JP3099260B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape printer for printing characters and the like on a label tape or a label tube.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a tape printer which prints, for example, terminal numbers of electrical equipment on a label tape.

With such a tape printer, characters such as "X01" to "X05" are sometimes printed in blocks B1 to B5... Set on the label tape 1 as shown in FIG. .

In such a case, the key operation "X",
When characters or numbers of "0", "1" to "5" are input one by one, the number of input operations is large and the input operation is very troublesome. , A serial number function is provided so that characters such as "01" to "05" can be input by one key operation.

[0005]

However, in such a serial number function, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a character such as "COM" which is interrupted and has no relation to the serial number enters block B3. "02" with the serial number function
, The serial number function is canceled when "COM" is input, and the serial number function is set again and "X03"-
"X05" must be entered, and especially when there are many discontinuities in the serial number, the serial number function must be set each time, and the operation becomes very troublesome. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a tape printer capable of inputting a serial number by a simple operation even if there are many discontinuities in the serial number. Is to provide.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a character input means for inputting a character or the like to be printed on a label tape or a label tube to a position designated by a cursor. Setting means for setting a block for each desired number of characters and the like, and printing the characters and the like in the block on the label tape or label tube while corresponding to the printing space of the set block. Means that a number or character is incremented each time it is pressed.
The serial number key to be decremented and this serial number key
Increment or decrement digits by
Each time the serial number key is pressed,
Serial number means for inputting to a designated position is provided.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a tape printer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a tape printer 10.
The main body 11 has a key operation unit 12 in which a plurality of keys are arranged, a display unit 13 made of liquid crystal or the like for displaying characters or the like input by key input, and a main body 11 which can be opened and closed in the arrow direction A cassette cover 14 is provided.
The display unit 13 can display up to eight characters.

The key operation section 12 has keys (character input means) for inputting characters and numbers, an increment setting key K1 for setting an increment, increment keys (serial number keys) K2 to K4, and a decrement setting. Key K
5 and decrement keys (sequential number keys) K6 to K8, a setting key for setting various other functions, and other various keys.

When the increment setting key K1 is pressed once, the increment function is set to the increment key K2, and when it is pressed twice consecutively, the increment key K3 is set to the increment function, and is continuously pressed three times. The increment function is set to the increment key K4. When the increment function is set to each of the increment keys K2 to K4, the numbers and characters can be incremented independently of each other by operating the increment keys K2 to K4.

Similarly, the decrement function can be set to each of the decrement keys K6 to K8 by the number of times the decrement setting key K5 is pressed.
6 to K8 can also decrement numbers and characters independently of each other.

Under the cassette cover 14, a tube cassette 16 containing an electric wire tube 15 and an ink ribbon cassette 17 containing an ink ribbon (not shown) are exchangeably mounted on the main body 11. At the time of replacement, the cassette cover 14 is opened. In addition, a tape cassette containing a tape other than the tube cassette 16
(Not shown) can also be attached.

The main body 11 includes a tube cassette 1.
The feed motor 18 (FIG. 2) for feeding the tube 15 and the tape of the tape cassette 6 and feeding the ink ribbon.
), A print head (printing means) 20 for printing on the sent electric wire tube 15 or tape via an ink ribbon, a cutter (not shown) for cutting the electric wire tube 15 from a cutting position, and a main body 11. Cassette 1 mounted on
A cassette identification sensor 22 (see FIG. 2) for identifying the type, width, and the like of the six types is provided. 23 is a tape passage for guiding the electric wire tube 15 and the tape to be sent out, 24
Is a handle part integrally formed with the main body 11.

The cutter cuts the electric wire tube 15 and the tape from the cutting position by pressing the scissor button 25. Further, the main body 11 is provided with an electric cutter 21 (see FIG. 2) for automatically performing a half cut for making a cut in a predetermined position of the tube 15 or the tape.

The cassette identification sensor 22 is connected to the cassette 16
It comprises, for example, a limit switch, a photo sensor and the like for reading an identification hole (not shown) and an identification code (not shown) provided in the main body or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the tape printer 10. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 31 denotes a display driver circuit for operating the display unit 13 to display input contents; 32, a motor driver circuit for sending out the tube 15 and the tape and feeding the ink ribbon to operate the motor 18; A head driver circuit for operating 20 and a cutter driver circuit 35 for operating the electric cutter.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an interface for inputting input data input by a key operation of the key operation unit 12 to the control circuit 41; 38, a RAM for storing the input data;
39 is a ROM which stores a control program necessary for printing and other various control programs, etc., and 40 is a memory which stores a value which is incremented or decremented when an increment key K2 to K4 or a decrement key K6 to K8 is pressed. It is.

