CN109747274B - Printing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a printing device and a non-transitory computer readable medium, which can reduce labor and time for installing a printed pipe on a cable and reduce installation errors of the pipe. The CPU of the printing device generates first print data including first data on one side to be printed and second data on the other side to be printed based on the print content received by the receiving unit, and generates second print data obtained by exchanging the first data with the second data based on the first print data or the print content. A CPU of the printing apparatus performs printing of a first printing portion on the tube based on first print data, and performs printing of a second printing portion on the upstream side of the tube in the conveying direction on which the first printing portion is printed based on second print data. The CPU of the printing apparatus causes the tube to be conveyed and causes a partial cut to be performed between the first printing portion and the second printing portion.

Description

Printing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Technical Field

The invention relates to a printing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

Background

Conventionally, a printing apparatus that performs printing on a tube is known (see patent document 1). The tube printed by the printing apparatus is attached to both ends of a cable connecting terminals of the apparatus, mainly in such a manner as to avoid erroneous wiring of a wiring source and a wiring destination.

A terminal device is connected to the printing apparatus described in patent document 1. When a user inputs, for example, "a01/B95" as a print content via an operation unit on the terminal device side, the terminal device generates print data of "a01/B95", generates print data of "B95/a01" obtained by exchanging print contents before and after "/", and transmits the print data to the printing device. In general, "a91" before "/" of "a01/B95" indicates a wire source, and "B95" after "/" indicates a wire destination.

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent literature ] A

[ patent document 1 ] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-177492

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

In this case, the tube printed with "A01/B95" and the tube printed with "B95/A01" are discharged from the printing apparatus. Therefore, when the user attaches the printed tubes to the cable, the user inserts the tubes into both ends of the cable, which takes labor and time. In addition, when the cable is attached, it is necessary to check the print content of the attached tube at each end of the cable, which takes labor and time. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that a wrong tube is installed.

The invention aims to provide a printing device and a non-transitory computer readable medium, which can reduce labor and time for mounting a printed pipe on a cable and reduce the occurrence of errors in mounting the pipe.

[ MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS ] to solve the problems

A printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path that transports the pipe and performs cutting, i.e., partial cutting, in which a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is left; and a receiving unit configured to receive an input including print contents printed on one side and the other side of the first printing portion of the tube, the printing apparatus including: a first print data generation unit configured to generate first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side, based on the print content accepted by the acceptance unit; a second print data generation unit configured to generate second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are exchanged with each other based on the first print data or the print content; a first print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of the first print portion on the tube based on the first print data; a second print control unit that controls the printing unit to perform printing of a second printing portion on the upstream side of the tube in the transport direction on which the first printing portion is printed, based on the second print data; and a partial cut control unit that controls the conveying portion to convey the tube, and controls the cutting portion to perform the partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion.

In the above printing apparatus, the receiving unit receives an input of print contents including one side and the other side of the first printing portion, and the first print data generating unit generates the first print data. The second print data generation unit generates second print data obtained by exchanging one-side data included in the first print data with the other-side data. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the print content of the second printing portion, and the labor and time for input for making the second print data are saved. Further, the printing apparatus prints a second print portion based on the second print data on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion based on the first print data is printed. The printing device conveys the tube and performs a partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. Thus, the printing apparatus can make a set of printed tubes composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion connected by partial cutting. Next, the pair of printed tubes is inserted into the cable at once, and the first printed portion and the second printed portion are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable, so that the number of steps for cable production can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube can be reduced.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second print data generating means may generate the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state in which the one-side data and the other-side data are rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the one-side data and the other-side data, based on the first print data or the print content. In the above printing apparatus, the second print data generating means generates the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state rotated by 180 ° (vertical inversion) with the one side being reversed with respect to the other side, based on the first print data or the print content. Therefore, labor and time for making the input of the second print data are saved. Then, the second printing portion is printed in a state where the first printing portion is inverted upside down. Therefore, for a set of printed tubes constituted by the first printed portion and the second printed portion connected by partial cutting, information of the wire supply source is always on the wire supply source side, respectively. Thus, the occurrence of mounting errors can be suppressed.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first print data generating means may generate the first print data in which consecutive marks that are designated consecutive marks included in the first print section are advanced or retracted in the next order, the second print data generating means may generate the second print data in which the consecutive marks of the second print section are advanced or retracted in the next order, and the first print data generating means and the second print data generating means may generate the first print data and the second print data in which the consecutive marks are advanced or retracted in the next order until a designated number of times. The printing apparatus can print the set of the first print data and the second print data in the order of designation of the consecutive marks, and thus can save labor and time for input. Thus, productivity of the printing apparatus is improved.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the next sequential consecutive marks may be consecutive marks obtained by skipping a predetermined number of consecutive marks. The printing apparatus can skip the serial number printing of the specified number of continuous marks, and the user saves the labor and time for inputting the printing content, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus may further include a conversion mode setting unit configured to set a first conversion mode or a second conversion mode, the first conversion mode being a mode in which the second print data generating unit generates the second print data by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data based on the first print data or the print content, the second conversion mode being a mode in which: the second print data generating unit generates the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state in which the one-side data and the other-side data are rotated by 180 ° by being exchanged with each other, based on the first print data or the print content. The printing apparatus includes a switching mode setting unit, so that a user can set the first switching mode or the second switching mode, thereby improving user convenience.

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus may include a display unit having at least a display function, and the printing apparatus may include a display control unit that controls the display unit to display a predetermined character in the case of the first conversion mode, and causes the display unit to display the predetermined character rotated by 180 ° in the case of the second conversion mode. The printing apparatus displays a predetermined character on the display unit in a different manner between the first conversion mode and the second conversion mode. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved, and the user can find an error before performing printing. Thus, productivity of the printing apparatus is improved.

A printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path that transports the pipe and performs cutting, i.e., partial cutting, in which a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is left; and a communication unit configured to receive first print data and second print data transmitted from a terminal device connected to the terminal device, the first print data including one-side data printed on one side of a first print portion and the other-side data printed on the other side of the first print portion on the pipe, the second print data being print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data, the printing apparatus including: a first print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of the first print portion on the tube based on the first print data; a second print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of a second print portion on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion is printed, based on the second print data; and a partial cut control unit that controls the conveying portion to convey the tube, and controls the cutting portion to perform the partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion.

The communication unit of the printing apparatus receives first print data including first side data and second print data obtained by exchanging the first side data with the second side data, the first print data being transmitted from a terminal apparatus. The printing apparatus prints a second print portion based on second print data on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion based on the first print data is printed. Further, the printing apparatus conveys the tube to perform a partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. Thus, the printing apparatus can make a set of printed tubes composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion connected by partial cutting. Next, the pair of printed tubes is inserted into the cable at once, and the first printed portion and the second printed portion are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable, so that the number of steps for cable production can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube can be reduced.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a third aspect of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer of a terminal device connected to a printing device to execute a first print data generating step, a second print data generating step, a partial cut command generating step, and a transmitting step, the printing device including: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; and a cutting unit that is provided in a conveyance path for conveying the pipe and performs a partial cut that is a cut leaving a part of the pipe in a circumferential direction, the terminal device including: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of a print content printed on one side and the other side of a first print portion of the pipe; and a second communication unit that is capable of communicating with the printing apparatus, wherein in the first print data generation step, first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side is generated based on the print content received by the reception unit, in the second print data generation step, second print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data is generated based on the first print data or the print content, in the partial cut command generation step, a partial cut command is generated that controls the transport unit to transport the pipe and controls the cutting unit to execute the partial cut between the first print portion and a second print portion printed on the pipe by the printing unit based on the second print data, and in the transmission step, the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command are transmitted from the second communication unit to the printing apparatus.

The program is executed by a computer of the terminal device, and the terminal device transmits the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command, so that the printing device prints the second print portion based on the second print data on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion based on the first print data is printed. Further, the printing apparatus conveys the tube to perform a partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. Thus, the printing apparatus can make a set of printed tubes composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion connected by partial cutting. Next, the pair of printed tubes is inserted into the cable at once, and the first printed portion and the second printed portion are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable, so that the number of steps for cable production can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube can be reduced.

In the third aspect of the present invention, in the second print data generating step, the one-side data and the other-side data may be replaced with the other-side data and the second print data may be rotated by 180 ° in a print state based on the first print data or the print content. In the second print data generating step, second print data is generated in which the first print data and the second print data are rotated by 180 ° while the first print data and the second print data are exchanged with each other in the print state of the print on the tube. Therefore, labor and time for making the input of the second print data are saved. Also, the second printing part is printed in a state where the first printing part is exchanged from one side to the other side and rotated by 180 °. Therefore, for a set of printed tubes constituted by the first printed portion and the second printed portion connected by partial cutting, information of the wire supply source is always on the wire supply source side, respectively. Thus, the occurrence of mounting errors can be suppressed.

In the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first print data generation step may generate the first print data in which the continuous marks included in the first print portion are moved forward or backward to the next sequential continuous marks, and the second print data generation step may generate the second print data in which the continuous marks included in the second print portion are moved forward or backward to the next sequential continuous marks. The terminal device generates a set of the first print data and the second print data in the order of designation of the consecutive marks and transmits the set of the first print data and the second print data to the printing device, thereby saving labor and time for input. Thus, productivity of the printing apparatus is improved.

In the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, the next sequential consecutive symbols may be consecutive symbols obtained by skipping a predetermined number of consecutive symbols. The printing apparatus can skip the serial number printing of the specified number of continuous marks, and the user saves the labor and time for inputting the printing content, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

In the third aspect of the present invention, the program may be configured to cause the computer to execute a conversion mode setting step of setting a first conversion mode or a second conversion mode, the first conversion mode being a mode in which the one-side data and the other-side data are exchanged with each other based on the first print data or the print content in the second print data generating step, and the second conversion mode being a mode in which: in the second print data generating step, the first print data and the second print data are generated based on the first print data or the print content, and the first print data and the second print data are in a print state in which the first print data and the second print data are rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the first print data and the second print data.

