing 10. After detecting that the label L has been removed, the printing device prints on the surface Lu of a new label L, peels a portion of the printed label L from the backing paper M, and discharges the peel portion La again.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following explanation, the direction along the X axis is considered the left-right direction, and the direction along the Y axis is considered the front-back direction. More specifically, the positive direction along the Z axis is considered the upward direction, the positive direction along the X axis is considered the rightward direction, and the positive direction along the Y axis is considered the forward direction. The X, Y, and Z axes in Figure 1 indicate the same directions in the figures described later. The X axis corresponds to the second axis, and the Y axis corresponds to the first axis.

[0011] The printing apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10 made of resin. The housing 10 is a box that houses the various components of the printing apparatus 1 and the label paper LM to be printed. A first paper discharge port 13 is formed on the front of the housing 10, which is an opening that extends horizontally and opens forward. The housing 10 also has a second paper discharge port 15 located below the first paper discharge port 13, which extends horizontally and opens forward. The first paper discharge port 13 is an outlet through which the peeled portion La of the label L, which has been peeled off the backing paper M after printing is complete, is discharged to the outside of the housing 10. The second paper discharge port 15 is an outlet through which the backing paper M, with the label L removed, is discharged to the outside of the housing 10.

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1, showing the cross-section perpendicular to the left-right direction. The black arrows in the figure indicate airflow. The printing apparatus 1 supports a roll medium R, which is made up of label paper LM wound around a hollow core, by a medium mounting section 31. The medium mounting section 31 is a rod with a circular cross-section extending in the left-right direction. The medium mounting section 31 is inserted into the core of the roll medium R and supports the roll medium R so that it can rotate.

[0013] A rear panel 11 is provided at the rear of the housing 10. The rear panel 11 is a panel located at the rear of the housing 10. The rear panel 11 is rotatably supported by a pivot shaft 11a that extends in the left-right direction. When the rear panel 11 is opened, it becomes possible to insert the roll medium R from outside the housing 10 and to attach and detach the roll medium R to the medium mounting section 31.

[0014] The roll medium R, while mounted on the medium mounting unit 31, allows the label paper LM to be pulled forward. When the label paper LM is pulled from the roll medium R, the surface Lu of the label L attached to the upper surface of the backing sheet M faces upward. The label paper LM pulled forward is then pulled further forward through the first transport unit 33. The first transport unit 33 comprises a first drive roller 33a and a first driven roller 33b. The first drive roller 33a is rotationally driven about an axis in the left-right direction by the power of the first motor 37 shown in Figure 7. The first driven roller 33b is a roller rotatably supported by an axis extending in the left-right direction and is in contact with the first drive roller 33a. The first transport unit 33, powered by the first motor 37, transports the label paper LM forward by sandwiching it between the first drive roller 33a and the first driven roller 33b.

[0015] The printing apparatus 1 comprises a carriage 50 and a platen 71. The carriage 50 and the platen 71 are arranged vertically in front of the first transport unit 33. The label paper LM, pulled forward by the first transport unit 33, passes forward between the carriage 50 and the platen 71.

[0016] The carriage 50 is supported by a guide shaft 53. The guide shaft 53 is a shaft that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 10 and is fixed to the housing 10. The carriage 50 moves in the left-right direction along the guide shaft 53 by the driving force transmitted from the carriage drive motor 55 shown in Figure 7. The carriage drive motor 55 is a motor that operates according to the control of the control unit 90, which will be described later. A print head 51 is mounted on the lower end of the carriage 50.

[0017] The printing head 51 includes a piezo actuator (not shown) and nozzles. The printing head 51 discharges ink from the nozzles that open to the lower surface of the printing head 51 by driving the piezo actuator. Thereby, the printing head 51 prints on the surface Lu of the label L. The printing apparatus 1 executes a combination of the movement of the carriage 50 by the carriage drive motor 55 and the discharge of ink from the printing head 51. Thereby, the printing apparatus 1 executes printing on the surface Lu of the label L of the label paper LM adsorbed on the upper surface of the platen 71.

[0018] The platen 71 is a plate-like member provided so that its upper surface is substantially horizontal and is disposed at a position facing the printing head 51. The platen 71 is an example of a "supporting portion". Also, the upper surface of the platen 71 is an example of a "supporting surface". The platen 71 includes a number of small suction holes 71a penetrating vertically from the upper surface. Although details will be described later, the suction holes 71a suck the air above the upper surface of the platen 71 downward by driving the blower 75. Thereby, the platen 71 supports the label paper LM on its upper surface and adsorbs the label paper LM through the suction holes 71a provided on the upper surface.

