Patent Abstract:
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.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-247272 filed Dec. 18, 2015. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a winding device and a label printing apparatus. 
         [0004]    Related Art 
         [0005]    In recent years, techniques for preventing deformation in label sheets in forming the label sheets have been suggested. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a label printing apparatus in the exemplary embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a label base material in the exemplary embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A to 3C  are diagrams for illustrating label forming procedures in the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3A  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the label base material,  FIG. 3B  is a diagram illustrating a state after an image is formed on the label base material in  FIG. 3A , and  FIG. 3C  is a diagram illustrating a state after lamination is applied onto the image formed on the label base material in  FIG. 3B ; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3D to 3F  are also diagrams for illustrating label forming procedures in the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3D  is a diagram illustrating a state after the label base material in  FIG. 3C  is diced,  FIG. 3E  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a label-group sheet after residues are peeled off, and  FIG. 3F  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the peeled residue; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a schematic configuration view of a residue wind-up part in the exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a diagram for illustrating a configuration of a winding unit in the exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a change in a position of a guide roll part due to an increase of a radius of a residue roll wound by the winding unit in the exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a change in pressure applied to the residue roll from the guide roll part due to an increase of a radius of a residue roll wound by the winding unit in the exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to attached drawings. 
       Configuration of Label Printing Apparatus  1   
       [0017]    First, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a configuration of a label printing apparatus  1  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that  FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the label printing apparatus  1  in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0018]    The label printing apparatus  1  includes: a forwarding part  10  that forwards a label base material  200  which is a band-shaped sheet; an image forming part  20  that forms an image on the label base material  200 ; a lamination part  30  that pastes a laminate film  250  on a surface of the label base material  200  after the image has been formed (image formation surface); a punching part  40  that punches predetermined shapes in the label base material  200  having been laminated to form labels  270  (to be described later); a residue wind-up part  50  that winds a residue  280 , which is an unnecessary part in a rim of the labels  270 ; an inspection part  60  that makes an inspection of quality of the labels  270  on a label-group sheet  300  (to be described later) from which the residue  280  has been wound off; a defective label peeling part  70  that peels off a defective label  270  from the label base material  200 ; and a winding part  80  that winds up the label-group sheet  300 . 
         [0019]    Moreover, the label printing apparatus  1  includes: a first buffering part  91 , a second buffering part  92  and a third buffering part  93  that adjust tension of the label base material  200 ; a transport unit  94  that transports the label base material  200 ; and a controller  100  that controls each functional configuration member of the label printing apparatus  1 . 
         [0020]    Note that the label printing apparatus  1  includes a housing  90  (refer to  FIG. 4 , which will be described later) that supports each functional configuration member described above. 
         [0021]    Hereinafter, each functional configuration member of the label printing apparatus  1  will be described in order. 
       Forwarding Part  10   
       [0022]    The forwarding part  10  has a forwarding roll  11  that is rotated upon receiving a driving force. On a perimeter of the forwarding roll  11 , a supply label roll  201 , in which the label base material  200  is wound in a roll shape, is mounted. 
         [0023]    When the forwarding roll  11  is rotated, the band-shaped label base material  200  (continuous sheet) is forwarded from the supply label roll  201 . Note that, in the following description, the transport direction of the label base material  200  due to the rotation of the forwarding roll  11  is referred to as “main transport direction” in some cases. 
       Image Forming Part  20   
       [0024]    The image forming part  20  forms a print image  240  on a surface of the label base material  200  by, for example, an electrophotographic system or an ink-jet system. 
         [0025]    In the image forming part  20  in the specific example shown in the figure, the print image  240  is formed by toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). Moreover, the print image  240  formed on the label base material  200  is heated and pressurized in a fixing part  25  to be fixed onto the label base material  200 . 
       Lamination Part  30   
       [0026]    The lamination part  30 , which is an example of a lamination unit, includes, in the specific example shown in the figure: a laminate film wind-off part  31  that winds off a laminate film (film) wound in a roll shape into a band shape; a laminator part  32  that layers the laminate film that has been wound off on the label base material  200 ; and a laminate film residue winding part  33  that winds up film residue of the laminate film. 
