JP2008221553A - Lettering tape and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an instant lettering tape which enables anyone to always carry out transfer with no transfer mottles. <P>SOLUTION: The lettering tape 10 forms a lettering tape 10 of an integrated layer structure in which a base layer 58, an ink layer 59 and an adhesive layer 60 that generates adhesive properties when once heated are sequentially stacked. When the lettering tape 10 is selectively heated by a thermal head 30 for image formation, a heated part 68 of the ink layer 59 formed with an image and a heated part 69 of the adhesive layer 60 are bonded to each other, and at the same time the heated part 69 of the adhesive layer 60 is made to generate adhesive properties. The lettering tape 10 itself is thus converted to the lettering tape 10 which can be transferred to a target transfer body 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an instant lettering tape.

Generally, for lettering, a ready-made transfer sheet (including a transfer material) is used, and a transfer image such as characters and figures formed on the transfer sheet is pressed against a receiving surface of an arbitrary transfer object to be peeled and transferred. Has been done. A transfer sheet that enables such simple lettering is referred to as an instant lettering sheet. Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for this type of transfer sheet.
Therefore, the present applicant can also transfer and print on a surface having poor wettability and strong peelability by using a thermal printer, typewriter, word processor or the like described in Patent Document 1, and the first covering. Ink for producing a dry transfer material, in which a transfer image obtained by thermal transfer onto a transfer body (transfer sheet) can be effectively pressure-sensitive retransferred onto a target second transfer target body by pressure. Proposed the ribbon technology.
In addition, as a heat seal label technology that generates adhesiveness when heated, a belt-like heat seal label having a printing surface described in Patent Document 2 and an adhesive surface with an adhesive fixed to the opposite side of the printing surface is disclosed. A technique is disclosed in which, after printing on the printing surface by an ink jet printing method, the heat seal label adhesive is melted and the ink printed on the heat seal label is dried.

JP-A 63-246280

Japanese Patent No. 3394572

In the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, an instant lettering tape / sheet that an individual user desires freely is created by using an ink ribbon for manufacturing a transfer material using an existing device such as a thermal transfer printer. It is possible and the degree of freedom is high. However, this instant lettering tape / sheet transfers an image formed by the ink layer of the ink ribbon to a first transfer target (transfer sheet), and then colors the target second transfer target. The image of the ink layer containing the agent, binder agent and pressure sensitive adhesive is simply transferred by applying pressure with a transfer jig or the like. For this reason, the pressure sensitive adhesive is included in the ink layer, but basically does not have the adhesive layer, so that it has a drawback of weak adhesion. Furthermore, when the user applies pressure to the image of the ink layer of the first transfer target (transfer sheet) using a transfer jig or the like, there are individual differences in how the pressure is applied. Depending on the user, the image of the ink layer of the first transfer target (transfer sheet) may not be completely transferred, and the transfer is provided with so-called transfer spots in which fine omissions occur partially. It was. Further, since it is impossible for the same user to always apply a certain pressure to the image of the ink layer of the first transfer target (transfer sheet), it is not always possible to transfer without transfer spots. There is also a problem.
Moreover, in the technique described in Patent Document 2 described above, the idea of creating an instant lettering tape / sheet is not described.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. A substrate layer, an ink layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that generates adhesiveness by heating once are sequentially laminated to transfer a surface. The tape created so that the dedicated adhesive layer is exposed to the image is formed on the ink layer of the tape by heating and adhesiveness is generated in the adhesive layer, and then attached to the target transfer target, Then, when the tape is peeled off, an object is to provide an instant lettering tape that allows anyone to always perform transfer without transfer spots due to the adhesiveness generated by heating the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

  In order to achieve the above object, the lettering tape according to claim 1 is a lettering tape having a layer structure in which a base material layer, an ink layer, and an adhesive layer that generates adhesiveness once heated are sequentially laminated. When the heating element is selectively heated, the heated portion of the ink layer and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are bonded, and the heated lettering tape is attached to the transferred body, By peeling the lettering tape, the heated portion of the ink layer and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are transferred to a transfer medium.

  The lettering tape according to claim 2 is the lettering tape according to claim 1, wherein a release paper is provided on the adhesive layer side of the lettering tape.

  The lettering tape according to claim 3 is the lettering tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lettering tape is a wound roll tape.

  A tape cassette according to claim 4 is characterized in that the roll tape according to claim 3 is housed in a cassette case.

  A tape cassette according to claim 5 is the tape cassette according to claim 4, wherein the tape cassette is detachably mounted and a cassette mounting portion of a printing apparatus including a thermal head and a platen includes the lettering tape. The printing position is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen, and the base material layer side of the lettering tape is configured to contact the thermal head.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a lettering tape having a layer structure in which a base material layer, an ink layer, and an adhesive layer that generates adhesiveness once heated is sequentially stored in a cassette case. A cassette mounting portion for detachably mounting the tape cassette, a thermal head and a platen provided in the cassette mounting portion, the lettering tape being sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen at a printing position, and the lettering tape The heated portion of the ink layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are heated by bringing the thermal head into contact with the base material layer side and selectively heating the ink layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the lettering tape through the base material layer by the thermal head. It is characterized in that the heated portion is bonded.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 7 is the printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a cutting means for cutting the lettering tape on the downstream side in the tape transport direction of the tape discharge section of the tape cassette. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lettering tape includes a base material layer, an ink layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in which adhesiveness is generated by heating once. When this lettering tape is selectively heated by a heating element for image formation, the heated portion of the imaged ink layer and the heated portion of the adhesive layer are bonded together, Adhesiveness is generated in the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and the lettering tape itself is converted into a lettering tape that enables transfer to a target transfer target. As a result, a desired lettering tape can be obtained simply by heating the lettering tape directly with a heating element, so that conventionally an image formed with an ink layer of a separate ink ribbon is transferred to a transfer sheet. Since a two-stage transfer for transferring to a target transfer object is not required, handling is easy. Further, since two-stage transfer is not required, transfer quality can be improved.

