JP3711426B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tape printer for forming a full-color image on a thermal light-responsive recording paper that develops color by thermal energy and stops color development by irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and a thermal photo-responsive print medium storage cassette mounted on the tape printer. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various proposals have been made as printing methods. Among them, typical ones currently used for office use or home use include an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, and a thermal method. Also, various types of printing apparatuses using these methods have been put into practical use.
[0003]
In recent years, there has been a strong demand for colorization of printed images. However, any of the above-described printing apparatuses has been improved in various ways in response to the demand for colorization, which is sufficient in terms of print quality. It has reached a level where it can be put to practical use. Therefore, in recent years, in addition to further improvement in print quality, it has been desired to provide a cheaper apparatus.
[0004]
Note that each of the above-described printing devices does not print output on continuous paper, which is mainly used for printing forms and tabulated data as in the past, but currently prints out using cut paper from the viewpoint of high-speed printing and document printing. The form is mainstream. Of the above-mentioned methods, the thermal printing mechanism has a simple thermal head structure for performing printing, so that it is inexpensive and a printing device intended for use in a small-scale printing form. It is often used by being incorporated in
[0005]
This thermal printing includes a thermal transfer method using an ink ribbon and a thermal method using thermal paper that has been widely used for FAX and the like. And as a thing corresponding to colorization, the thermal transfer system using a color ink ribbon has mainly been employ | adopted. However, the configuration using the ink ribbon, for example, even in the case of text printing using a black monochrome ink ribbon, since the printing rate is generally about 5%, 95% of the ink ribbon is discarded without being used. When it comes to color, each color of the color ink ribbon is discarded while being only partially used in the entire paper surface. In recent years, inkjet printers have emerged as simple color printers.
[0006]
In such a background, using the above thermal method as a base, a full-color paper using a sheet (recording paper) in which three thermal coloring layers of yellow, magenta, and cyan are formed on an appropriate sheet-like substrate is used. New printing methods (Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-10879 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-51425) for recording (forming) images have been proposed and partially put into practical use.
[0007]
The yellow or magenta color-developing layer is formed by uniformly coating a color former having a dispersed phase in which a compound having active methylene called a coupler in the molecule and a diazonium salt are mixed as fine particles in units of microns. . The coupler is activated by heat above a certain temperature, and the compound and diazonium salt react in a basic atmosphere to form a yellow dye or a magenta dye. In addition, the diazonium salt is configured to be decomposed by ultraviolet rays having a specific wavelength and lose a reaction function with the coupler. The cyan color-developing layer is formed by uniformly applying a color-developing agent composed of a dispersed phase in which leuco dyes of micron units and a developer are mixed. The cyan layer reacts with heat at a certain temperature or higher to develop color.
[0008]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a thermal recording apparatus (printing apparatus) that forms an image using such a recording paper (thermal photoresponsive recording paper). In the thermal recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 1 wound in a roll shape is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the drum 3 through the paper feed roller 2, and the closely attached recording paper 1 'is the thermal head 4 and the light source. The lower part of the unit 5 is conveyed by the drum 3 in the direction of arrow N or arrow R. The thermal head 4 is formed in a line shape along the long axis direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) of the drum 3, and the light source unit 5 emits light at a predetermined frequency inside a housing 5a made of a light shielding member. A light source 5b is provided, and a filter 5c for generating different wavelengths corresponding to two colors of yellow and magenta and irradiating the generated light beam to the heat-sensitive recording material 1 'is provided below the light source 5b. . A delivery roller 6, a cutter 8, and a paper discharge tray 7 are disposed on the right side of the drum 3.
[0009]
FIG. 19 (a) shows a cross-sectional view of a recording paper used in such a thermal recording apparatus, and FIG. 19 (b) shows the relationship between the color density of each color developing layer and the thermal energy of the recording paper. Show. The recording paper 1 shown in FIG. 2A is a thermosensitive photoresponsive recording paper, and the three thermosensitive coloring layers of the yellow layer 1-1, the magenta layer 1-2, and the cyan layer 1-3 are supported in a sheet form. It is laminated | stacked equally on the base material 1-4, and the heat-resistant protective layer 1-5 is adhere | attached and formed on them (on the yellow layer 1-1). In the thermosensitive coloring layers of the yellow layer 1-1, the magenta layer 1-2, and the cyan layer 1-3, the main coloring material is encapsulated in a heat-responsive microcapsule having a diameter of about 1 μm, and these are combined with other components. It is formed dispersed in a binder. This thermo-responsive microcapsule controls the development of the three primary colors by thermal energy, and as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the yellow (Y) layer has the highest thermal sensitivity (that is, the color develops at the lowest temperature). ), Magenta (M) layer, cyan (C) layer, and so on. As a result, yellow, magenta, and cyan can be recorded with different thermal energy ranges. However, if the thermal sensitivity difference is provided in each layer in this way, high energy always passes through low energy, so that, for example, even if only magenta is developed, yellow is also developed and a desired color cannot be obtained. In order to prevent this inconvenience, the upper two layers are fixed in such a manner that the color developability is stopped by light of a specific wavelength, so that the color development does not occur in the color development energy range of the next color after each color development. Thus, other components are mixed and dispersed.
[0010]
Accordingly, in FIG. 18, first, the thermal head 4 feeds paper while selectively generating heat corresponding to a yellow image with a heat amount suitable for a color developing layer (usually a yellow color developing layer) that develops color at the lowest temperature. A yellow image is developed on the recording paper 1 ′ conveyed in the direction of arrow N by the forward rotation of the roller 2. Then, the recording paper 1 'is fed out as it is until the rear end of the paper surface on which the color development of the yellow image is completed is positioned below the light source unit 5, and then the paper feeding roller 2 is rotated in the reverse direction to move in the direction of arrow R. While transporting the recording paper 1 ', the light source unit 5 irradiates the light source 5b through the filter 5c with ultraviolet rays having a specific wavelength that acts only on the first layer (yellow coloring layer) of the recording paper that has just developed color. Then, the yellow color former is decomposed so that the yellow does not further undergo a heat-sensitive reaction. That is, the coloring of the background portion of the colored yellow image is stopped. Thereby, the yellow image is fixed. The recording paper 1 'is conveyed in the reverse direction in the direction of the arrow R to the yellow image coloring start position as it is.
[0011]
Subsequently, the paper feed roller 2 is again rotated in the forward direction, and the thermal head 4 develops a color at the second lowest temperature while conveying the recording paper 1 'in the direction of arrow N (usually a magenta coloring layer). The heat is selectively generated in correspondence with the magenta image with a heat amount suitable for the above, and the magenta image is colored on the recording paper 1 '. Also in this case, the recording paper 1 ′ on which magenta image coloring has been completed is fed out until the rear end of the image is positioned below the light source unit 5, and then the paper feed roller 2 is rotated in the reverse direction to move in the direction of arrow R. The light source unit 5 irradiates ultraviolet rays having a specific wavelength that acts only on the second colored layer (the magenta coloring layer) from the light source 5b through the filter 5c while the recording paper 1 'is being conveyed in reverse. Thus, the magenta color former is decomposed so that the magenta does not react any more. That is, the coloring of the background portion of the colored magenta image is stopped. As a result, the magenta image formed on the yellow image is fixed. The recording sheet 1 'is conveyed in the reverse direction in the direction of arrow R to the first color development start position (yellow image color development position) again.
