JP2010058337A - Tape cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form an adhesive label with no separator by using the whole width direction of a printing tape and by a simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: A stick tape 61 with the separator is stuck after a mirror image is printed to a film tape 55. Layers other than the separator are half-cut by a half cutter 24. A separating roller 68 moves between a first position where it does not contact the separator or the like passed through a guide post 66, and a second position where it contacts the separator or the like. When the separating roller 68 is located on the first position, the stuck tape is wound by a separator winding spool 62. When the separating roller 68 is located on the second position, only the separator 83 is wound by the separator winding spool 62. The adhesive label without the separator can be formed by changing a conveyance direction of the separator 83. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the production of an adhesive label without a separator.

  Conventionally, an apparatus for creating an adhesive label without a separator has been proposed. For example, in the following Patent Document 1 (particularly, the second embodiment), a cut line is formed around a printing region using a laser beam with respect to a continuous label with a mount, and a winding shaft and a mount winding roller. And an apparatus for creating a label having an adhesive on one surface by the action of a release plate.

JP 2003-226313 A

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a label having an adhesive on one side is created by hollowing out the central portion in the width direction of the label continuous body with mount, so that a margin is provided at the end in the width direction. Will occur. Furthermore, there is a problem that an apparatus for irradiating a laser beam used for cutting into a continuous label with a mount is expensive.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to produce a pressure-sensitive adhesive label without a separator by using the entire width direction of a printing tape and an inexpensive configuration.

  The invention according to claim 1, which is one aspect of the present invention, is a tape cassette housed in a printing apparatus for producing an adhesive label without a separator, a cassette case, a long film tape on which printing is performed, and an adhesive A printing tape comprising an agent layer and a separator that is detachably bonded to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and located downstream of the printing position in the conveyance direction of the printing tape from the printing position and on the separator side of the printing tape; A first guide member for separating the separator; and a take-up shaft for winding at least the separator separated by the first guide member. The cassette case includes a first switching unit included in the printing device. A first switching means entrance for entering, a half cutter entrance for entering a half cutter of the printing device, and the printing tape A label discharge port through which the adhesive label after the separator is peeled off is provided, and in the state where the half cutter enters the half cutter entrance, the half cutter transports the printing tape of the guide member. It is located on the upstream side in the direction and opposite to the separator of the printing tape, and the part other than the separator in the front end position and the rear end position of the adhesive label from the one end in the width direction of the printing tape. The direction of transport of the separator cut to the other end and passed through the first guide member is determined by the first switching means when the first switching means enters the first switching means entrance. A first transport direction in which the printing tape is wound around the winding shaft in a state where the separator does not peel from the separator, Only the separator was peeled off from the shaped tape is characterized in that it is switched between the second transport direction to be wound on the winding shaft.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention which is one aspect of the present invention, in the tape cassette according to the first aspect, the tip of the adhesive label formed by the first switching unit being cut by the half cutter is the print By arriving at or before reaching the peeling position where the separator peels from the tape, the separator transport direction is switched from the first transport direction to the second transport direction and is cut by the half cutter. The separator transport direction is switched from the second transport direction to the first transport direction before or after the rear end of the formed pressure-sensitive adhesive label reaches or arrives at the peeling position.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, which is an aspect of the present invention, in the tape cassette according to the second aspect, the first switching means is formed by being cut by the half cutter when a plurality of adhesive labels are produced. The second transport direction in which only the separator is wound around the take-up shaft is maintained until the rear end of the last sticky adhesive label reaches the peel position, and the rear end of the tail sticky label is at the peel position. The second transport direction is switched to the first transport direction before arrival or before arrival.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which is an aspect of the present invention, in a tape cassette housed in a printing apparatus that creates an adhesive label without a separator, a cassette case, a long film tape on which printing is performed, and an adhesive A printing tape comprising an agent layer and a separator that is detachably bonded to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and located downstream of the printing position in the conveyance direction of the printing tape from the printing position and on the separator side of the printing tape; A first guide member for separating the separator; and a winding shaft for winding at least the separator separated by the first guide member; and the cassette case includes the first guide member and the winding shaft. Between the first guide member and the first guide member, and guides the transport of the separator on the downstream side in the separator transport direction. A second guide member, a second switching means entrance for the second switching means of the printing device to enter, a half cutter entrance for the half cutter of the printing device to enter, and the printing tape A label discharge port for discharging the adhesive label after the separator is peeled off, and in a state where the half cutter enters the half cutter entrance, the half cutter feeds the printing tape of the guide member It is located on the upstream side in the direction and opposite to the separator of the printing tape, and the part other than the separator in the front end position and the rear end position of the adhesive label from the one end in the width direction of the printing tape. The transport direction of the separator cut to the other end and passed through the first guide member is the second switching means at the entrance of the second switching means. The separator does not peel from the printing tape in the transported direction of the separator that has passed through the first guide member when the position of the second guide member is moved by the second switching means in the entered state. In this case, the printing tape is switched between the first conveying direction in which the printing tape is wound around the winding shaft and the second conveying direction in which the separator is peeled off from the printing tape and only the separator is wound on the winding shaft. It is characterized by being able to.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention which is one aspect of the present invention, in the tape cassette according to the fourth aspect, the second switching means has a front end of an adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter. By arriving at a peeling position where the separator peels from the tape or before arrival, the separator transport direction is switched from the first transport direction to the second transport direction and cut by the half cutter. The separator transport direction is switched from the second transport direction to the first transport direction before or after the rear end of the formed pressure-sensitive adhesive label reaches or arrives at the peeling position.

  The invention according to claim 6 which is one aspect of the present invention is the tape cassette according to claim 5, wherein the second switching means is formed by being cut by the half cutter when a plurality of adhesive labels are produced. The second transport direction in which only the separator is wound around the take-up shaft is maintained until the rear end of the last sticky adhesive label reaches the peel position, and the rear end of the tail sticky label is at the peel position. The second transport direction is switched to the first transport direction before arrival or before arrival.

  The invention according to claim 7 which is one aspect of the present invention is the tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tape cassette is located between the first guide member and a discharge port of the printing apparatus and conveys the adhesive label. A pair of opposing discharge rollers, and a roller located on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive label among the pair of discharge rollers is subjected to a peeling process.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention which is one aspect of the present invention, in the tape cassette according to the first to seventh aspects, the take-up shaft has a reverse rotation prevention mechanism for preventing rotation in the reverse direction. .

  As is apparent from the above description, the tape cassette according to claim 1 has a first switching unit included in the printing apparatus and an entrance into which the half cutter enters, and the first switching unit that enters the entrance. Based on the operation of the half cutter, an adhesive label without a separator can be created using the entire width direction of the printing tape.

  The tape cassette according to claim 2 can ensure separation control of the separator based on the operation of the first switching means.

  The tape cassette according to claim 3 can ensure separation control of the separator based on the operation of the first switching means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the tape cassette includes a second guide member, a second switching unit included in the printing apparatus, and an entrance into which the half cutter enters, and a second switch that enters the entrance. By controlling the position of the second guide member with the means and the half cutter, an adhesive label without a separator can be created using the entire width direction of the printing tape.

  The tape cassette according to claim 5 can ensure separation control of the separator by the operation of the second switching means.

  The tape cassette according to claim 6 can ensure separation control of the separator by the operation of the second switching means.

  Further, in the tape cassette according to claim 7, since a peeling process is performed on a roller located on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive label among the pair of discharge rollers, the pressure-sensitive adhesive adheres to the roller. Can be prevented.

  In the tape cassette according to the eighth aspect, since the winding shaft has a reverse rotation preventing mechanism, the wound separator can be prevented from loosening in the cassette.

[First Embodiment]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of a tape printer.
As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 100 includes a keyboard 101, a display 102, a cover 103, and an LED 104.
The keyboard 101 includes various buttons (for example, alphanumeric keys and various operation keys). The display 102 can be realized as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example. The display 102 displays the editing content and the like. The cover 103 is formed so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the cassette housing portion. The LED 104 is turned on / off at a predetermined timing. The lighting mode of the LED 104 will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the tape printer and the tape cassette with the cover opened.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 200 is detachable from the cassette storage unit 10 of the tape printer 100. In FIG. 2, some elements of the cassette storage unit 10 are omitted.

The tape cassette 200 has an upper case 51 and a lower case 52.
The tape cassette 200 includes an identification unit 53 that is read by a cassette sensor 132 included in the tape printer 100. The identification unit 53 can indicate the type of tape cassette.

(Description of cassette storage)
Next, the cassette storage part 10 of the tape printer 100 and each element arrange | positioned in the periphery are demonstrated. FIG. 3 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer.
As shown in FIG. 3, a thermal head 12 is fixed to the cassette housing portion 10. The thermal head 12 has a vertically long rectangular flat plate shape. A predetermined number of each heating element is arranged in a line along the side of the left edge of the front surface. Each heating element is controlled to generate heat based on a head drive circuit (described later).

  The tape printer 100 includes a platen roller 14. The platen roller 14 is rotatably supported by the roller holder 16. The platen roller 14 rotates based on the driving of the motor. This motor is drive-controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later), and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor.

  The roller holder 16 is rotatably supported on the holder shaft 18. The roller holder 16 rotates based on the driving of the motor. This motor is drive-controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later), and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor.

The film tape 55 before printing and after printing is conveyed using the rotation of the platen roller 14 as a drive source. Details of the film tape 55 will be described later.
A ribbon take-up shaft 20 is disposed in the cassette storage unit 10. The ribbon take-up shaft 20 is connected to an ink ribbon take-up spool 58 (described later) included in the tape cassette 200. The ribbon take-up shaft 20 rotates based on the driving of the motor. This motor is driven and controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later). As the ribbon take-up shaft 20 rotates, the ink ribbon 57 can be pulled out from the ink ribbon spool 56 (described later). In addition, a clutch spring (not shown) is disposed on the ribbon take-up shaft 20 to adjust the take-up speed of the ink ribbon 57. Since the mechanism of the clutch spring is publicly known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-9747), description thereof is omitted.

  A bonding roller 22 is disposed in the cassette storage unit 10. The laminating roller 22 is rotatably supported by the roller holder 16. The laminating roller 22 rotates based on the driving of the motor. This motor is drive-controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later), and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor.

