JP4609165B2 - Label production apparatus and label production method of label production apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a label producing apparatus capable of performing a printing process and a physical processing process on the same processing sheet, and a label producing method of the label producing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a tape cartridge that accommodates a processing tape of a predetermined length in a state where the processing tape is rewound freely is mounted, and based on the input character information, the processing tape is fed out from the tape cartridge while performing a printing process on the tape, There is known a label creating apparatus that creates a label on which a character string is printed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a label producing apparatus, the print area length (character string length) calculated based on the input information so that the character string to be printed does not protrude from the rear end of the processing tape (cannot be completely printed). However, when the maximum label length set based on the total length of the processing tape accommodated in the tape cartridge is exceeded, an error is notified.

In addition, a print processing unit that prints ink characters on the processing tape and an engraving processing unit that performs braille embossing can be used to create both ink and braille labels so that sighted people can understand the meaning of braille. A label producing apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-6-122239 JP 11-301033 A

  In the label creating apparatus having such a print processing unit and a stamping processing unit, a printing process for creating a label displaying only the ink character string, and a stamping process for creating a label displaying only the Braille character string, It is conceivable to select a printing stamping process for creating a label displaying both the ink character string and the Braille character string.

  By the way, if the print feed mechanism and the stamp feed mechanism of the processing tape are shared, when the stamping means performs the stamping operation, the process tape is separated from the thermal head due to the stamping vibration, and the print quality of ink printing is reduced. There is a problem that gets worse. Therefore, these feeding mechanisms must be provided independently. However, if it does so, an error (feed error) between the tape feed amount by the printing feed mechanism and the tape feed amount by the embossing feed mechanism occurs. Therefore, when performing the printing stamping process, as described above, even if an error notification is issued when the processing area length exceeds the maximum label length, the tape feeding amount of the printing feeding mechanism and the stamping feeding mechanism If the tape feed amount is extremely different (the tape feed error amount becomes extreme), the printed part (ink character string) and the stamped part (braille string) are closer to the rear end of the label. Therefore, there is a problem in that the position of the tapes is shifted from each other in the tape feeding direction, which causes a strange feeling to those who see the tapes.

  Further, the print processing unit prints and cuts the processed tape fed out from the tape cartridge to create a tape piece, and the stamping processing unit performs the stamping process on the obtained tape piece. In the label producing apparatus configured to perform, a problem caused by a tape feed error between the print feed mechanism and the stamp feed mechanism occurs when the stamp process is performed in addition to the print stamp process. That is, in such a label producing apparatus, when performing the engraving process, the print processing unit feeds the tape to obtain a tape piece, and the engraving process unit performs braille embossing on the tape piece. Therefore, as described above, even if an error notification is made when the processing area length exceeds the maximum label length, if the feed error amount becomes extreme, the braille string to be imprinted is There was a problem of overhanging.

  The present invention relates to a label creating apparatus and a label creating apparatus that can alert a user when the tape feed error amount between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the processing unit may become extreme. It aims at providing the label making method.

The label producing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that includes a feeding mechanism and performs printing on a processing tape while feeding the processing tape, and a cutting unit that cuts the processing tape to obtain a tape piece from the processing tape. And a processing unit that has a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the printing means and performs physical processing on the obtained tape piece while feeding it, and performs printing based on input information , A label creation device that creates a label by selectively performing a processing process that performs physical processing and a printing process process that performs printing and physical processing, and determines the tape length of a tape piece based on input information. a tape length calculating means for calculating, printing process, and the processing selecting means for selecting the processing and printing processing, the second tape Ru maximum tape length der in machining process and the print processing And a maximum tape length setting means for setting, when the machining process and the print processing has been selected, discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the tape length is longer than the second tape length, the discrimination means, Te Error notification means for notifying an error when it is determined that the loop length is longer than the second tape length, and the second tape length is determined by the tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the processing unit. It is set based on the maximum feed error with the tape feed amount in the feed mechanism .
In this case, the maximum tape length setting means further sets a first tape length that is the maximum tape length of the tape piece in the printing process, and the discrimination means sets the tape length to the first tape when the printing process is selected. It is preferable to determine whether or not the length is longer than the length, and the error notification means notifies the error when the determination means determines that the tape length is longer than the first tape length.

The label producing method of the label producing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that has a feeding mechanism and performs printing on a processing tape while feeding the processing tape, and a cutting unit that cuts the processing tape to obtain a tape piece from the processing tape, And a processing unit that has a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the printing means and performs physical processing on the obtained tape piece while feeding it, and printing based on the input information A label creation method for a label creating apparatus that selectively performs printing processing for performing printing, processing processing for performing physical processing, and printing processing processing for performing printing and physical processing, based on input information Te, contact the tape length calculating step of calculating a tape length of the tape pieces, the printing process, the process selecting step of selecting the processing and printing processing, the machining process and the print processing The second tape length up Ru tape length der to that, the maximum tape length setting step of setting, when the machining process and the print processing has been selected, whether the tape length is longer than the second tape length a determination step of discriminating that, in the determination step, when the tape length is determined to be longer than the second tape length, and a error notification step of the error notification, the maximum tape length setting step, the second tape The length is set based on the maximum feed error between the tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit .
In this case, in the maximum tape length setting step, the first tape length that is the maximum tape length of the tape piece in the printing process is further set, and in the discrimination step, the tape length is set to the first tape when the printing process is selected. It is preferable to determine whether or not the length is longer than the length, and in the error notification step, the error notification is preferably performed when it is determined in the determination step that the tape length is longer than the first tape length.

