JP3817776B2 - Tape label production equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a tape-like label producing apparatus for mounting a printing tape as a printing medium and a cassette incorporating an ink ribbon and printing characters and figures on the printing tape by a thermal head or the like based on the inputted printing information. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a tape-shaped label producing apparatus for printing a character or a figure on a printing tape based on inputted printing information by mounting a cassette containing a printing tape as a printing medium and an ink ribbon and using a thermal head. It has been. In the cassette, a tape spool around which the printing tape is wound and a ribbon spool around which the ink ribbon is wound are provided. The printing tape and the ink ribbon are rotated by a platen roller provided opposite to the thermal head. The ink is transported along the same transport path, and characters and the like are printed on the print tape via the ink ribbon by the thermal head.
[0003]
  In recent years, a printing tape and an ink ribbon are stored in a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette, respectively, and a so-called tape / ribbon separation type cassette in which the ribbon cassette can be attached to and detached from the tape cassette is used. There has been proposed a tape-shaped label producing apparatus of a type that performs color printing by rewinding, exchanging a ribbon cassette, and repeatedly printing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In such a tape-shaped label producing apparatus, since printing is performed a plurality of times on the same portion of the printing tape, the same portion of the printing tape needs to be conveyed to the thermal head at the same speed for each printing. However, if the platen roller is eccentric, the conveyance speed is not the same for each printing, for example, the conveyance speed differs when printing the same part on the printing tape in red and in blue, There was a problem that the printing positions of each other would not match.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tape-shaped label producing apparatus capable of preventing a printing position shift due to the eccentricity of a platen roller. Is.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  the aboveA tape-like label printing apparatus for achieving an object includes a print head and a platen roller that opposes the print head and conveys a print tape as a print medium, and performs printing on the print tape in advance. , Rewind the print tape and print againMultiple printing processesIn the tape-shaped label producing apparatus capable of printing, the transport amount of the print tape by the platen roller in one printing process is an integral multiple of the transport amount of the print tape by one rotation of the platen roller.At the same time, the platen roller feeds the printing tape by an amount corresponding to the difference between the printing length and an integral multiple of the printing tape conveyance amount by one rotation of the platen roller.It is characterized by this.Of the multiple printing processes, only the printing process in the final step may be performed by extra transport of the printing tape by the distance between the print head and the cutter in addition to the amount of trailing margin.
[0007]
  Also, aboveTape label production equipmentIn, Platen rollerIs, The position of the platen roller when the tip of the printing tape passes the specified positionpositionRotating asCan.
[0008]
The reference position here may be a position where the printing tape has moved a predetermined amount from the position where the leading edge detection sensor for detecting the leading edge of the printing tape has detected the printing tape.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus. In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, an openable / closable cassette cover 3 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 2 to cover a cassette housing portion 5 for mounting a tape cassette described later. The main body case 2 is provided with a keyboard 4 for inputting characters and the like, various operation switch panels 7, and a liquid crystal display unit 9 for displaying the input characters and the like.
[0010]
  Here, the cassette used in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus contains a receptor-type cassette that accommodates the printing tape and the ink ribbon, and a transparent tape and a double-sided adhesive tape instead of the printing tape. There is a laminate-type cassette for tape. Furthermore, the receptor-type cassette includes a so-called tape / ribbon integrated cassette in which the printing tape and the ink ribbon are accommodated in one cassette, and the printing tape and the ink ribbon separately accommodated in the tape cassette and the ribbon cassette. On the other hand, there is a so-called tape / ribbon separation type cassette in which a ribbon cassette can be detachably mounted.
[0011]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus shown in the first embodiment can be applied to both a receptor type and a laminate-type cassette. However, in the first embodiment, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus includes a receptor-type label producing apparatus. A case where a tape / ribbon separation type cassette is mounted will be described.
[0012]
  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette. As shown in FIG. 2, in the cassette housing portion 5, a tape cassette 20 having a tape spool 23 for winding the printing tape 22, and a ribbon cassette 30 having a ribbon spool 33 around which an ink ribbon 32 is wound. And are attached. The tape cassette 20 is provided with a rotatable tape spool 23 for winding the print tape 22 and a tape feed roller 24 contributing to the conveyance of the print tape 22 inside the tape case 21.
[0013]
  The ribbon cassette 30 includes a ribbon spool 33 around which an ink ribbon 32 is wound and a ribbon take-up spool 34 around which the ink ribbon 32 is wound so as to be rotatable. The ribbon cassette 30 is formed with a head accommodating portion 37 that accommodates a thermal head 12 (described later) inserted from below. The ink ribbon 32 and the print tape 22 are guided to a thermal head 12 (described later) inserted into the head insertion portion 37 in a state where they overlap each other. The ink ribbon 32 is bent at a substantially acute angle by the separation member 35 provided in the ribbon case 31 in the vicinity of the head insertion portion 37 and separated from the print tape 22, and is wound by the ribbon take-up spool 34. Configured to be taken.
[0014]
  Next, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 will be described. In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, the tape take-up cam 41 that can be engaged with the tape spool 23 of the tape cassette 20, the ribbon take-up cam 42 that can be engaged with the ribbon take-up spool 34 of the ribbon cassette 30, and the tape feed A tape drive cam 43 that engages with the roller 24 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 11. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 is provided with a thermal head 12 for printing on a tape. The thermal head 12 is inserted into the head accommodating portion 37 of the ribbon cassette 30 with the ribbon cassette 30 mounted on the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1.
[0015]
  A platen roller 65 that sandwiches the tape with the thermal head 12 faces the thermal head 12. The tape feed roller 24 of the tape cassette 20 is opposed to a tape feed sub-roller 66 that sandwiches the tape with the tape feed roller 24. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are held by a roller holder 67 that can swing with respect to the main body frame 11. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 held by the roller holder 67 press the print tape and the ink ribbon between the thermal head 12 and the tape feed roller 24 facing each other (FIG. 2), It is configured to swing between the thermal head 12 and a release position (FIG. 3) separated from the tape feed roller 24.
[0016]
  That is, the print tape 20 accommodated in the tape cassette 20 and the ink ribbon 32 accommodated in the ribbon cassette 30 are conveyed by the platen roller 65 and the like, and after printing is performed by the thermal head 12, the ink ribbon 32 is The print tape 22 is discharged from the tape cassette 20 by being wound around the ribbon spool 34. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 includes a cutter 84 for cutting the printing tape 22 discharged from the tape cassette 20, a cutting knob 85 for driving the cutter 84, and a tip detection for detecting the tip of the printing tape. A sensor 90 is provided.
[0017]
  Next, the swing mechanism of the roller holder 67 that supports the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 will be described. The roller holder 67 is swung by a solenoid 80. An operation plate 74 is fixed to the operation lever 80a of the solenoid 80 with respect to the main body frame 11 of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure. A shaft 73 is erected at the end of the operating plate 74 opposite to the solenoid 80.
[0018]
  Here, the roller holder 67 supported so as to be swingable by the support shaft 68 is urged to swing to a release position (downward in the drawing) by a spring member (not shown). And the roller holder 67 has the cam surface 67a contact | abutted to the release rod 71 located in the downward direction in the figure. A roller 72 is pivotally attached to the release rod 71, and the roller 72 comes into contact with the standing wall 11 a of the main body frame 11, so that it can slide in the left-right direction in the figure. The swing lever 76 that is pivotally supported on the support shaft 76 a that is erected on the release rod 71 is formed with a groove that engages with the shaft 73 that is erected on the operation plate 74. The rocking lever 76 is rotated by the movement in the middle and up and down directions.
[0019]
  When the operating lever 80a of the solenoid 80 is in the protruding state shown in FIG. 2, the operating plate 74 moves downward in the drawing. Then, the release rod 71 moves to the left in the drawing, enters in a wedge shape between the roller holder 67 and the standing wall 11a, and moves the roller holder 67 to the press contact position. On the other hand, when the operating lever 80a of the solenoid 80 is in the retracted state shown in FIG. 3, the operating plate 74 is moved downward in the drawing. Then, the release rod 71 moves rightward in the drawing to release the bias to the roller holder 67, so that the roller holder 67 is moved to the release position by the spring member. In this way, the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 held by the roller holder 67 are swung between the press contact position (FIG. 2) and the release position (FIG. 3) by driving the solenoid 80.
[0020]
  Next, a structure for attaching the ribbon cassette 30 to the tape cassette 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the tape cassette 20 and the ribbon cassette 30 separately. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape cassette 20 is formed with a ribbon cassette housing portion 21 f for housing the ribbon cassette 30. Further, two guide shafts 21a and 21b extending in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the tape cassette 20) protrude from the outer periphery of the tape cassette 20, and a positioning shaft 21d extending in the vertical direction is provided on the bottom surface 21c of the tape cassette 20. , 21e are projected. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide shafts 21 a and 21 b protrude from the top surface of the tape cassette 20. On the other hand, the positioning shafts 21d and 21e are shorter than the guide shafts 21a and 21b and do not reach the top surface of the tape cassette 1.
[0021]
  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the ribbon cassette 30. 4 and 5, the outer periphery of the ribbon cassette 30 is engaged with guide rails 31a and 31b and positioning shafts 21d and 21e respectively engaged with guide shafts 21a and 21b formed on the tape cassette 20. Positioning rails 31d and 31e are provided. Further, knob pieces 31f and 31g are formed on the upper surface of the lid member 31e of the ribbon case 31, respectively.
[0022]
  Therefore, when the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted on the tape cassette 20, the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b are first engaged. FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between the guide shafts 21a and 21b, the positioning shafts 21d and 21e, the guide rails 31a and 31b, and the positioning rails 31d and 31e in the ribbon cassette mounting direction. In FIG. 6, (A) shows the start of attachment of the ribbon cassette 30, (B) shows that the attachment is in progress, and (C) shows the end of the attachment. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide rails 31a and 31b and the positioning rails 31d and 31e are formed with grooves for fitting the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e, respectively. The taper is formed so that the width becomes narrower as it is (mounting direction).
[0023]
  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b are engaged to guide and position the ribbon cassette 30. Since a predetermined amount of the lower portion of the guide shafts 21a and 21b is a support pillar having a smaller diameter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the ribbon cassette 30 is attached and the guide rails 31a and 31b As the positioning shafts 21d and 21e engage with the positioning rails 31d and 31e after the minimum width portion (that is, the lower ends of the rails 31a and 31b) reaches the small diameter portion of the guide shafts 21a and 21b, the guide shaft 21a and 21b are gradually released from the guide rails 31a and 31b.
[0024]
  As shown in FIG. 6C, at the end of the mounting of the ribbon cassette 30, the minimum width portions of the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the lower ends of the positioning shafts 21d and 21e are engaged to guide the mounting of the ribbon cassette 30. Position it. Since the clearance between the minimum width portion of the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e is small, the positioning of the ribbon cassette 30 with respect to the tape cassette 20 is achieved by the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e. Made.