         [0027]    Here, on one of the surfaces of the laminate film  250 , an adhesive (not shown) is applied. The laminate film  250  is wound off from the laminate film wind-off part  31  so that the surface on the adhesive side of the laminate film  250  faces the label base material  200 . The laminate film  250  having been wound off is layered on the surface of the label base material  200 , on which the print image  240  is formed, and pressurized by the laminator part  32 . 
         [0028]    Consequently, the laminate film  250  is pressure-bonded to the label base material  200  in an integrated manner to cover the print image  240 . 
       Punching Part  40   
       [0029]    The punching part  40  includes: a first roll  41  and a second roll  42  arranged to face each other with the laminate film  250  interposed therebetween; and a die plate  43  that is detachably attached to the first roll  41 . 
         [0030]    The die plate  43  is a so-called die and includes blades of a shape corresponding to the labels  270 . The labels  270  are punched by pressing the blades of the die plate  43  against the laminate film  250 . 
         [0031]    Note that, though illustration is omitted, plural die plates  43  are provided to the first roll  41 . The shapes of the blades of the respective die plates  43  are different from one another, and one of the die plates  43  is selected in accordance with the shape of the labels  270  to be formed. 
       Residue Wind-Up Part  50   
       [0032]    The residue wind-up part  50  peels off the residue  280  positioned around the labels  270  having been punched by the punching part  40  from the label base material  200 . Note that the residue  280  is an example of a label-excluding portion. Moreover, details of the residue wind-up part  50  will be described separately. 
       Inspection Part  60   
       [0033]    The inspection part  60  carries out inspection of quality of the labels  270  having been formed. In the inspection part  60  shown in the figure, while the shape of the labels  270  is recognized by an image sensor (not shown), presence or absence of defects in the labels  270 , for example, whether the shape of the labels  270  falls within a predetermined range, is determined. 
         [0034]    The inspection part  60  outputs a signal based on the inspection result to the controller  100 . Note that, in accordance with the signal from the inspection part  60 , the controller  100  switches the output signal to the defective label peeling part  70 . 
       Defective Label Peeling Part  70   
       [0035]    Based on the signal from the controller  100 , the defective label peeling part  70  removes the label  270  that has been determined to be defective from the label base material  200 . 
         [0036]    Specifically, when the inspection result from the inspection part  60  indicates a non-defective item, namely, a good item, the defective label peeling part  70  allows the label base material  200  to go through without being processed. On the other hand, when the inspection result from the inspection part  60  indicates a defective item, the defective label peeling part  70  peels off the label  270  from the label base material  200 . 
       Winding Part  80   
       [0037]    The winding part  80  includes a winding roll  81  that is rotated upon receiving a driving force and a paper core  82  that is detachably attached to the winding roll  81 . Then, with rotation of the paper core  82  together with the winding roll  81 , the label base material  200  is wound around the periphery of the paper core  82 , to thereby form a wound-up label roll  801 . Note that, after winding is completed by the winding part  80 , the paper core  82  is removed together with the wound-up label roll  801  from the winding roll  81 . 
       Label Base Material  200   
       [0038]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the label base material  200  in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0039]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 2 , the label base material  200 , which is subject to a process by the label printing apparatus  1 , will be described. The label base material  200 , which is an example of a two-ply sheet, is a band-shaped member and includes plural layers. Specifically, the label base material  200  includes a separator  210 , an adhesive  220  and a base material  230 . 
         [0040]    The separator  210  is a so-called mount paper, and is a member to be peeled off when the label  270  is used. The separator  210  includes a peeling base sheet  210   a  that is a band-shaped member formed of resin or paper and a peeling material  210   b  formed of silicone or the like and laminated on a surface of the peeling base sheet  210   a.    
         [0041]    The adhesive  220  is formed of resin containing rubber or the like, and laminated between the separator  210  and the base material  230 . 
         [0042]    The base material  230 , which is an example of a seal sheet, is a member constituting a part of the label  270 . The base material  230  is a band-shape member formed of resin or paper. 
         [0043]    Note that, in the specific example shown in  FIG. 1 , in the supply label roll  201  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) mounted onto the forwarding part  10 , the label base material  200  is wound so that the separator  210  faces inward in the radial direction and the base material  230  faces outward in the radial direction. 
