JP2003170628A - Tape printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tape printer which can easily set margins in accordance with a connecting cable diameter at a formation time of labels and can easily form labels by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: There are set an imaging means (controller 31) for forming a block composed of a margin area 91, and printing data areas 92a and 92b set at the right and left of the margin area 91, a setting means (controller 31) for setting a length of the margin area or/and the printing data areas, an operation part 5 for inputting printing data to the printing data areas, a RAM 36 for storing inputted printing data for every block, and a thermal head 47 for printing data to tapes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape printer for printing characters or the like on the surface of an adhesive tape or the like to create a label or the like, and in particular, to create a label to be attached to a cable or the like. The present invention relates to a tape printer capable of performing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in various electronic equipments having a large number of input terminals such as a personal computer and an electronic equipment having a LAN function, a connection cable connected to each of these input terminals is connected to the terminal of the connection destination. Labels and tags such as numbers and terminal names are wrapped around to improve the efficiency of connection work and prevent connection mistakes. Various tape printers have been proposed for producing such labels and tags.

A conventional tape printer operates a keyboard to input characters and symbols to create print data such as a terminal number and a terminal name for each block, and print data of each block on a release paper. Labels have been made by printing on a sticky tape with adhesive. Also, when printing this print data on adhesive tape with release paper to create a label, a block consisting of a part for inputting print data such as characters and symbols and a blank part should be set for each label. It has become. By sticking the label thus created to the connection cable, the terminal number or terminal name of the connection destination of the connection cable can be known. From such a request, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 9A, two labels 101a and 101b on which the same terminal number and terminal name are printed are created, and as shown in FIG. Label 101
A and 101b are attached and attached to the connection cable 103. In this way, two labels 10
Label 101 for cable by laminating 1a and 101b
By doing so, even if the connection cable 103 is twisted, it is possible to form a label by which the terminal number and the terminal name of the connection destination of the connection cable 103 can be reliably viewed.

However, the above-mentioned two labels 101a, 10
In the method of attaching 1b to the connection cable 103 and attaching it to the connection cable 103, the ends of the labels 101a and 101b attached to the outer peripheral portion of the connection cable 103 are not connected, so that the pulling in the direction F shown in FIG. There is a problem that the label 101 has low strength and the label 101 is easily detached. Further, the work of correctly overlapping the two labels 101a and 101b while aligning the positions was also a very troublesome and difficult work. From this point of view, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, print data such as a terminal number and a terminal name is printed on the left and right of one label 105, and FIG.
It is conceivable that the label 105 is folded back at the central portion as shown in FIG. In this way, one label 105 is wound around the connection cable 107, so that the tensile strength in the F direction shown in FIG. 9B can be improved.

[0005]

However, in the case of the label that is folded back, it is necessary to provide a margin in the central portion corresponding to the portion to be attached to the cable 107. However, when trying to create the label 105 with a conventional tape printer, after inputting the print data in the area 105a, for example, the space key is operated several times to create a blank portion having a length corresponding to the outer circumference of the connection cable 107. Was set, and then the same print data had to be input to the area 105b. In this way, when the space key is operated multiple times to set the margin part, it takes a long time to input, and if the space key is operated too few times, the length of the margin part becomes short and the terminal Since the printed portion such as the number or the terminal name is hung on the portion to be attached to the cable 107, the terminal number or the terminal name becomes a label that is difficult to see. If the space key is operated too many times, the margin is longer than necessary. Therefore, there is a problem that the tape is consumed wastefully. Furthermore, when the label 105 is created as described above, the area 1
Since the same print data must be input to each of 05a and 105b, it is troublesome and it is very difficult to set an appropriate margin portion. Further, in the case of the above-mentioned tape printer, the arrangement direction of the characters with respect to the label is fixed in the same block by the initial setting even in the vertical writing mode or the horizontal writing mode. Therefore, when a label is formed by printing on both sides with a margin in the center as described above, the characters printed on both sides are in the same direction when the tape is spread, but the label is attached to the cable. In the state, the arrangement direction of the characters is opposite on the front and back. Therefore, when confirming the label actually wound around the cable in a narrow place, the arrangement of characters on the front and back of the label may be reversed, which may be difficult to see.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above problems, and when a label for a cable is created, a blank portion to be a sticking portion is automatically set according to the diameter of the connecting cable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tape printer capable of producing a label with a simple operation. Also, for the purpose of making it easier to read the printed contents of the label while it is wrapped around the cable, when printing the entered characters, etc. on both sides with a margin, set the arrangement direction of the characters printed on both sides. An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer which can be changed automatically depending on the situation.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application has the following configuration. That is, a tape printing device for printing predetermined characters or symbols on the surface of a tape having an adhesive portion on the back surface and pasting release paper on the adhesive portion, and Input means for inputting, instructing or selecting functions, display means for displaying the inputted characters and symbols, storage means for storing a predetermined control program, and operation based on the control program A control unit including a CPU, a storage unit, and the like, and a printing unit that performs printing on the tape under the control of the control unit are provided, and the control unit selects a margin or a print data area by performing function selection or initialization. While generating block information consisting of, and setting characters and symbols input by the input means as print data in the print data section area, According print instruction via the stage, the tape printing device, characterized in that the printing block information which the print data is set for the tape.

