JP5962378B2 - Label printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printer.

A printer that issues a label is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
A conventional label printer prints and issues the next label when it is detected by a label sensor provided in the vicinity of the label receiver that the label held by the label receiver is removed. The operator attaches the label to the product to be attached.

JP-A-5-205084

  However, in the above-described label printer, when issuing a label having a length exceeding a specified length (for example, a strip-shaped label), the label receiver cannot hold the long label, and the label bends so as to bow by its own weight. There is a case. At that time, the tip of the label may stick to the apparatus main body or other parts. In that case, an operator needs the effort which tears off the sticking label front-end | tip part. When the label peeled off by the operator is torn, the label is wasted, troubles such as reissuing the label, loss of time, and trouble in the entire work time occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and even when a label having a length exceeding a specified length is issued, the label is issued so that the issued label does not stick to the apparatus main body or other parts. An object is to provide a label printer that can be issued.

  The label printer of the present invention is a label printer that issues a sheet of paper after feeding out the label paper and printing the print data on the label paper by a printing unit, the label holding the issued label When it is determined that the label length of the issued label and the receiver is longer than a predetermined length, or the label length of the issued label is longer than the length that the label receiver cannot hold the label, And a control unit that issues the label paper over time.

  According to the present invention, even when a label having a length exceeding the specified length is issued, the label issuance control including the work time for the operator to apply the label to the object to be pasted based on the length of the label to be issued. Therefore, the operator can properly apply the label to the object to be pasted with a margin, and the label exceeding the specified length issued next time does not adhere to the main body or other parts. Since it is possible to receive the issued label in the same way as when the specified length label is issued, there is no waste of the label, time and effort for reissuing the label, loss of time, and trouble in the entire work time. There will be no coming.

The figure which shows an example of the mechanism of the mountless label printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mountless label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a format file managed by the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the invention. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the goods file managed by the mountless label printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of a printing format (format information) and a label, (a) is a figure which shows an example of a printing format (format information), (b) is based on the printing format (format information) shown to (a). The figure which shows an example of the printed label. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the control area regarding the print format (or label) and processing speed managed with the mountless label printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is 1st toward the upstream from the label issuing direction downstream. The figure which shows an example of the printing format (or label) which has an area | region and a 2nd area | region, (b) is the printing which has a normal control area | region, a 1st area | region, and a 2nd area | region toward the upstream from the label issuing direction downstream. The figure which shows an example of a format (or label), (c) shows an example of the printing format (or label) which has a normal control area | region, a 2nd area | region, and a 1st area | region toward the upstream from the label issuing direction downstream. Figure. The figure for demonstrating the label issued by the mount-less label printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a figure which shows a specific example of the label issued by a mount-less label printer, (b) Affixing a label The figure which shows one specific example of the goods which were made. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A mountless label printer will be described as a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The length along the label issuing direction of the mountless label is variable depending on the label format according to the purpose of use, the print data amount according to the product information, and the like.
For example, a strip-shaped label serving as a label that also serves to stop the lid of a product, a label having a large amount of print data such as raw materials and additives, and the like may be longer than a specified length.

The label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention controls the label issuance over time, including the time required for label issuance and the time required for the operator (user) to perform the label affixing operation. The label is printed and issued so that the operator (user) can correctly receive the label used in the pasting operation. In order to allow the above-mentioned operator to correctly receive the label, the label issued after the operator performs the labeling work is to be received without sticking to the apparatus main body or other parts. That is.
Also, this label printer has a label length longer than the specified length, or the label length longer than the length that cannot be held by the label receiver provided on the downstream side of the discharge outlet of the label. In this case, since the processing in either the printing area or the non-printing area of the print format takes time (including the time required for the operator (user) to perform labeling work), the label issuance is controlled. Labels can be affixed to the object to be pasted with a margin, and the labels used in the next affixing operation are the same as when the operator (user) issued a label of the specified length. Can be received without sticking to the main body or other parts.

