JPS5810236B2 - Label Insatsuhouhou Oyobi Souchi - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for making recording members such as tags, tags, and labels.

More specifically, the present invention provides a recording material such as a label used in a store to identify a product by adding a relatively long code line (
This invention relates to a convenient method and apparatus for forming codebars.

Automatic product identification at the checkout counter.

It has been greatly developed in recent years.

The equipment that accomplishes this is the centralization of the sales system (a po
(int of sales system).

In a typical system, a linear code pattern (a ba
r codepattern) and characters on the regular bill, tag,
A recording member, such as a label, is attached and held at a predetermined portion of the item, so that the checkout counter operator automatically scans the recording member and records the items sold. Recognize the selling price or other information written on the recording member.

Linear code characters are recognized by coded combinations of lines and spaces between lines that collectively represent a special number, letter, or symbol.

In order for a linear code to be read quickly and reliably, the code line must be sufficiently long.

If the linear code is read manually with something like a hand-held optical pen, the length of the code line does not need to be long;
About 0.8 cm (5/16 inch) is sufficient.

However, when a linear code is automatically read, the code line needs to be about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long.

Printing cord lines greater than 5/16 inch in length typically requires a fairly large, heavy, and expensive printing press using known printing methods and equipment.

The present invention provides a convenient, practical, and inexpensive method and apparatus for forming relatively long cord lines on a recording member.

The device does not need to be a heavy structure and is conveniently applied to printing linear codes on product labels and the like.

As described in connection with one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of linear code type characters are formed on the surface of a plurality of discs.

These discs are coaxially arranged adjacent to each other to effectively form a printing drum and can be rotated separately or as a unit about a common axis.

The outer circumferential surface of the disks is provided with raised linear code type or stroke elements, and each disk is indexed and rotated and locked in place to cooperate with the ink ribbon to print various types of code onto the recording member. Draw the desired linear code pattern.

This scoring technique is unique in that, compared to conventional linear code printing machines, only a small amount of force is required on the multiple marking discs to sequentially form the linear code pattern on the recording member. Very effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a convenient and practical method and apparatus for forming linear code patterns or characters on recording materials such as product labels that can later be automatically read using a suitable scanning device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive, convenient and practical method and apparatus for printing linear code patterns using stroke techniques.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for effectively printing relatively long cord lines on a recording member.

The above objects and other objects and advantages of the present method and apparatus for forming linear code patterns will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the main linear code printing device 10 includes three
Printing drum 1 consisting of three discs 12a, 12b, 12c
1.

Although only three discs are shown, it should be understood that any number of such discs may be used.

For example, if individual disks are used, each disk can determine the character ``-'' at any given moment to form a 10-character linear code pattern.

The outer circumferential surface 14 of each disc is provided with a plurality of linear code letters 16 spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

Each of these types is formed by a group of small, approximately model stroke elements or protrusions 17.

The width W of the protrusions 17 in FIG. 1 as well as the lateral spacing S between the protrusions in any given character or protrusion group are determined according to the linear code character printed by that stroke element group.

The circumferential length l of each image element 17 is chosen such that the element has sufficient structural strength to exert the necessary image forces on the recording member, but the radially outer tip of each image element 17 is 20 is
It has an extremely short effective length in the circumferential direction of the disk.

Therefore, the printing contact area of each protrusion tip 20 is much smaller than the area of the cord line printed by this tip 20.

The disks 12a, 12b, and 12c are arranged coaxially adjacent to each other, and when the disks 12a, 12b, and 12c are rotated so that the display is aligned and locked in a predetermined stamp position, the drawing element 17 is horizontally aligned as shown at 21 in FIG. Align in direction.

A compression element formed of any suitable means having a tonal backing surface, such as a cylindrical element 22, is provided.

This element 22 is formed from one or more adjacent cylinders rotatably supported on a suitable shaft 23.

A plate-like material strip 24 is passed between the printing drum 11 and the compression element 22 .

The strip 24 includes a backing tape 26 onto which a recording member, such as a label 28, is releasably secured by a suitable adhesive known in the art.

