JP2010125791A - Printer and tape cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer for easily detecting the width direction deviation of a label tape and correcting the deviation to carry out printing into a suitable position. <P>SOLUTION: The position of a mark provided at the label tape is detected by an optical sensor (S4). When the mark is detected (S4: Yes), the difference between a predetermined reference position and the position of an actual mark detected by the optical sensor is used as a correction quantity to correct a printing position (S12). The printing position can thereby be corrected according to the actual position of the printing tape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having printing means for printing on a tape, and a tape cassette that can be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to produce a label, a tape cassette that includes a label tape that is a printing medium and is mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing on the label tape is known. As an example, this tape cassette includes a ribbon spool around which an ink ribbon is wound, and a label tape spool around which a label tape having one surface as a printing surface and the other surface as a sticking surface is wound. When the label is produced, the ink ribbon and the label tape are conveyed in a polymerized state, and printing is performed on the printing surface of the label tape via the ink ribbon by the thermal head provided in the printing apparatus.

There has also been proposed a printing apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of types of tape cassettes having different label tape widths (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This printing device identifies the part to be identified provided in the tape cassette housing, identifies the type and width of the label tape of the installed tape cassette, and sets the printing position according to the identified width. is doing.
JP-A-7-68814

  However, when such a conventional tape cassette is used, for example, the positional deviation of the label tape in the width direction in the tape cassette, the mounting failure of the tape cassette to the printing apparatus, and the individual dimensions of the tape cassette housing The position of the label tape with respect to the thermal head may be shifted in the width direction due to misalignment of the tape cassette due to an error. As a result, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed at an accurate position with respect to the printing surface of the label tape.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can easily detect a shift in the width direction of a label tape and can correct the shift to perform printing, and a tape detachable from the printing apparatus. The purpose is to provide a cassette.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is long and stores a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction of the printing apparatus. A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing characters, figures, symbols, and the like on the printing tape that is detachably mounted and is pulled out of the tape outlet of the tape cassette and conveyed. A mark detection unit that is disposed downstream of the tape discharge port in the transport direction of the printing tape and detects the mark and the actual position of the mark in the width direction when the tape cassette is mounted. And a difference between the actual position of the mark detected by the mark detection means and a preset reference position of the mark as a correction amount, Characterized by comprising a correction means for correcting the print position by the printing means in the width direction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, whether or not the mark is detected by the conveying means for conveying the printing tape and the mark detecting means. And a conveyance control unit that operates the conveyance unit until the mark is detected by the mark detection unit when the determination unit determines that the mark is not detected by the determination unit. It is characterized by having.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the mark detected by the mark detecting means is a position in the width direction of the printing tape. It is determined whether the mark is a position detection mark for detecting whether or not the mark is attached in the vicinity of the end portion in the transport direction of the print tape and is used to detect that the print tape is in the vicinity of the end portion. Mark shape determining means to perform, and when the mark shape determining means determines that the mark is the end mark, the mark shape determining means further includes notification means for notifying that the printing tape is near the end portion. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the reference position is in the width direction regardless of the width of the printing tape. It is a predetermined position, and the position of the mark detection means in the width direction is the same as the reference position.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a determination unit that determines whether the difference is a predetermined value or less. And an error determination unit that performs error determination when the determination unit determines that the difference is not less than a predetermined value.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the position detection mark is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the printing apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is a tape cassette that is long and stores a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction of the printing apparatus, Printing means for printing characters, figures, symbols, and the like on the printing tape drawn out and conveyed from the tape discharge port of the tape cassette, and disposed downstream in the conveyance direction of the printing tape from the tape discharge port, A mark detection unit that detects a mark and detects an actual position of the mark in the width direction; an actual position of the mark detected by the mark detection unit; and a preset reference position of the mark And a correction unit that corrects a printing position by the printing unit in the width direction using the difference between the two as a correction amount.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the mark is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

  A tape cassette according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a tape cassette that can be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and is long and has one end in its width direction. A printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction is accommodated.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the mark is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

  In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the mark detection means disposed downstream of the tape cassette in the transport direction of the print tape detects the mark and the actual position of the mark. Then, the correction unit corrects the printing position by the printing unit in the width direction using the difference between the actual mark position detected by the mark detection unit and a preset reference position of the mark as a correction amount.

  As a result, the printing position can be corrected in accordance with the actual width deviation of the printing tape. Specifically, even when the position of the printing tape is displaced due to distortion of the tape cassette, poor mounting of the tape cassette with respect to the printing apparatus, etc., the printing position can be corrected according to the actual displacement. Therefore, printing can be performed at an accurate position. In addition, since the printing position of the printing unit is corrected instead of correcting the position of the paper, the printing position can be easily corrected.

  Further, since the mark detection means is arranged on the downstream side in the tape transport direction from the tape discharge port of the tape cassette, the mark of the printing tape discharged from the tape discharge port can be detected. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide any special mechanism for detecting marks on the printing tape in the casing of the tape cassette. Therefore, versatility of the casing of the tape cassette can be enhanced.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the transport means transports the printing tape. Further, the determining means determines whether or not the mark is detected by the mark detecting means. Further, when the determination unit determines that the mark is not detected, the transfer control unit operates the transfer unit until the mark is detected. Therefore, when the mark is not detected by the mark detection means, the printing tape can be transported until the mark detection means can detect the mark. Therefore, the mark detection means can detect the mark reliably. Therefore, the correction unit can reliably correct the printing position based on the position of the mark detected by the mark detection unit.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the mark detected by the mark shape determination means is detected in the width direction of the printing tape. It is determined whether it is a position detection mark for detecting the position of the print tape or an end mark for detecting that the print tape is near the end portion. When the mark shape determining means determines that the mark is an end mark, the notifying means notifies that the print tape is near the end portion in the transport direction. Therefore, the user can recognize that there is little remaining print tape. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from giving a print instruction without recognizing that there is little remaining print tape.

  In the printing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect according to any one of the first to third aspects, the position of the mark detection means in the width direction is the same as the reference position. The detection means can detect a mark attached in the vicinity of the reference position. The reference position is a predetermined position in the print tape width direction regardless of the width of the print tape. Therefore, the position of the mark can be detected without using an optical sensor with a wide detection range or using a plurality of optical sensors according to the type of printing tape. Therefore, the position of the mark can be detected inexpensively and easily.

