JP3714202B2 - Printing device and tape cassette - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that replaceably mounts tape cassettes having different external shapes due to different tape capacity, and performs printing with multicolor ink on the tapes stored in these tape cassettes, and the printing apparatus The present invention relates to a tape cassette used in combination.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a tape that uses a multi-color ink ribbon in which a plurality of colors of ink are repeatedly arranged in the length direction and creates a label by transferring the ink of the ink ribbon over the same print area on the tape. A printing device is provided.
[0003]
This tape printer is a heat-driven thermal head that transfers multi-color inks of the ink ribbon to the tape one by one to form characters and images on the tape. In order to transfer multiple colors of ink onto the same print area on the tape, the print start position of the print area is set each time the transfer of one color ink is completed. In order to correspond to the above, there is provided means for reversely feeding the tape in the direction opposite to the feeding direction by the platen.
[0004]
The tape and the ink ribbon are wound around a spool and accommodated in a single tape cassette, and the tape printer includes a cassette mounting portion in which the tape cassette is loaded, and the tape and the ink ribbon are attached to the tape. It is configured to be pulled out from the cassette and supplied to the thermal head.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although the tape printer is used for various purposes, even if the capacity of the tape cassette used in the conventional tape printer is sufficient for an individual to use occasionally at home, When printing a large amount of labels for usage, the tape capacity may be insufficient and the tape cassette needs to be frequently replaced.
[0006]
Therefore, it is desired to supply a tape cassette that can handle a large amount of consumption by increasing the external shape (planar shape) of the cassette case and increasing the amount of tape and ink ribbon accommodated.
[0007]
However, there are several types of tape cassettes that contain tapes with different widths so that they can be selected as appropriate according to the customer's application. Large tape cassettes with increased tape capacity are convenient for tapes with a high frequency of use, but such tape cassettes are required for tapes with a low frequency of use. In the meantime, there is no problem with conventional tape cassettes.
[0008]
Therefore, the large-sized tape cassette is convenient, but the conventional tape cassette with a smaller tape capacity is also in great demand, so that two types of multi-color printing tape cassettes having different shapes can be used. Realization of a printing apparatus is desired.
[0009]
By the way, a tape printer having a multicolor printing function includes means for rewinding the tape. This tape rewinding means is provided with a tape rewinding shaft which is provided in the cassette mounting portion and engages with the tape supply spool of the tape cassette and is driven to rotate in the tape rewinding direction.
[0010]
This tape rewinding shaft is provided so as to protrude from the cassette mounting portion of the apparatus main body to which the tape cassette is mounted. If a large tape cassette having an increased tape capacity is newly added, this large tape cassette is The shape of the tape cassette is different from that of the conventional tape cassette, and the tape supply spool is inevitably disposed at a different position. For this reason, the tape rewinding shaft can be shared by the large tape cassette and the conventional small tape cassette. Can not.
[0011]
Accordingly, two tape rewinding shafts are provided at different positions on the cassette mounting portion corresponding to two types of tape cassettes. In this case, when one tape cassette is mounted on the cassette mounting portion, the other The tape rewinding shaft corresponding to one tape cassette interferes, and the tape rewinding shaft corresponding to one tape cassette interferes when the other tape cassette is mounted in the cassette mounting part, so that the tape cassette cannot be mounted. Occurs.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. , Double A printing apparatus having a multi-color printing function equipped with tape rewinding means corresponding to several types of multi-color printing tape cassettes, and when other types of tape cassettes are mounted on the cassette mounting portion, other tape cassettes Can be installed without interference by the tape rewinding means , Double It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus in which several types of multicolor printing tape cassettes can be used interchangeably, and a tape cassette used in the printing apparatus.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A printing apparatus according to a first invention is a tape wound around a spool. Mosquito While housed in a set case, the cassette case Predetermined surface A cassette mounting portion in which a plurality of types of tape cassettes are formed so as to be replaceable, and the tape mounted in the cassette mounting portion. Multi-colored tape transport means that pulls the tape from the cassette and transports it in the forward direction while transporting the tape in the reverse direction and returns it to the tape cassette, and the tape transported in the forward and reverse directions by the tape transport means Printing means for performing printing, and the tape transport means is disposed in the cassette mounting portion corresponding to each spool of the plurality of types of tape cassettes, and is engaged with and rotated by the respective spools. A plurality of tape rewinding shafts for rewinding the tape to the spools, and the plurality of tape rewinding shafts are mounted on the cassette mounting portion. Of the plurality of types of tape cassettes, the tape cassette having a corresponding relationship is engaged with the spool of the tape cassette, and the tape cassette having no corresponding relationship is accommodated in the recess of the tape cassette. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
According to the printing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the tape rewinding shaft provided corresponding to each of the plurality of types of tape cassettes has a corresponding relationship with the plurality of types of tape cassettes. For tape cassettes that engage with the spool and have no corresponding relationship, they are housed in the recesses formed in the cassette case, so when mounting multiple types of tape cassettes in the cassette mounting part In addition, it can be mounted without interference by the tape rewinding means corresponding to other tape cassettes. , Double Several types of multi-color printing tape cassettes can be used interchangeably.
[0015]
Further, the printing device according to the second invention is a tape wound around a spool. Mosquito A plurality of types of tapes that are accommodated in a set case and that have an engaging portion formed on the spool so as to protrude outward from the bottom surface of the cassette case, and the engaging portion is disposed at different positions corresponding to the printing apparatus. A cassette mounting section in which the cassette is replaceably mounted, and a tape is pulled out from the tape cassette mounted in the cassette mounting section and transported in the forward direction, while the tape is transported in the reverse direction and returned to the tape cassette. A tape conveying means; and a printing means for performing multicolor printing on the tape conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by the tape conveying means, the tape conveying means corresponding to each spool of the plurality of types of tape cassettes. Of the cassette mounting part Predetermined surface The plurality of types of tape cassettes that are disposed below and are engaged with the engaging portions of the tape cassettes that have a corresponding relationship among the plurality of types of tape cassettes that are mounted on the cassette mounting portion, and are rotated and driven. A plurality of tape rewinding shafts for rewinding the tape are provided.
