JP2012035543A - Label creating apparatus and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To produce a label for attaching a patch panel, by which an attachment work is easily performed and which has good appearance.SOLUTION: A label creating apparatus 1 produces the label by printing optional information on a print tape, wherein the label creating apparatus includes: a predetermined length-setting unit 120 for setting a predetermined length to generate a label having a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of a tape; an information input unit 130 to which information to be printed on the print tape is input; a print unit 172 for printing the input information on the print tape; and a cutting unit 173 for cutting the print tape in a width direction of the tape. The predetermined length is set in the cutting unit 173. When information for printing n-sheets of label (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) is input, rear edges of first to (n-1)th labels are not cut, but a rear edge of n-th label is cut.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label producing apparatus having a fixed length printing function and a method for controlling the label producing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a fixed-length printing function for creating a label having a certain length is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that when a plurality of character strings are registered by setting a fixed length and printing is performed for all the character strings, a plurality of fixed-length labels are continuously generated. ing.

  On the other hand, as one of uses for using a fixed-length label, there is a label creation for clearly indicating a terminal name of a patch panel. The patch panel is a panel for accommodating and connecting a group of cables, and is also called a patch bay, a terminal board, or a control board. By using this patch panel, it is possible to easily select a signal path without using a dedicated switch device. Therefore, it is widely used for connection of audio equipment and communication optical fiber in music studios.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the panel front surface 70 of the patch panel. As shown in the figure, in a general patch panel, a cable 71 from a device is connected to a terminal (jack, socket) 72 on the front surface of the panel (the double square at the tip of the cable 71 indicates a plug), and behind that A permanent cable (not shown) extends from. A label La on which the connection destination of the cable 71 is printed is attached in accordance with the position of each terminal 72. In general, since the distance between the terminals 72 is designed to be constant, the fixed length printing function can be used to reduce the labor for setting the label length, and the label length is fixed. There is an advantage that it looks good later.

JP 2001-001602 A (paragraphs [0064] to [0087] etc.)

  However, when the label La is created by using the constant length printing function, the labels are automatically cut (when the automatic cutting function is used), so a large number of labels La having a short tape length are created. It takes time and effort. For example, if a label La suitable for each terminal 72 is to be pasted at a place where ten terminals 72 are arranged, ten sheets need to be pasted. In this case, in order to apply each label La in an attractive manner, it is necessary to apply it carefully so as to match the position of each corresponding terminal 72 and not bend (do not tilt). End up. Although it is conceivable to turn off the automatic cutting function, in this case, it is necessary to manually cut the printing tape after the printing is completed. In addition, when the automatic cutting function is turned off, usually the leading end of the tape (cutting the printing tape corresponding to the length between the head cutters) is not performed, so that only the first label may have a longer label length. In addition, there is a problem that the appearance when the panel is attached to the front surface 70 is impaired.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a label creation device capable of creating a label for patch panel pasting that is easy to apply and has a good appearance, and a control method for the label creation device. .

  The label producing apparatus of the present invention is a label producing apparatus for producing a label by printing arbitrary information on a printing tape, and a constant length for producing a label having a fixed length in the tape longitudinal direction. A length setting section, an information input section for inputting information to be printed on the printing tape, a printing section for printing the information input by the information input section on the printing tape, and cutting the printing tape in the tape width direction. A fixed length is set by the fixed length setting section, and information for printing n sheets (however, n is an integer satisfying n ≧ 2) is input by the information input section. The cutting unit is characterized by cutting the rear end of the nth label without cutting the rear end of the 1st to (n-1) th labels.

  The control method of the label producing apparatus of the present invention is a control method of a label producing apparatus for producing a label by printing arbitrary information on a printing tape, and the label producing apparatus is a label having a fixed length in the tape longitudinal direction. A constant length setting step for setting a constant length for creating the information, an information input step for inputting information for printing on the printing tape, a printing step for printing the input information on the printing tape, and a printing tape And a cutting step for cutting in the tape width direction, a fixed length is set in the fixed length setting step, and n labels (where n is an integer satisfying n ≧ 2) are printed in the information input step. In the cutting step, the rear end of the first to the (n-1) th label is not cut, and the rear end of the nth label is cut.

  According to these configurations, n labels (hereinafter referred to as “partial labels”) are connected by setting constant length and inputting information for printing n labels respectively. One label (hereinafter, “patch panel label”) can be created. As a result, if a label for clearly indicating the name of each terminal is to be affixed to a place where a plurality of terminals are arranged in a line, it is only necessary to create and affix at least one patch panel label. Can save time and effort. Further, since the rear end of the nth partial label is cut, a manual printing tape cutting operation is not necessary, and the user's labor can be reduced.

  In the label creating apparatus described above, the information input unit is capable of free input for inputting different information for each label, and further includes a display unit for displaying an input result by the information input unit, and is displayed at the time of free input. The part preferably generates an input line corresponding to each label by a line feed operation of the information input part.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to print arbitrary information according to the intended use or user's preference on each partial label constituting the patch panel label. In addition, in the free input, an input line corresponding to each partial label is generated by a user's line feed operation, so that it is not necessary to set the number of labels in advance, and information can be input easily and quickly. In the case of free input, the number of labels “n” matches the number of input lines.