       Operations of Label Printing Apparatus  1   
       [0044]      FIGS. 3A to 3C and 3D to 3F  are diagrams for illustrating procedures for forming the labels  270  in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0045]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3F , operations of the label printing apparatus  1  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0046]    Upon receiving a rotation control signal from the controller  100 , the forwarding roll  11  in the forwarding part  10  is rotated, and thereby the label base material  200  is forwarded. As shown in  FIG. 3A , in the label base material  200  to be forwarded, the separator  210 , the adhesive  220  and the base material  230  are laminated. 
         [0047]    Next, on a surface of the label base material  200  that has been forwarded, the print image  240  is formed (refer to  FIG. 3B ) in the image forming part  20 . 
         [0048]    Then, in the lamination part  30 , the laminate film  250  is pasted on the surface of the label base material  200  after image formation (refer to  FIG. 3C ). In other words, the print image  240  is covered with the laminate film  250 . 
         [0049]    Next, in the label base material  200  having been laminated, predetermined shapes (in the specific example shown in the figure, substantially rectangles) are punched in the punching part  40 . At this time, grooves  260  of a predetermined shape are formed in the label base material  200  (refer to  FIG. 3D ). 
         [0050]    Here, in the laminate film  250 , the base material  230  and the adhesive  220  of the label base material  200 , the grooves  260  are formed to penetrate the entire thickness thereof, whereas, in the separator  210 , the grooves  260  are formed in a part of the thickness thereof (in a part on a side facing the adhesive  220 ), and the other part of the separator  210  is continued in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0051]    Moreover, the laminate film  250 , the base material  230  and the adhesive  220  having been punched in the predetermined shapes constitute the labels  270 . In addition, as the label base material  200  is viewed in a planar view, the portions positioned around the punched labels  270  become the residue  280 . 
         [0052]    Next, from the label base material  200  on which the labels  270  are formed, the residue  280  is removed by the residue wind-up part  50  (refer to  FIG. 3E ). The label base material  200  from which the residue  280  has been removed constitutes the label-group sheet  300 . Note that the label-group sheet  300  has plural labels  270  arranged on the surface of the separator  210  being separated from one another. 
         [0053]    Next, quality of the labels  270  of the label-group sheet  300  is inspected by the inspection part  60 . The defective label  270  is peeled off from the label-group sheet  300  by the defective label peeling part  70 . Then, the label-group sheet  300  including the labels  270  left without being peeled off by the defective label peeling part  70  is wound by the winding part  80 . 
         [0054]    Here, with reference to  FIG. 3F , the residue  280  will be described. The residue  280  is in the band shape, and similar to the label  270  (refer to  FIG. 3E ), configured with the laminate film  250 , the base material  230  and the adhesive  220 . 
         [0055]    Moreover, the residue  280  has 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 material  200 . In other words, the residue  280  is in a shape having through holes (cuttings)  281 . Note that the label base material  200  in the specific example shown in the figure has plural through holes  281  arranged in the longitudinal direction with constant pitches. 
       Residue Wind-Up Part  50   
       [0056]      FIG. 4  is a schematic configuration view of the residue wind-up part  50  in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0057]    Here, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the residue wind-up part  50  will be described. 
         [0058]    The residue wind-up part  50 , which is an example of a winding unit, includes: a peeling part  51  that guides peeling of the residue  280  from the label base material  200 ; a winding unit  52  that winds up the residue  280  that has been peeled off by the peeling part  51 ; a guide unit  53  that presses and flattens the residue  280  to be wound by the winding unit  52 ; and an angle adjusting unit  54  that adjusts a wind-up angle of the residue  280  to be wound by the winding unit  52 . 
         [0059]    Note that, in the following description, the transport direction of the label base material  200  between the third buffering part  93  and the peeling part  51  (refer to D 1  in the figure) is referred to as “label base material transport direction”, the transport direction of the peeled residue  280  (refer to D 2  in the figure) is referred to as “residue transport direction”, and the transport direction of the label-group sheet from which the residue  280  has been peeled off (refer to D 3  in the figure) is referred to as “label-group sheet transport direction” in some cases. 
