Winding device and label printing apparatus

A winding device includes: a separation unit that separates sheets layered and simultaneously transported; a winding unit that winds one of the sheets separated by the separation unit; and a pressure contact unit that presses the one of the sheets wound by the winding unit from outside of the wound sheet toward the winding unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC § 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-247272 filed Dec. 18, 2015.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a winding device and a label printing apparatus.

Related Art

In recent years, techniques for preventing deformation in label sheets in forming the label sheets have been suggested.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, a winding device includes: a separation unit that separates sheets layered and simultaneously transported; a winding unit that winds one of the sheets separated by the separation unit; and a pressure contact unit that presses the one of the sheets wound by the winding unit from outside of the wound sheet toward the winding unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to attached drawings.

<Configuration of Label Printing Apparatus1>

First, with reference toFIG. 1, a configuration of a label printing apparatus1in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Note thatFIG. 1is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the label printing apparatus1in the exemplary embodiment.

The label printing apparatus1includes: a forwarding part10that forwards a label base material200which is a band-shaped sheet; an image forming part20that forms an image on the label base material200; a lamination part30that pastes a laminate film250on a surface of the label base material200after the image has been formed (image formation surface); a punching part40that punches predetermined shapes in the label base material200having been laminated to form labels270(to be described later); a residue wind-up part50that winds a residue280, which is an unnecessary part in a rim of the labels270; an inspection part60that makes an inspection of quality of the labels270on a label-group sheet300(to be described later) from which the residue280has been wound off; a defective label peeling part70that peels off a defective label270from the label base material200; and a winding part80that winds up the label-group sheet300.

Moreover, the label printing apparatus1includes: a first buffering part91, a second buffering part92and a third buffering part93that adjust tension of the label base material200; a transport unit94that transports the label base material200; and a controller100that controls each functional configuration member of the label printing apparatus1.

Note that the label printing apparatus1includes a housing90(refer toFIG. 4, which will be described later) that supports each functional configuration member described above.

Hereinafter, each functional configuration member of the label printing apparatus1will be described in order.

The forwarding part10has a forwarding roll11that is rotated upon receiving a driving force. On a perimeter of the forwarding roll11, a supply label roll201, in which the label base material200is wound in a roll shape, is mounted.

When the forwarding roll11is rotated, the band-shaped label base material200(continuous sheet) is forwarded from the supply label roll201. Note that, in the following description, the transport direction of the label base material200due to the rotation of the forwarding roll11is referred to as “main transport direction” in some cases.

The image forming part20forms a print image240on a surface of the label base material200by, for example, an electrophotographic system or an ink-jet system.

In the image forming part20in the specific example shown in the figure, the print image240is formed by toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). Moreover, the print image240formed on the label base material200is heated and pressurized in a fixing part25to be fixed onto the label base material200.

The lamination part30, which is an example of a lamination unit, includes, in the specific example shown in the figure: a laminate film wind-off part31that winds off a laminate film (film) wound in a roll shape into a band shape; a laminator part32that layers the laminate film that has been wound off on the label base material200; and a laminate film residue winding part33that winds up film residue of the laminate film.

Here, on one of the surfaces of the laminate film250, an adhesive (not shown) is applied. The laminate film250is wound off from the laminate film wind-off part31so that the surface on the adhesive side of the laminate film250faces the label base material200. The laminate film250having been wound off is layered on the surface of the label base material200, on which the print image240is formed, and pressurized by the laminator part32.

Consequently, the laminate film250is pressure-bonded to the label base material200in an integrated manner to cover the print image240.

The punching part40includes: a first roll41and a second roll42arranged to face each other with the laminate film250interposed therebetween; and a die plate43that is detachably attached to the first roll41.

The die plate43is a so-called die and includes blades of a shape corresponding to the labels270. The labels270are punched by pressing the blades of the die plate43against the laminate film250.

