JP2012139953A - Label forming device and control method of label forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label forming device that forms a label with a cut mark which enables a user to obtain a label with a desired length after cutting, and a control method for the label forming device.SOLUTION: The label forming device prints a cut mark being an index when manually cutting a label in a width direction in order to separate an actual region and an unnecessary region of the label from each other after forming the label. The device includes: a mark image storage part (mark image storage region 84) for storing a mark image being image data of a cut mark; a printing data generating part (CPU 81) for generating printing data by adding a margin region having a prescribed length (however, excluding the length 0) in the longitudinal direction of the label between a label image printed in the actual region of the label and the mark image; and a label forming part (mainly, a print head 7, a tape discriminating sensor 27, a cutter motor 25, a tape cutter 23, and a tape feed motor 26) that prints the printing data on a tape-like member to form the label.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label producing apparatus for producing a label by printing a label image on a tape-like member, and a control method for the label producing apparatus.

  Conventionally, this type of apparatus prints a plurality of label images continuously when the length of a blank portion (from the front end to the print start position) continuous from the front end of the print image is shorter than the length between the head and the cutter. When doing so, the cut mark which shows a cutting position is printed on a tape-shaped member (for example, refer to patent documents 1). In this case, the user manually cuts the tape-shaped member using the cut mark as an index, so that the actual area for forming the label and the unnecessary area that becomes the margin and other labels are separated, and a desired label is created.

JP 2000-158718 A

  By the way, the tape printer described in Patent Document 1 prints two dot images side by side in the width direction of the tape-shaped member as cut marks. The normal cut mark is printed at the cut position of the tape-like member, and the user cuts the cut mark. However, when the cut mark is cut in this way, there is a problem that a part of the cut mark remains on the label formed after the cutting, and the design of the label is impaired. Therefore, it is conceivable to cut the two sides of the cut mark in order to create a label with a good design, but as a result, the length of the actual area of the label is shortened, which is desirable when performing constant-length printing, etc. There was a problem that the label of the length of could not be obtained.

  In view of the above points, the present invention provides a label producing apparatus capable of forming a label with a cut mark that can obtain a label having a desired length after cutting, and a control method for the label producing apparatus. And

  The label producing apparatus of the present invention is a label producing apparatus capable of printing a cut mark as an index when manually cutting the label in the width direction in order to separate an actual area and an unnecessary area of the label after producing the label. A mark image storage unit for storing a mark image that is image data of a cut mark, and a label image printed in a real area of the label and the mark image with a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the label. A print data generation unit that generates print data by adding a blank area (excluding length 0), and a label generation unit that prints the print data on a tape-like member and generates a label. It is characterized by that.

  The label producing apparatus control method of the present invention can print a cut mark as an index when manually cutting the label in the width direction in order to separate the real area and the unnecessary area of the label after producing the label. A method for controlling a label producing apparatus, comprising: a mark image storing step for storing a mark image that is image data of a cut mark; and a label longitudinal direction between the label image printed in the actual area of the label and the mark image A print data generation step for generating print data by adding a blank area having a predetermined length (excluding length 0) to the label, and a label generation step for generating a label by printing the print data on a tape-like member And.

  According to these configurations, when the tape-shaped member is cut with a blank area provided between the label image and the mark image as a cutting position, a label having a desired length can be obtained after the cutting.

  In this case, the cut mark preferably includes text information or an image indicating a position to be cut.

  According to this configuration, the cutting position can be shown to the user in a more easily understandable manner. The cut mark is desirably text information or an image indicating that the cut position is not on the cut mark but between the cut mark and the label image of the label.

  In this case, it is preferable that the cut mark is provided between the plurality of continuously printed label images, and the blank area is added to both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the cut mark.

  According to this configuration, even when separating continuously printed label images, if the tape-shaped member is cut with the blank area provided between the label image and the mark image as a cutting position, A label having a desired length can be obtained.

It is an external appearance perspective view of a tape printer. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of a tape printer. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a printed tape in normal printing, where (a) shows a case where the margin setting is “extremely” and the cut setting is “automatic cut”, and (b) shows a margin setting. The figure which shows the case where it is "very small" and the cut setting is "no automatic cut", (c) is the figure which shows the case where the margin setting is other than "very small" and the cut setting is "with automatic cut", (D) is a diagram showing a case where the margin setting is other than “extremely small” and the cut setting is “no automatic cut”. It is the schematic diagram which showed the printed tape in continuous printing, (a) is a figure which shows the case where a margin setting is "extremely" and a cut setting is "with automatic cut", (b) is a margin setting. The figure which shows the case where it is "very small" and the cut setting is "no automatic cut", (c) is the figure which shows the case where the margin setting is other than "very small" and the cut setting is "with automatic cut", (D) is a diagram showing a case where the margin setting is other than “extremely small” and the cut setting is “no automatic cut”. It is a figure which shows the tape with which the cut mark was printed in continuous printing. It is a flowchart which shows a tape printing process.