[0025]
  As described above, when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, the ribbon cassette 30 is guided and positioned with respect to the tape cassette 20 by the engagement between the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b. 21e and the positioning rails 31d and 31e are engaged, and the ribbon cassette 30 is guided and positioned with respect to the tape cassette 20. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the ribbon cassette 30 and the tape cassette 20 are integrated.
[0026]
  When the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted while the tape cassette 20 is mounted on the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, the roller holder 67 is set in the released state as shown in FIG. This is performed after the space between the thermal heads 12 and between the tape feed roller 24 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are widened.
[0027]
  As described above, the printing tape / ink ribbon separation type cassette of the present embodiment is provided with guide portions (guide shafts 21a and 21b, positioning shafts 21d and 21e) in the tape cassette 20, and guided portions (guides) in the ribbon cassette 30. Rails 31a and 31b and positioning rails 31d and 31e), and the ribbon cassette 30 is guided and positioned by different sets of guided portions and guided portions when the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted and when the mounting is completed. Composed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the length of each guide portion in the mounting direction, and there is an advantage that the ribbon cassette 30 can be easily mounted. In addition, particularly in the case of a wide tape, the length of the guide portion in the mounting direction can be reduced, so that an effect of facilitating molding can be obtained.
[0028]
  Next, the transport mechanism for the tape and ink ribbon will be described. 8 and 9 are plan views showing a transport mechanism for the tape and ink ribbon. As shown in FIG. 8, a tape drive motor 44, which is a stepping motor, is attached to the right end portion of the main body frame 11, and is driven by a drive shaft of the tape drive motor 44.gear45 is fixed. A first drive gear 45 is provided on the main body frame 11 so as to be rotatable.gear46 is engaged. A gear 46a is integrally formed on the gear 46 on the same axis. A gear 47 provided on the main body frame 11 is engaged with the gear 46a.
[0029]
  A gear train around the ribbon take-up cam 42 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the gear 47 is engaged with a gear 49 that is rotatably provided to the rotation shaft 42 a of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The gear 49 is engaged with a gear 50 that is rotatably held by the main body frame 11.gear50 and coaxialgear51 is integrally formed.gearA swing lever 56 that can swing with respect to the rotation shaft of the gear 50 and the gear 51 is provided on an upper portion of the gear 51.gearA moderate frictional resistance is given between the upper surface of 51. The swing lever 56 includesgearA planet that always meshes with 51gear57 is pivotally supported.
[0030]
  As shown in FIG. 10, the planetary gear 57 is engaged with the tape take-up gear 52 fixed to the lower end portion of the tape take-up cam 41, and away from the tape take-up gear 52 as shown in FIG. It can swing between different positions. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the tape drive motor 44 rotates clockwise (forward rotation drive),gearWhen 50 rotates in the clockwise direction, the rocking lever 56 also rotates in the clockwise direction due to the frictional resistance with the gear 51, and accordingly, the planetary gear.gear57 is tape windinggear52, the tape take-up cam 41 becomes free.
[0031]
  gear50 is engaged with a gear 53, and the gear 53 is driven by a tape.gear54 is engaged. That is, the rotation of the tape drive motor 44 isgearTape drive through 45-54gearIt is transmitted to the tape drive cam 43 fixed to 54. on the other hand,gear53 is also engaged with the gear 55, and will be described later for driving the platen roller 65.gear65a is engaged.
[0032]
  FIG. 11A is a side sectional view showing a driving portion of the platen roller 65. As shown in FIG. 11A, the platen roller 65 includes a roller main body 651 and a roller shaft 652 penetrating the inside of the roller main body 651. The roller shaft 652 is hollow, and a drive shaft 653 for rotationally driving the platen roller 65 is inserted into the hollow portion. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the roller shaft 652 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 11B, an engagement protrusion 654 that protrudes inward from the approximate center in the axial direction of the roller shaft 652 engages with an engagement groove 655 provided in the drive shaft 653. . This engagement is performed only at the axial center of the platen roller 65. That is, the drive shaft 653 is engaged with the roller shaft 652 at one position in the axial direction.
[0033]
  As shown in FIG. 11A, the drive shaft 653 is rotatably supported by a movable case 656, and the movable case 656 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure with respect to the roller holder 67. Further, the movable case 656 is urged upward in the drawing by both ends in the axial direction by springs 65 b provided on the roller holder 67. Therefore, the platen roller 65 is urged against the head 12 with a uniform urging force (in the axial direction of the platen roller 65). With this configuration, when the gear 53 rotates, the platen roller 65 rotates through the gear 55 and the gear 65a. Further, the platen roller 65 is pressed against the head 12 with a uniform pressing force (in the axial direction of the platen roller 65).
[0034]
  FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the drive section of the tape feed sub-roller 66. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12A, the tape feed sub-roller 66 includes a roller main body 661 and a roller shaft 662 penetrating the inside of the roller main body 661. The roller shaft 662 is hollow. A drive shaft 663 for rotationally driving the tape feed sub-roller 66 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 662. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the roller shaft 662 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 12B, an engagement protrusion 664 that protrudes inward from a substantially axial center of the roller shaft 662 engages with an engagement groove 665 provided in the drive shaft 663. . This engagement is performed only at the central portion of the tape feed sub-roller 66 in the axial direction. That is, the drive shaft 663 is engaged with the roller shaft 662 at one position in the axial direction.
[0035]
  The drive shaft 663 is rotatably supported by a movable case 666, and the movable case 666 is supported by the roller holder 67 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. The movable case 666 is biased upward in the figure by springs 66 b provided on the roller holder 67. Therefore, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is urged against the tape drive roller 42 with a uniform urging force in the axial direction. With this configuration, when the gear 53 rotates, the tape feed sub-roller 66 rotates through the gear 54 and the gear 66a. Similarly to the platen roller 65, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is pressed against the tape feed roller 24 with a uniform pressing force (in the axial direction of the tape feed sub-roller 66).
[0036]
  Here, the friction coefficient of the surface of the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the pressure between the platen roller and the thermal head 12 are set so that the feed force of the printing tape 22 by the platen roller 65 is larger than that of the tape feed sub-roller 66. The pressure (that is, the spring 65b) and the pressing force (that is, the spring 65b) between the tape feeding roller 24 and the tape feeding tape feeding sub-roller 66 are set. The peripheral speed of the tape feed sub-roller 66 is set slightly higher than that of the platen roller 65, so that slip occurs between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the print tape 22. In this way, the printing tape is printed by the platen roller 65 that actually performs printing.TheAlong with the conveyance, the tape feeding sub-roller 66 generates an appropriate tension on the printing tape, whereby stable conveyance can be performed.
[0037]
  Next, the rewinding of the printing tape will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, a gear 48 is provided at the lower end of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The ribbon take-up cam 42 and the gear 48 are connected via a clutch spring 60 described later. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a gear 301 provided rotatably on the main body frame 11 is engaged with a gear 47 provided rotatably with respect to the rotation shaft of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The gear 301 is provided with a lever 302 that swings around the rotation axis of the gear 301, and a planetary gear 306 that engages with the gear 301 is pivotally supported on the lever 302.
[0038]
  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, (tape feed motor 44 rotates clockwise)gearWhen 301 rotates counterclockwise, the rocking lever 302 moves in the same direction due to friction between the upper surface of the gear 301 and the rocking lever 302, and the planets.gear306gearMesh with 48. Engaged with planetary gear 306gear48 rotates counterclockwise, and at the same time, the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates in the same direction. That is, the ink ribbon 32 is taken up by the ribbon take-up spool.
[0039]
  When the printing tape 22 is rewound, the solenoid 80 is operated to swing the roller holder 67 to the release position. Further, the tape drive motor 44 rotates counterclockwise, and the gear 47 rotates counterclockwise. with thisgear301 rotates clockwise, and the swing lever 302 moves in the same direction,gear306 andgear48 is in a separated state. That is, the ribbon take-up cam 42 is stopped. Note that a stopper 304 is formed on the swing lever 302, and the movement stops when the stopper 304 abuts against a contact piece provided on the main body frame 11.
[0040]
  When the gear 47 rotates counterclockwise,gear50 rotates counterclockwise, the swing lever 56 moves in the same direction,gear57 and tape take-upgear52 meshes with each other. ThengearThe tape take-up cam 41 formed integrally with 52 rotates in the counterclockwise direction and rotates in the direction in which the print tape 22 is taken up. At this time, tape drivegear54 andgearEach of the rollers 55 rotates in the opposite direction to that during printing. However, since the roller holder 67 is in the separated state, it does not act on the printing tape 22 or the ink ribbon 32.
[0041]
  The clutch spring 60 that connects the ribbon winding cam 42 and the gear 48 is a coil spring wound around the ribbon winding cam 42. When the gear 48 rotates counterclockwise, the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates together with the gear 48 due to friction between the clutch spring 60 and the rotating shaft 42a. However, when the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates at a slower speed than the gear 48 due to an external force, the winding of the clutch spring 60 is loosened, and a slip occurs between the ribbon take-up cam 42 and the clutch spring 60. In this case, the ribbon take-up cam 42 is rotated not by the gear 48 but by an external force. With this configuration, the winding speed of the ink ribbon is determined by the transport speed by the platen roller 65.
[0042]
  Next, a configuration for removing the slack of the printing tape will be described. eachgearTape feed sub-roller due to backlash, etc.gearPlaten than 66agearWhen the rotation of the roller 65 a is started first, the print tape 22 sags between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen 65. Therefore, if slack occurs when the leading edge detection sensor 90 described later detects the leading edge of the tape, the linear distance between the leading edge position of the tape and the printing start origin position becomes different. That is, the print position is deviated when the leading end of the print tape 22 is detected again after the tape is rewound.
[0043]
  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the gear 55 for transmitting rotational force to the platen 65 has two upper and lower stages.gearIt consists of 55a and 55b and rotates around a shaft 55c. These with respect to the direction of rotationgearHas a gap 55d,gearFor rotation of 55bgearSince 55a rotates with a time delay, the tape feed sub-rollergearPlaten than 66agear65a rotates with a delay. Therefore, even if there is a gear backlash or the like, the tape feed sub-roller 66 surely starts rotating before the platen 65.
[0044]
  In addition,gear55a andgearSince it is unclear what gap is generated at this point in time between 55b, the next time the tape is driven in the forward direction by rotating the tape drive motor 44 in advance in reverse before transporting the print tape in the forward direction. Whengear55a andgearA gap is surely provided between 55b. Then, the next time you start feeding the printing tape in the forward direction,gearAgainst 55bgearSince 55a starts to rotate with a certain delay, the rotation of the platen roller 65 is reliably delayed with respect to the tape feed sub-roller 66. In this way, the occurrence of slack in the printing tape can be prevented.