  In the label creating apparatus described above, the display unit indicates the input position by the information input unit with a cursor, and the deletion operation is performed by the information input unit in a state where the cursor is at the beginning of the input line where the information has been input The cursor is moved to the end of the previous input line, and the cursor is at the beginning of the input line where no information is input, with the input line that has been input and the information that has been input to the input line remaining. Then, when a deletion operation is performed by the information input unit, it is preferable to delete an input line for which no information is input and move the cursor to the end of the previous input line.

  According to this configuration, the result when the deletion operation is performed changes depending on whether information is input to the target input line, which is convenient. For example, if a delete operation is performed with the cursor at the beginning of an input line for which information has been input, the cursor moves to the end of the previous input line, so editing the end of the previous input line It is convenient when you want to do. Also, in this case, the information of the target input line is not added to the end of the previous input line as if the line feed mark was deleted by the deletion operation, so the constant length was exceeded unintentionally. There is no inconvenience. Also, when a deletion operation is performed in the state where the cursor is at the head of an input line for which no information is input, this input line is deleted, which is convenient when it is desired to reduce the number of partial labels to be created.

  In the label producing apparatus described above, the information input unit receives serial numbers for sequentially printing n labels and information for performing continuous printing while incrementing at least part of the information. Preferably it is possible.

  According to this configuration, when creating a label for a patch panel, it is conceivable to print information such as “terminal-1”, “terminal-2”, etc. for the purpose of simply identifying each terminal. It is convenient in such a case. In the case of serial number input, the label number “n” becomes the designated label number (designation information on the number of labels included in the information for performing serial number / continuous printing).

  The label producing apparatus described above further includes a fixed-length storage unit that stores the latest set value by the fixed-length setting unit, and the fixed-length storage unit is configured to perform individual immediate settings for free input and serial number input. It is preferred to store the value.

  According to this configuration, the latest set value of the fixed length setting is stored, which is convenient when it is desired to continuously create labels having the same length. In addition, since the most recent individual setting values are stored for free input and serial number input, when the free input and serial number input are used properly according to the usage, each fixed length setting is saved. Can be reduced.

  The label producing apparatus according to the above, further comprising a tape transport unit that transports the printing tape along the transport path that the printing unit and the cutting unit face, and the cutting unit is configured to print the printing unit in the transport path from the start of feeding the printing tape It is preferable to cut the printing tape after the feeding for the distance between the head cutters corresponding to the length between the printing position and the cutting position of the cutting portion.

  According to this configuration, since the printing tape is cut after the feeding of the distance between the head cutters from the start of feeding of the printing tape (precutting is performed), complicated control such as reverse feeding of the printing tape is required. The information can be printed from the front end of the patch panel label. Moreover, since the label length of all the partial labels is unified by the front cut, the appearance when pasted on the front surface of the panel is good.

  In the label producing apparatus described above, when the cutting unit further includes a cutting setting unit that sets whether to perform automatic cutting, and the cutting unit is set to perform automatic cutting by the cutting setting unit It is preferable to perform a cutting operation.

  According to this configuration, even when the automatic cutting is set, a patch panel label in a state where n partial labels are connected can be created. In other words, without changing the setting of the cutting setting section, automatic cutting is performed for each label printing when creating a normal label, and only the trailing edge of the last partial label of n partial labels is cut when creating a label for a patch panel You can use it.

  In the label producing apparatus described above, the cutting unit is set to a specific mode that does not cut between labels, then a fixed length is set by a fixed length setting unit, and n labels are printed by an information input unit When the information for doing so is input, it is preferable to omit the cutting of the rear end of the 1st to (n-1) th labels.

  According to this configuration, the cutting of the rear end of the first to (n−1) -th labels can be omitted only when the specific mode (the mode for creating the patch panel label) is set. In other words, when the specific mode is not set, if the fixed length is set by the fixed length setting unit and information for printing n labels is input by the information input unit, all n sheets are input. The trailing edge of the label can be cut.

1 is an external perspective view of a label producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of a label production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a label production apparatus. It is a top view which shows the example of sticking of the label for patch panels. It is a screen transition diagram showing a method for creating a patch panel label (free input). It is a top view which shows the creation result of the label for patch panels (free input). It is a screen transition diagram showing a method for creating a patch panel label (serial number input). FIG. 8 is a screen transition diagram following FIG. 7. It is a top view which shows the creation result of the label for patch panels (serial number input). It is a top view which shows the modification of the label for patch panels. It is a top view which shows the prior art example of the label sticking example of a patch panel.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment with the open / close lid 21 opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the label producing apparatus 1 has an outer case formed by an apparatus case 2, and a keyboard 3 having various input keys is disposed on the front upper surface of the apparatus case 2. An opening / closing lid 21 is attached to the left part, and a display screen 41 is arranged on the right part thereof. Further, on the front side of the display screen 41, a special key group 42 for instructing special printing (such as printing of a patch panel label Lp (see FIG. 6 and the like)) is arranged. A cartridge mounting portion 6 for mounting the tape cartridge C is recessed inside the opening / closing lid 21, and the tape cartridge C is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened. The The open / close lid 21 is formed with a viewing window 21a for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is mounted or not mounted in a state in which the lid 21 is closed.