  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 tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment with the open / close lid 21 opened. As shown in the figure, the tape printer 1 has an outer case formed by a device case 2, and a keyboard 3 having various input keys is disposed on the upper surface of the front of the device case 2, and the left portion of the upper surface of the rear portion of the tape printer 1 An opening / closing lid 21 is attached to the display screen 41 on the right side.

  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 [cursor] key, a [select] key, a [delete] key, a [print] key, a [continuous] key, a [format setting] key, an [environment setting] key, and the like. .

  The [cursor] key is made up of up / down / left / right keys ([↑], [↓], [←], [→]), and is used for cursor movement and scrolling operations. In addition to the [cursor] key, the [select] key and the [delete] key are keys used for information input and various settings. The [Print] key is a key for instructing execution of printing. The [Print] key can be instructed to cut the tape T by being pressed simultaneously with the shift key. This operation is used when cutting a printed portion of the tape T in a later-described cut setting of “No automatic cut”.

  The [Continuous] key is a key for performing continuous printing in which a plurality of the same labels are printed. In the present embodiment, continuous printing can be set by pressing the [continuous] key. In addition, it is good also as a structure which performs the serial number printing which prints the several label from which only parts, such as a number differ, by pressing the [continuous] key.

  The [Format Setting] key is a key for performing various settings relating to editing of print data. In the present embodiment, margin setting can be performed by pressing the [format setting] key. The margin setting determines the length of the margin 101 provided at both ends of a single label to be created. In other words, the label to be created has a total length of the label image 100 edited by the user and the margins 101 provided at both ends of the label image 100 in the tape length direction (see FIG. 5). In the margin setting of the present embodiment, by pressing the [format setting] key, “very small (margin 101: 1 mm)”, “small (margin 101: 9 mm)”, “normal (margin 101: 12 mm)”, and One of “large (margin 101: 18 mm)” can be selected. When “extremely small (margin 101: 1 mm)” is selected, the tape printer 1 cuts a cut mark at the leading end position of the blank 101 provided at the leading end position of the label image 100 to be printed first. CM is printed (see FIGS. 4 and 5). This is because the tape printing apparatus 1 does not have a reverse feed function of the tape T, although the length (1 mm) of the margin 101 is shorter than the distance between the cutter and the head of the tape printing apparatus 1. This is because automatic cutting cannot be performed at the tip position.

  The “environment setting” key is a key for performing various environment settings. In the present embodiment, the cut setting can be performed by pressing the [environment setting] key. In this cut setting, either “automatic cut” that automatically cuts the rear end of the label or “no automatic cut” that does not automatically cut the rear end of the label can be selected. “No automatic cutting” is set when printing on a tape-like member (such as an iron label or a magnetic tape) that cannot be automatically cut, or when it is desired to print with each label being continuous in continuous printing. When continuous printing is performed, the “cutting between labels” is automatically performed when “with automatic cutting”, and the cutting between labels is not performed when “without automatic cutting”. Note that the tape printing apparatus 1 prints the cut mark CM at the cut position (position to be cut) in “without automatic cut” (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As described above, in “no automatic cut”, the printed portion of the tape T is cut by simultaneously pressing the user's shift key and [print] key.

  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. Note that when the print data includes a cut mark CM according to the above various settings, the cut mark CM is not displayed on the display screen 41, and only the label image 100 and the margin 101 are displayed. The display screen 41 shows that the cut setting is “with automatic cut” even though the tape identification sensor 27 described later has determined that the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C cannot be cut. An error is displayed. In addition, when all printing with “no automatic cut” is completed, a message may be displayed to instruct cutting by simultaneously pressing the shift key and the [print] key.

  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 is a tape (tape-like member) fed out by a tape transport mechanism (not shown). A tape cutter 23 for cutting T faces. 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.

  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 disposed 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 an image (hereinafter referred to as “label image 100”) with the keyboard 3 while checking the editing result of the display screen 41, and [ When printing is instructed by pressing the [PRINT] key, the tape printer 1 feeds the tape T from the tape cartridge C by the tape feed motor 26, and the tape T is printed by a print operation for selectively generating heat from the heating elements of the print head 7. The desired printing is performed. 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 101 and stops. Thereafter, when the cutting setting is set to “with automatic cutting”, the tape motor 23 is driven by the cutter motor 25 (see FIG. 2), and the tape T is cut in the width direction. On the other hand, when “no automatic cut” is set, the cutting process after the stop of the feeding of the tape T is omitted.