A tape printer according to a second aspect has the following configuration. That is, the control means has a setting function of storing a plurality of block information in which the print data is set and setting the length of the margin portion and / or the print data portion area for each of the stored block information. 2. The tape printer according to claim 1, further comprising a function of selecting arbitrary block information from the plurality of stored block information and instructing to print only the selected block information.

A tape printer according to a third aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the control means has a function of setting a mark in the central portion of the margin in accordance with a function instruction via the input means, and a function of instructing to print the block information in which the mark is set. The tape printer according to claim 1 or 2, which is characterized in that.

A tape printer according to a fourth aspect has the following structure. That is, the control means has a function of rotating and / or changing the arrangement direction of the print data input to the print data section area. Tape printing device.

A tape printer according to a fifth aspect has the following structure. That is, the control means has a function of copying the print data set in one print data section area of the block information to the other print data section area.
The tape printer according to the item.

A tape printer according to a sixth aspect has the following configuration. That is, the control means has a function of copying the print data set in one print data area of the block information to the other print data area by changing the arrangement direction thereof. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A tape printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a tape printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the front surface of the tape printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the rear surface of the tape printer according to the present invention. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of the operation unit, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a label produced by the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a label produced by the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention. Illustration of when
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of another label produced by the tape printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a printing process.

The tape printer 1 according to the present invention has a device body 3, and an operation unit (input means) 5 and a display device (display means) 7 are provided on the surface of the device body 3. A tape cassette 9 and an ink ribbon 11 are housed in the apparatus body 3, and a cassette cover 13 is openably and closably provided in the housing portion. In addition, the apparatus main body 3 is formed with a concave tape passage 15 which serves as a passage for the tape fed from the tape cassette 9, and the tape fed out after printing is completed can be cut off by operating the scissors button 17. You can

An insert port 19 for connecting an AC adapter device (not shown) is provided on the side surface of the device body 3. A storage portion for storing a battery is provided on the back surface of the apparatus body 3, and a battery lid 21 is detachably provided in the battery storage portion. Further, a memory card storage portion for storing a memory card is formed in the vicinity of the battery storage portion, and a memory card cover 23 is detachably provided in the memory card storage portion.

Next, the configuration of the circuit portion incorporated in the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device (control means) 31 is connected to the operation unit 5 via the interface circuit 33. The control device 31 includes a ROM (storage unit) 32, a CPU 34, and a RAM (storage unit) 3.
Have six. The ROM 32 stores a control program that is processed / executed by the CPU 34 and that controls each unit of the entire apparatus main body 3. In addition, the control device 31
A memory card 35 is detachably connected to the. Each circuit unit of the control device 31 is connected via an interface circuit 37. That is, the interface circuit 37
To the display device 7 via a display drive circuit 39, a motor 43 via a motor drive circuit 41, a thermal head 47 via a head drive circuit 45, and a cutter drive circuit 49. The tape cutter 51 is connected.