  On the keyboard 3, a character key group 3a and a function key group 3b for designating various operation modes are arranged. The character key group 3a has a full key configuration based on the JIS layout, and is similar to a general word processor or the like including a shift key for suppressing an increase in the number of keys to be operated. The function key group 3b includes a [print] key, a [special print] key, a [cursor] key, a [select] key, a [delete] key, a [serial number] key, and the like.

  The [Print] key is a key for instructing execution of normal printing. The [Special Print] key is a key for instructing execution of continuous printing or mirror character printing. “Continuous printing” is a function for printing the same label continuously, and “mirror character printing” is a function for printing the input information with mirror image reversal. The [cursor] key is composed of up / down / left / right keys ([↑], [↓], [←], [→]), and is used for cursor movement and scrolling operation. The [Select] key is a key for selecting an option and performing a line feed operation. The [Delete] key is a key for deleting (erasing) characters. The [Serial Number] key is a key for performing serial number printing in which a plurality of labels differing only in numbers or letters are printed while the numbers or letters are added or subtracted for each printing.

  The display screen 41 is a liquid crystal display, and is used when confirming an editing result based on input information input by the user using the keyboard 3 and print data generated based on the editing result.

  A tape discharge port 22 is formed on the left side of the apparatus case 2 to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the outside. The tape discharge port 22 has a tape (printing tape) T sent out by a tape transport mechanism (not shown). The tape cutter 23 for cutting is facing. Then, the printed tape T is fed out from the tape discharge port 22 by a predetermined length, and after the feeding is temporarily stopped, the printed tape T is cut by the tape cutter 23 to create a strip-shaped label. To do. As for the cutting process, the driving of the cutter motor 25 (see FIG. 2) can be set by selecting “Yes” or “No” for automatic cutting (automatic cutting).

  On the other hand, the cartridge mounting portion 6 has a head unit 61 in which a thermal type print head 7 is built in a head cover 61a, a platen drive shaft 62 facing the print head 7, and a winding for winding an ink ribbon R described later. A drive shaft 63 and a positioning projection 64 of the tape reel 17 described later are provided. In addition, a tape feed motor 26 (see FIG. 2) for rotating the platen drive shaft 62 and the take-up drive shaft 63 serving as a tape transport mechanism is incorporated below the cartridge mounting portion 6.

  The tape cartridge C includes a tape reel 17 in which a tape T having a certain width (about 4 mm to 48 mm) is wound at an upper central portion inside the cartridge case 51, and a ribbon reel 19 in which an ink ribbon R is wound on the lower right. The tape T and the ink ribbon R have the same width. A through hole 55 for inserting a head cover 61 a covering the head unit 61 is formed in the lower left portion of the tape reel 17. Furthermore, the head unit 61 inserted into the through-hole 55 and the platen roller 53 fitted to the platen drive shaft 62 and driven to rotate are arranged corresponding to the portion where the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. . On the other hand, a ribbon take-up reel 54 is arranged in the vicinity of the ribbon reel 19, and the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 19 is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 54 so as to go around the head cover 61a. ing. That is, the ribbon is wound around the ribbon take-up reel 54 via the ribbon running path on the peripheral wall of the through hole 55.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the through hole 55 is formed in the head cover 61 a, the center hole of the tape reel 17 is positioned in the positioning protrusion 64, and the center hole of the ribbon take-up reel 54 is positioned in the winding drive shaft 63. Then, the print head 7 is brought into contact with the platen roller 53 with the tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and printing becomes possible. Thereafter, the user inputs desired text (characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, and simple figures) and images using the keyboard 3 while checking the editing result of the display screen 41, and instructs printing by pressing the [Print] key or the like. Then, the label producing apparatus 1 performs desired printing on the tape T by feeding the tape T from the tape cartridge C by the tape feed motor 26 and selectively heating the heat generating elements of the print head 7. The printed portion of the tape T is sent to the outside from the tape discharge port 22 at any time. When printing is completed, the tape feed motor 26 feeds the tape T to the position of the tape length including the margin, and then feeds the tape T. (After that, the process proceeds to the cutting process).

  On the other hand, the tape T includes a recording tape Ta having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the back surface and a release tape Tb attached to the recording tape Ta by the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The tape T is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape Ta on the outside and the release tape Tb on the inside, and is accommodated in the cartridge case 51. Further, a plurality of tapes T having different tape types (tape width, tape ground color, ground pattern, material, etc.) are prepared, and each of the cartridge cases 51 has one type of tape T ( And an ink ribbon R). A plurality of holes (not shown) for specifying the type of the tape cartridge C are provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 51. A plurality of tape identification sensors (such as microswitches) 27 (see FIG. 2) for detecting these are provided in the cartridge mounting portion 6 corresponding to the plurality of holes. By detecting the state of the hole, the tape type can be determined.