Note that, though illustration is omitted, plural die plates43are provided to the first roll41. The shapes of the blades of the respective die plates43are different from one another, and one of the die plates43is selected in accordance with the shape of the labels270to be formed.

The residue wind-up part50peels off the residue280positioned around the labels270having been punched by the punching part40from the label base material200. Note that the residue280is an example of a label-excluding portion. Moreover, details of the residue wind-up part50will be described separately.

The inspection part60carries out inspection of quality of the labels270having been formed. In the inspection part60shown in the figure, while the shape of the labels270is recognized by an image sensor (not shown), presence or absence of defects in the labels270, for example, whether the shape of the labels270falls within a predetermined range, is determined.

The inspection part60outputs a signal based on the inspection result to the controller100. Note that, in accordance with the signal from the inspection part60, the controller100switches the output signal to the defective label peeling part70.

Based on the signal from the controller100, the defective label peeling part70removes the label270that has been determined to be defective from the label base material200.

Specifically, when the inspection result from the inspection part60indicates a non-defective item, namely, a good item, the defective label peeling part70allows the label base material200to go through without being processed. On the other hand, when the inspection result from the inspection part60indicates a defective item, the defective label peeling part70peels off the label270from the label base material200.

The winding part80includes a winding roll81that is rotated upon receiving a driving force and a paper core82that is detachably attached to the winding roll81. Then, with rotation of the paper core82together with the winding roll81, the label base material200is wound around the periphery of the paper core82, to thereby form a wound-up label roll801. Note that, after winding is completed by the winding part80, the paper core82is removed together with the wound-up label roll801from the winding roll81.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the label base material200in the exemplary embodiment.

Next, with reference toFIG. 2, the label base material200, which is subject to a process by the label printing apparatus1, will be described. The label base material200, which is an example of a two-ply sheet, is a band-shaped member and includes plural layers. Specifically, the label base material200includes a separator210, an adhesive220and a base material230.

The separator210is a so-called mount paper, and is a member to be peeled off when the label270is used. The separator210includes a peeling base sheet210athat is a band-shaped member formed of resin or paper and a peeling material210bformed of silicone or the like and laminated on a surface of the peeling base sheet210a.

The adhesive220is formed of resin containing rubber or the like, and laminated between the separator210and the base material230.

The base material230, which is an example of a seal sheet, is a member constituting a part of the label270. The base material230is a band-shape member formed of resin or paper.

Note that, in the specific example shown inFIG. 1, in the supply label roll201(refer toFIG. 1) mounted onto the forwarding part10, the label base material200is wound so that the separator210faces inward in the radial direction and the base material230faces outward in the radial direction.

<Operations of Label Printing Apparatus1>

FIGS. 3A to 3C and 3D to 3Fare diagrams for illustrating procedures for forming the labels270in the exemplary embodiment.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3F, operations of the label printing apparatus1in the exemplary embodiment will be described.

Upon receiving a rotation control signal from the controller100, the forwarding roll11in the forwarding part10is rotated, and thereby the label base material200is forwarded. As shown inFIG. 3A, in the label base material200to be forwarded, the separator210, the adhesive220and the base material230are laminated.

Next, on a surface of the label base material200that has been forwarded, the print image240is formed (refer toFIG. 3B) in the image forming part20.

Then, in the lamination part30, the laminate film250is pasted on the surface of the label base material200after image formation (refer toFIG. 3C). In other words, the print image240is covered with the laminate film250.

Next, in the label base material200having been laminated, predetermined shapes (in the specific example shown in the figure, substantially rectangles) are punched in the punching part40. At this time, grooves260of a predetermined shape are formed in the label base material200(refer toFIG. 3D).

Here, in the laminate film250, the base material230and the adhesive220of the label base material200, the grooves260are formed to penetrate the entire thickness thereof, whereas, in the separator210, the grooves260are formed in a part of the thickness thereof (in a part on a side facing the adhesive220), and the other part of the separator210is continued in the longitudinal direction.