[0012]
Next, while the paper feed roller 2 is rotated in the forward direction and the recording paper 1 'is conveyed in the direction of the arrow N, the thermal head 4 is heated by a high amount of heat suitable for the last coloring layer (usually a cyan coloring layer). A cyan image is formed on the recording paper 1 'while selectively generating heat corresponding to the cyan image. As a result, a cyan image is formed on the already fixed yellow and magenta images to form a full color image.
[0013]
In this way, the recording paper 1 ′ on which the full-color image is formed is conveyed as it is in the direction of the arrow N, pulled away from the drum 3 by the feeding roller 6 disposed downstream in the conveying direction, and fed to the paper discharge tray 7. Then, the paper is cut by the cutter 8 disposed in the vicinity of the upstream end in the transport direction of the paper discharge tray 7 and sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 7.
[0014]
By the way, apart from the above, for the purpose of uses different from the above-mentioned printing device, a printing device that takes advantage of the convenience of the thermal method has appeared and is widely used for office use or home use. It has become like this. This printing apparatus uses a tape-shaped printing medium having a width of about 10 mm to 50 mm, and is provided with an input unit, a display unit, and an output unit so that printing with an ink ribbon can be easily performed on the tape-shaped printing medium. Yes. In general, the tape cassette containing the tape-shaped print medium and the ink ribbon as a set is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body for use.
[0015]
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state in which such a tape cassette is mounted in the tape printer. As shown in the figure, a paper reel 13, a ribbon delivery reel 14, and a ribbon take-up reel 15 are provided inside the tape cassette 12 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 11 of the tape printer 10. A tape-shaped paper 16 is wound around the ribbon, and an ink ribbon 17 is wound around the ribbon delivery reel 14. The paper reel 13 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions (clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction in the figure) with its engagement hole 13a engaging the paper reel drive shaft of the apparatus main body. The ribbon take-up reel 15 is rotationally driven in the forward direction (clockwise direction in the drawing, print conveyance direction) with the engagement hole 15a engaged with the take-up reel drive shaft of the apparatus main body. The ribbon delivery reel 14 is engaged with the braking shaft of the apparatus main body, and the driven rotation is appropriately braked. On both sides (upper and lower in the figure) of the paper discharge port on the side (right side in the figure) of the cassette mounting portion 11 of the apparatus main body 10, a cutting blade 18a for cutting the paper 16 'discharged to the outside after printing is completed. , 18b are provided.
[0016]
When the tape cassette 12 is mounted on the apparatus main body 10 as shown in FIG. 20, a print head 21 fixedly supported by one end of a bracket (not shown) of the apparatus main body in a recess 19 formed in the tape cassette 12. Is inserted. The print head 21 is rotated upward in the concave portion 19 by rotating the bracket up and down to press and contact the platen 22 via the paper 16 and the ink ribbon 17, and is rotated downward when not printing. Save from the print position.
[0017]
The paper 16 is sent out from the paper reel 13 to the printing portion where the print head 21 and the platen 22 face each other, and one ink ribbon 17 is drawn out from the ribbon delivery reel 14 by winding up by the rotation of the ribbon take-up reel 15. Then, the ink is transferred to the paper 16 by the print head 21 by being stretched so as to be positioned below the paper 16 at the opening of the recess 19. The paper 16 on which the image is formed by transferring the ink is discharged to the outside as a printed paper 16 'and cut to an appropriate length by the cutting blades 18a and 18b.
[0018]
The paper (tape) used for this printing usually has an adhesive layer b with release paper c formed on the surface opposite to the printing surface a as shown in the enlarged circle A in the broken line in FIG. Yes. The release paper c of the printed tape that has been cut into a strip shape is removed, and used by sticking it to a desired location such as belongings, books, video cassettes, lockers, and the like. In general, as the tape cassette 12, a cassette containing a combination of a tape of a predetermined ground color (usually a resin film tape) and a monochrome ink ribbon such as black is widely used. In order to respond to the demand for the development, tape ribbon ink ribbons are formed on multicolor ink ribbons.
[0019]
Of course, the above-described waste of the ink ribbon is not necessarily eliminated, but it can be said that the tape printing has been accepted because it uses less paper and ink as a whole. However, in such a tape printer, since the tape and the ink ribbon are used in combination, the tape length and the ink are still considered in consideration of the economy even though the total amount of use is small as described above. Design to use both ribbon lengths at the same time. However, it is almost impossible to use all at the same time as designed due to various mistakes mainly on the user side during use, and waste of the tape or ink ribbon generated from this surface cannot be avoided.
[0020]
Further, such a tape printer has a problem that the capacity of the tape is reduced due to the volume occupied by the ink ribbon in the tape cassette, and thus the tape cassette must be frequently replaced. Of course, proposals have been made to attach and detach the tape and the ink ribbon separately, but this is not practical because the structure is complicated and the handling is complicated and troublesome.
[0021]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, since this type of tape printing apparatus (tape printer) performs printing with a thermal head, thermal paper can be used for printing in the same manner as the FAX apparatus. In that case, it is sufficient to use a tape cassette containing only a printing tape without an ink ribbon, and the above-mentioned problems should be solved. However, in reality, color printing is sufficiently satisfied as a thermal tape. Because there is nothing to make it, it can not cope with colorization. For this reason, the color ink ribbon method has been fixed for colorization, and it has not been possible to get out of it, and there has been no idea to solve the above problems.
[0022]
When a new printing method is to be adopted, the tape printing apparatus needs to be appropriately devised in order to cope with a structure according to a special specification called tape printing. In other words, considering the various problems described above, using the printing method based on the thermal method described above seems to be the first step in solving the problem, but simply adopting a new material is sufficient. Instead, there are various problems to be solved, such as the mounting method of the printing mechanism, the tape transport mechanism and control method, and the structure of the tape cassette.
[0023]
An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printing apparatus that makes it possible to practically use a method of performing printing with a thermosensitive light-responsive printing medium in order to eliminate the weaknesses of the tape printing apparatus in view of the above-described conventional situation.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Claim 1 Mysterious The tape printer has a thermosensitive photo-responsive material with multiple thermochromic materials on the support that develops different colors by heat energy and stops its color development in response to irradiation with light of different wavelengths. A tape cassette that is wound around and stored in the apparatus body, a forward operation for feeding and transporting the tape-shaped print medium from the tape cassette, and the tape-shaped print medium in the tape cassette. A tape conveying means for performing a reverse operation for conveying to rewind, A platen member, and a platen member facing and separating from the platen member, During the forward movement of the tape-shaped print medium by the tape transport means, While pressing against the platen member through the tape-shaped print medium A thermal head for applying a dot-shaped thermal energy based on image information to the tape-shaped printing medium to cause color development, and irradiating the tape-shaped printing medium for coloring by the thermal energy application of the thermal head with the light. Fixing light irradiation means for fixing the color development; Fixing light irradiation control means for causing the fixing light irradiation means to emit light during the backward operation of the tape-shaped print medium, and provided downstream of the fixing light irradiation means in the backward transport direction of the tape-shaped print medium. ,the above A light shielding means for limiting the irradiation area of the fixing light by the fixing light irradiation means to a predetermined range; and a cutter member for cutting the colored and fixed tape-like print-receiving medium into a predetermined length. In the tape printer, the light-shielding means is movable toward and away from the tape-shaped print medium so that the transported tape-shaped print medium is held, and at least one of the light-shielding means engages and moves in conjunction with the thermal head. A light shielding wall portion comprising a pair of free shutter members and sandwiching the tape-shaped print medium in conjunction with the separation operation of the thermal head from the platen member during the return operation of the tape-shaped print medium. And the light shielding wall blocks the fixing light to the downstream side in the backward transport direction to prevent exposure and fixing of the non-printed area of the tape-shaped print medium that is not colored by the thermal head. As much as possible Composed.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1A shows a printer (tape printing apparatus) according to the first embodiment and a tape cassette (heat-sensitive light-responsive print medium storage cassette, print tape cassette, print medium storage cassette) used by being mounted on the printer. ) And FIG. 1 (b) is a plan sectional view of the tape cassette.