         [0060]    Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the peeling part  51 , the angle adjusting unit  54 , the guide unit  53  and the winding unit  52  are aligned in this order along the residue transport direction D 2 . 
         [0061]    Note that the peeling part  51  serves as a starting point of the residue transport direction D 2 , and the winding unit  52  serves as an ending point of the residue transport direction D 2 . 
       Peeling Part  51   
       [0062]    The peeling part  51 , 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 part  51  is of long lengths, and is wider than the width of the residue  280  in the longitudinal direction thereof. 
         [0063]    Moreover, one end of the peeling part  51  is secured to the housing  90 , and the other end is a free end. 
         [0064]    A tip end of the peeling part  51  is pressed against the laminate film  250  that is pressure-bonded to the label base material  200 . Moreover, the peeling part  51  is arranged at an inclination with respect to the label base material  200  in the label base material transport direction D 1 . 
       Winding Unit  52   
       [0065]    The winding unit  52 , which is an example of a winding unit and a winding body, includes: a winding roll shaft  52   a;  a winding roll main body  52   b  provided integrally with the winding roll shaft  52   a;  a paper core  52   c  attached to the winding roll main body  52   b;  and a motor  52   d  that provides a driving force to the winding roll shaft  52   a.    
         [0066]    The winding roll shaft  52   a  is substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal rod. Moreover, one end of the winding roll shaft  52   a  in the axial direction is rotatably supported by the housing  90  and the other end is a free end. 
         [0067]    Note that the axial direction of the winding roll shaft  52   a  shown in  FIG. 4  is simply referred to as “axial direction”, and the radial direction of the winding roll shaft  52   a  is simply referred to as “radial direction” in some cases. 
         [0068]    The winding roll main body  52   b  is arranged coaxially with the winding roll shaft  52   a  and secured to the winding roll shaft  52   a.    
         [0069]    In the winding roll main body  52   b,  the length in the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue  280  and shorter than the winding roll shaft  52   a.  Moreover, the outer diameter of the winding roll main body  52   b  is larger than the outer diameter of the winding roll shaft  52   a.    
         [0070]    The inner diameter of the paper core  52   c  is smaller than the outer diameter of the winding roll main body  52   b.  The paper core  52   c  is inserted from the free-end side of the winding roll shaft  52   a,  and pressed to fit over the winding roll main body  52   b  to be secured. 
         [0071]    Note that, when the residue  280  of a predetermined amount (length) is wound around the paper core  52   c,  the paper core  52   c  is removed together with the residue  280 . Then, a new paper core  52   c  is attached to the winding roll main body  52   b.    
         [0072]    The motor  52   d  supplies the driving force to the winding roll main body  52   b.  The motor  52   d  is controlled by the controller  100  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0073]    Here, the winding roll shaft  52   a  is rotated due to the drive of the motor  52   d  upon receiving the rotation control signal from the controller  100 . With the rotation of the winding roll shaft  52   a,  the paper core  52   c  provided to the winding roll main body  52   b  is rotated. 
       Guide Unit  53   
       [0074]      FIG. 5  is a diagram for illustrating a configuration of the winding unit  52  in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0075]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a configuration of the guide unit  53  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0076]    The guide unit  53 , which is an example of a pressure contact unit and a pressure contact section, includes a guide roll part  53   a  that is pressed against the residue  280  and a support body part  53   b  that supports the guide roll part  53   a  in a displaceable manner. 
         [0077]    Note that, though details will be described later, in the guide unit  53  in the exemplary embodiment, the guide roll part  53   a  is displaced with variation in attitude of the support body parts  53   b.  Moreover, the guide unit  53  does not have a driving source of its own, and accordingly, the guide unit  53  is pressed against the residue  280  and rotated to follow the residue  280  being transported. 
       Guide Roll Part  53   a    
       [0078]    The guide roll part  53   a  includes: a guide roll shaft  53   c;  a guide roll main body part  53   s  attached to the guide roll shaft  53   c  to be rotated; and guide roll bearings  53   r  that rotatably support the guide roll main body part  53   s  around the guide roll shaft  53   c.    
         [0079]    The guide roll shaft  53   c  is substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal. 