Additionally, the strip 24 includes an ink ribbon 30 formed from a thin Mylar tape or ribbon that is disposed on the label 28 and has a pressure-transfer layer of ink on the underside 32.

This pressure-sensitive ink ribbon 30 has a plate-like material strip 24
A mark can be placed on the label 28 by the relative stroke movement between the linear code type 16 and the selected linear code type 16.

The printing disks are mounted on a shaft 34 for independent rotation so that the operator can select the desired linear code type to be printed on the label 28.

The periphery of each disc 12a, 12b, 12c is marked to assist in determining the proper position of each disc.

This mark is placed, for example, at a position A on the upper surface 14 of the disk 12a.
The visible numeral "5" is displayed at the lower part of the disk 12a on the opposite side in the diametrical direction, and the linear code character type 16 is displayed at the printed position.

By this means, it can be easily determined whether the characters of the desired linear code are in a position for stroke engagement with the strip 24.

A suitable locking mechanism 36 can be used to releasably lock each disk in a selected printing position.

The locking means 36 include, for example, spring-loaded fingers 38 for each disc.

Each of these fingers has a V-shaped lower end that cooperates with a corresponding V-shaped notch 40 formed in the surface 14 of the associated disk.

A plurality of such notches are provided on each disc, each associated with the various linear code type characters on the disc.

When the disc is rotated and locked into the selected display position, the linear code type characters represented by the visible digits in the top position of the disc corresponding to position A are in the printed stroke position on the label 28. , a notch 40 and fingers 38 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of raised alpha numeric character types 42 are circumferentially spaced on the outer periphery 14 of each disk.

Each of these types 42 is located adjacent to an associated linear code type 16.

Each type 42 is used to print visible alpha numeric characters that identify the linear code character printed linearly by the next adjacent linear code type 16 of that type.

The effective printing surface of the raised type 42 and the leading edge 20 of the linear code type printing element 17 have substantially the same radius relative to the axis of the drum 11.

Type 42 is used to rotationally print alphanumeric characters on label 28, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The compression element 23 is supported by suitable means (not shown) and can be moved into and out of a bucking or printing support position relative to the drum 11, as indicated by arrows 50 and 52, respectively.

During operation of the device, the pressure element 22 is initially separated from the printing drum 11 as indicated by the arrow 52 and does not engage it, so that the disk 12a is not engaged.

12b and 12c can be unlocked and rotated to their respective desired printing positions to align the display, and then locked again so that desired linear code characters can be printed on the label 28. Can be done.

Next, a plate-like material strip 24 is placed between the printing drum 11 and the compression element 22, so that the label portion to be printed is selected and the linear code type 16 is placed in the operating position.
line and align its leading edge 56 thereto.

The compression element is then moved as indicated by the arrow 50 and held in the operating position relative to the printing drum 11 so as to press the leading edge 20 of the image element 17 forming the selected line of the linear code type 16. Hold the plate-like material strip 24 firmly against it.

The plate 24 is then pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 57.

This movement causes the tip 20 of the selected linear code type 16 to perform a stroke motion against the strip, transferring ink from the ribbon 30 to the label 28, thus forming the desired linear code character as illustrated at 44. Cord lines of various lengths are formed.

Movement of the strip 24 is assisted by rotationally driving the backing element 22 by suitable means.

The duration or length of this movement of the plate-like material strip 24 is
The printed cord line is selected to be equal to the desired length h of FIG.

When the above-described linear code image printing operation is completed, the various locking mechanisms 36 are moved to non-operating positions to unlock all the discs, allowing them to freely rotate together on the shaft 34.

Therefore, under the control of the still continuing movement of the strip 24, the printing drum 11 rotates as a unit in the direction indicated by arrow 58 in response to the movement of the strip 24, thereby completing the linear code of the streak printing operation. The type 16 is followed by a rotary stamping operation of the corresponding alpha numeric printing type 42.