[0042]
2 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette, FIG. 2 (b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing tape accommodated in the tape cassette, and FIG. 2 (c) is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the printer 30 includes a key input unit 32 below the top surface of the housing 31. The key input unit 32 includes cursor keys, kana / alphanumeric input keys, kanji conversion keys, A plurality of operation keys 33 including a print key, an execution key, and the like are provided. In addition, an LCD display unit 34 composed of a liquid crystal display device is disposed on the upper left of the upper surface, and a tape cassette storage unit 35 is formed between the LCD display unit 34 and the key input unit 32. In the figure, the tape cassette housing portion 35 is shown with the lid member removed so that the inside can be seen.
[0044]
The tape cassette housing part 35 forms a substantially square empty chamber, and a reel drive shaft 36 (tape conveying means) projects from the approximate center of the empty chamber bottom. On the upper right side of the empty wall, a conveyance path 38 is formed that leads to a tape discharge port 37 that opens to the outer side surface of the housing 31. Various devices shown in a perspective view by a one-dot chain line or a broken line are arranged in the drawing with the conveyance path 38 interposed therebetween. That is, a guide plate 40, a platen roller 39, and a fixed blade 41a of a cutter member are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side above the conveyance path 38, and below the conveyance path 38, from the upstream side to the downstream side in order. A tape sensor 42 (tape detection means), a light shielding shutter 43 (light shielding means), a fixing light irradiator 44 (fixing light irradiation means), a thermal head 45, and a movable blade 41b of a cutter member are disposed.
[0045]
Further, the tape cassette 50 does not include an ink ribbon, and as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the tape cassette 50 is provided inside a container 51 having a box portion 51a having a substantially square box shape and a lid portion 51b. Only the printing tape 53 (tape-like print medium) is accommodated. The printing tape 53 is wound around a reel 52.
[0046]
The printing tape 53 is made of a heat-sensitive photoresponsive recording paper whose color is stopped by fixing light (ultraviolet light having a specific wavelength) emitted from the fixing light irradiator 44 as will be described in detail later. The above ultraviolet light itself exists together with visible light in a normal environment. Therefore, even if the tape cassette 50 is installed in the printer 30 and shielded from the outside by a lid member (not shown), it is not used for a long time. In this case, the internal print tape 53 is gradually spontaneously exposed to light. Of course, the same applies when the tape cassette 50 is stored alone.
[0047]
In order to avoid unnecessary exposure before the printing tape 53 is used, the container 51 of the tape cassette 50 is formed using a material that blocks ultraviolet light having the same wavelength as the fixing light. Further, the lid 51b is provided with a window portion 54 that is also light-shielding to ultraviolet rays and transparent to the naked eye, and the remaining amount of the printing tape 53 that is wound and accommodated through the window portion 54. You can know. Further, in order to completely prevent the above-described natural exposure, the reel 52 is also made of a material that blocks the ultraviolet rays so as to prevent ultraviolet rays penetrating from both ends exposed to the outside of the reel 52 and the reel holes 52a. It can be said that it is preferable to form by using.
[0048]
When the tape cassette 50 is stored and mounted in the tape cassette storage section 35 of the printer 30 shown in FIG. 1A, the reel of the printer 30 is inserted into the reel hole 52a of the reel 52 around which the printing tape 53 is wound. The drive shaft 36 is engaged.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the corner portion located on the left side of the window portion 54 of the tape cassette 50 is formed with a cassette type detecting portion 55 that is notched up and down and protrudes in a plate shape. Yes. As shown in the broken line circle B or circle C in FIG. 5B, the cassette type detection unit 55 has a corner projecting end cut into a concave shape with an arc shape. The size of the concave arc (depth of the radius of the arc) corresponds to the type of the tape cassette 50. The type of the tape cassette 50 is divided according to the width of the printing tape 53 accommodated in the container 51. When the tape cassette 50 is stored and mounted in the tape cassette storage section 35, a detection device (not shown) detects the depth of the arc at the tip of the cassette type detection section 55, and the type of the tape cassette 50 mounted. That is, the width of the printing tape 53 accommodated therein is automatically recognized, for example, 20 mm width or 50 mm width.
[0050]
As shown in FIGS. 1 (b) and 2 (a), the printing tape 53 is placed in the tape cassette 50 in the vicinity of the opposite corner of the cassette type detection unit 55 across the window 54 of the tape cassette 50. A feeding port 56 (slit-like opening) of the printing tape 53 is formed so as to pass through the inside and outside. The feeding port 56 is provided with a sealing member 57 made of felt or sponge. The sealing member 57 functions to seal the feeding port 56 so that dust and dust do not enter from the outside and block light from the outside. Further, a pair of conveyance rolls 58 is disposed in the container 51 in the vicinity of the sealing member 57. The pair of conveyance rolls 58 is disposed to assist the conveyance of the printing tape 53 and also serve as a light shielding member.
[0051]
The printing tape 53 accommodated in the tape cassette 50 is fed out from the feeding port 56 and subjected to a printing process which will be described later in detail, and the cutter member 41 (fixed blade 41a, movable blade 41b) is used in FIG. Cut out as shown. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the printing tape 53 includes a printing portion 53-1, an adhesive layer 53-2 formed on the back surface of the printing portion 53-1, It consists of release paper 53-3 deposited on the adhesive layer 53-2.
[0052]
Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the print-receiving portion 53-1 includes the support 60 disposed on the back surface, and each of the heat sensitive layers of the cyan layer 61, the magenta layer 62, and the yellow layer 63 laminated thereon. It is comprised by the heat-resistant protective layer 64 which forms the color development layer and the surface (surface) to which a thermal energy is provided. The yellow color layer 63, the magenta layer 62, and the cyan color layer 61 are colored in different colors by a specific range of thermal energy, and the color develops in response to irradiation with light of different wavelengths (ultraviolet rays). And is fixed. Further, the heat-resistant protective layer 64 has high translucency that transmits light in a wide range of wavelengths. As a whole, these form a heat-sensitive photoresponsive recording paper.
[0053]
This printing tape 53 is wound around a reel 52 with the above-mentioned heat-resistant protective layer 64 surface (printing surface, ie, light fixing surface) inside. As a result, even when the outermost portion wound around the reel 52 is present, the printing surface is shielded from external light penetrating into the container 51, and further light-shielding properties are maintained. Become. In addition, in this state where the print surface is wound with the print surface inward, even if the print tape 53 rubs against the case wall in the tape cassette 50, the color is generated by frictional heat. Can be avoided.