  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 tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. The tape printer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83, a display screen 41, a keyboard 3, a cutter motor 25, a tape cutter 23, a tape feed motor 26, A print head 7 and a tape identification sensor 27 are provided, and each component is connected via a bus 85.

  The CPU 81 is a central processing unit and forms a main part of a “print data generation unit” in the claims. 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 control 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). Further, the ROM 83 has a mark image storage area 84 for storing image data (mark image) of a cut mark CM to be printed at the cut position of the tape T. The CPU 81 generates print data by adding a margin 101, a cut mark CM, and the like to the label image 100 edited by the user in accordance with the above margin setting and cut setting (detailed later).

  The display screen 41 functions as a display unit for displaying the editing result and the print layout. The keyboard 3 functions as an input unit for a user to input information, an editing unit for performing editing processing, a setting unit for performing various settings, and the like.

  The cutter motor 25 is connected to the tape cutter 23 and functions as a cutting unit. The tape feed motor 26 and the print head 7 function as a printing unit that performs printing on the tape T while transporting the tape T. Further, as described above, the print head 7 and the tape identification sensor 27 are provided in the cartridge mounting unit 6, and 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 material, width, etc.), the CPU 81 limits the number of lines and characters that can be input as text, determines whether or not cutting is possible, and the like. Then, drive control (printing / cutting control) of the print head 7, the cutter motor 25, and the tape feed motor 26 is performed in accordance with the print instruction. The “label producing unit” in the claims mainly refers to the print head 7, the tape identification sensor 27, the cutter motor 25, the tape cutter 23, and the tape feed motor 26.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the relationship between the margin setting and the cut setting and the printing position of the cut mark CM in normal printing and continuous printing will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a printed tape T in normal printing (single sheet printing). In normal printing (single-sheet printing), as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the margin setting is “extremely small (margin 101: 1 mm)”, a predetermined length from the leading edge of the label image 100 is obtained. A cut mark CM is printed at a position where the current position exists. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, when the margin setting is other than “extremely”, the cut mark CM is not printed. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, when the cut setting is “with automatic cut”, a position having a predetermined length from the rear end of one printed label image 100 is present. Is automatically cut by the tape printer 1 (tape cutter 23). On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, when the cut setting is “no automatic cut”, the automatic cutting of the rear end side of the label image 100 is not performed.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a printed tape T in continuous printing (printing a plurality of sheets: three sheets in the drawing). As shown in FIG. 5A, when the margin setting is “extremely” and the cut setting is “automatic cut”, a cut mark CM is printed at a position having a predetermined length from the front end of the label image 100. A position having a predetermined length from the rear end of the label image 100 is automatically cut. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the margin setting is “extremely” and the cut setting is “no automatic cut”, the cut mark CM is printed at a position where a predetermined length exists from the front end of all the label images 100. The As shown in FIG. 6C, when the margin setting is other than “extremely” and the cut setting is “automatic cut”, the cut mark CM is not printed at all, and a predetermined length is set from the rear end of each label image 100. The existing position is automatically cut. As shown in FIG. 4D, when the margin setting is other than “extremely” and the cut setting is “no automatic cut”, a position having a predetermined length from the leading edge of the second and subsequent label images 10 exists. Only the cut mark CM is printed.

  Actually, a margin 101 and a cutting margin 102 provided at the leading end of the label image 100 exist between the printed cut mark CM and the label image 100 as the predetermined length, and the label image 100 And a margin 101 provided at the rear end of the label image 100 exists between the tape printer 1 and the automatic cutting position of the tape printer 1. Details will be described below.

  Next, the cut mark CM of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows the printed tape T when the margin setting is “extremely” and the cut setting is “no automatic cut” in the continuous printing shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 2B is a label formed by cutting the tape T shown in FIG. That is, the case where the cut mark CM is printed near the front end of all the label images 100 that are continuously printed will be described as an example. In the other cases shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape printer 1 prints on the tape T the same as the cut mark CM described below if the printing positions are the same.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the tape T includes label areas A1, 2, and 3 that become labels after the user manually cuts with scissors later, and cut mark areas B1, which are positioned at the leading ends of the label areas A. 2 and 3. In the label areas A 1, 2, and 3, label images 100 in which serial numbers are added to the images edited by the user are arranged at the center positions, and margins 101 are provided on both sides in the printing direction of the label images 100. Yes. The margin 101 is 1 mm due to the margin setting “extremely small”. The “real area” in the claims indicates the label area A. The “unnecessary area” in the claims indicates a cut mark area and an area from the tip of the tape T to the cut mark area B1.