Moreover, the laminate film250, the base material230and the adhesive220having been punched in the predetermined shapes constitute the labels270. In addition, as the label base material200is viewed in a planar view, the portions positioned around the punched labels270become the residue280.

Next, from the label base material200on which the labels270are formed, the residue280is removed by the residue wind-up part50(refer toFIG. 3E). The label base material200from which the residue280has been removed constitutes the label-group sheet300. Note that the label-group sheet300has plural labels270arranged on the surface of the separator210being separated from one another.

Next, quality of the labels270of the label-group sheet300is inspected by the inspection part60. The defective label270is peeled off from the label-group sheet300by the defective label peeling part70. Then, the label-group sheet300including the labels270left without being peeled off by the defective label peeling part70is wound by the winding part80.

Here, with reference toFIG. 3F, the residue280will be described. The residue280is in the band shape, and similar to the label270(refer toFIG. 3E), configured with the laminate film250, the base material230and the adhesive220.

Moreover, the residue280has a non-continuous portion in the longitudinal direction (the SS direction in the figure) and the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (the FS direction in the figure) of the label base material200. In other words, the residue280is in a shape having through holes (cuttings)281. Note that the label base material200in the specific example shown in the figure has plural through holes281arranged in the longitudinal direction with constant pitches.

FIG. 4is a schematic configuration view of the residue wind-up part50in the exemplary embodiment.

The residue wind-up part50, which is an example of a winding unit, includes: a peeling part51that guides peeling of the residue280from the label base material200; a winding unit52that winds up the residue280that has been peeled off by the peeling part51; a guide unit53that presses and flattens the residue280to be wound by the winding unit52; and an angle adjusting unit54that adjusts a wind-up angle of the residue280to be wound by the winding unit52.

Note that, in the following description, the transport direction of the label base material200between the third buffering part93and the peeling part51(refer to D1in the figure) is referred to as “label base material transport direction”, the transport direction of the peeled residue280(refer to D2in the figure) is referred to as “residue transport direction”, and the transport direction of the label-group sheet from which the residue280has been peeled off (refer to D3in the figure) is referred to as “label-group sheet transport direction” in some cases.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 4, the peeling part51, the angle adjusting unit54, the guide unit53and the winding unit52are aligned in this order along the residue transport direction D2.

Note that the peeling part51serves as a starting point of the residue transport direction D2, and the winding unit52serves as an ending point of the residue transport direction D2.

The peeling part51, which is an example of a separation unit and a separation section, is a member like a thin plate, and configured with, for example, metal or resin. In the specific example shown in the figure, the peeling part51is of long lengths, and is wider than the width of the residue280in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Moreover, one end of the peeling part51is secured to the housing90, and the other end is a free end.

A tip end of the peeling part51is pressed against the laminate film250that is pressure-bonded to the label base material200. Moreover, the peeling part51is arranged at an inclination with respect to the label base material200in the label base material transport direction D1.

The winding unit52, which is an example of a winding unit and a winding body, includes: a winding roll shaft52a; a winding roll main body52bprovided integrally with the winding roll shaft52a; a paper core52cattached to the winding roll main body52b; and a motor52dthat provides a driving force to the winding roll shaft52a.

The winding roll shaft52ais substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal rod. Moreover, one end of the winding roll shaft52ain the axial direction is rotatably supported by the housing90and the other end is a free end.

Note that the axial direction of the winding roll shaft52ashown inFIG. 4is simply referred to as “axial direction”, and the radial direction of the winding roll shaft52ais simply referred to as “radial direction” in some cases.

The winding roll main body52bis arranged coaxially with the winding roll shaft52aand secured to the winding roll shaft52a.

In the winding roll main body52b, the length in the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue280and shorter than the winding roll shaft52a. Moreover, the outer diameter of the winding roll main body52bis larger than the outer diameter of the winding roll shaft52a.

The inner diameter of the paper core52cis smaller than the outer diameter of the winding roll main body52b. The paper core52cis inserted from the free-end side of the winding roll shaft52a, and pressed to fit over the winding roll main body52bto be secured.