[0054]
FIG. 3 (a) is a view showing the drive mechanism of each part shown in FIG. 1 (a), and FIG. 3 (b) is a side view thereof. The drive mechanism shown in these drawings is arranged inside the side of the tape cassette storage portion 35 of the housing 31 shown in FIG. 1A and below the bottom of the tape cassette storage portion 35. It should be noted that each component driven by this drive mechanism is given the same reference numeral as in FIG.
[0055]
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the operating states of the thermal head 45 and the light-shielding shutter 43 that are driven in conjunction with the drive mechanism.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the thermal head 45 has a rear end portion integrally connected to one end of a bending arm 66 (support means), and the connection portion is rotatably supported by a fulcrum shaft 67. ing. A fixing light irradiator 44 is disposed in a curved concave portion of the bending arm 66, and a yellow light fixing lamp 44 a and a magenta light fixing lamp 44 b are disposed in the fixing light irradiator 44. A light shielding shutter 43 is attached to the other end of the bending arm 66. The tip 43a of the light shielding shutter 43 is made of a soft member such as sponge or felt and has a light shielding property.
[0056]
A groove hole 66a is provided in the curved arm on the thermal head 45 support portion side of the curved arm 66, and a cam pin (not shown) is slidably engaged with this groove hole 66a. A pulling spiral spring 69 is interposed between the curved arm having the slot 66 a and the main body frame member 68. A cam pin (not shown) moves from the lower side to the upper side of the slot 66a in the state shown in FIG. 3 (a), so that the bending arm 66 receives the pulling biasing force of the pulling spiral spring 69 as shown in FIG. 4 (a). In contrast, the thermal head 45 is rotated counterclockwise about the fulcrum shaft 67 to separate the thermal head 45 from the platen roller 39 and to bring the light-shielding shutter 43 into contact with the guide plate 40. When the cam pin moves downward in the slot 66a from that state, the bending arm 66 pivots the fulcrum shaft 67 in the clockwise direction by the pulling force of the pulling spiral spring 69 as shown in FIG. 4 (b). The thermal head 45 is pressed against the platen roller 39 and the light shielding shutter 43 is separated from the guide plate 40.
[0057]
In this way, the light shielding shutter 43 is brought into contact with and separated from the platen roller 39 by the interlocking mechanism constituted by the curved arm 66, the slot 66a, the cam pin (not shown), the fulcrum shaft 67, and the pulling spiral spring 69. It is configured to be movable in conjunction with each other, and as described above, by contacting the guide plate 40, the irradiation region of the fixing light irradiated from the yellow light fixing lamp 44a and the magenta light fixing lamp 44b of the fixing light irradiator 44. Is limited to a predetermined range.
[0058]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the platen roller 39 is driven by a motor 71 through idle gears 72, 73, 74 and the like together with the reel drive shaft 36. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the cutter member 41 (41a, 41b) is driven by a DC motor 76 with a worm gear 77 on its drive shaft, a worm wheel 78 meshing with it, and a small diameter integral therewith. A reduction gear 79 meshing with the gear, a spur gear 81 meshing with the small-diameter gear, a bevel gear 82 integral therewith, a bevel gear 83 meshing therewith, a cutter cam 84 integral therewith, and a predetermined circumferential portion thereof It is driven to open and close via a pin 85 disposed at the position.
[0059]
FIGS. 5A to 5F are views showing a basic operation state of printing tape cutting by the cutter cam 84 driven by the DC motor 76 and the movable blade 41b of the cutter member 41. FIG. FIG. 3 (a) is a reprint of FIG. 3 (b), showing only the part relating to cutting of the printing tape, and omitting the other parts.
[0060]
First, FIG. 5A shows a state in which the cutter cam 84 is at the reference position (home position). The position of the cutter cam 84 is detected by a detection switch 86. In this state, the pin 85 is stopped at a substantially middle position of the long hole 87 of the rotary arm 41c integrally formed with the movable blade 41b, so that the rotary arm 41c is horizontal, that is, the reference. The position is stopped. Moreover, the movable blade 41b is thereby opened to the maximum with respect to the fixed blade 41a.
[0061]
When the DC motor 76 starts rotating, the pin 85 starts rotating in the clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. When the rotational movement proceeds and the pin 85 reaches the left end of the long hole 87 of the rotating arm 41c as indicated by the arrow D2 in FIG. 5B and the arrow D3 in FIG. Starts a shearing operation (cutting the printed tape) with the fixed blade 41a.
[0062]
The continuous rotation of the cutter cam 84 causes the pin 85 to further rotate and return to the right of the elongated hole 87 as shown by the arrow D4 in FIG. The rotation of the blade 41b in the clockwise direction further proceeds, and the movable blade 41b and the fixed blade 41a are completely closed. Thereby, the shearing operation by the cutter member 41 is completed.
[0063]
Next, the cutter cam 84 starts reverse rotation as indicated by an arrow D5 in FIG. As a result, the pin 85 changes the rotational movement from the previous pulling direction to the pushing-down direction with respect to the rotating arm 41c, and thus the rotating arm 41c is rotated downward, whereby the movable blade 41b is counteracted. It starts to rotate clockwise and starts to open with respect to the fixed blade 41a. Then, as indicated by an arrow D6 in FIG. 5 (f), the pin 85 reaches the lowest point and the rotating arm 41c falls down horizontally, whereby the movable blade 41b is fully opened with respect to the fixed blade 41a. When the whole is in the same initial state as that shown in FIG. 5 (a) (coming to the reference position), the position is detected by the detection switch 86 and stops at the reference position.
[0064]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control unit that drives and controls each unit of the printer 30 configured as described above. As shown in the figure, the control unit is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a key input unit 32 and a display unit 34 shown in FIG. A RAM 92 of a variable memory, a lamp driver 93, a DC motor driver 94, a thermal head driver 95, and a clutch driver 96 are connected. A key operation status signal of the operation key 33 is input from the key input unit 32 to the input side of the CPU 90, and a detection signal of the reference position of the cutter cam 84 is input from the detection switch 86.
[0065]
Further, a display drive signal is output from the output side of the CPU 90 to the LCD display unit 34, and a DC motor is used to cut the cutter member 41 to the DC motor driver 94 via the cutter cam 84 as shown in FIG. An instruction signal for rotationally driving 76 is output, an instruction signal for driving the thermal head 45 to generate heat is output to the thermal head driver 95, and the thermal head 45 is supplied to the clutch driver 96 as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). And an instruction signal for driving the cam clutch 97 of the cam pin for rotating the light shielding shutter 43, an instruction signal for driving the platen roller 39 or the reel drive shaft 36 to the drive circuit 98 of the stepping motor 45, and a lamp To the driver 93, the yellow light fixing lamp 44a of the fixing light irradiator 44 or the magenta light fixing lamp 4 is provided. Output an instruction signal for emitting driving.
[0066]
The CPU 90 reads a control program stored in the ROM 91, controls the above-described units based on the key operation status signal from the operation key 33, and based on the detection signal from the detection switch 86 according to the read program. The cutter cam 84, that is, the cutter member 41 is set to the initial position. Next, the operation of the printing process by the CPU 90 in the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and FIG.