  In addition, since the adhesive layer becomes sticky when heated, it is not sticky in a normal state where it is not heated. It can be prevented from sticking. " Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is only sticky to the heated part, and the non-heated part is not sticky. It can be transferred to a target transfer object.

  In the ink layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, the heated portion of the ink layer and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhere to each other only in the desired heated print portion, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is sticky. . Therefore, without applying pressure or rubbing from the substrate side, the ink can be easily applied to the target transfer object by simply peeling off the lettering tape after the lettering tape has been applied to the transfer target object. The heated portion of the layer can be transferred. As a result, anyone can easily perform lettering without individual differences.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, since the lettering tape is provided with the release paper on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer side, the surface of the lettering tape can be used even if even a slight amount of adhesiveness is generated in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. It is easy to handle without exposing the adhesive. In addition, when the adhesive layer becomes sticky due to selective heating by the heating element, the printing device is generated by sticking and winding the lettering tape on the platen having a tape feeding function provided in the printing device. Can be prevented. Further, since it is not necessary to consider the compatibility with the adhesive for the material of the platen, it is possible to give a wider selection of material for the platen. Furthermore, since the adhesive is not exposed, it is not necessary to immediately transfer it to the target transfer object in order to protect it from dust, etc., and the release paper can be peeled off immediately before transfer, so storage can be performed freely. .

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the lettering tape is a wound roll tape, it is possible to prevent the lettering tape from being bent or scratched when it is attached to the printing apparatus. Further, since the lettering tape is in a small winding state, the area to be set can be minimized even when stored in the cassette case, and attachment to the cassette case is facilitated.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, since the tape cassette has a small volume of lettering tape stored in the cassette case, the tape cassette can be simply operated by simply mounting the tape cassette on the cassette mounting portion of the printing apparatus. The lettering tape can be set in a printable state. Therefore, as in the case of only the lettering tape, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of having to draw the lettering tape in order to make the lettering tape ready for printing on the printing apparatus. Further, by storing a small volume of the lettering tape in the tape cassette in advance and providing it to the operator, it is possible to prevent the operator from mistakenly setting the front and back of the lettering tape in the printing apparatus.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the printing position of the lettering tape is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen in the cassette mounting portion of the printing apparatus in which the tape cassette is detachably mounted and includes the thermal head and the platen. In addition, since the base layer side of the lettering tape is configured to contact the thermal head, the ink layer and the adhesive layer can be selectively heated without adhering the adhesive to the thermal head, By using a high-performance polyester film or the like, it is possible to reduce the load on the driving source that drives the platen by improving the sliding with respect to the thermal head.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the printing apparatus has a layered lettering tape in which a base material layer, an ink layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that generates adhesiveness once heated are sequentially laminated. Is placed at the printing position of the lettering tape by the thermal head and platen provided in the cassette mounting section, the thermal head is brought into contact with the base material layer side of the lettering tape, and the ink of the lettering tape is passed through the base material layer by the thermal head. By selectively heating the layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, the heated portion of the ink layer of the lettering tape and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are bonded. And it can convert into the lettering tape which enables transcription | transfer to the target to-be-transferred object by generating adhesiveness in the to-be-heated part of an adhesive layer. As a result, the printing apparatus transfers the image formed by the ink layer of the separate ink ribbon to the transfer sheet, and then performs the two-stage transfer for transferring to the target transfer object. Therefore, a lettering tape that is easy to handle and can improve transfer quality can be produced.

  In addition, since the printing apparatus generates adhesiveness by selectively heating the adhesive layer of the lettering tape with a heating element, since there is no adhesiveness in an unheated normal state, It is easy to handle by preventing sticking here. In addition, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer generates adhesiveness only in the part that is selectively heated by the heating element, and the non-heated part does not generate adhesiveness. Thus, it is possible to produce a lettering tape that can transfer only the portion that has generated the defect to a target transfer target.

  In addition, the printing apparatus bonds the heated portion of the ink layer and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer only in the printed portion that is selectively heated by the heating element in the ink layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the lettering tape. In addition, since the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is made sticky, it is not necessary to apply pressure or rubbing from the base material side. In contrast, it is possible to produce a lettering tape that can easily transfer the heated portion of the ink layer.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes the cutting means for cutting the lettering tape on the downstream side in the tape transport direction of the tape discharge portion of the tape cassette. Since at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the tape can be shortened from the printing position, it is easy to position the lettering tape created by this printing device when it is transferred to the target transfer target. Can be done.

  Hereinafter, a lettering tape and a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment of the present invention. First, a schematic configuration of a lettering tape and a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a top view showing an appearance of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the printing apparatus with the main body lower cover removed to explain the cassette mounting portion on which the tape cassette is mounted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus for explaining a state in which the tape cassette is attached to the cassette mounting portion of the printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining a state in which the tape cassette is mounted on the printing unit composed of the thermal head and the platen of the printing apparatus, with the cassette upper cover removed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a keyboard 4 disposed on a main body upper case 3 of a main body 2. Above the keyboard 4, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD) 5 for displaying characters, symbols and the like input from the keyboard 4 is provided.
In the top row of the keyboard 4, the power ON / OFF key 6 for turning the power ON / OFF and the cursor 5A displayed on the LCD 5 are moved from the left, and the candidate for Kanji conversion or function setting is selected. Left arrow key 7, and the execution key 8 displayed on the LCD 5, which confirms the negative and blinking characters displayed on the LCD 5, and confirms the options for Kanji conversion and function setting. A right arrow key 9 for moving the cursor 5A, selecting a candidate for kanji conversion or function setting, and a print key 11 for printing an input sentence on a lettering tape 10 to be described later are arranged.