More specifically, the label printer performs control (including the time required for the operator (user) to perform labeling work) to slow down the processing speed related to printing in the printing area or non-printing area specified by the label format. And issue a label. The printing process in the non-printing area is a non-printing process (blank process in printing).
By doing this, the label length of the label is longer than the specified length, or the label length of the label is longer than the length that cannot be held by the label receiver provided on the downstream side of the discharge of the label. However, it is possible to prevent the leading end of the label exceeding the specified length from sticking to the label printer main body or other parts.
In addition, the label can be issued at a timing when the operator can receive a label of a specified length or longer than the specified length without sticking the issued label to the main body or other parts regardless of the length of the label. A label printer can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism of a mountless label printer as a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the label printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention may be connected to the measuring device which measures the goods which are the sticking object of a label, or may not be connected to the measuring device. Moreover, the label printer used with the packaging apparatus which packages a to-be-packaged object may be sufficient.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mountless label printer pulls out the label sheet 1 from the label roll 2 in which the mountless label sheet 1 (label sheet) having a heat-sensitive coloring surface on the front surface and an adhesive surface on the back surface is wound into a roll The label paper 1 is conveyed while being sandwiched between a thermal head 3 as a printing unit and a platen roller 4 driven by a stepping motor, and heated to print on the label paper 1, and the label paper 1 after printing is cut by a cutter. 5 is cut and issued as a label 6. The mount-less label sheet 1 (label sheet) is not limited to a sheet having a thermal coloring surface, but is a mount-less label sheet 1 (label sheet) that does not have a thermal coloring surface that is thermally transferred through an ink ribbon. There may be.
At this time, the label printer prints the corresponding print data for the print items such as product names, additives, messages, and raw materials at the position of the print items in the print range in the paper transport direction.
The casing 22 of the label printer is provided with a discharge port 23 through which the label 6 is discharged.
A label receiver 24 (label holding unit) is provided on the downstream side of the label discharge of the discharge port 23. A detection unit 21 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 23. The detection unit 21 detects whether or not the printed label 6 remains in the discharge port 23 that discharges the label 6.

The label printer may be provided with one label issuing port (discharge port 23) or may be provided with a plurality of label issuing ports (discharge ports 23) such as two. For example, when two label issuing ports (discharge ports 23) are provided, label rolls having different label widths are loaded into the label printer.
The label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention issues a mountless label, but is not limited to this. For example, the control according to the present invention is similarly applied to a long fixed-length label with a mount. May be performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mountless label printer according to the present embodiment.
The mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 10 (CPU), a flash memory 11 and a RAM 12 as a storage unit, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, an interface 16, and a thermal unit as a printing unit. A head 17 (corresponding to the thermal head 3 shown in FIG. 1), a stepping motor 18, a cutter 19 (corresponding to the cutter 5 shown in FIG. 1) as a cutting means, and a detector 21 are provided.
The control unit 10 (CPU), the flash memory 11, the RAM 12, the operation unit 13, the display unit 14, the communication unit 15, the interface 16, and the detection unit 21 are connected by a transmission path (bus) 20 so that data transmission is possible. .

The control unit 10 is a central processing unit that executes a program such as a control program on the flash memory 11 to control the operation of the label printer.
The flash memory 11 is a read-only memory that stores a label printer control program, control data, and the like.

The RAM 12 has a work area for temporarily calling (reading) data for processing. The work area of the RAM 12 includes a dot expansion area for expanding print data into dot data, a call format area for calling and storing one format data from a format file, a call product data area for calling and storing product data, and the like.
Further, the RAM 12 has a format file (see FIG. 3) in which a label printing format is defined, a product file (see FIG. 4) in which various product data for label printing are defined, a font file (character generator), and the like. Is remembered. The RAM 12 is backed up by a battery so that product files, format files, and the like can be retained even when the power is off.
Further, the RAM 12 stores print data indicating print contents on the label, at least a print format that defines a print position, a label length, and the like in association with each other. As will be described later, the print format defines a first area (blank area, non-print area), a second area (print area), and the like.
Various programs relating to various modes (for example, a mode with a value, a setting mode, a report mode, and a maintenance mode) of the mountless label printer are stored in the RAM 12.