[0067]
FIG. 7 (a) is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of each part related to the printing process (see FIG. 1 (a)). “O” shown in a circle in the figure is a tape cassette (hereinafter simply referred to as a cassette). ) 50 is the position of the feeding port 56 (see FIG. 1B and FIG. 2A), and a distance “L1” from this position, and “S” shown in a circle is a light shielding shutter (hereinafter simply referred to as shutter). 43). Further, “L” shown in the circle with a distance “L2” is the position of the fixing light irradiator (hereinafter simply referred to as a lamp) 44, and within this circle with a distance “L3” from this. “H” shown is the position of the thermal head 45, and “CT” shown in a circle with a further distance “L4” is the position of the cutter member (hereinafter simply referred to as a cutter) 41. Note that the illustration of the arrangement of the tape sensor 42 is omitted.
[0068]
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a printing state of a printing tape (hereinafter simply referred to as a tape) 53. “P” is a printed tape cut out by the cutter 41 (in the figure, “ABC” is printed from the top). "Q" indicates the length of the print area, and "X1" and "X2" (X1 = X2 = X) at both ends indicate the lengths of the front and rear margins, respectively. Is shown.
[0069]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing process by the CPU 90 (fixing light irradiation control means, conveyance control means). The tape 53 of the cassette 50 attached to the printer 30 is drawn in advance from the feeding port “O” by a length N as shown in FIG. The CPU 90 recognizes this by the tape sensor 42, and first transports the tape 53 by the distance “L1 + L2 + L3 + X−N” (step S1). As a result, the leading end of the tape 53 that was initially drawn out from the feeding opening “O” by a length N is distanced from the feeding opening “O” to the distance “L1 + L2 + L3” as shown by the tape 53 ′ in FIG. It stops in advance by the length “X” (= X1) from the position of the existing thermal head “H”. That is, the head print position of the print area “Q” with the margin “X1” of the tape 53 shown in FIG. 7B is set to the thermal head position “H”. In this case, if it is set in advance so as to satisfy “N <X”, the length N portion loses its luminescent property due to natural fixing due to time-lapse exposure due to being pulled out from the feeding port “O” by the length N. However, since that portion is included in the range of the front margin, there is no problem.
[0070]
Thereafter, the print data (initially yellow Y print data) is developed in a predetermined area of the RAM 92 (step S2). Subsequently, a drive instruction signal is output to the clutch driver 96 to rotate the bending arm 66 counterclockwise. The thermal head 45 is turned down (pressed against the platen roller 39) and the shutter 43 is opened (separated from the guide plate 40) (see step S3, FIG. 4B). As a result, the thermal head 45 is set at the print start position of the tape 53.
[0071]
Next, an instruction signal is output to the drive circuit 98 to output a drive signal having a predetermined frequency to the stepping motor 71, and the platen roller 39 is rotated in the forward direction (conveying direction, counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3A). At the same time, the developed print data is output line-sequentially to the thermal head driver 95 to start printing by the thermal head 45 (step S4), until all the developed print data is output to the last line, that is, Monitoring is performed until printing of the developed print data is completed (step S5, determination is N)). When it is confirmed that printing is completed (S5 is Y), an instruction signal is output to the clutch driver 96, and the bending arm 66 is moved. By rotating clockwise, the thermal head 45 is up (separated from the platen roller 39) and the shutter 43 is closed (to the guide plate 40). Pressure contact) (see step S6, FIG. 4 (a)).
[0072]
Subsequently, the stepping motor 71 is rotated in the reverse direction to rotate the reel drive shaft 36 in the winding direction, and the tape 53 is rewound by the distance “L2 + L3-X” (step S7). As a result, the print end position of the tape 53 (the rear end of the print area Q) is at the front of the distance “X” (= X2) of the shutter position “S” located behind the thermal head position “H” by the distance “L2 + L3”. In other words, the rear end of the rear margin “X2” is set to the shutter position “S”.
[0073]
Next, an instruction signal is output to the lamp driver 93 to turn on the lamp 44 (the yellow light fixing lamp 44a because yellow Y is initially printed) (step S8) and rewind the tape 53 again (step S9). . As a result, the rear margin “X2”, the print region “Q”, and the front margin “X1” are sequentially exposed to the fixing light and exposed, and the color development of yellow due to the heat energy applied thereafter is stopped (prohibited). And fixed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the optical fixing is activated at the time of the backward operation in which the tape 53 is conveyed to rewind.
[0074]
During the fixing described above, the detection signal input from the tape sensor 42 is monitored (step S10), and a total distance “L3 + L2 + L1-N” has been rewound from the first rewound position, that is, the left side of FIG. (Step S10 is Y), the stepping motor 71 is stopped and the lamp 44 is turned off (Step S11). Is the printing that has just been completed been magenta M printing? It is determined whether or not (step S12).
[0075]
If the current print is yellow Y (S12 is N), the process returns to step S1, the tape 53 is conveyed to the position of the tape 53 ', and the print data of magenta M is developed in the RAM 92 in step S2, Repeat S3 to S12. As a result, magenta printing (coloring) and light fixing are performed, the tape 53 is rewound to the initial position, and it is determined again whether or not the printing that has just ended is magenta M printing.
[0076]
This time, step S12 is Y, and in this case, the cyan C data is developed in the RAM 92 (step S14). The subsequent steps S14, S15 and S16 are the same as the above-described steps S3, S4 and S5. When the completion of cyan C printing is confirmed (S16 is Y), the tape 53 is further conveyed in the forward direction by the distance “L4 + X” (step S17). As a result, the print end portion of the tape 53 (the rear end of the print area “Q”) is further forward by the distance “X” (= X2) from the cutter position “CT” at the distance “L4” from the thermal head position “H”. Stops. That is, the rear end of the rear margin X2 stops at the cutter position “CT”.
[0077]
Subsequently, an instruction signal is output to the DC motor driver 94 to drive the DC motor 76, and the movable blade 41a is driven to cut the printed tape 53 as shown in FIG. 5 (step S18). As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the printed tape 53 having a length P having margins “X1” and “X2” in front and rear is cut out.
[0078]
Thereafter, the thermal head 45 is raised (step S19), the tape 53 is rewound by the distance “L1 + L2 + L3 + L4-N” (step S20), and the process is terminated. The front end of the unused portion of the tape 53 from which the printed portion has been cut by the rewinding is before the feeding port “O” located behind the cut cutter position “CT” at a distance “L1 + L2 + L3 + L4”; It stops at the position of the distance “N” and is set in a state of waiting for the next printing.
[0079]
In addition, it has been described above that there is no problem even if the length N portion loses light emission due to natural fixation due to the fact that the length N is first pulled out from the feeding port “O”. In the case where there is a risk of discoloration of the natural fixing portion, the front margin X1 is formed after the length N, and in the tape cutting after the printing is finished, the length N portion is first cut off, and then the length P is changed to the length P. The printed tape can be cut out by conveying. In that case, a method of recognizing the conveyance distance by the driving pulse of the stepping motor and a cut-off mark printed at the rear end of the length N may be recognized by an optical sensor to check the cut-off position. .
[0080]
In addition, with regard to the rewinding conveyance to the above-mentioned feeding opening “O” after cutting out the printed tape, immediately before the cassette 50 is detached from the printer 30, for example, a drive power switch or the like is used to open and close the lid of the tape cassette storage unit 35. Rewinding may be performed in conjunction with each other. In this way, when the cassette 50 is in the printer 30, it is always in the state of the tape 53 'and the set time until the start of printing is shortened. In this case, in the process shown in FIG. 8, when the determination is negative (N) in step S12, the process procedure is changed so as to return to step S2 instead of step S1.