  The cassette storage unit 10 includes a half cutter 24. A half cutter stopper (cutting board) 25 is disposed at a position facing the half cutter 24. The half cutter 24 cuts only a predetermined layer of the conveyed tape. The specific operation of the half cutter 24 will be described later. Moreover, since the mechanism of a half cutter is well-known (for example, Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2005-53093), description is abbreviate | omitted. The half cutter 24 is driven and controlled based on a half cutter drive circuit (described later).

  The cassette housing unit 10 has a full cutter composed of a fixed blade 26A and a movable blade 26B. The full cutter cuts the conveyed tape. The full cutter is driven and controlled based on a full cutter driving circuit (described later).

  A separator take-up shaft 28 is disposed in the cassette storage unit 10. The separator take-up shaft 28 is connected to a separator take-up spool 62 (described later) included in the tape cassette 200. The separator take-up shaft 28 rotates based on the driving of the motor. This motor is drive-controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later), and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor. By rotating the separator take-up shaft 28, a separator or the like that has passed through a guide roller 66 (described later) can be taken up. A clutch spring (described later) is disposed on the separator take-up shaft 28 to adjust the take-up speed of the separator or the like. Since the mechanism of the clutch spring is known (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-9747), the description thereof is omitted. Further, the separator take-up shaft 28 has a ratchet mechanism and does not reversely rotate (counterclockwise rotation in the positional relationship of FIG. 3). Thereby, slackness of the separator wound around the separator winding shaft 28 can be prevented. Since the ratchet mechanism is publicly known (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-263027), description thereof is omitted.

  A roller movable shaft 30 is disposed in the cassette storage unit 10. The roller movable shaft 30 is inserted into an elongated opening 67 (described later) of the tape cassette 200. The roller movable shaft reciprocates on the opening 67 based on the driving of the motor. This motor is driven and controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later). The motor for driving the roller movable shaft 30 can be realized by a stepping motor. By using a stepping motor, the position and moving speed of the roller movable shaft can be easily and finely controlled.

  The cassette storage unit 10 includes a discharge roller 31 and a discharge roller 32. The discharge roller 31 and the discharge roller 32 convey the cut label toward a discharge port 34 (described later). The discharge roller 31 and the discharge roller 32 rotate based on the driving of the motor. This motor is drive-controlled based on a motor drive circuit (described later), and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor. As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge roller 32 can reciprocate in a direction in which the discharge roller 31 is pressed against and separated from the discharge roller 31. The position of the discharge roller 32 is controlled by a drive mechanism described later. Further, when the tape cassette 200 is mounted in the cassette storage unit 10, the discharge roller 32 is positioned on the lower side in the positional relationship of FIG. Since the tape cassette 200 and the discharge roller 32 do not contact when the tape cassette 200 is mounted, the tape cassette 200 can be mounted smoothly.

  Moreover, since the discharge roller 31 contacts the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer as will be described later, the surface thereof is subjected to a peeling process (for example, silicon processing). Thereby, conveyance of the tape which has an adhesive layer on the surface can be performed smoothly. Hereinafter, the discharge roller 31 and the discharge roller 32 may be collectively referred to as a “discharge roller pair”.

Next, the drive mechanism of the discharge roller 32 will be described. FIG. 4 is a view of the discharge roller driving mechanism as viewed from above (seen from the same direction as FIG. 3). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism of the discharge roller.
The discharge roller 32 is rotatably attached to a movable member 321 included in the drive mechanism 320. Specifically, the movable member 321 has a base portion parallel to the axial direction of the discharge roller 32, a pair of support portions project from the base portion, and the shaft of the discharge roller 32 is supported by the pair of support portions. Both ends of the base of the movable member 321 are fitted into a part of the opening 323 provided in the positioning member 322. The opening 323 is elongated in the direction in which the discharge roller 32 reciprocates, and both ends of the base of the movable member 321 can move in the opening 323 while being fitted in the opening 323. . In addition, a connecting portion 324 is provided at the center of the base of the movable member 321 in the direction opposite to the support portion.

  The connecting portion 324 is loosely inserted into a hole provided at one end of the connecting rod 325. A connecting shaft 326 is provided at the other end of the connecting rod 325. The connecting shaft 326 is loosely inserted into a hole provided at one point on the peripheral edge of the disk 327. The disk 327 can rotate around the shaft portion 328. This rotation is performed by a motor, and the motor is driven and controlled by a drive circuit.

  By converting the rotational movement of the disk 327 into the linear movement of the movable member 321, the rotation of the disk 327 can move the discharge roller 32 in the direction of pressing and separating from the discharge roller 31.

  Returning to FIG. A discharge port 34 is formed in the tape printer 100. The created label is discharged from the discharge port 34.

  Each drive circuit described above is controlled by a processor (for example, a CPU (described later)) included in the tape printer 100.

(Tape cassette)
Next, the tape cassette 200 will be described. The tape cassette 200 is detachable from the cassette storage unit 10 of the tape printer 100.
FIG. 6 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape cassette 200.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a film tape spool 54, an ink ribbon spool 56, an ink ribbon take-up spool 58, a bonding tape spool 60, and a separator take-up spool 62 are disposed in the lower case 52.

  A film tape 55 is wound around the film tape spool 54 so that the printing surface is on the inside. The film tape 55 is a long tape. Details of the film tape 55 will be described later. Further, the film tape spool 54 is positioned slightly above the central portion in the tape cassette 200 (see FIG. 6).

  An ink ribbon 57 is wound around the ink ribbon spool 56 so that the ink layer is on the inner side. The ink ribbon take-up spool 58 is connected to the ribbon take-up shaft 20. As the ribbon take-up shaft 20 rotates, the ink ribbon take-up spool 58 rotates. Further, the ink ribbon 57 consumed by printing characters or the like is wound up. Further, the ink ribbon spool 56 is located in the lower right portion of the tape cassette 200 (see FIG. 6).

  A head insertion opening 74 is formed in the tape cassette 200. The head insertion opening 74 passes through the upper case 51 and the lower case 52. Further, when the tape cassette 200 is stored in the cassette storage unit 10 of the tape printer 100, the thermal head 12 is inserted.

  A guide member 63 is formed in the tape cassette 200 (see FIG. 6). The conveyance path of the ink ribbon 57 is regulated by the guide member 63. The guide member 63 also has a function of separating the film tape 55 and the ink ribbon 57 that are bonded together at a printing position (described later).

  A bonding tape 61 is wound around the bonding tape spool 60 so that a separator (described later) is on the outside. Details of the bonding tape 61 will be described later. Further, the bonding tape spool 60 is located at the upper center of the tape cassette 200 (see FIG. 6).

  The separator take-up spool 62 is connected to the separator take-up shaft 28. The separator take-up spool 62 takes up a separator constituting the bonding tape 61 or a film tape 55 to which the bonding tape 61 is bonded (hereinafter also referred to as “integrated tape”). Further, the separator take-up spool 62 is located at the upper left portion in the tape cassette 200 (see FIG. 6).

  A bonding roller 64 is disposed in the tape cassette 200. The laminating roller 64 faces the laminating roller 22 included in the tape printer 100. The bonding tape 61 is bonded to the film tape 55 at the positions of the bonding roller 64 and the bonding roller 22. Hereinafter, the bonding roller 22 and the bonding roller 64 may be collectively referred to as “bonding roller pair”.

  The operation of bonding the bonding tape 61 to the film tape 55 will be described later. The laminating roller 64 and the laminating roller 22 cooperate to convey the film tape 55 and the laminating tape 61.

  A guide roller 66 is disposed in the tape cassette 200. The guide roller 66 is located downstream of the laminating roller 64 in the transport direction of the film tape 55. The integrated tape separator can be separated (peeled) in the vicinity of the guide roller 66. The separator separation operation will be described later.

  In the tape cassette 200, an elongated opening 67, a peeling roller 68, a coil spring 69, and a coil spring stopper 70 are formed. The roller movable shaft 30 is inserted through the opening 67. The coil spring 69 is made of one metal wire, and is formed of a main part in which the metal wire is wound on the circumference and two arm parts that are the remaining parts that do not form the main part. The main part is fixed to a pin provided in the tape cassette. The peeling roller 68 is formed to be rotatable at the tip of one arm portion of the coil spring 69. The coil spring stopper 70 is adjacent to the other arm portion of the coil spring 69, and this arm portion is fixed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the tape cassette is mounted on the tape printer, and shows a state in which no load is applied to the coil spring 69. In this state, the peeling roller 68 is not in contact with the separator or the like (the one that faces the separator take-up spool 62 through the guide roller 66) (hereinafter, the position in the state of not being in contact with the separator or the like) Sometimes referred to as "first position.")

  When the roller movable shaft 30 inserted through the opening 67 moves, a load is applied to the coil spring 69, and accordingly, the peeling roller 68 moves to the separator or the like side.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the tape cassette is mounted on the tape printer, and shows a state in which a load is applied to the coil spring 69. In this state, the peeling roller 68 is in contact with the separator or the like (hereinafter, the position in contact with the separator or the like may be referred to as “second position”). In the second position, the peeling roller 68 contacts the separator or the like, and the conveyance direction toward the separator take-up spool 62 via the guide roller 66 can be changed.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the tape cassette. As shown in FIG. 9, the roller movable shaft 30 passes through the lower case 52 through the opening 67. A part of the roller movable shaft 30 is in contact with one arm portion of the coil spring 69.

  A well-known clutch spring 202 is formed below the separator take-up shaft 28. The lower end of the clutch spring 202 is fixed to the rotating unit 201. The clutch spring 202 is a kind of friction clutch, and a metal wire is wound around the separator winding shaft 28 in the clockwise direction in FIG. The rotating unit 201 rotates clockwise, and the clutch spring 202 also rotates clockwise as the rotating unit 201 rotates. When the separator can be wound with a relatively weak force with respect to the separator take-up shaft 28 (when no load is applied), the separator take-up shaft 28 around which the clutch spring 202 is wound is also rotated clockwise by a predetermined friction force. Rotate.