According to these configurations, when the printing process is selected, and when it is determined that the tape length is longer than the second tape length shorter than the first tape length, the feeding mechanism and the processing of the print processing unit Since the feeding mechanism of the processing unit feeds the processing tape by the second tape length or more, the tape feeding error amount between the feeding mechanism of the printing processing unit and the feeding mechanism of the processing unit may become extreme. For this reason, in such a case, it is possible to alert the user by notifying an error, and it is possible to prevent the creation of a label in which the printed part and the processed part are misaligned. be able to.
Further, even when the processing is selected, when it is determined that the tape length is longer than the second tape length shorter than the first tape length, the print processing unit feed mechanism and the processing unit feed mechanism There is a risk that the amount of tape feed error will become extreme. For this reason, even in such a case, it is possible to alert the user by notifying an error, and to prevent the creation of a label in which the part to be processed protrudes from the rear end of the label. Can do.
Furthermore, when processing processing and printing processing are selected, an error notification is reliably issued when there is a risk that the amount of tape feed error between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the processing unit may become extreme. can do.

In the label producing apparatus, the first tape length is preferably set based on the total length of the processing tape.

  According to this configuration, when any of the printing process, the processing process, and the printing process is selected, the length of the tape piece to be created is equal to or less than the first tape length set based on the total length of the processing tape. It becomes. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the printed part and the processed part from protruding from the rear end of the tape piece.

Another label producing apparatus of the present invention has a print processing unit that has a feeding mechanism and performs printing on the processing tape while feeding it, a feeding mechanism that is independent of the feeding mechanism of the printing processing unit, and that feeds the processing tape while feeding the processing tape. And a processing unit that performs physical processing, and based on input information, a label creation device that creates a label by performing a printing processing process that performs printing and physical processing on a processing tape, Based on the input information, an area length calculating means for calculating an area length in the tape feeding direction of the processing area of the printing process, and a maximum area length that is shorter than the entire length of the processing tape and is the maximum area length in the printing process The maximum area length setting means, the determination means for determining whether or not the area length is longer than the maximum area length in the printing process, and the determination means to determine whether the area length is the maximum area length. When the long and is determined Ri, maximum and a error informing means for error notification, the maximum area length, the tape feed amount in the feeding mechanism of the printing unit, a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing section It is set based on the feed error .

Processing tape with a label creating other label producing apparatus of the present invention includes a print processing unit for printing on this while feeding the processing tape which has a feed mechanism, the feed mechanism and a separate feeding mechanism of the printing unit And a processing unit that performs physical processing on the processing tape while feeding the label, and creates a label by performing printing processing processing that performs printing and physical processing on the processing tape based on the input information An area length calculating step of calculating an area length in the tape feeding direction of a processing area of a printing process based on input information, and a maximum length in a printing process that is shorter than the total length of the processing tape A maximum area length setting step for setting a maximum area length that is the area length of the image, a determination step for determining whether the area length is longer than the maximum area length in the printing process, In step, if the region length is determined to longer than the maximum area length, and a error notification step of the error notification, the maximum area size setting process, the maximum area length, the tape feeding in the feed mechanism of the printing unit It is set based on the maximum feed error between the amount and the tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit .

According to these configurations, when it is determined that the area length is longer than the maximum area length shorter than the entire length of the processing tape, the feeding mechanism of the print processing unit and the feeding mechanism of the processing unit remove the processing tape from the maximum area. Since the feed is performed for a longer time, the tape feed error amount between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the processing unit may become extreme. For this reason, in such a case, it is possible to alert the user by notifying an error, and it is possible to prevent a label from being misaligned between the printed portion and the stamped portion. can do.
Moreover, when there is a possibility that the amount of tape feed error between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the processing unit may become extreme, it is possible to reliably notify the error.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the processing unit has an engraving means for imprinting Braille on the treatment tape.

  According to this configuration, when there is a possibility that the tape feed error amount between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the engraving means may become extreme, the user can be alerted, and the print processed part ( It is possible to prevent a label from being misaligned between the ink character string) and the stamped portion (braille character string).

  Moreover, in these cases, it is preferable that the processing tape includes a tape body and a release tape, and the processing unit has a cutting means for half-cutting the tape body of the processing tape into an arbitrary cut shape.

  According to this configuration, when there is a possibility that the tape feed error amount between the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the feed mechanism of the cutting means may become extreme, the user can be alerted, and the print processed part and the cutout It is possible to prevent a label from being misaligned with the processed part (cutout line).