[0081]
Further, when the tape 53 is fed out to the printing position (thermal head position “H”), the shutter 43 is brought into contact with the guide plate 40 at the initial position, that is, as shown in FIG. The cam pin moving 66a is stopped halfway, so that the intermediate state between FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 4 (b), that is, the thermal head 45 and the shutter 43 are both set to the state where the conveyance path is opened. Also good. The setting of the print position of the tape 53 (tape 53 'in FIG. 7A) may be performed manually, and this set position is detected by the tape sensor 42 and referred to in the subsequent print processing. Further, when the print position is set by automatic conveyance, it is necessary to drive the conveyance roll pair 58 in the cassette 50 on the printer main body side. Further, the light shielding shutter may be composed of a pair of rolls to assist in transporting the tape. This will be described below as a second embodiment.
[0082]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a printer according to the second embodiment. The printer 100 shown in the figure is partly different from the printer 30 shown in FIG. 1A, and a new configuration is further added. In FIG. 9, only the components different from those in FIG. 1 (a) and the added components are given new numbers, and the other components are the same as those in FIG. 1 (a) including the cassette. Therefore, only parts necessary for explanation are given the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 (a).
[0083]
The printer 100 shown in FIG. 9 includes a transport roll pair drive pin 101 at the upper right of the tape cassette storage unit 35. Although not particularly shown in the figure, the conveying roll pair drive pin 101 receives rotational drive by a drive system appropriately branched from the gear train of the idle gears 72, 73 and 74 shown in FIG. b) and engages and drives the transport roll pair 58 shown in FIG. 2 (a).
[0084]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, the tape 53 is transported to the position of the tape 53 '(forward operation for feeding and transporting). Further, when the series of printing operations is completed, as described in the process of step S20, from the cutter position “CT” to the feeding port “O” of the cassette 50, only the leading end “N” is left and no printing is performed. Rewinding conveyance by the reel drive shaft 36 that automatically rewinds the part into the cassette is assisted by the conveyance roll pair 58.
[0085]
In the conveyance path 38, auxiliary roll pairs 102a and 102b are sandwiched between the tape path 42 and the lamp (fixing light irradiator) 44 shown in FIG. Arranged. Further, the guide plate 103 is narrowed in the arrangement space by the amount of the one roller 102a of the auxiliary roll pair 102 fixed and arranged above the conveyance path 38, which is more than the case of the guide plate 40 in FIG. Is also formed short.
[0086]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the operating states of the thermal head 45 and the auxiliary roll pair 102 in the above configuration. As shown in FIG. 10A, the other roller 102 b of the auxiliary roll pair 102 is attached to the other end of the curved arm 66 that is integrally connected to the thermal head 45. The auxiliary roll pair 102 is made of a flexible material such as sponge or felt, and the bending arm 66 rotates counterclockwise as shown in FIG. The two rollers 102a and 102b are separated from the platen roller 39 and are simultaneously pressed against each other, whereby the left side of the auxiliary roll pair 102, that is, the unused portion of the tape 53 is shielded from the irradiation light of the lamp 41.
[0087]
Further, when the bending arm 66 rotates clockwise with the fulcrum shaft 67 as a fulcrum as shown in FIG. 10B and the thermal head 45 comes into pressure contact with the platen roller 39 and enters the printing posture, At the same time, the two rollers 102a and 102b are separated to open the tape conveyance path. Even in such a configuration, the print processing operation is the same as that shown in FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and FIG.
[0088]
FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing a printer according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a view showing a lamp (fixing light irradiator) disposed in the printer. Also in this case, only the components different from the printer 30 shown in FIG. 1A are given new numbers, and the other components including the cassette are the same as those in FIG. Only parts necessary for the explanation are given the same numbers as in FIG. In place of the lamp 44 of the printer 30 shown in FIG. 1 (a), a lamp 106 disposed in the printer 105 shown in FIG. 11 (a) is a cylindrical light shielding container 107 as shown in FIG. 11 (b). A yellow light fixing lamp 44a and a magenta light fixing lamp 44b are housed in the interior.
[0089]
A slit 108 is formed in the light shielding container 107, and the slit 108 is formed at a position facing the guide plate 40 as shown in FIG. The lamp 44 shown in FIG. 1 (a) is an open type as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), whereas the lamp shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) is used. Reference numeral 106 denotes an irradiation light from the internal yellow light fixing lamp 44a or the magenta light fixing lamp 44b, which is shielded by the cylindrical container 107 and is directed only in a predetermined direction (a direction perpendicular to the guide plate 40) by the slit 108. Let it pass. The cylindrical container 107 is supported by a bracket 109, and the bracket 109 is connected to the thermal head 45 by forming a rotating arm (not shown). Thereby, when the thermal head 45 is rotated to the printing position, it is separated from the guide plate 40, and when the thermal head 45 is rotated to the non-printing position, it is rotated toward the guide plate 40 in conjunction with this. Then, the slit 108 comes into close contact with the tape 53 guided by the guide plate 40 for fixing and irradiates only the tape surface with fixing light.
[0090]
In the printing process in this case, the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed with the lamp position “L” and the shutter position “S” set to the same, that is, the distance “L2 = 0” in the layout diagram of FIG. It will be good.
[0091]
In the first, second, and third embodiments, the shutter and the lamp are all arranged on the upstream side in the tape forward transport direction from the thermal head. May be arranged downstream of the thermal head in the tape forward conveyance direction. This will be described below as a fourth embodiment.
[0092]
FIG. 12 (a) is a perspective view of a printer according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 12 (b) is a diagram showing a configuration of an internal drive system. In the printer 110 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the arrangement of the platen roller 39, the guide plate 40, the thermal head 45, the shutter 43, and the lamp 44 having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the bending arm 66 shown in FIG. 12 (b) has two rotating arms 111, a rotating arm 111 for supporting the shutter 43 and a rotating vertical member 112 for supporting the thermal head 45. It is different where it is divided into members. However, the function of each device is the same as that in FIG. 1 (a), and is substantially the same in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The configuration of the control unit that controls the operation of each unit is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0093]
In the printer 110, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), a platen roller 39, a guide plate 40, and a fixed blade 41a of a cutter member are sequentially arranged on the upstream side of the conveying path 38 from the upstream side. The thermal head 45, the shutter 43, the lamp 44, and the movable blade 41b of the cutter member are sequentially arranged downstream from the upstream side below the conveyance path 38.
[0094]
One rotating arm 111 instead of the curved arm is pivotally supported at the center by a fulcrum shaft 118, supports the shutter 43 at the right arm end, and has a slot 115 formed substantially horizontally at the left arm. Then, it engages with a drive system (not shown) and is driven to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.
[0095]
The other rotating vertical member 112 supports the thermal head 45 at the upper end, and the support portion is pivotally supported by the fulcrum shaft 113 and attached to the approximate center of the vertical portion extending downward from the fulcrum shaft 113. The pin 114 is slidably fitted in the groove 115 of the rotating arm 111. A substantially intermediate portion between the fulcrum shaft 113 and the pin 114 mounting portion is urged clockwise by a pulling spiral spring 116 interposed between the frame member on the printer main body side, and the other frame on the printer main body side is urged. The lower end of the vertical portion is urged counterclockwise by another pulling spiral spring 117 interposed between the members.