  In the next column, from the left, the lower-case key 12 for switching to the lower-case character input state, the LCD 5 is converted to katakana if there is a kana character that is being displayed negative or blinking, and if there is no negative display or blinking display, a line feed Kana-Kana conversion / line feed key 13, Kana characters that are negative or flashing are converted to Kanji characters on the LCD 5, and if there are no negative or flashing characters or alphanumeric characters are entered, a Kanji character is entered. A conversion / space key 14 and a cancel / delete key 15 for deleting a character on the left side of the cursor 5A displayed on the LCD 5 or canceling the setting operation and returning to the input screen at the time of function setting are arranged.

From the next column, a character key group 16 for inputting kana, numbers, letters and symbols is arranged. The character key group 16 has a rotary input method in which a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, and character candidates are switched by successively pressing the same key.
In addition, a rotary input type input switching key 17 for switching the character input mode to kana, numbers, and alphabets is disposed at the lower right corner of the character key group 16.

  Below the character key group 16, from the left, a style key 18 for setting a typeface, a character size, a character decoration, a decorative frame, a margin of the lettering tape 10, an illustration key for calling an illustration menu when inputting symbols and pictograms 19, a memory key 20 for registering a memory of a sentence, calling a memory, and a tape feed key 21 for skipping a predetermined length of the lettering tape 10 are arranged.

  A tape cutter lever 22 for cutting the printed lettering tape 10 is provided on the upper side wall of the main body 2 (upper side in FIG. 2).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body lower case 24 from which the main body lower cover 23 (see FIG. 3) is removed is provided with two concave portions, and one concave portion (the lower side of FIG. 2) A battery mounting portion 25 to which a plurality of batteries for supplying power to the printing apparatus 1 is mounted is provided, and a tape cassette 26 described later (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is provided in the other concave portion (upper side in FIG. 2). ) Is detachably mounted. A cassette mounting portion 27 is provided.

  On the upper side of the cassette mounting portion 27, a thermal head 30 having a plurality of heating elements 29 (see FIG. 5) is attached to a heat radiating plate 28 erected from a frame (not shown). At a position facing the thermal head 30, it is rotatably attached to a roller holder 32 that is rotatably attached to a rotation shaft 31 (see FIG. 4) standing from a frame (not shown). A platen roller 33 is disposed. The material of the platen roller 33 is generally selected from synthetic rubbers such as silicon and EPDM in consideration of heat resistance, weather resistance, prevention of adhesion of the adhesive, and the like. By separating with the paper 61, the selection range of the material can be expanded.

  Further, on the upper left portion of the cassette mounting portion 27, a cassette positioning rib 34 is positioned upright from a frame (not shown) for positioning when the tape cassette 26 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27.

  Further, on the left side of the cassette positioning rib 34, when the tape cassette 26 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27, a cassette lower case 35 (see FIG. 3) for fixing the tape cassette 26 to the cassette mounting portion 27. A cassette locking claw 37 that is locked and fixed in a locking groove 36 (see FIG. 3) provided on the side wall of the main body lower case 24 is erected. Similarly, a cassette locking claw 38 is erected from the main body lower case 24 at a predetermined distance from the cassette locking claw 37. In addition, when the tape cassette 26 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27 at the right end of the cassette mounting portion 27 facing the cassette locking claw 37, the tape cassette 26 is fixed to the cassette mounting portion 27 in order to fix the tape cassette 26 to the cassette mounting portion 27. A cassette locking claw 39 that is locked and fixed in a locking groove (not shown) provided on the side wall of the 26 cassette lower case 35 (see FIG. 3) is erected from the main body lower case 24.

  A tape discrimination sensor 40 that discriminates the type of the tape cassette 26 is disposed below the cassette mounting portion 27. The tape discriminating sensor 40 is composed of a plurality of mechanical switches such as microswitches, and is set so that the switch is turned on (ON) when the switch is pressed. Therefore, when the tape cassette 26 is not attached to the cassette attachment portion 27, all the mechanical switches are non-conductive (OFF).

  A tape transport pulse motor 41 is disposed below the platen roller 33 in the direction perpendicular to the drawing. When the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30 are in contact, the tape transport pulse motor 41 and the platen roller 33 are connected by an intermediate gear (not shown), and the platen roller 33 is rotated by the rotation of the tape transport pulse motor 41.

  In order to attach the main body lower cover 23 to the main body lower case 24, a cover locking hole 42 is provided above the right end of the main body lower case 24, a cover locking hole 43 is provided below, and the left end A cover lock hole 44 is provided at the center of the cover. Further, a discharge port 45 for discharging the lettering tape 10 is provided on the side wall of the main body 2 on the left extension line of the heat dissipation plate 28 to which the thermal head 30 is attached.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a state where the main body lower cover 23 is removed from the main body lower case 24 and the tape cassette 26 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27.
The main body lower cover 23 has a cover locking claw 46, a cover locking claw 47, and a cover lock claw 48 at positions facing the cover locking hole 42, the cover locking hole 43, and the cover lock hole 44 of the main body lower case 24. Is provided. In a state where the main body lower cover 23 is attached to the main body lower case 24, the cover locking claw 46 is locked to the cover locking hole 42, the cover locking claw 47 is locked to the cover locking hole 43, and the cover lock claw 48 is It is locked in the cover lock hole 44. Therefore, when the main body lower cover 23 is removed from the main body lower case 24, the lock release button 49 formed integrally with the cover lock claw 48 with the cover lock claw 46 and the cover lock claw 47 as a fulcrum is indicated by the arrow A. If the cover lock hole 44 and the cover lock claw 48 are unlocked by rotating while pressing in the direction, the cover locking hole 42, the cover locking hole 43 and the cover are lifted by lifting the main body lower cover 23 while rotating as it is. The locking claw 46 and the cover locking claw 47 are unlocked, and the main body lower cover 23 can be detached from the main body lower case 24.