  Further, in the printing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the judging means determines that the difference between the actual mark position and the mark reference position is: It is determined whether or not it is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Then, the error determination unit performs error determination when the determination unit determines that the difference is not less than a predetermined value. Therefore, when the difference between the detected mark position and the reference position is larger than a predetermined value, for example, when there is a large shift due to a mounting failure of the tape cassette, error determination is performed. be able to. Accordingly, the correction of the printing position and the detection of the large deviation of the printing tape can be performed by using the optical sensor, and appropriate processing can be executed when the large deviation occurs.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any of claims 3 to 5, the position detection marks are continuous in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape. Therefore, the mark shape determining means can determine whether or not the detected marks are position detection marks only by determining whether or not the detected marks are continuous. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily determine whether the mark is a position detection mark. Further, when a tape cassette for storing a printing tape with such a position detection mark is mounted, the mark detection means can detect the position of the mark regardless of the degree of transport of the tape. Therefore, the timing at which the optical sensor detects the mark position is not limited, and the printing apparatus can detect the mark position and correct the printing position at any timing.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention, the tape cassette has a long shape, and stores a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction of the tape cassette. Further, the printing means prints characters, figures, symbols, and the like on the printing tape that is drawn out from the tape outlet of the tape cassette and conveyed. In addition, the mark detection means arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing tape with respect to the tape discharge port detects the mark and the actual position of the mark in the width direction. Then, the correcting unit corrects the printing position by the printing unit using the difference between the actual mark position detected by the mark detecting unit and a preset reference position of the mark as a correction amount.

  As a result, the printing position can be corrected in accordance with the actual width deviation of the printing tape. Specifically, even when the position of the printing tape is displaced due to distortion of the tape cassette, poor mounting of the tape cassette with respect to the printing apparatus, etc., the printing position can be corrected according to the actual displacement. Therefore, printing can be performed at an accurate position. In addition, since the printing position of the printing unit is corrected instead of correcting the position of the paper, the printing position can be easily corrected.

  Further, since the mark detection means is arranged on the downstream side in the tape transport direction from the tape discharge port of the tape cassette, the mark of the printing tape discharged from the tape discharge port can be detected. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide any special mechanism for detecting marks on the printing tape in the casing of the tape cassette. Therefore, versatility of the casing of the tape cassette can be enhanced.

  Further, in the printing apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 7, since continuous marks in the longitudinal direction are attached to the printing tape, it is related to the degree of conveyance of the tape. The mark detection means can detect the position of the mark. Therefore, the timing at which the mark detection means detects the mark is not limited, and the position of the mark can be detected at any timing. Therefore, the correction unit can correct the printing position at any timing.

  The tape cassette according to claim 9 of the present invention is long and stores a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction of the tape cassette. It can be attached to and detached from any one of the printing apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to provide a tape cassette that allows the mark detection means of the printing apparatus to detect the position of the mark on the printing tape. Therefore, it is possible to provide a tape cassette capable of causing the correction means of the printing apparatus to correct the printing position according to the actual width deviation of the printing tape.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the ninth aspect, the tape cassette accommodates a printing tape with a continuous mark in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a tape cassette that allows the mark detection means to detect the position of the mark regardless of the degree of transport of the tape. Since the timing at which the mark detection means detects the mark is not limited, it is possible to provide a tape cassette that can cause the correction means to correct the printing position at any timing.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a printing apparatus 1 connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 500 is employed as a “printing apparatus” according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the apparatus described, the flowchart of various processes, etc., unless otherwise specified. It is not intended to be limited to that, but merely an illustrative example.

  First, the outline of the physical configuration of the PC 500 and the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a PC 500 connected to the printing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 500 is connected to the printing apparatus 1 by a USB cable 510 based on the USB standard, for example, and exchanges data with the printing apparatus 1 via the USB cable 510. When the user edits an object to be printed on the PC 500 or sets conditions when printing is performed by the printing apparatus 1, the PC 500 creates print data based on the conditions and prints the printing apparatus 1 via the USB cable 510. Send to. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 performs printing according to the received print data.

  A PC 500 shown in FIG. 1 is a well-known personal computer, and includes a main body 501, a monitor 571, a keyboard 581, and a mouse 582. Note that the monitor 571, the keyboard 581 and the mouse 582 are each connected to the main body 501 by a connection cable. A CD-ROM drive 540 into which a CD-ROM (not shown) can be inserted is provided on the front surface of the main body 501.

  On the other hand, the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2, and a label tape 67 (FIG. 4, FIG. 4) is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 (the surface in the right front direction in the figure). A tape discharge port 3 is provided for discharging (see FIG. 5). When the cover 5 provided on the left side surface of the housing 2 is opened, a cassette mounting frame 11 (see FIG. 2) is provided inside, and a tape cassette 51 (see FIG. 3) described later is provided here. It is configured so that it can be attached.

  Next, the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1 with the cover 5 opened. In the following description, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in FIG. 2 are respectively referred to as the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the printing apparatus 1 and the tape cassette 51.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cassette mounting frame 11 having a concave cassette mounting portion 111 is provided inside the printing apparatus 1. The tape cassette 51 (see FIG. 3) is attached to and detached from the cassette mounting portion 111. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the tape cassette 51 is mounted. A roller holder 23 is provided on the upper portion of the cassette mounting portion 111 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 26. A platen roller 21 and a pressure roller 22 are rotatably attached to the roller holder 23. When the tape cassette 51 is fitted into the cassette mounting portion 111, the platen roller 21 and the pressure contact roller 22 are disposed at the uppermost release position. When printing is started, the roller holder 23 is rotated around the shaft 26, and the platen roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 are arranged at the lowest printing position.

  Further, on the upper portion of the cassette mounting portion 111, the heat sink 12 is erected from the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 111 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface (perpendicular to the paper surface). In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 111 is defined as the height direction of the cassette mounting portion 111. A thermal head 13 that performs printing on the label tape 67 is disposed on the side surface of the heat sink 12 that faces the platen roller 21. Further, on the downstream side of the heat sink 12 in the label tape conveyance direction, the tape feed roller shaft 16 is erected in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) from the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 111. The tape feed roller shaft 16 faces the pressure roller 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the tape feed roller shaft 16 is engaged with the tape feed roller 39 of the tape cassette 51 when a tape cassette 51 described later is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111. The tape feed roller shaft 16 is rotationally driven by a tape feed motor 47 (see FIG. 8) described later, and rotates the tape feed roller 39.

  In addition, positioning protrusions 24 (see FIG. 7) are erected at the four corners of the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 111. The positioning projection 24 is inserted into a recess 91 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the tape cassette 51 described later, whereby the tape cassette 51 in the vertical direction of the cassette mounting portion 111, that is, in the width direction of the label tape 67. Positioning is performed. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the center in the width direction of the label tape 67 is positioned at the center in the vertical direction (height direction) of the thermal head 13 regardless of which type of tape cassette 51 is mounted. Thus, the positioning projection 24 positions the tape cassette 51.