In the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, the terminal device may include a display unit for causing the computer to execute a mode display control step of controlling the display unit to display a predetermined character when the terminal device is in the first conversion mode, and controlling the display unit to display the predetermined character rotated by 180 ° when the terminal device is in the second conversion mode. In the first conversion mode and the second conversion mode, the display mode of the predetermined character displayed on the display unit is different. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved, and the user can find an error before performing printing. Thus, productivity of the printing apparatus is improved.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a fourth aspect of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer of a printing apparatus to execute a first print data generation step, a second print data generation step, a first print control step, a second print control step, and a partial cut control step, the printing apparatus including: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path that transports the pipe and performs cutting, i.e., partial cutting, in which a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is left; and a reception unit configured to receive an input of a print content including one side and the other side printed on a first print portion of the tube, wherein in the first print data generation step, first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side is generated based on the print content received by the reception unit, in the second print data generation step, second print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data is generated based on the first print data or the print content, and in the first print control step, the print unit is controlled based on the first print data to print the first print portion on the tube; in the second print control step, the printing section is controlled to perform printing of a second print portion on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion is printed, based on the second print data, and in the partial cut control step, the conveying section is controlled to convey the tube, and the cutting section is controlled to perform the partial cut between the first print portion and the second print portion.

The program is executed by a computer of the printing apparatus, and a reception unit of the printing apparatus receives an input of print content including one side and the other side of the first printing portion, and generates first print data in the first print data generation step. In the second print data generation step, second print data is generated by exchanging one-side data included in the first print data with the other-side data. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the print content of the second print section, and the labor and time for creating the second print data can be saved. The printing apparatus prints a second print portion based on second print data on the upstream side of the tube on which the first print portion based on the first print data is printed. Further, the printing apparatus conveys the tube to perform a partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. Therefore, a set of printed tubes can be formed which are composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion connected by partial cutting. Next, the pair of printed tubes is inserted into the cable at a time, and the first printed portion and the second printed portion are separated after the insertion and attached to both ends of the cable, so that the number of steps for preparing the cable can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube can be reduced.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1A viewed from the front right above.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the main body case 51.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1A.

Fig. 4 (1) is a diagram showing an example of the pipe print setting screen 131, and fig. 4 (2) is a diagram showing an example of the print content setting screen 132.

Fig. 5 (1) is a diagram showing an example of a print result in the OFF mode, fig. 5 (2) is a diagram showing an example of a print result in the case where the conversion mode 131M is the first conversion mode, and fig. 5 (3) is a diagram showing an example of a print result in the case where the conversion mode 131M is the second conversion mode.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode setting process.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode printing process.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configurations of the printing apparatus 1B and the terminal apparatus 2.

Fig. 9 is a part of a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode setting processing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is the remaining part of a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode setting process according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode printing process according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of the conversion mode setting process according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion mode printing process according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 14 (1) is a diagram showing the tube 9 after printing, and fig. 14 (2) to (4) are diagrams showing a method of using the pair of tubes 80 after printing.

[ description of reference ]

1A, 1B printing device

2. Terminal device

9. Pipe

9A-9E between the first and second printing portions

13A input unit

13B, 26 display part

19. 27 communication unit

21、41 CPU

25. Operation part

61. Printing head

64. Cutter

65-69 conveying roller

80A first printing section

80B second printing section

98. Transport motor

And N is counted.

Detailed Description

< first embodiment >

A printing apparatus 1A as a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the upper, lower left, upper right, lower right, and upper left of fig. 1 will be defined as the upper, lower, front, rear, right, and left sides of the printing apparatus 1A, respectively. The printing apparatus 1A does not print characters on a long print medium based on print data. The printing medium is, for example, a cylindrical tube 9. The character is at least one of a symbol, a symbol string, a graphic, an annotation, and the like. The symbol is a concept including letters and numbers.

< overview of printing apparatus 1A >

As shown in fig. 1, the printing apparatus 1A includes a housing 5. The housing 5 includes a main body case 51 and a cover 52. In the example of fig. 1, the main body case 51 is a box-shaped member in a rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the left-right direction. The cover 52 is a plate-like member disposed on the upper side of the main body case 51. A keyboard 13 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 52. The keyboard 13 is connected to the main body case 51 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus: registered trademark) cable 79. The keyboard 13 includes an input unit 13A and a display unit 13B. The input unit 13A has a plurality of keys, and inputs various information to the printing apparatus 1A in accordance with the operation of the keys by the user. The display unit 13B is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various setting screens and various information. The rear end of the cover 52 is rotatably supported on the upper side of the rear end of the main body case 51. When the cover 52 is closed with respect to the main body case 51, the cover 52 covers the mounting surface 51A (see fig. 2) (see fig. 1). When the cover 52 is opened with respect to the main body case 51, the mounting surface 51A is exposed upward (see fig. 2).

A pipe insertion opening 15, a pipe discharge opening 16 (see fig. 2), and an operation portion 17 (see fig. 1) are provided on a side surface of the housing 5. The tube insertion opening 15 is provided on the right surface of the housing 5. The tube insertion opening 15 is an opening for guiding the tube 9 into the housing 5. The pipe discharge port 16 is provided in the left surface of the housing 5. The tube discharge port 16 is an opening for discharging the tube 9 to the outside of the housing 5. The operation unit 17 includes a plurality of LEDs indicating the operation state of the printing apparatus 1A, and a plurality of operation buttons such as a power button and a start button.

As shown in fig. 2, the ribbon mount 30, the tube mount 40, the cutter 64, and the like are provided on the mount surface 51A side of the main body case 51. The ribbon mount 30 is located on the left portion of the mount surface 51A. The ink ribbon mounting portion 30 is a recess that opens upward. The ribbon cassette 90 is detachably attached to the ribbon mounting portion 30. The ribbon cartridge 90 is a box-like body that houses an unused ink ribbon 90A, a ribbon winding spool 91 that winds up a used ink ribbon, and the like. In a state where the cover 52 is opened, the user can attach and detach the ribbon cartridge 90 to and from the ribbon mounting portion 30 from above.

The pipe fitting 40 extends from the pipe insertion opening 15 to the pipe discharge opening 16 substantially in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pipe attachment portion 40 extends from the pipe insertion opening 15 toward the pipe discharge opening 16 is referred to as the conveyance direction. The tube fitting portion 40 passes through the rear side of the ink ribbon fitting portion 30 and communicates with the rear end portion of the ink ribbon fitting portion 30. The pipe fitting portion 40 is a groove that opens upward. The tube 9 can be attached to and detached from the tube attaching portion 40. In a state where the cover 52 is opened, the user can attach and detach the pipe 9 to and from the pipe attaching portion 40 from above. The tube 9 is fitted to the tube fitting portion 40 so as to extend from the tube insertion opening 15 to the tube discharge opening 16.

The cutter 64 is disposed on the right side of the tube discharge port 16. The cutter 64 can cut the printed tube 9 in the radial direction thereof. The cutter 64 can perform partial cutting by the control of the CPU41 (see fig. 3) so that a part in the radial direction is left uncut.

The ink ribbon mounting portion 30 is provided with an ink ribbon take-up shaft 63, a print head 61, and a plurality of conveyance rollers 65 to 69. The ribbon winding shaft 63 engages with a through hole (not shown) in the center of the ribbon winding shaft 91. The print head 61 is a thermal head having a plurality of heat generating elements. The plurality of heating elements are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the tube 9, and correspond to a plurality of points indicated by the print data. The print head 61 performs printing in a print line in which a plurality of heating elements are arranged.

The print head 61 is moved between the printing position and the non-printing position by driving of a head motor 97 (see fig. 3). In fig. 2, the print head 61 at the non-printing position is indicated by a solid line, and the print head 61 at the printing position is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The tube 9 is sandwiched between the print head 61 and the transport roller 65 in the printing position. The print head 61 in the non-printing position is separated to the front side from the conveyance roller 65.

The transport rollers 65 to 69 transport the tube 9 attached to the tube attaching portion 40 in the transport direction. The conveyance roller 65 is provided on the rear side of the print head 61. The transport roller 65 faces the print head 61 through the tube attaching portion 40. The transport roller 66 is provided on the rear side of the tube fitting portion 40 and on the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport roller 65. The transport roller 67 is provided on the rear side of the tube assembling portion 40 and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the transport roller 65. The transport rollers 65 to 67 are rotatable in the clockwise direction in a plan view.

The conveyance roller 68 is disposed on the front side of the conveyance roller 66. The transport roller 68 faces the transport roller 66 via the tube attachment portion 40. The conveyance roller 69 is provided on the front side of the conveyance roller 67. The transport roller 69 faces the transport roller 67 via the tube attachment portion 40. The transport rollers 68 and 69 are rotatable counterclockwise in a plan view.

The conveyance rollers 68, 69 are movable between a printing position and a non-printing position, respectively. In fig. 2, the conveyance rollers 68 and 69 at the non-printing position are indicated by solid lines, and the conveyance rollers 68 and 69 at the printing position are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The transport rollers 68 and 69 at the printing position are biased in a direction approaching the transport rollers 66 and 67 through the tube 9 attached to the tube attaching portion 40. The conveyance rollers 68, 69 in the non-printing position are separated to the front side from the conveyance rollers 66, 67, respectively. The user can switch the conveyance rollers 68, 69 to the printing position and the non-printing position by operating the release lever 70 provided at the rear of the mounting surface 51A.

< Electrical Structure of printing apparatus 1A >

An electrical structure of the printing apparatus 1A will be described with reference to fig. 3. The printing apparatus 1A includes a control board 20. The control board 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a CGROM (Character Graphic Read Only Memory) 43, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 44, a flash Memory 45, an input/output interface 49, and the like. The CPU41 controls the entire printing apparatus 1A, and is connected to the ROM42, the CGROM43, the RAM44, the flash memory 45, the input/output interface 49, and the like via the bus 46. The ROM42 stores a program executed for the CPU41 to control the entire printing apparatus 1A. The CGROM43 stores print dot pattern data for printing characters. The RAM44 temporarily stores print data, various flags, and the like. The flash memory 45 stores various setting screen data (see fig. 4) and the like.