[0016]
According to the printing apparatus of the second invention, the cassette case is attached to the spool. Predetermined surface Corresponding to a plurality of types of tape cassettes formed with engaging parts protruding outward from the cassette mounting part Predetermined surface The tape unwinding shaft corresponding to other tape cassettes when a plurality of types of tape cassettes are mounted on the cassette mounting portion by providing a tape rewinding shaft that engages with each engaging portion of the tape cassette below. Can be installed without interference by , Double Several types of multi-color printing tape cassettes can be used interchangeably.
[0017]
The tape cassette according to the first invention is a tape wound around a spool. Mosquito A plurality of tape cassettes housed in a set case, wherein the tape cassette is mounted on the cassette mounting portion, and the tape is pulled out from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and conveyed in the forward direction. A plurality of tape take-up shafts provided in the cassette mounting portion individually corresponding to the plurality of tape cassettes so as to convey the tape in a reverse direction, and a tape carrying means for rewinding the tape into the tape cassette; In a printer equipped with a printing means for performing multicolor printing on a tape conveyed in the forward direction and the reverse direction by a tape conveying means, each tape cassette includes the tape cassette. The tape rewinding shaft, which has a corresponding relationship among the plurality of tape rewinding shafts, is attached to the cassette mounting portion. Therefore, a spool is disposed in the cassette case corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft, and the tape rewinding shaft is avoided in order to avoid the interference of the tape rewinding shaft that is not associated with the tape rewinding shaft. A concave portion for accommodating the return shaft is formed in the cassette case.
[0018]
According to the tape cassette according to the first aspect of the invention, the tape rewinding shaft provided corresponding to each of the plurality of types of tape cassettes provided in the tape printer is in relation to the plurality of types of tape cassettes, For a tape cassette with a corresponding relationship, it engages with the spool, and for a tape cassette with no corresponding relationship, it is accommodated in a recess formed in the cassette case. When mounting on the mounting portion, the mounting operation can be performed without interference by the tape rewinding means corresponding to the other tape cassette.
[0019]
Further, the tape cassette according to the second invention is a tape wound around a spool. Mosquito A plurality of tape cassettes housed in a set case, wherein the tape cassette is mounted on the cassette mounting portion, and the tape is pulled out from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and conveyed in the forward direction. Of the cassette mounting portion individually corresponding to the plurality of tape cassettes Predetermined surface A plurality of tape take-up shafts provided below, a tape carrying means for rotating the tape take-up shaft and rewinding the tape into the tape cassette, and the tape carrying means are carried in the forward and reverse directions. A plurality of tape cassettes are mounted in a printing apparatus including a printing unit that performs multicolor printing on a tape, and each of the plurality of tape cassettes has the tape cassette mounted in the cassette mounting portion. A spool is disposed in the cassette case corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft so as to be engaged with a corresponding tape winding shaft among the winding shafts, and the cassette case is disposed at the axial end of the spool. of Predetermined surface An engaging portion that protrudes outward is provided.
[0020]
According to the tape cassette according to the second aspect of the present invention, an engagement portion is provided at the axial end of the spool so as to protrude outward from the bottom surface of the cassette case, and this engagement portion is connected to the cassette mounting portion of the printing apparatus. Predetermined surface By engaging with the tape unwinding shaft provided below, when multiple types of tape cassettes are mounted on the cassette mounting part, they are mounted without interference by the tape unwinding means corresponding to other tape cassettes. Work can be done.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
1 and 2 are a plan view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of a cassette mounting portion.
[0023]
The tape printer 1 includes a multicolor (color) printing tape 100a and a small tape cassette 70 containing an ink ribbon 101a, a multicolor (color) printing tape 100b shown in FIGS. A large-sized tape cassette 80 in which the ink ribbon 101b is accommodated and whose planar shape is larger than that of the small-sized tape cassette 70 can be mounted, and color printing can be performed using the tape and the ink ribbon accommodated in each tape cassette. .
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, on the upper surface of the main body 2 of the tape printer 1, a keyboard 3 for inputting data to be printed and performing various settings and instructions necessary for printing, data to be printed and various data necessary for printing A liquid crystal display unit 4 for displaying the above information is provided, and a cassette mounting unit 6 which is covered with an openable / closable lid 5 and on which one of the tape cassettes 70 and 80 is replaceably mounted is provided.
[0025]
The cassette mounting unit 6 includes a plurality of heating elements arranged in the tape width direction as a mechanism for performing printing using an ink ribbon on the tapes of the tape cassettes 70 and 80, based on print data. A thermal head 10 that is driven to generate heat, a platen 11 that is rotationally driven when the thermal head 10 is driven to transport the tape and ink ribbon in the forward direction, a ribbon take-up shaft 12 that winds up the ink ribbon used by thermal transfer, and color printing Tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14 are provided for conveying the tape in the reverse direction to the printing start position in the printing area. The thermal head 10, the platen 11, and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 are shared by both the small tape cassette 70 and the large tape cassette 80, but the tape rewind shaft 13 is dedicated to reverse feeding of the tape of the small tape cassette 70. The tape rewinding shaft 14 is used exclusively for reverse feeding of the tape of the large tape cassette 80. These tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14 are provided so as to slightly protrude on the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0026]
The thermal head 10 is disposed in a head protection case 10a that opens toward the platen 11, and can be moved between a printing position pressed against the platen 11 and a non-printing position separated from the platen 11 by a head moving mechanism described later. Is provided.
[0027]
Each of the platen 11, the ribbon take-up shaft 12 and the tape rewind shafts 13 and 14 is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism provided at the lower portion of the bottom plate 7 of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0028]
The cassette mounting unit 6 is provided with identification switches 15a, 15b and 15c for identifying the tape width.