These types 42 are placed sufficiently close to their respective type type 16 so that this type 4
2 into rotational printing contact with the strip 24, only a slight rotational movement of the drum 11 produced by the continuous movement of the strip 24 and the action of the type 16 which has just been actuated is required.

Thereafter, continued movement of the strip 24 causes 59
Rotational printing of alpha numeric characters is accomplished on the label, as shown in FIG.

These characters are placed on the label in close proximity to the corresponding linear code characters, such as 44, that were just stroke printed.

The backing member 22 and/or the drum 11 can also be driven in rotation during rotational printing of alphanumeric characters.

At the end of the rotary printing operation, both a linear code character such as 44 and a corresponding alpha numeric character are printed on the label 28, during which the strip 24 is approximately equal in width to the width W of the label 28 in FIG. It is moved longitudinally by the length.

Next, the compression element 22 is applied to the drum 1 as shown by arrow 52.
1 to release the printing drum from printing engagement with the tip 24 and thus print the desired linear code and alpha numeric characters on the next label 28.
It is possible to rotate 2b and 12c to align the display and lock the next drawing line operation position.

Strip 24 is advanced to position the next label in printing position and operations as described above are performed to complete the next operating cycle.

The effective perimeter p of contact with the strip of each stroke element illustrated in FIG. 3 is compared with the perimeter of the corresponding alpha numeral type 42 of FIG. 2 and the length h of the stroked linear code character. Although it is much shorter, it will be apparent that using the techniques described above, it is possible to stroke considerably longer code character lines such as 44.

Of course, instead of the rotary printing type operation described above, means for performing an impact type printing operation can also be used to form alpha numeric characters such as 59.

From the above description of the method and apparatus according to the invention for forming linear code patterns, the advantages and objectives of the invention will become apparent.

According to the invention, suitable for use in various points of sale,
A simple device and quick method for printing linear codes on labels is provided.

The embodiments of the present invention will be explained as follows.

(1) A method of making a recording member marked with machine-readable code lines, comprising: arranging the recording member on a backing surface, including a plurality of linear code image elements and an inked means; forming a cooperative pressure relationship with the member; moving the recording member and the drawing element relatively to print a plurality of code lines on the recording member; and the relative movement. a distance corresponding to the desired length of the cord line.

(2) The method of embodiment (1), wherein the recording member is pulled through the element, thereby streak-printing the cord lines.

(3) The method of embodiment (1) comprising printing visible alpha numeric characters on the recording member adjacent to and corresponding to the machine readable code line.

(4) A method of producing a label etc. marked with machine-readable linear code characters, between a compression element and a printing drum on which a plurality of linear code image element groups are arranged; placing a label and an ink ribbon overlying the same; positioning the selected group of linear code streak elements in a stroke printing position; interfacing the selected group of stroke elements with the compression element; moving the ink ribbon and label between the selected stroke element and the compression element;
streaking a machine-readable code line on the label; and continuing the movement of the ink ribbon and label a distance corresponding to the desired length of the code line of the code character. How to do it.

(5) The method of forming the desired machine-readable linear code characters of embodiment (4), comprising placing a respective alphanumeric character type on the printing drum adjacent to and corresponding to the group of stroke elements. and rotationally printing an alpha numeric character in a position on the label adjacent to a linear code character stroked on the label.

(6) Forming a machine-readable linear code pattern on the label and retaining the label beneath the ink flow surface of the pressure-responsive ink ribbon in a manner that enables automatic identification of the labeled item; disposing the strip between a substantially tonal pressure backing surface and a printing member having a plurality of linear code streak element groups thereon; bringing the backing surface and the selected group of image elements into compressive engagement with the strip; moving the strip relative to the image protrusion to reduce the selected group of image elements; a group streaking ink from the ribbon onto one of the labels and continuing this movement for a distance corresponding to a desired length of code lines of a desired linear code pattern; removing the printing member from the engagement with the strip and repeating the last three steps described above for each subsequent plurality of labels retained on the tape, thereby removing each subsequent label. a desired machine-readable linear code pattern.