  In the cut mark areas B1, 2, and 3, a cut mark CM serving as an index of the cut position of the tape T is printed. The cut mark CM is formed by arranging two dot images in the width direction of the tape T as shown in the figure. That is, between the labels, the cut marks CM are arranged leaving the cutting margins 102 from the ends of the adjacent label areas A. It is desirable that the cutting margin 102 has a width of 0.3 to 0.5 mm in the longitudinal direction of the tape T. In the claims, “a blank area having a predetermined length (excluding length 0) in the longitudinal direction of the tape-shaped member” refers to the cutting margin 102. The cut mark CM may be a line image drawn in the width direction of the tape T.

  In this way, when the user cuts the tape T by avoiding the cut mark CM by arranging the cut mark CM from the end of the adjacent label area A through the cut margin 102, this cutting is performed at the cut margin 102. Therefore, the label area A is not affected (see FIG. 5B). That is, a label having a length desired by the user can be created. As shown in FIG. 5A, since the cut mark area B1 is provided at the leading end position of the label area A1 to be printed first, the cutting margin 102 is only on one side adjacent to the label area A1. Is provided. On the other hand, since the cut mark areas B2 and 3 have the label area A on both sides, the cut margins 102 are provided on both sides of the cut mark CM.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the printing process of this embodiment will be described. In this process, it is assumed that margin settings, cut settings, and whether or not to perform continuous printing are set in advance by a user operation. The tape printer 1 starts the printing process with the user's pressing of the [PRINT] key (S01) as a trigger. First, the tape printing apparatus 1 adds a margin 101 having a predetermined length corresponding to the margin setting to both sides of the label image 100 (one or plural) edited by the user (S02). The image data of the label image 100 and the two margins 101 becomes image data constituting the label area A. Next, when the margin setting is “extremely small (margin 101: 1 mm)” (S03: Yes), the mark image of the cut mark CM is added via the cutting margin 102 from the leading edge of the label area A to be printed first. (S04). The mark image and the cut margin 102 become image data constituting the label area A1. On the other hand, if the margin setting is other than “very small” (S03: No), the process proceeds to the next flow without adding the cut mark CM and the cutting allowance 102 to the print data.

  Subsequently, when the continuous printing and the cut setting is “no automatic cut” (S05: Yes, S06: Yes), the cut mark CM and the cut at the tip of the label area A (2, 3,...) Of the second and subsequent sheets. The fee 102 is added (S07). At this time, the cut mark CM is arranged so as to be adjacent to the adjacent label area A via the cutting allowance 102. Then, the generated print data is printed on the tape T, and cutting processing is performed according to the cut setting (S08). On the other hand, if it is normal printing (single-sheet printing) (S05: No), or if it is continuous printing and the cut setting is “with automatic cutting” (S06: No), a cut mark is included in the print data. The printing process and the cutting process are executed without adding the CM and the cutting allowance 102.

  According to the tape printer described so far, since the cutting allowance 102 and the cut mark CM are provided outside the label area A serving as a label, even if the user cuts the tape T while avoiding the cut mark CM, the desired amount is obtained. The tape length label can be obtained. Further, by using image data of a conventional cut mark CM and providing margins to be cut margins 102 on both sides of the cut mark CM, a label creating apparatus that can easily create a good-looking label is realized. be able to.

1: Tape printer 7: Print head 81: CPU 84: Mark image storage area 100: Label image 101: Margin 102: Cutting margin A: Label area B: Cut mark area CM: Cut mark T: Tape

Claims (4)

A label producing apparatus capable of printing a cut mark serving as an index when manually cutting the label in the width direction in order to separate an actual area and an unnecessary area of the label after creating the label,
A mark image storage unit for storing a mark image which is image data of the cut mark;
Print data by adding a blank area having a predetermined length (excluding length 0) in the longitudinal direction of the label between the label image printed in the real area of the label and the mark image. A print data generation unit to generate,
A label producing apparatus comprising: a label producing unit that produces the label by printing the print data on a tape-like member.   The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cut mark includes text information or an image indicating a position to be cut. The cut mark is provided between a plurality of the label images that are continuously printed,
The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the margin area is added to both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the cut mark. A method for controlling a label producing apparatus capable of printing a cut mark serving as an index when manually cutting the label in the width direction in order to separate an actual area and an unnecessary area of the label after creating the label,
A mark image storing step for storing a mark image which is image data of the cut mark;
Print data by adding a blank area having a predetermined length (excluding length 0) in the longitudinal direction of the label between the label image printed in the real area of the label and the mark image. A print data generation step to generate,
And a label creating step of creating the label by printing the print data on a tape-like member.

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