The operation unit 5 is provided with an input means including a press key for inputting print data such as characters, numbers and symbols and selecting or setting various functions.
The information input by the input means is information for selecting or setting what kind of printing is to be performed on the tape, such as information on characters, numbers, symbols to be printed, margins, styles such as one-step writing and two-step writing. is there. What is actually printed on the tape by the input is a character group consisting of characters and symbols, a margin provided between the character group and another character group, and a mark indicating a folding position described later. Etc. The tape after printing is cut into a predetermined length by the operation of the scissors button 17 as described above. Information to be printed in one cut tape is referred to as "block (block information)" below. Called. That is, the block is composed of the character group, the margin, the mark, etc., is input by the operation unit 5 while being confirmed by the display device 7, and is printed on the tape. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, for sticking to a signal cable or the like, a mark for the sticking position and a tape for automatically printing the mark indicating the folding position, for creating a tape, An example of the tape printer will be described. It should be noted that the function of creating such a tape does not matter whether it is the only function of the tape printer or a function of selecting from a plurality of other tape creating functions. In the following, description will be made centering on the function concerned with the tape printer, omitting already known techniques and the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a printing tape printed by using the function of the present invention of the tape printer 1. The ROM 32 has a blank area 91 for forming a printing tape as shown in FIG.
And a program for forming a block consisting of print data area 92a, 92b provided on the left and right of the margin area 91. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the blank area 91 can be set by inputting the diameter or the outer circumference of the connection cable 93 from the operation unit 5, and the length of the label 94 can be set to the length of the label 94.
Print data area 92a, 9
A length of 2b can be set. Specifically, assuming that the diameter of the connection cable 93 is D (mm), the outer peripheral length thereof is represented by πD (mm), so the length of the blank area 91 is πD (π is the circular constant). ) Or a dimension slightly longer than πD. The ROM 32 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), a program for setting a center line 95 as a mark is stored in the center of the block. The mark formed in the center of the block is not limited to the dotted line, and various marks such as a one-dot chain line, a two-dot chain line, an appropriate mark, and a straight line are used.

Further, the tape printer is capable of simultaneously producing a plurality of tapes having different print contents. That is, it is possible to input and edit a plurality of blocks, and in the ROM 32, a program for setting the font of the input characters for all blocks or for each block, character size, interval,
Left and right margins, a program for setting the format for double writing in all blocks or for each block, a kanji conversion program, a display control program, a motor drive control program, a print control program, a tape Various programs such as a control program relating to the cutter are stored. Also, RO
M32 includes 92a and 92b in the print data area.
A program for editing in what state characters to be printed on is printed is stored. That is, a program for rotating the input print data by 90 degrees, a program for copying the print data input to one print data area of the block to the other print data area, and the like are stored. Also, the ROM 32 copies the print data input to one print data area of the block to the other print data area when
It stores a program that changes the direction of the data to be printed and copies the data so that the data is aligned or back-to-back.
Further, the ROM 32 stores a program for causing the display device 7 to display print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of blocks selected from the plurality of blocks. Further, the ROM 32 stores data regarding standard character fonts. In the present embodiment, “belly fitting” is a printing form shown in FIG. 7B, the direction (arrangement) of characters is the same as the longitudinal direction of the tape, and both sides of the blank area 96 are sandwiched. The characters located at are printed so that they can be read from the end of the tape. In addition, "back to back" refers to FIG.
In the print mode shown in (C), the orientation (arrangement) of characters is the same as the longitudinal direction of the tape, and the characters located on both sides of the blank area 96 are in the center of the tape (blank area 96). It refers to the state in which it is printed so that it can be read from the direction.