[0029]
The cassette mounting portion 6 is provided with a position mark sensor 16 for detecting an alignment mark applied to the color printing tape and a cue for each of the plurality of colors of ink applied to the color printing ink ribbon. A cueing mark sensor 17 for detecting a mark is provided facing the transport path of the tape and the ink ribbon, respectively.
[0030]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a discharge port through which the printed tape is discharged out of the apparatus. A cutter that cuts the printed tape is provided near the discharge port 18 and includes a fixed blade 19 and a movable blade 20.
[0031]
In the tape printer 1, the platen 11, the ribbon take-up shaft 12 and the tape rewind shafts 13 and 14 are rotationally driven using a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation as a drive source, and the thermal head 10 is moved with respect to the platen 11.
[0032]
3 and 4 are explanatory views of a drive mechanism for transporting the tape and ink ribbon and moving the thermal head 10 provided below the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 6, and FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of the drive mechanism. It is.
[0033]
Hereinafter, those drive mechanisms will be described.
First, the transport drive mechanism for the tape and the ink ribbon has a forward feed function for transporting both the tape and the ink ribbon in the forward direction, and a reverse feed function for transporting only the tape in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction. This transport drive mechanism uses a step motor 22 capable of forward and reverse rotation as a drive source, and the forward feed is performed when the step motor 22 rotates forward, and the reverse feed is performed when the step motor 22 rotates backward.
[0034]
First, the progressive drive mechanism of the transport drive mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.
During forward rotation of the step motor 22, the motor gear 23, the second gear 24, the gear 25, the second gear 26, the gear 27, the gear 28, the gear 29, the one-way gear 30, and the second gear 31 provided on the output shaft of the step motor 22. Then, the rotational driving force is transmitted in the order of the platen gear 32, the platen 11 provided on the axis of the platen gear 32 is rotationally driven, and further, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the ribbon take-up gear 33 via the platen gear 32. The ribbon take-up shaft 12 provided on the same shaft as the take-up gear 33 is rotationally driven.
[0035]
The gear 28 and the gear 29 are provided on the same axis so as to be rotatable independently of each other at an interval in the vertical direction. An engaging protrusion 28 a is provided on the lower surface of the gear 28 and the upper surface of the gear 29 is protruded. A protrusion 29a that can be engaged with the portion 28a is provided. The positional relationship between the protrusions 28a and 29a at the start of printing, that is, when the forward drive of the step motor 22 is started is as shown in FIG. 3, and the forward drive of the step motor 22 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3). ) Begins, the gear 28 first rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3, and the protrusion 28a reaches the position of the protrusion 29a and engages with it, and then the gear 29 rotates in the direction of arrow B. Begins. As a result, the platen 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 are driven to rotate with a predetermined delay from the start of the forward rotation drive of the step motor 22. During this delay time, the moving mechanism of the thermal head 10 is driven to move the thermal head 10 to the printing position.
[0036]
The one-way gear 30 transmits the rotational driving force to the platen 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 only when the step motor 22 rotates forward, but when the step motor 22 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the platen 11 and ribbon winding. It is configured not to transmit to the take-up shaft 12.
[0037]
The drive mechanism shown in FIG. 3 also includes a thermal head moving mechanism. This head moving mechanism uses the same step motor 22 as that of the transport driving mechanism as a driving source, and performs forward rotation and reverse rotation of the step motor 2. It operates at an initial stage, and the thermal head 10 is moved toward the platen 11 during forward rotation, and the thermal head 10 is moved away from the platen 11 during reverse rotation.
[0038]
That is, the head moving mechanism shares the transmission path to the motor gear 23, the two-stage gear 24, and the gear 25 with the transport drive mechanism. The first planetary gear 37 and the second planetary gear 38, the first planetary gear 37 and the second planetary gear 38, which are meshed with the lower gear 34a of the two-stage gear 29 serving as the gear and are swingable with respect to the shaft 36. A cam gear 39 that meshes with the cam gear 39, a moving plate 43 that engages and moves with the cam gear 39, and a head arm 47 that supports the thermal head 10 and rotates about a shaft 46 in conjunction with the movement of the moving plate 43.
[0039]
3 will be described. The reverse drive mechanism is a first tape that rotates the tape rewinding shaft 13 in correspondence with the small tape cassette 70. FIG. A reverse feed drive mechanism and a second tape reverse feed drive mechanism that rotationally drives the tape rewinding shaft 14 corresponding to the large tape cassette 80 are provided.
[0040]
The first tape reverse drive mechanism shares a transmission path from the motor gear 23 to the second planetary gear 38 with the head movement drive mechanism, and further includes a tape rewind gear 50 that meshes with the second planetary gear 38. Composed. A tape rewinding shaft 13 is attached on the shaft of the tape rewinding gear 50.
[0041]
The second tape reverse feed drive mechanism includes the first tape reverse feed drive mechanism, the gear 51 that meshes with the tape rewind gear 50, the tape rewind gear 52 that meshes with the gear 51, and the tape rewind gear 52. . The tape rewinding shaft 14 is attached on the shaft of the tape rewinding gear 52.
[0042]
FIG. 4 shows the main part of the drive mechanism. As shown in the figure, the cam gear 39 is formed in a disc shape and is rotatably provided on a support shaft 56 provided on the chassis 55. As shown in FIG. 3, the cam gear 39 has a gear portion formed on the outer peripheral portion having a larger diameter than the tape rewind gear 50, and the first planetary gear at a lower position in the thickness direction at a predetermined position of the outer peripheral portion. A first recess 40 into which 37 enters is formed, and a second recess 41 into which the second planetary gear 38 enters is formed at an upper portion in the thickness direction at another predetermined position of the outer peripheral portion. No gear portion is formed in the first concave portion 40 and the second concave portion 41. In a state where the second planetary gear 38 enters the second recess 41, the second planetary gear 38 meshes with the tape rewind gear 50. Further, an arc-shaped cam groove 42 is formed on the lower surface of the cam gear 39 from the center portion toward the peripheral portion.