  On the other hand, when the separator cannot be wound unless a strong force is applied to the separator take-up shaft 28 (when a load is applied), the rotating part 201 rotates clockwise, and the lower end is fixed to the rotating part 201. Although the lower part of the spring 202 also rotates clockwise, the lower part of the clutch spring 202 does not rotate as clockwise as the entire clutch spring 202 contacting the separator take-up shaft 28 through friction. Therefore, the clutch spring 202 in which the metal wire is wound clockwise is twisted in the direction in which the metal wire is rewound. As a result, the frictional force between the separator take-up shaft 28 and the clutch spring 202 is weakened, and the rotating portion 201 and the clutch spring 202 rotate at a constant speed, but the separator take-up shaft 28 rotates slower than those.

  Depending on the diameter of the separator wound around the separator winding shaft 28, the length of the separator wound while the separator winding shaft 28 rotates by a predetermined angle varies. While the rotation speed of the platen roller 14 and the rotation speed of the rotating unit 201 are constant, the separator that is about to be wound around the separator winding shaft 28 per unit time becomes gradually longer. That is, the separator can be wound with a relatively weak force with respect to the separator take-up shaft 28, but gradually cannot be wound unless the force is strong. At that time, by the action of the clutch spring 202 described above, the separator take-up shaft 28 is adjusted while gradually decreasing the rotational speed of the separator take-up shaft 28 so that the separator take-up amount per unit time becomes constant. The separator is wound up.

  Returning to FIG. The adhesive label that has passed through the pair of discharge rollers is discharged out of the tape cassette 200 from the discharge port 73 through the guide passage 72. The discharge roller 32 stops the conveyance of the label when the rear end of the produced adhesive label reaches the vicinity of the discharge roller pair. As a result, the created label is stopped in a state where it can be taken out by the user. Since the produced label has an adhesive layer on one surface, it is desirable that the label is not completely discharged.

(Printing operation on film tape, transport operation of film tape)
Next, the printing operation on the film tape 55 and the transporting operation of the film tape 55 will be described.
The film tape 55 wound around the film tape spool 54 is conveyed toward the thermal head 12 and the platen roller 14 via the tape guide roller 75 and the guide pin 76 by the rotational drive of the platen roller 14.
Further, the ink ribbon 57 wound around the ink ribbon spool 56 is conveyed toward the thermal head 12 and the platen roller 14 via the restricting protrusion 77 and the restricting protrusion 78 by the rotational drive of the ink ribbon take-up spool 58. Is done.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the relationship between the film tape 55 and the ink ribbon 57 in the printing process.
As shown in FIG. 10, the ink ribbon 57 includes a base film 81 and an ink layer 82. The film tape 55 is a long tape that is transparent or translucent. The film tape 55 is mirror-printed. Since the film tape 55 is transparent or translucent, the printed content can be viewed as a normal image from the opposite side of the printing surface.

  As the film tape 55, for example, a PET film, a polyethylene (PE) film, or a polypropylene (PP) film can be used. Further, the film tape 55 may be translucent. For example, a frosted glass film (MATT film) may be used. Moreover, a colored film may be sufficient.

  The film tape 55 and the ink ribbon 57 are overlapped by the thermal head 12 and the platen roller 14. Further, during printing, the heating element group of the thermal head 12 is driven to generate heat. Due to heat generated by the heat generating element group, the ink layer 82 of the heated portion of the ink ribbon 57 is dissolved, and the dissolved ink layer 82 is transferred to the film tape 55.

  After printing is performed, the ink ribbon 57 is wound around the ink ribbon winding spool 58 through the guide member 63 (see FIG. 7). At this time, the printed film tape 55 and the ink ribbon 57 are separated. Further, the printed film tape 55 is directed to the bonding roller pair.

(Lamination operation of the bonding tape)
Next, the operation of bonding the bonding tape 61 to the printed film tape 55 will be described.
FIG. 11 schematically shows the relationship between the film tape 55 and the bonding tape 61 in the bonding process. When the film tape 55 passes between the pair of bonding rollers, the bonding tape 61 is bonded.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the bonding tape 61 is configured by laminating a separator 83, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 84, a base material 85, and a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 86 in this order. The base material 85 is an opaque tape, and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 86 is a transparent layer. By appropriately selecting the colors of the film tape 55, the ink layer 82, the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 86, and the base material 85, labels of various shades can be created.

  The printed film tape 55 (integrated tape) on which the bonding tape 61 is bonded is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24 and half cut at a predetermined position of the integrated tape.

(Half cut operation)
Next, the half cut operation of the half cutter 24 will be described.
FIG. 12 shows a state of half cut. When the planned cutting position of the integrated tape reaches the position of the half cutter 24, the half cutter 24 is driven, and a part of the layer of the integrated tape is cut. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the film tape 55, the ink layer 82, the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 86, the base material 85, and the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 84 are cut, and the separator 83 is not cut. Further, the entire tape is cut in the width direction. Hereinafter, a portion other than the separator in the integrated tape may be referred to as a label portion 90.

(Integrated tape separation operation)
Next, the separation operation for the integrated tape will be described.
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show how the integrated tape is conveyed through the half cutter 24.

  FIG. 13A shows a state where the leading end position (tip cutting position (A)) of the label to be produced is cut toward the guide roller 66 after being cut by the half cutter 24. At this time, the integrated tape label portion 90 preceding the leading end cutting position (A) is taken up together with the separator 83 to the separator take-up spool 62 via the separation roller. That is, the separator 83 does not peel from the integrated tape, and the integrated tape is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62. Hereinafter, the conveyance direction to the separator take-up spool 62 is referred to as a “first conveyance direction”. Further, before and after the passage of the guide roller 66, the transport direction of the integrated tape changes by α. The angle “α” can be an acute angle, for example.

  After the integrated label is half-cut at the tip cutting position (A), the movement of the peeling roller 68 to the second position is started. Further, the start timing of the moving operation may be another timing as will be described later.

  FIG. 13 (2) shows a state where the tip cutting position (A) is approaching the guide roller 66. At this time, since the peeling roller 68 is in the second position and the peeling roller 68 is in contact with the integrated tape, the transport direction of the integrated tape is only β before and after the passage of the guide roller 66. Will change. The angle “β” can be an obtuse angle, for example. Even in this state, the separator 83 does not peel off from the integrated tape, and the integrated tape is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62.

  FIG. 13 (3) shows a state immediately after the tip cutting position (A) passes through the guide roller 66. At this time, the separator 83 is peeled off from the integrated tape, and only the separator 83 is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62. Further, the integrated label portion 90 of the tape is conveyed toward the discharge roller pair. Hereinafter, the position where the separator 83 peels may be referred to as a “peeling position”.

  In addition, it is sufficient that the peeling roller 68 exists in the second position until the leading end cutting position (A) of the integrated tape reaches the peeling position. The start timing of the moving operation for moving to the second position can be set as appropriate.

  FIG. 13 (4) shows a state where the separator 83 is conveyed while being peeled from the tape integrated at the peeling position.

  FIG. 14 (5) shows a state where the rear end position (rear end cutting position (B)) of the label to be produced is cut toward the guide roller 66 after being cut by the half cutter 24. At this time, the integrated tape label portion 90 preceding the rear end cutting position (B) is conveyed toward the discharge roller pair, and the separator 83 is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62.

  After half-cutting at the rear end cutting position (B) of the integrated label, the peeling roller 68 starts to move to the first position. Further, the start timing of the moving operation may be another timing as will be described later.

  FIG. 14 (6) shows a state in which the rear end cutting position (B) is approaching the guide roller 66. At this time, the peeling roller 68 is in the first position and is not in contact with the tape on which the peeling roller 68 is integrated. The transport direction of the integrated tape is changed to the first transport direction, but the label portion of the integrated tape preceding the rear end cutting position (B) is directed toward the discharge roller pair. The separator 83 is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62.

  FIG. 14 (7) shows a state immediately after the rear end cutting position (B) passes through the guide roller 66. At this time, the separator 83 does not peel from the integrated tape, and the integrated tape is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62.

  FIG. 14 (8) shows a state in which the label portion 90 whose rear end has been cut is conveyed toward the discharge roller pair. At this time, by stopping the driving of the platen roller 14 and the separator take-up spool 62, the integrated label behind the rear end cutting position (B) is not taken up by the separator take-up spool 62.

  In addition, it is sufficient that the peeling roller 68 exists at the first position until the rear end cutting position (B) of the integrated tape reaches the peeling position, so that the peeling roller 68 is at the second position. The start timing of the moving operation for moving from to the first position can be set as appropriate.

  The magnitudes of “α” and “β” described above can be set as appropriate as long as the separator 83 can be peeled off at the peeling position. Further, these angles can be set based on the degree of adhesion of the first adhesive layer 84, the strain of the film tape 55, and the like. Further, the tape cassette 200 may be changed depending on the type of the tape cassette 200 detected based on the identification unit 53. In this case, it is necessary to store a table defining the correspondence between the tape type and the angle in the RAM 114 described later.

  Further, “α” varies depending on the amount of the separator wound on the separator take-up spool 62, but it does not come into contact with the peeling roller 68 at the first position regardless of the size. It is configured.

Next, the electrical configuration of the tape printer 100 will be described. FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of the electrical configuration of the tape printer.
The operation of the tape printer 100 is controlled by the control unit 110. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a CGROM 116 and an input / output interface 117, which are connected to each other via a bus 118.

The ROM 113 stores a program necessary for operating the tape printer 100 such as a display control program for the display 102, a drive control program for the thermal head 12, various motors, half cutter 24, full cutter, and other necessary data. Has been.
The RAM 114 is provided with a print buffer for storing print contents, a buffer for temporarily storing calculation results of the CPU 112, and the like.
A CGROM (pattern data memory) 116 stores dot pattern data relating to a large number of characters.

  The input / output interface 117 includes a display controller 125 connected to the display 102, a head drive circuit 126 that drives the thermal head 12, a motor drive circuit 127 that drives various motors, a half cutter drive circuit 128 that drives the half cutter 24, A full cutter driving circuit 129 for driving the full cutter, an LED controller 130 for controlling lighting of the LED 104, a keyboard 101, a timer 131 for engraving the current date and time, and a cassette sensor 132 for detecting the type of the loaded cassette are connected.

(Operation of tape printer)
Next, the operation in the tape printer 100 will be described.

The tape printer 100 can execute “printing only one sheet”, “continuous printing of a plurality of sheets”, “copy printing”, and “numbering printing”, which will be described later, based on an input operation by the user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the minimum length of the label to be created is longer than the distance between the thermal head 12 and the discharge roller pair.
“Printing only one sheet” is performed when creating one label. In “printing only one sheet”, the position of the peeling roller returns to the first position after the production of one label. That is, the operations shown in FIGS. 13 (1) to 14 (8) are performed in order.