  At this time, in order to press the platen roller 33 attached to the roller holder 32 against the thermal head 30 by removing the main body lower cover 23, the main body lower cover 23 is erected from the main body lower cover 23 pressing the roller holder 32. Since the roller holder 32 is released from the pressure of the roller holder pressing rib 50, the roller holder 32 moves in a direction away from the thermal head 30 by an elastic member (not shown). Since the platen roller 33 attached to the roller holder 32 is also separated from the thermal head 30, a gap is formed between the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30, and when the tape cassette 26 is attached to the cassette attachment portion 27, The lettering tape 10 can be reliably set between the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tape cassette 26 is configured such that the lettering tape 10 is stored in a cassette case 52 formed by a cassette lower case 35 and a cassette upper lid 51. The cassette case 52 is provided with an opening 53 for accommodating the thermal head 30 provided in the cassette mounting portion 27 when the tape cassette 26 is mounted in the cassette mounting portion 27 and provided in the cassette mounting portion 27. A cassette positioning hole 54 for receiving the cassette positioning rib 34 is provided. Further, a tape remaining amount confirmation hole 55 for confirming the remaining amount of the lettering tape 10 is provided on the cassette upper lid 51, and a label 56 on which the type of the tape cassette 26 is written is affixed. In addition, even when the main body lower cover 23 is attached to the main body lower case 24, a confirmation window 57 is provided on the main body lower cover 23 so that the presence or absence of the tape cassette 26, the type of the tape cassette 26, and the remaining amount of the lettering tape 10 can be confirmed. ing.

  When the tape cassette 26 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27, the tape cassette 26 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27 in the direction of arrow B. First, the cassette positioning hole 54 of the tape cassette 26 is inserted into the cassette mounting portion 27. The tape cassette 26 is pressed in the direction of arrow B by aligning the opening 53 of the tape cassette 26 with the heat radiating plate 28 including the thermal head 30 of the cassette mounting portion 27 in alignment with the cassette positioning rib 34. At this time, the cassette locking claw 37 and the cassette locking claw 38 are in the locking groove 36 provided in the side wall of the cassette lower case 35 of the tape cassette 26, and the cassette locking claw 39 is the cassette lower case of the tape cassette 26. It is pressed until a mounting sound is generated when it is locked in a locking groove (not shown) provided on the side wall 35. When the mounting sound is heard, the tape cassette 26 is mounted and fixed to the cassette mounting portion 27 by the cassette locking claw 37, the cassette locking claw 38, and the cassette locking claw 39. As described above, when the main body lower cover 23 is removed from the main body lower case 24, a gap is formed between the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30, so that the tape cassette 26 is attached to the cassette mounting portion 27. When mounted, the lettering tape 10 is reliably set between the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30.

  In this way, the cover locking claw 46 and the cover locking claw 47 of the main body lower cover 23 are connected to the cover locking hole 42 of the main body lower case 24 with respect to the main body lower case 24 with the tape cassette 26 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27. The main body lower cover 23 is rotated about the cover locking claw 46 and the cover locking claw 47 as a fulcrum, and the cover lock claw 48 of the main body lower cover 23 is moved to the lower case 24 of the main body. The main body lower cover 23 is attached to the main body lower case 24 by being inserted into the cover lock hole 44 and locked.

At this time, the roller holder 32 is pressed toward the thermal head 30 by the roller holder pressing rib 50 provided on the lower cover 23 of the main body, and the platen roller 33 attached to the roller holder 32 is thermally transferred via the lettering tape 10. The head 30 is pressed. The platen roller 33 is also provided with an elastic member (not shown) and presses the platen roller 33 toward the thermal head 30 side. Accordingly, since excessive or insufficient pressing when the roller holder pressing rib 50 presses the roller holder 32 is adjusted, proper printing can always be performed.
Thus, the printer 1 is ready for printing on the lettering tape 10.

Next, based on FIG. 4, the internal structure of the tape cassette 26 and the structure of the lettering tape 10 are demonstrated.
First, the state of the tape cassette 26 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. As described above, when the main body lower cover 23 is removed from the main body lower case 24, the roller holder 32 is released from the pressing of the roller holder pressing rib 50 standing on the main body lower cover 23. The holder 32 rotates around a rotation shaft 31 standing from a frame (not shown) and moves in a direction away from the thermal head 30 by an elastic member (not shown). At that time, the platen roller 33 attached to the roller holder 32 is also separated from the thermal head 30, and a gap is formed between the platen roller 33 and the thermal head 30. Therefore, the lettering tape 10 is passed through the gap, the cassette positioning hole 54 of the tape cassette 26 is aligned with the cassette positioning rib 34 of the cassette mounting portion 27, and the opening 53 of the tape cassette 26 is connected to the thermal head 30 of the cassette mounting portion 27. The tape cassette 26 is pressed and mounted on the cassette locking claw 37, the cassette locking claw 38, and the cassette locking claw 39 of the cassette mounting portion 27 while being matched with the heat radiating plate 28. Thereafter, by attaching the main body lower cover 23 to the main body lower case 24, the roller holder 32 is pressed again by the roller holder pressing rib 50 erected on the main body lower cover 23, and the platen roller 33 is interposed via the lettering tape 10. The thermal head 30 is pressed. FIG. 4 shows this state with the cassette upper lid 51 removed.