[0043]
A pin 44 provided at one end of the moving plate 43 engages with the cam groove 42 of the cam gear 39. The moving plate 43 is provided so as to be movable in parallel in the left-right direction in FIG. 3, and a connecting piece 45 standing upward is formed at the other end of the moving plate 43, and this connecting piece 45 is connected to the head arm 47. It is latched by the connecting piece 48 formed by bending downward on the side portion of the. Accordingly, the head arm 47 is configured to be interlocked with the movement of the cam gear 39 via the moving plate 43.
[0044]
A head pressurizing spring 49 is stretched between the end of the head arm 47 that rotatably supports the thermal head 10 and the chassis 55. The head pressurizing spring 49 always urges the head arm 47 to rotate counterclockwise, and acts to press the thermal head 10 moved to the printing position against the platen 11.
[0045]
The tape rewind gear 50 is rotatably provided on the support shaft 56 together with the cam gear 39. The tape rewinding gear 50 is provided above the cam gear 39 on the support shaft 56 and is rotatably provided independently of the cam gear 39.
[0046]
Next, the operation of each driving mechanism during printing will be described.
At the start of color printing, the drive mechanism is in the state shown in FIG. First, when the stepping motor 22 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A, the rotational driving force is the motor gear 23, the second gear 24, the gear 25, the second gear 26, the gear 27, the gear 28, the gear 29, and the one-way gear. 30, the two-stage gear 31, the platen gear 32, and the ribbon take-up gear 33 are transmitted in this order, and the platen 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 are rotationally driven. Arrows B, C, and D indicate the rotation directions of the gear 28, the platen 11, and the ribbon take-up shaft 12, respectively. At this time, as described above, a mechanism for delaying transmission of the driving force is provided between the gear 28 and the gear 29, so that the platen 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 are rotationally driven with a delay of a predetermined time. The
[0047]
When the forward drive of the step motor 22 is started, the rotational driving force is transmitted in the order of the motor gear 23, the second gear 24, the gear 25, the second gear 34, and the first planetary gear 37, and the shaft 36 is centered. Then, the arm 35 swings in the direction of arrow E, the first planetary gear 37 meshes with the cam gear 39, and the cam gear 39 rotates in the direction of arrow F. By rotation of the cam gear 39, the pin 44 provided on the moving plate 43 moves along the cam groove 42 in the circumferential direction of the cam gear 39, and accordingly, the moving plate 43 moves to the right in FIG. Since the head arm 47 is urged toward the chassis 55 by the head pressurizing spring 49, the head arm 47 rotates about the shaft 46 in the direction of arrow G, and the thermal head 10 moves to the printing position and moves to the platen. 11 will be pressed. A delay time of the transmission delay mechanism of the driving force constituted by the gear 28 and the gear 29 is set corresponding to the moving time from the start of the forward rotation driving of the step motor 22 to the printing position of the thermal head 10.
[0048]
When the step motor 22 is further driven to rotate forward, the first planetary gear 37 is fitted into a first recess 40 formed at a lower position in the thickness direction at a predetermined position of the cam gear 39, and the gear of the first planetary gear 37 and the cam gear 39. The meshing with the part is released.
[0049]
Thereafter, the thermal head 10 is driven to generate heat based on the print data, the ink on the ink ribbon is thermally transferred and printed on the tape, and the step motor 22 is driven forward in response to the transfer, and the tape and the ink ribbon are conveyed by the platen 11. The used ink ribbon is wound up by the ribbon winding shaft 12. At this time, since the first planetary gear 37 is fitted into the first recess 40 of the cam gear 39 and continues to idle, the cam gear 39 is kept stopped and the thermal head 10 is held at the printing position where it is pressed against the platen 11. The
[0050]
In color printing, the ink of each color of the ink ribbon is cued when the stepping motor 22 is rotated forward before printing, and three times of overprinting with each color ink of yellow, magenta, and cyan is performed on the same print area of the tape. Therefore, it is necessary to rewind the tape to the printing start position in the printing area every time printing of one color ink is completed.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the operation of rewinding the tape 100a by driving the tape rewinding shaft 13 when the small tape cassette 70 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6. FIG.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 5, with the thermal head 10 positioned at the printing position and fitted in the first concave portion 40 of the first planetary gear 37 and the cam gear 39, a step is performed to rewind the tape to the printing start position in the printing area. When the motor 22 is driven in reverse, the rotational driving force is transmitted in the order of the motor gear 23, the second gear 24, the gear 25, the second gear 34 and the second planetary gear 38, and the arm 35 moves in the direction of the arrow H around the shaft 36. The second planetary gear 38 meshes with the cam gear 39 and the cam gear 39 rotates in the direction of arrow J. The rotation of the cam gear 39 causes the pin 44 provided on the moving plate 43 to move toward the center of the cam gear 39 along the cam groove 42. With this movement, the moving plate 43 moves to the left in FIG. The arm 47 rotates about the shaft 46 in the direction of the arrow K, and the thermal head 10 is separated from the printing position. As a result, the tape sandwiched between the thermal head 10 and the platen 11 is released. After the thermal head 10 has moved from the printing position to the non-printing position, the second planetary gear 38 is fitted into a second recess 41 formed at an upper portion in the thickness direction at a predetermined position of the cam gear 39. The second planetary gear 38 meshes with the tape rewind gear 50 in a state where the second planetary gear 38 is fitted in the second recess 41 of the cam gear 39.
[0053]
Further, when the step motor 22 is driven in reverse, the tape rewinding gear 50 rotates in the direction of arrow L, and the tape 100a of the small tape cassette 70 is rewound by the tape rewinding shaft 13. At the same time, the tape rewinding gear 52 rotates in the direction of arrow M via the gear 51 and the tape 100b of the large-sized tape cassette 80 is rewound by the tape rewinding shaft 14.