The input/output interface 49 is connected to the operation unit 17, the input unit 13A, the display unit 13B, the drive circuits 73, 74, 75, 76, the built-in battery 18, and the like. Since the operation unit 17, the input unit 13A, and the display unit 13B are described above, the description thereof is omitted here. The drive circuit 73 is an electronic circuit for driving the print head 61. The drive circuit 74 is an electronic circuit for driving the head motor 97. The drive circuit 75 is an electronic circuit for driving the conveyance motor 98. The conveyance motor 98 is a stepping motor. The transport rollers 65 to 69 and the ribbon winding shaft 63 are rotated by driving the transport motor 98. The drive circuit 76 is an electronic circuit for driving the cutting motor 99. The cutter 64 is operated by driving of the cutting motor 99. The built-in battery 18 is, for example, a lithium battery, and supplies power to the entire printing apparatus 1A.

< example of printing operation >

An example of the printing operation performed by the printing apparatus 1A will be described with reference to fig. 2. In a state where the cover 52 is opened, the user mounts the tape cassette 90 to the ink ribbon mounting portion 30. When the tape cassette 90 is mounted on the ink ribbon mounting portion 30, the ink ribbon winding shaft 63 is inserted into the through hole of the tape winding shaft 91. The user mounts the tube 9 to the tube mounting portion 40 with the print head 61 and the transport rollers 68 and 69 in the non-printing position. The user operates the release lever 70 to move the conveyance rollers 68 and 69 to the printing position, thereby closing the cover 52. The user operates the input unit 13A to input a print instruction to start printing to the printing apparatus 1A.

When the CPU41 obtains a print instruction, the head motor 97 is driven to move the print head 61 from the non-printing position to the printing position. The print head 61 is disposed inside the tube assembling portion 40 and close to the transport roller 65. At this time, the print head 61 overlaps the tube 9 attached to the tube attaching portion 40 with the ink ribbon 90A and biases the conveyance roller 65. Thereby, the printing apparatus 1A is in a state in which characters can be printed on the tube 9 using the ink ribbon 90A.

The printing apparatus 1A sends a pulse signal to the conveyance motor 98 at a certain cycle, thereby driving the conveyance motor 98 at a rotation speed α [ r/sec ]. Thereby, the transfer rollers 65 to 69 rotate to transfer the tube 9, and the ribbon take-up shaft 63 rotates to rotate the ribbon take-up shaft 91. The unused ink ribbon 90A in the tape cassette 90 is drawn out with the rotation of the tape winding spool 91. The drawn ink ribbon 90A is conveyed between the print head 61 and the conveyance roller 65.

Hereinafter, when any one of the transport rollers 65 to 69 is not specified, it is referred to as a transport roller. The speed at which the transport roller rotates to transport the tube 9 is defined as a transport speed V. The transport speed V is determined by the rotational speed of the transport roller.

For example, when the conveyance motor 98 rotates at a rotation speed α [ r/sec ], the conveyance roller rotates at a rotation speed β [ r/sec ]. The transport speed V [ mm/sec ] of the transport roller to the tube 9 is calculated by multiplying the rotation speed beta [ R/sec ] of the transport roller by the circumference 2 [ pi ] R [ mm ] of the transport roller. Wherein R mm is the radius of the delivery roll.

Strictly speaking, the rotation speeds of the transport rollers 65, 66, 67 are set to be slightly different from each other. Specifically, the conveyance speed V3 of the pair of conveyance rollers 66 and 68, the conveyance speed V2 of the conveyance roller 65, and the conveyance speed V1 of the pair of conveyance rollers 67 and 69 are slightly different from each other, and the rotation speeds of the conveyance rollers 65, 66, and 67 are set to V1> V2> V3. In this way, the transport speed of the transport roller disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction is made faster than the transport speed of the transport roller disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the printing apparatus 1A transports the tube 9 while applying an appropriate tension to the tube 9. Thereby, the conveyance speed V1 of the pair of conveyance rollers 67 and 69 becomes the conveyance speed V of the tube 9.

The CPU41 controls the print head 61 to perform printing in accordance with a print line constituted by a plurality of heat generating elements. Specifically, the CPU41 stores, in the RAM44, image data corresponding to the J-th (J =1, 2, 3 \8230;) print line, which is a print line to be printed, among the print data, based on the print dot pattern data stored in the CGROM 43. The CPU41 reads out the image data corresponding to the J-th print line stored in the RAM44. The print head 61 prints characters on the tube 9 using the ink ribbon 90A based on the image data corresponding to the J-th print line read out from the RAM44. This process is repeated to print the printing object corresponding to the print data on the tube 9.

The used ink ribbon 90A is wound by the ribbon winding spool 91. The printed tube 9 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 65 to the downstream side of the print head 61. The printed tube 9 is cut by the cutter 64. The cut printed tube 9 is discharged from the tube discharge port 16, and the printing is finished.

< settings screen and conversion mode 131M >

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, a description will be given of the tube print setting screen 131 and the print content setting screen 132, respectively. The conversion mode 131M will be described. The pipe print setting screen 131 is a setting screen displayed on the display unit 13B when pipe printing is selected. As shown in fig. 4 (1), the pipe print setting screen 131 can set the pipe diameter 131D, the pipe length 131L, the conversion mode 131M, the serial number function 131C, and the like. The contents set on the pipe print setting screen 131 are stored in the RAM44 as parameter information under the control of the CPU 41. In the pipe diameter 131D, the user sets the diameter of the pipe 9 fitted to the pipe fitting portion 40. In the tube length 131L, the user sets the length of the tube 9 on which the print content 132A described in detail later is printed. The cutting position or partial cutting position of the cutter 64 is set based on the tube length 131L. In the conversion mode 131M, the user sets a desired conversion mode 131M. The conversion pattern 131M includes two types, i.e., a first conversion pattern and a second conversion pattern. As another mode, there is an "OFF mode". The OFF mode is a print mode to which the conversion mode 131M is not applied, and the printing apparatus 1A is a mode for sequentially printing the input print content 132A on the pipe 9 (see fig. 5 (1)). The example of fig. 5 (1) corresponds to the input print content 132A shown in fig. 4 (2) described later. The print content 132A is a content to be printed by the printing apparatus 1A input by the user via the input unit 13A.

The first conversion mode is, for example, a mode in which, when the input print content 132A is "a11/B11", the "a11/B11" as the first printing portion 80A is printed on the pipe 9, and immediately thereafter, the "B11/a11" as the second printing portion 80B is printed in which the front side "a11" of "/" and the rear side "B11" are interchanged (see fig. 5 (2)). That is, in the case of printing the print content 132A 'A11/B11' in the first conversion mode, "A11/B11" is printed on the tube 9, and "B11/A11" is printed immediately thereafter. The example of fig. 5 (2) corresponds to the input print content 132A shown in fig. 4 (2). Here, data of one-side print content that is print content on the front side of the "/" (in this example, "a 11") is printed is referred to as "one-side data", and data of the other-side print content that is print content on the rear side of the "/" (in this example, "B11") is printed is referred to as "other-side data".

More specifically, the CPU41 generates print data whose print result becomes A11/B11 based on the input print content 132A 'A11/B11'. Hereinafter, the print data whose print result is the same as the print content 132A is referred to as "first print data". Also, hereinafter, the printing result based on the first printing data is the first printing portion 80A. Then, the CPU41 generates print data obtained by exchanging one side print content with the other side print content based on the first print data or the input print content 132A. That is, the CPU41 generates print data having a print result different from the print content 132A based on the first print data or the input print content 132A. Hereinafter, print data whose print result is different from the print content 132A is referred to as "second print data". Also, hereinafter, the printing result based on the second printing data is the second printing portion 80B. Then, the CPU41 drives the transport motor 98 to transport the tube 9, controls the print head 61 based on the first print data and the second print data, and sequentially prints a11/B11 and B11/a11 on the tube 9. The printed tube 9 is conveyed to the downstream side in the conveying direction from the print head 61 under the control of the CPU41, and is partially cut by the cutter 64 between a11/B11 and B11/a11. That is, the CPU41 controls the cutter 64 to partially cut between the first printing portion 80A printed based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B printed based on the second print data. The two-dot chain line 9C in fig. 5 shows the position of the partial cut.

The second conversion mode is the following mode: for example, when the input print content 132A is "a11/B11", the "a11/B11" as the first printing portion 80A is printed on the pipe 9, and immediately thereafter, the "a11/B11" is exchanged before and after the print content on one side and the print content on the other side, and the print content is rotated by 180 ° to print the second printing portion 80B (see fig. 5 (3)). The example of fig. 5 (3) corresponds to the input print content 132A shown in fig. 4 (2). For the sake of simplicity, a state in which a character such as a character or a symbol, for example, "a11" is rotated by 180 ° is represented by | a11 |. That is, in the case of printing the print content 132a "a11/B11" in the second conversion mode, "a11/B11" is printed to the tube 9, and "| a11|/| B11|" is printed immediately thereafter.

More specifically, the CPU41 generates first print data in which the first printing portion 80A becomes "a11/B11" based on the input print content 132a "a 11/B11". Further, the CPU41 generates second print data corresponding to a second print section 80B obtained by exchanging one side print content with the other side print content and rotating 180 ° based on the first print data or the input print content 132A. Then, the CPU41 drives the transport motor 98 to transport the tube 9, controls the print head 61 based on the first print data and the second print data, and sequentially prints "a11/B11" and "| a11|/| B11 |") on the tube 9. The printed tube 9 is conveyed to the downstream side of the print head 61 in the conveying direction under the control of the CPU41, and is partially cut by the cutter 64 between "a11/B11" and "| a11|/| B11|". That is, the CPU41 controls the cutter 64 to make a partial cut between the first printing portion 80A printed based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B printed based on the second print data.