  Hereinafter, a label producing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment is a composite that performs ink-character printing on a processing tape fed out from a mounted tape cartridge and also performs braille printing on a tape piece obtained by cutting the processing tape. Device.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus 1 in a closed state, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus 1 in an opened state. As shown in both figures, the label producing apparatus 1 accommodates the apparatus main body 2 that performs ink-printing and braille marking on the processing tape T, the processing tape T, and the ink ribbon R, and is detachable from the apparatus main body 2. And a tape cartridge C to be mounted.

  In the apparatus main body 2, an outer shell is formed by an apparatus case 11 that is divided into upper and lower parts, and a keyboard 12 that constitutes the operation unit 101 is disposed on the upper surface of the front half of the apparatus case 11. A print processing unit 102 is configured on the left side of the second half of the device case 11, and a stamping processing unit 104 is configured on the right side of the second half of the device case 11. Although not shown, a circuit board constituting a drive unit 106, a control unit 107, and the like (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is mounted inside the device case 11. A power supply port 13 for supplying power and a connection port 14 (interface) for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) are formed on the right side of the device case 11.

  In the print processing unit 102, a cartridge mounting portion 15 that is a mounting portion of the tape cartridge C is recessed. The cartridge mounting portion 15 is provided with an opening / closing lid 16 for opening and closing the cartridge mounting portion 15, and a rectangular display 17 for displaying input results from the keyboard 12 and various errors is formed on the front side of the opening / closing lid 16. A viewing window 18 for visually confirming the mounting / non-mounting of the tape cartridge C in the closed state is formed.

  On the left side of the apparatus case 11 is formed a printing tape discharge port 19 that communicates the cartridge mounting portion 15 with the outside. The processing tape T fed from the tape cartridge C is cut into the printing tape discharge port 19. The cutter unit 30 is facing. Then, the rear end portion of the processing tape T is cut by a full cutter 32 (described later) of the cutter unit 30, so that the tape piece Ta (see FIG. 5) after ink character printing is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 19. .

  The cartridge mounting portion 15 includes a print head 20 (thermal head) having a heating element and covered with a head cover, a platen drive shaft (not shown) for feeding the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R of the tape cartridge C, and a winding. A take-up drive shaft (not shown), and on the back side of the cartridge mounting portion 15, a print feed motor 21 (see FIG. 3) for driving the platen drive shaft and the take-up drive shaft and a power transmission mechanism (gear) Column).

  The tape cartridge C includes a tape core 23 around which a processing tape T having a predetermined length (for example, 16 m) is wound, a ribbon feeding reel 24 around which an ink ribbon R is wound, and a ribbon take-up reel. 25 and the platen roller 26 are accommodated. When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15, the print head 20 is inserted into the through-opening 27 of the tape cartridge C from the apparatus side, and the platen drive shaft and the winding reel 25 are mounted on the platen roller 26 and the ribbon take-up reel 25. When the take-up drive shafts are engaged with each other, the print head 20 sandwiches the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R and comes into contact with the platen roller 26, so that ink characters can be printed.

  Then, while feeding the processing tape T by driving the platen roller 26, printing is performed based on the character data (ink character data) created by the control unit 107 corresponding to the character information input from the keyboard 12 or the like. Printing of ink characters (printing of character strings such as characters and symbols) is performed by the head 20. After ink printing, only the processing tape T is discharged to the outside from the tape delivery port 28 of the tape cartridge C, and the ink ribbon R is wound inside (ribbon take-up reel 25).

  The print processing unit 102 calculates the processing tape T based on ink character data (print processing area length) and braille data (printing processing area length) created from the input character information. The tape length of the tape piece Ta or the tape length of the tape piece Ta calculated based on the label length designated by the user is fed and cut at the rear end. However, due to slippage between the platen roller 26 and the processing tape T, the sag of the platen roller 26, etc., the tape feed amount has a slight error (for example, ± 2%) with respect to the design value.

Two types of processing tape T (12 mm, 24 mm) having different tape widths are prepared. The tape width of 12 mm corresponds to the height of one square braille (minimum width that can be engraved), and for the processing tape T with a width of 12 mm, the print processing area (ink character string) and the stroke are printed. The engraved regions (braille strings) are formed side by side (or stacked at the same position) before and after the processing tape T. On the other hand, for the processing tape T having a width of 24 mm, the printing processing area and the stamping processing area are formed in two upper and lower stages of the processing tape T. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the upper row is a print processing region and the lower row is a stamping processing region.
The processing tape T is a tape with so-called release paper, and includes a tape body T1 (recording tape) and a release tape T2 attached to the tape body T1.

  Although not shown, a plurality of small holes to be detected are formed on the back surface of the cartridge case 22, and the plurality of holes are detected by a tape identification sensor 29 (microswitch, see FIG. 3) provided at the corner of the cartridge mounting portion 15. Are detected, and the mounting and type of the processing tape T are detected.