[0096]
In the above configuration, the rotating arm 111 rotates clockwise, and the shutter 43 at the end of the right arm is separated from the guide plate 40 and contacts the lamp 44 adjacent to the right as shown in FIG. In this state, the left arm of the rotating arm 111 is simultaneously rotated in the clockwise direction with the conveying path 38 being opened, so that the rotating vertical member 112 is counterclockwise through the slot 115 and the pin 114. The thermal head 45 is pressed against the platen roller 39 and set to the printing position.
[0097]
Further, when the rotating arm 111 is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction, the distal end portion 43a of the shutter 43 comes into contact with the guide plate 40, and irradiates and diffuses the fixing light emitted from the lamp 44 to the upstream side. At the same time, the thermal head 45 is separated from the platen roller 39 and the conveying path 38 is opened.
[0098]
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of each part related to the printing process. “O” shown in a circle in the figure is the position of the feeding port 56 of the cassette 50, and from this, the distance “L5” is set. The “H” shown in the circle mark is the position of the thermal head 45, and the distance “L6” is placed from this position, and “S” shown in the circle mark is the position of the shutter 43, and the distance “L7” is placed from this position. “L” shown in the mark is the position of the lamp 44, and “CT” shown in the circle after a distance “L8” is the position of the cutter 41. Note that the illustration of the arrangement of the tape sensor 42 is omitted.
[0099]
Also in this case, the tape 53 is previously drawn out from the cassette 50 by a length N. The printed tape cut out by the cutter 41 is not shown here, but as shown in FIG. 7 (b), it has a full length P, a printing area Q, margins X1 and X2 (X1 = X2 = X). is there.
[0100]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation by the CPU 90 of the control unit that controls each unit of the above configuration and executes the printing process. Hereinafter, the printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0101]
First, the tape 53 is conveyed by a distance “L5 + X−N” (step S101). As a result, as shown in the tape 53 'in FIG. 13, the tip of the tape 53 that was initially drawn out from the feed opening "O" by the length N is a thermal distance at a distance "L5" from the feed opening "O". The head “H” is stopped in advance by the length “X” (the head margin), and the head print position of the print area Q is set to the thermal head position “H”.
[0102]
Subsequently, the print data (initially yellow Y print data) is developed in a predetermined area of the RAM 92 (step S102), the rotating arm 111 is rotated clockwise to bring down the thermal head 45 and the shutter 43. Is set to the print start position (step S103), the platen roller 39 is rotated in the forward direction, and the thermal head 45 is driven to generate heat by the developed print data to start printing (step S104). ).
[0103]
Then, the end of printing is monitored (step S105, determination is N)). When the end of printing is confirmed (Y in S105), the heat generation drive of the thermal head 45 is stopped, and the tape 53 is conveyed by the distance “L6 + X” as it is. Continue (step S106). As a result, the end of the printing in the printing area Q is fed further downstream by the distance “X” (rear margin) than the shutter position “S” at the distance “L6” from the thermal head position “H”. Stop.
[0104]
Next, the rotating arm 111 is rotated counterclockwise to raise the thermal head 45 and close the shutter 43 (step S107). As a result, the unused portion of the tape 53 is shielded from the lamp position “S” in a state in which the print portion of the full length P including the front and rear margins protrudes in the lamp position “L” direction from the shutter position “S”.
[0105]
Subsequently, the lamp 44 (the yellow light fixing lamp 44a because yellow Y is initially printed) is turned on (step S108), and the tape 53 is rewound (step S109). 13 is monitored (step S110). When it is confirmed that the tape has been rewound to the initial position (Y in S110), the rewinding is stopped and the lamp 44 is turned on. The light is turned off (step S111). As a result, the yellow portion of the print portion having the full length P including the margin portions before and after the tape 53 is fixed. As described above, also in this embodiment, the optical fixing is activated at the time of the backward operation in which the tape 53 is conveyed to rewind.
[0106]
Following the above, it is determined whether or not the printing that has just been completed is printing of magenta M (step S112). If the current printing is yellow Y (S112 is N), the process returns to step S101 to return to FIG. The tape 53 is transported to the position of the tape 53 ', the print data of magenta M is developed in the RAM 92 in step S102, and steps S103 to S112 are repeated. As a result, magenta printing (coloring) and light fixing are performed, the tape 53 is rewound to the initial position, and it is determined again whether or not the printing that has just ended is magenta M printing.
[0107]
This time, step S112 is Y, and in this case, cyan C data is developed in the RAM 92 (step S114). The subsequent steps S114, S115, and S116 are the same as the above-described steps S103, S104, and S105. When the completion of cyan C printing is confirmed (S116: Y), the tape 53 is conveyed in the forward direction by the distance “X + L6 + L7 + L8” (step S117). As a result, the print end portion of the tape 53 stops further forward by the distance “X” (for the rear margin) from the cutter position “CT” at the distance “L6 + L7 + L8” from the thermal head position “H”. That is, the rear end of the rear margin stops at the cutter position “CT”.
[0108]
Subsequently, the movable blade 41a is driven to cut the printed tape 53 (step S118), the thermal head 45 is raised (step S119), and then the tape 53 is rewound by the distance “L5 + L6 + L7 + L8−N” (step S120). ), The process is terminated. Also in this case, the leading end of the unused portion of the tape 53 from which the printed portion has been cut by the above-described rewinding is the feeding port “O” located behind the cut cutter position “CT” at the distance “L5 + L6 + L7 + L8”. Is stopped at the position of the distance “N” before “” and is set in a state of waiting for the next printing.
[0109]
In this case as well, the rewinding conveyance to the feeding port “O” may be performed immediately before the cassette 50 is detached from the printer 30. In this case, in the process shown in FIG. 14, when the determination is NO (N) in step S112, the process procedure is changed to return to the next step S102 instead of step S101.
[0110]
Even when such a shutter and lamp are arranged downstream of the thermal head in the tape forward transport direction, the shutter 43 can be changed to the auxiliary roll pair 102 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This will be described below as a fifth embodiment.
[0111]
FIG. 15 (a) is a perspective view of a printer according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 15 (b) is a diagram showing a configuration of an internal drive system. In the printer 120 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, an auxiliary roll pair 102 (102a, 102a, 102b) in which the shutter 43 of the printer 110 shown in FIGS. 102b), the guide plate 40 is slightly shorter than the roller 102a. Other components are the same as those shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).
[0112]
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an operating state in which the auxiliary roll pair 102 and the thermal head 45 are interlocked for the sake of safety. As shown in FIG. 5A, one roller 102 a of the auxiliary roll pair 102 is fixed to the printer main body side by side on the downstream side of the platen roller 39. The rotating arm 111 is pivotally supported at the center by a fulcrum shaft 118, and the other roller 102b of the auxiliary roll pair 102 is supported at the right arm end. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the rotating arm 111 is driven in the clockwise direction. With the rotation, the right arm rotates downward to separate the roller 102b from the roller 102a, and the left arm As a result, the pin 114 of the rotating vertical member 112 is pulled up, and the rotating vertical member 112 rotates counterclockwise about the fulcrum shaft 113 as a pivot. The thermal head 45 is brought into pressure contact with the platen roller 39 by moving.
[0113]
FIG. 4B shows a state in which the rotating arm 111 is driven to rotate counterclockwise. In this case, the right arm rotates upward to press the roller 102b against the roller 102a, The irradiation light of the lamp 44 adjacent to the right is blocked to protect the upstream tape from the fixing light, while the groove hole 115 of the left arm portion rotates downward, whereby the rotation vertical member 112 becomes the pin 114. As a result, the rotating vertical member 112 is rotated clockwise to separate the thermal head 45 from the platen roller 39. Even in this case, the printing process operates as described with reference to FIGS.