[0019] The printed label paper LM is sent to a release member 41 located in front of the print head 51, that is, downstream of the print head 51 in the transport direction of the label paper LM. The release member 41 is an example of a "release section". The release member 41 is a member fixed to the housing 10. The front end of the release member 41 is curved to protrude forward. The label paper LM is transported forward along the upper surface of the release member 41. Furthermore, the backing paper M of the label paper LM is bent downward and rearward along the front end of the release member 41 and is held by the second transport section 35. The second transport section 35 includes a second drive roller 35a and a second driven roller 35b. The second drive roller 35a is rotationally driven around an axis extending in the left-right direction by power transmitted from a second motor 39 shown in Figure 7. The second driven roller 35b is a roller rotatably supported by an axis extending in the left-right direction and is in contact with the second drive roller 35a. The second transport unit 35 uses the power of the second motor 39 to pull the base sheet M downwards by sandwiching it between the second drive roller 35a and the second driven roller 35b.

[0020] In this way, the backing sheet M is pulled by the second conveying unit 35, pressed against the front end of the peeling member 41, and curved downward backward. The label L moves following the backing sheet M by the adhesive force of the back surface Ld until it reaches the upper surface of the peeling member 41. After that, as the backing sheet M curves along the front end of the peeling member 41, the back surface Ld peels off from the backing sheet M, and a part of the label L peels off from the backing sheet M. In this way, the peeling member 41 peels off a part of the label L from the backing sheet M. The peeled part La from the backing sheet M protrudes forward from the front end of the peeling member 41 and is discharged forward of the housing 10 through the first paper discharge port 13. The backing sheet M bent by the peeling member 41 is conveyed downward by the second conveying unit 35 and discharged forward of the housing 10 from the second paper discharge port 15. The printing device 1 may stop the first motor 37 during the operation of conveying the backing sheet M by the second conveying unit 35 and peeling the label L from the backing sheet M. In this case, when the second conveying unit 35 pulls the backing sheet M while the first conveying unit 33 is stopped, the tension applied to the backing sheet M increases. This tension promotes the peeling of the label L from the backing sheet M at the front end of the peeling member 41.

[0021] The printing device 1 detects that the peeled part La has protruded forward by a predetermined distance from the first paper discharge port 13 by a label detection sensor 92 described later. At that point, the printing device 1 stops the feeding of the label paper LM by the first conveying unit 33 and the second conveying unit 35. At this time, the unpeeled part Lb has not been peeled off from the backing sheet M and is supported by the backing sheet M by the adhesive force of the back surface Ld.

[0022] The peeled part La protruding forward from the first paper discharge port 13 hangs downward due to its own weight. The printing device 1 supports the posture of the peeled part La by blowing air against the back surface Ld of the peeled part La through the first discharge port 79a, which is a hole communicating with the blower 75. Details of this air flow will be described later.

[0023] [2. Configuration of the Flow Path] Figures 3, 4, and 5 are cross-sectional views of the main part of the printing device 1, showing an enlarged view of the front of the printing device 1 in the same cross-section as in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a side view of the printing device 1, showing the printing device 1 as seen from the front.

[0024] As described above, the platen 71 draws air from above the top surface of the platen 71 downwards through the adsorption holes 71a, thereby adsorbing the label paper LM downwards. The adsorption holes 71a connect the space above the top surface of the platen 71 with the inside of the intake duct 73. The intake duct 73 is a hollow duct that extends downwards, with its upper end shielded by the platen 71. The intake duct 73 is connected to the intake port of the blower 75 at its lower end. That is, one end of the intake duct 73 is connected to the adsorption holes 71a, and the other end is connected to the blower 75. The intake duct 73 is an example of a "second flow path".

[0025] Blower 75 is a centrifugal fan that draws in air from an intake port connected to an intake duct 73 and blows it out from a lower discharge port. Blower 75 is equipped with a motor and impeller (not shown), and generates airflow by rotating the impeller with the drive of the motor. Blower 75 is an example of an "airflow generation unit".

[0026] The outlet of the blower 75 communicates with the exhaust duct 77. The exhaust duct 77 is an example of a "first flow path". The exhaust duct 77 is a hollow duct and, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, extends forward from the outlet of the blower 75 to the front end of the housing 10 and upward to the vicinity of the first paper discharge port 13. The internal space of the exhaust duct 77 communicates with the outside of the housing 10 through the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b which open on the front of the housing 10. The first outlet 79a is a hole that opens diagonally forward and upward near the first paper discharge port 13. The second outlet 79b is a hole that opens forward below the first outlet 79a. The air blown out from the blower 75 is blown diagonally forward and upward and forward of the housing 10 through the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. In other words, the exhaust duct 77 has one end connected to the outlet of the blower 75 and the other end connected to the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b, and the airflow passes through its interior.