The control circuit 41 comprises a CPU and the like.
The display driver circuit 31 is controlled to display characters and the like input by key operation of the key operation unit 12 on the display unit 13, and the driver circuits 32 and 34 are controlled based on a control program stored in the ROM 39. RAM 38
Are printed on the tube 15 or the tape.

The control circuit 41 has functions as display control means and print control means.
Block setting means for setting a block when a line feed mark M1 (see FIG. 4) is input by the line feed key 2; And a function as a serial number means for inputting the incremented or decremented number or character to a desired position in the block.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

First, as shown in FIG.
"X01" and "X0" are assigned to the blocks B1 to B5.
The case of printing the characters “2”, “COM”, “X03” to “X05”.

First, a main switch (not shown) is turned on to start up the control circuit 41 and the like. Then, the user operates the line feed key to input the new block mark M1, and operates the operation key to input the character "X". Fig. 4 (a)
As shown in the figure, a new block mark M1 and "X" are displayed on the display unit 13 and the new block mark M1 is displayed.
And the character data of “X” are stored in the RAM 38. S is a cursor.

Next, the increment setting key K1 is pressed once. By this operation, the increment function is set to the increment key K2, and the operation of the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

That is, when the increment setting key K1 is pressed (step 1), a setting screen G1 shown in FIG. A base number is selected according to the instruction shown on the setting screen G1. The selection of the radix is, for example, to select any one of octal, decimal, and hexadecimal with a cursor. Here, for example, a decimal number is selected, and the decimal number is determined by a determination key (step 3).

When this determination is made, a setting screen G2 shown in FIG. Then, a start number (start number) is input in accordance with the instruction shown on the setting screen G2. For example, when the increment is started from "5", "5" is input by a numeric key. Here, "0
Since "1" is started, "01" is input and confirmed with the confirmation key (step 5).

With this determination, the data "01" is stored in the memory 40, and the setting screen G3 shown in FIG. The end number (end number) is input according to the instruction shown on the setting screen G3. If there is no end number, a large numerical value such as "0" or "999" is input. Then, it is decided by the decision key (step 5).

With this determination, the data of the end number is stored in the memory 40, and the screen returns to the original screen shown in FIG.

When the increment key K2 is pressed, the operation of the subroutine shown in FIG. 8 is performed. That is, when the increment key K2 is pressed (step 1).
1) In step 12, “0” stored in the memory 40
The data "1" is read and displayed at the position of the cursor S shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, “X01” is displayed on the display unit 1 together with the new block mark M1.
3 is displayed.

On the other hand, "0" read from the memory 40
The data of “1” is stored in the RAM 38, and the data of “01” stored in the memory 40 is replaced with “02” in step 13.
It is rewritten with the data of and returns. That is, the number stored in the memory 40 is incremented.

Next, the user operates the new block key and the character keys to input the data of the new block mark M2 and "X". By this input, "mark M1 X01 mark M2 X" is displayed on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG. 4 (c), and the new block mark M2 and the data of "X" are stored in the RAM 38. . That is, the data of "mark M1 X01 mark M2 X" is stored in the RAM 38.

When the increment key K2 is pressed again, the subroutine operation shown in FIG. 8 is performed in the same manner as described above, and the data "02" stored in the memory 40 is read out to the display unit 13. Then, “02” is additionally displayed, and the data of “02” is stored in the RAM 38. On the other hand, the data “02” stored in the memory 40 is rewritten to the data “03”. Next,
By operating the new block key and the character keys, the data of the new block mark M3 and "COM" are input. By this input, "X02 mark M3 COM" is displayed on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG. 4E, and the new block mark M3 and the data of "COM" are stored in the RAM 38.

Next, the user operates the new block key and the character keys to input the data of the new block mark M4 and "X", and further operates the increment key. By these operations, as shown in FIG.
The “M mark M4 X03” is displayed, and the new block mark M4 and the data of “X03” are stored in the RAM 38. The data of “03” stored in the memory 40 is rewritten to “04” by the control circuit 41.

In this manner, even if the serial number "X" is interrupted in the block B3 and a character "COM" unrelated to the serial number enters the block B3, the block B4 is operated only by operating the increment key K2. You can enter a serial number from. Therefore, the input operation is very simple. Even if there are many discontinuities in the serial number, the serial number can be input simply by operating the increment key K2, so that the serial number can be input by a simple operation.

The input data such as numbers and characters are stored in the RAM 38 in the order of input as shown in FIG.

When the input of characters, numbers, etc. is completed, the pitch key is pressed to set the pitch length L (print space) of each block. When the pitch key is pressed, the pitch mark MP is displayed only at the beginning of the document if the respective pitch lengths are set to be the same.