  Further, a tape cutter 17 is disposed near the tape outlet 3 on the upper right side of the cassette mounting portion 111. The tape cutter 17 includes a fixed blade 171 and a movable blade 172. When the movable blade 172 is moved with respect to the fixed blade 171 by a tape cutter drive motor 41 (see FIG. 8) described later, the label tape 67 is cut.

  Incidentally, in the cassette mounting frame 11, an optical sensor 200 is disposed between the tape cutter 17 and the tape outlet 3. The optical sensor 200 is located above the label tape 67 conveyed in the printing apparatus 1. The optical sensor 200 is a reflective photosensor including a light emitting unit 231 and a light receiving unit 232 (see FIG. 8). The light emitting unit 231 is configured by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements (not shown) that emit light in a line shape. The light receiving unit 232 includes a plurality of light receiving elements (not shown) that receive light arranged in a line. The optical sensor 200 is arranged at the same center position in the height direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) of the cassette mounting portion 111, that is, the center of the thermal head 13 in the height direction (perpendicular to the paper surface). It is installed. Therefore, the optical sensor 200 is opposed to the approximate center in the width direction of the label tape 67 that is pulled out of the tape cassette 51 and conveyed. Of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 231, the light receiving unit 232 receives the light reflected by the label tape 67. The printing apparatus 1 detects the position of a position detection mark 79 (see FIG. 4) described later on the label tape 67 and the presence / absence of an end mark 76 (see FIG. 5) based on the light received by the light receiving unit 232. Can do.

  A cassette detection unit 10 (see FIG. 9) is provided at the lower left corner of the bottom plate 14 of the cassette mounting unit 111. As will be described later, the cassette detection unit 10 is further provided with a cassette detection unit 10 (see FIG. 7) at the lower left corner of the cassette mounting unit 111. The cassette detection unit 10 includes a detection switch 6 disposed on the detection sensor substrate 80 and four switch terminal shafts 651 protruding from the detection sensor substrate 80 by being biased by a spring or the like. The cassette detection unit 10 detects the identification unit 66 (see FIG. 6) of the tape cassette 51 formed in a different shape depending on the type of the tape cassette 51 by using the detection switch 6 (see FIG. 7), thereby the tape cassette. 51 types are detected. In the present embodiment, the tape width of the label tape 67 is detected by detecting the type of the tape cassette 51.

  A DC motor 400 that is a drive source for transporting the label tape 67 is attached to the left side of the cassette mounting frame 11. The rotational driving force of the DC motor 400 is transmitted to the platen roller 21, the pressure roller 22, and the tape feed roller shaft 16 through an appropriate transmission mechanism, and rotates each of them.

  Next, the configuration of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 111 of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 51 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tape cassette 51 includes an upper case 52 and a lower case 53. The tape cassette 51 is provided with a support hole 57 that rotatably supports a first spool 37 (see FIG. 2) described later. 3 shows only the support holes 57 formed in the upper case 52, the support holes 57 facing the support holes 57 of the upper case 52 are also formed in the lower case 53 in the same manner. ing.

  An arm portion 58 is provided on the front side (lower right side in the figure) of the tape cassette 51. The arm portion 58 guides the label tape 67 drawn from the first spool 37 and sends it out from the opening 58A.

  Behind the arm portion 58, a head mounting portion 59 to which the heat sink 12 including the thermal head 13 (see FIG. 2) is mounted is provided. A support hole 63 is provided on the downstream side of the head mounting portion 59 in the transport direction of the label tape 67 to rotatably support a tape feed roller 39 described later. The tape feed roller 39 pulls out the label tape 67 from the first spool 37 in cooperation with the pressure roller 22 opposed thereto. Further, a pair of upper and lower restricting members 64 and 65 (see FIG. 3) are provided in the vicinity of the tape feed roller 39. The regulating members 64 and 65 regulate the label tape 67 on which characters are printed in the width direction on the downstream side of the thermal head 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, three spools, a first spool 37, a second spool 32, and a third spool 34, are rotatably provided in the lower case 53. A label tape 67 having a two-layer structure of a base tape 77 having a surface on which printing is performed and a peeling tape 78 attached to the back surface of the base tape 77 via an adhesive layer is wound around the first spool 37. (See FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the second spool 32 and the third spool 34 serve as guide rollers for guiding the label tape 67 conveyed in the tape cassette 51.

  A tape feed roller 39 is rotatably provided at the upper right part inside the lower case 53. When the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111, the tape feed roller shaft 16 is engaged with the tape feed roller 39, and the tape feed roller shaft 16 is driven to rotate, whereby the tape feed roller 39 is rotated. Is configured to do.

  Further, an identification hole 31 for specifying the type of the tape cassette 51 is provided in the lower left corner of the lower case 53 (see FIG. 6). The formation pattern of the identification holes 31 is different according to the type of tape provided in the tape cassette 51. On the other hand, the cassette detection unit 10 described above is provided at a position of the cassette mounting unit 111 where the identification hole 31 is disposed when the tape cassette 51 is mounted. Then, any one of the four switch terminal shafts 651 of the detection switch 6 provided at the corresponding position is inserted into each identification hole 31. In the present embodiment, the identification hole 31 and the cassette detection unit 10 are used for detecting the tape width of the label tape 67 provided in the tape cassette 51. A method for detecting the tape width will be described later.

  Next, the label tape 67 stored in the tape cassette 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the label tape 67. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the label tape 67 to which the position detection mark 79 and the end mark 76 are attached. The label tape 67 provided in the tape cassette 51 of the first embodiment is a so-called receptor tape.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the label tape 67 is a long tape having a constant width, and includes a base tape 77 and a peeling tape 78. One surface of the base tape 77 is a printing surface on which printing by the thermal head 13 is performed, and the other surface is an adhesive surface to which an adhesive is applied. And the peeling tape 78 is affixed on the adhesive surface of the base tape 77 so that peeling is possible. The label tape 67 is wound around the first spool 37 (see FIG. 2) so that the peeling tape 78 is on the outside.