Note that, when the residue280of a predetermined amount (length) is wound around the paper core52c, the paper core52cis removed together with the residue280. Then, a new paper core52cis attached to the winding roll main body52b.

The motor52dsupplies the driving force to the winding roll main body52b. The motor52dis controlled by the controller100(refer toFIG. 1).

Here, the winding roll shaft52ais rotated due to the drive of the motor52dupon receiving the rotation control signal from the controller100. With the rotation of the winding roll shaft52a, the paper core52cprovided to the winding roll main body52bis rotated.

FIG. 5is a diagram for illustrating a configuration of the winding unit52in the exemplary embodiment.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, a configuration of the guide unit53in the exemplary embodiment will be described.

The guide unit53, which is an example of a pressure contact unit and a pressure contact section, includes a guide roll part53athat is pressed against the residue280and a support body part53bthat supports the guide roll part53ain a displaceable manner.

Note that, though details will be described later, in the guide unit53in the exemplary embodiment, the guide roll part53ais displaced with variation in attitude of the support body parts53b. Moreover, the guide unit53does not have a driving source of its own, and accordingly, the guide unit53is pressed against the residue280and rotated to follow the residue280being transported.

The guide roll part53aincludes: a guide roll shaft53c; a guide roll main body part53sattached to the guide roll shaft53cto be rotated; and guide roll bearings53rthat rotatably support the guide roll main body part53saround the guide roll shaft53c.

The guide roll shaft53cis substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal.

The guide roll main body part53sincludes a guide roll main body53dand guide roll side plates53e.

The guide roll main body53dis substantially a cylindrical member, and configured with, for example, a metal, such as aluminum, or resin. The length of the guide roll main body53din the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue280. Moreover, the outer diameter of the guide roll main body53dis larger than the outer diameter of the paper core52c.

The guide roll side plate53eis substantially a disc-like member, and configured with, for example, a metal.

The guide roll main body part53sis configured by securing the guide roll side plates53eto both ends of the guide roll main body53din the axial direction.

The guide roll bearings53rare configured with, for example, ball bearings. The guide roll bearings53rare provided to the periphery of the guide roll shaft53cto support the guide roll side plates53e.

Each of the support body parts53bincludes: a support body arm53h; a support body shaft53fthat serves as a rotational center of the support body arm53h; a weight53gcapable of adjusting a position thereof with respect to the support body arm53h; and a securing part53othat secures the support body shaft53fto the housing90.

The support body arm53his a plate-like member and made of, for example, a metal. One support body arm53his provided to each of both ends of the guide roll shaft53cin the guide roll part53a. Moreover, each support body arm53hsupports the guide roll shaft53c.

The support body shaft53frotatably supports each of the support body arms53h. Moreover, the support body shaft53fshown in the figure couples the pair of support body arms53h.

The weight53gis a block-like member, and configured with, for example, a metal. The weight53gis secured to the support body arm53h. The weight53gprovides a pressing force (guide unit pressure) for pressing the guide roll part53aagainst the winding unit52.

The securing part53oincludes a securing part main body53nto be secured to the housing90and securing part plates53mto be secured to both ends of the support body shaft53f.

The securing part main body53nis a member in a rectangular-parallelepiped shape, and is configured with, for example, a metal.

Moreover, the securing part main body53nincludes a securing part first groove53pand a securing part second groove53q. These are the grooves that are substantially linear. The securing part first groove53pand the securing part second groove53qin the specific example shown in the figure are formed side by side with each other.

The securing section plate53mis a plate-like member, and is configured with, for example, a metal. The securing part plate53mcan slide along the securing part first groove53p, and a position thereof is able to be secured within the securing part first groove53p.

Note that, by changing the secured position of the securing part plate53mwithin the securing part first groove53p, the attachment position of the guide unit53with respect to the housing90is changed.