[0027] As described above, when the peel portion La of the label L protrudes from the first paper output port 13, the air blown out from the first output port 79a hits the back surface Ld, supporting the position of the peel portion La from below. On the other hand, the air blown out from the second output port 79b does not hit the peel portion La. In other words, the first output port 79a is positioned so that the airflow discharged from the first output port 79a hits the back surface Ld of the peel portion La. At this time, at least a part of the peel portion La is in a position where it does not overlap with the peeling member 41 in a plan view, and the unpeeled portion Lb is in a state where it overlaps with the peeling member 41 in a plan view. Furthermore, the second output port 79b is positioned so that the airflow discharged from the second output port 79b does not hit the back surface Ld of the peel portion La.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the exhaust duct 77 extends to the left from the outlet of the blower 75 and extends upward to the left of the second paper output port 15. The exhaust duct 77 is positioned in this way so as not to interfere with the path of the backing paper M from which the label L has been removed during discharge. The exhaust duct 77 also extends to the right along the front of the housing 10 to the right end of the first paper output port 13. In addition, the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b are formed in multiple locations that extend across the entire left-right area of ​​the first paper output port 13. Therefore, below the first paper output port 13, air is blown out from the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b across the entire left-right area. Consequently, the peeled portion La is supported from below by the air blown out from the first outlet 79a across the entire left-right area.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, an adjustment section 72 is provided inside the exhaust duct 77 near the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. The adjustment section 72 is a mechanism that can adjust the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b, and its distribution. The adjustment section 72 has a shaft 72a, an arm 72b, and a shielding plate 72c. The shaft 72a is a shaft that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 10 and is fixed to the housing 10. The arm 72b is a rod-shaped member that is rotatably supported by the shaft 72a. The shielding plate 72c is a plate-shaped member that is bent into an arc shape when viewed from the left-right direction and is fixed to the tip of the arm 72b.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the shielding plate 72c extends horizontally across the entire left-right area of ​​the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. When the arm 72b is rotated around the axis 72a in the adjustment unit 72, the shielding plate 72c rotates together with the arm 72b around the axis 72a. As a result, the shielding plate 72c can be moved to a position that shields the second outlet 79b, a position that shields the first outlet 79a, and other positions, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. By moving the position of the shielding plate 72c, the adjustment unit 72 adjusts the total flow rate of air blown out from the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b, and their ratio. A specific example is described below.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the state in which the shielding plate 72c blocks the second outlet 79b. When the shielding plate 72c blocks the second outlet 79b, the entire amount of air discharged from the blower 75 is blown out from the first outlet 79a. Therefore, the state in which the shielding plate 72c blocks the second outlet 79b is the state in which the flow rate of air blown out from the first outlet 79a is the largest. Consequently, the force that the back surface Ld receives from the air blown out from the first outlet 79a increases, and the position of the front end of the delamination portion La in the direction of gravity, i.e., the height P1, becomes the highest position compared to the state shown in Figures 4 and 5, which will be described later.

[0032] Figure 4 shows the state in which the shielding plate 72c blocks the first outlet 79a. When the shielding plate 72c blocks the first outlet 79a, the entire amount of air discharged from the blower 75 is blown out from the second outlet 79b. The air blown out from the second outlet 79b does not hit the back surface Ld of the delaminated portion La. Therefore, no external or downward supporting force acts on the delaminated portion La, and it sags down to a state where its own weight and elastic force are in balance. As a result, the position of the tip of the delaminated portion La in the direction of gravity, i.e., the height P2, is at its lowest position compared to the cases in Figures 3 and 5.

[0033] Figure 5 shows the state in which the shielding plate 72c does not block either the first outlet 79a or the second outlet 79b. In this case, the air discharged from the blower 75 is blown out from both the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. Therefore, the flow rate of the air blown out from the first outlet 79a is an intermediate amount between that in Figures 3 and 4. Consequently, the force that the back surface Ld receives from the air blown out from the first outlet 79a is an intermediate value, and the position of the front end of the delamination portion La in the direction of gravity, i.e., the height P3, is an intermediate position between that in Figures 3 and 4. Also, in Figure 5, the shielding plate 72c is located upstream of both the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. In this case, the total amount of air discharged from the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b can be adjusted by shielding a portion of the airflow in the exhaust duct 77 with the shielding plate 72c.

[0034] Thus, the position of the leading edge of the peeling portion La in the direction of gravity is higher when the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a hits the back surface Ld of the peeling portion La than when it does not. This only needs to hold true for the label L with the maximum area that the printing device 1 can print.