  4 and 5, the outer surface of the peeling tape 78 (the surface opposite to the surface bonded to the base tape 77) is black and has a linear position detection mark. 79 is attached. The position detection mark 79 is continuous in the longitudinal direction with a constant distance from one end of the peeling tape 78 in the width direction. In the present embodiment, a position detection mark 79 is attached to the center of the peeling tape 78 in the width direction. The label tape 67 is arranged on the tape cassette 51 so that the position detection mark 79 is positioned at the center of the tape cassette 51 in the thickness direction. The position of the position detection mark 79 is detected by the optical sensor 200 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an end mark 76 formed in a black stripe shape is attached to the outer surface in the vicinity of the end portion of the peeling tape 78. The end mark 76 has a strip-like black region 167 printed over the entire width direction of the peeling tape 78 and a strip-like blank region 168 that is a non-printing region alternately with respect to the longitudinal direction of the peeling tape 78. Arranged and configured. The widths of the belt-like black region 167 and the belt-like blank region 168 are each a. In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the black tape 167 and the blank area 168 are detected in succession to recognize that the label tape 67 is the end portion. The black area 167 is printed over the entire width direction of the label tape 67. Thereby, even if the label tape 67 is displaced in the width direction, the black region 167 can be reliably detected by the optical sensor 200.

  Next, the positioning of the tape cassette 51 in the thickness direction (the width direction of the label tape 67) and the detection of the type of the tape cassette 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the identification portion 66 and the recess 91 of the tape cassette 51. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cassette detection unit 10 and the positioning protrusion 24 with respect to the identification unit 66 and the recess 91.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an identification hole 31 is formed in the identification section 66 of the tape cassette 51. The formation pattern of the identification hole 31 is different depending on the type of each tape cassette 51. A recess 91 for positioning the tape cassette 51 with respect to the cassette mounting unit 111 is formed next to the identification unit 66. In the width direction of the label tape 67, the distance d between the position w of the bottom surface 92 of the recess 91 and the center position h of the tape cassette 51 is the thickness of the tape cassette 51 (the width of the stored label tape 67). Regardless, the recess 91 is formed to have the same distance.

  Then, the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the cassette mounting unit 111 of the printing apparatus 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the switch terminal shaft 651 of the detection switch 6 disposed on the detection sensor substrate 80 of the cassette detection unit 10 is inserted into each identification hole 31. In the drawing, like the second detection switch 6 from the left, the detection switch 6 facing the portion where the identification hole 31 is provided is turned off. On the other hand, the switch terminal shaft 651 is pushed into the detection switch 6 facing the portion where the identification hole 31 is not provided, such as the leftmost detection switch 6 in the figure, by the substrate of the identification unit 66. , Turn on. The type of the tape cassette 51 is detected based on the combination of ON / OFF of the plurality of detection switches 6.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111, the positioning protrusion 24 is inserted into the recess 91. Then, the tip of the positioning protrusion 24 comes into contact with the bottom surface 92 of the recess 91, and the tape cassette 51 is positioned. As described above, in the width direction of the label tape 67, that is, in the thickness direction of the tape cassette 51 (vertical direction in the drawing), between the position w of the bottom surface 92 of the recess 91 and the center position h of the tape cassette 51. The distance d is the same regardless of the thickness of the tape cassette 51. Accordingly, the center position h in the thickness direction of the tape cassette 51 is located at a predetermined position regardless of the width of the label tape 67 accommodated in the tape cassette 51.

  In the present embodiment, the height of the positioning protrusion 24 and the shape of the recess 91 are determined so that the center position h of the tape cassette 51 is positioned at the center of the thermal head 13 in the height direction. The position detection mark 79 attached to the label tape 67 is located at the center in the thickness direction of the tape cassette 51 as long as the label tape 67 is not displaced from the tape cassette 51. Therefore, the position detection mark 79 is positioned at the center of the thermal head 13 in the height direction unless the label tape 67 is displaced, the tape cassette 51 is distorted, or the tape cassette 51 is not properly mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the center position in the height direction of the thermal head 13 is set as the reference position of the position detection mark 79, and the printing position is set according to the difference between the reference position and the actual position detection mark 79. It is corrected. Details of this will be described later.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of the RAM 60. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 40 of the printing apparatus 1 is configured with a CPU 52 that is a control device as a core, and a ROM 55, a RAM 60, and an input / output interface 50 are connected to the CPU 52.

  The CPU 52 controls the entire printing apparatus 1 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 55 in advance. The ROM 55 stores various programs necessary for controlling the printing apparatus 1. The ROM 55 stores a tape cassette type table (not shown) indicating the relationship between the tape cassette type, the tape width, and the tape type.

  In the RAM 60, as shown in FIG. 9, a tape width storage area 1041, a tape type storage area 1042, a detection mark position storage area 1043, a reference use dot storage area 1044, a corrected use dot storage area 1045, and a print data storage area 1046. , And a print number storage area 1047 is provided. In the tape width storage area 1041, the width of the label tape 67 detected by the detection switch 6 is stored. The tape type storage area 1042 stores the tape type detected by the detection switch 6. The detection mark position storage area 1043 stores the position of the position detection mark 79 detected by the optical sensor 200. The reference use dot storage area 1044 stores reference use dots that are used by the thermal head 13 in accordance with the width of the label tape 67 and are used before correction according to displacement. The corrected used dot storage area 1045 stores a corrected used dot that is a used dot as a result of the correction according to the shift performed on the reference used dot. The print data storage area 1046 stores the input print data. In the print number storage area 1047, the value of the counter N for counting the remaining number of prints is stored.

  The input / output interface 50 drives a drive circuit 48 for driving the thermal head 13, a drive circuit 42 for driving a tape cutter drive motor 41 for operating the tape cutter 17, and a tape feed motor 47. A drive circuit 49 is connected. A USB port 25 is further connected to the input / output interface. The USB port 25 is connected to the PC 500 via the USB cable 510. The input / output interface 50 is connected to the detection switch 6 described above.

  The optical sensor 200 is connected to the input / output interface 50. The optical sensor 200 includes the light emitting unit 231 and the light receiving unit 232 as described above. The optical sensor 200 detects the position of the position detection mark 79 and the presence or absence of the end mark 76 (see FIG. 5) based on the light emitted from the light emitting unit 231 and reflected by the label tape 67 and received by the light receiving unit 232. To detect.

  Here, the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, after the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the printing apparatus 1, when the execution of printing is instructed by the print data transmitted from the PC 500, the roller holder 23 is rotated to the printing position. Then, the platen roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 are brought into pressure contact with the thermal head 13 and the tape feed roller 39, respectively. That is, the label tape 67 is sandwiched between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 13, and the pressure contact roller 22 and the tape feed roller 39. When the DC motor 400 is driven, the platen roller 21, the pressure contact roller 22, and the tape feed roller 39 rotate. As a result, the label tape 67 is pulled out from the first spool 37, further conveyed through the second spool 32 and the third spool 34, and printing is performed on the tape surface by the thermal head 13. Then, after passing between the pressure roller 22 and the tape feed roller 39 and appropriately cut by the tape cutter 17, it is discharged from the tape discharge port 3 to the outside of the printing apparatus 1.