(7) The method of embodiment (6), comprising providing a corresponding alpha numeric type on the printing member adjacent to each linear code drawing element group, and machine readable on the label. Includes rotational printing of alphanumeric characters in locations on the label adjacent to possible linear code patterns.

(8) An apparatus for forming a machine-readable linear code pattern on a label, comprising: a backing member having a compression surface; and a plurality of backing members each having a predetermined size and a predetermined spacing according to a predetermined linear code pattern. a printing member having a linear code drawing element formed thereon and cooperating with the backing member; releasably holding the printing member at a predetermined operation drawing position with respect to the backing member; Apparatus comprising locking means for causing the marking element to print a predetermined pattern of code lines on the label when the label is moved between the member and the backing member.

(9) The apparatus of embodiment (8), wherein the printing member is comprised of at least one rotatably supported disk having a plurality of linear code image element groups spaced apart on its outer periphery. What you have.

(10) The device according to embodiment (9), wherein the backing member is cylindrical.

(11) The apparatus of embodiment (8), wherein the printing member is comprised of a plurality of disks that can be rotationally aligned and locked in a selected print position, each of the disks having an outer periphery. It has a plurality of spaced linear code drawing element groups.

(12) The apparatus of embodiment (9), wherein an alpha numeric printing type is provided on each of the discs at a position adjacent to the group of drawing elements.

(13) A printing member used for streak-printing a plurality of machine-readable code lines on a label, etc., having a plurality of groups of linear code-streaking elements having outer-edge streak printing tips on the surface thereof; In provision, the lateral mutual spacing and lateral width of the printing tips of each of the stroke elements of each group correspond to the code spacing and code width of the code lines printed on the label, and A printing member characterized in that each of the tips of the printing element has an effective label contact length that is less than the length of the cord line formed thereby.

(14) The printing member according to embodiment (13), which includes a disk having a plurality of linear code drawing element groups spaced apart along its outer periphery.

(15) The printing member according to embodiment (13), which is composed of a plurality of mutually movable parts that can be selectively moved to the operating print position.

(16) The printing member of embodiment (14), wherein a plurality of alpha numeric types are provided on the disk at positions adjacent to each of the groups of drawing elements.

(17) The printing member according to embodiment (15), wherein the portion includes a plurality of image printing disks supported on the same axis so as to be rotatably aligned separately, and the width and the lateral direction of the image element. The mutual spacing corresponds to that of the code lines printed on the label.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the present apparatus and method for forming a linear code pattern on a recording member. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a label with a linear code pattern and alpha numeric characters formed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the shape of each drawing element. 11: Printing drum, 16: Linear code character type, 17:
Drawing element, 22: compression element, 24: plate-like material strip, 28 label, 30: ink ribbon.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A method of making a recording member marked with machine-readable code lines, comprising: arranging the recording member on a backing surface, having a size and spacing depending on the linear code pattern to be printed; A plurality of linear code print elements and an ink-applied means are cooperatively pressed against the recording member. printing a plurality of code lines on the recording member by relatively moving the recording member and the drawing element; and adjusting the relative movement to a desired length of the code line. A method characterized in that it consists of simultaneously printing a plurality of code patterns, continuing for a distance corresponding to the length of the code pattern. 2. An apparatus for forming a machine-readable linear code pattern on a label, comprising: a backing member having a compression surface; and a plurality of linear codes having a size and spacing according to the linear code pattern to be printed. When the label is moved between a printing member on which the printing element is formed and the printing member and the backing member, the printing element is applied to the label by the above-mentioned code.
An apparatus characterized by comprising a locking means for releasably holding the printing member at an operation drawing position where the code lines of the pattern are printed. 3. A printing member used for streak printing a plurality of machine-readable code lines on a label, etc., comprising on its surface a plurality of groups of linear code streak elements having outer streak printing tips. , the mutual lateral spacing and lateral width of the printing tips of each of the stroke elements of each group correspond to the code spacing and width of the code lines printed on the label; A printing member characterized in that each of the ends of the line elements has an effective label contact length that is less than the length of the cord line formed thereby.