  The cutter unit 30 is disposed between the cartridge mounting portion 15 and the printing tape discharge port 19 and is driven by a full cutter motor 31 so that both the tape main body T1 and the release tape T2 of the processing tape T are in a scissor form. A full cutter 32 (cutting means) for cutting and a half cutter 34 driven by a half cutter motor 33 to cut only the tape main body T1 of the processing tape T in a scissor form with a stopper are provided (see FIG. 3).

  The half cutter 34 forms a half cut line 36 at a predetermined position (for example, 15 mm) from the front end of the processing tape T. The half cut line 36 allows the tape body T1 to be disposed of the disposal margin portion 37. And it is divided into the label part 38 used as a sticking target (refer FIG. 5).

  The embossing processing unit 104 includes an embossing tape insertion unit 42 that manually inserts the embossing assembly 41 that forms the main body of the embossing processing unit 104 from front to back, with the printing surface of the tape piece Ta facing up, and A stamped tape discharge portion 43 is formed in which the tape piece Ta stamped in braille is discharged backward. The stamping tape insertion portion 42 is provided with a manual feed guide 44 whose width can be adjusted. Reference numeral 45 in the drawing denotes a stamped portion cover that covers the stamped assembly 41.

  The stamping assembly 41 is for stamping stamped convex portions constituting so-called six brailles on the discharged tape piece Ta, and is manually inserted from the stamped tape insertion portion 42. The tape feeding unit 46 that sends the tape piece Ta to the cutting tape discharge unit 43, the stamping unit 47 that performs Braille stamping on the tape piece Ta that is being sent, the tape feeding unit 46, and the stamping unit And a base frame 48 that supports 47.

  The tape feed unit 46 includes a drive roller (rubber roller) driven by a stamp feed motor 51 and a grip roller 52 including a driven roller. Similarly to the above-described feed mechanism of the print processing unit 102, the tape feed amount is slightly smaller than the design value due to slippage between the grip roller 52 and the processing tape T, the sag of the grip roller 52, and the like. There is an error (eg, ± 2%).

  The embossing unit 47 includes three solenoids 53 as drive sources based on character data (braille data) created by the control unit 107 corresponding to the character information input from the keyboard 12 or the like. The stamping pin 54 is selectively flipped up to form a stamping projection on the tape piece Ta (see FIG. 3). The three embossing pins 54 are arranged so as to form an embossing convex portion on the left side (lower stage) of the inserted tape piece Ta.

  The keyboard 12 is used to input various specifications and data to the control unit 107. The keyboard 12 includes character keys including an alphabet key group, a symbol key group, a numeric key group, and a kana key group such as hiragana and katakana. In addition to the groups, function key groups for designating various operations are arranged.

  Function keys include data selection and line feed when entering text, a selection key for instructing selection of various modes on the selection screen, a print key for starting a printing operation, and a stamping key for starting a stamping operation A continuous key or the like for calling up a continuous processing menu to be described later is provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label producing apparatus 1 includes a keyboard 12 and a display 17, and includes an operation unit 101 that controls a user interface such as input of character information and display of various information by a user, a print head 20, and a print feed motor 21. While feeding the tape T and the ink ribbon R, ink character data based on the character information input on the processing tape T is printed, and the full cutter 32 and the half cutter 34, and the full cutter motor 31 and the half cutter motor 33 that drive these, respectively. A print processing unit 102 that performs full cut and half cut on the processing tape T, a stamping feed motor 51, a solenoid 53, and a stamping pin 54, and characters on the tape piece Ta while transporting the tape piece Ta. An engraving processing unit 104 that imprints Braille data based on the information, and a tape identification set. A detection unit 105 having various sensors such as a sensor 29, and various detections, a display driver 111, a head driver 112, a print feed motor driver 113, a cutter motor driver 114, a stamp driver 115, and a stamp feed motor driver 116 are provided. And a driving unit 106 that drives each unit and a control unit 107 that is connected to each unit and controls the entire label producing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 107 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, and an input / output control device 124 (IOC: Input Output Controller), which are connected to each other via an internal bus 125. Then, the CPU 121 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the label producing apparatus 1 via the IOC 124 according to the control program in the ROM 122. In addition, various data in the RAM 123 is processed based on the various signals and data that are input, and various signals and data are output to each part in the label producing apparatus 1 via the IOC 124, thereby performing ink-character printing processing and braille printing. Control the time stamping. The control unit 107 also calculates the tape length of the tape piece Ta described above, and determines the tape length, which will be described later.

  By the way, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the label producing apparatus 1, in accordance with a mode selection instruction from the keyboard 12 or the like, a printing stamp processing mode for performing ink character printing and Braille stamping on the processing tape T; Either a print processing mode for performing only ink character printing or a stamping processing mode for performing only braille printing (to be precise, printing of an insertion direction mark 37a described later) is selected, and printing printing is performed according to the mode selection. The engraving process, the printing process, and the engraving process are selectively performed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when processing is started by pressing the power key (power ON), first, initial settings such as restoring each saved control flag are performed to return to the previous power OFF state. (S11) The tape identification sensor 29 detects the tape type (tape width) (S12). Here, it is assumed that a processing tape T (tape cartridge C) having a width of 24 mm is mounted and its type is detected.