         [0080]    The guide roll main body part  53   s  includes a guide roll main body  53   d  and guide roll side plates  53   e.    
         [0081]    The guide roll main body  53   d  is substantially a cylindrical member, and configured with, for example, a metal, such as aluminum, or resin. The length of the guide roll main body  53   d  in the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue  280 . Moreover, the outer diameter of the guide roll main body  53   d  is larger than the outer diameter of the paper core  52   c.    
         [0082]    The guide roll side plate  53   e  is substantially a disc-like member, and configured with, for example, a metal. 
         [0083]    The guide roll main body part  53   s  is configured by securing the guide roll side plates  53   e  to both ends of the guide roll main body  53   d  in the axial direction. 
         [0084]    The guide roll bearings  53   r  are configured with, for example, ball bearings. The guide roll bearings  53   r  are provided to the periphery of the guide roll shaft  53   c  to support the guide roll side plates  53   e.    
       Support Body Part  53   b    
       [0085]    Each of the support body parts  53   b  includes: a support body arm  53   h;  a support body shaft  53   f  that serves as a rotational center of the support body arm  53   h;  a weight  53   g  capable of adjusting a position thereof with respect to the support body arm  53   h;  and a securing part  53   o  that secures the support body shaft  53   f  to the housing  90 . 
         [0086]    The support body arm  53   h  is a plate-like member and made of, for example, a metal. One support body arm  53   h  is provided to each of both ends of the guide roll shaft  53   c  in the guide roll part  53   a.  Moreover, each support body arm  53   h  supports the guide roll shaft  53   c.    
         [0087]    The support body shaft  53   f  rotatably supports each of the support body arms  53   h.  Moreover, the support body shaft  53   f  shown in the figure couples the pair of support body arms  53   h.    
         [0088]    The weight  53   g  is a block-like member, and configured with, for example, a metal. The weight  53   g  is secured to the support body arm  53   h.  The weight  53   g  provides a pressing force (guide unit pressure) for pressing the guide roll part  53   a  against the winding unit  52 . 
         [0089]    The securing part  53   o  includes a securing part main body  53   n  to be secured to the housing  90  and securing part plates  53   m  to be secured to both ends of the support body shaft  53   f.    
         [0090]    The securing part main body  53   n  is a member in a rectangular-parallelepiped shape, and is configured with, for example, a metal. 
         [0091]    Moreover, the securing part main body  53   n  includes a securing part first groove  53   p  and a securing part second groove  53   q.  These are the grooves that are substantially linear. The securing part first groove  53   p  and the securing part second groove  53   q  in the specific example shown in the figure are formed side by side with each other. 
         [0092]    The securing section plate  53   m  is a plate-like member, and is configured with, for example, a metal. The securing part plate  53   m  can slide along the securing part first groove  53   p,  and a position thereof is able to be secured within the securing part first groove  53   p.    
         [0093]    Note that, by changing the secured position of the securing part plate  53   m  within the securing part first groove  53   p,  the attachment position of the guide unit  53  with respect to the housing  90  is changed. 
         [0094]    The guide unit  53  configured as described above is rotated around the support body shaft  53   f.  With the rotation, a distance between the rotational center of the winding unit  52  and the rotational center of the guide roll part  53   a  is varied. In other words, the guide roll part  53   a  moves closer or farther to or from the winding unit  52 . 
       Support Body Arm  53   h    
       [0095]    Here, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a detailed configuration of the support body arm  53   h  will be described. 
         [0096]    The support body arm  53   h  includes: a support body arm main body part  53   i;  a support body arm convex part  53   j  that is formed integrally with the support body arm main body part  53   i;  support body arm adjusting holes  53   k  provided to the support body arm main body part  53   i  and the support body arm convex part  53   j;  and a support body arm concave part  53   l  provided to the support body arm main body part  53   i.    
         [0097]    The support body arm main body part  53   i  is a portion of long lengths. The support body shaft  53   f  is provided to one end portion of the support body arm main body part  53   i,  and the guide roll shaft  53   c  of the guide roll part  53   a  is provided to the other end portion of the support body arm main body part  53   i.    
         [0098]    The support body arm convex part  53   j  is a portion protruding from a side surface of the support body arm main body part  53   i  toward the width direction of the support body arm main body part  53   i.    