  Next, the control configuration of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. The label producing apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 81, a random access memory (RAM) 82, a read only memory (ROM) 83, a display screen 41, a special key group 42, a keyboard 3, and a cutter motor 25. , A tape cutter 23, a tape feed motor 26, a print head 7, and a tape identification sensor 27, and each component is connected via a bus 85.

  The RAM 82 is directly connected to the CPU 81 and is used as a work area when the CPU 81 performs various controls. The ROM 83 stores a control program and various information for the CPU 81 to perform various controls. Specifically, the control program stores a display control program for performing display control of the display screen 41, a print processing program for performing print processing, and the like (not shown). The ROM 83 also has a fixed length setting (setting of a fixed length printing function for creating a label having a fixed length in the tape longitudinal direction), a length setting, and an allocation setting (pre-alignment, middle alignment, equal allocation, and rear alignment). And a saved value storage area 84 for storing saved values such as. The “stored value” refers to an option that is initially selected when the option is displayed on the display screen 41.

  The display screen 41 displays the editing result and the print layout. The special key group 42 includes a [patch panel] key for creating a patch panel label Lp. When the [Patch panel] key is pressed, “free input” that allows input of an arbitrary character string (including symbols and pictograms) and “sequential number characters” that can be input as the method for creating the patch panel label Lp. “Sequential number input” can be selected. Details will be described later.

  The keyboard 3 is used for a user to input information. The cutter motor 25 is connected to the tape cutter 23 and cuts the tape T in its width direction. The tape feed motor 26 drives the tape transport mechanism. The print head 7 performs printing on the tape T in synchronization with the tape conveyance. The tape identification sensor 27 detects the type of the tape T accommodated in the tape cartridge C. Based on the detection result of the tape identification sensor 27 (based on the tape width, tape material, etc.), the CPU 81 displays the tape width on the display screen 41 (see D10 in FIG. 5), and the lines that can be input as text. The number of characters and the number of characters are limited, and it is determined whether or not the tape T is suitable for creating the patch panel label Lp. If the CPU 81 determines that the tape T is not suitable for creating the patch panel label Lp, the CPU 81 displays an error on the display screen 41 when the [Patch panel] key is pressed. In addition, the CPU 81 controls display processing, editing processing, and printing processing of the display screen 41.

  Next, the functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label creating apparatus 1 includes a fixed length storage unit 110, a fixed length setting unit 120, an information input unit 130, a display unit 140, a cutting setting unit 150, a print data generation unit 160, and a print processing unit 170 as main functional configurations. ing.

  The fixed length storage unit 110 stores a stored value of the fixed length printing function, and the stored value storage area 84 is a main part. In addition, as the stored value of the fixed length printing function, the latest setting value for the specific mode by the fixed length setting unit 120 and the latest setting value for the normal mode by the normal fixed length printing function are stored. The “specific mode” is a mode for creating the patch panel label Lp, and is shifted by pressing the [patch panel] key. The “normal mode” is a mode in which the [Patch panel] key is not pressed, and a constant-length printing function can be set as one function of the edit menu (the setting method is D03 in FIG. 5 described later). the same as). In the “normal mode”, when the fixed length printing setting is performed and the automatic cut is set to “Yes”, the cutting process is performed for each fixed length label (the trailing edge of all the labels). Is disconnected).

  Further, the fixed length storage unit 110 stores individual latest set values at the time of “free input” and “serial number input” which are input methods in the specific mode. “Free input” and “serial number input” refer to an input method of the information input unit 130 described later, and the user needs to select one of the input methods after setting the specific mode. When “free input” is selected, different information is input for each partial label Ls (see FIG. 6 etc.), and when “sequential number input” is selected, a plurality of partial labels Ls are consecutively printed. Enter the information to perform the operation continuously.

  The fixed length setting unit 120 sets a fixed length after setting the specific mode, and includes the special key group 42 ([patch panel] key) and the keyboard 3 as main parts. Note that the fixed length printing function in the “normal mode” is a function for creating a label having a fixed length, but the fixed length printing function in the “specific mode” constitutes the patch panel label Lp. Used to set the label length of each partial label Ls. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example in which the patch panel label Lp is affixed to the panel front surface 70 of the patch panel. As shown in the figure, when the patch panel label Lp is created, the length between the adjacent terminals 72 (constant length FL) is set as the constant length. The fixed length FL is the length of the partial label Ls. The created patch panel label Lp is affixed in parallel with a plurality of terminals 72 arranged in a line, and the terminal name of each terminal 72 is specified by each partial label Ls.