  Then, next, it demonstrates from the enlarged view of the lettering tape 10 shown in FIG. The lettering tape 10 has a base material layer 58. As the base material layer 58, a film having a heat resistance temperature of 150 ° C. or higher such as polyester, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, etc. is used. An ink layer 59 including an agent, a binder agent, and the like is provided, and adhesiveness is generated on the ink layer 59 by heating once, and the adhesive layer 60 maintains the adhesiveness even after the temperature is lowered. Is provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60, and a release paper 61 is provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 to prevent the adhesive layer 60 from sticking to other than the intended location when the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 is sticky. ing.

  Then, the lettering tape 10 configured as described above is turned into a small volume 63 wound in a roll tape shape with the release paper 61 facing outside on the tape spool 62, and the tape spool 62 stands on the bottom surface of the cassette lower case 35. The cassette boss 64 is rotatably inserted into the cassette boss 64 so as to be stored in the cassette lower case 35. Further, the leading end of the lettering tape 10 is passed between the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33 via a guide boss 65 and a guide boss 66 erected on the bottom surface of the cassette lower case 35, and the tape of the tape cassette 26. Projecting outward from the discharge portion 67. By drawing the lettering tape 10, the base material layer 58 constituting the lettering tape 10 is brought into contact with the thermal head 30. Moreover, when the lettering tape 10 is a wound roll tape, the lettering tape 10 is prevented from being bent or scratched when the lettering tape 10 is handled. Further, even when the lettering tape 10 is stored in the cassette case 52, the setting area can be minimized by setting the lettering tape 10 to be set to the state of the roll tape-like small volume 63, and the cassette case 52 is moved to the cassette case 52. It is easy to install. Then, by storing the small volume 63 of the lettering tape 10 in the cassette case 52 and forming the tape cassette 26 in this manner, the tape cassette 26 can be simply mounted on the cassette mounting portion 27 of the printer 1 by a simple operation. The lettering tape 10 can be set in a printable state, and an operator is prevented from setting the lettering tape 10 in the printing apparatus 1 by mistake.

  As described above, when the roller holder pressing rib 50 presses the roller holder 32 and the platen roller 33 presses the thermal head 30 via the lettering tape 10, the platen roller 33 and the tape are conveyed by a gear (not shown). A pulse motor 41 is connected. Accordingly, when the power supply ON / OFF key 6 of the keyboard 4 is pressed and the printing apparatus 1 is in the operating state, when the tape feed key 21 is pressed, the platen roller 33 is moved in the direction of the arrow C by the rotation of the tape transport pulse motor 41. Therefore, the lettering tape 10 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow D, and protrudes to the outside from the discharge port 45 of the main body 2 via the tape discharge portion 67. Further, even when there is data input from the keyboard 4 and the print key 11 is pressed, the platen roller 33 is rotated in the direction of arrow C by the rotation of the tape transport pulse motor 41, so that the lettering tape 10 is moved in the direction of arrow D. Conveyed in the direction. At this time, since the thermal head 30 selectively heats the lettering tape 10 based on the data input from the keyboard 4, the heated portion 68 (see FIG. 6) of the ink layer 59 and the adhesive layer 60 are heated. The heated portion 69 (see FIG. 6) where the stickiness has occurred is bonded. Thus, the lettering tape 10 itself that could not be transferred to the transfer target 70 (see FIG. 6) as it is is converted into the lettering tape 10 that can be transferred to the transfer target 70 by selective heating by the thermal head 30.

  As described above, when the tape is fed or printed, the lettering tape 10 which is conveyed in the direction of the arrow D and protrudes outside from the discharge port 45 of the main body 2 via the tape discharge unit 67 is a tape cassette. 26 is cut by cutters 71, 71 provided downstream of the 26 tape discharge portions 67. The cutters 71 and 71 are operated by a tape cutter lever 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) provided on the upper side surface of the main body 2 and a mechanism (not shown). The lettering tape 10 after printing cut by the cutters 71, 71 provided downstream of the tape discharge portion 67 of the tape cassette 26 does not need to be cut by scissors or the like, and at least one end shortens the distance from the printing position. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform positioning when transferring the lettering tape 10 created by the printing apparatus 1 to the target transfer target 70.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, at the lower end of the cassette lower case 35, the tape type discrimination indicating the type of the tape cassette 26 at a position facing the tape discrimination sensor 40 (see FIG. 2) provided at the cassette mounting portion 27. A hole 72 is provided. In the tape type discrimination hole 72 where the hole is not opened, the mechanical switch of the tape discrimination sensor 40 is pressed down by the bottom surface of the cassette lower case 35 to be conductive (ON). Further, the hole-opened portion is not conductive (OFF) because the mechanical switch of the tape discrimination sensor 40 is not pressed. With this combination, the type of the tape cassette 26 is read by the tape discrimination sensor 40. The type of the tape cassette 26 is determined by a combination of the color of the ink layer 59, the width of the lettering tape 10, the length of the lettering tape 10, and the like. Therefore, the thickness of the cassette case 52 is determined by changing the thickness of the cassette upper lid 51 according to the width of the lettering tape 10 since the thickness of the cassette lower case 35 is determined by the cassette locking claws 37, 38 and 39. Yes. Further, the width of the platen roller 33 is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the assumed maximum width of the lettering tape 10. Further, the number and resolution of heating elements that can be printed on the lettering tape 10 having the maximum width that is assumed for the thermal head 30 are set.