[0054]
At this time, since the second planetary gear 38 meshes with the tape rewind gear 50 but disengages with the cam gear 39, the cam gear 39 remains stopped and the thermal head 10 is held at the non-printing position.
[0055]
In this tape printer, the thermal head 10 is moved to the non-printing position even when printing is completed, and the printing operation is completed. At this time, the step motor 22 is driven in reverse.
[0056]
Returning to FIG. 4, the tape rewinding shaft 13 will be further described. The tape rewinding shaft 13 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the tape rewinding gear 50 and engages with the spool 71 of the tape cassette 70 at its upper end. The engaging portion 13 a is provided so as to protrude upward from the bottom plate 7 of the inner bottom portion of the cassette housing portion 6. The engaging portion 13a is provided on the bottom plate 7 so as to protrude to a height that can be engaged with an engaging portion provided on an inner end portion of the small tape cassette 70 on the bottom surface 70c side of the spool 71.
[0057]
The tape rewinding shaft 14 corresponding to the large tape cassette 80 is also provided in the same manner as the tape rewinding shaft 13.
[0058]
Next, the structure of the tape cassette used for the tape printer 1 will be described.
The small-sized tape cassette 70 for color printing is shown by the perspective view of FIG. 2 and sectional drawing of 7 (a).
The tape cassette 70 has a tape supply spool 71 wound around a color printing tape 100a and engaged with the tape rewinding shaft 13, a ribbon supply spool 72a wound around a multicolor ink ribbon 101a, and a ribbon take-up shaft 12. A lower case 70a that accommodates a ribbon take-up spool 72b engaged with the upper case 70b, and an upper case 70b that serves as a lid for the lower case 70a, and a head insertion portion 73 into which the thermal head 10 is inserted. Is formed. The tape supply spool 71 is provided with an engaging portion 71b having fins for engaging with the engaging portion 13a of the tape rewinding shaft 13 on the inner side on the bottom surface 70c side, and the upper case 70b and the lower case 70a at both upper and lower ends. It is rotatably fitted in and supported by a bearing hole formed in the. The engaging portion 71b is provided on the bottom surface 70c side of the cassette case so as to engage with the engaging portion 13a of the tape rewinding shaft 13 provided slightly protruding on the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0059]
The ribbon supply spool 72a and the ribbon take-up spool 72b are also supported by being rotatably fitted in bearing holes formed in the upper case 70b and the lower case 70a at both upper and lower ends.
[0060]
Further, when the small tape cassette 70 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6 at a position corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft 14, the bottom case 70 c of the lower case 70 a protrudes on the bottom plate 7 of the cassette mounting portion 6. A recess 74 for avoiding the tape rewinding shaft 14 is formed.
[0061]
The color printing tape 100a is continuously provided with position marks that can be detected by the position mark sensor 16 in the longitudinal direction of the back surface at predetermined intervals, and the multicolor ink ribbon 101a has a longitudinal direction. Further, yellow, magenta, and cyan belt-shaped ink areas are repeatedly arranged, and a cue mark that can be detected by the cue mark sensor 17 is provided at the head position of each ink area. The tape 100a and the multicolor ink ribbon 101a are pulled out from the tape supply spool 71 and the ribbon supply spool 72a on the head insertion portion 73 and supplied to the thermal head 10 for printing.
[0062]
The lower case 70a is formed with an identification portion for identifying the type of the tape cassette by the identification switches 15a to 15c. The identification unit turns on / off the plurality of identification switches 15a to 15c depending on the presence or absence of holes provided at corresponding positions of the identification switches 15a to 15c.
[0063]
2 and 6B are a perspective view and a sectional view of a large-sized tape cassette 80 for color printing.
The large-sized tape cassette 80 includes a tape supply spool 81 on which a color printing tape 100b is wound and a tape rewinding shaft 14 is engaged, a ribbon supply spool 82a on which a multicolor ink ribbon 101b for color printing is wound, A lower case 80a that accommodates a ribbon take-up spool 82b with which the ribbon take-up shaft 12 is engaged, and an upper case 80b that serves as a lid for the lower case 80a, into which the thermal head 10 is inserted. A head insertion portion 83 is formed. The tape supply spool 81 is provided with an engaging portion 81b having fins for engaging with the engaging portion 14a of the tape rewinding shaft 14 on the inner side on the bottom surface 80c side, and the upper case 80b and the lower case 80a at both upper and lower ends. It is rotatably fitted in and supported by a bearing hole formed in the. The engaging portion 81b is provided on the bottom surface 80c side of the cassette case so as to engage with the engaging portion 14a of the tape rewinding shaft 14 provided to slightly protrude on the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0064]
The ribbon supply spool 82a and the ribbon take-up spool 82b are also supported by being rotatably fitted in bearing holes formed in the upper case 80b and the lower case 80a at both upper and lower ends.
[0065]
Further, when the large tape cassette 80 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6 at a position corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft 13, the bottom case 80 a of the lower case 80 a protrudes on the bottom plate 7 of the cassette mounting portion 6. A recess 84 for avoiding the tape rewinding shaft 13 is formed.
[0066]
The color printing tape 100b is also continuously provided with position marks in the longitudinal direction of the back surface at predetermined intervals, and the multicolor ink ribbon 101b has yellow, magenta, and cyan belt-shaped inks in the longitudinal direction. The areas are repeatedly arranged, and the cue mark is provided at the head position of each ink area. The color printing tape 100b and the multicolor ink ribbon 101b are drawn out from the tape supply spool 81 and the ribbon supply spool 82a on the head insertion portion 83 and supplied to the thermal head 7 for printing.
[0067]
The lower case 80a is formed with an identification portion for identifying the type of the tape cassette by the identification switches 15a to 15c.