The guide unit53configured as described above is rotated around the support body shaft53f. With the rotation, a distance between the rotational center of the winding unit52and the rotational center of the guide roll part53ais varied. In other words, the guide roll part53amoves closer or farther to or from the winding unit52.

Here, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, a detailed configuration of the support body arm53hwill be described.

The support body arm53hincludes: a support body arm main body part53i; a support body arm convex part53jthat is formed integrally with the support body arm main body part53i; support body arm adjusting holes53kprovided to the support body arm main body part53iand the support body arm convex part53j; and a support body arm concave part53lprovided to the support body arm main body part53i.

The support body arm main body part53iis a portion of long lengths. The support body shaft53fis provided to one end portion of the support body arm main body part53i, and the guide roll shaft53cof the guide roll part53ais provided to the other end portion of the support body arm main body part53i.

The support body arm convex part53jis a portion protruding from a side surface of the support body arm main body part53itoward the width direction of the support body arm main body part53i.

The support body arm adjusting hole53kis a through hole formed in the support body arm main body part53iand the support body arm convex part53j. The plural support body arm adjusting holes53kare provided along a circumferential direction of the support body shaft53f(in the specific example shown in the figure, six).

To the support body arm adjusting hole53k, the weight53gis secured by, for example, an attachment pin (not shown), such as a metal bolt. Depending on which of the plural support body arm adjusting holes53kis used for securing the weight53g, the pressing force for pressing the guide roll part53aagainst the winding unit52is changed.

The support body arm concave part53lis a concave portion (cutout) formed in the support body arm main body part53i. The support body arm concave part53lis a mechanism that prevents the support body arm main body part53irotating around the support body shaft53ffrom interfering with the angle adjusting unit54.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, a configuration of the angle adjusting unit54in the exemplary embodiment will be described.

The angle adjusting unit54, which is an example of an upstream side pressure contact unit, includes: an adjusting part shaft54a; an angle adjusting roll main body54bthat is attached to the adjusting part shaft54aand rotated; and adjusting part securing plates54cthat adjust attachment position of the angle adjusting unit54.

The angle adjusting unit54adjusts the angle between the label base material transport direction D1and the residue transport direction D2.

The adjusting part shaft54ais substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal.

The angle adjusting roll main body54bis substantially a circular-cylindrical member, and a surface thereof is formed of a material to which the adhesive is less likely to stick, for example, silicone.

Moreover, the length of the angle adjusting roll main body54bin the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue280and shorter than the adjusting part shaft54a.

Note that, against the outer circumferential surface of the angle adjusting roll main body54b, the surface of the residue280on which the adhesive220is applied is pressed. Moreover, the angle adjusting roll main body54bprovides tension to the residue280.

The adjusting part securing plate54cis a plate-like member, and is configured with, for example, a metal. The adjusting part securing plate54cis able to slide and be secured within the securing part second groove53qof the support body part53b.

The angle adjusting unit54configured as described above bends the transport route of the residue280while winding the residue280. In other words, with the angle adjusting unit54as a boundary, the transport route of the residue280is divided into an upstream portion heading from the peeling part51toward the angle adjusting unit54and a downstream portion, which is in a direction different from the direction of the upstream portion, heading from the angle adjusting unit54toward the winding unit52.

Moreover, the angle adjusting unit54adjusts the angle between the transport direction in the upstream portion in the residue transport direction D2and the label base material transport direction D1, to thereby maintain a constant angle. Upon receiving a tension by the angle adjusting unit54, the residue280is transported toward the winding unit52without loosening.

Subsequently, operations of the residue wind-up part50in the exemplary embodiment will be described.

Hereinafter, description will be given of a preparation step for starting the operation of winding up the residue280, a winding step by the residue wind-up part50, and a replacing step for the paper core52cafter the residue280is wound.

First, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, operations in the preparation step of the residue wind-up part50in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that, when the preparation step is started, it is assumed that the guide roll part53ais held at a position away from the winding unit52.

First, the paper core52cis attached to the winding roll main body52b. Next, the residue280is connected to the paper core52c.