  Next, the control system of the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the printing apparatus 1 is configured with a control unit 81 as a core. The control unit 81 includes a CPU 82, a ROM 83, a CGROM 84, a RAM 85, and an input / output interface 86, which are connected to each other via a bus line 87.

  Here, the ROM 83 stores various programs, and various programs necessary for controlling the printing apparatus 1 such as a print control program are stored. The CPU 82 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 83. In addition, the ROM 83 classifies outline data (outline data) that defines the outline of each character for each type of typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.). Stored in correspondence with the code data.

  The CGROM 84 stores dot pattern data corresponding to each character input from the character key group 16. The dot pattern data is read from the CGROM 84, and the dot pattern is displayed on the LCD 5 based on the dot pattern data. Is displayed. The RAM 85 is for temporarily storing various calculation results calculated by the CPU 82. The RAM 85 stores a tape discrimination data table (not shown) which is the basis of the type of each tape cassette 26 mounted on the main body 2 when the data read by the tape discrimination sensor 40 is discriminated. A data storage area 85A is provided. Further, the RAM 85 stores a text memory for storing input text, an image buffer for storing a display image on the LCD 5, a print buffer for storing a printing image, and a text generated even when the printer 1 is turned off. Various memories such as a backup memory that can be used are stored.

  The input / output interface 86 is connected to a keyboard 4 including a tape discrimination sensor 40, a character key group 16, a power ON / OFF key 6, a print key 11, a tape feed key 21, and the like provided in the main body 2. A display controller (LCDC) 88 for driving and controlling the LCD 5 is connected. When characters or the like are input via the character key group 16, the document data is sequentially stored in the text memory, and the dot pattern. Based on the generation control program and the display control program, a dot pattern corresponding to the character input via the character key group 16 is displayed on the LCD 5. When a print instruction is issued via the print key 11, dot pattern data as a print image is created in the print buffer based on the document data (text) stored in the text memory. Then, the drive circuit 89 for driving and controlling the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33 cooperate to print the dot pattern data in the print buffer on the lettering tape 10. Further, a drive circuit 90 for driving and controlling the tape transport pulse motor 41 is connected, and the lettering tape 10 printed in cooperation with the platen roller 33 is externally connected from the discharge port 45 of the main body 2 via the tape discharge unit 67. To send.

  Next, a process of creating a transferable lettering tape 10 by using the lettering tape 10 and the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above and transferring them to a target transfer target 70 is shown in FIG. explain. Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process of creating a transferable lettering tape by a printing apparatus and transferring it to a transfer medium.

  First, FIG. 6A shows the state of the lettering tape 10 upstream of the location where the lettering tape 10 is sandwiched between the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33 inside the tape cassette 26. As described above, the lettering tape 10 has a layer structure in which the base material layer 58, the ink layer 59, the adhesive layer 60, and the release paper 61 are sequentially laminated. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is once heated to maintain the pressure-sensitive adhesive property even after the temperature is lowered. For this reason, it is possible to prevent adverse effects caused by sticking of the lettering tape 10 here and there and to facilitate handling. Further, even after the lettering tape 10 is turned into the small volume 63 and attached to the cassette case 52, the adhesive sticks out and the small volume 63 does not stick to and stick to the cassette case 52, and dust does not stick.

  6B, the lettering tape 10 is sandwiched between the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33 in the tape cassette 26, and document data (text) is input from the keyboard 4 and the print key 11 is printed. Is pressed, the tape transport pulse motor 41 rotates, the platen roller 33 rotates in the direction of arrow C, the lettering tape 10 is transported in the direction of arrow D, and the thermal head 30 presses the lettering tape 10. It shows a state where printing is started from the point a. At this time, the base material layer 58 of the lettering tape 10 is in contact with the thermal head 30, and the release paper 61 is in contact with the platen roller 33. By bringing the base material layer 58 of the lettering tape 10 into contact with the thermal head 30, the ink layer 59 and the adhesive layer 60 are selectively heated without adhering the adhesive with the adhesive to the thermal head 30. In addition, by using a polyester film or the like with high heat resistance, the sliding on the thermal head 30 is improved and the load on the tape transport pulse motor 41 is reduced. Further, when the release paper 61 provided on the surface of the lettering tape 10 is brought into contact with the platen roller 33 and the adhesive layer 60 is made adhesive by selective heating by the thermal head 30, the printing apparatus 1, the lettering tape 10 is attached to the platen roller 33 having a tape feeding function so as not to be caught.

  Next, in FIG. 6C, from the state of FIG. 6B, the tape transport pulse motor 41 rotates, the platen roller 33 further rotates in the direction of arrow C, and the lettering tape 10 further rotates in the direction of arrow. Printing is started from point a where the thermal head 30 is pressing the lettering tape 10 while being conveyed in the direction D, and printing is performed by selective heating up to point b where the current thermal head 30 is pressing the lettering tape 10. Shows the state. At this time, by selectively heating the ink layer 59 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 of the lettering tape 10 through the base material layer 58 by the thermal head 30, the heated portion 68 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 of the ink layer 59 of the lettering tape 10. The heated portion 69 is adhered, and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 is made sticky. The substrate layer 58, the ink layer 59, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60, and the release paper 61 are sequentially stacked to form the lettering tape 10 having an integral layer structure. The lettering tape 10 itself can be converted into a lettering tape 10 that can be transferred to a target transfer target 70 simply by performing selective heating for printing and image formation by the printing apparatus 1. It is a process. Up to this point, as described above, the release paper 61 serves to prevent the lettering tape 10 that has caused the adhesiveness in the heated portion 69 of the adhesive layer 60 from sticking to the platen roller 33 and being caught. Yes.