  The information input unit 130 inputs information for printing on the tape T, and the keyboard 3 is a main part. Further, as described above, the information input unit 130, when creating the patch panel label Lp, “free input” for inputting an arbitrary character string for each partial label Ls and information for performing serial number / continuous printing. Either “Sequential number input” is entered. “Information for performing serial number / continuous printing” includes “initial value”, “repetition count”, “double digit carry” setting values included in “serial number print setting”, and “continuous print setting”. , “Set number of partial labels Ls” or “no specified number of sheets (until printing is stopped by the user)” included.

  The display unit 140 displays an input result by the information input unit 130, and the display screen 41 is a main part. The display unit 140 generates an input line corresponding to each partial label Ls when the information selection unit 130 depresses the [select] key (line feed operation) during free input. In addition, when the [Delete] key is pressed in the state where the cursor K is at the beginning of an input line that has already been input at the time of free input, the input line that has already been input and the information that has been input to the input line are displayed. The cursor K is moved to the end of the previous input line, leaving it as it is. On the other hand, if the [Delete] key is pressed while the cursor K is at the beginning of an input line without information input, the input line without information input is deleted and the cursor is at the end of the previous input line. Move K.

  The cutting setting unit 150 sets whether or not automatic cutting is performed by a cutting unit 173 described later. When the automatic cut is set to “Yes”, the tape T is automatically cut before and after printing. If the automatic cut is set to “no”, the tape T after printing is cut with scissors or the like, or the tape T using the cutting function (the function of cutting after feeding the tape) installed in the label producing apparatus 1 is used. Disconnect.

  The print data generation unit 160 is based on the settings of the fixed length setting unit 120 and the information input by the information input unit 130 (including serial number print settings in the case of serial number input and setting values of the continuous print function). The layout of the character string is determined, and print data for printing on the tape T is generated. The CPU 81, the RAM 82, and the ROM 83 are the main parts.

  The print processing unit 170 includes a tape transport unit 171, a printing unit 172, and a cutting unit 173, and performs print processing based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 160. The tape transport unit 171 has the tape feed motor 26 and the tape transport mechanism as main parts, and the printing unit 172 has the print head 7 as main parts. The cutting unit 173 includes the tape cutter 23 and the cutter motor 25 as main parts.

  When the information necessary for creating the patch panel label Lp is input by pressing the [patch panel] key (the fixed length is set by the fixed length setting unit 120 and n sheets are input by the information input unit 130) (However, n is an integer for which n ≧ 2 is input.) When the information for printing the label is input, the rear end of the (n−1) th label from the first to the nth label is not cut. The rear end is cut (hereinafter referred to as “rear cut”). In addition, the cutting unit 173 starts from the start of feeding the tape T, between the position of the print head 7 in the transport path of the tape transport unit 171 and the position of the tape cutter 23 provided on the downstream side of the print head 7. After the feeding for the distance between the head cutters corresponding to the length is completed, the tape T is cut (hereinafter referred to as “pre-cut”). The post-cut and the pre-cut are performed when the cut setting unit 150 sets automatic cut “perform”. In the following description, it is assumed that automatic cutting is set to “Yes” unless otherwise specified.

  Next, the patch panel label Lp creation process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a screen transition diagram illustrating a creation process when “free input” is performed. In the drawing, a screen denoted by reference numeral D01 (hereinafter referred to as “screen D **”) represents a text input screen in a non-input state. In the text input screen in the non-input state, the cursor K is added to the line head mark M1.

  When the [Patch panel] key is pressed on the text input screen (screen D01), the screen transitions to the patch panel selection screen (screen D02) (shifts to “specific mode”). On the patch panel selection screen, options “panel A” and “panel B” are displayed on the left side of the screen. “Panel A” is an option indicating “free input”, and “Panel B” is an option indicating “serial number input”. Further, in the example of the figure, the latest set value on the patch panel selection screen is “panel A” and is displayed in reverse video. In the following explanation, it means that the reverse display is the latest set value (default value). When the option “panel A” is highlighted, a label creation example 95 when “panel A” is selected is displayed on the right side of the patch panel selection screen. The label creation example 95 is a simplified display of a patch panel label Lp creation by “free input”.

  When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D02, the screen transits to the length setting screen (screen D03). The length setting screen is a screen for setting a fixed length (in this embodiment, the length of the partial label Ls). On this screen, one of a plurality of length options can be selected. Further, the selection result is stored in the saved value storage area 84 as the latest set value for “free input”. The options are preferably displayed at intervals of 0.2 to 0.5 cm. Further, instead of selecting from a plurality of options, a fixed length may be set by numerical input.

  When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D03, the screen transits to an information input screen (for free input) (D04). On the information input screen, an input line corresponding to the first partial label Ls is displayed. A cursor K is displayed at the beginning of the line. In addition, it is possible to input a character string for one line that fits within the fixed length set on the screen D03 in the input line corresponding to each partial label Ls. If the number of characters exceeding the set fixed length is input, an error is displayed.