The serial number function 131C is a function of printing successive marks designated by the user, i.e., successive marks, sequentially moving forward or backward by a designated number of times. Referring to fig. 5 (2), for example, when the print content 132A input in the first conversion mode is "a11/B11", the designated continuous mark is a numeral on the right side, and the designated number of times is 3, the printing apparatus 1A sequentially prints a11/B11, B11/a11, a12/B12, B12/a12, a13/B13, and B13/a13 on the pipe 9. That is, the CPU41 generates first print data corresponding to the first printing portions 80A and A11/B11, A12/B12, A13/A13, respectively, based on the print contents 132A 'A11/B11', in accordance with the serial number function 131C. Also, second print data corresponding to the second print portions 80B and B11/A11, B12/A12, B13/A13, respectively, is generated based on the first print data or print content 132A 11/B11 ".

Referring to fig. 5 (3), for example, when the print content 132A input in the second conversion mode is "a11/B11", the designated continuous symbol is a numeral on the right side, and the designated number of times is 3 times, the printing apparatus 1A sequentially prints a11/B11, | a11|/| B11|, a12/B12, | a12|/| B12|, a13/B13, | a13|/| B13| on the tube 9. That is, the CPU41 generates first print data corresponding to the first printing portions 80A and a11/B11, a12/B12, a13/B13, respectively, based on the print contents 132a ″' a11/B11 ″ in accordance with the No. connection function 131C. Also, based on the first print data or the print content 132a ″' a11/B11 ″, second print data is generated in which the second print portion 80B corresponds to | a11|/| B11|, | a12|/| B12|, | a13|/| B13|, respectively.

In addition, the chain note function 131C has a skip function. The skip function is a function of skipping the number N (N is an integer of "1" or more) designated by the user and printing the next designated number of times by advancing or retreating the sequence of marks. For example, in the case where the consecutive symbols are numerals and the initial numeral is "1", the number of times designated is 4, and the designation of forward movement is made by the user, it becomes "1", "2+ n", "3+2n", "4+3n". For example, when the continuous symbols are letters, the first letter is "Z", N =2, and the number of times of designation is 4, and the user designates the forward/backward movement, the symbols are "Z", "W", "T", and "Q".

A case will be described where the skip function of the run-length function 131C is enabled in the conversion mode 131M. For example, the first conversion mode is designated, the designated continuous mark is the first digit from the right, the print content 132A is "a11/B11", N =2, the designated number of times is 3, and the user designates the forward movement. In this case, the printing apparatus 1A prints A11/B11, B11/A11, A14/B14, B14/A14, A17/B17, and B17/A17 on the tube 9 in this order. That is, the CPU41 generates first print data corresponding to the first printing portions 80A and a11/B11, a14/B14, a17/B17, respectively, based on the print contents 132a 'a 11/B11' in accordance with the skip function of the serial number function 131C. Also, second print data is generated for the second print portion 80B corresponding to B11/a11, B14/a14, B17/a17, respectively, based on the first print data or print content 132a ″' a11/B11 ″.

For example, the second conversion mode is designated, the designated continuous mark is the first digit from the right, the print content 132A is "a11/B11", N =2, the designated number of times is 3, and the user designates the forward movement. In this case, the printing apparatus 1A sequentially prints a11/B11, | a11|/| B11|, a14/B14, | a14|/| B14|, a17/B17, | a17|/| B17| on the tube 9. That is, the CPU41 generates first print data corresponding to the first printing portions 80A and a11/B11, a14/B14, a17/B17, respectively, based on the print contents 132a ″' a11/B11 ″ in accordance with the skip function of the No. job function 131C. And, based on the first print data or print content 132a ″' a11/B11 ″, second print data is generated in which the second print portion 80B corresponds to | a11|/| B11|, | a14|/| B14|, | a17|/| B17|, respectively.

The print content setting screen 132 is a screen displayed on the display unit 13B after the setting of the pipe print setting screen 131. The print content setting screen 132 displays a list of print contents 132A input by the user via the input unit 13A in the input order. The inputted information indicating each print content 132A is stored in the RAM44 under the control of the CPU 41. The number corresponding to the print content 132A indicates the order of input. Cross132B is displayed when the conversion mode 131M is set. The CPU41 controls the display unit 13B to display "Cross" when the first conversion mode is set, and displays "| Cross |" in which "Cross" is rotated by 180 ° when the second conversion mode is set. That is, the display mode of "Cross" is different between the first conversion mode and the second conversion mode. 132C in the print setting screen 132 indicates the diameter of the tube 9 and the length of the tube 9 on which each print 132A is printed.

< conversion mode setting processing >

The flow of the shift mode setting process performed by the CPU41 will be described with reference to fig. 6. The shift mode setting process is started with the power supply of the printing apparatus 1A being input as a trigger. Specifically, the CPU41 reads out a program of the conversion mode setting process from the ROM42 and executes it.

The CPU41 determines whether or not the conversion mode setting is designated by the user via the input unit 13A (S1). If it is determined that the conversion mode setting is not designated (S1: no), the CPU41 determines whether or not another setting is designated (S2). If the CPU41 determines that another setting is designated (yes in S2), it executes the process according to the designated setting (S3). When the process of S3 is executed or when the determination of S2 is negative, the CPU41 returns to S1. If it is determined that the conversion mode setting is designated (yes in S1), the CPU41 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the conversion mode 131M is designated (S5). Specifically, the CPU41 determines that the conversion mode 131M is not designated when the OFF mode is designated by the user, and determines that the conversion mode 131M is designated when the first conversion mode or the second conversion mode is designated by the user.

If it is determined that conversion mode 131M has not been designated (no in S5), CPU41 proceeds to S2 and executes the process in the OFF mode (S3). The CPU41 returns to S1. When determining that the conversion mode 131M is designated (yes in S5), the CPU41 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S7). If it is determined that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S7), the CPU41 changes the first conversion flag to "1" (S8). The first conversion flag is a flag indicating whether or not the first conversion mode is designated, and indicates that the first conversion mode is designated when the value of the flag is "1". The initial value of the first conversion flag is "0". The CPU41 controls the display unit 13B to display a predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S9). The CPU41 proceeds to S13. In the first embodiment, "Cross" is displayed on the lower side of the print content setting screen 132 as shown in fig. 4 (2).

If it is determined that the first conversion mode is not specified (no in S7), the CPU41 changes the second conversion flag to "1" (S10). The second conversion flag is a flag indicating whether or not the second conversion mode is designated, and indicates that the second conversion mode is designated when the value of the flag is "1". The initial value of the second conversion flag is "0". The CPU41 controls the display unit 13B to rotate a predetermined character by 180 ° and display the predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S11).

The CPU41 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the serial number function 131C is valid (S13). Specifically, in the pipe print setting screen 131 shown in fig. 4 (2), the CPU41 determines that the serial number function 131C is valid when the serial number function 131C is turned ON by the user via the input unit 13A, and determines that the serial number function 131C is invalid when the serial number function 131C is turned OFF by the user. If it is determined that the serial number function 131C is not enabled (no in S13), the CPU41 proceeds to S19.

If the CPU41 determines that the run-length function 131C is enabled (yes in S13), it changes the run-length flag stored in the RAM44 to "1" (S15). The initial value of the run mark is "0". The CPU41 stores the marks of the serial number and the number of times of the serial number designated by the user via the input unit 13A in the RAM44 (S17). The CPU41 returns to S1.

< conversion mode printing processing >

The flow of the conversion mode printing process will be described with reference to fig. 7. The present conversion mode print processing is started with the input of power as a trigger. Specifically, the CPU41 reads out and executes a program for the conversion mode print processing from the ROM 42.

The CPU41 determines whether there is an input of the print content 132A input by the user via the input unit 13A (S41). More specifically, the CPU41 determines whether there is an input of the print content 132A by determining whether or not information indicating the print content 132A is stored in the RAM44. When determining that there is no input of the print content 132A (no in S41), the CPU41 returns to S41 and repeats S41. When determining that the print content 132A has been input (yes in S41), the CPU41 determines whether or not a print command is present (S42). More specifically, the CPU41 determines whether or not a print instruction is made by the user via the input section 13A. Since the print instruction is input to the CPU41, the CPU41 can determine whether the user has made the print instruction.

If the CPU41 determines that there is no print instruction (no in S42), it repeats S42. When determining that the print instruction is present (yes in S42), the CPU41 generates first print data based on the input print content 132A (S43). More specifically, the CPU41 generates first print data corresponding to the input print content 132A, and stores it in the RAM44.

The CPU41 refers to the values of the first conversion flag and the second conversion flag stored in the RAM44, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S45). More specifically, the CPU41 determines that the first conversion mode is designated when the value of the first conversion flag is "1", and determines that the first conversion mode is not designated when the value of the second conversion flag is "1". That is, in this case, the CPU41 determines that the second conversion mode is designated. If the CPU41 determines that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S45), it generates second print data in which one side print content is exchanged with the other side print content based on the first print data or the input print content 132A (S47). More specifically, for example, when the second print data is generated based on the input print content 132A, the CPU41 generates the second print content in which one side print content of the input print content 132A is exchanged with the other side print content. Second print data corresponding to the second print content is generated and stored in the RAM44. For example, when generating the second print data based on the first print data, the CPU41 generates the second print data by exchanging one side data of the first print data with the other side data, and stores the second print data in the RAM44.

If it is determined that the first conversion mode is not designated (S45: no), that is, if it is determined that the second conversion mode is designated, the CPU41 generates second print data of a second printing section 80B in which one side print is exchanged with the other side print and rotated by 180 ° for the input print 132A, based on the first print data or the input print 132A (S49). More specifically, for example, in the case of generating the second print data based on the input print content 132A, the CPU41 generates the second print content by exchanging one-side print content of the input print content 132A with the other-side print content and rotating by 180 °. Then, the CPU41 generates second print data corresponding to the second print content, and stores the second print data in the RAM44. For example, when generating the second print data based on the first print data, the CPU41 generates the second print data by replacing the first print data with the second print data and generating the first print data and the second print data as the print results of the first print data and the second print data rotated by 180 °, respectively, and stores the second print data in the RAM44.