  Next, FIG. 6D is a state in which the margin processing is performed when printing is completed in the state of FIG. 6C, and the tape cutter lever 22 is operated to operate the tape provided downstream of the tape cassette 26. The lettering tape 10 completed by being cut by the cutters 71 and 71 interlocked with the cutter lever 22 is shown. Since the adhesive layer 60 is covered with the release paper 61 so that the adhesive is not exposed, the completed lettering tape 10 is immediately transferred to the target transfer target in order to protect it from dust and the like. It is not necessary and can be stored for a long time because the release paper may be peeled off immediately before transfer.

Next, FIG. 6E shows a state in which the release paper 61 is peeled off from the completed lettering tape 10 and the lettering tape 10 is attached to the target transfer target 70. At this time, in the ink layer 59 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60, the heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 adhere to each other only in a desired heated print portion and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60. Since the part 69 to be heated is sticky, there is no need to apply pressure from the back side and rub it like the conventional lettering tape.
Here, the surface of the release paper 61 that is in contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 is subjected to a release agent treatment so that the release from the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 where the pressure-sensitive adhesive has occurred can be performed smoothly. Note that the release paper 61 is subjected to electrostatic treatment, and even when the adhesive layer 60 is not sticky, it is in an adhesive state without being displaced when the tape is running, but can be smoothly peeled off by hand after printing. .

  Next, FIG. 6F shows a state where the lettering tape 10 is peeled off from the state of FIG. In this state, the heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 and the heated portion 69 of the adhesive layer 60 are bonded only to the portion where the lettering tape 10 is selectively heated by the thermal head 30; When the lettering tape 10 is peeled off because the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 in which the adhesiveness is generated only to the selectively heated portion is adhered to the intended transfer-receiving band 70. In this state, only the heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 are transferred to the target transfer target. As a result, the lettering tape 10 transfers an image formed by the ink layer of the conventional ink ribbon to the first transfer body (transfer sheet), and then transfers it to the target second transfer body. By converting the lettering tape 10 itself, which cannot be transferred as it is without adding extra parts, to the lettering tape 10 that can be transferred by selectively heating with the thermal head 30, It is intended to facilitate transfer and improve transfer quality.

  As described above in detail, in the lettering tape 10 and the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the lettering tape 10 includes the base material layer 58, the ink layer 59, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 in which adhesiveness is generated by heating once. Are sequentially laminated to form a single layered lettering tape 10, and when the lettering tape 10 is selectively heated by the thermal head 30 for image formation, the image-formed ink layer 59 is heated. The portion 68 and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 are adhered to each other, and adhesiveness is generated in the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 so that the lettering tape 10 itself is attached to the target transfer target 70. This is converted into a lettering tape 10 that enables transfer. As a result, a desired lettering tape can be obtained simply by heating the lettering tape 10 directly with a heating element. Therefore, an image formed with an ink layer of a separate ink ribbon is transferred to a transfer sheet, and thereafter Since the two-stage transfer for transferring to the transfer target is not required, handling is easy. Further, since two-stage transfer is not required, transfer quality can be improved.

  Further, since the adhesive layer 60 is adhesive when heated, the adhesive layer 60 is not adhesive in a normal state where the adhesive layer 60 is not heated. Therefore, “adhesion of dust can be prevented”, “lettering tape 10 is over there. It can be prevented from sticking here. " Further, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 has an adhesive property only in the heated part, and the non-heated part has no adhesive property. Then, it can be transferred to the target transfer target 70.

  In the ink layer 59 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60, the heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 are bonded to each other only in a desired heated print portion, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 is heated. Since the adhesiveness is generated, without applying pressure or rubbing from the base material layer 58 side, the lettering tape 10 is applied to the target transfer target 70 and then the lettering tape 10 is peeled off. The heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 can be easily transferred to the target transfer target 70. As a result, anyone can easily perform lettering without individual differences.

  Moreover, since the lettering tape 10 is provided with the release paper 61 on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 side, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is exposed on the surface of the lettering tape 10 even when even a little pressure-sensitive adhesiveness is generated in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60. It is easy to handle. Further, when the adhesive layer 60 becomes sticky due to selective heating by the thermal head 30, the lettering tape 10 is stuck and wound around the platen roller 33 having a tape feeding function provided in the printing apparatus 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printer 1 from being broken. Further, since it is not necessary to consider compatibility with the adhesive with respect to the material of the platen roller 33, the material selection of the platen roller 33 can be widened. Further, since the adhesive is not exposed, it is not necessary to immediately transfer it to the target transfer body 70 in order to protect it from dust and the like, and the release paper 60 can be peeled off immediately before transfer, so storage is also free. Can be.

  Further, since the lettering tape 10 is a wound roll tape, the lettering tape 10 can be prevented from being bent or scratched when the lettering tape 10 is attached to the printing apparatus 1. Further, since the lettering tape 10 to be mounted is in the small volume 63 state, the area to be mounted can be minimized even when stored in the cassette case 52, and attachment to the cassette case 10 is facilitated.

  Further, since the tape cassette 26 contains the small volume 63 of the lettering tape 10 in the cassette case 52, the tape cassette 26 can be simply operated by simply mounting the tape cassette 26 on the cassette mounting portion 27 of the printing apparatus 1. The (lettering tape 10) can be set in a printable state. Therefore, as in the case of the lettering tape 10 alone, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of having to draw the lettering tape 10 so that the lettering tape 10 can be printed on the printing apparatus 1. Further, by storing the small volume 63 of the lettering tape 10 in the tape cassette 26 in advance and providing it to the operator, it is possible to prevent the operator from mistakenly setting the lettering tape 10 on the printing apparatus 1 with the front and back sides thereof being mistaken.