The CPU 34 includes a ROM 32, a RAM 36,
Various control processes are executed based on the programs and various data stored in the memory card 35. In addition, the CPU 34
Is a control for forming a block composed of a blank area 91 and print data area 92a, 92b provided on the left and right of the blank area 91, the blank area 91 or /
And control processing for setting the length of the print data area 92a, 92b. The CPU 34 also performs control for rotating the print data by 90 degrees for each character and control for copying the print data input to one print data area of one block to the other print data area. Further, when the print data input to one print data area of one block is copied to the other print data area of the block, the CPU 34 executes control for copying the print data so that the print data will be flat or back-to-back. And CP
U34 is an arbitrary 1 read from multiple blocks
Alternatively, control is performed to display print data corresponding to a plurality of blocks on the display device 7. RAM36
Stores the input print data, which is backed up by a battery (not shown). That is, the RAM 36
Is a storage unit for storing the print data for each block input from the input unit in association with each block. For example, when the operation block 5 is operated, the block No. Is counted up, and this block NO. Are sequentially stored in the RAM 36, and each block No. The print data corresponding to is sequentially stored in the RAM 36.

Instead of the RAM 36, an appropriate non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM can be used. A plurality of types of memory cards 35 are prepared, and each memory card 35 stores data relating to an optional specific character font, special pictograms, and the like. Therefore, by replacing the memory card 35, characters of various fonts can be created and printed on the tape.

The display drive circuit 39 is a CPU
The display device 7 is driven under the control of 34. The display device 7 sequentially displays the print data of each block, or displays the print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of blocks selected by the operation unit 5. The motor drive circuit 41 drives the motor 43 under the control of the CPU 34, and the tape is fed out. The head drive circuit 45 is a CPU
The thermal head 47 is driven under the control of 34. The thermal head 47 is a printing unit that prints the print data displayed on the display device 7 or the print data stored in the RAM 36 on a tape. The cutter drive circuit 49 drives the tape cutter 51 under the control of the CPU 34. The tape cutter 51 can cut only the adhesive tape without cutting the release paper of the adhesive tape with release paper.

The operation unit 5 has a plurality of keys as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. The key 61 is a key switch for turning the power on and off, the key 63 is a key switch for switching the alphanumeric characters, hiragana, and katakana of the input characters, the key 65 is a key switch for inputting a consonant sound, and the key 67. Is a key switch for setting various functions, and key 69 is a key switch for printing the input print data on the tape. A plurality of character keys and the like are arranged in the key group 71. By operating this key group 71, print data can be input. The key group 73 is provided with a plurality of key switches, and by operating in combination with any of the key switches of the key 67 and the key group 73 described above, various functions such as displaying the contents to be actually printed are set. can do. Key 7
Reference numeral 5 is a key switch for inputting a break block mark, key 77 is a key switch for confirming a converted Kanji character, etc., and key 79 is a key switch for converting a Kanji compound word. Reference numeral 81 is a key switch used for moving the cursor, selecting a range of hiragana to be converted, etc., key 83 is a key switch for erasing input characters one by one, and key 85 is a converted kanji character. It is a key switch for returning to Hiragana.

Next, the operation will be described. First, by operating the operation unit 5, as shown in FIG.
A block composed of print data area 92a, 92b provided on the left and right of the blank area 91 is created. The blank area 91 is a portion attached to the outer peripheral portion of the connection cable. As described above, the blank area 91
When a block composed of the print data area 92a, 92b provided on the left and right of the blank area 91 is created, a center line 95 is set in the center of the blank area 91 under the control of the CPU 34. . For example,
Since the block creation mode is set by operating the function key 67 and an appropriate character key of the key group 71,
The length of the margin area 91 can be set by inputting the diameter or the outer circumference of the connection cable 93 from the operation unit 5, and the length of the label 94 can be input from the operation unit 5 to the print data area 92a, The length of 92b can be set. The margin area 91 is the connection cable 9
3 is a portion to be attached in a wound state on the outer peripheral portion of 3. Further, as described above, the blank area 91 and the print data area 92 provided on the left and right of the blank area 91.
When a block composed of a and 92b is created, the CPU 3
Based on the control of No. 4, a center line 95 is set at the center of this block. Of course, the center line 95 may be set by operating an appropriate key. That is, as described above, after the block including the blank area 91 and the print data area 92a and 92b provided on the left and right of the blank area 91 is created, for example, the function key 67 and the key group 71 are appropriately changed. The center line 95 may be set at the center of this block by operating the character keys of.