[0068]
The tape 100b accommodated in the large tape cassette 80 is longer than the tape 100a accommodated in the small tape cassette 70 in an unused state, and the ink ribbon 101b has a length corresponding to the tape 100b. Yes. Therefore, since the long tape is accommodated to increase the capacity of the tape, the cassette case 80a, 80b of the large tape cassette 80 has a larger planar shape than the cassette cases 70a, 70b of the small tape cassette 70. It has an outer shape.
[0069]
In the tape cassettes 70 and 80, a plurality of types of tapes and ink ribbons having different widths are prepared.
[0070]
FIG. 7 shows a state where the small tape cassette 70 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6 of the tape printer 1.
When the small tape cassette 70 is inserted into the cassette mounting portion 6 from above, the thermal head 10 is inserted into the head insertion portion 73 of the small tape cassette 70, and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 is engaged with the ribbon take-up spool 72a to supply the tape. By inserting and engaging the tape rewinding shaft 13 engaging portion 13a into the engaging portion 71a of the spool 71, the small tape cassette 70 is positioned and mounted in a predetermined region of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0071]
In this predetermined area, a tape rewinding shaft 14 corresponding to the large tape cassette 80 is disposed, but a recess 70 corresponding to the position of the tape rewinding shaft 14 is formed on the bottom surface 70c of the small tape cassette 70. 74 is formed, the concave portion 74 prevents the tape rewinding shaft 14 from contacting the small tape cassette 70, and the tape rewinding shaft 14 interferes with the mounting of the small tape cassette 70 on the cassette mounting portion 6. There is nothing.
[0072]
FIG. 8 shows a state where the large tape cassette 80 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6 of the tape printer 1.
When the large tape cassette 80 is inserted into the cassette mounting portion 6 from above, the thermal head 7 is inserted into the head insertion portion 83 of the large tape cassette 80, the ribbon take-up shaft 12 is engaged with the ribbon take-up spool 82a, and the tape is supplied. By inserting and engaging the engaging portion 14 a of the tape rewinding shaft 14 into the spool 81, the large-sized tape cassette 80 is positioned and mounted in a predetermined region of the cassette mounting portion 6.
[0073]
In this predetermined area, the tape rewinding shaft 13 corresponding to the small tape cassette 70 is disposed. On the bottom surface 80c of the large tape cassette 80, a concave portion 84 corresponding to the position of the tape rewinding shaft 13 is provided. Therefore, the recess 84 prevents the tape rewinding shaft 13 and the small tape cassette 70 from abutting, and the tape rewinding shaft 13 interferes with the mounting of the large tape cassette 80 on the cassette mounting portion 6. There is no.
[0074]
FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an electronic circuit of the tape printer.
The electronic circuit of the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 110 that includes a CPU. The control unit 110 includes a keyboard 3 for inputting print data and print command information, a display unit 4 for displaying the input print data and print information, a ROM 111 for storing a system program for device operation processing, a print In addition to a RAM 112 for storing various information necessary for data and printing processing, a driving circuit 113 for driving the heating element of the thermal head 10 to generate heat according to the printing data, the platen 11, the ribbon take-up shaft 12, and the tape. A drive circuit 114 for the step motor 22 for rotating the rewinding shafts 13 and 14 to move the thermal head 10 and a drive circuit 116 for driving a cutter motor 115 for cutting the tape are connected.
[0075]
In addition, identification switches 15 a to 15 c, a position mark sensor 16 and a cue mark sensor 17 are connected to the control unit 110.
[0076]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the embodiment of the present invention.
In a state where the small tape cassette 70 (or the large tape cassette 80) is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 6, when a print start instruction is issued from the keyboard 3, the printing process is started.
[0077]
First, the step motor 22 is driven forward, the head moving mechanism is driven, and the thermal head 10 is moved to a printing position where it is pressed against the platen 11 (step S1). When the step motor 22 is further rotated forward without driving the thermal head 10 with the thermal head 10 moved to the printing position, the progressive drive mechanism of the transport drive mechanism is driven to drive the tape 100a (100b) and the ink. The ribbon 101a (101b) is superposed and transported, and a predetermined color ink cueing process is performed on the ink ribbon 101a (101b). When the cue mark sensor 17 detects the cue mark, the forward drive of the step motor 22 is stopped. During this time, the tape 100a (100b) is also transported together with the ink ribbon 101a (101b), and the number of position marks on the tape 100a (100b) passing therethrough is counted by the position mark sensor 16 (step S2).
[0078]
After completing the heading of the predetermined color ink, the step motor 22 is driven in reverse to drive the head moving mechanism, and the thermal head 10 moves to the non-printing position where it is separated from the platen 11 (step S3). Subsequently, the step motor 22 is driven in reverse. As a result, the tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14 are driven to rotate and the tape 100 a is rewound onto the tape supply spool 71. Also at the time of rewinding, the position marks attached to the tape 100a are counted, and based on the counted value, the length equivalent to the tape transport amount at the time of cueing is rewound (step S4).
[0079]
Thereafter, the step motor 22 is driven forward and the head moving mechanism is driven to move the thermal head 10 to the printing position (step S5). The tape 100a (100b) and the ink ribbon 101a (101b) are conveyed by the forward rotation of the step motor 22 while the thermal head 10 is driven based on the print data in a state where the thermal head 10 is moved to the print position. A predetermined color ink is printed (step S6).
[0080]
When the printing of the predetermined color ink is completed, it is determined whether the printing of all the colors has been completed. If the printing has not been completed, the step motor 22 is further rotated forward with the thermal head 10 held at the printing position. The color ink cueing process is performed (steps S7 and S8).
[0081]
Thereafter, the step motor 22 is driven in reverse to move the thermal head 10 to the non-printing position (step S9). Subsequently, the step motor 22 is driven in reverse and the tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14 are driven to rotate. The tape 100a (100b) is rewound by the amount conveyed by the printing and the cueing at the step S8. As a result, the tape 100a (100b) is rewound to the print start position of the print area (step S10).