[0045]
  Next, the tape feed roller 24 will be described. In the present embodiment, the printing tape 22 is conveyed by the platen roller 65, and the tape feed roller 24 is used to apply tension to the conveyed printing tape 22. Therefore, the tape feed roller 24 needs to act on the print tape 22 with an appropriate grip force (friction force).
[0046]
  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the tape feed roller 24. As shown in FIG. 14, the tape feeding roller 24 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and a groove portion 241 extending in the circumferential direction is formed at the center in the vertical direction. The tape cassette 20 is formed with a slide 12 that is a plate-like member that holds the groove 241 in order to hold the tape feed roller 24 rotatably (FIG. 4). The tape feeding roller 24 is rotatably held by the tape cassette 20 by fitting the groove portion 241 to the slide base portion 12.
[0047]
  As shown in FIG. 14, knurls 242 and 243 are formed on both sides in the axial direction across the groove 241 of the tape feed roller 24, with concave and convex portions extending in the axial direction formed at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction. . Furthermore, when the pitch between adjacent convex portions of the knurls 242 and 243 is d, the knurls 242 and 243 are formed to be shifted in the circumferential direction by ½d.
[0048]
  The tape feed roller 24 on which the knurls are formed is intermittently in contact with the print tape. By shifting the phase of each knurl 242 and 243 by ½ pitch, the tape feed roller 24 is applied to the print tape 22 at an actual half pitch. Can be touched. That is, by forming a plurality of knurls on the tape feed roller 24 and shifting the phase of each knurl, the grip force to the print tape is increased and the tape feed roller 24 is in contact with the print tape 22 at a small pitch. Can be. That is, since the tape feed roller 24 can be brought into contact with the printing tape 22 with a more appropriate gripping force (frictional force), it can contribute to stable conveyance of the printing tape.
[0049]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of this embodiment, the printing tape 22 is transported by the platen roller 65 and the tape feeding roller 24 is used to apply tension to the printing tape 22. The tape feed roller of this embodiment can also be used in a tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the type that conveys the tape 22. Even in such a case, the grip force can be increased and the print tape 22 can be contacted at a small pitch, so that the print tape can be stably conveyed.
[0050]
  As shown in FIG. 15, three knurl portions 244, 245 and 246 are formed in the axial direction of the tape feed roller 24, and the phase of the upper and lower knurls 244 and 246 is set to 1 with respect to the phase of the intermediate knurl 245. It is also possible to configure by shifting by a / 2 pitch. With this configuration, the knurls of the tape feed roller 24 are symmetric with respect to the width direction of the print tape 22, so that the print tape 22 is axial with respect to the tape feed roller 24 (that is, the width direction of the print tape 22). ) Is prevented from skewing.
[0051]
  Next, identification of the ribbon cassette will be described. As will be described later, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of performing multi-color printing (a system in which a ribbon cassette is replaced for each color and performing printing) and full-color printing (colors without replacement of the ribbon cassette). A method of reproducing colors by superimposing them). In multi-color printing, a single-color ink ribbon (single-color ribbon) is used, and in full-color printing, a so-called “dander ribbon” in which a plurality of colors (three primary colors of yellow / magenta / cyan) are applied alternately is used.
[0052]
  A plurality of types are prepared in the ribbon cassette 30 according to the ribbon color and ribbon width (12, 18, 24, 32 mm) of the ink ribbon 32, and the plurality of types are provided at the lower end portion of the vertical wall portion 31 d of the ribbon case 31. In order to detect any type of ribbon cassette 30, a detection hole group 36 is formed by combining eight detection holes 36a.
[0053]
  The ribbon cassette 20 is formed with a detection hole group 36 including eight detection holes 36a for discriminating the type of ink ribbon. In order to detect the presence or absence of the eight detection holes 36a behind the main body frame 11. A ribbon detection switch 103 including first to eighth detection switches is provided, and a ribbon detection signal RS based on a combination of switch signals from these eight detection switches is output. FIG. 16 shows a ribbon cassette discrimination table. The switches 36a to 36h shown in FIG. It corresponds to 1-8, and the loaded ribbon cassette is 32 mm wide, and it is judged that the three primary color dander ribbon cassette and the receptor tape are loaded.
[0054]
  Next, a configuration for detecting the leading end of the printing tape will be described. In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, a tip detection sensor 90 for detecting the tip of the print tape 22 is provided on the downstream side of the cutting device 84 in the transport direction of the print tape 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip detection sensor 90 is a transmissive photosensor having a light emitting / light receiving element 92 and a light receiving element 93. The light emitting / receiving element 92 and the light receiving element 93 are accommodated in the sensor accommodating chambers 94, 95, respectively, so that sensor light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 92 is projected onto the light receiving element 93 in the sensor accommodating chambers 94, 95. The light passage holes 94a and 95a are formed. Further, a slit 98 for allowing the printing tape 22 to pass between the sensor accommodating chambers 94 and 95 is provided. Therefore, the leading end portion of the printing tape 22 is guided by the guide portion 99 and reliably passes through the slit 98. That is, when the printing tape 22 enters the slit 98 and blocks between the light emitting / light receiving element 92 and the light receiving element 93, the sensor light from the light emitting / light receiving element 92 is blocked. ”Level tape detection signal TS is output.
[0055]
  Next, a ribbon sensor that detects the type and the like of the ink ribbon will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the ribbon sensor 70 is a transmissive photosensor composed of a light emitting unit 70a and a light receiving unit 70b arranged to face each other across a path along which the printing tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are conveyed. is there. Compared to the tip detection sensor 90 described above, the ribbon sensor 70 has a large amount of sensor light and high light receiving sensitivity. The printing tape 22 is formed of a material that is not transmissive to the sensor light of the leading end detection sensor 90 but has transparency to the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70.
[0056]
  Next, sensor marks detected by the ribbon sensor will be described. The ink ribbon 32 is formed of a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70, and the end portion 32a of the ink ribbon 32 has a sensor mark (of the ribbon sensor 70) of the same width as shown in FIG. A plurality of portions that do not transmit sensor light) are formed at equal intervals. The width ratio between the sensor mark and the blank portion (portion through which the sensor light is transmitted) is 1: 2. On the other hand, as described above, the printing tape 22 is also formed of a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70. As shown in FIG. 18, the end portion 22a of the print tape 22 is formed with a plurality of sensor marks having the same width (portions that do not transmit the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70) at equal intervals. The ratio of the width of the part (the part through which the sensor light is transmitted) is 2: 1. Therefore, when the ribbon sensor 70 detects the sensor mark, it can detect which end of the tape is based on the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank portion.
[0057]
  Here, the ink ribbon includes a so-called “dander ribbon” in which a plurality of colors are alternately arranged in addition to a single color ribbon. The Dandara ribbon shown in FIG. 19 is obtained by alternately forming three primary colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan on the same ribbon. All of the three primary colors are transparent to the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 described above. Immediately before each color region, ink color identification sensor marks (portions that do not transmit the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70) 501, 504, and 507 are provided. Each sensor mark is composed of two marks. Of the sensor marks 501, 504, and 507, the first marks 502, 505, and 508 have the same width, and the second marks 503, 506, and 509 have different widths depending on the ink color. Therefore, when the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70, the ink color can be identified from the ratio of the widths of the two marks. The width of the first portion of the color identification sensor mark on the ink ribbon 32, the width of the sensor mark indicating the end portion of the ink ribbon 32, and the width of the blank portion between the sensor marks indicating the end portion of the print tape 22 are as follows. Are configured to be the same.
[0058]
  Next, a method for identifying each sensor mark by the ribbon sensor 70 will be described. Since the printing tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 pass between the light emitting unit 70a and the light receiving unit 70b of the ribbon sensor 70, the ribbon sensor 70 is a combination of the sensor marks of the printing tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32. To detect. If a ribbon ribbon is used as the ink ribbon 32, if only two sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70, it is understood that the detected sensor mark is for color identification. The color of the ink is discriminated from the ratio of the widths. That is, when the second sensor is almost the same width as the first sensor mark, it is determined that the ink color is yellow. If the second sensor is approximately 1.5 times the first sensor magenta, the second sensor is the first sensor mark. If it is about twice as large, it is determined as cyan. At this time, it is determined that the print tape 22 is in the print area (area through which the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 is transmitted). (Note that a single-color ribbon does not have a sensor mark for ink color identification, so two sensor marks cannot be detected.)
[0059]
  On the other hand, when three or more sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70, the ratio of the width of the sensor mark (the portion that does not transmit the sensor light) to the blank portion (the portion that transmits the sensor light) is set to five. The above sensor marks are stored. The reason why the number is 5 or more will be described later. Hereinafter, each case (1) to (5) when three or more sensor marks are detected will be described. In the following description, the state where the printing tape has reached the end (the state where the printing tape has been removed) is referred to as the tape end, and the state where the ink ribbon has reached the end (the state where the ink ribbon has been removed) is the ribbon. Called the end.
[0060]
  (1) If three or more sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the ratio between the width of the sensor mark and the blank portion is 1: 2, it is determined that the ribbon end. At this time, it is determined that the print tape 22 is in the print area. (2) If three or more sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the width ratio between the sensor mark and the blank is 2: 1, it is determined that the tape end has been reached. At this time, it is determined that the ink ribbon 32 is in the print area. (3) If a blank is not detected even when the tape is fed three times the sensor mark pitch of the printing tape 22, the sensor mark of the printing tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 overlaps and no blank portion is generated. Since it is considered, it is determined that both the tape end and the ribbon end. (4) If three or more sensor marks are detected and the ratio of the width of the sensor mark to the blank is constant and the ratio is not 2: 1 or 1: 2, a sensor indicating the end portion of the ink ribbon 32 Since it is considered that the mark and the sensor mark indicating the end portion of the printing tape 22 have passed through the ribbon sensor 70 in an overlapping state, it is determined that both the tape end and the ribbon end are present.
[0061]
  If the ink ribbon 32 is a single color ribbon, it is identified by any of the above (1) to (4). However, when the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon, there are the following cases. (5) When three or more sensor marks are detected and the ratio of the width of the sensor mark to the blank is not constant, the color identification sensor mark of the ink ribbon 32 and the sensor mark indicating the end of the print tape 22 overlap. In this case, the determination is suspended until the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank becomes constant.
[0062]
  Thus, since the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 is configured to discriminate the color based on the ratio of the widths of the two sensor marks, the space occupied by the sensor mark portion does not increase even if the number of colors increases. . Conventionally, since the ink color was determined based on the number of sensor marks, the sensor mark increased as the number of colors increased, and the printable length was reduced accordingly. The apparatus 1 has an advantage that the sensor mark portion does not increase even if the number of colors increases, and the effective space increases accordingly.