  When the character string “LAN 1” is input from the state of the screen D04, the state of the screen D05 is entered (the cursor K is added to the final character “1”). When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D05, the state of the screen D06 is obtained. That is, a second input line is generated, and the cursor K is displayed at the beginning of the second input line. If the [Delete] key is pressed in the state of the screen D06, the second input line is deleted and the screen D05 is entered. If a character is entered in the second input line and the cursor K is moved to the beginning of the second input line and the [Delete] key is pressed, the second input line is entered. The cursor K moves to the end of the first input line with the characters remaining.

  When the character string “LAN 2” is input from the state of the screen D06, the state of the screen D07 is entered (the cursor K is added to the last character “2” of the second input line). When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D07, a third input line is generated, and the state of the screen D08 is entered. In this manner, “Cable A” is input to the third input line, “Cable B” is input to the fourth input line, “Cable C” is input to the fifth input line, and “Cable D” is input to the sixth input line. "Is entered, the screen D09 is entered (the cursor K is added to the last character" D "in the sixth input line). That is, information for printing the partial labels Ls for six sheets is input by the input operation on the screens D04 to D09.

  Here, when the [PRINT] key is pressed (in the state of the screen D09), the display screen 41 transitions to a print execution screen (screen D10), and print processing is executed. On the print execution screen, the fixed length set on the length setting screen (screen D03), the tape width based on the detection result of the tape identification sensor 27, and the number of prints are displayed. In addition to these pieces of information, the length of the patch panel label Lp (5.0 cm × 6 = 30.0 cm in the example in the figure), the number of partial labels Ls, and the like may be displayed. After printing is completed, the screen returns to the information input screen (screen D09).

  FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a printing result (free input) of the patch panel label Lp created by the procedure shown in FIG. In the printing process, first, after the feeding of the length HC between the tape cutters from the start of the tape feeding, a pre-cut is performed. In addition, information input corresponding to each partial label Ls is printed in the range of a fixed length of 5.0 cm with the assignment “center alignment”. The direction of the character string is the longitudinal direction of the tape T, and the direction of the character is “horizontal writing”. Further, after the end of printing, the rear end of the sixth partial label Ls is cut back. As a result, a patch panel label Lp having a length of 30.0 cm as shown in FIG. The created patch panel label Lp is displayed on the panel front surface 70 on which the terminals 72 are arranged so as to be parallel to the arrangement direction of the terminals 72 and information (terminal names) corresponding to the partial labels Ls is displayed on the terminals 72. It is positioned and attached so as to match the position (see FIG. 4).

  6A illustrates the case where the front cut is performed. However, in the case of the label producing apparatus 1 that does not have the function of the front cut, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the position where the front cut is to be performed. Alternatively, the front cut line 91 may be printed. According to this configuration, even in the case of the label producing apparatus 1 that does not have a pre-cut function, the tape T can be cut linearly using scissors or the like, and the length of all the partial labels Ls is uniform. A good patch panel label Lp can be created.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, a dividing line 92 may be printed between the labels of the partial labels Ls. According to this configuration, positioning when applying the patch panel label Lp is facilitated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a process for creating the patch panel label Lp when “serial number input” is performed will be described. When the [Patch Panel] key is pressed on the text input screen (same as screen D21, screen D01 in FIG. 5), the screen changes to a patch panel selection screen (same as screen D22, screen D02 in FIG. 5). When the [↓] key is pressed in the state of the screen D22, the state of the screen D23 is entered, and the option “panel B” is shaded (the shaded display is shown by a dotted frame). When the option “panel B” is shaded, a label creation example 96 when “panel B” is selected is displayed on the right side of the screen. The label creation example 96 is a simplified display of a patch panel label Lp creation based on “serial number input”.

  When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D23, the screen transits to the length setting screen (screen D24). The length setting screen (screen D24) is the same display as the length setting screen (screen D03 in FIG. 5) in the case of “free input”. The selection result of the length setting screen (screen D24) is stored in the saved value storage area 84 as the latest set value for “serial number input”. When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D24, a transition is made to an information input screen (for serial number input) (screen D25). On the information input screen, one input line is displayed. A cursor K is displayed at the beginning of the input line. In the information input screen (for serial number input), a plurality of input lines are prohibited. Therefore, when the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D25 or the screen D26, an error display is performed.

  When the character string “LAN” is input in the state of the screen D25, the state of the screen D26 is entered (the cursor K is added to the last character “N” of the input line). When the [Serial Number] key is pressed in this state, the screen shifts to a continuous number setting screen (screen D27), and serial number print setting is started. In the sequential number print setting, first, “initial value” is input. As the “initial value”, numbers “0-9”, “00-99” or alphabets can be input. In addition, when the numbers “0-9” are input, it is necessary to select “2-digit carry” (see D30). For example, when the numeric [1] key is pressed in the state of the screen D27, the state of the screen D28 is entered (the initial value “1” is input), and when the [select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D28. Then, the screen transits to the repeat count setting screen (D29). As the “number of repetitions”, any one of “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “10” can be selected. For example, “2” Is set, the initial value is “1” due to the above setting, so that serial number printing is performed while repeating twice, such as “1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3,...”. .