  FIG. 16 shows a state of the film tape 55 and the like after the label “ABC” is created by performing “printing only one sheet”. As shown in FIG. 16, in a standby state in which the next label can be created, a margin corresponding to the distance between the discharge roller pair and the thermal head 12 is generated. Therefore, when creating a plurality of labels, if “printing only one sheet” is continuously executed, a margin with a length obtained by multiplying the number of labels to be produced by the above distance is generated. Therefore, the consumption of the film tape 55 and the bonding tape 61 is increased.

“Multiple continuous printing” does not return the peeling roller 68 to the first position except when creating the last label. That is, the peeling roller 68 remains in the second position.
FIG. 17 shows a state where labels “ABC”, “DEF”, and “GHI” are created by performing “multiple continuous printing”. As illustrated in FIG. 17, no blank space is generated between the label “ABC” and the label “DEF” and between the label “DEF” and the label “GHI”.

  Although details of “copy printing” and “numbering printing” will be described later, in these printing operations, the peeling roller 68 is not returned to the first position except when the last label is created.

  Next, basic processing (main processing) for performing label printing in the present invention will be described. The main process is executed by the CPU 112 of the tape printer 100 when the tape printer 100 is turned on. Also, the main process can perform the above-mentioned “printing only one sheet”, “printing a plurality of sheets continuously”, “copy printing”, and “numbering printing”. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the main process.

  In S1, initialization processing is executed. In the initialization process, the RAM 114 is cleared, the separation roller 68 is moved to the first position, and the like.

  In S2, it is determined whether or not there is an operation (key input) of any key included in the keyboard 101. The keyboard 101 includes an edit key, a single print key, a continuous print key, a resume key, a copy print key, and a numbering print key.

The edit key is pressed when instructing the contents to be printed on the film tape 55. For example, an alphanumeric key corresponds to an edit key.
The single-sheet printing key is pressed when instructing “printing only one sheet” as described above or when instructing that it is the last label in “continuous printing of a plurality of sheets”.
The continuous print key is pressed when instructing to create a label continuously after the current editing content. That is, it is pressed when “multiple continuous printing” is performed.
The print restart key is used when “multiple continuous printing” is performed.
The copy print key is pressed when instructing to perform “copy print”.
The numbering print key is pressed when instructing to perform “numbering printing”.

Returning to FIG.
The process waits in S2 until there is a key input. If it is determined in S2 that there is a key input (S2: YES), the process proceeds to S3.

In S3, it is determined whether or not the edit key has been pressed. If it is determined that the edit key has not been pressed (S3: NO), the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the edit key has been pressed (S3: YES), the process proceeds to S4.
In S4, an editing process is performed. In the editing process, contents corresponding to the pressed editing key are temporarily stored in an editing buffer provided in the RAM 114. The edited content is displayed on the display 102.

In S5, it is determined whether or not the single-sheet print key has been pressed. If it is determined that the single print key has not been pressed (S5: NO), the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the single-sheet printing key has been pressed (S5: YES), the process proceeds to S6.
In S6, a one-sheet printing process is executed. Details of the single-sheet printing process will be described later.

In S7, it is determined whether or not the continuous printing key has been pressed. If it is determined that the continuous printing key has not been pressed (S7: NO), the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuous printing key has been pressed (S7: YES), the process proceeds to S8.
In S8, continuous printing processing is executed. Details of the continuous printing process will be described later.

In S9, it is determined whether or not the copy print key has been pressed. If it is determined that the copy print key has not been pressed (S9: NO), the process proceeds to S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the copy print key has been pressed (S9: YES), the process proceeds to S10.
In S10, copy printing processing is executed. Details of the copy printing process will be described later.

In S11, it is determined whether or not the numbering print key has been pressed. If it is determined that the numbering print key has not been pressed (S11: NO), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the numbering print key has been pressed (S11: YES), the process proceeds to S12.
In S12, a numbering printing process is executed. Details of the numbering printing process will be described later.

Next, the single sheet printing process will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the single-sheet printing process.
First, in S21, it is determined whether continuous printing is in progress. Whether continuous printing is in progress can be determined based on the position of the peeling roller 68. Further, a flag indicating whether or not continuous printing is being performed may be stored in the RAM 114, and determination may be made based on the content of a predetermined flag. For example, when the single print key is pressed, the value of the predetermined flag is set to “0”, and when the continuous print key is pressed, the value of the predetermined flag is set to “1”. Can be configured to set.

  If it is determined that continuous printing is not in progress (S21: NO), the process proceeds to S22. In S22, the first printing process is executed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the first printing process.
In S31, the print data is developed in the print buffer. The print data is data stored in the edit buffer on the RAM 114. Further, the data developed in the print buffer can be developed as a bitmap format.

In S32, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S33, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether or not the tip position of the label to be created has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S33, “YES” is determined when the printed film tape 55 is conveyed by the distance between the thermal head 12 and the half cutter 24 from the start of the printing operation. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S33: NO), the process returns to S33. Thus, the printing operation and the conveying operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24. That is, the process waits in S33.

When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S35.
In S35, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).

In S36, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the separator side (second position) is started. As described above, since the peeling roller 68 only needs to reach the second position before the leading edge of the label to be produced reaches the peeling position, the moving operation may be started at another timing.
In S37, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed. Note that the processes of S36 and S37 may be performed in the reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

  In S38, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S38: NO), the process returns to S38. As a result, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed until the printing operation is completed. That is, the process waits in S38. Further, the conveying operation of the bonding tape 61 is also continuously performed.

If it is determined that printing has been completed (S38: YES), the process proceeds to S39. In S39, the printing operation is terminated.
Even after the printing operation is completed, the conveying operation of the film tape 55 and the like is continued.

  In S <b> 40, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (second cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether the rear end position of the label to be created has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S <b> 40, “YES” is determined when the printing end position of the printed film tape 55 is conveyed from the thermal head 12 to the half cutter 24. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the second cutting position (S40: NO), the process returns to S40. Thereby, the transport operation of the printed film tape 55 is continuously performed until the rear end of the printed film tape 55 is transported to the position of the half cutter 24. That is, the process waits in S40.

When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is the second cutting position (S40: YES), the process proceeds to S41.
In S41, the conveying operation is stopped. After the conveyance operation is stopped, the process proceeds to S42.
In S42, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).

In S43, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the first position is started. Note that, as described above, it is only necessary that the peeling roller 68 reaches the first position before the rear end of the integrated label reaches the peeling position. Therefore, the moving operation may be started at another timing.
In S44, the conveying operation is resumed. Note that the processes of S43 and S44 may be performed in the reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

  In S45, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of the label portion of the integrated tape has been conveyed. When the half-cut rear end reaches the vicinity of the discharge roller pair, “YES” is determined in S45. This transport amount can be calculated based on the rotation amount of the platen roller 14, for example.

  If it is determined that the label portion is not conveyed by a predetermined amount (S45: NO), the process returns to S45. As a result, the label portion is continuously conveyed until the label portion is conveyed by a predetermined amount. In other words, the process waits in S45.

When it is determined that the label portion has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S45: YES), the process proceeds to S46.
In S46, the conveyance is stopped. Thereafter, the user can pull out the created label from the tape printer 100.

Returning to FIG.
If it is determined in S21 that continuous printing is being performed (S21: YES), the process proceeds to S23. In S23, the fourth printing process is executed.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the fourth printing process. The fourth printing process is substantially the same as the first printing process described above, but a pause process described later is executed at a predetermined timing.

  In S51, the print data is developed in the print buffer. The print data is data stored in the edit buffer on the RAM 114. Further, the data developed in the print buffer can be developed as a bitmap format.

In S52, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S53, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether or not the tip position of the label to be created has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S53, “YES” is determined when the printed film tape 55 is conveyed by the distance between the thermal head 12 and the half cutter 24 from the start of the printing operation. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S53: NO), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, a pause process is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S53.

The temporary stop process will be described. The temporary stop process is to prevent the rear end of the preceding created label from contacting the front end of the label currently being produced near the discharge roller pair.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the suspension process.
In S71, it is determined whether or not the rear end position of the produced label has reached the vicinity of the discharge roller pair. The transport amount of the created label can be calculated based on the rotation amount of the platen roller 14, for example. Alternatively, the transport time may be measured using the timer 131, and the transport amount may be calculated based on the transport time.

When it is determined that the rear end position of the created label has not reached the vicinity of the discharge roller pair (S71: NO), the temporary stop process is terminated.
If it is determined that the rear end position of the created label has reached the vicinity of the discharge roller pair (S71: YES), the process proceeds to S72.

  In S72, the LED 104 is blinked. The LED 104 blinks based on a control signal from the LED drive circuit. When the LED 104 blinks, the user can recognize that the created label can be pulled out. A predetermined message may be displayed on the display 102 without using the LED 104. Moreover, you may comprise so that a predetermined audio | voice may be output.

  In S73, the printing operation, the conveying operation, and the moving operation of the peeling roller 68 are stopped. If each operation is stopped, the stopped state is continued.

In S74, it is determined whether or not the resume key is pressed. It is assumed that the user presses the resume key after pulling out the created label. While the resume key is not pressed (S74: NO), the process waits in S74.
If it is determined that the resume key has been pressed (S74: YES), the process proceeds to S75.

  In S74, it may be configured to directly detect whether or not the created label is pulled out, instead of determining whether or not the resume key is pressed. In this case, a sensor (not shown) is used.

  In S75, the operation (any or all of the printing operation, the conveying operation, and the moving operation of the peeling roller 68) stopped in S73 is resumed. It is possible to grasp which operation is stopped by the flag.

  In S76, the LED 104 is turned off. The LED 104 is turned off based on a control signal from the LED drive circuit. Thereafter, the process returns to the fourth printing process.

Returning to FIG.
Until the leading end of the integrated tape is transported to the position of the half cutter 24, the printing operation and the transporting operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed while executing the temporary stop process. .

  When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S53: YES), the process proceeds to S55. In S55, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S56.

  In S56, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12). In S57, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed.