[0063]
  When the ink ribbon is a single-color ribbon, a predetermined amount of the end portion of either the ink ribbon 32 or the print tape 22 is made of a non-permeable material, and a plurality of sensor marks having an equal pitch are provided on the other side. Can be applied. For example, when the end portion of the ink ribbon is the non-transmissive portion 32b (FIG. 17B), if a non-transmissive region having a width longer than the width of the sensor mark on the printing tape 22 is detected, the ribbon end is determined and printing is performed. If the mark 22a of the terminal portion 22a of the tape 22 is detected, it can be determined that the tape end has been reached.
[0064]
  Next, the control system will be described. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus of this embodiment is a system that reproduces colors by superimposing the three primary colors without changing the ribbon cassette for multi-color printing (method for exchanging the ribbon cassette for each color) or full-color printing (replacement of the ribbon cassette). ) Can be selected. In multi-color printing, a single-color ink ribbon (single-color ribbon) is used, and in full-color printing, a dander ribbon is used.
[0065]
  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a control system. As shown in FIG. 20, the input / output interface 113 of the control device 100 includes a keyboard 4, a tip detection sensor 90, a disconnection detection switch 101, a ribbon / tape detection switch group 103, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 9. A display controller (LCDC) 104 for outputting display data, a drive circuit 106 for a warning buzzer 105, a drive circuit 107 for driving the thermal head 12, and a drive circuit 108 for the tape drive motor 44 The drive circuit 109 for the solenoid 80 is connected to each other. The control device 100 includes a CPU 110, an input / output interface 113 connected to the CPU 110 via a bus 114 such as a data bus, a font ROM 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 120.
[0066]
  The font ROM 111 stores display dot pattern data for each of a large number of characters such as characters and symbols, and also stores print dot pattern data for a plurality of print sizes. In the ROM 112, a display control program for controlling the display controller 104 and characters and symbols stored in the text memory 121 are printed in correspondence with character code data such as characters, symbols, and numbers input from the keyboard 4. A print control program for creating dot pattern data and a print control program for printing the dot pattern data for each dot row by sequentially outputting them to the thermal head 12 or the tape drive motor 44 are stored. Yes. Further, based on the above-described ribbon / tape detection signal RS, the ribbon color and ribbon width of the ink ribbon 32, the type of the printing tape 22, or the integrated laminate type orReceptor typeThe above-described discrimination table (FIG. 16) for detecting the tape width in each cassette is stored.
[0067]
  Text data composed of characters and symbols input from the keyboard 4 (print color setting means) is added with print color data and stored in the text memory 121 of the RAM 120. The print color data includes multi-color print data (red, pink, blue, light blue, etc.) that are the input print colors themselves, and full-color print data in which the print colors are separated into three primary colors (yellow, magenta, cyan) The text memory 121 of the RAM 120 stores text data to which multi-color print data is added and text data to which full-color print data is added, respectively.
[0068]
  Here, the correspondence relationship between the input print colors (red, pink, and blue) and the three primary color data obtained by color separation is stored in the ROM as a print color correspondence table shown in FIG. For example, if “blue” is input as the print color, the CPU 110 selects “magenta” and “cyan” based on the print color correspondence table stored in the ROM and stores them in the text memory 121. That is, the user only has to input “blue” as the print color, and does not need to specify the three primary colors. In addition, since color separation is automatically performed with reference to a predetermined correspondence table, it is possible to quickly generate data separated into three primary colors without requiring a complicated algorithm.
[0069]
  For example, when creating a tape as shown in FIG. 22 (where “red” is printed in red, “green” is green, “black” is black, “ki” is printed in yellow), There are two types of print color data: multi-color print data (FIG. 23), which is color data for each color, and full-color print data (FIG. 24) separated into three primary color data, yellow, magenta, and cyan. Are added separately and stored so that each data can be selected and retrieved.
[0070]
  The number of input print colors is stored in the color number memory 122 separately for full-color print data and multi-color print data. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 22 to 24, N = 4 is stored for multi-color print data, and N = 3 is stored for full-color print data. The margin amount memory 124 stores margin amount data related to the set front margin amount (B1 in FIG. 22) and rear margin amount (B2). In the print data buffer 125, dot pattern data corresponding to the character code stored in the text memory 121 is expanded and stored. Further, the RAM 120 is provided with a memory for temporarily storing the calculation result calculated by the CPU 110.
[0071]
  When full-color printing is performed using a dander ribbon, multiple colors cannot be obtained by superimposing unless printing is completed for each color such as yellow, magenta, and cyan. For this reason, the length T (FIG. 19) of the color region such as yellow, magenta, and cyan must be longer than the print length. In general, the print length can be assumed to be less than 15 cm from the viewpoint of use as a tape-like label. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length T of each color region of the dander line ribbon is set in consideration of a predetermined margin or the like. 20 cm. The margin includes the distance U from the tip detection sensor 90 to the heating element portion of the thermal head 12 and the distance P from the heating element portion to the cutter 84.
[0072]
  Hereinafter, the printing control will be described based on each flowchart. First, the print start control will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, after the initialization process (S10), a print text input process is performed (S11). In the print text input process, text to be printed is input from the keyboard 4 and the result is displayed on the display 9. Here, it is selected whether to perform normal printing, to create a preformat print tape, which will be described later, or to print on a preformat print tape.
[0073]
  When the print text input process is completed, a print target range for each color is set for the text input in the print text input process (S12). Here, since the text data is displayed on the display 9, the operator operates the four cursor keys 7 a (FIG. 1) arranged at the right end of the keyboard 4 while looking at the display 9 for each print color. Each of characters and symbols to be printed is instructed, and the color is designated by operating the color confirmation key 7b (FIG. 1) each time. When the setting of the print target is completed, the confirmation key 7c (FIG. 1) is operated.
[0074]
  This is the color data (red, blue, pink, light blue, etc.) that is input in association with the character data of the character designated by the operation of the cursor key 7a and the color confirmation key 7b by the operation of the confirmation key 7c. Multi-color print data and full-color print data obtained by separating the input color data into three primary colors (yellow, magenta, and cyan) are stored in the text memory 121. Further, how many color data the text is composed of is stored as the color number N in the color number memory 122. For example, the number of colors N is set to N = 4 for multi-color print data and N = 3 for full-color print data in the printing examples shown in FIGS. The text memory 121 functions as a first print color storage unit that stores the print color itself as data, and also stores a print color set by the print color setting unit as a combination data of the three primary colors. It also functions as a color storage means.
[0075]
  Next, it is determined whether or not a print key is input (S13). When the print key is input (YES in S13), the ribbon detection signal RS from the cassette sensor group 103 described above is used to detect the ribbon cassette mounted. The type of the ink ribbon 32 is detected, and it is determined whether the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (S14). Here, when the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (YES in S14), the process proceeds to full color printing control (S16), and when it is not a danderer ribbon (NO in S14), the process proceeds to multi-color printing control (S15).
[0076]
  Next, multi-color printing control will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, when multi-color printing control is started, first, a subroutine called preformat setting control is executed (S30). Details of the subroutine called preformat setting control will be described later. After completion of the preformat setting control subroutine, a tape tip detection control subroutine is executed (S31).
[0077]
  In the subroutine of tape tip detection control shown in FIG. 27, the tape drive motor is reversely rotated by a predetermined number of pulses R (S100). This is because when the printing tape 22 is started to be conveyed in the forward direction so that the printing tape 22 does not become slack between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 as described above.gear55b andgearThis is to ensure that there is a gap between 55a. Next, the tape drive motor is forwardly fed by one pulse (S101), and it is determined whether or not the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 22 (S102). Steps S101 and S102 are repeated until the leading edge of the printing tape 22 is detected. If the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge (YES in S102), the printing start origin position is determined (S103). Here, the printing start origin position is a portion (point S in FIG. 22) located at the heating element position of the thermal head 12 when the leading end of the printing tape 22 is detected, and actual printing is set from here. The process is started after the blank space (B1 in FIG. 22) is fed to the tape. This completes the subroutine called tape leading edge detection control.
[0078]
  Here, one pulse when the motor is driven corresponds to the amount of ½ dot in printing. That is, the gear train reduction ratio is set so that one dot is printed for two pulses of the tape drive motor 44. Therefore, compared with the conventional method in which one dot of printing corresponds to one motor pulse of the tape drive motor 44, the accuracy of detecting the leading end of the printing tape 22 is improved and the printing position accuracy is improved.
[0079]
  After the end of the subroutine called tape leading edge detection control, it is determined whether or not printing on a preformat tape is performed (S32). Steps S32 to S34 will be described later. Subsequently, the Nth color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S35). Then, the printing tape 22 is printed for one dot, and the printing tape 22 is transported (S36), and it is determined whether or not the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the non-transmission state is three pitches of the sensor mark. It is determined whether or not to continue (S37). Here, when the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70 or when it is detected that the non-transmission state continues for three pitches of the sensor mark (YES in S37), a subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control is executed. (S45).
[0080]
  In the subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control shown in FIG. 28, when the ratio between the sensor mark detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the blank portion is 1: 2 (YES in S50), it is determined as a ribbon end (S51). If the ratio between the sensor mark and the blank portion is 2: 1 (YES in S52), it is determined as a tape end (S53). If none of the above applies (NO in S52), the tape end The ribbon end is discriminated as both (S54), each is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, the tape transport is stopped, and the printing control is terminated (S55).
[0081]
  On the other hand, if three or more sensor marks are not detected by the ribbon sensor 70 (NO in S37), it is determined whether printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed, and if not completed (NO in S39). ) Steps S36 to S39 are repeated. If printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (YES in S39), it is determined whether or not the current print color is the final print color. If it is the final print color (YES in S40), a predetermined amount The tape is conveyed (S41), a tape cut is displayed (S42), and the printing control is terminated. Here, the predetermined amount is the sum of the trailing margin amount B2 and the distance P between the print head 12 and the cutter 84 in FIG.
[0082]
  If it is not the final print color (NO in S40), a subroutine called print tape rewind control is executed (S43). In the subroutine of print tape rewinding control shown in FIG. 29, the solenoid 80 is driven to release the roller holder 67 (S121), the tape drive motor 44 is rotated by one pulse in the reverse conveyance direction (S122), and the leading edge detection sensor Whether or not 90 detects the leading end of the printing tape 22 is determined (S123). If the leading end of the printing tape 22 is not detected, steps S122 and S123 are repeated. If the leading end of the printing tape 22 is detected (YES in S123), the tape drive motor 44 is stopped (S124), and the printing tape rewinding control is performed. End the subroutine.