[0035] Furthermore, as described above, the adjustment unit 72 increases the amount of airflow discharged from the second outlet 79b by the amount by which it reduces the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a. Conversely, the adjustment unit 72 increases the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a by the amount by which it reduces the amount of airflow discharged from the second outlet 79b. Therefore, even if the adjustment unit 72 reduces the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a, the internal pressure in the exhaust duct 77 does not increase easily. As a result, fluctuations in the load on the blower 75 can be suppressed, and the lifespan of the blower 75 can be improved. In addition, the flow rate of air flowing into the intake duct 73 through the suction holes 71a is less affected by the operation of the adjustment unit 72. As a result, the impact of the operation of the adjustment unit 72 on the print quality can be suppressed.

[0036] In the adjustment unit 72, the power to rotate the arm 72b around the axis of shaft 72a may be provided manually by the operator. For example, the configuration may allow the operator using the printing device 1 to manually move the arm 72b. In this case, the adjustment unit 72 includes an operating unit for moving the arm 72b from outside the housing 10. The operating unit may consist of, for example, a lever or a dial.

[0037] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 72 has a power source that rotates the arm 72b around the axis of the shaft 72a. Examples of power sources include a motor or an actuator. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the adjustment unit 72 is equipped with an adjustment motor 74 as a power source will be described. The adjustment motor 74 corresponds to an example of a "drive unit". The adjustment motor 74 rotates according to the control of the control unit 90 and rotates the arm 72b. The control unit 90 switches the positions of the arm 72b and the shielding plate 72c by controlling the amount of rotation of the adjustment motor 74, and stops the arm 72b and the shielding plate 72c at an appropriate position. The control unit 90 and the adjustment motor 74 will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0038] [3. Configuration of the control system for printing device 1] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the printing device 1, showing the functional configuration of the control system of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 has a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a microcontroller, and a memory unit. The memory unit of the control unit 90 has volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk, flash memory, etc. The control unit 90 controls each part of the printing device 1 by executing programs stored in the memory unit.

[0039] An interface (I / F) 91 is connected to the control unit 90. The interface 91 is a communication device that performs wired communication using a cable or wireless communication using a wireless communication line. The interface 91 communicates with a host computer (not shown) and receives print data. The print data includes image and character data to be printed by the printing device 1 on the label paper LM, commands to instruct the printing device 1 to perform printing, and other data. The print data also includes label information, which is information about the label L to be printed. The label information includes information about the label L to be printed, such as the area of ​​the label L, the stiffness of the label L, the thickness of the label L, the material of the label L, and the aspect ratio of the label L. The stiffness of the label L can also be rephrased as the bending rigidity of the label L. The aspect ratio of the label L is, in other words, the aspect ratio of the surface Lu of the label L.

[0040] The control unit 90 is connected to the carriage drive motor 55, the first motor 37, the second motor 39, the print head 51, the label detection sensor 92, the adjustment motor 74, and the blower 75. The control unit 90 controls the carriage drive motor 55, the first motor 37, the second motor 39, the print head 51, the adjustment motor 74, and the blower 75, respectively.

[0041] The label detection sensor 92 detects whether a portion of the label L has been peeled from the backing paper M by the release member 41. In other words, the label detection sensor 92 detects whether the label L, whose peeled portion La has been peeled off by the release member 41, is still held on the backing paper M. The label detection sensor 92 then outputs the detection result to the control unit 90. The label detection sensor 92 is an example of a "detection unit". The label detection sensor 92 includes, for example, a reflective or transmissive photosensor and is located near the first paper output opening 13. The label detection sensor 92 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 90 corresponding to the case where reflected light from the peeled portion La is detected by the photosensor, and the case where it is not detected. Based on the detection signal from the label detection sensor 92, the control unit 90 detects whether the label L, whose peeled portion La has been peeled off from the backing paper M by the release member 41, is still held on the backing paper M.

[0042] The control unit 90 stops the first motor 37 and the second motor 39 when it determines that the peeling portion La has protruded a predetermined distance from the first paper output opening 13. Subsequently, if the label L that has protruded from the first paper output opening 13 is removed from the backing paper M by an operator or a device in a subsequent process, the detection signal from the label detection sensor 92 changes. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the label L that has protruded from the first paper output opening 13 has been removed and drives the first motor 37 and the second motor 39 again.

[0043] The control unit 90 controls the carriage drive motor 55 and the print head 51 to print on the label L according to the character and image data contained in the print data.