In S58, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S58: NO), the process proceeds to S59.
In S59, a pause process is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S58. Thus, until the printing operation is completed, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed while executing the pause process. Further, the conveyance of the bonding tape 61 is also continued.

  If it is determined in S58 that printing has ended (S58: YES), the process proceeds to S60. In S60, the printing operation is stopped. Even after the printing operation is completed, the conveying operation of the film tape 55 and the like is continued.

  In S61, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (second cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether or not the rear end position of the created label has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S <b> 61, “YES” is determined when the printing end position of the printed film tape 55 is conveyed from the thermal head 12 to the half cutter 24. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the second cutting position (S61: NO), the process returns to S61. Thereby, the transport operation of the printed film tape 55 is continuously performed until the rear end of the printed film tape 55 is transported to the position of the half cutter 24. In other words, the process waits in S61.

  When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is the second cutting position (S61: YES), the process proceeds to S62. In S62, the conveying operation is stopped. After the transfer operation is stopped, the process proceeds to S63. In S63, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).

In S64, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the first position is started. Note that, as described above, it is only necessary that the peeling roller 68 reaches the first position before the rear end of the integrated label reaches the peeling position. Therefore, the moving operation may be started at another timing.
In S65, the conveying operation is resumed. Note that the processes of S64 and S65 may be performed in the reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

  In S66, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of the label portion of the integrated tape has been conveyed. When the half-cut rear end reaches the vicinity of the discharge roller pair, “YES” is determined in S66. This transport amount can be calculated based on the rotation amount of the platen roller 14, for example.

  If it is determined that the label portion has not been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S66: NO), the process returns to S66. As a result, the label portion is continuously conveyed until the label portion is conveyed by a predetermined amount. That is, the process waits in S66.

  When it is determined that the label portion has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S66: YES), the process proceeds to S67. In S67, the conveying operation is stopped. Thereafter, the user can pull out the created label from the tape printer 100.

  In addition, you may comprise so that a temporary stop process may interrupt at a predetermined timing during a 4th printing process.

Next, the continuous printing process (S8 in FIG. 18) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the continuous printing process.
In S <b> 81, it is determined whether or not it is the first printing in the continuous printing. This determination can be made based on the contents of a predetermined flag stored on the RAM 114. For example, in the case of printing the first sheet, the value of the predetermined flag is set to “0”, and in the case of printing other than the first sheet, the value of the predetermined flag is set to “1”. Can be configured to set.
If it is determined that the printing is the first sheet (S81: YES), the process proceeds to S82. In S82, the second printing process is executed.

  The second printing process will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the second printing process.

  In S91, the print data is developed in the print buffer. The print data is data stored in the edit buffer on the RAM 114. Further, the data developed in the print buffer can be developed as a bitmap format.

In S92, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S93, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether or not the tip position of the label to be created has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S93, “YES” is determined when the printed film tape 55 is conveyed by the distance between the thermal head 12 and the half cutter 24 from the start of the printing operation. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S93: NO), the process returns to S93. Thus, the printing operation and the conveying operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24. That is, the process waits in S93.

  When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S93: YES), the process proceeds to S94. In S94, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S95.

  In S95, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).

In S96, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the separator side (second position) is started. As described above, since the peeling roller 68 only needs to reach the second position before the leading end of the integrated label reaches the peeling position, the moving operation may be started at another timing.
In S97, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed. Note that the processes of S96 and S97 may be performed in the reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

  In S98, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S98: NO), the process returns to S98. As a result, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed until the printing operation is completed. That is, the process waits at S98. Further, the conveyance of the bonding tape 61 is also continued.

  If it is determined that printing has been completed (S98: YES), the process proceeds to S99. In S99, the printing operation and the conveying operation are finished. After stopping the printing operation and the conveying operation in S99, the second printing process is terminated.

Returning to FIG.
If it is determined in S81 that it is not the first print (S81: NO), the process proceeds to S83. In S83, the third printing process is executed.

  The third printing process will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the third printing process. The third printing process is substantially the same as the above-described second printing process, but the above-described pause process is executed at a predetermined timing.

  In S101, the print data is developed in the print buffer. The print data is data stored in the edit buffer on the RAM 114. Further, the data developed in the print buffer can be developed as a bitmap format.

In S102, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S103, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24. That is, it is determined whether or not the tip position of the label to be created has reached the position of the half cutter 24. In S103, “YES” is determined when the printed film tape 55 is conveyed by the distance between the thermal head 12 and the half cutter 24 from the start of the printing operation. The conveyance amount of the printed film tape 55 can be calculated based on, for example, the rotation amount of the platen roller 14.

  When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S103: NO), the process proceeds to S104. In S104, a pause process (FIG. 22) is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S103. Thus, the printing operation and the conveyance operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed while the pause process is executed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24. It will be.

  When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S103: YES), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S106.

In S106, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
In S107, the printing operation and the transport operation are resumed.

  In S108, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the printed film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation has not been completed (S108: NO), the process proceeds to S109. In S109, a pause process (FIG. 22) is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S108. Thus, until the printing operation is completed, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed while executing the pause process. Further, the conveyance of the bonding tape 61 is also continued.

  If it is determined that printing has been completed (S108: YES), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are finished. After stopping the printing operation and the conveying operation in S98, the third printing process is terminated.

  In addition, you may comprise so that a temporary stop process may interrupt at a predetermined timing during a 3rd printing process.

  The printing operation in each process described above is performed by printing one line at a time with a timer interruption. At the start of the printing operation, the setting of the printing interrupt process and the permission of the printing interruption are performed. When the printing operation is stopped, the printing interrupt is prohibited.

(Operation of printing only one sheet)
Next, the operation of “printing only one sheet” will be described.
FIG. 26 shows an operation flow of “printing only one sheet”. “Printing only one sheet” can be realized by sequentially pressing predetermined buttons during the main processing described above (that is, when the tape printer 100 is activated).
In the following description, it is assumed that a label “ABC” is created.

In step K1, “ABC” is input by the edit key. Thereafter, the single print key is pressed. As a result, the process proceeds to step K2. At this time, in the main process, the processes are performed in the order of “S2 → S3 → S4 →... → S5: YES → S6 → S21 → S22”. Note that the flow of processing in the main processing is obvious to those skilled in the art based on the above-described content, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
In step K2, the first printing process is executed.

Next, a flow chart of the first printing process regarding the state of conveyance of the film tape and the bonding tape during the first printing process in the operation of “printing only one sheet” and the printing contents on the film tape (FIG. 20). Will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 27 to FIG. 29 are diagrams showing how the film tape and the bonding tape are conveyed. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the contents printed on a film tape.

In S31, the print data is developed in the print buffer.
FIG. 27A shows a state at the start of the first printing process. As shown in FIG. 27A, the peeling roller 68 is located at the first position and is not in contact with the separator or the like.

In S32, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S33, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24.

If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S33: NO), the process returns to S33. Thus, the printing operation and the conveying operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24.
FIG. 27 (2) shows a state in which the film tape 55 and the bonding tape 61 are being printed and transported.
FIG. 30 (1) shows a state in which “A” is printed and the integrated tape is conveyed. In FIG. 30 (1), the tip position of the label to be created is indicated by a dotted line. Further, in the state of FIG. 27 (2) and FIG. 30 (1), the process is waiting in S33.

When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped.
FIG. 27 (3) shows a state in which the film tape 55 is located at the first cutting position. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S35.

In S35, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 27 (4) shows a state where the integrated tape is half-cut. FIG. 30 (2) shows a state where the leading end position of the label to be created is half cut. In FIG. 30 (2), the half-cut position is indicated by a solid line.

  In S36, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the separator side (second position) is started. In S57, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed.

  In S38, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S38: NO), the process returns to S38. As a result, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed until the printing operation is completed.

  FIG. 28 (5) shows a state where the integrated tape is conveyed toward the separator take-up spool 62. FIG. 28 (6) shows a state in which the leading end of the integrated tape reaches the peeling position, the separator 83 is peeled from the integrated tape, and the label portion is conveyed in the discharge direction.

If it is determined that printing has been completed (S38: YES), the process proceeds to S39. In S39, the printing operation is terminated.
FIG. 28 (7) shows a state when the printing operation is completed. FIG. 30 (3) shows a state when the printing operation is completed. In FIG. 30 (3), the rear end position of the label to be created is indicated by a dotted line.

  In S <b> 40, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (second cutting position) by the half cutter 24. If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the second cutting position (S40: NO), the process returns to S40.

When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is the second cutting position (S40: YES), the process proceeds to S41. In S41, the conveying operation is stopped.
FIG. 28 (8) shows a state where the film tape 55 is located at the second cutting position. After the conveyance operation is stopped, the process proceeds to S42.

In S42, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 29 (9) shows a state where the integrated tape is half-cut. FIG. 30 (4) shows a state where the rear end position of the label to be created is half cut. In FIG. 30 (4), the cut position is indicated by a solid line.

  In S43, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the first position is started. In S44, the conveying operation is resumed. In S45, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of the label portion of the integrated tape has been conveyed.

If it is determined that the label portion is not conveyed by a predetermined amount (S45: NO), the process returns to S45. As a result, the label portion is continuously conveyed until the label portion is conveyed by a predetermined amount.
FIG. 29 (10) shows a state where the integrated tape is being conveyed. FIG. 30 (5) shows a state in which the label to be created is being conveyed.

When it is determined that the label portion has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S45: YES), the process proceeds to S46. In S46, the conveyance is stopped.
FIG. 29 (11) shows a state where the conveyance of the label portion is stopped. FIG. 30 (6) shows a state where the transport of the produced tape is stopped.

In the state shown in FIG. 29 (11) and FIG. 30 (6), the first printing process is terminated. Thereafter, the user can pull out the created label from the tape printer 100.
FIG. 29 (12) shows a state after the created label is pulled out. FIG. 30 (7) shows a state after the created label is pulled out.

(Multi-sheet continuous printing operation)
Next, the operation of “multiple continuous printing” will be described.
FIG. 31 shows a flow of the operation of “multiple continuous printing”. The “multiple continuous printing process” can be realized by sequentially pressing predetermined buttons during the main process described above (that is, when the tape printer 100 is activated).
In the following description, it is assumed that three labels “ABC”, “DEF”, and “GHI” are created in succession.