[0083]
  Then, one print color is counted (S44) and displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 to replace the ribbon cassette 30 (S45), and it is determined whether or not the cassette has been replaced (S46). Here, whether or not the ribbon cassette 30 has been replaced can be determined by turning off all the switch groups 103 relating to the ribbon cassette once the ribbon cassette 30 is removed and turning on one of the switches again. When the ribbon cassette 30 is replaced (YES in S46), the process returns to step S31 and the same operation is repeated until the printing of the final print color is completed. Here, the switch group related to the ribbon cassette refers to No. 1 in FIG. 2-No. 8 switches. This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0084]
  Here, in the present embodiment, the process of detecting the ink color of the ribbon cassette and performing printing according to the color data is not performed, and the user performs the printing corresponding to the color of the ribbon from the first color to the Nth color. It is carried out.
[0085]
  Next, preformat printing will be described. In preformat printing, a general-purpose format such as a fixed label or a name tag is printed on the printing tape 22 in advance (FIG. 30A), and the printed printing tape 22 is rewound to match the format. This is a printing method (FIG. 30B). In this manner, if a preformatted printing tape (preformat tape) is prepared, it is not necessary to input the format every time.
[0086]
  When a format such as a standard label is formed on the printing tape 22, a positioning mark is formed as a positioning reference when characters or the like are printed on the format. Here, the ink ribbon 32 is provided with a sensor mark detected by the ribbon sensor 70, such as the aforementioned sensor mark for color identification. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion with these sensor marks, it is assumed that the positioning marks are detected by the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 acting as a reflection type photosensor. That is, the positioning mark does not reflect the sensor light from the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the leading end detection sensor 90 (the printing tape itself reflects), and the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 (the light amount is higher than the sensor of the leading end detection sensor 90). It is formed as a portion that transmits a large amount of light.
[0087]
  The positioning mark is printed between patterns such as fixed labels that are repeatedly printed on the printing tape 22 in preformat printing (preliminary printing). Then, in printing on the preformat tape (main printing) in which a name or the like is printed on the fixed label, each positioning mark is detected by the tip detection sensor 90, and printing is performed according to the pattern of the fixed label or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 30A, since the positioning marks can be formed between the repeated patterns, positioning is performed for each pattern in printing on the preformat tape.
[0088]
  In the subroutine of preformat setting control shown in FIG. 31, it is determined whether or not preformat printing is performed (S110). If preformat printing is selected at the time of printing data input (S11 in FIG. 25) in the printing start process (YES in S110), the position for printing the positioning mark and the print head position for printing the pattern are calculated and stored. (S111). Then, it is determined whether or not the ink ribbon 32 is a dancer ribbon (S112).
[0089]
  When the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (YES in S112), the positioning mark needs to be printed in black so that the contrast with the printing tape 22 is obtained. Therefore, the positioning mark print data is expanded into print data for all three primary colors. On the other hand, in the case of a single color ribbon (NO in S112), the color of the single color ribbon is darker than that of the damper ribbon, so that the positioning mark need not be printed in black. Therefore, in order to increase the processing speed, the print data is developed into first color print data (for example, red). This completes the subroutine called preformat setting control.
[0090]
  When the above-described multi-color printing control (steps S31 to S46) is performed after the completion of the pre-format setting routine, the pattern such as the fixed label and the positioning mark set in the pre-format setting routine are the same as those in the normal multi-color printing. Is printed. In this way, a preformat tape on which a predetermined format has been printed is created.
[0091]
  When printing on the preformat tape is selected at the time of printing text input in the print start process (step S11 in FIG. 25) (YES in S32 in FIG. 26), printing is performed on the preformat tape in the above multicolor print control. Is done. That is, in the multi-color printing control, the printing tape 22 is conveyed until the positioning mark is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 90 (S33, S34). At this time, the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 functions as a reflective sensor. Then, after the positioning mark is detected, the name and the like can be printed on a preprinted format such as a standard label by performing printing in the same manner as in the case of normal multi-color printing.
[0092]
  As described above, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 prints the positioning mark on the printing tape 22 in the preliminary printing (preformat printing) and detects the positioning mark in the main printing (printing on the preformat tape). Above, control is performed to perform printing based on the detected positioning mark. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform printing at an accurate position with respect to a preprinted format.
[0093]
  Next, a case where full color printing is performed will be described. As shown in FIG. 32, when full-color printing control is started, first, a subroutine called pre-format setting control is executed (S60). After completion of the preformat setting control subroutine, a ribbon color detection control subroutine is executed (S61). In the subroutine of ribbon color detection control shown in FIG. 33, first, the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are conveyed (S80), and it is determined whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 has detected two or more sensor marks. When the ribbon sensor 70 detects two or more sensor marks (YES in S81), it is further determined whether or not there are three sensor marks (S82). If three or more sensor marks are detected (YES in S82), the above-described tape and ribbon end detection routine is executed (S83). If three or more sensor marks are not detected (NO in S82), color identification is performed. In step S84, the ink color is identified.
[0094]
  Subsequently, the widths of the first and second sensor marks are compared (S84). If the ratio of the widths is approximately 1: 1 (YES in S84), it is determined that the head position of yellow is 1 If the ratio between the first and second is approximately 1: 2 (YES in S86), it is determined as the head position of magenta, and if not (NO in S86), it is determined as the head position of cyan. Then, in order to move the head position of the identified color (at this time, the position of the ribbon sensor 70) from the position of the ribbon sensor 70 to the position of the heating element of the thermal head 12, the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are used. Is conveyed by a predetermined amount L (S89). Then, the solenoid 80 is operated to release the roller holder (S90), and the subroutine of ribbon color detection control ends.
[0095]
  After completion of the ribbon color detection control subroutine, the aforementioned print tape rewind control subroutine (S62) and the aforementioned tape leading edge detection control subroutine (S63) are executed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not printing is performed on a preformat tape (S64). When printing on the preformat printing tape is selected in the printing start process (YES in S64), the printing tape 22 is conveyed until the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the positioning mark (S65, S66). At this time, the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 functions as a reflective photosensor.
[0096]
  Next, the full color print data (three primary color data) of the detected color is developed in the print buffer (S67). In the case of printing as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, if the detected color is yellow, “A”, “KA”, “MI”, “DO”, “RI”, “KU”, “RO”, “KI” are printed. If the data is expanded, the print data of “A”, “KA”, “KU”, “RO” if magenta color, and “MI”, “DO”, “RI”, “KU”, “RO” will be expanded if cyan. The Subsequently, the printing tape 22 is printed for one dot, and the printing tape 22 is transported (S68). Whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 detects three sensor marks and the non-transmission state are determined by the sensor mark 3. It is determined whether or not to continue for the pitch (S69). Steps S68 and S69 are repeated, that is, printing is performed until three sensor marks or three pitches of non-transparent sensor marks are detected.
[0097]
  Here, if three sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70 or the continuation of three pitches in the non-transmissive state is detected (YES in S69), the process proceeds to the above-described subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control. However, before that, in the three detected sensor marks, it is determined whether or not the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank portion (FIGS. 16 and 17) is constant (S70). If it is not constant, it is considered that the sensor mark for color identification and the sensor mark indicating the end point overlap each other, so the end determination is suspended and the process returns to step 69. If the ratio between the width of the sensor mark and the blank portion (FIGS. 16 and 17) is constant, the process proceeds to a subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control (S71). On the other hand, if three or more sensor marks are not detected (NO in S69), it is determined whether printing of the detected color print data is completed. If not (NO in S72), steps S68 to S72 are performed. Repeat until. If printing has ended (YES in S72), it is determined whether the current printing color is the final printing color (S73). If the printing color is the final printing color (YES in S73), the tape is conveyed by a predetermined amount (S73). In step S74, a tape cut is displayed (S75), and the print control is terminated. Here, the predetermined amount is the sum of the rear margin amount B2 and the distance P between the print head 12 and the cutter 84 in FIG. If it is not the final printing color (NO in S73), one printing color is counted (S76), the process returns to S61, and the same operation is repeated until the printing of the final printing color is completed. This completes the full color printing control.
[0098]
  Thus, the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU) for setting the print color of the text, the first print color storage means (text memory 121) for storing the set print color itself as data, the print Since there is provided a second print color storage means (text memory 121) that separates the print color set by the color storage means into a plurality of predetermined colors and stores them as combination data of the plurality of colors. There is an advantage that multi-color printing that prints separately and full-color printing that prints by superimposing colors can be supported. Further, since a combination data storage unit (ROM) for storing the print color set by the print color setting means and the three primary color data in association with each other is provided, a predetermined color can be set only by setting the print color. Since color separation is automatically performed with reference to the correspondence table, it is possible to quickly generate data separated into three primary colors without requiring a complicated algorithm.
[0099]
  As described above, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the first embodiment, multi-color printing or full-color printing can be selected. The advantage of multi-color printing is that the required amount of ribbon is consumed, so the ribbon can be used very economically, and each color is reproduced with the unique color of the ink ribbon. This is an excellent color reproducibility. The advantage of full-color printing is that the number of colors can be freely selected with one ribbon cassette, and color printing can be realized without replacement of the ribbon cassette, so that the operation is simple. Therefore, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the present embodiment, there is a great effect that the user can select a printing method suitable for the application in consideration of the merits of multi-color printing or full-color printing.
[0100]
  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when a laminate type cassette is used, the print tape is conveyed by both the tape feed sub-roller and the platen roller.Receptor typeIn the case of using this cassette, the printing tape is conveyed only by the platen roller. Further, in the second embodiment, the end portion of the printing tape is also detected by a leading edge detection sensor that detects the leading edge of the printing tape.
[0101]
  First, a laminate type cassette will be described. As shown in FIG. 34, a cassette case 410 contains a double-sided adhesive tape 402, a transparent tape 404, and an ink ribbon 406. The double-sided adhesive tape 402 is wound around the tape spool 401 with the adhesive surface facing 402a, the transparent tape 404 is wound around the spool 405, and the ink ribbon 406 is wound around the ribbon spool 408. The ink ribbon 406 is wound around the ribbon take-up spool 407. It is wound up. The ribbon take-up spool 407 is driven as in the first embodiment. The tape feed roller 409 has a function of bonding the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape 402 to and from the tape feed sub-roller 66 of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201. In the case of a laminate type cassette, the ribbon cassette cannot be replaced or the sensor mark of the ink ribbon 406 cannot be detected by a ribbon sensor or the like.