The CPU41 determines whether or not the value of the run mark stored in the RAM44 is "1" (S51). If it is determined that the value of the run-length flag is not "1" (S51: no), the CPU41 sets the upper limit value of the counter Cnt to "1" (S53). If the CPU41 determines that the value of the run mark flag is "1" (yes in S51), it sets the upper limit value of the counter Cnt to a predetermined number of times (S55). The CPU41 resets the counter Cnt (S57).

The CPU41 drives the conveyance motor 98 to start conveyance of the tube 9 (S59). The CPU41 controls the print head 61 and the like, and executes printing based on the first print data (S61) and printing based on the second print data (S63). The CPU41 determines whether the prescribed position of the printed tube 9 (between the first printing portion 80A based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data) has reached the cutter 64 (S65). Since the conveyance motor 98 is a stepping motor as described above, it is possible to detect whether or not a predetermined position has reached the cutter 64 based on the number of steps, for example.

If the CPU41 determines that the predetermined position of the printed tube 9 has not reached the cutter 64 (no in S65), it repeats S65. When determining that the predetermined position of the printed tube 9 has reached the cutter 64 (yes in S65), the CPU41 controls the cutter 64 to perform partial cutting at the predetermined position (S67). For example, referring to fig. 5 (2), the CPU41 partially cuts between the first printing portion 80A (a 11/B11) and the second printing portion 80B (B11/a 11), that is, at the position of the two-dot chain line 9A shown in fig. 5 (2). The CPU41 counts the counter Cnt (S69). The CPU41 determines whether the value of the counter Cnt after counting exceeds the upper limit value of the counter Cnt (S71). If it is determined that the upper limit value of the counter Cnt is exceeded (yes in S71), the CPU41 resets the run-length flag (S73). The CPU41 resets the first and second conversion flags (S75). The CPU41 returns to S41 to repeat the above-described processing.

If it is determined that the upper limit value of the counter Cnt is not exceeded (S71: no), the CPU41 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and generates the first print data in the next order based on the first print data processed immediately before and the number N of the first print data designated as the forward designation or the backward designation (S75). The CPU41 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and generates second print data in the next order based on the second print data that has just been processed and the number N of the print data designated as the forward designation or the reverse designation (S79). The CPU41 returns to S59.

< main action and Effect of the first embodiment >

In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 1A includes: a print head 61 that prints on the tube 9; a conveyance motor 98 and conveyance rollers 65 for conveying the tube 9; and a pipe fitting portion 40 of the carried pipe 9. The printing apparatus 1A further includes: a cutter 64 for partially cutting the tube 9; and an input unit 13A for receiving an input of a print content 132A including a print content printed on one side and a print content printed on the other side of the pipe 9. The printing apparatus 1A generates first print data including first side data for printing the first side print content and second side data for printing the second side print content based on the input print content 132A, and generates second print data obtained by exchanging the first side data and the second side data based on the first print data or the print content 132A. The printing apparatus 1A controls the print head 61 based on the first print data to perform printing of the first printing portion 80A on the tube 9, and performs printing of the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the tube 9 on which the first printing portion 80A is printed. The printing apparatus 1A controls the conveyance motor 98 to convey the tube 9, and controls the cutter 64 to perform the partial cutting between the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B of the tube 9.

Therefore, the input unit 13A of the printing apparatus 1A receives the input of the print content 132A including the first and second sides of the first printing portion 80A, generates first print data based on the print content 132A, and generates second print data obtained by exchanging the first print data included in the first print data with the second print data. Thus, the print content 132A of the second printing portion 80B does not need to be input, saving labor and time for input for generating the second print data. Further, as shown in fig. 14 (1), the printing apparatus 1A prints the second printing portion 80B on the upstream side of the tube 9 on which the first printing portion 80A is printed. The printing apparatus 1A carries the tube 9, and cuts a portion between the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B (the two- dot chain lines 9A, 9C, and 9E in fig. 14 (1)). Therefore, the printing apparatus 1A can make a set of printed tubes 80 composed of the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B connected by partial cutting, as shown in fig. 14 (2), for example, a tube 80 composed of the first printing portion 80A (a 11/B11) and the second printing portion 80B (B11/a 11). Next, as shown in fig. 14 (2) and (3), the pair of printed tubes 80 is inserted into the cable 85 at one stroke. Next, as shown in fig. 14 (4), since the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable 85, the number of steps for the cable 85 can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube 9 can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 1A creates the second print data in which the first print data and the second print data are in the print state of being rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the first print data and the second print data based on the first print data or the print content 132A. Therefore, labor and time for input for making the second print data are saved. Further, the second printing portion 80B is printed in a state where the first printing portion 80A is turned upside down. Therefore, for a set of printed tubes 80 constituted by the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B connected by partial cutting, information of the wire source is always on the wire source side, respectively. Thus, the occurrence of mounting errors can be suppressed.

In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 1A generates first print data in which the designated consecutive marks included in the first printing section 80A are moved forward or moved backward to the next consecutive mark, and generates second print data in which the consecutive marks of the second printing section 80B are moved forward or moved backward to the next consecutive mark. The printing apparatus 1A generates the first print data and the second print data that advance or retreat to the next order of the consecutive marks until the specified number of times is reached. The printing apparatus 1A can print the set of the first print data and the second print data in the order of designation of the consecutive marks, and thus can save labor and time for input. Thus, the productivity of the printing apparatus 1A is improved.

In the first embodiment, the next sequential consecutive symbols are consecutive symbols obtained by skipping a predetermined number N of consecutive symbols. The serial number printing can be performed by skipping the designated number N of consecutive marks, and the labor and time for inputting the print content 132A can be saved, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 1A can display the pipe print setting screen 131 on the display unit 13B, and the pipe print setting screen 131 can set the first conversion mode in which the second print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data is created based on the first print data or the print content 132A, or the second conversion mode in which: the first print data or the print content 132A is used to create second print data in which the first print data and the second print data are printed in a state of being rotated by 180 ° by replacing the first print data with the second print data. The user can set the first conversion mode or the second conversion mode through the tube print setting screen 131, and thus the user's convenience is improved.

In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 1A includes the display unit 13B, and displays a predetermined character on the display unit 13B in the case of the first conversion mode, and displays a predetermined character on the display unit 13B rotated by 180 ° in the case of the second conversion mode. The printing apparatus 1A has a different display mode of the predetermined character displayed on the display unit 13B between the first conversion mode and the second conversion mode. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved, and the user can find an error before performing printing. Thus, productivity of the printing apparatus 1A is improved.

< second embodiment >

In the second embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the printing apparatus 1B is connected to the terminal apparatus 2 via the network 3, generates print data on the terminal apparatus 2 side, and transmits the generated print data. As shown in fig. 8, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1B of the second embodiment is the same as that of the printing apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in terms of basic configuration. However, the printing apparatus 1B is different from the printing apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that it further includes a communication unit 19. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The external appearance and internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1B are also the same as those of the printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. The network 3 is various networks such as an intranet and the internet.

The communication unit 19 is connected to the input/output interface 49 and controlled by the CPU 41. The communication unit 19 includes a wireless or wired communication module and the like, and is connected to one or more terminal apparatuses 2 via the network 3. The communication unit 19 receives print data and the like transmitted from the terminal device 2 and outputs the print data and the like to the CPU 41.

< Electrical Structure of terminal device 2>

As shown in fig. 8, the terminal device 2 includes a CPU21, a ROM22, a RAM23, an HDD (Hard disk Drive) 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, a communication unit 27, and the like. The CPU21, ROM22, RAM23, HDD24, operation unit 25, display unit 26, and communication unit 27 are connected to each other via a bus 28. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, a high-performance mobile phone, or the like.

The CPU21 controls the entire terminal device 2. The ROM22 stores a program executed for the CPU21 to control the entire terminal apparatus 2. The RAM23 temporarily stores various data such as flags. The HDD24 stores various setting screen data (see fig. 4) and the like. The operation unit 25 includes various keys, buttons, and the like. The user can input a desired instruction and the like via the operation unit 25. The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various setting screens (see fig. 4). The display unit 26 may have a touch panel, and the touch panel functions as the operation unit 25. The communication unit 27 includes a wired or wireless communication module and transmits print data and the like.

< conversion mode setting processing >

The flow of the conversion mode setting process will be described with reference to fig. 9 and 10. The conversion mode setting process is executed by the terminal device 2, triggered by the activation of the printing software including the conversion mode function installed in the terminal device 2. Specifically, the CPU21 reads out a program of the conversion mode setting process from the ROM22 and executes it.

The CPU21 determines whether or not the user designates the conversion mode setting via the operation unit 25 (S101). If it is determined that the conversion mode setting is not designated (no in S101), the CPU21 generates print data in accordance with the designated setting (S103). The CPU21 transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S105). The CPU21 returns to S101.

If it is determined that the conversion mode setting is designated (yes in S101), the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the conversion mode 131M is designated (S107). Specifically, the CPU21 determines that the conversion mode 131M is not designated when the OFF mode is designated by the user, and determines that the conversion mode 131M is designated when the first conversion mode or the second conversion mode is designated by the user.

If it is determined that the conversion mode 131M is not designated (no in S107), the CPU21 proceeds to S103, generates print data in the OFF mode (S103), and transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S105). The CPU21 returns to S101. If it is determined that the conversion mode 131M is designated (yes in S107), the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S109). If it is determined that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S109), the CPU21 changes the first conversion flag to "1" (S110). The CPU21 controls the display unit 26 to display a predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S111). The CPU21 proceeds to S115. In the second embodiment, "Cross" is displayed on the lower side of the print content setting screen 132 as shown in fig. 4 (2).