  Next, processing performed in the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of main processing performed in the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the printing position correction process. When the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU 52 executes main processing according to the main program stored in the ROM 55.

  When the main process shown in FIG. 10 is started, first, it is determined whether or not the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111 (S1). If it is determined that it is not attached (S1: NO), the process returns to S1 and this determination is repeated. When it is determined that the tape cassette 51 is mounted (S1: YES), the type of the tape cassette 51 mounted based on the combination of ON / OFF of the plurality of detection switches 6 provided in the cassette detection unit 10 Is detected. Then, the tape cassette type table (not shown) stored in the ROM 55 is referred to, and the width of the label tape 67 and the tape type (receptor type or laminate type) are detected (S2). The detected tape width is stored in the tape width storage area 1041 of the RAM 60. The detected tape type is stored in the tape type storage area 1042.

  Next, the DC motor 400 is driven to rotate the platen roller 21, the press roller 22, and the tape feed roller 39. As a result, the label tape 67 is pulled out from the first spool 37 and conveyed through the second spool 32 and the third spool 34 (S3).

  When the label tape 67 is conveyed (S3), it is determined by the optical sensor 200 whether either the position detection mark 79 or the end mark 76 is detected (S4). In the optical sensor 200, the light receiving unit 232 receives the light reflected by the label tape 67 out of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 231. Based on the light received by the light receiving unit 232, the position detection mark 79 or the end mark 76 is detected.

  If no mark is detected by the optical sensor 200 (S4: NO), the leading end of the label tape 67 in the transport direction has not yet been transported to the position facing the optical sensor 200. Therefore, the DC motor 400 is further driven and the label tape 67 is further conveyed (S3).

  On the other hand, when the mark is detected by the optical sensor 200 (S4: YES), the driving of the DC motor 400 is stopped and the conveyance of the label tape 67 is stopped (S5). Then, it is determined whether or not the mark detected by the optical sensor 200 is a mark continuous in the longitudinal direction of the label tape 67 (S6).

  Here, as described above, in the end mark 76, the black areas 167 and the blank areas 168 are alternately arranged. Therefore, in order to identify the end mark 76, it is only necessary to detect the blank area 168 (or black area 167) after detecting at least the black area 167 (or blank area 168).

  For example, when the conveyance speed of the label tape 67 is v, the time required for the optical sensor 200 to detect one of the black areas 167 (or blank areas 168) having the width a is (a / v). . A time longer than this time is set as the mark detection time. That is, if the mark detection time is t, the relationship of t> (a / v) is established. If the black region 167 and the blank region 168 are detected at least once each at the mark detection time t, it is determined that the detected mark is not a continuous mark in the longitudinal direction like the position detection mark 79. (S6: NO). In this case, a message such as “Remaining printing tape is low” is displayed on the monitor 571 of the PC 500, so that the label tape 67 is in the vicinity of the end portion (S7), and the main process ends. To do.

  On the other hand, when the blank area 168 has never been detected during the mark detection time t, the mark is a position detection mark 79 formed continuously longer than a in the longitudinal direction of the label tape 67. In this case, it is determined that the marks are continuous (S6: YES).

  In this case, the position of the position detection mark 79 detected by the optical sensor 200 in the tape width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) is stored in the detection mark position storage area 1043 of the RAM 60. As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the center position of the thermal head 13 in the height direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) is used as the reference position of the position detection mark 79. When the position detection mark 79 is at the same height as the reference position, the position is detected as “0”, and when the position detection mark 79 is above the reference position, it is plus, and when it is below, it is minus. The value of is detected.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the mark position stored in the detected mark position storage area 1043 is within a predetermined setting range (S8). If the detected value is not within the predetermined setting range (S8: NO), an error message such as “Tape cassette is not correctly loaded” is displayed on the monitor 571 (S9), and S2 Return to processing. Thereby, the user can recognize that the tape cassette 51 is not normally mounted. Therefore, since the user can redo the mounting of the tape cassette 51, it is possible to prevent printing without the tape cassette 51 being correctly mounted.

  When the detected mark position is within the set range (S8: YES), the tape width of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 111 is displayed on the monitor 571 (S10). Specifically, for example, a message such as “Printing a printing tape having a tape width of 12 mm” is displayed on the monitor 571. Then, the value stored in the detection mark position storage area 1043 is directly used as a correction value for the print position (S11), and a print position correction process for correcting the print position according to the correction value is performed (S12).

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the printing position correction process is started, reference use dots of the thermal head 13 are determined according to the detected tape width (S21). As described above, the reference use dot is a use dot that is used by the thermal head 13 according to the width of the label tape 67 and before correction according to the deviation is performed. That is, when there is no deviation in the width direction of the label tape 67, printing is performed using the reference use dots. The reference use dot and the tape width are associated with each other in advance. In the process of S21, the reference use dot corresponding to the detected tape width is determined and stored in the reference use dot storage area 1044 of the RAM 60.

  Next, the unit of the correction value, which is the distance between the actual position detection mark 79 and the reference position, is converted into the number of dots of the thermal head 13 (S22). Specifically, when the interval between the centers of the dots of the thermal head 13 is 0.02 mm, if the correction value is +0.2 mm, the number of dots that can fit in the width of 0.2 mm is ten. Is converted from +0.2 mm to +10 pieces.

  Next, a process of calculating corrected used dots is performed (S23). As described above, the corrected used dot is a used dot obtained as a result of correction performed on the reference used dot according to the shift. In this process, the corrected used dot is calculated by shifting the reference used dot by the correction value converted into the number of dots. Specifically, among the 0th to 127th dots arranged in a straight line in the tape width direction, the reference use dots are the 43rd to 83rd, and the correction value converted into the number of dots is +10. think of. In this case, Nos. 53 to 93, which are ranges in which the reference use dots are shifted by +10, are calculated as corrected use dots. The calculated corrected used dots are stored in the corrected used dot storage area 1045 of the RAM 60, and printing is actually performed using the stored corrected used dots. Then, the process returns to the main process (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

  When the printing position correction process (S12) is completed, it is determined whether or not the tape cassette 51 has been removed from the cassette mounting portion 111 (S13). When it is determined that the tape cassette 51 has been removed (S13: YES), the process returns to the determination of S1, and a series of processes for correcting the printing position is performed again (S1 to S12). If the tape cassette 51 has not been removed (S13: NO), it is determined whether the print data and the number of prints have been input by the user (S14). If it is not input (S14: NO), the process returns to S13. When the print data and the number of prints are input (S14: YES), the input print data is stored in the print data storage area 1046 of the RAM 60 (S15). Then, the input print number is set in the counter N that counts the remaining number of prints, and is stored in the print number storage area 1047 (S16). Then, the process proceeds to determination of whether or not a print instruction has been input (S17).