[0102]
  next,Receptor typeThe cassette will be described. As described above, the receptor-type cassette includes a tape / ribbon integrated cassette and a tape / ribbon separated cassette. FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 loaded with the tape / ribbon separation type cassette, and FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a state where the roller holder 67 is opened and the ribbon cassette 230 is removed. As shown in FIG. 35, the tape cassette 220 includes a tape spool 223 for winding the print tape 222 inside the tape case 221. The ribbon cassette 230 includes a ribbon spool 233 around which the ink ribbon 232 is wound and a ribbon take-up spool 234 that winds up the ink ribbon 232 inside the ribbon case 231. Unlike the tape cassette 20 of the first embodiment, in the tape cassette 220 of the second embodiment, the conveyance path of the printing tape 222 is conveyed by bypassing the ribbon sensor 70. In other words, the ribbon sensor 70 is configured to detect only the sensor mark formed on the ink ribbon 232.
[0103]
  Next, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201, the tape winding cam 41 that can be engaged with the tape spool 223 of the tape cassette 220 and the ribbon winding cam 42 that can be engaged with the ribbon winding spool 234 of the ribbon cassette 230 are the main body. The frame 11 is rotatably supported. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 is provided with a thermal head 12 for printing on the printing tape 222. A platen roller 65 that sandwiches the tape with the thermal head 12 faces the thermal head 12. The tape feed roller 24 of the tape cassette 220 is opposed to a tape feed sub-roller 66 that sandwiches the tape with the tape feed roller 24. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are held by a roller holder 67 that can swing with respect to the main body frame 11. The main body frame 11 is provided with a tape feed motor 44.
[0104]
  The drive part of the platen roller 65 is shown in FIG. The platen roller 65 and its driving unit shown in FIG. 37 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except for a gear 255 that engages with a platen gear 65a that drives the platen roller 65. That is, the platen roller 65 includes a roller main body 651 and a roller shaft 652 that passes through the inside of the roller main body 651. The roller shaft 652 is hollow, and a drive shaft 653 for rotationally driving the platen roller 65 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 652. The platen gear 65a is formed on the drive shaft 653. Unlike the gear 55 of the first embodiment, the gear 255 that engages with the platen gear 65a is not configured in two stages in the axial direction, but is configured as an integral unit. The drive system from the tape feed motor 44 to the gear 53 is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0105]
  FIG. 38 shows a drive unit for the tape feed sub-roller 66. As shown in FIG. 38 (a), the tape feed sub-roller 66 and its drive unit are configured in the same way as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the tape feed sub-roller 66 includes a roller main body 661 and a tape feed sub-roller shaft 662 that passes through the inside of the roller main body 661. The roller shaft 662 is hollow. A drive shaft 663 for rotationally driving the tape feed sub-roller 66 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 662. A drive gear 66 a provided on the drive shaft 663 is a tape drive provided below the tape feed roller cam 43.gearIt is driven by the gear 54 through 43a. The drive system from the tape feed motor 44 to the gear 54 is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0106]
  The drive shaft 663 is rotatably supported by a movable case 666, and the movable case 666 is supported by the roller holder 67 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. The movable case 666 is biased upward in the figure by springs 66b provided on the roller holder 67. Here, as shown in FIG.Receptor typeWhen the tape cassette 220 is attached to the main body, the rib 221a formed on the tape cassette 220 urges the shaft portion of the tape feed sub-roller 66 downward in the figure against the spring 66b. Therefore, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is retracted to a retracted position where it does not contact the print tape 222, and the tape drivegear43a and tape feed sub rollergearThe engagement with 66a is also released, and the driving force is not transmitted to the tape feed sub-roller 66.
[0107]
  When the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 are driven simultaneously, the process up to each roller is reached.gearEtc., the platen roller may start to rotate first. In this case, tape slack occurs in the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65, and if this slack occurs when detecting the front end of the print tape 222, an error occurs in the distance between the tape front end position and the print start origin position.Receptor typeWhen this cassette is used, full-color printing and multi-color printing are often performed. Therefore, if the accuracy of detecting the leading end of the printing tape 222 is poor, the printing position is likely to shift for each color. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 38B, the printing tape 222 is conveyed by the platen roller 65 and the rotation of the tape feeding sub-roller 66 is stopped, so that the printing tape between the tape feeding sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 is stopped. The looseness of 222 can be prevented.
[0108]
  On the other hand, when the laminate type cassette 410 is mounted, the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the tape feed roller 409 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG.gear43a and tape feed sub rollergear66a meshes and rotation is transmitted. Then, the double-sided adhesive tape 402 and the transparent tape 404 are bonded together by the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the tape feed roller 409 in the tape cassette. Since the laminate-type cassette is not used for full-color printing and multi-color printing, the leading edge detection accuracy is not required so much, and the slack of the printing tape 222 between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 is allowed.
[0109]
  In this way, the tape feed sub-roller 66 contributes to the conveyance of the print tape 404 only when using a laminate type cassette in which the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape are bonded together using the tape feed sub-roller 66. In addition, when using a receptor-type cassette that performs full-color printing and multi-color printing (needs to accurately detect the tip position of the printing tape 222), it is not necessary to attach a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. Is transported only by the platen roller 65 and can suppress variations in the print start position due to the slack of the tape between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen 65 as described above, and color misregistration occurs during full-color printing and multi-color printing. Can be prevented.
[0110]
  Next, end detection (end detection) of the printing tape 222 by the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. First,Receptor typeA description will be given of the detection of the leading edge of the tape when the cassette is used. Since the print tape 222 is formed of a material that does not transmit the sensor light of the leading end detection sensor 90, the sensor light as shown in FIG. When the sensor mark 222a is formed of a material that transmits the sensor mark 222a, the sensor mark 222a is read by the leading edge detection sensor 90 and the trailing edge is detected as the trailing edge of the printing tape 222 passes through the leading edge detection sensor 90.
[0111]
  As described above, the transmission photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) for detecting the leading end of the printing tape 222 is provided, and the sensor light is transmitted to the terminal portion of the printing tape 222 that does not transmit the sensor light of the transmission photosensor. By forming the portion to be formed, the transmission type photosensor (front end detection sensor 90) can detect the end of the print tape 222. Therefore, there is no need to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor, and there is an advantage that the material selection range of the printing tape 222 is widened accordingly.
[0112]
  Next, tip detection in the case of a laminate type cassette will be described. The double-sided adhesive tape 402 (opaque tape) and the transparent tape 404 are bonded by the tape feed roller 409 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 and pass through the tip detection sensor 90. Usually, the double-sided adhesive tape 403 is printed with various colors and does not transmit light from the light emitting / receiving element 92. The double-sided adhesive tape 402 is set shorter than the transparent tape 404. Further, a sensor mark 404a indicating a terminal end as shown in FIG. 39B is applied to the end of the transparent tape 404.
[0113]
  As shown in FIG. 40, the outer peripheral surface of the tape spool 401 is formed with knurls in which irregularities extending in the axial direction are arranged in the circumferential direction so that the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is easily peeled off. Since the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is shorter than the transparent tape 404, the double-sided adhesive tape 402 disappears before the transparent tape 404. Because of the knurling on the surface of the tape spool 401, the end of the double-sided adhesive tape 402 can be easily peeled off from the tape spool 401.
[0114]
  Even if the end of the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is peeled off from the tape spool 401, the tape feed roller 409 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 rotate as they are. Only the transparent tape 404 passes through the tip detection sensor 90. Therefore, if a sensor mark indicating the end portion is formed in the transparent tape 404 at a portion corresponding to the rear side of the end portion of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 402, the end portion can be detected by the tip detection sensor 90.
[0115]
  In this way, the transparent tape (transparent tape 404) and the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) are bonded together to form a printing tape, and the transparent tape is longer than the opaque tape, and the transparent tape is longer than the end of the opaque tape. The transmission photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) is formed at a predetermined position corresponding to the rear by forming a mark including a portion that transmits the sensor light of the transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) and a portion that does not transmit the sensor light. Can detect the end of the printing tape. Further, by forming irregularities on the surface of the tape spool 401 for winding the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape), the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape) is easily peeled off from the tape spool.
[0116]
  Next, the laminate type,Receptor typeThe printing control when each cassette is used will be described with reference to a flowchart. First, the printing control when the laminate type is used will be described. As in the first embodiment, preformat printing is possible in the second embodiment, but the description thereof is omitted here. In addition, as described above, when a laminate type cassette is used, single color printing is performed using a single color ink ribbon 406. (Here, the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape 402 bonded together are simply referred to as the printing tape 400.)
[0117]
  When the monochrome printing control is started, as shown in FIG. 41, first, a subroutine called tape leading edge detection control is executed (S231). In the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control shown in FIG. 42, the tape drive motor is forwardly conveyed by one pulse (S251), and it is determined whether or not the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape (S252). Steps S251 and S252 are repeated until the leading edge of the printing tape 400 is detected. If the leading edge is detected (YES in S252), the printing start origin position is determined. Note that the printing start origin position is a portion (point S shown in FIG. 22) located at the heating element position of the thermal head 12 when the leading end of the printing tape is detected, and actual printing is set from here. The process starts after the tape is fed by the margin B1.
[0118]
  After completion of the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control, single color print data is developed in the print buffer (S235). Then, the printing tape 400 is printed for one dot and the tape is fed (S236), and it is determined whether or not the sensor mark is detected by the tip detection sensor 90 (S237), and if the sensor mark is detected (S237). If YES in S237, it is determined that the tape end has been reached, and the tape drive motor is stopped while displaying on the liquid crystal display 9 (S238), and the printing control is terminated. If no sensor mark is detected (NO in S237), it is determined whether printing of all print data has been completed (NO in S240). If not completed (NO in S240), steps S236 to S240 are repeated. If printing has been completed (YES in S240), the predetermined amount of printing tape 400 is conveyed (S241), a tape cut instruction is displayed (S242), and printing control is terminated. This completes the monochrome printing control.
[0119]
  next,Receptor typeThe printing control in the case of this cassette will be described.Receptor typeWhen this cassette is used, multi-color printing and full-color printing can be performed as in the first embodiment. Here, multi-color printing control will be described. Further, description of preformat printing is omitted. As shown in FIG. 43, when the multi-color printing control is started, the above-described subroutine (FIG. 42) called tape leading edge detection control is executed (S331). After completion of the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control, the Nth color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S335). Next, the Nth color is printed. That is, the printing tape 222 is printed for one dot, and the tape is transported (S336), and it is determined whether or not the tip detection sensor 90 detects the sensor mark (S337). Tip detection sensor 90 is sensor markTheIf it is detected (YES in S337), it is determined that the tape end has been reached, and a display is made on the liquid crystal display 9 (S338).
[0120]
  On the other hand, when the sensor mark is not detected by the ribbon sensor 70 (NO in S337), it is determined whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 detects the sensor mark (S340). Ribbon sensor 70 is sensor markTheIf it is detected (YES in S340), it is determined that the end of the ribbon is displayed, and a display is made on the liquid crystal display 9 (S342). In the second embodiment, since only the ink ribbon 232 passes through the ribbon sensor 70, it is not necessary to identify the tape end or the ribbon end as in the first embodiment. In the case of multi-color printing, since the sensor mark for ink color identification is not detected, it is not necessary to identify the type of sensor mark based on the number of sensor marks.