The operation unit 13 is an input device for operating the label printer, and includes a touch panel configured integrally with the display unit 14. The operation unit 13 also functions as a setting unit that sets user identification information.
The display unit 14 is a liquid crystal display that displays various menu screens and data.
The communication unit 15 communicates with a host computer or the like as a higher management apparatus.
The interface 16 inputs and outputs data between the control unit 10 and the like and each drive unit and motor.
The thermal head 17 heats the paper 1 based on a command from the control unit 10.
The stepping motor 18 rotationally drives the label roll 2 and the platen roller 4 so that the label sheet 1 is conveyed to a predetermined printing position or heating position based on a command from the control unit 10.
The cutter 19 cuts the paper 1 after printing based on a command from the control unit 10.
The detection unit 21 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 23 of the housing 22 of the label printer. The detection unit 21 detects whether or not the printed label 6 remains in the discharge port 23 that discharges the label 6.

Further, when the control unit 10 of the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention detects that the label 6 does not remain in the discharge port 23 by the detection unit 21, the control unit 10 stores the label 6 in the storage unit (flash memory 11, RAM 12, etc.). The print data is subjected to print processing by the thermal head 3 as a print unit in accordance with the print format.
Further, the control unit 10 determines that the label length of the label 6 to be issued is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, or the label length of the label 6 to be issued is equal to or longer than a length at which the label receiver 24 cannot hold the label. The label paper is issued taking a longer time than usual. The above-mentioned normal means that label paper is issued when the label length of the label 6 to be issued is less than a predetermined length, or when the label length of the label 6 to be issued is less than a length at which the label receiver 24 cannot hold the label. It's time.
Further, in detail, the control unit 10 uses the label receiver 24 provided on the downstream side of the discharge of the label 23 when the label length of the label 6 is equal to or longer than a predetermined length or when the label length of the label 6 is provided downstream of the discharge port 23. If the label 6 is longer than the length in which the label 6 cannot be held, the printing process is performed at a printing speed slower than the normal printing speed (control including the time required for the operator (user) to perform labeling work).

  Moreover, the control part 10 cannot hold | maintain the label with the label receiver 24 provided in the label discharge downstream of the discharge port 23, when the label length of the label 6 is more than regulation length or the label length of the label 6 If it is longer than the length, printing is performed at a printing speed slower than the normal printing speed at least in the first area 31 (blank area, non-printing area) or the second area (printing area) 32.

The control unit 10 controls the printing speed by adjusting the rotation speed of the stepping motor 18 that rotationally drives the platen roller 4.
For example, when the printing speed is controlled in the second area (printing area) 32, the control unit 10 performs a printing process by the thermal head 17 so as to print cleanly on the label (so as to perform specified printing), The rotation control of the stepping motor 18 that rotationally drives the platen roller 4 is performed in cooperation. When the printing speed is changed in the printing area, the temperature and density for heating the label by the thermal head 17 are controlled to change with the printing speed.

  Further, the control unit 10 determines the printing unit (the thermal head 3 (17), the platen roller 4 driven by the stepping motor 18 and the like) in accordance with the detection and non-detection timing of the label 6 near the discharge port 23 by the detection unit 21. ) Start next label printing.

Further, the label printer measures and learns the timing of removing the label by each operator (user) a plurality of times, and optimizes the label issuance timing according to the timing of removing the label.
Specifically, in the learning mode, the control unit 10 indicates the user identification information input by the input unit (operation unit 13) for inputting the user identification information and the detection and non-detection of the label 6 by the detection unit 21. A process of associating with timing data and storing it in a storage unit (RAM 12 or the like) is performed.
The control unit 10 also prints the print unit (thermal head 3) based on the issue timing calculated from the timing data associated with the user identification information input by the input means (operation unit 13) for setting the user identification information. (17) Label printing is performed by the platen roller 4 driven by the stepping motor 18).
That is, the control unit 10 issues a label so that the operator (user) can correctly receive the label used in the next pasting operation at the label issuance timing determined based on the learning result.
For example, the control unit 10 holds the label when the label length of the label 6 is equal to or longer than a predetermined length or when the label length of the label 6 is provided at the label discharge downstream side of the discharge port 23. When the length is not longer than possible, the printing process is performed at a printing speed slower than the normal printing speed so as to be later than the label issuing timing determined based on the learning result.
The input means is not limited to the input from the operation unit 13, but for example, an employee card (for example, a card printed with a barcode, an RFID card, a magnetic card, etc.) that identifies each operator possessed by the operator (user) ), The identification information may be stored, and the identification information may be input from a reading device (input means).
Further, in the learning, the identification information of the user and the timing data indicating the detection and non-detection of the label 6 by the detection unit 21 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit (RAM 12 or the like). The work time (the time required for the operator (user) to perform labeling work) from the start of printing on the label paper to when the detection unit 21 detects that the label 6 is not held by the label receiver 24. The control unit 10 prints the print data on the label paper by the printing unit based on the work time stored in the storage unit. Good. As a result, the operation time including the time for attaching the label to the object to be attached by the operator and the label issuing time are stored in the storage means as the operation time, and the sheet-like label is issued based on this operation time. (User) can carry out labeling work with a margin, and can receive the label without sticking the issued sheet-like label used for the next sticking work to the apparatus main body or other parts. .