  If the user has not input a print instruction (S17: NO), it is repeatedly determined whether a print instruction has been input (S17). When a print instruction is input (S17: YES), printing is performed with the corrected used dots calculated according to the correction value (S18). Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of N (S19), and it is determined whether or not the value of N is “0” (S20). If it is not “0” (S20: NO), since the printing has not been completed yet, the process returns to S18. If it is “0” (S20: YES), the process returns to S13.

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the position of the position detection mark 79 provided on the label tape 67 is detected by the optical sensor 200. Then, the difference between the reference position, which is the position of the position detection mark 79 when the label tape 67 is not displaced in the width direction, and the position of the actual position detection mark 79 detected by the optical sensor 200 is corrected. The print position is corrected as a quantity. Therefore, the position of the label tape 67 with respect to the thermal head 13 is changed in the width direction due to the position shift of the tape cassette 51, the position shift of the label tape 67 in the width direction in the tape cassette 51, the mounting failure of the tape cassette 51 to the printing apparatus 1, and the like. Even in the case of misalignment, the print position can be easily corrected according to the misalignment and printing can be performed at an appropriate position. Further, since the position of the label tape 67 is not corrected but the used dots of the thermal head 13 are corrected, the printing position can be easily corrected.

  Then, in a state where the tape cassette 51 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 111, the position detection mark 79 is positioned at the reference position regardless of the width of the label tape 67. The arrangement position of the optical sensor 200 is the same position as the reference position in the width direction of the label tape 67. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an optical sensor having a wide detection range or to use a plurality of optical sensors according to the type of the label tape 67. Therefore, the position of the position detection mark 79 can be detected inexpensively and easily.

  Further, when the positional deviation of the label tape 67 is large and the difference between the position of the detected position detection mark 79 and the reference position is larger than a predetermined value, an error display can be performed. Therefore, the user can recognize that the label tape 67 is greatly displaced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from giving a print instruction without recognizing that the label tape is greatly displaced.

  The optical sensor 200 is disposed between the tape cutter 17 and the tape outlet 3 in the cassette mounting frame 11. Therefore, the mark on the label tape 67 discharged from the tape cassette 51 can be detected. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide any special mechanism for detecting the mark on the label tape 67 in the upper case 52 and the lower case 53 of the tape cassette 51. Therefore, the versatility of the tape cassette 51 can be enhanced.

  Further, when the mark is not detected by the optical sensor 200, the label tape 67 is further conveyed. Therefore, the optical sensor 200 can reliably detect the mark. Therefore, based on the mark detected by the optical sensor 200, it is possible to reliably correct the printing position or to detect the end portion.

  Further, when the mark detected by the optical sensor 200 is the end mark 76, it is notified that the label tape 67 is at the end. Therefore, the user can recognize that the label tape 67 is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from giving a print instruction without recognizing that the label tape 67 is near the end.

  Further, since the position detection mark 79 is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the label tape 67, the optical sensor 200 can detect the position of the position detection mark 79 regardless of the degree of conveyance of the label tape 67. it can. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can correct the printing position by detecting the position of the position detection mark 79 at any timing.

  The label tape 67 of the first embodiment corresponds to the “printing tape” of the present invention. The thermal head 13 and the CPU 52 that controls the printing operation by the thermal head 13 in S18 of FIG. 11 correspond to the “printing means” of the present invention. The CPU 52 that performs the printing position correction process shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the “correction unit” of the present invention. The optical sensor 200 corresponds to the “mark detection means” of the present invention. The DC motor 400, the platen roller 21, the pressure roller 22, and the tape feed roller 39 correspond to the “conveying means” of the present invention. The CPU 52 that performs the process of S4 corresponds to the “determination means” of the present invention. The CPU 52 that performs the process of S3 corresponds to the “transport control unit” of the present invention.

  Next, the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printing apparatus of the second embodiment, the timing for correcting the printing position is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the main processing (see FIGS. 10 and 11) in the first embodiment, when the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned on, and when the tape cassette 51 is once removed and remounted ( (S1: YES), the printing position is corrected (S12). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the printing position is corrected every time printing is performed.

  Hereinafter, the correction timing of the printing position different from that of the first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, and description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of main processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned on and the main process is started by the CPU 101, it is determined whether or not the print data and the number of prints have been input by the user (S31). If it is not input (S31: NO), the process returns to S31 and this determination is repeated. When the print data and the number of prints are input (S31: YES), the input print data is stored in the print data storage area 1046 of the RAM 104 (S32). Further, the input print number is set in the counter N that counts the remaining number of prints, and is stored in the print number storage area 1047 (S33). Then, the process proceeds to determination of whether or not a print instruction has been input (S34).

  If the user has not input a print instruction (S34: NO), it is repeatedly determined whether or not a print instruction has been input (S34). When the print instruction is input (S34: YES), the type of the tape cassette 51 mounted is detected based on the combination of ON / OFF of the plurality of detection switches 6 provided in the cassette detection unit 10 (S36). ). Here, the tape cassette type table (not shown) stored in the ROM 55 is referred to, and the width of the label tape 67 and the tape type (receptor type or laminate type) are detected. The detected tape width is stored in the tape width storage area 1041 of the RAM 60. The detected tape type is stored in the tape type storage area 1042.

  Next, the DC motor 400 is driven to rotate the platen roller 21, the press roller 22, and the tape feed roller 39. As a result, the label tape 67 is pulled out from the first spool 37 and conveyed through the second spool 32 and the third spool 34 (S37).

  When the label tape 67 is conveyed (S37), it is determined by the optical sensor 200 whether any of the position detection mark 79 or the end mark 76 is detected (S38). In the optical sensor 200, the light receiving unit 232 receives the light reflected by the label tape 67 out of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 231. Based on the light received by the light receiving unit 232, the position detection mark 79 or the end mark 76 is detected.

  Here, as described above, the width of the black region 167 of the end mark 76 and the width of the blank region 168 are both a. Assuming that the mark detection time by the optical sensor 200 is t and the conveyance speed of the label tape 67 is v, the relationship between t, v, and a is t> (a / v).