Specifically, the residue280is peeled off from the label base material200that is wound off from the forwarding part10(refer toFIG. 1). Then, after the tip end of the residue280is fitted over the outer circumference of the angle adjusting roll main body54b, the tip end is passed through between the paper core52cand the guide roll main body53d. Next, while the surface on the adhesive220side of the residue280is pressed against the paper core52c, the tip end of the residue280is secured to the paper core52c. Note that, for example, a tape material (not shown) may be used for securing the residue280to the paper core52c.

Then, the guide roll part53aheld at a position away from the winding unit52is returned to a free state. This causes the guide roll part53ato be urged by the weight53gand pressed against the paper core52cvia the residue280.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, operations in the winding step of the residue wind-up part50in the exemplary embodiment will be described.

Note thatFIG. 6is a diagram showing a change in the position of the guide roll part53adue to an increase of a radius r of the residue roll290wound by the winding unit52in the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 7is a diagram showing a change in guide unit pressure P, which is pressure applied to the residue roll290from the guide roll part53adue to an increase of a radius r of the residue roll290wound by the winding unit52in the exemplary embodiment.

The paper core52csecured to the outer circumference of the winding roll shaft52ais rotated due to the drive of the motor52dupon receiving the rotation control signal from the controller100.

At this time, the residue280adhered to the paper core52creceives a continuous tensile force by the rotation of the paper core52c, and is continuously peeled off from the label base material200.

Here, before being wound by the paper core52c, the residue280having been peeled off is wrapped around the angle adjusting roll main body54bof the angle adjusting unit54. Consequently, the residue280is transported toward the winding unit52while receiving the tension.

Moreover, the residue280receives a pressing force, due to the paper core52c, from the guide unit53that is positioned on an upstream side and accordingly, the residue280is transported to the guide unit53in a state being pressed and flattened along the surface of the guide roll main body53d.

Then, the residue280having been pressed and flattened is wound around the paper core52c. As shown inFIG. 6, the wound residue280forms the residue roll290, which is an example of a wound body, around the outer circumference of the paper core52c.

In the exemplary embodiment, the attitude of the residue280just before being wound around the paper core52cis corrected by the guide roll main body53d.

Here, as described with reference toFIG. 3E, the residue280has a shape including cutting in the width direction (the FS direction in the figure). When tension is applied to the residue280including cutting in this manner, for example, extension in each portion of the residue280can be uneven. Consequently, for example, it can be considered that wrinkles extending in the longitudinal direction in the residue280are formed. However, since the residue280is pressed against the surface of the guide roll main body53d, the residue280receives a force in a direction preventing the wrinkles.

Note that, for example, if the residue280in which wrinkles occur is wound by the winding unit52, asperities can occur on the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll290. Then, if the residue280is further wound around the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll290on which the asperities are present, there is a possibility, for example, that eccentricity of the whole residue roll290occurs, or the asperities on the outer circumferential surface become larger.

Further, if the eccentricity or the asperities become larger, there is a possibility that a load in the driving force from the motor52dof the winding unit52is increased to an excessive degree and the winding unit52is stopped.

<Operations of Guide Unit53>

If the residue280is continuously wound, the residue roll290increases winding radius thereof and gains weight. Due to increase of the weight, the load of the motor52dfor rotating the winding unit52is increased.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, while pressing the residue280by the weight53g, the guide unit53is separated from the winding unit52as the winding radius of the residue roll29is increased.

Due to the separation, the guide unit pressure P is reduced as shown inFIG. 7. In other words, though the weight of the weight53gis constant, the guide unit pressure P is reduced. This reduces the load of the motor52d. Note that, in the specific example shown in the figure, the guide unit pressure P is reduced as the residue roll radius r becomes large. To describe further, as the residue roll radius r becomes large, the reduction amount of the guide unit pressure P is increased.