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the data structure of the format file managed by the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Various print formats can be set in the format file, the format number that identifies the format type, the label length that determines the cut length of the paper, and the print items include product name, additive, message, raw material, price , Barcode, unit, expiration date, processing date and time, store name, etc. These print items include the print position (the upper left of the label is 0, 0, indicating the upper left end of the print range), the height that is the print range in the paper transport direction, and the print range that is orthogonal to the height. Fonts that specify the length and character font type are set.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a data structure of a product file managed by the mountless label printer according to the present embodiment.
Items such as a product number, a product name, a price, a barcode, an additive, a message, and raw materials are set in the product file. When setting multiple lines of print data for each item, a line feed code is set at the end of each line.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print format (format information) and a label. Specifically, FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a print format (format information), and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the label printed based on the printing format (format information) shown by a).
Each print format (format information) includes, for example, a product name print area, a bar code print area, a price print area, a unit print area, an additive print area, a store name print area, as shown in FIG. Layout is specified.
As shown in FIG. 5B, print data is printed on the print label in a predetermined layout based on the print format.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a control area related to the print format (format information) and processing speed managed by the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A shows an example of a print format (or label) having a first area 31 (blank area, non-print area) and a second area 32 (print area) from the downstream side in the label issuing direction toward the upstream side. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a print format (or label) having a normal control area 31a, a first area 31, and a second area 32 from the downstream side to the upstream side in the label issuing direction. FIG. 6C illustrates an example of a print format (or label) having a normal control area 31a, a second area 32, and a first area 31 from the downstream side in the label issuing direction toward the upstream side.

  The first area 31 (blank area, non-printing area) shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C conveys the label paper at a lower speed (for example, 10 mm / sec) than the normal printing speed (label feed). ). The second area (printing area) 32 is an area for transporting (label feeding) the label paper 1 at a speed suitable for printing (for example, 60 mm / sec).

The normal control area 31a common to FIGS. 6B and 6C is an area having a conveyance speed (for example, 80 mm / sec) for conveying the blank area of the label sheet 1.
Note that the first area 31 (blank area, non-printing area) in FIG. 6B is an area in which the conveyance is stopped, and is an area in which the conveyance time of the label paper is stopped (0 mm / sec) only for a desired time. .
The speed at which the label paper 1 is conveyed at a low speed may be set at a predetermined speed, or the speed of each area may be calculated and controlled based on the time required for issuing the label.

  In the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operator (user) can correctly receive the label by reducing the printing speed (so-called feed time) of the first area (non-printing area) 31. Control may be performed to issue a label at a timing (a timing at which a long label does not stick to the label printer main body or other parts), or by reducing the printing speed of the second area (printing area) 32, the operator Control may be made so that the label is issued at a timing when the label can be received correctly.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the label 6 issued by the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows the label 6 issued by the mountless label printer. It is a figure which shows one specific example. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the product S to which the label 6 is attached.
The operator, for example, picks up the label 6 issued by the label printer and attaches it to the product S, and then repeats the operation of picking up the label 6 issued by the label printer and attaching it to the next product S. Do.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In step S <b> 11, the control unit 10 determines whether the label length of the label to be issued next in the printing unit is equal to or longer than a specified length. Alternatively, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the label length of the label to be issued next by the printing unit is equal to or longer than a length (specified length) that the label receiver 24 cannot hold the label 6.
If the control unit 10 determines that the label to be issued next is equal to or longer than the specified length, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S15.