Subsequently, the user selects a processing mode (printing processing mode, printing processing mode, and stamping processing mode) (S13) and inputs character information in accordance with the selection, and label creation processing corresponding to each selection mode is performed. Is done.

  In other words, when the printing stamping processing mode is selected (S13: (a)), character information (for example, “That”) for ink-character printing and data input by the user from the keyboard 12 or the like Character information (for example, “Ayan”) for braille marking is input (S14). Of course, both character information may be different. Further, as will be described in detail later, the tape length is calculated based on the input information, and whether or not the calculated tape length is equal to or less than the maximum tape length (determination process) is made (S15). Now, the description will be made assuming that it is determined that the length is equal to or shorter than the maximum tape length (the same applies when the printing processing mode and the stamping processing mode are selected).

  When the print key is pressed, processing by the print processing unit 102 is executed. That is, while feeding the processing tape T by the tape length calculated from the tape cartridge C, the ink letter “A” is printed on the rear end side (label portion 38) on the processing tape T, and the front end side (discarding margin portion). 37), an insertion direction mark 37a indicating the insertion direction into the embossing tape insertion portion 42 is printed (S16). Further, the half cutter 34 divides the tape main body T1 into the discard margin portion 37 and the label portion 38, and cuts the processing tape T with the full cutter 32 (S17). The printed tape piece Ta is discharged from the outlet 19.

  Subsequently, according to the insertion direction mark 37a, the tape piece Ta is manually inserted into the stamping tape insertion portion 42, and when the stamping key is pressed, the stamping processing by the stamping processing portion 104 is executed. In other words, the braille “Ayan” is imprinted on the tape piece Ta that has passed through the print processing unit 102 (S18). In this way, a series of print embossing processes is completed (see FIG. 5A). At this time, since the insertion direction mark 37a does not make a mistake in the insertion direction (front and back) of the tape piece Ta, it is possible to prevent the braille character string from being formed in the reverse direction with respect to the ink character string and to treat the 24 mm wide processing tape. It is possible to prevent the braille string from being formed erroneously in the upper stage of T.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the layout is such that the print processing area is positioned on the upper stage of the processing tape T having a width of 24 mm and the stamping process area is positioned on the lower stage (see FIG. 5A). The layout may be a layout in which the printing process area is located in the lower stage and the stamping process area is located in the upper stage, or a layout in which both areas are located before and after the same stage. Furthermore, it is preferable that these layouts be selectable.

  Next, when the print processing mode is selected (S13: (b)), only character information (for example, “Ah”) for ink character printing is input (S24), and a discrimination process (S25) described later. Is made. Then, while feeding the processing tape T by the tape length calculated from the tape cartridge C, the print processing unit 102 prints the ink letter “A” on the label unit 38 on the processing tape T (S26). T is cut (S27), and the process is terminated (see FIG. 5B). In this case, unlike the printing time stamping processing mode, the insertion direction mark 37a is not printed.

  Finally, when the engraving process mode is selected (S13: (c)), only character information (for example, “Ah”) for braille embossing is input (S34), and a discrimination process (S35) described later is performed. ) Is made. Then, the insertion direction mark 37a is printed on the leading end portion (discarding margin portion 37) on the processing tape T fed out from the tape cartridge C, and the tape is fed by the print processing portion 102 by the calculated tape length. (S36). Further, the half cutter 34 forms a half cut line 36 that divides into a discard margin portion 37 and a label portion 38, and the processing tape T is cut by the full cutter 32 (S 37). In 38, the tape piece Ta on which nothing is printed is discharged. Of course, in this case, the print processing unit 102 may not be configured to print the insertion direction mark 37a.

  Thereafter, the embossing processing unit 104 imprints the braille “Ayan” on the tape piece Ta manually inserted into the embossing tape insertion unit 42 (S38), and the process is terminated (see FIG. 5C).

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the tape length discrimination processing of the tape piece Ta in the label producing apparatus 1 will be described. The label producing apparatus 1 notifies an error when it is determined that the tape length calculated as described above is not shorter than the first tape length (that is, longer than the first tape length) described later in the print processing mode. In the stamping processing mode and the printing stamping processing mode, when it is determined that it is not shorter than the second tape length described later (that is, longer than the second tape length) , error notification is performed.

  This will be specifically described below. First, a case where the print processing mode is selected and the label L on which the ink character string is printed will be described. First, as described above, when character information or the like for printing ink characters is input from the keyboard 12 or the like, the tape length of the tape piece Ta is calculated based on this (S51). Here, it is assumed that the tape length is calculated to be 16500 mm.

  Subsequently, since the print processing mode is selected (S52: Yes), the first tape length is set as the maximum tape length of the tape piece Ta (S53). The first tape length is set based on the total length (16 m) of the processing tape and the tape feed error (± 2%) in the print processing unit 102, and is, for example, 15500 mm.

Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated tape length is equal to or shorter than the first tape length (S54). If the tape length is determined as the first is less than the tape length (S54: Yes), that perform the above-described label production processing (S55). On the other hand, if it is determined that the tape length is not less than or equal to the first tape length (S54: No), a warning such as “over length” is displayed on the display 17 (error notification) (S56), and label creation processing is performed. Do not execute. Here, since it is determined that the tape length “16500 mm” is not equal to or shorter than the first tape length “15500 mm”, an error notification is made.

  According to this, the length of the tape piece Ta to be created is equal to or shorter than the first tape length. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the print-processed portion (ink character string) from protruding from the rear end of the tape piece Ta (not completely printed).

  Next, a case will be described in which the marking process mode is selected and the label L on which the braille string is stamped is created. First, as in the case of the print processing mode, when character information or the like for braille marking is input from the keyboard 12 or the like, the tape length of the tape piece Ta is calculated based on this (S51). Here, the tape length is calculated to be 2500 mm.

Subsequently, since the engraving process mode is selected (S52: No), the second tape length is set as the maximum tape length of the tape piece Ta (S63). The second tape length is shorter than the first tape length, and is set based on a feed error (for example, a maximum of 4%) between the tape feed amount in the print processing unit 102 and the tape feed amount in the stamping processing unit 104. Here, it is 1000 mm .

Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated tape length is equal to or shorter than the second tape length (S64). If the tape length is determined to be less than or equal to the second tape length (S64: Yes), that perform the above-described label production processing (S65). On the other hand, if it is determined that the tape length is not less than or equal to the second tape length (S64: No), a warning such as “over length” is displayed on the display 17 (error notification) (S66), and the label creation process is performed. Do not execute. Here, since it is determined that the tape length “2500 mm” is not equal to or shorter than the second tape length “1000 mm”, an error notification is made.

  In this regard, if it is determined that the tape length is not less than or equal to the second tape length, and the label creation process is executed, the feed mechanism of the print processing unit 102 and the feed mechanism of the embossing processing unit 104 (tape feed unit 46). Since the processing tape T is fed by the second tape length or more, the tape feed error amount between the printing processing unit 102 and the stamping processing unit 104 may become extreme. That is, here, the maximum tape feed error amount is 100 mm. Therefore, the braille string to be imprinted may protrude from the rear end of the label L.

  For this reason, in such a case, it is possible to alert the user by notifying an error, and to prevent the creation of the label L in which the braille string to be stamped protrudes from the rear end of the label L. be able to.

  Further, since the second tape length (here, 1000 mm) is set based on a feed error between the tape feed amount of the print processing unit 102 and the tape feed amount of the embossing processing unit 104, the print processing is performed. When there is a risk that the amount of tape feed error between the portion 102 and the stamping processing portion 104 may become extreme, error notification can be made reliably. That is, here, when the tape feed error amount exceeds 40 mm, an error notification can be made.

  Finally, a case will be described in which the printing stamp processing mode is selected to create a label L on which an ink character string is printed and a braille character string is stamped. First, when character information for printing ink characters is input from the keyboard 12 and the like, and character information for braille marking is input, the tape length of the tape piece Ta is calculated based on this (S51). . Here, the tape length is calculated to be 2500 mm.

  Subsequently, since the printing stamp processing mode is selected (S52: No), the second tape length is set as the maximum tape length of the tape piece Ta in the same manner as the stamp processing mode (S63).

Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated tape length is equal to or shorter than the second tape length (S64). If the tape length is determined to be less than or equal to the second tape length (S64: Yes), that perform the above-described label production processing (S65). On the other hand, if it is determined that the tape length is not less than or equal to the second tape length (S64: No), a warning such as “over length” is displayed on the display 17 (error notification) (S66), and the label creation process is performed. Do not execute. Here, since it is determined that the tape length “2500 mm” is not equal to or shorter than the second tape length “1000 mm”, an error notification is made.

  In this regard, if it is determined that the tape length is not equal to or shorter than the second tape length, when the printing / cutting process and the subsequent stamping process are executed, the feeding mechanism and the stamping process unit 104 of the print processing unit 102 are performed. Since the tape feeding unit 46 feeds the processing tape T by the second tape length or more, the tape feeding error amount between the print processing unit 102 and the stamping processing unit 104 may become extreme. That is, here, the maximum tape feed error amount is 100 mm. Therefore, as the rear end side of the label L is shifted, the printed portion and the stamped portion are displaced from each other in the tape feeding direction (the rear end portion is displaced by a maximum of 100 mm). It causes a sense of incongruity.

  For this reason, in such a case, the user can be alerted by notifying an error, and the label L in which the printed portion (ink character string) and the stamped portion (braille string) are misaligned. Can be prevented in advance.

  In this case as well, the second tape length (here, 1000 mm) is based on a feed error (for example, a maximum of 4%) between the tape feed amount of the print processing unit 102 and the tape feed amount of the engraving processing unit 104. Therefore, when the tape feed error amount between the print processing unit 102 and the stamping processing unit 104 may become extreme, an error notification can be surely made.