[0044] The control unit 90 controls the adjustment motor 74 to move the position of the shielding plate 72c, thereby adjusting the airflow rate from the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. At this time, the control unit 90 may also accept input from the operator and control the adjustment motor 74 to move the shielding plate 72c to the position input by the operator.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may control the adjustment motor 74 based on label information, which is information about the label L to be printed. The posture of the peel portion La protruding from the first paper output port 13 is affected by the area, stiffness, thickness, material, aspect ratio, etc. of the label L. For example, a label L with high stiffness tends to maintain a high position at the tip of the peel portion La even when not receiving air from the first output port 79a. Such a label L is less affected by the air blown out from the first output port 79a. Also, for example, a label L with a large aspect ratio and that is long in the front-to-back direction, i.e., in the direction of transporting the label paper LM, tends to have the tip of the peel portion La drooping downwards. The posture of the peel portion La of such a label L is easily affected by the air blown out from the first output port 79a.

[0046] The control unit 90 may, for example, pre-store data relating the label information described above, the orientation of the peel-off portion La, and its susceptibility to the effects of the air blown from the first discharge port 79a. The control unit 90 also controls the adjustment motor 74, for example, based on the above data and the label information of the label L to be printed, so that the height of the leading edge of the peel-off portion La is at a desired height. Here, the desired height is set, for example, by the operator.

[0047] [4. Printer Operation] As described above, after printing on the surface Lu of the label L, the printing device 1 uses the release member 41 to peel off a portion of the printed label L from the backing paper M. The label L, with the peeled portion La removed, is retained on the backing paper M in the unpeeled portion Lb. The printing device 1 uses the label detection sensor 92 to detect that this label L has been removed by an operator or a device in a subsequent process. Subsequently, the printing device 1 controls each part of the printing device 1 with the control unit 90 to print again on the surface Lu of a new label L, and uses the release member 41 to peel off a portion of the printed label L from the backing paper M.

[0048] During the above operation, from the time the held label L is removed until the newly printed label L is peeled off by the peeling member 41, the peeling portion La does not protrude from the first paper output opening 13. At this time, the detection signal from the label detection sensor 92 indicates that the peeled label L is not held on the backing paper M. In this case, the control unit 90 operates the adjustment motor 74 to block the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a and causes the airflow flowing through the exhaust duct 77 to be discharged from the second outlet 79b. This prevents dust near the first outlet 79a from being stirred up by the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a. Furthermore, since the airflow flowing through the exhaust duct 77 can be discharged from the second outlet 79b, the effect on the adsorption of the label paper LM through the adsorption holes 71a can be suppressed.

[0049] Based on the detection signal from the label detection sensor 92, the control unit 90 detects that a label L with its peel portion La removed is being held on the backing paper M, and measures the duration of this state. This state may continue for a long time, for example, when an employee engaged in removing the labels L takes a break. If this state continues for a long time, printing by the print head 51 stops, and there is no need to hold the label paper LM to the platen 71. Therefore, if the state in which a label L with its peel portion La removed by the peeling member 41 is being held on the backing paper M continues for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 90 stops the blower 75. This prevents the airflow generated by the blower 75 from continuously hitting the back surface Ld of a single label L. Consequently, the adhesive applied to the back surface Ld of the label L is prevented from drying out due to the airflow, and the adhesive strength of the back surface Ld of the label L is maintained. In addition, stopping the blower 75 reduces energy consumption.

[0050] [5. Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a print head 51 that prints on the surface surface Lu of the label L on the label paper LM, which has the back surface Ld of the label L attached to a backing sheet M, and a blower 75 that generates an airflow. The printing apparatus 1 also includes an exhaust duct 77 through which the airflow passes, with one end connected to the blower 75 and the other end connected to the first discharge port 79a. The printing apparatus 1 includes a release member 41 positioned downstream of the print head 51 in the transport direction of the label paper LM, which peels a portion of the label L from the backing sheet M. The first discharge port 79a is positioned so that the airflow discharged from the first discharge port 79a strikes the back surface Ld of the peeled portion La. At this time, at least a portion of the peeled portion La is in a position where it does not overlap with the release member 41 in a plan view, and the unpeeled portion Lb overlaps with the release member 41 in a plan view. Of the label L that has been partially peeled off from the backing paper M by the peeling member 41, the peeled portion La is the part that has been peeled off from the backing paper M, and the unpeeled portion Lb is the part that has not been peeled off from the backing paper M.

[0051] With this configuration, the airflow generated by the blower 75 can support the orientation of the peeled portion La of the label L. Therefore, the label L can be easily utilized in subsequent processes.

[0052] The printing device 1 directs the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a onto the back surface Ld, thereby positioning the leading edge of the peel-off portion La at a higher position in the direction of gravity than when the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a does not hit the back surface Ld of the peel-off portion La. The printing device 1 also positions the leading edge of the peel-off portion La at a higher position in the direction of gravity than when the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a does not hit the back surface Ld of the peel-off portion La, even when the label L is the largest label L that can be printed by the printing device 1.