When the print key is operated, the control circuit 4
1 sequentially reads data stored in the RAM 38 and controls each of the drivers 32 and 34 based on a print control program stored in the ROM 39.
Under this control, letters and numbers are printed in the blocks B1 to B5 set as shown in FIG.

When the printing is completed, the feeding of the tube 15 is stopped. Then, by pressing the scissors button 25, the electric wire tube 15 is cut from a predetermined cutting position.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the characters of the blocks B1 to B6... Are different but the numbers are serially printed on the tube 15, the increment setting key K1 is operated in the same manner as described above. The start number may be set to “01”, and after that, by operating the new block key, the character key, and the increment key K2, the new block mark M1 is obtained.
And the characters and numbers shown in FIG. 10 can be input, and the input operation becomes extremely simple.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the numbers are consecutive for each character but the order is random, when the number of the block B1 is input, the increment setting key K1 is operated once. To set the increment function to the increment key K2 and start number "01".
And set any end number. And block B2
When entering the number, press the increment setting key K1
By performing the operation twice, the increment function is set to the increment key K3, and a start number "01" and an arbitrary end number are set. Then, the increment key K2 is made to correspond to the number "X", and the increment key K3
Is used in correspondence with the number “U”.

Since the increment keys K2 and K3 increment numbers and characters independently of each other, "X"
When inputting the number of the block B3, B5, B6 containing the character of "?", Operate the increment key K2, and when inputting the number of the block B4 containing the character of "U", pressing the increment key K3. If operated, "X" and "U"
Can be input separately by incrementing the number of "X" and the number of "U" separately, and the input operation becomes extremely simple.

In the above embodiment, the case where the number is incremented has been described. However, when incrementing a character such as an alphabet, it can be performed in the same manner as described above.

When decrementing numbers and characters,
By operating the decrement setting key K5 and setting the decrement function to the decrement keys K6 to K8 in the same manner as described above and setting the start number, end number, and the like, the description thereof is omitted.

In the above embodiment, in addition to the keys K1 to K4 for increment, the keys K5 to K5 for decrement are used.
Although K8 is provided, decrement can be set with the increment keys K1 to K4 by switching the mode, and the decrement keys K5 to K8 may be omitted.

[0045]

According to the present invention, a character or the like to be printed on a label tape or a label tube is designated by a cursor.
Character input means for inputting to a position to be set, block setting means for setting a block for each desired number of the input characters and the like, and characters and the like in the block while corresponding to the printing space of the set block. in the tape printer comprising a printing means to continue to print the label tape or label tubes, numbers and letters for each pressed
And a sequential number key to continue to increment or decrement, and the increment or decrement digits or characters by the serial number key, pushed its serial number key
And a serial number means for inputting to the position designated by the cursor every time. Therefore, even if the serial number is interrupted on the way, just operate the serial number key, and after the interrupt, the serial number continues. Can be input, even if there are many discontinuities in the serial number, the serial number can be input by a simple operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a tape printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the tape printer.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing characters printed on a tube.

4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing screens displayed on a display unit of the tape printer in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when the user inputs “!”. (b) is an explanatory view showing a screen when the increment is further operated. (c) is an explanatory view showing a screen when a new block mark and X are further input. (d) is an explanatory view showing a screen when the increment is further operated. (e) is an explanatory view showing a screen when a new block mark and COM are further input. (f) is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when an increment operation is performed by further inputting a block break mark and X.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine when an increment setting key is operated.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on a display unit when a base number is selected.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on a display unit when a start number is input. (B) It is explanatory drawing which showed the screen displayed on a display part when inputting an end number.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine when an increment key is operated.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a series of input characters and the like.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another example showing characters and the like printed on a tube.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example showing characters and the like printed on a tube.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional serial number printed on a tube.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional problem.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 Print head 41 Control circuit K2 to K4 Increment key K6 to K8 Decrement key

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 3/36 B41J 5/30 G06F 3/12

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A character input means for inputting a character or the like to be printed on a label tape or a label tube to a position designated by a cursor, and a block setting means for setting a block for a desired number of the input characters or the like. When, in the tape printer and a printing means to continue to print characters and the like in the block on the label tape or label tubes while corresponding to the print space of the set block, numeral Ya each pressed Increment or decrement characters
And a sequential number key to continue to decrement, before the increment or decrement digits or characters by the serial number key, for each pushed its serial number key
A serial number means for inputting data to a position designated by a cursor . 2. The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said serial number keys are provided, and said serial number means increments or decrements a number or a character for each serial number key.