  When no mark is detected by the optical sensor 200 (S38: NO), the leading end of the label tape 67 in the transport direction has not yet been transported to the vicinity of the tape outlet 3 where the optical sensor 200 is disposed. Therefore, the DC motor 400 is continuously driven, and the label tape 67 is further conveyed (S37).

  On the other hand, when the mark is detected by the optical sensor 200 (S38: YES), the driving of the DC motor 400 is stopped and the conveyance of the label tape 67 is stopped (S39). Then, it is determined whether or not the mark detected by the optical sensor 200 is a mark continuous in the longitudinal direction of the label tape 67 (S40). Since the method for determining whether or not the marks are continuous is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. If it is determined that the marks are not continuous (S40: NO), a message such as “Remaining printing tape is low” is displayed on the monitor 571 of the PC 500, whereby the label tape 67 is terminated. The user is notified that it is in the vicinity (S41), and the main process ends. Thereby, the user can recognize that the label tape 67 is in the vicinity of the end portion in the transport direction.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the marks are continuous (S40: YES), the position of the position detection mark 79 detected by the optical sensor 200 in the tape width direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) is stored in the RAM 60. It is stored in the detection mark position storage area 1043. As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the center position of the thermal head 13 in the height direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) is used as the reference position of the position detection mark 79. When the position detection mark 79 is at the same height as the reference position, the position is detected as “0”, and when the position detection mark 79 is above the reference position, it is plus, and when it is below, it is minus. The value of is detected.

  It is determined whether or not the mark position stored in the detected mark position storage area 1043 is within a predetermined setting range (S42). If the detected value is not within the predetermined setting range (S42: NO), an error message such as “Tape cassette is not correctly loaded” is displayed on the monitor 571 (S43), and S36 Return to processing. Thereby, the user can recognize that the tape cassette 51 is not normally mounted. Since the user who recognizes that the tape cassette 51 is not properly mounted can re-mount the tape cassette 51, it is possible to prevent printing without the tape cassette 51 being correctly mounted.

  When the detected mark position is within the set range (S42: YES), the tape width of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 111 is displayed on the monitor 571 (S44). Specifically, for example, a message such as “Printing a printing tape having a tape width of 12 mm” is displayed on the monitor 571. Then, the value stored in the detection mark position storage area 1043 is directly used as the correction value for the print position (S45), and the print position correction process for correcting the print position according to the correction value is performed (S46). Since this print position correction process is the same as the print position correction process (see FIG. 12) of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, printing for one sheet is performed according to the correction value (S47), and the value of N is decremented by 1 and stored in the print number storage area 1047 (S48). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of N is “0” (S49). If it is not “0” (S49: NO), the process returns to the process of S37, and the printing position correction and the printing process according to the correction value are repeated (S37 to S48). If the value of N is “0” (S49: YES), the process returns to S31.

  As described above, according to the printing apparatus of the second embodiment, the printing position is corrected every time one sheet is printed. Therefore, even if a deviation in the tape width direction occurs during repeated printing, the printing position can be corrected according to the deviation. Therefore, printing can be performed at a more accurate position.

  In addition, every time one sheet is printed, it is determined whether or not the detected marks are continuous. That is, every time one sheet is printed, it is determined whether the detected mark is the position detection mark 79 or the end mark 76. For this reason, it is possible to notify when the label tape 67 comes close to the vicinity of the terminal end during repeated printing. Therefore, the user can recognize that the remaining tape has decreased even when the remaining label tape 67 decreases during repeated printing.

  The timing for correcting the printing position can be further changed. For example, the printing position may be corrected every time a predetermined number of sheets are printed, or the printing position is corrected every time a predetermined time elapses. Also good. In addition, the keyboard 581 can execute both the process of correcting the print position when the tape cassette 51 is loaded and the process of correcting the print position every time printing is performed. The user may be selected by, for example. Further, while waiting for an input of a print instruction and during printing, it is determined whether or not the tape cassette 51 has been removed, and when the tape cassette 51 is removed, S2 to S12 in the first embodiment. It goes without saying that the same processing may be performed.

  Next, a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in FIG. 15 are the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the printing apparatus 100 and the tape cassette 151, respectively.

  The printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a tape cassette 151 that houses a so-called laminate-type label tape. In this printing apparatus 100, the arrangement position of the optical sensor 200 is different from that of the printing apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 100 is the same as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment except for a part of the configuration. Therefore, the same number is attached | subjected about the same structure and process, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  First, the configuration of the tape cassette 151 mounted on the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, an ink ribbon 69, a transparent tape 164, and a double-sided adhesive tape 165 are wound and housed inside the tape cassette 151. From the opening of the arm portion 58 provided on the front side (upper side in FIG. 15) of the tape cassette 151, a transparent tape 164 described later is sent out together with the ink ribbon 69. Printing is performed on the transparent tape 164 by the thermal head 13, and one surface of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 165 is bonded to the printed surface.

  The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 165 is composed of a peeling tape (not shown) and a base tape (not shown). An adhesive is applied to both sides of the base tape, and a release tape is attached to one side in advance so as to be peelable. The other surface is adhered to the printing surface of the transparent tape 164 and becomes a background of characters, figures, symbols, etc. printed on the printing surface.

  The release tape is provided with a linear position detection mark 79 extending in the longitudinal direction, the position of which can be detected by the optical sensor 200, on the surface opposite to the surface attached to the base tape. ing. The position detection mark 79 is attached to the center in the width direction of the peeling tape. The double-sided adhesive tape 165 is arranged in the tape cassette 151 so that the position detection mark 79 is positioned at the center of the tape cassette 151 in the thickness direction. Further, an end mark 76 composed of a black region 167 and a blank region 168 is attached near the end portion of the peeling tape. The position detection mark 79 and the end mark 76 have the same shape as the position detection mark 79 and the end mark 76 described in the first embodiment.

  Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the optical sensor 200 is not disposed above the label tape 67 in the vicinity of the tape outlet 3. In the third embodiment, the same optical sensor 200 as that of the first embodiment is disposed at a position facing the arrangement position of the optical sensor 200 in the first embodiment with the label tape 67 interposed therebetween. This is because the peeling tape of the double-sided adhesive tape 165 is located on the lower side in the vicinity of the tape outlet 3. Therefore, the optical sensor 200 can detect the position of the position detection mark 79 attached to the peeling tape of the double-sided adhesive tape 165.

  The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The main process performed by the printing apparatus 100 is also the same as the main process of the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Therefore, these descriptions are omitted. The transparent tape 164 and the double-sided adhesive tape 165 in the third embodiment correspond to the “printing tape” of the present invention.