If it is determined that the first conversion mode is not designated (no in S109), the CPU21 changes the second conversion flag to "1" (S112). The CPU21 controls the display unit 26 to rotate a predetermined character by 180 ° and display the predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S113).

The CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the serial number function 131C is valid (S115). Specifically, in the tube print setting screen 131 shown in fig. 4 (2), the CPU21 determines that the serial number function 131C is valid when the serial number function 131C is turned ON by the user via the operation unit 25, and determines that the serial number function 131C is invalid when the serial number function 131C is turned OFF by the user. If the serial number function 131C is determined to be valid (yes in S115), the CPU21 sets the number of times of the serial number specified as the upper limit value of the counter Cnt (S117). The CPU21 proceeds to S121. If it is determined that the serial number function 131C is not enabled (no in S115), the CPU21 sets "1" as the upper limit value of the counter Cnt (S119).

The CPU21 determines whether or not there is the print content 132A input by the user via the operation unit 25 (S123). When determining that there is no input of the print content 132A (no in S123), the CPU21 returns to S123 and repeats S123. When determining that the print content 132A has been input (yes in S123), the CPU21 generates first print data based on the input print content 132A (S125). More specifically, the CPU21 generates first print data corresponding to the input print content 132A, and stores the first print data in the RAM23. At this time, the CPU21 includes conversion mode information in the first print data. The conversion mode information is information indicating printing in the conversion mode 131M.

The CPU21 refers to the first conversion flag and the second conversion flag stored in the RAM23, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S127). More specifically, the CPU21 determines that the first conversion mode is designated when the value of the first conversion flag is "1", and determines that the first conversion mode is not designated when the value of the second conversion flag is "1". That is, in this case, the CPU21 determines that the second conversion mode is designated. When determining that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S127), the CPU21 generates second print data in which one side print content is exchanged with the other side print content based on the first print data or the input print content 132A (S129). More specifically, for example, when the second print data is generated based on the input print content 132A, the CPU21 generates the second print content in which one side print content of the input print content 132A is exchanged with the other side print content. Then, the CPU21 generates second print data corresponding to the second print content and stores the second print data in the RAM23. Further, for example, in the case of generating second print data based on the first print data, the CPU21 generates the second print data by exchanging one side data of the first print data with the other side data, and stores the second print data in the RAM23.

When determining that the first conversion mode is not designated (no in S127), that is, when determining that the second conversion mode is designated, the CPU21 generates second print data of a second print section 80B in which one side print is inverted from the other side print and rotated by 180 ° in accordance with the first print data or the input print 132A (S131). More specifically, for example, in the case of generating the second print data based on the input print content 132A, the CPU21 generates the second print content obtained by inverting one-side print content of the input print content 132A with the other-side print content and rotating by 180 °. Then, the CPU21 generates second print data corresponding to the second print content and stores the second print data in the RAM23. For example, when generating the second print data based on the first print data, the CPU21 generates the second print data by replacing one side data of the first print data with the other side data and generating one side data and the other side data which are print results obtained by rotating the print results of the one side data and the other side data by 180 °, respectively, and stores the generated second print data in the RAM23.

The CPU21 generates a control command for partially cutting the tube 9 between the first printing portion 80A based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data, that is, a partial cutting command (S133). The CPU21 transmits the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S135). The CPU21 counts the counter Cnt (S137).

The CPU21 determines whether the value of the counted counter Cnt exceeds the upper limit value (S139). When determining that the upper limit value is not exceeded (S139: no), the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and generates first print data in the next order based on the first print data transmitted immediately before and the number N of forward or backward designations (S141).

The CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and generates second print data in the next order based on the second print data transmitted immediately before and the number N of times the forward designation or the backward designation is designated (S143). The CPU21 returns to S133 to repeat the above-described processing. If it is determined that the upper limit value is exceeded (yes in S139), the CPU21 resets the first conversion flag and the second conversion flag (S145). The CPU21 returns to S101.

< conversion mode printing processing >

The flow of the conversion mode printing process will be described with reference to fig. 11. The present conversion mode printing process is executed by the printing apparatus 1B triggered by the input of power. Specifically, the CPU41 reads out and executes a program for the conversion mode print processing from the ROM 42.

The CPU41 determines whether print data is received via the communication section 19 (S201). If the CPU41 determines that the print data has not been received (no in S201), it returns to S201 and repeats S201. If the CPU41 determines that the print data has been received (yes in S201), it determines whether or not the received print data includes conversion mode information (S203). If the CPU41 determines that the conversion mode information is not included (no in S203), it performs print processing on the received print data (S205). The CPU41 returns to S201.

When determining that the conversion mode information is included (yes in S203), the CPU41 drives the conveyance motor 98 to start the conveyance of the tube 9 (S207). The CPU41 controls the print head 61 and the like, and executes printing based on the first print data (S209) and printing based on the second print data (S211). The CPU41 determines whether the prescribed position of the printed tube 9 (between the first printing portion 80A based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data) has reached the cutter 64 (S213). Since the conveyance motor 98 is a stepping motor as described above, it is possible to detect whether or not a predetermined position has reached the cutter 64 based on the number of steps, for example.

If the CPU41 determines that the predetermined position of the printed tube 9 has not reached the cutter 64 (no in S213), it repeats S213. When determining that the predetermined position of the printed pipe 9 has reached the cutter 64 (yes in S213), the CPU41 controls the cutter 64 in accordance with the partial cut command to perform the partial cut at the predetermined position (S215). The CPU41 returns to S201 and repeats the above-described processing.

< main action and Effect of the second embodiment >

In the second embodiment, the terminal device 2 is connected to the printing device 1B via the network 3. The terminal device 2 includes an operation unit 25, and the operation unit 25 receives input of the print content 132A including one side print content and the other side print content printed on the first printing portion 80A of the pipe 9. The terminal device 2 generates first print data including first side data for printing the first side print content and second side data for printing the second side print content based on the print content 132A, and generates second print data obtained by exchanging the first side data with the second side data based on the first print data or the print content 132A. The terminal device 2 generates a partial cut command for controlling the transport motor 98 of the printing device 1B to transport the tube 9 and the cutter 64 to perform partial cutting between the first printing unit 80A and the second printing unit 80B, and transmits the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command to the printing device 1B.

By the terminal device 2 transmitting the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command, the printing device 1B prints the second print portion 80B based on the second print data on the upstream side of the tube 9 on which the first print portion 80A based on the first print data is printed, as shown in fig. 14 (1). The printing apparatus 1B carries the tube 9, and partially cuts the space between the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B (the two- dot chain lines 9A, 9C, and 9E). Therefore, as shown in fig. 14 (2), the printing apparatus 1B can form a set of printed tubes 80 composed of, for example, a first printing portion 80A (a 11/B11) and a second printing portion 80B (B11/a 11) connected by partial cutting. Next, as shown in fig. 14 (2) and (3), the pair of printed tubes 80 is inserted into the cable 85 at one stroke. Next, as shown in fig. 14 (4), since the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable 85, the number of steps for the preparation of the cable 85 can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube 9 can be reduced.

In the second embodiment, the terminal device 2 creates the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in the print state of being rotated by 180 ° by replacing the one-side print content with the other-side print content, based on the first print data. Therefore, labor and time for input for making the second print data are saved. Further, the second printing portion 80B is printed in a state where the first printing portion 80A is turned upside down. Therefore, for a set of printed tubes 80 constituted by the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B connected by partial cutting, information of the wire source is always on the wire source side, respectively. Thus, the occurrence of mounting errors can be suppressed.

In the second embodiment, the terminal device 2 generates first print data in which the designated consecutive marks included in the first print section 80A are moved forward or backward to the next consecutive mark, and generates second print data in which the consecutive marks of the second print section 80B are moved forward or backward to the next consecutive mark. Since the terminal device 2 generates a set of the first print data and the second print data in the order of designation of the consecutive marks and transmits the set to the printing device 1B, it is possible to save labor and time for input. Thus, the productivity of the printing apparatus 1B is improved.

In the second embodiment, the next sequential consecutive symbols are consecutive symbols obtained by skipping a predetermined number N of consecutive symbols. The printing apparatus 1B can perform serial number printing in which the designated number N of consecutive marks are skipped, and the user can save the labor and time for inputting the print content 132A, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

In the second embodiment, the terminal device 2 displays the pipe print setting screen 131 on the display unit 26, and the pipe print setting screen 131 can set a first conversion mode for creating second print data in which one side data is exchanged with the other side data based on the first print data and the print content 132A, or a second conversion mode for: based on the first print data or the print content 132A, second print data is created in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state in which the one-side print content and the other-side print content are reversed and rotated by 180 °. Therefore, the user can set the first conversion mode or the second conversion mode via the tube print setting screen 131, and thus the user's convenience is improved.

In the second embodiment, the terminal device 2 includes the display unit 26, and displays a predetermined character on the display unit 26 in the case of the first conversion mode, and displays a predetermined character rotated by 180 ° on the display unit 26 in the case of the second conversion mode. The display mode of the predetermined character displayed on the display unit 26 differs between the first conversion mode and the second conversion mode. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved, and the user can find an error before performing printing. Thus, the productivity of the printing apparatus 1B is improved.

< third embodiment >

A third embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 12 and 13. The configurations of the printing apparatus 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the printing apparatus 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to those of the second embodiment, and the description of the respective components is omitted.

In the third embodiment, the CPU21 on the terminal device 2 side generates the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command, and transmits them to the printing device 1B via the communication unit 27. At this time, the CPU21 includes the serial number information in the first print data when the serial number function 131C is enabled in addition to the conversion mode information. The serial number information includes at least a mark of the serial number designated by the user, the number of times of the serial number, a forward designation or a backward designation, and the number N (when only the skip function is effective). When the received first print data includes the serial number information, the CPU41 on the printing apparatus 1B side sequentially generates the first print data and the second print data based on the serial number information and the received first print data and second print data, and executes the printing process and the partial cutting.