         [0099]    The support body arm adjusting hole  53   k  is a through hole formed in the support body arm main body part  53   i  and the support body arm convex part  53   j.  The plural support body arm adjusting holes  53   k  are provided along a circumferential direction of the support body shaft  53   f  (in the specific example shown in the figure, six). 
         [0100]    To the support body arm adjusting hole  53   k,  the weight  53   g  is secured by, for example, an attachment pin (not shown), such as a metal bolt. Depending on which of the plural support body arm adjusting holes  53   k  is used for securing the weight  53   g,  the pressing force for pressing the guide roll part  53   a  against the winding unit  52  is changed. 
         [0101]    The support body arm concave part  53   l  is a concave portion (cutout) formed in the support body arm main body part  53   i.  The support body arm concave part  53   l  is a mechanism that prevents the support body arm main body part  53   i  rotating around the support body shaft  53   f  from interfering with the angle adjusting unit  54 . 
       Angle Adjusting Unit  54   
       [0102]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a configuration of the angle adjusting unit  54  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0103]    The angle adjusting unit  54 , which is an example of an upstream side pressure contact unit, includes: an adjusting part shaft  54   a;  an angle adjusting roll main body  54   b  that is attached to the adjusting part shaft  54   a  and rotated; and adjusting part securing plates  54   c  that adjust attachment position of the angle adjusting unit  54 . 
         [0104]    The angle adjusting unit  54  adjusts the angle between the label base material transport direction D 1  and the residue transport direction D 2 . 
         [0105]    The adjusting part shaft  54   a  is substantially a columnar member, and configured with, for example, a metal. 
         [0106]    The angle adjusting roll main body  54   b  is 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. 
         [0107]    Moreover, the length of the angle adjusting roll main body  54   b  in the axial direction is longer than the width of the residue  280  and shorter than the adjusting part shaft  54   a.    
         [0108]    Note that, against the outer circumferential surface of the angle adjusting roll main body  54   b,  the surface of the residue  280  on which the adhesive  220  is applied is pressed. Moreover, the angle adjusting roll main body  54   b  provides tension to the residue  280 . 
         [0109]    The adjusting part securing plate  54   c  is a plate-like member, and is configured with, for example, a metal. The adjusting part securing plate  54   c  is able to slide and be secured within the securing part second groove  53   q  of the support body part  53   b.    
         [0110]    The angle adjusting unit  54  configured as described above bends the transport route of the residue  280  while winding the residue  280 . In other words, with the angle adjusting unit  54  as a boundary, the transport route of the residue  280  is divided into an upstream portion heading from the peeling part  51  toward the angle adjusting unit  54  and a downstream portion, which is in a direction different from the direction of the upstream portion, heading from the angle adjusting unit  54  toward the winding unit  52 . 
         [0111]    Moreover, the angle adjusting unit  54  adjusts the angle between the transport direction in the upstream portion in the residue transport direction D 2  and the label base material transport direction D 1 , to thereby maintain a constant angle. Upon receiving a tension by the angle adjusting unit  54 , the residue  280  is transported toward the winding unit  52  without loosening. 
       Operations of Residue Wind-Up Part  50   
       [0112]    Subsequently, operations of the residue wind-up part  50  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0113]    Hereinafter, description will be given of a preparation step for starting the operation of winding up the residue  280 , a winding step by the residue wind-up part  50 , and a replacing step for the paper core  52   c  after the residue  280  is wound. 
       Preparation Step 
       [0114]    First, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , operations in the preparation step of the residue wind-up part  50  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that, when the preparation step is started, it is assumed that the guide roll part  53   a  is held at a position away from the winding unit  52 . 
         [0115]    First, the paper core  52   c  is attached to the winding roll main body  52   b.  Next, the residue  280  is connected to the paper core  52   c.    
         [0116]    Specifically, the residue  280  is peeled off from the label base material  200  that is wound off from the forwarding part  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). Then, after the tip end of the residue  280  is fitted over the outer circumference of the angle adjusting roll main body  54   b,  the tip end is passed through between the paper core  52   c  and the guide roll main body  53   d.  Next, while the surface on the adhesive  220  side of the residue  280  is pressed against the paper core  52   c,  the tip end of the residue  280  is secured to the paper core  52   c.  Note that, for example, a tape material (not shown) may be used for securing the residue  280  to the paper core  52   c.    