  As described above, according to the label producing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when there is a possibility that the tape feed error amount between the print processing unit 102 and the stamping processing unit 104 may become extreme, the user is alerted. Thus, it is possible to prevent the label L from being misaligned between the printed portion (ink character string) and the stamped portion (braille string).

  Further, as a label producing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, a composite apparatus that can perform printing processing and stamping processing on a processing tape has been described. However, printing processing and other physical processing processing instead of stamping processing are described. The present invention can also be applied to a composite apparatus that performs the above.

  For example, it applies to a label production device that prints a character string etc. on a processing tape consisting of a tape body and a release tape, and performs a cutting process that half-cuts only the tape body into an arbitrary cut shape to create a label can do.

  Although not shown, this label producing apparatus performs a printing process on a processing tape fed out from a mounted tape cartridge and separates a printed part (full cut) from a print processing unit and a separated tape piece ( A cutting mechanism that half-cuts only the tape main body is provided by cooperation of a feed mechanism that reciprocates the print-processed portion) and a cutting tool that reciprocates in a direction orthogonal thereto.

  In this label producing apparatus, in the same manner as the label producing apparatus 1 described above, in accordance with a mode selection instruction, a print cutting process mode for performing printing and cutting on a processing tape, a printing process mode for performing only printing, and a cutting process for performing only cutting. One of the modes is selected, and print cutout processing, print processing, and cutout processing are selectively performed according to the mode selection.

  Similarly to the above, when it is determined that the tape length calculated based on the input information is not less than or equal to the first tape length set based on the total length of the processing tape in the print processing mode, an error notification is issued. In the cut-out processing mode and the print cut-out processing mode, the second length which is shorter than the first tape length and is set based on the feed error between the tape feed amount of the print processing unit and the tape feed amount of the cutting processing unit. When it is determined that the length is not less than the tape length, an error notification is issued.

  According to this, when there is a possibility that the tape feed error amount between the print processing unit and the cutting processing unit may become extreme, the user can be alerted, and the print processed part (character string) and the cutting process have been completed. It is possible to prevent a label from being misaligned with the portion (cutout line).

  Next, a label producing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The label producing apparatus according to the second embodiment prints ink characters on a strip-like processing tape while feeding it, and performs Braille printing while feeding a common processing tape. Create a new label.

  Although not shown, the label producing apparatus of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the label producing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Instead of the print processing unit 102 and the engraving processing unit 104 described above, a strip-shaped device is used. It has a print feed mechanism that sends processing tape, and a print head (such as a thermal head or inkjet head) that prints on the processing tape that is sent, and prints ink characters while feeding the processing tape based on input information. It has a printing processing unit to perform, a stamping feed mechanism that sends a strip-shaped processing tape, and a stamping unit that stamps the processing tape that is sent, while feeding the processing tape based on the input information The difference is that it includes a stamping processing unit that performs Braille stamping.

  Further, the control unit calculates an area length D in the tape feeding direction (indicated by an arrow 64) of the processing area 63 composed of the printing processing area 61 and the stamping processing area 62 formed on the label L based on the input information. (See FIG. 7).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the determination process of the area length D in the label producing apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. This label producing apparatus issues an error notification when it is determined that the calculated area length D is not less than the maximum area length described later.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which a label L is printed on a strip-shaped processing tape having a total length of 3000 mm, in which an ink character string is printed and a braille character string is imprinted. First, as described above, when character information or the like for printing ink characters is input from the keyboard 12 or the like, and character information or the like for marking Braille is input, the region length D is calculated based on this ( S101). Here, it is assumed that the region length D is calculated to be 2500 mm.

  Subsequently, the maximum area length of the processing area 63 is set (S102). The maximum area length is shorter than the total length of the processing tape, and is set based on a feed error (for example, a maximum of 4%) between the tape feed amount in the print processing unit 102 and the tape feed amount in the stamping processing unit 104. E.g., 1000 mm.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated area length is equal to or less than the maximum area length (S103). If it is determined that the area length is equal to or less than the maximum area length (S103: Yes), label creation processing is executed (S104). Note that either the printing process or the stamping process may be first.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the area length is not equal to or shorter than the maximum area length (S103: No), a warning such as “overlength” is displayed on the display 17 (error notification) (S105), and printing processing and stamping are performed. Do not execute the process. Here, since it is determined that the region length “2500 mm” is not equal to or less than the maximum region length “1000 mm”, an error notification is made.

  In this regard, if it is determined that the area length is not equal to or less than the maximum area length, and the printing process and the stamping process are performed, the print feed mechanism of the print processing unit and the stamping feed mechanism of the stamping process unit are: Since the processing tape is fed by the second tape length or more, the tape feeding error amount between the printing processing unit and the stamping processing unit may become extreme. That is, here, the maximum tape feed error amount is 100 mm.