  As described above, the tape cassette 151 according to the third embodiment includes the transparent tape 164 on which characters, figures, symbols, and the like are printed, and the double-sided adhesive tape that is bonded to the printing surface of the transparent tape 164 on which printing has been performed. 165, a laminate-type tape cassette. The position of the position detection mark 79 provided on the peeling tape of the double-sided adhesive tape 165 is detected by the optical sensor 200. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can detect the position in the width direction of the position detection mark 79 attached to the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 165 and can detect a shift in the width direction of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 165. Thereby, even when the shift | offset | difference of the width direction arises in adhesion | attachment with the transparent tape 164 and the double-sided adhesive tape 165, the printing apparatus 100 can be made to perform printing on the basis of the position of the double-sided adhesive tape 165 used as a base material. And since the tape which has shifted | deviated with respect to the double-sided adhesive tape 165 is the transparent tape 164, the influence which the shift | offset | difference of two tapes has on the fall of appearance is small. Accordingly, it is possible to produce a label that does not expose the printing surface and does not deteriorate the printing quality without impairing the appearance.

  Further, the above embodiment can be modified in other ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the reference position is constant regardless of the width of the tape. However, a reference position serving as a reference for the position detection mark 79 may be provided for each tape width. In this case, first, the reference position corresponding to the tape width detected by the cassette detection unit 10 is specified. Then, the difference between the identified reference position and the actual position of the position detection mark 79 detected by the optical sensor 200 is calculated. Then, the printing position may be corrected based on the calculated difference. In this case, even when the position of the position detection mark 79 is different for each tape width, the printing position can be corrected.

  In the above embodiment, the position detection mark 79 is attached to the center in the width direction of the tape. However, the position where the position detection mark 79 is attached is not limited to the center in the width direction of the tape. For example, when one end of the tape is always disposed at a predetermined position of the tape printing apparatus regardless of the tape width, the end of the side disposed at the predetermined position and the position detection mark 79 The distance is constant regardless of the tape width. Thereby, the optical sensor 200 can detect the position of the position detection mark 79 at the same position regardless of the width of the tape.

  Further, the position detection mark 79 in the above embodiment is a solid line, but it may be a broken line or a dotted line. Furthermore, although the position detection mark 79 of the above embodiment is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the tape, it may be provided intermittently. For example, consider a so-called “die-cut tape” in which a plurality of labels, which are printing media formed in a predetermined shape, are formed by disposing a plurality of labels intermittently in the longitudinal direction on a long release paper. In a printing apparatus that prints on a die-cut tape, the position at which the tape is stopped after printing is determined. When using such a printing device, if a mark is attached to a predetermined position of the tape facing the optical sensor when the tape is stopped, the mark is marked each time the tape is stopped even if the marks are not continuous. Can be detected. That is, the present invention can be realized if a mark is given at a certain position in the width direction of the tape.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the optical sensor 200 arrange | positioned in the printing apparatuses 1 and 100 was one, it is not limited to one. For example, two optical sensors 200 are provided in accordance with the types of tape cassettes 51 and 151 detected by the cassette detection unit 10 so as to face the label tape 67 conveyed in the printing apparatuses 1 and 100. Any of these may be configured to operate.

2 is an external perspective view of a PC 500 connected to the printing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1 of the state which opened the cover. It is a perspective view of the tape cassette 51 in 1st embodiment. 6 is a perspective view of a label tape 67. FIG. It is a top view of the part to which the mark 79 for position detection of the label tape 67 and the end mark 76 were attached | subjected. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the discriminating part 66 and the recess 91 of the tape cassette 51. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cassette detection unit 10 and the positioning protrusions 24 with respect to the identification unit 66 and the recess 91. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of a RAM 60. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of main processing performed in the printing apparatus 1. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart of a printing position correction process. It is a flowchart of the main process in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printing apparatus 100 of 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 6 Detection switch 10 Cassette detection part 24 Positioning protrusion 51 Tape cassette 52 CPU
55 ROM
60 RAM
66 Identification part 67 Label tape 76 End mark 79 Position detection mark 91 Recess 100 Printing device 111 Cassette mounting part 151 Tape cassette 200 Optical sensor 231 Light emitting part 232 Light receiving part

Claims (10)

A tape cassette, which is long and contains a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction, is detachably mounted and pulled out from the tape outlet of the tape cassette. A printing apparatus provided with printing means for printing characters, figures, symbols, etc. on the conveyed printing tape,
In the state where the tape cassette is mounted, the mark detection is arranged downstream of the tape discharge port in the transport direction of the printing tape, detects the mark, and detects the actual position of the mark in the width direction. Means,
Correction means for correcting a printing position by the printing means in the width direction, using a difference between an actual position of the mark detected by the mark detection means and a reference position of the mark set in advance as a correction amount; A printing apparatus comprising: Conveying means for conveying the printing tape;
Determining means for determining whether or not the mark is detected by the mark detecting means;
And a conveyance control unit that operates the conveyance unit until the mark is detected by the mark detection unit when the determination unit determines that the mark is not detected. The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The mark detected by the mark detection means is a position detection mark for detecting a position in the width direction of the printing tape, or is attached in the vicinity of the end portion in the transport direction of the printing tape, and the printing Mark shape judging means for judging whether the tape is an end mark for detecting that the tape is in the vicinity of the end portion;
When the mark shape judging means judges that the mark is the end mark, the mark shape judging means further comprises notifying means for notifying that the printing tape is near the end portion. Item 3. The printing apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. The reference position is a predetermined position in the width direction regardless of the width of the printing tape,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position of the mark detection unit in the width direction is the same as the reference position. Determining means for determining whether the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an error determination unit configured to perform an error determination when the determination unit determines that the difference is not less than a predetermined value.   The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the position detection marks are continuous in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape. A tape cassette that is long and contains a printing tape having a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction of itself,
Printing means for printing characters, figures, symbols, etc. on the printing tape drawn out and transported from the tape outlet of the tape cassette;
A mark detection unit that is disposed downstream of the tape discharge port in the transport direction of the printing tape, detects the mark, and detects an actual position of the mark in the width direction;
Correction means for correcting a printing position by the printing means in the width direction, using a difference between an actual position of the mark detected by the mark detection means and a reference position of the mark set in advance as a correction amount; A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mark is continuous in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape. It is a tape cassette which can be attached or detached to the printing apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6, Comprising:
A tape cassette that accommodates a printing tape that is long and has a mark at a certain position in the width direction from one end in the width direction.   The tape cassette according to claim 9, wherein the mark is continuous in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

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