[0114]
FIG. 17 shows a sixth example in which the shutter mechanism and the lamp are arranged on the downstream side in the tape forward transport direction from the thermal head, and the lamp 106 having the light shielding function shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) is provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printer in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, this printer is provided with a lamp 106 shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) instead of the lamp 44 of the printer 120 having the configuration shown in FIG. 15 (a). In this case, the lamp 106 is disposed at a fixed position on the printer main body side, and on the other hand, a pushing spiral spring 103 is interposed between the frame member 121 and the guide plate 122 of the printer main body, so that the guide plate 122 is always attached to the lamp 106. The slit 108 is pressed against the slit 108. In this case, in the layout diagram of FIG. 13, the lamp position “L” and the shutter position “S” are made the same, that is, the distance “L7 = 0” is set, and the process shown in FIG.
[0115]
In any of the above embodiments, the driving of the cutter 41 is not limited to automatic cutting by the DC motor 76. For example, a push button or an operating lever linked to a movable blade is provided to manually cut the tape. May be.
[0116]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the light shielding shutter is disposed so as to be linked to the movement of the thermal head to the non-printing position after the heat-generating printing is performed. The start timing and positional relationship can be set accurately, so that the photofixing range of the printed tape can be set accurately and a good color image can be obtained by overlaying the correct three primary colors. It is possible to provide a special type of printing device called a tape printing device using a printing medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a printer and a tape cassette used in the printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan sectional view of the tape cassette.
2A is an exploded perspective view of a tape cassette, FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a configuration of a printing tape, and FIG. 2C is a sectional view thereof.
3A is a diagram showing a driving mechanism of each part of the printer, and FIG. 3B is a side view thereof.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the operating states of a thermal head and a light shielding shutter that are driven in conjunction with the drive mechanism of FIG.
FIGS. 5A to 5F are views showing a basic operation state of printing tape cutting by a cutter cam driven by a DC motor and a movable blade of a cutter member.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control unit that drives and controls each unit of the printer having the configuration illustrated in FIGS.
7A is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of each part related to the printing process, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a printing state of a printing tape.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printing process performed by a CPU.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a printer according to a second embodiment.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation state of the thermal head and the auxiliary roll pair of the printer according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing a printer according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a view showing a fixing light irradiator disposed in the printer.
12A is a perspective view of a printer according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an internal drive system.
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement of units related to a printing process of a printer according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation by a CPU of a control unit that executes a printing process of a printer according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a printer according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing the configuration of an internal drive system.
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an operation state in which an auxiliary roll pair of a printer and a thermal head are interlocked with each other in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus that forms an image using a conventional thermosensitive light-responsive recording paper.
19A is a cross-sectional view of a thermosensitive photoresponsive recording paper, and FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the relationship between the color density of each color-forming layer and the thermal energy.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state where a tape cassette is mounted on a conventional tape printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Recording paper
1 'Adhering recording paper
2 Paper feed roller
3 drums
4 Thermal head
5 Light source unit
5a box
5b Light source
5c filter
6 Sending roller
7 Output tray
8 Cutter
10 Tape printer
11 Cassette mounting part
12 Tape cassette
13 Paper reel
13a engagement hole
14 Ribbon delivery reel
15 Ribbon take-up reel
15a engagement hole
16 paper (tape)
16 'printed paper
17 Ink ribbon
17 'Used ink ribbon
18a, 18b Cutting blade
19 recess
21 Print head
22 Platen
30, 30-2 Printer
31 body
32 Key input part
33 Operation keys
34 LCD display
35 Tape cassette storage
36 reel drive shaft
37 Tape outlet
38 Transport path
39 Platen Roller
40 Guide plate
41 Cutter member
41a Fixed blade
41b Movable blade
41c Rotating arm
42 Tape sensor
43 Shading shutter
43a Tip
44 Fixing light irradiator
44a Yellow light fixing lamp
44b Light fixing lamp for magenta
45 Thermal head
50 tape cassette
51 containers
51a Box
51b Lid
52 reel
52a reel hole
53 Tape for printing (tape)
53-1 Printed part
53-2 Adhesive layer
53-3 Release paper
54 Window
55 Tape width detection piece
56 Feeding outlet
57 Sealing member
58 Transport roll pair
60 Support
61 Cyan layer
62 Magenta layer
63 Yellow layer
64 Heat-resistant protective layer
66 Curved arm
66a slot
67 fulcrum shaft
68 Main body frame member
69 Pulling spiral spring
71 Stepping motor
72, 73, 74 Idle gear
76 DC motor
77 Worm Gear
78 Worm wheel
79 Reduction gear
81 spur gear
82, 83 bevel gear
84 Cutter cam
85 pins
86 detection switch
87 long hole
90 The control unit is CPU (Central Processing Unit)
91 ROM
92 RAM
93 Lamp driver
94 DC motor driver
95 Thermal head driver
96 Clutch driver
97 Cam clutch
98 Drive circuit
100, 105, 110, 120 Printer
101 Conveying roll pair drive pin
102 (102a, 102b) Auxiliary roll pair
103 Guide plate
106 Lamp
107 Shading container
108 slit
109 Bracket
111 Rotating arm
112 Rotating vertical member
113 fulcrum shaft
114 pin
115 slot
116, 117 pulling spiral spring
118 fulcrum shaft
121 Frame member
122 Guide plate
123 push spiral spring

Claims (1)

Thermally responsive tape-like prints with multiple thermochromic materials on the support that develop in different colors by thermal energy and stop and fix in response to irradiation with light of different wavelengths A tape cassette that is wound around and stored in the main body of the device,
Tape transport means for performing a forward operation for feeding and transporting the tape-shaped printing medium from the tape cassette and a returning operation for transporting the tape-shaped printing medium into the tape cassette so as to rewind.
A platen member;
The dots based on the image information while being in contact with and separated from the platen member and being in pressure contact with the platen member through the tape-shaped print medium during the forward movement of the tape-shaped print medium by the tape transport unit A thermal head that imparts a colored heat energy to the tape-shaped printing medium and causes color development;
Fixing light irradiating means for fixing the color by irradiating the light on the tape-like print medium colored by applying thermal energy of the thermal head;
Fixing light irradiation control means for causing the fixing light irradiation means to emit light when the tape-shaped printing medium is restored; and
A light-shielding unit that is provided downstream of the fixing light irradiation unit in the backward transfer direction of the tape-shaped print-receiving medium, and that limits the irradiation region of the fixing light by the fixing light irradiation unit to a predetermined range;
A cutter member for cutting the color-formed and fixed tape-like print-receiving medium into a predetermined length;
In the tape printer with
The light-shielding means is a pair of shutters that are freely contactable / separable to the tape-shaped print medium so as to sandwich the tape-shaped print medium to be conveyed, and at least one of which is engaged and movable to interlock with the thermal head. A light-shielding wall portion is formed by sandwiching the tape-shaped print medium in conjunction with the separation operation of the thermal head from the platen member during the backward operation of the tape-shaped print medium. A light-shielding wall portion is configured to block the fixing light to the downstream side in the backward transport direction to prevent exposure and fixing of a non-printed area that is not colored by the thermal head of the tape-shaped print medium. A tape printer characterized by the above.

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