[0082]
Thereafter, the printing in step S6, the cueing in step S8, and the tape rewinding in step S12 are repeated until printing of all colors is completed.
[0083]
When it is determined that printing of all colors has been completed, the tape 100a (100b) is conveyed toward the discharge port 18 (step S11), and a cutting process is performed by a cutter (step S12).
[0084]
After the tape is cut, the thermal head 10 at the printing position in pressure contact with the platen 11 is moved to the non-printing position by driving the step motor 22 in the reverse direction, and all the processes are finished ( Step S13, END).
[0085]
As described above, in the tape printer and the tape cassette according to the present embodiment, the tape rewinding shaft 13 protrudes from the mounting area of the large-sized tape cassette 80 in the cassette mounting section 6. Since the recess 84 is formed corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft 13, the tape rewinding shaft 13 is accommodated in the recess 84 when the large tape cassette 80 is mounted, and the large tape cassette 80 interferes with the tape rewinding shaft 13. Can be installed without receiving. The same applies to the small tape cassette 70. When the small tape cassette 70 is mounted, the tape rewinding shaft 14 corresponding to the large tape cassette 80 and protruding from the mounting area of the small tape cassette 70 is accommodated in the recess 74. The Therefore, the large and small tape cassettes 70 and 80 for color printing can be mounted in the cassette mounting section 6 in a replaceable manner, and color printing can be performed on the tapes accommodated in those tape cassettes.
[0086]
Next, a tape printer and a tape cassette according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0087]
In the tape printer according to the above-described embodiment, the tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14 are provided so as to protrude on the bottom plate 7 of the cassette mounting portion 6, but in the tape printer according to another embodiment shown in FIG. The tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A are different in that they are provided at positions retracted below the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A.
[0088]
Further, the tape cassettes 70 and 80 according to the above-described embodiment are provided with engaging portions at the bottom side end portions of the spools 71 and 81 around which the tape is wound, corresponding to the tape rewinding shafts 13 and 14, In addition, although the recesses 74 and 84 are formed on the bottom surface side of the cassette case, the first (small) tape cassette 70A and the second (large) tape cassette 80A according to another embodiment shown in FIG. This is different from the tape cassette described above in that engaging portions 71B and 81B are provided to protrude from the bottom surface 70C and 80C of the cassette case at the bottom end of the wound spools 71A and 81A.
[0089]
That is, the bottom plate 7A of the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion 6A of the tape printer is formed with engaging portion insertion holes 76, 77 made of through holes corresponding to the positions of the tape rewinding shafts 13A, 14A. The tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A having the engaging portions 13B and 14B are provided in the apparatus directly below the insertion holes 76 and 77, respectively. Further, the cassette case bottom surfaces 70C and 80C of the spools 71A and 81A around which the tapes 100A and 100B of the small tape cassette 70A and the large tape cassette 80A are wound are located outward from the cassette case bottom surfaces 70C and 80C. It has cylindrical projecting portions 71C and 81C that project, and engaging portions 71B and 81B are formed inside the projecting portions 71C and 81C. The protrusions 71C and 81C have an outer diameter dimension that can be inserted into the insertion holes 76 and 77, and the protrusions of the protrusions from the cassette case bottom surfaces 70C and 80C and the engagement parts 71B and 81B formed on the inside thereof. When the cassette case bottom surfaces 70C and 80C of the small tape cassette 70A and the large tape cassette 80A are mounted on the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A and mounted at a predetermined position in the cassette mounting portion 6A, The engaging portions 71B and 81B inside the protruding portions 71C and 81C of the spool and the engaging portions 13B and 14B of the tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A are determined to be engageable.
[0090]
As described above, in the tape printer and tape cassette according to this embodiment, the tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A corresponding to the large and small tape cassettes 70A and 80A are provided below the bottom surface of the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion 6A. The cassette mounting portion 6A has no protrusions that interfere with different types of tape cassettes when they are mounted. Accordingly, the large and small tape cassettes 70A and 80A are loaded into the cassette mounting portion 6A, and the engaging portions 71B and 81B projecting outward at the ends of the tape supply spools 71A and 81A are used as the respective tape rewinding shafts 13A on the bottom surface of the mounting portion. 14A, the large and small tape cassettes 70A and 80A can be exchangeably mounted in the cassette mounting portion 6A, and color printing can be performed on the tapes accommodated in these tape cassettes.
[0091]
The tips (upper ends) of the tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A may be provided so as to be disposed inside the insertion holes 76 and 77, or may be provided so as to protrude on the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A. When the tips of the tape rewinding shafts 13A and 14A protrude on the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A, the cassette case bottoms 70C and 80C of the small tape cassette 70A and the large tape cassette 80A and the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A. It is necessary to form a predetermined gap therebetween so that the tip of the tape rewinding shaft that does not have a corresponding relationship does not come into contact with and interfere with the bottom surface of the cassette case. In this case, for example, vertical positioning within the cassette mounting portion 6A of the small tape cassette 70A and the large tape cassette 80A mounted with at least the gap dimension secured on the bottom plate 7A of the cassette mounting portion 6A can be performed. Protrusions are provided.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the printing apparatus according to the present invention, , Double A printing apparatus having a multi-color printing function provided with tape rewinding means corresponding to several types of tape cassettes, and a tape corresponding to another tape cassette when the plurality of types of tape cassettes are loaded in a cassette loading portion. Can be installed without interference by the rewinding means 2 Various types of tape cassettes for multicolor printing can be used interchangeably.
[0093]
Further, according to the tape cassette of the present invention, it is provided in the printing apparatus. Other Can be mounted without interference by the tape rewinding means corresponding to the tape cassette of this type, and a multi-color printing apparatus, for example, a plurality of types having different shapes due to different tape capacities. Can be used in correspondence.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette mounting portion and a tape cassette of the tape printer.
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of a drive mechanism of the tape printer.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a drive mechanism of the tape printer.