In the above description, the operation section 5 is operated to set the length of the blank area 91 and the length of the label 94. However, a question (interactive) format displayed on the display device 7 is displayed. The length of the blank area 91 and the length of the label 94 may be set while visually recognizing. For example, by operating the function key 67 and an appropriate character key of the key group 71, the block creation mode is set, and the question “What is the diameter of the cable?” Is displayed on the display device 7. The operator who sees the key group 71
When the character keys of the numbers "1" and "2" are operated, the margin area 91 having a length corresponding to the diameter of the cable of 12 mm is set. Next, the question “What is the label length?” Is displayed on the display device 7. When the operator visually recognizing this operates the character keys of the numbers “4” and “0” of the key group 71, the length of the label 94, that is, the length of the portion protruding from the cable when the label is wound around the cable is determined. 40
set to mm. Here, the same question format can be used to set the character font, the character size, the character spacing, whether to write in two columns, or the like.

Next, the key group 71 of the operation unit 5 is operated to display the print data "LA" in the print data area 92a.
N User-6 ”is entered in two lines. Then, by operating the function key 67 and, for example, the letter key of the alphabet "I" in the key group 71, the print data "LAN Use" input to the print data area 92a is input.
r-6 "can be copied to the other print data area 92b. In this way, the block No. Input of print data to 1 is completed. Similarly, the print data is input to other blocks. At this time, every time the operation unit 5 is operated to input a break block mark, the block No.
Is counted up, and this block NO. Are sequentially RA
M36 is stored in each block No.
The print data corresponding to is sequentially stored in the RAM 36.

Next, a case will be described in which the print data of a desired block is displayed on the display device 7 in order to confirm whether or not the input print data has an input error.
For example, first, the function key 67 and the letter key of the alphabet "P" of the key group 71 are operated. As a result, a command for displaying the print data on the display device 7 is input, and the print data of the block in which the cursor exists at this time is displayed on the display device 7. By visually recognizing the print data displayed on the display device 7, the operator can easily and quickly confirm that the print data has been correctly input, thereby preventing typing errors and improving work efficiency. Can be improved.

Next, by operating the operation unit 5, the print data displayed on the display device 7 or the print data stored in the RAM 36 can be printed on the tape. That is, when the operator operates the print key 69, the CPU 3
According to the control of 4, the head drive circuit 45 drives the thermal head 47 to print the print data on the tape. At this time, the center line 95, which is a mark set at the center of the block, is also printed.

The label 94 thus created is
As shown in FIG. 6, the center line 95 is used as a mark and is wound around the connection cable 93, and the adhesive portions on the back surfaces of the labels 94 are attached to each other. In this way, the margin portion of the label 94 can be easily set according to the diameter of the connection cable 93, and the label 94 that does not easily come off even after being attached to the connection cable 93 can be easily created. it can.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, another label produced by the tape printer according to the present invention and a procedure for producing the label will be described. Note that FIG. 8 is shown in a simplified manner to explain the main functions of the tape printer, and explanations of other processing such as error processing and cancellation processing are omitted. Figure 7
FIG. 8A shows an example of a tape on which the characters “power supply” are printed, and S1 to S9 in FIG. 8 correspond to the label creation procedure. Further, the reference numerals S1 to S12 in FIG. 8 indicate steps in which the procedure of label production is shown step by step.