[0121]
  If the ribbon sensor 70 and the leading edge detection sensor 90 do not detect the sensor mark, it is determined whether printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (S344). If not completed (NO in S344), step S336 is performed. To S344 are repeated. If printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (YES in S344), it is determined whether the current print color is the final print color (S346), and if it is the final print color (YES in S346). The tape is conveyed by a predetermined amount (rear margin amount B2 + distance P between the print head and the cutter) (S348), the tape cut is displayed (S350), and the print control is terminated.
[0122]
  If it is not the final print color (NO in S346), the aforementioned subroutine called print tape rewind control is executed (S352). After the subroutine of print tape rewinding control is completed, the number of prints is counted by one (S354) and displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 to replace the ribbon cassette (S356). If it is determined that the ribbon cassette has been replaced (YES in S358), the process returns to step S331. Thereafter, the same control is repeated until the printing of the final printing color is completed. This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0123]
  Thus, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 of the second embodiment, the cassette isReceptor typeIn any case of the laminate type, the end of the tape can be detected by the tip detection sensor 90. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70, and the material selection range is increased accordingly. Further, in the case of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus that performs only monochrome printing, it is not necessary to attach a ribbon sensor only for detecting the end of the tape, and the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.
[0124]
  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the printing tape conveyance amount for the printing process for each color is set to an integral multiple of the conveyance amount by one rotation of the platen roller, so that the displacement of the printing position due to the eccentricity of the platen roller is reduced. It is a solution. The configurations of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201, the tape cassette 220, and the ribbon cassette 230 are the same as those in the second embodiment.
[0125]
  Multi-color printing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As in the first embodiment, preformat printing and printing on a preformat tape are possible in the third embodiment, but description thereof is omitted here. As shown in FIG. 44, when multi-color printing control is started, in order to detect the leading edge of the tape, the printing tape 222 is transported by one pulse in the forward direction (S902), and the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge of the printing tape 222. Is detected (S903). Subsequently, a display prompting the cutting of the printing tape 222 is made (S904). Then, it is determined whether or not the tape has been cut (S903). If the tape has been cut (YES in S903), the print tape 222 corresponding to the distance between the cutter blade 84 and the predetermined origin position K is determined. Forward conveyance is performed (S906).
[0126]
  The N-th color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S907). Subsequently, an idle feed amount is calculated and set for the input text according to the length of the print length F1 (S908). The idle feed amount is set so that the platen roller 65 is just rotated by an integer by printing (including margins) and idle feed. For example, when the print length F1 is smaller than the transport amount G of the platen roller 65, that is, when G> F1, the idle feed amount after printing is (G−F1). The idle feed amount when G <F1 <2G is (2G-F1). Further, the idle feed amount when 2G <F1 <3G is (3G-F1). Similarly, the idle feed amount is set according to the print length.
[0127]
  Then, tape conveyance, printing, and idle feeding for the front margin (B1 in FIG. 22) are performed (S909). Next, a display prompting replacement of the ribbon cassette is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 (S910). When it is detected that the ribbon cassette has been replaced (YES in S911), the roller holder 67 is moved to the release position (S912). . Then, the printing tape 222 is rewound (S913), and it is determined whether the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 222 (S914). When the leading edge of the printing tape 222 is detected (YES in S914), the printing tape 222 is rewound continuously for V pulses and stopped (S915). This V pulse is for detecting the leading end of the tape in a stable state, and is positioned at the origin position K by rewinding only the V pulse.
[0128]
  Subsequently, the roller holder is pressed (S916), and it is determined whether or not the current print color is the final print color (S917). If it is not the final print color (NO in S917), one print color is counted ( S918), the process returns to step S907. Printing for the second and subsequent colors is performed in the same manner as described above (steps S907 to S918). When printing of the final print color is completed (YES in S917), a predetermined amount (rear margin amount B2 + the distance between the print head and the cutter) The printing tape 222 is conveyed by P) (S919), and a tape cut is displayed (S920). When the tape is cut (YES in S921), the roller holder is released (S922), and the tape cassette and ribbon cassette are ready to be taken out, and the process ends. This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0129]
  In this manner, the platen roller 65 is opposed to the same position each time with respect to the print tape 222 for each print color. That is, when viewed at one place on the printing tape 222, the same position of the platen roller 65 is opposed to that place on the printing tape 222 when printing any printing color. That is, the print tape 222 is transported at the same transport speed when printing the portion on the print tape 222 in any color. Therefore, the shift of the printing position due to the different conveyance speed for each color is prevented.
[0130]
  As described above, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment, the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by the platen roller 65 in one printing process is equal to the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65. By setting the integral multiple of the amount, the platen roller 65 comes into contact with the print tape 222 at almost the same position every time for each print color. Therefore, even if the platen roller 65 is decentered, the print position can be changed. Misalignment is prevented.
[0131]
  As another example of the print control shown in FIG. 44, the following processing can be considered. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the operation performed before printing the first color is different from the operation performed before printing the second and subsequent colors. That is, before the first color printing is performed, the printing tape is conveyed in the forward direction (step 906), and before the second color printing is performed, the printing tape is rewound (step 915). Therefore, there is a possibility that the contact positions of the platen roller 65 for the first color and the second and subsequent colors are substantially different. The print control shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 is an example in which the print tape is rewound in the same manner as the second and subsequent colors before the first color is printed in order to improve the above points. It is.
[0132]
  First, the roller holder 67 is pressed into contact (S1000), and in this state, it is determined whether or not the printing tape 222 is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 90 (S1001). If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is not detected (NO in S1001), the printing tape 222 is conveyed in the forward direction (S1004), the leading end of the printing tape is detected again (S1005), and steps S1004 and S1005 are detected until it is detected. Repeat the process. If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected in step S1005 (YES in S1005), the process proceeds to S1006. On the other hand, if the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected in step S1001 (YES in S1001), a display prompting tape cutting is performed (S1002), and then it is determined whether cutting of the printing tape is detected (step S1001). S1003). The processes in steps S1002 and S1003 are repeated until the printing tape 222 is cut, and if cutting is detected (YES in S1003), the process proceeds to step S1006.
[0133]
  In step S1006, the print tape 222 is fed in the positive direction by W pulses and then stopped, and the roller holder 67 is released (S1007). The W pulse is the number of pulses necessary for the through-up and down-down of the step motor when stopping or starting the printing tape. After the conveyance of the print tape 222 is stopped, the print tape 222 is rewound (S1008), and it is determined whether or not the front end of the print tape 222 has been detected by the front end detection sensor 90 (S1009). , S1009 is repeated. If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected (YES in S1009), the printing tape 222 is rewound by V pulses (S1010), and the roller holder 67 is pressed into contact (S1011).
[0134]
  Subsequent steps are performed in the same manner as step S907 and subsequent steps in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 46, the N-th color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S1012), and the idle feed amount is calculated and set (S1013). Then, tape conveyance, printing, and idle feeding for the front margin (B1 in FIG. 22) are performed (S1014). Next, a display prompting replacement of the ribbon cassette is performed (S1015). When replacement of the ribbon cassette is detected (YES in S1016), the roller holder 67 is released (S1017). Then, the printing tape 222 is rewound (S1018), and it is determined whether the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 222 (S1019). When the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected (YES in S1019), the printing tape 222 is rewound by the aforementioned V pulses and stopped (S1020). Subsequently, the roller holder 67 is pressed (S1021), and it is determined whether or not the current print color is the final print color (S1022). If it is not the final print color (NO in S1022), one print color is counted. (S1023), it returns to step S1012. Steps S1012 to S1023 are repeated to print the second and subsequent colors. When printing of the final print color is completed (YES in S1022), a predetermined amount (rear margin amount B2 + distance P between print head and cutter) print tape 222 (S1024), and a tape cut is displayed (S1025). When the tape is cut (YES in S1026), the roller holder 67 is released (S1027), and the printing control is terminated.
[0135]
  As described above, according to the print control shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the operation performed before printing the first color (step 1011) is performed before printing the second and subsequent colors (step S1020). ), The contact position between the printing tape and the platen roller at the time of printing always coincides. Therefore, it is more effective for preventing the positional deviation of printing.
[0136]
  As described above, in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU, ROM) for setting the print color of the text, and the set print color itself First print color storage means (text memory 121) for storing data as data, and the print color set by the print color storage means is separated into a plurality of predetermined colors and stored as combination data of the plurality of colors Second print color storage means (text memory 121) is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to print by exchanging the ribbon corresponding to the set color, and it is also possible to print a plurality of colors in an overlapping manner based on the color separation data.
[0137]
  Since the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU, ROM) associates an arbitrary range of text with the print color, a desired print color can be set for the arbitrary range of text. It becomes possible. Further, since the plurality of colors are the three primary colors of yellow, cyan, and magenta, a color image can be easily synthesized. Further, since the combination data storage unit (CPU, ROM) for storing the print color set by the print color setting means and the combination data of the three primary colors is provided, the print color setting means When separating the print colors set by 3 into the three primary colors, simply setting the print colors and automatically performing color separation with reference to a predetermined correspondence table does not require a complicated algorithm. Data separated into the three primary colors can be generated quickly.
[0138]
  Further, since the ink ribbons 32 of a plurality of colors corresponding to the print colors set by the print color setting means are exchanged and used, the ink ribbons 32 can be used efficiently. The ink ribbons 32 of a plurality of colors are stored in the ribbon cassette 30 and the printing means has a cassette mounting portion (ribbon cassette housing portion 21f) on which the cassette 30 is detachably mounted. The replacement can be performed only by replacing the ribbon cassette 30 and the operability of the label producing apparatus is improved. Since the plurality of color ribbons are arranged in a predetermined order in different regions of the same ink ribbon 32, it is not necessary to replace the ink ribbon 32 for color printing.
[0139]
  In addition, the transport means (platen roller 65, tape take-up cam 41, tape feed motor 44) for transporting the tape and the print means (thermal head 12) to the print tape 22 while transporting the print tape 22 in the first direction. And a control means (CPU) for performing printing. The control means further causes the printing tape 22 to be conveyed by the conveying means in a second direction opposite to the first direction without printing, and again the printing tape 22. Is printed on the printing tape 22 by the printing means while being conveyed in the first direction, and printing is performed a plurality of times in the same region of the printing tape 22. Therefore, printing can be performed a plurality of times in the same area of the printing tape. Further, the printing unit includes a display control unit that displays information on the color of the ink ribbon 32 to be replaced on the display unit when the ink ribbon 32 is replaced. Therefore, the user can replace the ink ribbon according to the display.