  When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D29, the screen transits to a two-digit carry setting screen (screen D30). On the two-digit carry setting screen, options “present” and “none” are displayed. Here, when “Yes” is selected, two digits after “9” like “1, 2, 3,..., 9, 11, 11. To be printed. When “none” is selected, after “9” like “1, 2, 3,..., 1, 2,. When the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D30, the sequential number printing setting is completed, and the state of the screen D31 in FIG. 8 is reached (returns to the information input screen).

  As shown in the screen D31, when the serial number print setting is performed, the serial number mark 97 is displayed at the input position, and the initial value is displayed in a shaded manner. The serial number mark 97 is a mark in which the number “2” is added to the upper left of the alphabet “N”. The alphabet “N” is a “serial number character”, and the number “2” It shows that a 2-digit number is included in the number.

  When the [Special Print] key is pressed in the state of the screen D31, the screen shifts to a special print selection screen (screen D32). On the special print selection screen, the options “continuous printing”, “mirror character printing”, and “print execution?” Are displayed. Here, when the option “continuous printing” is selected (when the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D32), a transition is made to the continuous printing setting screen (D33), and continuous printing setting is started. On the continuous print setting screen, options “number of sheets” and “until stop” are displayed. Here, when the option “designate number of sheets” is selected (when the [Select] key is pressed in the state of the screen D33), the screen shifts to the number input screen (screen D34). If the option “until it stops” is selected on the continuous print setting screen, the continuous print setting ends at that point.

  When the number [6] key is pressed in the state of the number input screen (screen D34), the screen enters the state of screen D35 (the number "6" is input), and the [select] key is pressed in the state of screen D35. Then, the screen D36 is entered (returns to the special print selection screen). Here, the next option “mirror character printing” of the latest set value “continuous printing” is highlighted. When the [↓] key is pressed in the state of the screen D36 and the option “print execution?” Is shaded (screen D37), the [select] key is pressed to change to the print execution screen (D38). Then, the printing process is executed. On the print execution screen, the fixed length set on the length setting screen (screen D24), the tape width based on the detection result of the tape identification sensor 27, “continuous printing”, and the number of printed sheets are displayed. . In addition to these pieces of information, the length of the patch panel label Lp (5.0 cm × 6 = 30.0 cm in the example in the figure), the number of partial labels Ls, and the like may be displayed. Further, the display of the number of printed sheets may be incremented to “1”, “2”... As the continuous printing progresses. In addition, after printing is completed, the information input screen (screen D39) is displayed. On the screen D39, since the printing of the partial labels Ls for six sheets has been completed, the serial number is “7”.

  FIG. 9A is a plan view showing a print result of the patch panel label Lp (serial number input) created by the procedure shown in FIGS. It should be noted that since the information to be printed is different from the print result in the case of the free input shown in FIG. Also, in the case of serial number input, as shown in FIG. 9B, a front cut line 91 may be printed at a position where the front cut is to be performed, or as shown in FIG. Separation lines 92 may be printed between the labels of Ls.

  As described above, according to the label producing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a state where a plurality of partial labels Ls are connected by setting constant length and inputting information for printing a plurality of labels. One patch panel label Lp can be created. Thereby, when it is going to stick the patch panel label Lp for clearly indicating the terminal name of each terminal 72 in the place where the plurality of terminals 72 are arranged in a line, it is only necessary to stick one sheet, and it is troublesome to stick. Can be reduced. Further, since the rear end of the last partial label Ls is cut, a manual cutting operation of the tape T is not necessary, and the user's labor can be further reduced. In addition, it is possible to set whether or not to perform automatic cutting by the cutting setting unit 150. However, even if it is set to perform automatic cutting, a plurality of partial labels Ls are not cut, so the cutting setting unit 150 It is possible to use such as automatically cutting each time the label is printed without changing the setting of the label, and cutting only the rear end of the last partial label Ls when creating the patch panel label Lp. Become.

  In addition, when “free input” is selected as the information input method, arbitrary information can be printed on each partial label Ls according to the usage or the user's preference. In addition, at the time of free input, an input line corresponding to each partial label Ls is generated by the user's selection operation (line feed operation), so it is not necessary to set the number of labels, and information can be input easily and quickly. it can. Furthermore, at the time of free input, if the delete operation is performed with the cursor K at the beginning of the target input line, the cursor K simply moves to the end of the previous input line, or the target input line is deleted. Since the result after pressing the [Delete] key changes depending on whether or not information is input to the target input line, it is easy to use.

  Further, when “sequential number input” is selected as the information input method, the serial number printing function and the continuous printing function can be realized, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of inputting information. In addition, the fixed length storage unit 110 stores individual latest setting values at the time of free input and at the time of serial number input, so when the free input and the serial number input are properly used according to the usage, The time and effort of setting the fixed length can be reduced.