  In step S13, the control unit 10 sandwiches the label paper 1 between the thermal head 3 as the printing unit and the platen roller 4 driven by the stepping motor at a normal printing speed (first printing speed). It is conveyed and heated to print on the label paper 1, and the printed label paper 1 is cut with a cutter 5 and issued as a label 6.

In step S15, the control unit 10 performs the printing process at a printing speed (second printing speed) that is slower than the normal printing speed (first printing speed). Specifically, the control unit 10 prints at a lower processing speed than the normal printing speed (first printing speed) in at least the first area (blank area, non-printing area) 31 or the second area (printing area) 32. Printing is performed at a speed (second printing speed). At this time, it is preferable to set the processing speed in the first area (blank area, non-printing area) 31 to a low speed (second printing speed).
In other words, the control unit 10 determines that the label length of the label to be issued next in the printing unit is equal to or longer than the specified length, or the label length of the label to be issued next in the printing unit cannot be held by the label receiver 24. If it is equal to or greater than the (predetermined length), control is performed so that the next label issuance timing is later than the normal label issuance timing.
By doing so, the operator (user) can correctly receive a relatively long label used in the next pasting operation.
The control unit 10 repeats the label issuing process as many times as the number of items to be pasted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the mountless label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Next, an example of the operation of the label printer that issues labels at a timing according to the label application work ability of the operator (user) will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S21, the control unit 10 is set to a learning mode for learning the label issuing timing for each operator (user).
Specifically, when the control unit 10 receives from the operation unit 13 a signal indicating the identification information of the operator (user) and a signal for instructing to set the learning mode, the control unit 10 enters the learning mode.

  In step S23, for example, the control unit 10 generates a label for the learning mode (a label length shorter than the specified length) by a printing unit (the thermal head 3 (17), the platen roller 4 driven by the stepping motor 18, etc.). Print processing is performed and a label 6 is issued.

  In step S25, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the label 6 has been removed from the discharge port 23 by the detection unit 21. If it is determined that the label has been removed, the process proceeds to step S27. The process of step S25 is repeated.

In step S27, the control unit 10 stores the timing (such as time) at which the label 6 is removed from the discharge port 23 by the detection unit 21 in association with the identification information of the operator (user) in the storage unit (such as the RAM 12). I do.
The timing associated with the identification information of the operator (user) and stored in the storage unit can be appropriately read from the storage unit by specifying the identification information of the operator (user). It has become.

  In step S29, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the number of times the label is issued is a specified number, for example, 3 times or more. If the number of issuance is the specified number or more, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S31. Proceed to the process.

  In step S31, the control unit 10 is set to an actual label printing issue mode. The control unit 10 may be in a label printing issue mode when a predetermined button or the like is operated.

  In step S33, the control unit 10 reads out the timing associated with the identification information of the designated operator (user) from the RAM 12 storage unit (RAM 12), and calculates the average value thereof, for example, to issue a label. Determine timing.

In step S35, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the label length of the label to be issued next in the printing unit is equal to or longer than a specified length. Alternatively, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the label length of the label to be issued next by the printing unit is equal to or longer than a length (specified length) that the label receiver 24 cannot hold the label 6.
When the control unit 10 determines that the label to be issued next is not less than the specified length, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S41.

  In step S37, the platen roller driven by the thermal head 3 serving as the printing unit and the stepping motor at the normal printing speed (first printing speed) set to be the label issuing timing determined in step S33. 4, the label paper 1 is conveyed and heated and printed on the label paper 1. The printed label paper 1 is cut by the cutter 5 and issued as a label 6 (step S 39).

  In step S41, the printing process is performed at a second printing speed slower than the normal printing speed (first printing speed) set so as to be the label issuing timing determined in step S33. Specifically, the control unit 10 prints at a lower processing speed than the normal printing speed (first printing speed) in at least the first area (blank area, non-printing area) 31 or the second area (printing area) 32. Printing is performed at the speed (second printing speed) (step S43). At this time, it is preferable to set the processing speed in the first area (blank area, non-printing area) 31 to a low speed (second printing speed).