[0053] With this configuration, even when using the largest label L printable by the printing device 1, the leading edge of the peel-off portion La can be positioned at a higher location. This makes it easier to use the peeled-off label L in subsequent processes, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0054] The printing device 1 is positioned opposite the print head 51 and includes a platen 71 that supports the label paper LM on its upper surface and adsorbs the label paper LM through adsorption holes 71a provided on its upper surface. The printing device 1 also has an intake duct 73, one end of which is connected to the adsorption holes 71a and the other end of which is connected to a blower 75.

[0055] With this configuration, the adsorption of the label paper LM on the platen 71 and the support of the peeled portion La by the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a can be performed by driving a single blower 75. This makes it possible to maintain the posture of the peeled label L with a simple configuration and simplifies the structure of the printing apparatus 1.

[0056] The printing apparatus 1 has an adjustment unit 72 that can adjust the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a.

[0057] With this configuration, the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a can be adjusted according to the type of label L used and the orientation of the peel-off portion La, which is easily accessible in subsequent processes. Therefore, the convenience of the printing apparatus 1 is improved.

[0058] The printing apparatus 1 includes an adjustment motor 74 that moves an adjustment unit 72 to adjust the amount of airflow, and a control unit 90 that controls the adjustment motor 74. The control unit 90 controls the adjustment motor 74 based on label information, which is information about the label L to be printed.

[0059] With this configuration, the orientation of the peeled portion La can be adjusted by moving the adjustment unit 72 based on information about the label L, thereby adjusting the airflow. Therefore, the orientation of the peeled label L can be adjusted to a position that is easily usable in subsequent processes, corresponding to the label L used in the printing device 1. Consequently, the convenience of the printing device 1 can be improved.

[0060] The label information includes information about at least one of the following for the label L to be printed: the area of ​​label L, the stiffness of label L, the thickness of label L, the material of label L, and the aspect ratio of label L.

[0061] With this configuration, the adjustment unit 72 can be controlled based on information about the properties that affect the orientation of the peel-off portion La of the label L to be printed. Therefore, the convenience of the printing device 1 is improved.

[0062] The printing apparatus 1 includes a label detection sensor 92 that detects whether the label L, from which the peeling portion La has been peeled off by the peeling member 41, is held on the backing paper M. When the control unit 90 detects, based on the label detection sensor 92, that the label L, from which the peeling portion La has been peeled off, is not held on the backing paper M, the adjustment unit 72 controls the adjustment motor 74 so that it blocks the airflow discharged from the first discharge port 79a.

[0063] With this configuration, if it is not necessary to support the orientation of the separated portion La with the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a, the airflow is not discharged from the first outlet 79a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dust and other particles from being stirred up by the airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a.

[0064] The printing apparatus 1 has a second outlet that discharges airflow at a position that does not come into contact with the back surface Ld of the peel-off portion La. In the printing apparatus 1, the other end of the exhaust duct 77 is connected to the first outlet 79a and the second outlet 79b. When the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a is reduced, the adjustment unit 72 increases the amount of airflow discharged from the second outlet 79b in proportion to the reduction in the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a.

[0065] With this configuration, when the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet 79a is adjusted by the adjustment unit 72, fluctuations in the load on the blower 75 can be suppressed. Therefore, the lifespan of the blower 75 can be extended. Furthermore, when the label paper LM is adsorbed onto the platen 71 by the drive of the blower 75 as in this embodiment, the flow rate of air flowing into the intake duct 73 through the adsorption holes 71a is less affected by the operation of the adjustment unit 72. This improves the print quality.

[0066] The printing apparatus 1 includes a label detection sensor 92 that detects whether the label L, from which the peeling portion La has been removed by the peeling member 41, is still attached to the backing paper M. The blower 75 stops if the label detection sensor 92 detects that the label L, from which the peeling portion La has been removed, is still attached to the backing paper M for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0067] This configuration reduces the time the blower 75 needs to be driven, thereby lowering the energy consumption of the printing device 1. Furthermore, it prevents prolonged exposure of the airflow to the back surface Ld of the peel-off portion La on a single label L. Therefore, it prevents the back surface Ld from drying out and becoming unusable in subsequent processes.

[0068] [6. Other Embodiments] The above embodiments are merely examples illustrating the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0069] For example, the intake port of the blower 75 may be directly connected to the outside of the housing 10 without being connected to the intake duct 73, and the intake duct 73 may be connected to the intake port and suction hole 71a of a second blower (not shown). In addition, the discharge port of the second blower may be connected to the outside of the housing 10. That is, a blower 75 that directs airflow into the exhaust duct 77 and blows it out from the first discharge port 79a, and a second blower that directs airflow from the suction hole 71a into the intake duct 73 to adsorb the label paper LM onto the platen 71 may be provided separately. In this case, the degree of freedom in the layout of the intake duct 73 and the exhaust duct 77 is improved. Furthermore, since the airflow generated by the blower 75 and the airflow that adsorbs the label paper LM onto the platen 71 can be separated, the posture of the peeled portion La of the label L can be controlled simply by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower 75 without providing an adjustment unit 72. However, as described in the embodiment, when airflow is supplied to the intake duct 73 and exhaust duct 77 by a single blower 75, the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 becomes simpler.