< conversion mode setting processing >

The flow of the shift mode setting process will be described with reference to fig. 12. The conversion mode setting process is executed by the terminal device 2, triggered by the activation of the printing software including the conversion mode function installed in the terminal device 2. Specifically, the CPU21 reads out a program of the conversion mode setting process from the ROM22 and executes it.

The CPU21 determines whether or not the user designates the conversion mode setting via the operation unit 25 (S301). If the CPU21 determines that the conversion mode setting is not specified (no in S301), the CPU21 generates print data in accordance with the specified setting (S303). The CPU21 transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S305). The CPU21 returns to S301.

If it is determined that the conversion mode setting is designated (yes in S301), the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the conversion mode 131M is designated (S307). Specifically, the CPU21 determines that the conversion mode 131M is not designated when the OFF mode is designated by the user, and determines that the conversion mode 131M is designated when the first conversion mode or the second conversion mode is designated by the user.

When determining that the conversion mode 131M is not designated (no in S307), the CPU21 proceeds to S303, generates print data in the OFF mode (S303), and transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S305). The CPU21 returns to S301. When determining that the conversion mode 131M is designated (yes in S307), the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S309). If it is determined that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S309), the CPU21 changes the first conversion flag to "1" (S310). The CPU21 controls the display unit 26 to display a predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S311). The CPU21 proceeds to S315. In the third embodiment, "Cross" is displayed on the lower side of the print content setting screen 132 as shown in fig. 4 (2).

If it is determined that the first conversion mode is not designated (no in S309), the CPU21 changes the second conversion flag to "1" (S312). The CPU21 controls the display unit 26 to rotate a predetermined character by 180 ° and display the predetermined character at a predetermined position on the print content setting screen 132 (S313).

The CPU21 determines whether or not the print content 132A input by the user via the operation portion 25 exists (S315). If the CPU21 determines that there is no input of the print content 132A (no in S315), it returns to S315 and repeats S315. When determining that there is an input of the print content 132A (yes in S315), the CPU21 generates first print data based on the input print content 132A (S317). More specifically, the CPU21 generates first print data corresponding to the input print content 132A, and stores it in the RAM23. At this time, the CPU21 includes conversion mode information in the first print data, refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and includes run number information even when the run number function 131C is enabled.

The CPU21 refers to the first conversion flag and the second conversion flag stored in the RAM23, and determines whether or not the first conversion mode is designated (S319). More specifically, the CPU21 determines that the first conversion mode is designated when the value of the first conversion flag is "1", and determines that the first conversion mode is not designated when the value of the second conversion flag is "1". That is, in this case, the CPU21 determines that the second conversion mode is designated. When determining that the first conversion mode is designated (yes in S319), the CPU21 generates second print data obtained by exchanging one side print content with the other side print content based on the input print content 132A (S321). More specifically, for example, when the second print data is generated based on the input print content 132A, the CPU1 generates the second print content in which one side print content of the input print content 132A is exchanged with the other side print content. Then, the CPU21 generates second print data corresponding to the second print content and stores the second print data in the RAM23. For example, when generating the second print data based on the first print data, the CPU21 generates the second print data by exchanging one side data of the first print data with the other side data, and stores the second print data in the RAM23.

When it is determined that the first conversion mode is not designated (no in S319), that is, when it is determined that the second conversion mode is designated, the CPU21 generates second print data of a second printing section 80B in which one side print is exchanged with the other side print for the input print 132A and the one side print is rotated by 180 ° based on the first print data or the input print 132A (S323). More specifically, for example, in the case of generating the second print data based on the input print content 132A, the CPU21 generates the second print content by exchanging one-side print content of the input print content 132A with the other-side print content and rotating by 180 °. Then, the CPU21 generates second print data corresponding to the second print content and stores the second print data in the RAM23. For example, when generating the second print data based on the first print data, the CPU21 generates the second print data by replacing one-side data and the other-side data of the first print data and generating one-side data and the other-side data, respectively, which are print results rotated by 180 ° for the print results of the one-side data and the other-side data, and stores the second print data in the RAM23.

The CPU21 generates a control command for partially cutting the tube 9 between the first printing portion 80A based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data, that is, a partial cutting command (S325). At this time, when the first print data includes the serial number information, the CPU21 refers to the parameter information stored in the RAM23 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131, and generates the partial cut commands, the number of which is the next number of the designated serial numbers, for which the partial cut commands are valid. The CPU21 transmits the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command to the printing apparatus 1B via the communication unit 27 (S327), and resets the first conversion flag and the second conversion flag (S329). The CPU21 returns to S301 to repeat the above-described processing.

< conversion mode printing processing >

The flow of the shift mode printing process will be described with reference to fig. 13. The present conversion mode printing process is executed by the printing apparatus 1B triggered by the input of power. Specifically, the CPU41 reads out and executes a program for the conversion mode print processing from the ROM 42.

The CPU41 determines whether print data is received via the communication section 19 (S401). If the CPU41 determines that the print data has not been received (no in S401), it returns to S401 and repeats S401. When determining that the print data has been received (yes in S401), the CPU41 determines whether or not the received print data includes conversion mode information (S403). When determining that the conversion mode information is not included (no in S403), the CPU41 performs print processing on the received print data (S405). The CPU41 returns to S401.

If it is determined that the conversion mode information is included (yes in S403), the CPU41 determines whether or not the received print data includes serial number information (S407). If it is determined that the serial number information is not included (no in S407), the CPU41 sets the upper limit value of the counter Cnt to "1" (S409). If the CPU41 determines that the serial number information is included (yes in S407), the upper limit value of the counter Cnt is set to the number of times of the designated serial number (S411).

The CPU41 resets the counter Cnt (Cnt = 1) (S413). The CPU41 drives the conveyance motor 98 to start conveyance of the tube 9 (S415). The CPU41 controls the print head 61 and the like, and executes printing based on the first print data (S417) and printing based on the second print data (S419). The CPU41 determines whether the prescribed position of the printed tube 9 (between the first printing portion 80A based on the first print data and the second printing portion 80B based on the second print data) has reached the cutter 64 (S421). Since the conveyance motor 98 is a stepping motor as described above, it is possible to detect whether or not a predetermined position has reached the cutter 64 based on the number of steps, for example.

If the CPU41 determines that the predetermined position of the printed tube 9 has not reached the cutter 64 (no in S421), it repeats S421. When determining that the predetermined position of the printed tube 9 has reached the cutter 64 (yes in S421), the CPU41 controls the cutter 64 to perform the partial cut at the predetermined position in accordance with the partial cut command (S423). The CPU41 counts the counter Cnt (S425).

The CPU41 determines whether the value of the counted counter Cnt exceeds the upper limit value (S427). If the CPU41 determines that the upper limit value is exceeded (yes in S427), the process returns to S401 and repeats the above-described process. When determining that the upper limit value is not exceeded (no in S427), the CPU41 refers to the serial number information and generates first print data in the next order based on the first print data just processed before and the number N designated as forward designation or backward designation (S429).

The CPU41 refers to the run number information, and generates the second print data of the next order based on the second print data processed immediately before and the number N designated as the forward designation or the backward designation (S431). The CPU41 returns to S415 and repeats the above-described processing.

< main action and Effect of the third embodiment >

In the third embodiment, the printing apparatus 1B includes: a print head 61 that prints on the tube 9; a conveyance motor 98 and a conveyance roller 65 for conveying the tube 9; and a pipe fitting portion 40 of the carried pipe 9. The printing apparatus 1B further includes: a cutter 64 that performs partial cutting of the tube 9; and a communication unit 19 that receives first print data transmitted from the connected terminal device 2 and second print data obtained by exchanging one side data with the other side data. The printing apparatus 1B performs printing of the first printing portion 80A based on the first printing data, and performs printing of the second printing portion 80B based on the second printing data on the upstream side of the tube 9 on which the first printing portion 80A is printed. The printing apparatus 1B controls the transport motor 98 to transport the tube 9, and performs a partial cut between the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 14 (2), the printing apparatus 1B can form a set of printed tubes 80 composed of, for example, a first printing portion 80A (a 11/B11) and a second printing portion 80B (B11/a 11) connected by partial cutting. Next, as shown in fig. 14 (2) and (3), the pair of printed tubes 80 is inserted into the cable 85 at one stroke. Next, as shown in fig. 14 (4), since the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B are separated after insertion and attached to both ends of the cable 85, the number of steps for the cable 85 can be reduced. Moreover, the possibility of inserting an erroneous printed tube 9 can be reduced.

The printing apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment has the same effects as those of the printing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

< modification example >

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the first to third embodiments, the printing apparatuses 1A and 1B partially cut the printed pipe 9. That is, the cutter 64 for performing partial cutting is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the print head 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a cutter dedicated for partial cutting may be provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the print head 61, and when the switching mode 131M is designated, the pipe 9 may be partially cut by this cutter before printing.

In the first to third embodiments, one-side print content and the other-side print content of the print content 132A are separated by "/". However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be, for example ": "and the like.

When the terminal device 2 is connected to the printing apparatus 1B via the network 3, the input information indicating the print content 132A and the parameter information indicating the content set on the pipe print setting screen 131 may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 1B instead of the terminal device 2 generating and transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus 1B. The printing apparatus 1B can generate the first print data and the second print data based on the received information indicating the print content 132A and the parameter information, and perform the print processing.

In the case where the conversion mode 131M is designated by the user, the partial cut is performed between the first printing portion 80A and the second printing portion 80B. However, the partial cutting may be performed between the other portions, that is, between the second printing portion 80B and the first printing portion 80A, or the cutting may be performed, or neither the partial cutting nor the cutting may be performed.

In each step of the flowcharts, the order of the steps may be changed or steps may be added or deleted as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing. For example, S15 of fig. 6 and S51 of fig. 7 may be omitted. Whether or not the serial number function 131C is valid can be determined by referring to the parameter information stored in the RAM44 at the time of setting the pipe print setting screen 131.