In step K11, “ABC” is input by the edit key. Thereafter, the continuous print key is pressed. Thereby, the process proceeds to step K12. At this time, in the main process (FIG. 18), the processes are performed in the order of “S2 → S3 → S4 →... → S7: YES → S8 → S31 → S32”. Note that the flow of processing in the main processing is obvious to those skilled in the art based on the above-described content, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
In step K2, the second printing process is executed. That is, processing for creating the first label (ABC) is executed.

Next, a flow chart of the second printing process regarding the state of conveyance of the film tape and the bonding tape during the second printing process in the “multiple sheet continuous printing” operation and the printing contents on the film tape (FIG. 24). Will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 32 to FIG. 36 are diagrams showing how the film tape and the bonding tape are conveyed. FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 are diagrams showing the print contents on the film tape.

In S91, the print data is developed in the print buffer.
FIG. 32A shows a state at the start of the second printing process. As shown in FIG. 32 (1), the peeling roller 68 is located at the first position and is not in contact with the separator or the like.

In S92, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S93, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S93: NO), the process returns to S93. Thus, the printing operation and the conveying operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24.

FIG. 32 (2) shows a state during the printing operation and the conveying operation of the film tape 55 and the bonding tape 61.
FIG. 37 (1) shows a state where “A” is printed and the integrated tape is being conveyed. In FIG. 37 (1), the tip position of the label to be created is indicated by a dotted line. Further, in the state of FIG. 32 (2) and FIG. 37 (1), the process is waiting in S83.

When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S93: YES), the process proceeds to S94. In S94, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped.
FIG. 32 (3) shows a state where the film tape 55 is located at the first cutting position. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S95.

In S95, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 32 (4) shows a state where the integrated tape is half cut. FIG. 37 (2) shows a state where the leading end position of the label to be created is half cut. In FIG. 37 (2), the cut position is indicated by a solid line.

In S96, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the separator side (second position) is started. In S97, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed.
In S98, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S98: NO), the process returns to S98. As a result, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed until the printing operation is completed. Further, the conveyance of the bonding tape 61 is also continued.

  FIG. 33 (5) shows a state where the integrated tape is conveyed toward the separator take-up spool 62. FIG. 33 (6) shows a state in which the leading end of the integrated tape reaches the peeling position, the separator 83 is peeled off from the integrated tape, and the label portion is conveyed in the discharge direction.

If it is determined that printing has been completed (S98: YES), the process proceeds to S99. In S99, the printing operation and the conveying operation are finished.
FIG. 33 (7) shows a state when the printing operation is completed. FIG. 37 (3) shows a state when the printing operation is completed. In FIG. 37 (3), the rear end position of the label to be created is indicated by a dotted line.
After stopping the printing operation and the conveying operation in S99, the second printing process is terminated. That is, the process for creating the first label (“ABC”) is terminated.

The description returns to FIG.
In step K13, “DEF” is input by the editing key. Thereafter, the continuous print key is pressed. Thereby, the process proceeds to step K14. At this time, in the main process (FIG. 18), the processes are performed in the order of “S2 → S3 → S4 →... → S7: YES → S8 → S31 → S33”. Note that the flow of processing in the main processing is obvious to those skilled in the art based on the above-described content, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step K14, the third printing process is executed. That is, processing for creating the second label (DEF) is executed. When creating N labels, the third printing process is repeatedly executed to create the 2nd to “N−1” th labels.

  Next, the state of conveyance of the film tape and the bonding tape during the third printing process, and the print contents on the film tape will be described with reference to the flowchart of the third printing process (FIG. 25), FIG. .

In S101, the print data is developed in the print buffer.
FIG. 33 (7) shows a state at the start of the third printing process. As shown in FIG. 33 (7), the peeling roller 68 is located at the second position and is in contact with the separator or the like.

In S102, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S103, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S103: NO), the process returns to S103. Thus, the printing operation and the conveying operation of the printed film tape 55 are continuously performed until the leading end of the integrated tape is conveyed to the position of the half cutter 24.

When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S103: YES), the process proceeds to S104.
In S104, a pause process (FIG. 22) is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S103.
When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S103: YES), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped.

  FIG. 33 (8) shows a state where the film tape 55 is located at the first cutting position. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S106.

In S106, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 34 (9) shows a state where the integrated tape is half cut. FIG. 37 (4) shows a state where the leading end position of the label to be created is half cut. In FIG. 37 (4), the cut position is indicated by a solid line. By this half-cut operation, the rear end of the label “ABC” and the front end of the label “DEF” are simultaneously formed.

In S107, the printing operation and the transport operation are resumed.
In S108, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the printed film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation has not been completed (S108: NO), the process proceeds to S109. In S109, a pause process (FIG. 22) is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S108.

If it is determined that printing has been completed (S108: YES), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are finished.
FIG. 38 (8) shows a state at the time when the printing operation of the label “DEF” is completed.
After stopping the printing operation and the conveying operation in S110, the third printing process is terminated. That is, the process for creating the second label (“DEF”) is terminated.

  Here, the state of conveyance of the label during the pause process in the “multiple sheet continuous printing” operation (third print process) will be described with reference to the flowchart of the pause process (FIG. 22) and FIG. 34. The temporary stop process is to prevent the rear end of the preceding created label from contacting the front end of the label currently being produced near the discharge roller pair.

  FIG. 39 shows the positional relationship between the created label (“ABC”) and the label being created (“DEF”). The label “ABC” is stopped when the trailing edge reaches the vicinity of the pair of discharge rollers. In this state, when the subsequent label “DEF” being created is conveyed, the rear end of the label “ABC” and the front end of the label “DEF” come into contact with each other. In order to prevent this contact, a pause process is executed. In the temporary stop process, the production of the subsequent label is interrupted until the previous produced label is pulled out from the tape printer 100.

In S73 of the temporary stop process (FIG. 22), the printing operation, the conveying operation, and the moving operation of the peeling roller 68 are stopped. If each operation is stopped, the stopped state is continued.
FIG. 34 (10) shows a state in which the printing operation, the conveying operation, and the moving operation of the peeling roller 68 are stopped. FIG. 37 (6) shows a state in which the printing operation is stopped.
FIG. 34 (11) shows a state in which the created label is drawn. FIG. 37 (7) shows a state in which the label “ABC” has been pulled out.
After the created label is pulled out, S75 and S76 of the temporary stop process (FIG. 22) are executed, and then the process returns to the third process.

The description returns to FIG. When the third printing process ends, the process proceeds to step K15.
In step K15, “GHI” is input by the edit key. Thereafter, the single print key is pressed. Thereby, the process proceeds to step K16. At this time, in the main process (FIG. 18), the process is performed in the order of “S2 → S3 → S4 →... → S5: YES → S6 → S21 → S23”. Note that the flow of processing in the main processing is obvious to those skilled in the art based on the above-described content, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
In S76, the fourth printing process is executed. That is, processing for creating the third label (GHI) is executed. When N labels are created, the fourth printing process is executed to create the Nth label.

  Next, the state of conveyance of the film tape and the bonding tape during the fourth printing process and the printing contents on the film tape will be described with reference to the flowchart of the fourth printing process (FIG. 21).

  In S51, the print data is developed in the print buffer. FIG. 34 (11) shows a state at the start of the fourth printing process. As shown in FIG. 34 (11), the peeling roller 68 is located at the second position and is in contact with the separator or the like.

In S52, the printing operation is started. Also, the carrying operation is started.
In S53, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (first cutting position) by the half cutter 24. When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the first cutting position (S53: NO), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, a pause process is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S53.

When it is determined that the current position of the printed film tape 55 is the first cutting position (S53: YES), the process proceeds to S55. In S55, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped.
FIG. 34 (12) shows a state in which the film tape 55 is located at the first cutting position. After the printing operation and the conveyance operation are stopped, the process proceeds to S56.

In S56, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 35 (13) shows a state where the integrated tape is half-cut. FIG. 38 (9) shows a state where the leading end position of the label to be created is half cut. In FIG. 38 (9), the cut position is indicated by a solid line.

In S57, the printing operation and the conveyance operation are resumed.
In S58, it is determined whether or not the printing operation on the film tape 55 has been completed. If it is determined that the printing operation is not completed (S58: NO), the process proceeds to S59.

In S59, a pause process is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S58. Thus, until the printing operation is completed, the printing operation and the conveying operation on the film tape 55 are continuously performed while executing the pause process. Further, the conveyance of the bonding tape 61 is also continued.
FIG. 38 (10) shows a state where the label “GHI” is being conveyed while being printed.

  Here, in the state of “S58: NO”, when the trailing end of the preceding label “DEF” reaches the vicinity of the discharge roller pair (that is, “YES” is determined in S71 of the temporary stop process (FIG. 22)). The printing operation and the conveying operation are stopped.

  FIG. 35 (14) shows a state in which the trailing edge of the second label reaches the vicinity of the pair of discharge rollers, and the printing operation and the conveying operation are stopped. FIG. 38 (11) shows a state in which the rear end of the label “DEF” has reached the vicinity of the discharge roller pair.

  Until the restart key is pressed, the apparatus waits in the state shown in FIGS. 35 (14) and 38 (11). That is, the process waits in S74 of the pause process.

  FIG. 35 (15) shows a state after the created label is pulled out. FIG. 38 (12) shows a state after the created label is pulled out. Thereafter, when the resume key is pressed, the printing operation and the transport operation are resumed, and the process returns to the fourth printing process.

Returning to FIG.
If it is determined in S58 that printing has ended (S58: YES), the process proceeds to S60.
FIG. 38 (13) shows a state when the printing operation is completed. In FIG. 38 (13), the rear end position of the label to be created is indicated by a dotted line.

Even after the printing operation is completed, the conveying operation of the film tape 55 and the like is continued.
In S61, it is determined whether or not the current position of the integrated tape is a cutting position (second cutting position) by the half cutter 24.

  If it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is not the second cutting position (S61: NO), the process returns to S61.

When it is determined that the current position of the integrated tape is the second cutting position (S61: YES), the process proceeds to S62. In S62, the conveying operation is stopped.
FIG. 35 (16) shows a state where the film tape 55 is located at the second cutting position. After the transfer operation is stopped, the process proceeds to S63.

In S63, the half cutter 24 is operated to half-cut the integrated tape (see FIG. 12).
FIG. 36 (17) shows a state where the integrated tape is half-cut.