The label shown in FIG. 7 (A) has the characters "power" printed vertically in the print data area 97a, 97b along the longitudinal direction of the tape. Less than,
A case of creating the label shown in the figure will be described. First, a label producing mode for producing a label for a cable is selected from the functions of the tape printer (S1). When the mode is set, the control device 3
A block having a blank area 96 and print data area 97a and 97b provided on the left and right of the blank area 96 is set in the first area. Next, the printing form of the label to be created is selected (S2). This step S2 is shown in FIG.
A "normal label" in which the directions of characters set in the two areas (97a, 97b) are the same as shown in (A), and two areas as shown in FIG. 7 (B) or 7 (C) Is used to select one of the "reverse character labels" having different character orientations. In the example shown in FIG.
"Y" is selected (S3). By the selection, the "normal label" creation mode is set. Next, as an example, the character "power" is input (S4). The input character is set as data to be printed in 97a which is one of the print data area. When the data is set, the input character can be rotated next. That is, with respect to the label to be created, horizontal writing, vertical writing, and whether the leading edge of the character is on the end side or the center side of the tape (block) is set in this step. Note that, as a default, the character direction of the input character is set as horizontal writing along the longitudinal direction of the block. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7A, the input character (“power”) is rotated counterclockwise. Rotate 90 degrees to (S
5). Next, the character set in the print data section area 97a in the rotated state is the other print data section area 9a.
7b is copied (parallel copy) without changing the direction of characters and set as print data (S6). In this state, when printed, a blank space 96 is provided in the center, and block information having print data on the left and right sides of the blank space 96 is displayed and stored as data of a printable block. Next, when actually printing on the tape, the center line 98 is placed at the center of the margin 96.
After selecting whether or not to print (S7), printing is performed (S8), a label of the form shown in the figure is created, and the process ends (S9).

Further, FIG. 7B shows another example of the tape on which the character "power" is printed. The label shown in the figure is referred to as "belly matching" in the present embodiment, and the procedure for producing the label of the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7B and 8. The processing from S1 to S2 in FIG. 8 is the same as that described in the example of FIG. That is, first, when the label producing mode of the tape printer is selected (S1), the controller 31 has a blank area 96 and print data areas 97c and 97d provided on the left and right of the blank area 96. The block is set. Then, the printing form of the label to be created is selected (S2). In the case of the label shown in FIG. 7B, "reverse character label" is selected as the printing form (branching to "N" in step S3). next,
As an example, the character "power" is input (S10).
The entered character is one of the print data area 97
It is set as data to be printed on c. Also, FIG.
Similar to the example of (A), when the data is set, it becomes possible to rotate the next input character, and for the label to be created, horizontal writing or vertical writing, the beginning of the character is tape (block). ) Is set at this step such as whether it is on the end side or the center side. Furthermore, as a default, the character direction of the input characters is set as horizontal writing along the longitudinal direction of the block, so in the example shown in FIG. 7B, the input characters (“power”) are input one by one. It is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (S11). That is,
The characters set in the print data area 97c are set as an array of characters to be read from the end of the block toward the center. Next, the print data area 97c
The character set in the rotated state is copied to the other print data portion area 97d in a state in which the character is rotated 180 degrees one character at a time and the arrangement is also reversed (reverse) (S12), Is set as print data with a margin 96. This state is a printing form for a label called "belly matching" in the present embodiment,
In the areas 97c and 97d, the characters are read from the ends of the blocks toward the center. Next, when actually printing on the tape, after selecting whether or not to print the center line 98 in the center of the margin portion 96 (S7), printing is performed (S8). A label having such a form is created and the process ends (S9).

Further, FIG. 7C shows another example of the tape on which the character "power" is printed. The label shown in the figure is referred to as "back to back" in the present embodiment, and the procedure for producing the label of the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 (C) and 8. Since the main label producing procedure is the same as that shown in FIG. 7B, the following description will focus on the differences. That is, steps S1 to S
3, the flow from S3 to S10 is the same, and the control device 3
A block having a blank area 96 and print data area 97e and 97f provided on the left and right of the blank area 96 is set in the inside. Next, in step S11, the character set in the print data area 97e is rotated. In this rotation, the input character ("power") is rotated 90 degrees clockwise one character at a time (S1
1), the character set in the print data area 97e is
It is set as an array that is read from the center of the block toward the end. Next, the character set in the state of being rotated in the print data portion area 97e is rotated (inverted) with respect to the other print data portion area 97f by rotating the direction of the character by 180 degrees and reversing the arrangement. Copy (S1
2) Set as print data with a margin 96 at the center. This state is "back to back" in this embodiment.
Is a printing form for a label called "," in which the reading direction of characters is in each of the areas 97e and 97f from the center to the end of the block.
Next, when printing is performed, the processes of steps S7 to S8 are performed, and the process ends (S9).