         [0117]    Then, the guide roll part  53   a  held at a position away from the winding unit  52  is returned to a free state. This causes the guide roll part  53   a  to be urged by the weight  53   g  and pressed against the paper core  52   c  via the residue  280 . 
       Winding Step 
       [0118]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , operations in the winding step of the residue wind-up part  50  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0119]    Note that  FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a change in the position of the guide roll part  53   a  due to an increase of a radius r of the residue roll  290  wound by the winding unit  52  in the exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a change in guide unit pressure P, which is pressure applied to the residue roll  290  from the guide roll part  53   a  due to an increase of a radius r of the residue roll  290  wound by the winding unit  52  in the exemplary embodiment. 
       Formation of Residue Roll  290   
       [0120]    The paper core  52   c  secured to the outer circumference of the winding roll shaft  52   a  is rotated due to the drive of the motor  52   d  upon receiving the rotation control signal from the controller  100 . 
         [0121]    At this time, the residue  280  adhered to the paper core  52   c  receives a continuous tensile force by the rotation of the paper core  52   c,  and is continuously peeled off from the label base material  200 . 
         [0122]    Here, before being wound by the paper core  52   c,  the residue  280  having been peeled off is wrapped around the angle adjusting roll main body  54   b  of the angle adjusting unit  54 . Consequently, the residue  280  is transported toward the winding unit  52  while receiving the tension. 
         [0123]    Moreover, the residue  280  receives a pressing force, due to the paper core  52   c,  from the guide unit  53  that is positioned on an upstream side and accordingly, the residue  280  is transported to the guide unit  53  in a state being pressed and flattened along the surface of the guide roll main body  53   d.    
         [0124]    Then, the residue  280  having been pressed and flattened is wound around the paper core  52   c.  As shown in  FIG. 6 , the wound residue  280  forms the residue roll  290 , which is an example of a wound body, around the outer circumference of the paper core  52   c.    
         [0125]    In the exemplary embodiment, the attitude of the residue  280  just before being wound around the paper core  52   c  is corrected by the guide roll main body  53   d.    
         [0126]    Here, as described with reference to  FIG. 3E , the residue  280  has a shape including cutting in the width direction (the FS direction in the figure). When tension is applied to the residue  280  including cutting in this manner, for example, extension in each portion of the residue  280  can be uneven. Consequently, for example, it can be considered that wrinkles extending in the longitudinal direction in the residue  280  are formed. However, since the residue  280  is pressed against the surface of the guide roll main body  53   d,  the residue  280  receives a force in a direction preventing the wrinkles. 
         [0127]    Note that, for example, if the residue  280  in which wrinkles occur is wound by the winding unit  52 , asperities can occur on the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll  290 . Then, if the residue  280  is further wound around the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll  290  on which the asperities are present, there is a possibility, for example, that eccentricity of the whole residue roll  290  occurs, or the asperities on the outer circumferential surface become larger. 
         [0128]    Further, if the eccentricity or the asperities become larger, there is a possibility that a load in the driving force from the motor  52   d  of the winding unit  52  is increased to an excessive degree and the winding unit  52  is stopped. 
       Operations of Guide Unit  53   
       [0129]    If the residue  280  is continuously wound, the residue roll  290  increases winding radius thereof and gains weight. Due to increase of the weight, the load of the motor  52   d  for rotating the winding unit  52  is increased. 
         [0130]    In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , while pressing the residue  280  by the weight  53   g,  the guide unit  53  is separated from the winding unit  52  as the winding radius of the residue roll  29  is increased. 
         [0131]    Due to the separation, the guide unit pressure P is reduced as shown in  FIG. 7 . In other words, though the weight of the weight  53   g  is constant, the guide unit pressure P is reduced. This reduces the load of the motor  52   d.  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. 