The programs and the like for executing the conversion mode setting processing and the like may be stored in a disk device or the like provided in a server device on the internet, and the printing devices 1A, 1B and the terminal device 2 may download various programs and the like.

According to the embodiment, the printing apparatuses 1A and 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 may use other types of storage devices other than ROM and RAM. For example, the printing apparatuses 1A, 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 may have storage devices such as CAM (Content Addressable Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

According to the embodiment, the electrical configurations of the printing apparatuses 1A, 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 may be different from those of fig. 3 and 8, and hardware other than the specifications and types illustrated in fig. 3 and 8 can be applied to the printing apparatuses 1A, 1B and the terminal apparatus 2.

For example, the control units of the printing apparatuses 1A and 1B and the terminal apparatus 2 shown in fig. 3 and 8 may be implemented by hardware circuits. Specifically, each control unit may be realized by a reconfigurable Circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like, instead of at least one of the CPU41 and the CPU 21. Each control unit may be realized by at least one of the CPU41 and the CPU21 and by both hardware circuits.

< Others >

The print head 61 is an example of the "printing section" of the present invention. The conveyance motor 98 and the conveyance rollers 65 to 69 are examples of the "conveyance unit" of the present invention. The cutter 64 is an example of the "cutting portion" of the present invention. The input unit 13A is an example of the "receiving unit" of the present invention. The CPU41 is an example of the "first print data generating unit", the "second print data generating unit", the "first print control unit", the "second print control unit", the "partial cut control unit", the "conversion mode setting unit", and the "display control unit" of the present invention. The one-sided print content is an example of "one side" of the present invention. The other-side print content is an example of the "other side" of the present invention. The operation unit 25 is an example of the "reception unit" of the present invention. The CPUs 41 and 21 exemplify a "computer" according to the present invention. The process of S43 shown in fig. 7 or the process of S125 of the conversion mode setting process shown in fig. 9 is an example of the "first print data generating step" in the present invention. The processing of S47 shown in fig. 7 or the processing of S129 and S131 of the conversion mode setting processing shown in fig. 9 is an example of the "second print data generating step" of the present invention. The processing of S67 shown in fig. 7 or the processing of S133 of the conversion mode setting processing shown in fig. 9 is an example of the "partial cut command creation step" of the present invention. In S135 of the conversion mode setting process shown in FIG. 9 the processing is an example of the "transmission procedure" of the present invention. The processing at S109 of the conversion mode setting processing shown in fig. 9 is an example of the "conversion mode setting step" of the present invention. The processing of S111 and S113 in the conversion mode setting processing shown in fig. 9 is an example of the "mode display control step" in the present invention. The processing of S61 shown in fig. 7 is an example of the "first print control step" of the present invention. The processing of S63 shown in fig. 7 is an example of the "second print control step" of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. A printing apparatus is characterized by comprising:

a printing section that prints on the tube;

a conveying section that conveys the tube;

a cutting unit that is provided in a conveyance path for conveying the pipe and performs a partial cut that is a cut leaving a part of the pipe in a circumferential direction; and

a receiving unit configured to receive an input including print contents printed on one side and the other side of the first printing portion of the tube,

the printing apparatus includes:

a first print data generation unit configured to generate first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side, based on the print content accepted by the acceptance unit;

a second print data generation unit configured to generate second print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data based on the first print data or the print content;

a first print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of the first print portion on the tube based on the first print data;

a second print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of a second print portion on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the tube on which the first print portion is printed, immediately after the first print portion is printed, based on the second print data, to form a set of print portions configured by the first print portion and the second print portion; and

a partial cut control unit that controls the conveying portion to convey the tube, controls the cutting portion to perform the partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion in the set of printing portions,

the second print data generating means creates the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state in which the one-side data and the other-side data are reversed and rotated by 180 ° based on the first print data or the print content.

2. The printing apparatus of claim 1,

the first print data generating unit generates the first print data in which the specified consecutive marks included in the first printing unit, i.e., consecutive marks, are moved forward or backward to be the next consecutive mark,

the second print data generation unit generates the second print data in which the continuous mark of the second print portion is advanced or retreated to the next sequential continuous mark,

the first print data generation unit and the second print data generation unit generate the first print data and the second print data, respectively, which are obtained by advancing or retreating to the next order of the consecutive marks until a predetermined number of times.

3. Printing device according to claim 1 or 2,

the next sequential consecutive symbol is a consecutive symbol obtained by skipping a predetermined number of the consecutive symbols.

4. Printing device according to claim 1 or 2,

the printing apparatus includes a conversion mode setting unit for setting a first conversion mode or a second conversion mode,

the first conversion mode is a mode in which the second print data generation means generates the second print data by exchanging the first print data with the second print data based on the first print data or the print content,

the second conversion mode is the following mode: the second print data generating means generates the second print data in which the one-side data and the other-side data are in a print state in which the one-side data and the other-side data are exchanged and rotated by 180 ° based on the first print data or the print content.

5. Printing device according to claim 4,

the printing apparatus includes a display unit having at least a display function,

the printing apparatus includes a display control unit that controls the display unit to display a predetermined character when the first conversion mode is selected, and causes the display unit to display the predetermined character rotated by 180 ° when the second conversion mode is selected.

6. A printing apparatus is characterized by comprising:

a printing section that prints on the tube;

a conveying section that conveys the tube;

a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path that transports the pipe and performs cutting, i.e., partial cutting, in which a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is left; and

a communication unit that receives first print data and second print data transmitted from a connected terminal device, the first print data including first side data printed on one side of a first print portion and second side data printed on the other side of the first print portion on the pipe, the second print data being print data obtained by replacing the first side data with the second side data and rotating the first side data by 180 degrees,

the printing apparatus includes:

a first print control unit that controls the printing section to perform printing of the first print portion on the tube based on the first print data;

a second print control unit that controls the printing unit to perform printing of a second print portion on an upstream side of the tube in the conveying direction in which the first print portion is printed, immediately after the first print portion is printed, based on the second print data, to form a set of print portions composed of the first print portion and the second print portion; and

a partial cut control unit that controls the conveying portion to convey the tube, and controls the cutting portion to perform the partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion in the set of printing portions.

7. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program,

the program causes a computer of a terminal device to execute a first print data generating step, a second print data generating step, a partial cut command generating step, and a transmitting step,

the terminal device is connected to the printing device,

the printing apparatus includes: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; and a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path for transporting the pipe and performs a partial cut that is a cut leaving a part of the pipe in a circumferential direction,

the terminal device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive an input including print contents printed on one side and the other side of the first printing portion of the tube; and a second communication section capable of communicating with the printing apparatus,

in the first print data generating step, first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side is generated based on the print content received by the receiving unit,

in the second print data generation step, second print data obtained by exchanging the one-side data with the other-side data is generated based on the first print data or the print content,

in the partial cut command making step, a partial cut command is made which controls the conveying portion to convey the tube and controls the cutting portion to execute the partial cut between the first printing portion in a set of printing portions composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion and a second printing portion printed on the tube by the printing portion on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the tube on which the first printing portion is printed immediately after the first printing portion is printed based on the second print data,

in the transmitting step, the first print data, the second print data, and the partial cut command are transmitted from the second communicating portion to the printing apparatus,

in the second print data generating step, the first print data and the second print data are generated in a print state in which the first print data and the second print data are rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the first print data and the second print data with each other, based on the first print data or the print content.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7,

generating the first print data by advancing or retreating the specified continuous marks included in the first print section to the next sequential continuous marks,

in the second print data generation step, the second print data is generated by moving the continuous mark of the second print portion forward or backward to the next sequential continuous mark.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8,

the next sequential consecutive symbol is a consecutive symbol obtained by skipping a predetermined number of the consecutive symbols.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of claims 7-9,

the program is for causing the computer to execute a conversion mode setting step of setting a first conversion mode or a second conversion mode,

the first conversion mode is a mode for creating the second print data obtained by exchanging the first print data with the second print data based on the first print data or the print content in the second print data creating step,

the second conversion mode is a mode in which: in the second print data generating step, the first print data and the second print data are generated in a print state in which the first print data and the second print data are rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the first print data and the second print data with each other, based on the first print data or the print content.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,

the terminal device is provided with a display unit,

the program is for causing the computer to execute a mode display control step,

in the mode display control step, the display unit is controlled to display a predetermined character when the mode is the first conversion mode, and the display unit is controlled to display the predetermined character rotated by 180 ° when the mode is the second conversion mode.

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program,

the program is for causing a computer of the printing apparatus to execute a first print data generating step, a second print data generating step, a first print control step, a second print control step, and a partial cut control step,

the printing apparatus includes: a printing section that prints on the tube; a conveying section that conveys the tube; a cutting unit that is provided in a transport path that transports the pipe and performs cutting, i.e., partial cutting, in which a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is left; and a receiving unit configured to receive an input including print contents printed on one side and the other side of the first printing portion of the tube,

in the first print data generating step, first print data including one-side data for printing the one side and the other-side data for printing the other side is generated based on the print content received by the receiving unit,

generating second print data by exchanging the first print data with the second print data based on the first print data or the print content,

in the first print control step, the printing section is controlled to perform printing of the first print portion on the tube based on the first print data;

in the second print control step, immediately after the first printing portion is printed, the printing section is controlled to perform printing of a second printing portion on the upstream side of the conveying direction of the tube on which the first printing portion is printed, based on the second print data, to form a set of printing portions composed of the first printing portion and the second printing portion,

in the partial cut control step, the conveying portion is controlled to convey the tube, the cutting portion is controlled to perform the partial cut between the first printing portion and the second printing portion in the set of printing portions,

in the second print data generating step, the first print data and the second print data are generated in a print state in which the first print data and the second print data are rotated by 180 ° by exchanging the first print data and the second print data with each other, based on the first print data or the print content.

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