[0034]

The invention described in claim 1 of the present application described above is
It has the following effects. That is, when creating a label to be attached to a cable or the like, conventionally, the user had to input characters, symbols, and blank portions (margins) one by one. However, since the tape printer according to the present application has a program for creating a label prepared in advance, the operator does not have to set the cable diameter, the blank portion, etc. by himself, and the label can be created efficiently. You can In addition, since the block information having the print layout (print data area) of the tape is generated in advance, it is possible to easily create a label simply by setting the characters and symbols to be printed according to the layout. Have

The invention according to claim 2 has the following effect in addition to the above effect. So if you need to create labels for multiple cables at once,
Even when the cable diameters of multiple cables are not the same, you can set the margins for each label in block information units, which is the print information of the label. It has the effect that it can be created easily. Further, even if it is desired to print the same label on a plurality of sheets, it is possible to select and print only the desired label (block information), which has an effect that the tape is not consumed by wasteful printing. ing.

The invention according to claim 3 has the following effect in addition to the above effect. That is, there is an effect that it is possible to automatically print a mark at the time of sticking to the cable, and it is possible to create a label that can be efficiently stuck.

The invention according to claim 4 has the following effect in addition to the above effect. That is, since the print data input to the print data area has a function of rotating and / or changing the arrangement direction, the label can be created in accordance with the required label mode.

The invention according to claim 5 has the following effect in addition to the above effect. That is, since the copy means for copying the print data input to one print data area of the block to the other print data area is provided, the print data is input to one print data area of the block. Only by doing so, the same print data can be created in the other print data area, which has the effect of simplifying the print data input operation.

The invention according to claim 6 has the following effect in addition to the above effect. That is, when the print data input in one print data area of the block is copied to the other print data area, "belly-matching" or "back-to-back" is performed according to the required label mode.
Since it has a function to copy so that even if the connection cable with the label attached is twisted, it is necessary to create a label that allows the contents printed on the label to be viewed reliably from the same direction. It has the effect that

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the surface of the tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the back surface of the tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a label created by the tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when a label created by the tape printer according to the present invention is attached.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another label created by the tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a printing process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a label created by a conventional tape printer.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another label created by a conventional tape printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tape printer 3 device body 5 Operation part 7 Display device 9 tape cassettes 11 ink ribbon 31 Control device 32 ROM 33 Interface circuit 34 CPU 35 memory card 36 RAM 39 Display drive circuit 41 Motor drive circuit 43 motor 45 head drive circuit 47 Thermal head 49 Cutter drive circuit 51 tape cutter 91 Margin area 92a Print data area 92b Print data area 94 labels 95 Center line

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A tape printer for printing predetermined characters, symbols, or the like on the surface of a tape having an adhesive portion on the back surface and having a release paper attached to the adhesive portion. Input means for inputting symbols and the like, instructing or selecting functions, display means for displaying the input characters and symbols, storage means for storing a predetermined control program, and based on the control program It is equipped with a control unit comprising a CPU, a storage unit, etc. that operate in accordance with the above, and a printing unit that performs printing on the tape according to the control of the control unit. While generating block information consisting of a data section area, the characters and symbols input by the input means are set as print data in the print data section area, According print instruction via the fill power means, the tape printing apparatus, characterized in that the printing block information which the print data is set for the tape. 2. The setting means for storing a plurality of block information in which the print data is set, and setting a length of a margin portion and / or a print data portion area for each of the stored block information. 2. The tape according to claim 1, further comprising a function of selecting arbitrary block information from the plurality of stored block information and instructing to print only the selected block information. Printing device. 3. The control means has a function of setting a mark in the central portion of the margin in accordance with a function instruction via the input means, and has a function of instructing to print the block information in which the mark is set. Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that
The tape printer described. 4. The control means has a function of rotating and / or changing the arrangement direction of the print data input to the print data portion area.
4. The tape printer according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The control means has a function of copying the print data set in one print data area of the block information to the other print data area. The tape printer according to any one of items. 6. The control means has a function of copying the print data set in one print data area of the block information to the other print data area by changing the arrangement direction thereof. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is characterized.