[0070] Similarly, the adjustment unit 72 may not have a drive source such as an adjustment motor 74, and the position of the shielding plate 72c may be changed by the operator. For example, a dial (not shown) may be provided on the outside of the housing 10, and the position of the shielding plate 72c may be changed by transmitting the torque when the operator rotates the dial. In this case, the adjustment unit 72 does not have a drive source, and wiring for the adjustment unit 72 is unnecessary, thus simplifying the configuration of the printing device 1. However, as described in the embodiment, if a configuration is adopted in which the adjustment unit 72 is operated by a drive source such as an adjustment motor 74, the adjustment unit 72 can be controlled by the control unit 90. Therefore, as described in the embodiment, it becomes possible to provide functions such as automatic control based on label information, improving the convenience of the printing device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the printing device 1 may be configured to include a shutter mechanism (not shown) that is provided to close the first discharge port 79a. The shutter mechanism is a mechanism that can be opened and closed in the left-right direction, and its opening degree can be adjusted in multiple stages. For example, the shutter mechanism may open in the center in the left-right direction, and by closing the shutter mechanism from a fully open state, the first discharge ports 79a located on the left-right outer side of the multiple first discharge ports 79a may be closed sequentially. The shutter mechanism may also be controlled by a drive source such as a motor from the control unit 90, or it may be operated directly by the operator. With this configuration, by adjusting the opening degree of the shutter mechanism according to the left-right width of the label L to be printed by the printing device 1, the amount of airflow discharged from the unclosed first discharge port 79a can be increased. Therefore, the orientation that the label L can take becomes more diverse, and the convenience of the printing device 1 is improved.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the exhaust duct 77 was described as extending to the left from the outlet of the blower 75 so as not to interfere with the path of the cardboard backing M during discharge. The exhaust duct 77 is not limited to this shape. For example, it may be configured to branch out to both the left and right sides from the outlet of the blower 75 so as not to interfere with the path of the cardboard backing M during discharge, and the branched exhaust ducts 77 may merge at the front end of the housing 10. When such a symmetrical exhaust duct 77 is used, the amount of airflow discharged from the multiple first outlets 79a will also be symmetrical.

[0073] Furthermore, although it was explained in the embodiment that the first discharge port 79a is formed in multiple locations across the entire left-right area of ​​the first paper discharge port 13, the first discharge port 79a may be a single elongated hole in the left-right direction formed across the entire left-right area of ​​the first paper discharge port 13. Also, although it was explained in the embodiment that the blower 75 is a centrifugal blower, the blower 75 may be any device capable of generating airflow. For example, the blower 75 may be an axial-flow blower having a rotating fan. Also, although it was explained in the embodiment that the adjustment unit 72 is provided inside the exhaust duct 77, the adjustment unit 72 may be provided outside the exhaust duct 77. For example, the shaft 72a may extend outward from both left-right ends of the exhaust duct 77 at the front end of the housing 10, and the shielding plate 72c may be attached to the shaft 72a via an arm 72b so as to cover the first discharge port 79a and the second discharge port 79b from the outside. With this configuration, there is no need to provide an adjustment section 72 inside the exhaust duct 77, making it easier to route wiring, etc., to the adjustment section 72, or making it easier for the operator to operate the adjustment section 72.

[0074] At least some of the functional blocks shown in Figure 7 may be implemented in hardware, or they may be implemented through the collaboration of hardware and software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1…Printing device, 10…Housing, 11…Rear panel, 11a…Rotating shaft, 13…First paper output port, 15…Second paper output port, 31…Media mounting section, 33…First transport section, 33a…First drive roller, 33b…First driven roller, 35…Second transport section, 35a…Second drive roller, 35b…Second driven roller, 37…First motor, 39…Second motor, 41…Release member (release section), 50…Carriage, 51…Print head, 53…Guide shaft, 55…Carriage drive motor, 71…Platen (support section), 71a ...Adsorption hole, 72...Adjustment unit, 72a...Shaft, 72b...Arm, 72c...Shielding plate, 73...Intake duct (second flow path), 74...Adjustment motor (drive unit), 75...Blower (airflow generation unit), 77...Exhaust duct (first flow path), 79a...First outlet, 79b...Second outlet, 90...Control unit, 91...Interface, 92...Label detection sensor (detection unit), L...Label, LM...Label paper, La...Peelable portion, Lb...Unpeeled portion, Ld...Back side, Lu...Front side, M...Backing paper, P1...Height, P2...Height, P3...Height, R...Roll medium.