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of a drive mechanism of the tape printer.
6A is a cross-sectional view in which a part of a small tape cassette is cut out, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view in which a part of a large tape cassette is cut out.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the small tape cassette is mounted on the tape printer.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the large tape cassette is mounted on the tape printer.
FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an electronic circuit of the tape printer.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.
FIG. 11 is a configuration explanatory view of a tape printer and a tape cassette according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1A ... Tape printer
2 ... Main unit
6, 6A ... cassette mounting part
7, 7A ... bottom plate
10 ... Thermal head
11… Platen
12 ... Ribbon take-up shaft
13, 13A, 14, 14A ... Tape rewinding shaft
13a, 14a ... engaging part
16 ... Position mark sensor
17 ... Cue mark sensor
32 ... Platen gear
33 ... Ribbon winding gear
34a ... Lower gear
40 ... 1st recessed part
41 ... 2nd recessed part
42: Cam groove
43 ... Moving plate
44… pin
50 ... Tape rewind gear
52 ... Tape rewind gear
70, 70A ... Small tape cassette
70c, 70C ... bottom
71, 71A ... Tape supply spool
71a ... engagement hole
71b, 71B ... engaging portion
71C ... Projection
72a ... Ribbon supply spool
72b ... Ribbon take-up spool
73 ... Head insertion part
74 ... recess
76, 77 ... insertion hole
80, 80A ... large tape cassette
80c, 80C ... bottom
81, 81A ... Tape supply spool
81a ... engagement hole
81b, 81B ... engaging portion
81C ... Projection
82a ... Ribbon supply spool
82b ... Ribbon take-up spool
83 ... Head insertion part
84 ... recess
100a, 100b ... tape for printing
101a, 101b ... multicolor ink ribbon
113, 114, 116 ... drive circuit
115 ... cutter motor

Claims (6)

Accommodates tape the cassette case wound on a spool, the cassette a recess in a predetermined surface of the case, the spool and a plurality of types of tape cassettes which are arranged in different positions corresponding to the printing apparatus the recess A cassette mounting portion that is replaceably mounted;
Tape transport means for pulling out the tape from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and transporting it in the forward direction, while transporting the tape in the reverse direction and returning it to the tape cassette;
Printing means for performing multicolor printing on the tape conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by the tape conveying means;
The tape conveying means is disposed in the cassette mounting portion corresponding to each spool of the plurality of types of tape cassettes, and engages with each spool and is driven to rotate to rewind the tape onto each spool. With multiple tape rewinding shafts,
Each of the plurality of tape rewinding shafts is engaged with a spool of the tape cassette having a corresponding relationship among the plurality of types of tape cassettes mounted on the cassette mounting portion, and the corresponding relationship For a tape cassette having no tape, the printing apparatus is accommodated in a recess of the tape cassette. It accommodates a tape wound around the spool cassette case, wherein the spool is formed an engaging portion to protrude outward from the predetermined surface of said cassette case, corresponding to the printing device the engagement portion A cassette mounting section on which a plurality of types of tape cassettes arranged at different positions can be mounted interchangeably,
Tape transport means for pulling out the tape from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and transporting it in the forward direction, while transporting the tape in the reverse direction and returning it to the tape cassette;
Printing means for performing multicolor printing on the tape conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by the tape conveying means;
The tape transporting means is disposed below a predetermined surface of the cassette mounting portion corresponding to each spool of the plurality of types of tape cassettes, and among the plurality of types of tape cassettes mounted on the cassette mounting portion. A printing apparatus comprising: a plurality of tape rewinding shafts that revolve and rotate with engaging portions of a tape cassette having a corresponding relationship to rewind the tape onto a spool of the tape cassette.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of tape rewinding shafts are simultaneously driven by a common driving mechanism. A plurality of tape cassette accommodating a tape wound around the spool cassette case, a cassette mounting portion in which the tape cassette is loaded,
The tape is pulled out from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and transported in the forward direction, while the tape is individually provided in the cassette mounting portion so as to transport the tape in the reverse direction. A tape transporting means for rotationally driving a plurality of tape winding shafts and rewinding the tape into the tape cassette; and
In a tape cassette mounted on a printing apparatus provided with printing means for performing multicolor printing on a tape conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by the tape conveying means,
In each of the plurality of tape cassettes, in order to engage with the corresponding tape rewinding shaft among the plurality of tape rewinding shafts in a state where each of the tape cassettes is mounted on the cassette mounting portion. A spool is provided in the cassette case corresponding to the tape rewinding shaft, and the tape rewinding shaft is accommodated in order to avoid interference with the tape rewinding shaft that is not associated with the tape rewinding shaft. A tape cassette characterized in that a concave portion to be formed is formed in a cassette case.   5. The spool according to claim 4, further comprising an engaging portion that engages with the tape rewinding shaft on a side facing the tape rewinding shaft having the corresponding relationship at an end portion in the axial direction of the spool. The tape cassette described. A plurality of tape cassettes in which the tape wound around the spool is housed in a cassette case having a different shape, and a cassette mounting portion to which the tape cassette is mounted;
While pulling out the tape from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion and transporting the tape in the forward direction, the inner bottom portion of the cassette mounting portion individually corresponds to the plurality of tape cassettes so as to transport the tape in the reverse direction. A plurality of tape take-up shafts provided below the bottom surface of
A tape conveying means for rotationally driving the tape winding shaft and rewinding the tape into the tape cassette;
In a tape cassette mounted on a printing apparatus provided with printing means for performing multicolor printing on a tape conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by the tape conveying means,
In each of the plurality of tape cassettes, the tape cassette is engaged with a corresponding tape winding shaft among the plurality of tape winding shafts in a state where the tape cassette is mounted in the cassette mounting portion. A tape having a spool disposed in a cassette case corresponding to a rewinding shaft, and an engaging portion protruding outward from a predetermined surface of the cassette case at an axial end of the spool. cassette.

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