         [0132]    Here, the position of the weight  53   g  is set above the support body shaft  53   f  of the guide unit  53 . Moreover, when the guide unit  53  is separated from the winding unit  52 , the weight  53   g  rotates around the support body shaft  53   f  as a rotational center. With the rotation, for example, relative to the support body shaft  53   f,  the position of gravity of the guide unit  53  moves from the horizontal direction side toward the vertical direction side. When the position of gravity of the guide unit  53  moves to the vertical direction side, the rotating force of the guide unit  53 , namely, the force acting on the winding unit  52  side (the pressing force) is reduced. 
         [0133]    From this, the position of the weight  53   g  is adjusted such that, in the step of starting to wind, the pressing force is sufficiently strong to prevent the asperities on the residue roll  29  from occurring, and in the step of finishing to wind, the pressing force is weak to allow the residue roll  290  to be rotated even if the asperities occur. 
       Replacing Step 
       [0134]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 6 , operations in the replacing step of the paper core  52   c  in the exemplary embodiment will be described. 
       Replacement of Paper Core  52   c    
       [0135]    When the residue  280  of a predetermined amount is wound around the paper core  52   c,  the label printing apparatus  1  is stopped. With the stopping of the label printing apparatus  1 , the residue wind-up part  50  is stopped. Then, for example, after cutting the residue  280  near the residue roll  290 , the paper core  52   c  is removed from the free end side of the winding roll shaft  52   a  together with the residue roll  290 . Then, a new paper core  52   c  is attached to the winding roll main body  52   b.  Thereafter, by carrying out the above-described preparation step, winding operation is restarted. 
         [0136]    Note that, for detecting the amount of residue  280  wound around the paper core  52   c,  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 roll  290  or to provide a timer to measure the elapsed time since winding by the residue roll  290  has been started. 
       Modified Example 
       [0137]    In the above, the description has been given with respect the through holes  281  in the residue  280  with the same pitch and with the same shape; however, the pitches or shapes in the respective through holes  281  may be different. Moreover, though the through holes  281  have been described here, it is only necessary to be non-continuous portions formed in the residue  280 , 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 holes  281  is 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. 
         [0138]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the description has been given with respect to the position P 1  where the guide unit  53  presses the residue  280  being on the upstream side of the position P 2  where the residue  280  is adhered to the winding unit  52 ; however, the position P 1  where the guide unit  53  presses the residue  280  may be on a downstream side of the position P 2  where the residue  280  is adhered to the winding unit  52 . In other words, the configuration may be such that the outer circumferential surface of the residue roll  290  is pressed after the residue  280  is wound around the residue roll  290 . 
         [0139]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the winding roll main body  52   b  of the winding unit  52  being a cylindrical shape; however, the winding roll main body  52   b  is not limited to the cylindrical shape, and may be in a cubic shape or other polygonal shapes. Further, the winding roll main body  52   b  is not limited to a hollow member such as the cylindrical member, and may be a skeletal frame body with no circumferential surface. 
         [0140]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the guide roll main body  53   b  of the guide unit  53  being a cylindrical shape; however, the guide roll main body  53   b  is 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 residue  280 . 
         [0141]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given such that the guide roll main body  53   d  of the guide unit  53  is rotated to follow the winding roll main body  52   b  of the winding roll  52 ; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which the guide roll main body  53   d  is secured, or a configuration in which the guide unit  53  includes a driving source (not shown) to drive the guide roll main body  53   d.    
         [0142]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given such that the winding unit  52  is secured and the guide unit  53  swings; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which the guide unit  53  is secured and the winding unit  52  swings. 
         [0143]    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 arm  53   h;  however, another configuration, such as a spring or a motor, may be employed in place of the weight  53   g  as long as variation in the pressing force is possible. 
         [0144]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given assuming the configuration in which a single angle adjusting unit  54  is 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. 
         [0145]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the forwarding roll  11  of the forwarding unit  10  including the motor; however, it may be possible to provide a configuration in which only the winding roll  81  of the wind-up part  80  includes a motor, or both of the forwarding roll  11  and the winding roll  81  include respective motors. 
         [0146]    Moreover, in the specific example shown in the figures, the description has been given with respect to the residue  280  as a continuous sheet; however, a cut sheet is also applicable if a suction belt or the like is employed in the residue wind-up part  50 . 
         [0147]    The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1