Claims

1. A print head that prints on the front surface of a label on label paper, with the back of the label attached to a backing sheet, An airflow generation unit that generates airflow, One end is connected to the airflow generating unit, and the other end is connected to the first outlet, and the first flow path through which the airflow passes, A peeling unit is positioned downstream of the print head in the transport direction of the label paper and peels a portion of the label from the backing paper, An adjustment unit capable of adjusting the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet, A drive unit that moves the adjustment unit to adjust the amount of airflow, A control unit that controls the drive unit, Equipped with, The first discharge port is positioned such that, when a portion of the label has been partially peeled from the backing paper by the peeling portion, at least a portion of the peeled portion does not overlap with the peeling portion in a plan view, and the unpeeled portion that has not been peeled from the backing paper overlaps with the peeling portion in a plan view, the airflow discharged from the first discharge port strikes the back surface of the peeled portion. The control unit controls the drive unit based on label information, which is information about the label to be printed, in the printing apparatus.

2. A print head that prints on the front surface of a label on label paper, with the back of the label attached to a backing sheet, An airflow generation unit that generates airflow, One end is connected to the airflow generating unit, and the other end is connected to the first outlet, and the first flow path through which the airflow passes, A peeling unit is positioned downstream of the print head in the transport direction of the label paper and peels a portion of the label from the backing paper, A detection unit for detecting whether the label peeled off in the peeling section is still attached to the backing paper, Equipped with, The first discharge port is positioned such that, when a portion of the label has been partially peeled from the backing paper by the peeling portion, at least a portion of the peeled portion does not overlap with the peeling portion in a plan view, and the unpeeled portion that has not been peeled from the backing paper overlaps with the peeling portion in a plan view, the airflow discharged from the first discharge port strikes the back surface of the peeled portion. The printing apparatus wherein the airflow generating unit stops when the detection unit detects that the label, whose peeled portion has been removed, is still being held on the backing paper for a predetermined period of time or longer.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an adjustment unit capable of adjusting the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet.

4. A drive unit that moves the adjustment unit to adjust the amount of airflow, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the drive unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on label information, which is information about the label to be printed.

5. A print head that prints on the front surface of a label on label paper, with the back of the label attached to a backing sheet, An airflow generation unit that generates airflow, One end is connected to the airflow generating unit, and the other end is connected to the first outlet, and the first flow path through which the airflow passes, A peeling unit is positioned downstream of the print head in the transport direction of the label paper and peels a portion of the label from the backing paper, An adjustment unit capable of adjusting the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet, A drive unit that moves the adjustment unit to adjust the amount of airflow, A control unit that controls the drive unit, A detection unit for detecting whether the label peeled off in the peeling section is still attached to the backing paper, Equipped with, The first discharge port is positioned such that, when a portion of the label has been partially peeled from the backing paper by the peeling portion, at least a portion of the peeled portion does not overlap with the peeling portion in a plan view, and the unpeeled portion that has not been peeled from the backing paper overlaps with the peeling portion in a plan view, the airflow discharged from the first discharge port strikes the back surface of the peeled portion. Printing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that the adjustment unit blocks the airflow discharged from the first outlet when the detection unit detects that the label, from which the peeled portion has been removed, is not held on the backing paper.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the airflow generating unit stops when the detection unit detects that the label, from which the peeled portion has been removed, is held on the backing paper for a predetermined period of time or longer.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on label information, which is information about the label to be printed.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, claim 4, or claim 7, wherein the label information includes information on at least one of the following for the label to be printed: the area of ​​the label, the stiffness of the label, the thickness of the label, the material of the label, and the aspect ratio of the label.

9. The peeled portion has a second outlet for discharging the airflow at a position that does not come into contact with the back surface, The other end of the first flow path is connected to the first outlet and the second outlet. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, or any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the adjustment unit increases the amount of airflow discharged from the second outlet in proportion to the decrease in the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet when the amount of airflow discharged from the first outlet is reduced.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the label is a label with the maximum printable area, the airflow discharged from the first outlet is blown onto the back surface to position the tip of the peel-off portion in the direction of gravity at a higher position than when the airflow is not hitting the back surface of the peel-off portion.

11. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a support portion positioned opposite the print head, which supports the label paper on its support surface and adsorbs the label paper through adsorption holes provided on the support surface; and a second flow path having one end connected to the adsorption holes and the other end connected to the airflow generating portion.

Images