  In the cassette mounting portion 27 of the printing apparatus 1 in which the tape cassette 26 is detachably mounted and includes the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33, the printing position of the lettering tape 10 is sandwiched between the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33. Since the base material layer 58 side of the lettering tape 10 is configured to contact the thermal head 30, the ink layer 59 and the adhesive layer 60 are selectively heated without the adhesive being attached to the thermal head 30. In addition, by using a polyester film or the like having high heat resistance, it is possible to reduce the load on the tape transport pulse motor 41 that drives the platen roller 33 by improving the sliding with respect to the thermal head 30.

  In addition, the printing apparatus 1 uses the cassette mounting portion 27 for the lettering tape 10 having a layer structure in which a base material layer 58, an ink layer 59, and an adhesive layer 60 that generates adhesiveness once heated are sequentially laminated. Is sandwiched between the printing position of the lettering tape 10 by the thermal head 30 and the platen roller 33, and the thermal head 30 is brought into contact with the base material layer 58 side of the lettering tape 10, and is passed through the base material layer 58 by the thermal head 30. By selectively heating the ink layer 59 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 of the lettering tape 10, the heated portion 68 of the ink layer 59 of the lettering tape 10 and the heated portion 69 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 60 are bonded. Then, by generating adhesiveness in the heated portion 69 of the adhesive layer 60, it can be converted into the lettering tape 10 that enables transfer to the target transfer target 70. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 transfers the image formed by the ink layer of the separate ink ribbon to the transfer sheet as in the conventional case, and then transfers the image to the target transfer target in two stages. Therefore, the lettering tape 10 that is easy to handle and can improve the transfer quality can be produced.

  Further, since the printing apparatus 1 generates adhesiveness by selectively heating the adhesive layer 60 of the lettering tape 10 with the thermal head 30, there is no adhesiveness in an unheated normal state. It is possible to make it easier to handle by preventing sticking and sticking here and there. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer 60 generates adhesiveness only in the portion selectively heated by the thermal head 30 and does not generate adhesiveness in the non-heated portion, the boundary between the portions where the adhesiveness has occurred becomes clear. It is possible to produce the lettering tape 10 capable of transferring only the portion where the adhesiveness is generated to the target transfer target 70.

  Further, the printing apparatus 1 includes the heated portion 68 and the adhesive layer 60 of the ink layer 59 of only the print portion that is selectively heated by the thermal head 30 in the ink layer 59 and the adhesive layer 60 of the lettering tape 10. Since the adhesive layer 60 is adhered and the adhesive layer 60 is made sticky, the lettering tape 10 can be transferred to the target transferred body 70 without applying pressure or rubbing from the base material layer 58 side. The lettering tape 10 that can easily transfer the heated portion of the ink layer to the target transfer object can be produced simply by peeling it off after being attached.

  Since the printing apparatus 1 includes the cutters 71 and 71 for cutting the lettering tape 10 on the downstream side in the tape transport direction of the tape discharge unit 67 of the tape cassette 26, it is necessary to cut the lettering tape 10 after printing with scissors or the like. In addition, since at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the tape can shorten the distance from the printing position, positioning of the lettering tape 10 produced by the printing apparatus 1 when transferring to the target transfer target 70 is facilitated. It can be carried out.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a top view illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a bottom view of the printing apparatus with the main body lower cover removed for explaining a cassette mounting portion on which a tape cassette is mounted. It is a perspective view of the printing apparatus explaining the state which attaches a tape cassette to the cassette mounting part of a printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state which removed the cassette upper cover of the tape cassette and the state which mounted | wore the tape cassette to the printing part comprised with the thermal head and platen of a printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the process of producing the transferable lettering tape with a printing apparatus, and transferring to a to-be-transferred body.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 10 Lettering tape 22 Tape cutter lever 26 Tape cassette 27 Cassette mounting part 30 Thermal head 33 Platen roller 52 Cassette case 58 Base material layer 59 Ink layer 60 Adhesive layer 61 Release paper 63 Small volume 67 Tape discharge part 68 Heated Portion 69 Heated portion 70 Transferred body 71 Cutter

Claims (7)

A layering lettering tape in which a base material layer, an ink layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that generates adhesiveness once heated are sequentially laminated,
When selectively heated by the heating element, the heated portion of the ink layer and the heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are bonded,
After the heated lettering tape is applied to the transfer target, the lettering tape is peeled off to transfer the heated part of the ink layer and the heated part of the adhesive layer to the transferred object. Characteristic lettering tape.   The lettering tape according to claim 1, wherein a release paper is provided on the adhesive layer side of the lettering tape.   The lettering tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lettering tape is a wound roll tape.   A tape cassette, wherein the roll tape according to claim 3 is housed in a cassette case. In the cassette mounting portion of the printing apparatus provided with a thermal head and a platen while the tape cassette is detachably mounted,
5. The tape cassette according to claim 4, wherein a printing position of the lettering tape is sandwiched between a thermal head and a platen, and a base material layer side of the lettering tape is in contact with the thermal head. A cassette for detachably mounting a tape cassette in which a lettering tape having a layer structure in which a base material layer, an ink layer, and an adhesive layer in which adhesiveness is generated by heating once is sequentially stacked is housed in a cassette case A mounting part;
The cassette mounting portion includes a thermal head and a platen,
The lettering tape is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen at the printing position, the thermal head is brought into contact with the base material layer side of the lettering tape, and the ink layer and the adhesive of the lettering tape are passed through the base material layer by the thermal head. A printing apparatus, wherein a heated portion of the ink layer and a heated portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are bonded by selectively heating the layer. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a cutting unit that cuts the lettering tape on the downstream side of the tape discharge portion of the tape cassette in the tape transport direction.

Images