Here, the position of the weight53gis set above the support body shaft53fof the guide unit53. Moreover, when the guide unit53is separated from the winding unit52, the weight53grotates around the support body shaft53fas a rotational center. With the rotation, for example, relative to the support body shaft53f, the position of gravity of the guide unit53moves from the horizontal direction side toward the vertical direction side. When the position of gravity of the guide unit53moves to the vertical direction side, the rotating force of the guide unit53, namely, the force acting on the winding unit52side (the pressing force) is reduced.

From this, the position of the weight53gis adjusted such that, in the step of starting to wind, the pressing force is sufficiently strong to prevent the asperities on the residue roll29from occurring, and in the step of finishing to wind, the pressing force is weak to allow the residue roll290to be rotated even if the asperities occur.

Next, with reference toFIG. 6, operations in the replacing step of the paper core52cin the exemplary embodiment will be described.

<Replacement of Paper Core52c>

When the residue280of a predetermined amount is wound around the paper core52c, the label printing apparatus1is stopped. With the stopping of the label printing apparatus1, the residue wind-up part50is stopped. Then, for example, after cutting the residue280near the residue roll290, the paper core52cis removed from the free end side of the winding roll shaft52atogether with the residue roll290. Then, a new paper core52cis attached to the winding roll main body52b. Thereafter, by carrying out the above-described preparation step, winding operation is restarted.

Note that, for detecting the amount of residue280wound around the paper core52c, well-known techniques can be applied. For example, it may be possible to provide a sensor to detect the position of the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll290or to provide a timer to measure the elapsed time since winding by the residue roll290has been started.

In the above, the description has been given with respect the through holes281in the residue280with the same pitch and with the same shape; however, the pitches or shapes in the respective through holes281may be different. Moreover, though the through holes281have been described here, it is only necessary to be non-continuous portions formed in the residue280, and, for example, the portions may be cuttings or cutouts. Note that, here, the description has been given such that the shape of the through holes281is substantially a rectangle; however, the shape may be other than the rectangular shape, such as a circular shape, an elliptic shape or a polygonal shape.

Moreover, in the specific example shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the description has been given with respect to the position P1where the guide unit53presses the residue280being on the upstream side of the position P2where the residue280is adhered to the winding unit52; however, the position P1where the guide unit53presses the residue280may be on a downstream side of the position P2where the residue280is adhered to the winding unit52. In other words, the configuration may be such that the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll290is pressed after the residue280is wound around the residue roll290.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the winding roll main body52bof the winding unit52being a cylindrical shape; however, the winding roll main body52bis not limited to the cylindrical shape, and may be in a cubic shape or other polygonal shapes. Further, the winding roll main body52bis not limited to a hollow member such as the cylindrical member, and may be a skeletal frame body with no circumferential surface.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the guide roll main body53bof the guide unit53being a cylindrical shape; however, the guide roll main body53bis not limited to the cylindrical shape, and may be in part of a column, a cubic shape a rectangular shape or the like, as long as being a configuration capable of pressing and flattening the residue280.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given such that the guide roll main body53dof the guide unit53is rotated to follow the winding roll main body52bof the winding roll52; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which the guide roll main body53dis secured, or a configuration in which the guide unit53includes a driving source (not shown) to drive the guide roll main body53d.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given such that the winding unit52is secured and the guide unit53swings; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which the guide unit53is secured and the winding unit52swings.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the pressing force being varied in accordance with swinging of the support body arm53h; however, another configuration, such as a spring or a motor, may be employed in place of the weight53gas long as variation in the pressing force is possible.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given assuming the configuration in which a single angle adjusting unit54is employed; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which plural angle adjusting units are employed. Moreover, a configuration without including the angle adjusting unit may be possible.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the forwarding roll11of the forwarding unit10including the motor; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which only the winding roll81of the wind-up part80includes a motor, or both of the forwarding roll11and the winding roll81include respective motors.

Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the residue280as a continuous sheet; however, a cut sheet is also applicable if a suction belt or the like is employed in the residue wind-up part50.