[0140]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention prints a positioning mark on the printing tape 22 in preliminary printing (preformat printing), and performs positioning in main printing (printing on the preformat tape). After detecting the mark, it is controlled to perform printing based on the detected positioning mark. Therefore, it is possible to easily print at an accurate position with respect to a preprinted format.
[0141]
  The positioning mark is printed on the printing tape 22 in a color that does not reflect the sensor light of the reflection type photosensor (the reflection type sensor by the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90) (the printing tape itself reflects), Since it is detected by the reflective photosensor, confusion with the sensor mark or the like (detected by the transmissive photosensor) of the ink ribbon 32 is prevented. In preliminary printing (preformat printing), a predetermined pattern is repeatedly printed on the printing tape 22, and in main printing (printing on the preformat tape), printing is performed in accordance with the predetermined pattern. The name and the like can be printed at an accurate position with respect to the format of the printed standard label or the like. Further, since the positioning mark is printed between the predetermined patterns, it is possible to always perform printing at an appropriate position for each pattern.
[0142]
  In the separated printing tape / ink ribbon cassette according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the tape cassette 20 is provided with guide portions (guide shafts 21a and 21b, positioning shafts 21d and 21e), and the ribbon cassette 30 is provided with a guided portion (guide). Rails 31a and 31b and positioning rails 31d and 31e), and the ribbon cassette is guided and positioned by different sets of guided portions and guided portions when the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted and when the mounting is completed. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the length of each guide portion in the mounting direction, and there is an advantage that the ribbon cassette 30 can be easily mounted. In addition, particularly in the case of a wide tape, the length of the guide portion in the mounting direction can be reduced, so that an effect of facilitating molding can be obtained.
[0143]
  The guide portions (guide shafts 21a, 21b, positioning shafts 21d, 21e) are shaft members extending in the mounting direction of the ribbon cassette 30, and the guided portions (guide rails 31a, 31b, positioning rails 31d, 31e). Since this is a groove portion into which the shaft member is inserted, each member can be formed in a small space. Further, the shaft members (guide shafts 21a, 21b, positioning shafts 21d, 21e) are arranged at different heights with respect to the direction in which the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted. The ribbon cassette 30 is guided by the shaft member disposed at the position, and the ribbon cassette 30 is guided by the shaft member disposed at the low position when the mounting is completed. Therefore, each shaft member can be shortened, it is easy to mount, and the height at which the shaft member is disposed can be determined according to the width of the ribbon cassette to be mounted. Yes.
[0144]
  The groove portions (guide rails 31a and 31b and positioning rails 31d and 31e) are formed so as to have a narrow width in the ribbon cassette mounting direction, so that the ribbon cassette 30 can be mounted while maintaining the positioning accuracy of the ribbon cassette 30. Resistance due to sliding between the groove portion and the shaft portion can be reduced, and mounting becomes easy. In addition, since the guide shafts 21a and 21b are supported by thinner support members, the guide shafts 21a and 21b open the guide rails 31a and 31b when the mounting is completed, so that the resistance during mounting is further reduced. This makes it easier to install.
[0145]
  Note that the printing tape / ink ribbon separation type cassette according to the first embodiment of the present invention guides the guide rails 21a and 21b to the guide rails 31a and 31b when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, and the positioning shaft 21d when the mounting is completed. , 21e can also be configured to position the positioning rails 31d, 31e. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the length of each guide shaft and positioning shaft in the mounting direction, and the effect of facilitating mounting of the ink ribbon cassette 30 can be obtained. Further, particularly in the case of a wide tape, the length of the guide portion and the positioning portion in the mounting direction can be reduced, so that an effect of facilitating molding can be obtained.
[0146]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) for detecting the leading end of the printing tape 222, and does not transmit the sensor light of the transmission type photosensor. A portion (222a, 404a) that transmits the sensor light is formed at the end of the tape 222. Therefore, the transmissive photosensor can detect the end of the print tape 222. That is, it is not necessary to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70, and the effect that the width of material selection of the printing tape 222 is increased accordingly.
[0147]
  The above-mentioned printing tape is configured by laminating a transparent tape 404 and an opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402). The transparent tape 404 is formed longer than the opaque tape, and the transparent tape 404 is longer than the end of the opaque tape. Since a mark (404a) is formed at a predetermined position corresponding to the rear, the mark (404a) includes a portion that transmits the sensor light of the transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) and a portion that does not transmit the sensor light. The end of the tape 222 can be detected. Further, since the surface of the tape spool 401 for winding the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) is uneven, the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) is peeled off from the tape spool 401. Therefore, the mark on the transparent tape 404 can surely pass through the transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90).
[0148]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by the platen roller 65 in one printing process is an integral multiple of the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65. It is comprised so that. Accordingly, since the platen roller 65 comes into contact with the printing tape 222 at almost the same position every time printing is performed, even if the platen roller 65 is decentered, the occurrence of printing position deviation is prevented. An effect is obtained.
[0149]
  The platen roller 65 is controlled to rotate on the basis of the position of the platen roller 65 when the front end of the printing tape passes a predetermined position. Therefore, the reference position can be accurately set based on the tip detection sensor 90 or the like that detects the tip of the printing tape 222. Further, since the platen roller 65 is controlled to perform the idle feed corresponding to the difference between the print length and the conveyance amount of the print tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65, the print tape 222 by the platen roller 65 is controlled. The above transport amount can be obtained with certainty. Further, the reference position of the rotation of the platen roller 65 is set to a position where the printing tape 222 has moved a predetermined amount from the position where the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 65, so that the printing tape 222 is moved at a stable speed. Passes through the detection sensor 90. Next, when the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge of the printing tape, since the printing tape reaches the stable speed and passes through the leading edge detection sensor 90, the detection accuracy becomes constant.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the tape-like label printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the print head and the platen roller that faces the print head and conveys the print tape that is the print medium. In a tape-shaped label producing apparatus that can perform printing in advance and then rewind and print again, the amount of conveyance of the printing tape by the platen roller in one printing process is made one rotation of the platen roller. Is an integer multiple of the amount of print tape transported byAt the same time, the platen roller feeds the printing tape by an amount corresponding to the difference between the printing length and an integral multiple of the printing tape conveyance amount by one rotation of the platen roller.It is characterized by this. Accordingly, since the platen roller comes into contact with the printing tape every time printing is performed, even if the platen roller is eccentric, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the printing position deviation.In addition, it is easy to set the transport amount of the printing tape in one printing process. Further, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 2 is the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the final printing process of the plurality of printing processes is performed with a trailing margin amount. In addition, the printing process can be completed by transporting extra printing tape by the distance between the print head and the cutter.
[0151]
  Claims3The tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the invention described in claim 1Or any one of claims 2In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 1, the platen roller is based on the position of the platen roller when the front end of the printing tape passes a predetermined position.positionRotating asCan. Therefore, for example, if a front end detection sensor or the like for detecting the front end of the printing tape is provided, the reference position can be easily set based on the detection result.
[0152]
  Claims4The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 3 is the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reference position is determined from the position where the leading edge detection sensor for detecting the leading edge of the printing tape detects the printing tape. Is the position that has been moved a predetermined amountMay be.
[0153]
Therefore, in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the leading edge detection sensor next detects the leading edge of the printing tape, the printing tape passes through the leading edge detection sensor at a stable speed. Has the effect of becoming constant.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a tape label producing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus with a tape cassette mounted thereon.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure for a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the guide axis and positioning axis of the tape cassette and the guide rail and positioning rail of the ribbon cassette.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a tape / ribbon separation type cassette.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a drive system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a drive system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a gear train around a ribbon take-up cam.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing the platen roller and its driving unit.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing a tape feed sub-roller.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a gear.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a tape feed roller.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a tape feed roller.
FIG. 16 shows a ribbon cassette discrimination table.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an end portion of an ink ribbon.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a terminal portion of a printing tape.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a sensor mark of a danderer ribbon.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a print color correspondence table.
FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing an example of printing on a tape-shaped label.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating multi-color data.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing full color data.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing print start control.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a tape leading edge detection control subroutine.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a tape and ribbon end detection control subroutine.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a print tape rewind control subroutine.
FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing an example of a preformat tape.
FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a preformat setting control subroutine.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing full-color print control.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a ribbon color detection control subroutine.
FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus in which a laminate type tape cassette is mounted.
FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus in which only the tape cassette is mounted.
FIG. 37 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the platen roller and its drive unit.
FIG. 38 is a side view showing a second embodiment of a tape feeding sub-roller and its driving unit when a receptor type and a laminate type tape cassette are mounted.
FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a terminal portion of a printing tape and an ink ribbon.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a tape spool of a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing monochrome printing control according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a tape leading edge detection control subroutine.
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the print control in FIG.
46 is a flowchart showing another example of the print control in FIG. 44. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Tape label making device
4 Keyboard part
5 cassette housing
9 Display
11 Body base
12 Thermal head
20 Tape cassette
21a, 21b Guide shaft
21c, 21d Positioning axis
21f Ribbon cassette housing
22 Printing tape
24 Tape feed roller
30 Ribbon cassette
31a, 31b Guide rail
31c, 31d Positioning rail
32 Ink ribbon
42 Ribbon take-up cam
43 Tape feed cam
44 Tape feed motor
65 Platen roller
66 Tape feed sub-roller
67 Roller holder
70 Ribbon sensor
84 Cutter
90 Tip detection sensor
92 Light Emitting / Receiving Element
103 Ribbon detection switch group
221a rib
222 Printing tape
222a Sensor mark
401 Tape spool
402 Double-sided adhesive tape
404 transparent tape
404a Sensor mark
410 (laminate type) cassette

Claims (4)

The printing head, and a platen roller for transporting the print tape is printed medium along opposite the indicia shaped heads, after performing pre-printed on the printing tape, the plurality of printing again rewound the print tape In the tape-shaped label making device that can print once ,
The conveyance amount of the printing tape by the platen roller in one printing process is an integral multiple of the conveyance amount of the printing tape by one rotation of the platen roller ,
A tape-shaped label producing method wherein the platen roller feeds the printing tape by an amount corresponding to a difference between a printing length and an integral multiple of a printing tape conveyance amount by one rotation of the platen roller. apparatus.   2. The printing process according to claim 1, wherein only the printing process in the final step among the plurality of printing processes includes extra transport of the printing tape by a distance between the print head and the cutter in addition to a trailing margin amount. The tape-shaped label production apparatus of description. 3. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platen roller rotates with a position of the platen roller when a front end of the printing tape passes a predetermined position as a reference position . 4. 4. The tape-shaped label production according to claim 3 , wherein the reference position is a position where the printing tape has moved a predetermined amount from a position where the leading edge detection sensor for detecting the leading edge of the printing tape detects the printing tape. apparatus.

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