  In S64, a moving operation for moving the peeling roller 68 to the first position is started. In S65, the transport operation is resumed. In S66, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of the label portion of the integrated tape has been conveyed.

If it is determined that the label portion has not been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S66: NO), the process returns to S66. As a result, the label portion is continuously conveyed until the label portion is conveyed by a predetermined amount.
FIG. 36 (18) shows a state where the integrated tape is being conveyed.

When it is determined that the label portion has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (S66: YES), the process proceeds to S67. In S67, the conveyance is stopped.
FIG. 36 (19) shows a state where the conveyance of the label portion is stopped. FIG. 38 (14) shows a state where the conveyance of the created label is stopped.

In the state shown in FIG. 36 (19), the fourth printing process is terminated. Thereafter, the user can pull out the created label from the tape printer 100.
FIG. 36 (20) shows a state after the created label is pulled out.

  According to the multiple-sheet continuous printing process described above, the margin between the labels can be eliminated by controlling the position of the peeling roller 68, so that the consumption of the printing tape can be suppressed.

(Copy printing process)
Next, the copy printing process (S10 in FIG. 18) will be described. The copy printing process is a process for continuously creating a plurality of labels having the same content.
When the user presses the copy print key during the main process, the copy print process is executed.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart of the copy printing process. In the copy printing process, when printing N labels, the second printing process is performed for the first label, the third printing process is performed for the second to (N-1) th labels, and N For the first label, the fourth printing process is performed.

  In S121, an input of print contents is accepted. Further, a message such as “Please input the number of labels to be created” is displayed on the display 102, and the input of the number of copies is accepted. In S121, “2” or more is input as the number of copies.

In S122, the second printing process is executed. That is, in the label creation for the first sheet, the same process as the process for the first sheet in the “multiple continuous printing process” described above is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S123.
In S123, it is determined whether or not the number N of prints input in S121 is 3 or more. When it is determined that N is not 3 or more (that is, N = 2) (S123: NO), the process proceeds to S126. On the other hand, when it is determined that N is 3 or more (S123: YES), the process proceeds to S124.

In S124, the third printing process is executed.
In S125, it is determined whether or not (N-1) th printing is finished. If it is determined that the printing of the (N-1) th sheet is not finished (S125: NO), the process returns to S124. As a result, the third printing process is continuously executed in creating the second to (N-1) th labels.

  If it is determined that the printing of the (N-1) th sheet is finished (S125: YES), the process proceeds to S126. In S126, the fourth printing process is executed. The fourth printing process is performed on the Nth label.

  According to the copy printing process described above, a predetermined number of labels having the same print content can be created by inputting the print content and the number of prints. Moreover, since the margin between labels can be eliminated, the consumption of the printing tape can be suppressed.

(Numbering printing process)
Next, the numbering printing process (S12 in FIG. 18) will be described. The numbering process is a process for creating a plurality of labels while changing a part of the print contents. For example, N labels “label (1)”, “label (2)”,..., “Label (N)” can be created. In addition, 26 labels “label (A)”, “label (B)”,..., “Label (Z)” can be created.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of the numbering printing process. In the numbering printing process, when printing N labels, the second printing process is performed for the first label while changing the printing contents, and the 2nd to (N-1) th labels are printed. Performs the third printing process and executes the fourth printing process for the Nth label.
The numbering print process is executed when the user presses the numbering print key during the main process.

  In S131, an input of print contents is accepted. In addition, a message such as “Please input the number of labels to be created” is displayed on the display 102, and input of setting information related to numbering printing is accepted. In addition, after receiving the input of the number of sheets, the editing content is displayed on the display 102 together with a message such as “Move the cursor to the digit to be changed and press the enter key”, and accept the input.

In S132, the print content is determined based on the setting information input in S131, and stored in the editing buffer.
In S133, the second printing process is executed. That is, in the label creation for the first sheet, the same process as the process for the first sheet in the “multiple continuous printing process” described above is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S134.

  In S134, it is determined whether the number of printed sheets “N” determined based on the setting information input in S131 is 3 or more. When it is determined that N is not 3 or more (that is, N = 2) (S134: NO), the process proceeds to S138. On the other hand, when it is determined that N is 3 or more (S134: YES), the process proceeds to S135.

In S135, the printing content is determined based on the setting information input in S131, and stored in the editing buffer.
In S136, the third printing process is executed.
In S137, it is determined whether or not (N-1) th printing is finished. If it is determined that the printing of the (N-1) th sheet is not completed (S137: NO), the process returns to S135. As a result, the third printing process is continuously executed in creating the second to (N-1) th labels.

If it is determined that printing of the (N-1) th sheet has been completed (S137: YES), the process proceeds to S138.
In S138, the contents to be printed are determined based on the setting information input in S131 and stored in the editing buffer. In S139, the fourth printing process is executed. The fourth printing process is performed on the Nth label.

  According to the numbering printing process described above, a predetermined number of numbered labels can be created by inputting the print contents and setting information. Moreover, since the margin between labels can be eliminated, the consumption of the printing tape can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, after mirror image printing is performed on the film tape 55, the bonding tape 61 having a separator is bonded. The layers other than the separator are half-cut by the half cutter 24. The peeling roller 68 moves between a first position that does not contact the separator or the like that has passed through the guide roller 66 and a second position that contacts. When the peeling roller 68 is positioned at the first position, the bonded tape is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62. When the peeling roller 68 is positioned at the second position, only the separator 83 is taken up by the separator take-up spool 62. By changing the conveying direction of the separator 83, an adhesive label without a separator can be created. In addition, when a plurality of labels are continuously formed, the space between the labels can be eliminated, so that the consumption of the printing tape can be suppressed.

[First Modification of First Embodiment]
Next, Modification 1 of the above-described first embodiment will be described. The tape printer 100 according to the first embodiment described above can mount a tape cassette having a configuration other than the tape cassette 200.

  FIG. 42 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer and the tape cassette in the first modification. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 42, a tape cassette 300 can be attached to the tape printer 100. The tape cassette 300 has a film tape 55, an ink ribbon 57, and a bonding tape 61, and does not have a separator take-up spool. The printing operation on the film tape 55 and the bonding operation of the bonding tape 61 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  The film tape 55 on which the bonding tape 61 is bonded is discharged from the tape cassette 300. Thereafter, the paper is cut at a predetermined position by the full cutters 26A and 26B, and is discharged from the discharge port 34 through the pair of transport rollers. Since the discharged printed tape is provided with a separator, it can be stored for a long time.

[Modification 2 of the first embodiment]
Next, Modification 2 of the above-described first embodiment will be described. The tape printer 100 according to the first embodiment described above can mount a tape cassette having a configuration other than the tape cassette 200.

  FIG. 43 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer and the tape cassette in the second modification. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 43, a tape cassette 400 can be attached to the tape printer 100. The tape cassette 400 includes a printing tape 255 and an ink ribbon 57, and does not include a bonding tape and a separator take-up spool.

Next, a printing operation on the printing tape 255 will be described.
FIG. 44 schematically shows the printing tape 255 in the printing process. As shown in FIG. 44, the print tape 255 includes an image receiving layer 251, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 84, and a separator 83. During printing, the heating element group of the thermal head 12 is driven to generate heat. Due to the heat generated by the heating element group, the heated ink layer 82 of the ink ribbon 57 is dissolved, and the dissolved ink layer 82 is transferred to the image receiving layer 251.

  The printed printing tape 255 is discharged from the tape cassette 400. Thereafter, the sheet is cut at a predetermined position by a full cutter and discharged from the discharge port 34 through a pair of conveying rollers. Since the discharged printed tape 255 is provided with a separator, it can be stored for a long time.

[Modification 3 of the first embodiment]
Next, Modification 3 of the above-described first embodiment will be described. The tape printer 100 according to the first embodiment described above can mount a tape cassette having a configuration other than the tape cassette 200.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the tape cassette 500 in the third modification. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 45, the tape cassette 500 has a film tape 55, an ink ribbon 57, and a bonding tape 61, but does not have a separator take-up spool. The external shape of the tape cassette 500 is almost the same as that of the tape cassette 200. The printing operation on the film tape 55 and the bonding operation of the bonding tape 61 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  FIG. 46 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where the tape cassette 500 according to the third modification is mounted on the tape printer.

  The film tape 55 to which the bonding tape 61 is bonded is cut at a predetermined position by a full cutter, and is discharged from the discharge port 34 through a pair of conveying rollers. Since the discharged printed tape is provided with a separator, it can be stored for a long time.

[Modification 4 of the first embodiment]
Next, Modification 4 of the first embodiment described above will be described. The tape printer 100 according to the first embodiment described above can mount a tape cassette having a configuration other than the tape cassette 200.

  FIG. 47 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the tape cassette 600 according to the fourth modification. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 47, the tape cassette 600 includes a printing tape 255 and an ink ribbon 57, and does not include a bonding tape and a separator take-up spool. The external shape of the tape cassette 600 is almost the same as that of the tape cassette 200. Further, the printing operation on the printing tape 255 is the same as that of the second modification described above.

  FIG. 48 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the tape cassette 600 according to the fourth modification is mounted on the tape printer.

  The printed printing tape 255 is cut at a predetermined position by a full cutter, and is discharged from the discharge port 34 through a pair of conveying rollers. Since the discharged printed tape 255 is provided with a separator, it can be stored for a long time.

  As described above, the tape printer 100 can be loaded with a plurality of cassettes.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, based on 2nd Embodiment which actualized this invention, it demonstrates in detail, referring drawings.
FIG. 49 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape cassette of the second embodiment. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 49, the tape cassette 700 has a printing tape 155 and does not have an ink ribbon.

FIG. 50 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer of the second embodiment. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 50, in the tape printer according to the present embodiment, the thermal head 412 and the platen roller 414 have a positional relationship opposite to that in the first embodiment.
FIG. 51 schematically shows a state in which the tape cassette 700 is mounted on the tape printer.

Next, a printing operation on the printing tape 155 will be described.
FIG. 52 schematically shows the printing tape 155 in the printing process. As shown in FIG. 52, the printing tape 155 includes a separator 83, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 84, and a heat-sensitive agent layer 151. During printing, the heating element group of the thermal head 412 is driven to generate heat. The heated portion of the heat-sensitive agent layer 151 develops color due to heat generated by the heating element group. At this time, normal image printing is performed on the printing tape.