  For this reason, even in such a case, it is possible to alert the user by notifying an error, and the label where the printed part (ink character string) and the stamped part (braille string) are misaligned. It is possible to prevent L from being created.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the tape production apparatus in a closed state. It is an external appearance perspective view of the tape production apparatus of a cover open state. It is a block diagram of the control system of a tape production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of a label production apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the whole process of a label production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the discrimination processing of a label production apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the process area and area length by the label production apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the discrimination | determination process of the label production apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label production apparatus 30 ... Cutter unit 102 ... Print processing part 104 ... Stamping process part 107 ... Control part L ... Label T ... Processing tape Ta ... Tape piece

Claims (9)

A print processing unit having a feeding mechanism and performing printing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape; and a cutting unit for cutting the processing tape to obtain a tape piece from the processing tape;
A processing unit having a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the printing means and performing physical processing on the tape piece obtained while feeding the tape piece;
Based on input information, a label creation device that creates a label by selectively performing printing processing for performing printing, processing processing for performing physical processing, and printing processing processing for performing printing and physical processing,
A tape length calculating means for calculating a tape length of the tape piece based on the input information;
A process selecting means for selecting the printing process, the processing process, and the printing process;
Pre Symbol processing and second tape length Ru maximum tape length der that put in the print processing, the maximum tape length setting means for setting,
If the previous SL processing and the print processing has been selected, a determination unit that the tape length to determine longer or not than the second tape length,
By the determination unit, if the previous SL tape length is determined to be longer than the second tape length, an error informing means for error notification,
Equipped with a,
The second tape length is set based on a maximum feed error between a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit. Creation device. The maximum tape length setting means further sets a first tape length that is the maximum tape length of the tape piece in the printing process,
The determining means determines whether the tape length is longer than the first tape length when the printing process is selected;
2. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the error notification unit issues an error notification when the determination unit determines that the tape length is longer than the first tape length. The label producing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first tape length is set based on a total length of the processing tape. A print processing unit having a feeding mechanism and printing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape;
A processing unit having a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the print processing unit and performing physical processing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape;
Based on input information, a label creating apparatus that creates a label by performing a printing process that performs printing and physical processing on the processing tape,
Based on the input information, an area length calculating means for calculating an area length in the tape feeding direction of the processing area of the printing process;
Maximum area length setting means for setting a maximum area length that is shorter than the entire length of the processing tape and is the maximum area length in the printing process,
In the printing process, a determination unit that determines whether the area length is longer than the maximum area length;
An error notifying means for notifying an error when the determining means determines that the area length is longer than the maximum area length;
Equipped with a,
The maximum area length is set based on a maximum feed error between a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit. Equipment . The label processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the processing unit includes a stamping unit that stamps Braille on the processing tape. The treatment tape comprises a tape body and a release tape,
5. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit includes a cutting unit that half-cuts the tape body of the processing tape into an arbitrary cut shape. A print processing unit having a feeding mechanism and performing printing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape; and a cutting unit for cutting the processing tape to obtain a tape piece from the processing tape;
A processing unit having a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the printing means and performing physical processing on the tape piece obtained while feeding the tape piece;
A label creation method for a label creation device that creates a label by selectively performing a printing process for performing printing, a processing process for performing physical processing, and a printing process for performing printing and physical processing based on input information. There,
A tape length calculating step for calculating a tape length of the tape piece based on the input information;
A process selection step for selecting the printing process, the processing process, and the printing process;
Pre Symbol processing and second tape length Ru maximum tape length der that put in the print processing, the maximum tape length setting step of setting,
If the previous SL processing and the print processing has been selected, a determination step of said tape length to determine longer or not than the second tape length,
In the determination step, if the previous SL tape length is determined to be longer than the second tape length, and an error notification step of the error notification,
Equipped with a,
In the maximum tape length setting step, the second tape length is set based on a maximum feed error between a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit. A label producing method for a label producing apparatus. In the maximum tape length setting step, a first tape length that is the maximum tape length of the tape piece in the printing process is further set,
In the determining step, when the printing process is selected, it is determined whether the tape length is longer than the first tape length,
8. The label producing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in the error notifying step, an error is notified when it is determined in the determining step that the tape length is longer than the first tape length. Method. A print processing unit having a feeding mechanism and printing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape;
A processing unit having a feeding mechanism independent of the feeding mechanism of the print processing unit and performing physical processing on the processing tape while feeding the processing tape;
Based on input information, a label creation method for a label creation device that creates a label by performing a printing process for performing printing and physical processing on the processing tape,
Based on the input information, an area length calculating step for calculating an area length in the tape feeding direction of the processing area of the printing process,
A maximum area length setting step for setting a maximum area length that is shorter than the total length of the processing tape and is the maximum area length in the printing process;
In the printing process, a determination step of determining whether the area length is longer than the maximum area length;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the region length is longer than the maximum region length, an error notification step for performing error notification;
Equipped with a,
In the maximum area length setting step, the maximum area length is set based on a maximum feed error between a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the print processing unit and a tape feed amount in the feed mechanism of the processing unit. A label producing method for a label producing apparatus characterized by the above.

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