  The control unit 10 repeats the label issuing process (steps S31 to S43) as many times as the number of items to be pasted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 performs the process of reducing the processing speed of the first region 31 where printing is not performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing speed in the first region 31 may be set to zero (0 mm / sec), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing may be changed to a normal speed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the control part 10 is controlling the processing speed of the 1st area | region 31 which does not print at a fixed slow speed, it is not restricted to this. For example, the control unit 10 performs processing at the slowest initial speed (initial speed) in the first area 31, and gradually increases the speed (blank printing speed) until reaching the end of the first area 31 to normal. Control may be performed to change the speed so as to reach this speed.

  Further, the speed at which the label is conveyed at a low speed may be a predetermined set value, may be calculated according to the size of the area of the label format, or may be calculated according to the length of the label. May be.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 performs control to change the processing speed of at least the first area 31 or the second area 32 in the label printing format, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the variable length print data (bitmap data) drawn and expanded in the storage unit (RAM 12), the length in the label issuing direction, and the first area 31 and the second drawn and expanded in the storage unit (RAM 12). Control may be performed to change at least the processing speed of the first area 31 or the second area 32 based on the area size of the area 32 (data to be actually printed).
Thus, since the control is performed based on the variable length data, the label can be issued at the timing when the operator correctly receives the label.

As described above, the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention feeds a roll-shaped label sheet, and performs labeling on the printing unit (the thermal head 3 (17), the platen roller 4 driven by the stepping motor 18, etc.). After printing on the paper, a sheet-like label is issued. The label printer includes a storage unit (such as a RAM 12) for storing print data to be printed on a label, a print format including at least a label size and a print area for printing the print data, and a non-print area; A control unit 10 that performs printing processing on the stored print data by a printing unit according to a print format, and a label receiver 24 that holds the issued label. When the label length in the label dimension is equal to or longer than the specified length, or when the label length in the label dimension is longer than the label receiver cannot hold the label, the control unit 10 prints the print area or non-print area. The processing is performed at a speed slower than the normal speed in any of the areas.
For this reason, for example, even if a label longer than a predetermined length that cannot be held by the label receiver 24 is issued, the leading end of the label exceeding the specified length is prevented from sticking to the label printer main body or other parts. A label printer can be provided.
In addition, it is possible to provide a label printer that can issue labels at a timing at which labels longer than the specified length can be correctly received by the operator.
That is, it is possible to prevent peeling off the leading end of the label adhered to a part other than the pasting target, tearing the label, wasting the label, and the like. In addition, since there is no time and effort for label reissuance and time for label reissuance, the entire work time is not hindered.

In the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit (RAM 12 or the like) has a print format that defines the first area 31 (blank area, non-print area) and the second area 32 (print area). Remember. When the label length of the label 6 is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, or when the label length of the label 6 is longer than the length that the label receiver 24 cannot hold the label, the control unit 10 at least the first area 31 (blank area) , Non-printing area) or second area 32 (printing area) is made slower than usual.
By doing so, it is possible to provide a label printer that can be issued at a timing at which a label longer than the specified length can be correctly received by the operator.

In the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 10 performs a process of starting the next label printing by the printing unit in accordance with the detection timing and non-detection timing of the label 6 by the detection unit 21. That is, the label printer has a learning mode for learning the timing for removing the label for each user and printing and issuing the label according to the timing.
Specifically, the label printer has setting means (operation unit 13) for setting user identification information. In the learning mode, the control unit 10 associates the set user identification information with timing data indicating the detection and non-detection of the label 6 by the detection unit 21 and stores them in a storage unit (such as the RAM 12). In the actual label printing issuance mode, the control unit 10 performs label printing by the printing unit based on the issuance timing calculated from the timing data associated with the user identification information set by the setting unit.
That is, it is possible to provide a label printer that can issue a label at a timing at which each operator (user) can correctly receive the label.

  Further, the control unit 10 of the label printer controls the processing speed in the first area 31 or the second area 32 so as to be slower than the processing speed in the other area. For this reason, after the operator finishes the work of attaching a label longer than a predetermined length to the product, before the next issued label bows, the label is correctly placed (the label is placed on the part other than the attached object). (Without sticking).

  Further, the control unit 10 of the label printer performs control to change the processing speed in any one of the areas when the print format issuance direction exceeds a predetermined length, and if the length does not exceed the predetermined length, the processing speed Therefore, the label can be issued at the timing when the operator can correctly receive the label, regardless of the length of the label in the issuing direction.