Next, the half cut operation of the half cutter 24 will be described.
FIG. 53 shows a state of half cut. When the scheduled cutting position of the print tape 155 reaches the position of the half cutter 24, the half cutter 24 is driven and a part of the print tape 155 is cut. At this time, as shown in FIG. 53, the heat-sensitive agent layer 151 and the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 84 are cut, and the separator 83 is not cut. Further, the entire width of the printing tape 155 is cut.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, there is no separator on the printing tape 155 having the heat-sensitive agent layer 151 by changing the transport direction of the separator 83 as in the first embodiment. Adhesive labels can be created. In addition, when a plurality of labels are continuously formed, the space between the labels can be eliminated, so that the consumption of the printing tape can be suppressed.

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

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the discharge roller pair is disposed on the printing apparatus side. However, one conveyance roller may be disposed on the tape cassette side.
FIG. 54 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 54, the discharge roller opposite to the discharge roller 32 is not arranged in the tape printer of this modification.
FIG. 55 schematically shows the internal structure of the tape cassette according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 55, a discharge roller 71 is disposed in the tape cassette 800 of this modification.
FIG. 56 schematically shows a state in which the tape cassette according to this modification is mounted on the tape printer. As shown in FIG. 56, the discharge roller 71 of the tape cassette 800 faces the discharge roller 32 of the tape printer. Further, the discharge roller 71 is connected to a discharge roller shaft (not shown) included in the tape printer. The discharge roller shaft rotates based on the drive of the motor. This motor is driven and controlled based on a motor drive circuit, and can be realized by, for example, a DC motor. As the discharge roller shaft rotates, the discharge roller 71 connected to the discharge roller shaft rotates.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the peeling roller 68 is provided in the tape cassette and is moved via the roller movable shaft 30. However, the peeling roller may be provided on the tape printer side. In that case, the tape cassette is provided with an opening through which the roller movable shaft 30 is inserted.

  FIG. 57 schematically shows the internal configuration of the tape printer according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 57, a peeling roller 35, a coil spring 36, and a coil spring stopper 37 are arranged in the tape printer of this modification. These functions are the same as the functions of the peeling roller 68, the coil spring 69, and the coil spring stopper 70 included in the tape cassette 200 of the first embodiment described above.

  FIG. 58 schematically shows the internal structure of the tape cassette according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 58, the tape cassette 900 of this modification is not provided with a peeling roller, a coil spring, and a coil spring stopper. An opening 79 is provided.

  FIG. 59 schematically shows a state in which the tape cassette 900 according to this modification is mounted on the tape printer. As shown in FIG. 59, the roller movable shaft 30, the peeling roller 35, the coil spring 36, and the coil spring stopper 37 enter the opening 79 of the tape cassette 900.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the separation roller 68 is used to switch the separator conveyance direction on the downstream side of the guide roller 66, but it is not necessarily a roller. For example, a non-rotating cylindrical shape or a semicircular cylindrical shape may be used. It may be a belt conveyor in which a belt is passed between two rollers. A separator or the like toward the separator take-up spool 62 may be sucked from the separator side. Alternatively, the separation roller 68 may be omitted, and the separator take-up spool itself may be configured to reciprocate.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the guide roller 66 is provided in the vicinity of the peeling position, but the roller is not necessarily required. It may be a boss, pin or rib.
In each of the embodiments described above, the peeling roller 68 is not in contact with the separator or the like in the “first position”, but the separator transport direction downstream of the separation roller transport direction is an integrated tape. Accordingly, the peeling roller 68 may be in contact with the separator in the “first position” as long as the created label is not peeled off.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of a tape printer. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the tape printer of a state which opened the cover, and a tape cassette. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape printer in 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the drive mechanism of a discharge roller from the top. It is sectional drawing of the drive mechanism of a discharge roller. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printing apparatus with the tape cassette in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printing apparatus with the tape cassette in 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a tape cassette. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the relationship between the ink ribbon and film tape in a printing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the relationship between the printed film tape and laminate film in the lamination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the half cut in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of the integrated tape which passed through the half cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of the integrated tape which passed through the half cutter. It is a block diagram of the electrical constitution of a tape printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the appearances, such as a film tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the appearances, such as a film tape. It is a flowchart of a main process. It is a flowchart of a single sheet printing process. It is a flowchart of a 1st printing process. It is a flowchart of the 4th printing processing. It is a flowchart of a temporary stop process. It is a flowchart of a continuous printing process. It is a flowchart of the 2nd printing processing. It is a flowchart of a 3rd printing process. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of printing only 1 sheet. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing content on a film tape. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of several sheets continuous printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of conveyance of a film tape and a bonding tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing content on a film tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing content on a film tape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the produced label and the label in preparation. It is a flowchart of a copy printing process. It is a flowchart of a numbering printing process. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the tape printer in the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment, and a tape cassette. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the tape printer in the modification 2 of 1st Embodiment, and a tape cassette. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the printing tape in a printing process. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette in the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printer with the tape cassette in the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette in the modification 4 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printer with the tape cassette in the modification 4 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape printer of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printer of the tape cassette of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the printing tape in the printing process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a half cut. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape printer in a modification. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette in a modification. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printer with the tape cassette in a modification. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape printer in a modification. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the tape cassette in a modification. It is a figure which shows typically the state which mounted | wore the tape printer with the tape cassette in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Thermal head 14 Platen roller 24 Half cutter 30 Roller movable shaft 31 Discharge roller 32 Discharge roller 55 Film tape 57 Ink ribbon 61 Bonding tape 62 Separator take-up spool 66 Guide roller 68 Peeling roller 100 Tape printer 200 Tape cassette

Claims (8)

In a tape cassette stored in a printing device that creates an adhesive label without a separator,
Cassette case,
A printing tape comprising a long film tape on which printing is performed, an adhesive layer, and a separator that is detachably bonded to the adhesive layer;
A first guide member that is located downstream of the print position in the transport direction of the print tape and on the separator side of the print tape, and separates the separator from the print tape;
A winding shaft that winds at least the separator separated by the first guide member,
In the cassette case,
A first switching means entrance for the first switching means included in the printing apparatus to enter;
A half-cutter entrance for the half-cutter of the printing apparatus to enter,
A label discharge port from which the adhesive label after the separator is peeled from the printing tape is discharged; and
In a state where the half cutter has entered the half cutter entrance, the half cutter is located upstream of the guide member in the print tape conveying direction and opposite to the separator of the print tape, Inside, cut the part other than the separator from one end to the other end in the width direction of the printing tape at the front end position and the rear end position of the adhesive label,
The direction of transport of the separator that has passed through the first guide member is such that the separator does not peel from the printing tape by the first switching means when the first switching means has entered the first switching means entrance. Between the first transport direction in which the printing tape is wound around the winding shaft in a state and the second transport direction in which the separator is peeled off from the printing tape and only the separator is wound on the winding shaft. Can be switched,
A tape cassette characterized by that. The first switching means transports the separator before the leading end of the adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter arrives at or reaches the peeling position where the separator peels from the printing tape. The direction is changed from the first transport direction to the second transport direction, and the rear end of the pressure-sensitive adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter arrives at the peeling position or before the arrival, Switching the transport direction of the separator from the second transport direction to the first transport direction;
The tape cassette according to claim 1. When the first switching means creates a plurality of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels, the first switching means is arranged on the winding shaft until the rear end of the last pressure-sensitive adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter reaches the peeling position. The second transport direction in which only the separator is wound is maintained, and from the second transport direction to the first transport direction before or after the trailing end of the last adhesive label arrives at the peeling position. Switch,
The tape cassette according to claim 2. In a tape cassette stored in a printing device that creates an adhesive label without a separator,
Cassette case,
A printing tape comprising a long film tape on which printing is performed, an adhesive layer, and a separator that is detachably bonded to the adhesive layer;
A first guide member that is located downstream of the printing position in the conveyance direction of the printing tape and on the separator side of the printing tape, and separates the separator from the printing tape;
A winding shaft that winds at least the separator separated by the first guide member,
In the cassette case,
A second guide member that is movably provided between the first guide member and the winding shaft, and guides the transport of the separator on the downstream side in the separator transport direction with respect to the first guide member;
A second switching means entrance for the second switching means of the printing device to enter;
A half-cutter entrance for the half-cutter of the printing apparatus to enter,
A label outlet for discharging the adhesive label after the separator is peeled from the printing tape, and
In a state where the half cutter has entered the half cutter entrance, the half cutter is located upstream of the guide member in the print tape conveying direction and opposite to the separator of the print tape, Inside, cut the part other than the separator from one end to the other end in the width direction of the printing tape at the front end position and the rear end position of the adhesive label
The transport direction of the separator that has passed through the first guide member is such that the position of the second guide member is moved by the second switching means in a state where the second switching means enters the entrance of the second switching means. A first conveying direction in which the printing tape is wound around the winding shaft in a state in which the separator does not peel from the printing tape, and a conveying direction of the separator that has passed through the first guide member, The separator is peeled off from the printing tape, and only the separator is switched between the second transport directions wound on the winding shaft.
A tape cassette characterized by that. The second switching unit is configured to convey the separator before the leading end of the adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter arrives at or before the separation position where the separator is separated from the printing tape. The direction is changed from the first conveying direction to the second conveying direction, and the rear end of the adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter arrives at the peeling position or before the arrival, Switching the transport direction of the separator from the second transport direction to the first transport direction;
The tape cassette according to claim 4. When the second switching means creates a plurality of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels, the second switching means is disposed on the winding shaft until the rear end of the last pressure-sensitive adhesive label formed by being cut by the half cutter reaches the peeling position. The second transport direction in which only the separator is wound is maintained, and from the second transport direction to the first transport direction before or after the trailing end of the last adhesive label arrives at the peeling position. Switch,
The tape cassette according to claim 5. A pair of opposing discharge rollers located between the first guide member and the discharge port of the printing apparatus for conveying the adhesive label;
Of the pair of discharge rollers, the roller located on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive label is subjected to a peeling process.
The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein the tape cassette is a tape cassette. The winding shaft has a reverse rotation prevention mechanism for preventing rotation in the reverse direction.
The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein the tape cassette is a tape cassette.

Images