  Further, since the cutting unit 173 cuts the printing tape after the feeding for the distance between the head cutters from the start of feeding of the tape T (performs the previous cutting), the cutting margin 173 (the front margin for the distance between the head cutters) Characters can be printed, and information can be printed from the front end of the patch panel label Lp without requiring complicated control such as reverse feeding of the tape T. Moreover, since the label length of all the partial labels Ls is unified by the front cut, the appearance when pasted on the panel front surface 70 is good.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the direction of the character string is the longitudinal direction of the tape T and the direction of the character is “horizontal writing” is illustrated. However, as shown in FIG. It may be “vertical writing”. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the direction of the character string may be the width direction of the tape T. In this case, a plurality of lines of character strings may be input. In addition, when it is possible to input multiple lines of character strings, the number of input lines is limited according to the set fixed length, and if an attempt is made to input more than the maximum number of lines that can be input, an error will occur. It is preferable to display. Furthermore, the user may be able to select the direction of the character string and the direction of the character. Thus, by selecting the direction of the character string and the direction of the character, the patch panel label Lp can be attached to the patch panel in which the terminals 72 are arranged vertically.

  In the above embodiment, the fixed length is set in centimeters, but may be set in other units such as inches. Further, in the above embodiment, the information input corresponding to each partial label Ls is arranged in the fixed length range with the assignment of “center alignment”, but “front alignment”, “rear alignment”, “ You may arrange by allocation, such as "equal allocation". Further, the user may be able to select the unit of fixed length and the type of assignment.

  Moreover, it is possible to provide each component of the label production apparatus 1 shown in each embodiment as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program for causing a computer to function as each part of the label producing apparatus 1 and a recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of the right of the present invention. Other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label production apparatus 3 ... Keyboard 7 ... Print head 23 ... Tape cutter 25 ... Cutter motor 41 ... Display screen 42 ... Special key group 71 ... Cable 72 ... Terminal 91 ... Front cut line 92 ... Separation line 97 ... Serial number mark C ... Tape cartridge K ... Cursor Lp ... Label for patch panel Ls ... Partial label T ... Tape

Claims (9)

A label producing device for creating a label by printing arbitrary information on a printing tape,
A fixed length setting section for setting a fixed length for creating the label having a fixed length in the tape longitudinal direction;
An information input unit for inputting information for printing on the printing tape;
A printing unit that prints the information input by the information input unit on the printing tape;
A cutting part for cutting the printing tape in the tape width direction,
When the fixed length is set by the fixed length setting unit, and information for printing n sheets (where n is an integer satisfying n ≧ 2) is input by the information input unit, the cutting unit is A label producing apparatus characterized by cutting the rear end of the nth label without cutting the rear end of the first to (n-1) th labels. The information input unit is capable of free input to input different information for each label,
A display unit for displaying an input result by the information input unit;
2. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, at the time of the free input, the display unit generates an input line corresponding to each label by a line feed operation by the information input unit. The display unit indicates an input position by the information input unit with a cursor,
When a deletion operation is performed by the information input unit in a state where the cursor is at the head of an input line that has already been input, the input line that has already been input and the information that has been input to the input line remain. Move the cursor to the end of the previous input line,
When a deletion operation is performed by the information input unit in a state where the cursor is at the head of an input line without information input, the input line without information input is deleted, and the input line before the input line is deleted. The label producing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cursor is moved.   The information input unit is capable of serial number input for sequentially inputting the information for performing sequential printing and continuous printing of the n labels while incrementing at least a part of information. The label producing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. A constant length storage unit for storing the latest set value by the constant length setting unit;
5. The label producing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the constant length storage unit stores individual latest set values for the free input and the serial number input. 6. A tape transport unit that transports the printing tape along a transport path that the printing unit and the cutting unit face,
The cutting unit is configured to start feeding the printing tape for a distance between the head cutters corresponding to the length between the printing position of the printing unit and the cutting position of the cutting unit in the transport path from the start of feeding of the printing tape. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing tape is cut. The cutting unit further includes a cutting setting unit for setting whether to perform automatic cutting,
7. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting unit performs a cutting operation when automatic cutting is set by the cutting setting unit.   The cutting unit is set to a specific mode that does not cut between labels, then a fixed length is set by the fixed length setting unit, and information for printing n labels is input by the information input unit 8. The label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutting of the rear end of the 1st to (n-1) th labels is omitted. A method for controlling a label producing apparatus for producing a label by printing arbitrary information on a printing tape,
The label producing device is
A constant length setting step for setting a constant length for creating the label having a fixed length in the tape longitudinal direction;
An information input step of inputting information for printing on the printing tape;
A printing step of printing the input information on the printing tape;
Cutting the printing tape in the tape width direction; and
When the fixed length is set in the fixed length setting step, and information for printing n labels (where n is an integer satisfying n ≧ 2) is input in the information input step, A control method for a label producing apparatus, characterized in that the rear end of the nth label is cut without cutting the rear end of the first to (n-1) th labels.

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