Further, the control unit 10 has a speed calculated from the ratio of the length in the issuing direction of the first area 31 or the second area 32 (based on the entire area), or a predetermined predetermined speed. Next, the label printing speed is determined.
As a result, the label is issued at a timing at which the operator can correctly receive the label in consideration of the total time required for label issuance, so that the overall work time is not hindered.
In the print format of the embodiment of the present invention, the area is divided into the first area (blank area, non-print area), the second area (print area), or the normal control area as described above. Not limited to this, for example, in a normal print format that does not distinguish areas, this area includes an area for printing within the label width (area printed on the label on the print line of the print head). Is the second area, and if it is an area that is not printed in the label width direction (or an area that prints a blank in the label width direction), the controller determines and controls this area as the first area. When the printing unit prints based on the label format and the print data, the first area in the label format (the area that is not printed across the label width direction) In this case, the blank line is printed at a speed slower than the normal speed, and when the second area is printed based on the print data (the area to be printed is included in the label width), the normal print speed is used. Printing may be performed. Thus, the label format can be easily set and the size (label length) of the belt-like label can be reduced to the minimum necessary length, so that consumables can be saved.

  As described above, the label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the receiver 24 that holds the issued label and the detection unit 21 that detects the issued label on the receiver 24. For this reason, when the operator receives the label, the next label is automatically issued according to the length in the label issuing direction, so that the work efficiency is good.

  The label printer may include a detection unit that detects that the operator's (user's) hand has approached the label issuing port. In this case, the control unit 10 may issue a label print so that the next label comes out when the detection unit detects the user's hand.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, some or all of embodiment of this invention is described like the following supplementary notes 1 or the supplementary note 2.
[Appendix 1]
A label printer that issues a sheet-like label after feeding out the label paper and printing the print data on the label paper in the printing section,
A label receiver for holding the issued label;
When it is determined that the label length of the issued label is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, or the label length of the issued label is equal to or longer than the length at which the label receiver cannot hold the label, the time is A control unit that issues the label paper by hanging;
A label printer comprising:
[Appendix 2]
A storage unit for storing print data to be printed on the label paper, and a print format including at least a print area for printing the print data and a non-print area;
When the control unit performs a printing process on the print data stored in the storage unit by the printing unit according to the printing format, a label length of the issued label is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, or the issue When it is determined that the label length of the label to be printed is longer than the length that cannot be held by the label receiver, the processing in either the print area or the non-print area of the print format takes time. The label printer according to appendix 1, wherein the label printer is controlled.

Further, a part or all of the embodiment of the present invention is further described as the following Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4.
[Appendix 3]
A detection unit for detecting whether a label is held in the vicinity of the label receiver;
3. The label according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein when the detection unit detects that the label is not held, the printing unit prints print data on the label sheet. Printer.
[Appendix 4]
The time from the start of printing on the label paper until the detection unit detects that the label is not held is stored as the work time in the storage means,
The control unit performs printing of print data on the label paper by the printing unit based on the work time stored in the storage unit. Label printer.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments described in the above drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose and configuration.
Moreover, the description content of each figure can become independent embodiment, respectively, and embodiment of this invention is not limited to one embodiment which combined each figure.

1 Label paper 2 Label roll 3 Thermal head (printing part)
4 Platen roller (printing part)
5 Cutter (cutting means)
6 Label 10 Control unit (CPU)
11 Flash memory (storage unit)
12 RAM (storage unit)
13 Operation part (setting means)
14 Display unit 15 Communication unit 16 Interface 17 Thermal head (printing unit)
18 Stepping motor (printing part)
19 Cutter (cutting means)
20 Transmission path (bus)
21 Detection Unit 22 Label Printer Case 23 Ejection Port (Label Issue Port)
24 Label receiver (label holder)
31 First area (blank area, non-printing area)
31a Normal control area (blank area, non-printing area)
32 Second area (print area)

Claims (1)

A label printer that issues a sheet-like label after feeding out the label paper and printing the print data on the label paper in the printing section,
A label receiver for holding the issued label;
When it is determined that the label length of the issued label is longer than a predetermined length, or the label length of the issued label is longer than the length that cannot be held by the label receiver, it takes time. A control unit for issuing the label paper;
A label printer comprising:

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