JP5625828B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a tape stored in a tape cassette.

  Conventionally, it is known that information relating to a tape cassette is managed by a tape cassette or a printing apparatus. For example, a technique for storing a model name, a drive power supply, a print control parameter, a tape conveyance amount, and the like in a storage element provided in the tape cassette is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in a recording apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges can be mounted, it is known that storage means for storing the usage amount for each cartridge is provided for the number of cartridges in which the recording apparatus can be mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).

International Publication No. 2006/033431 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-67968

  However, when a storage element is provided in the tape cassette, the unit price of the tape cassette may increase. Further, when the storage means for the number of cartridges that can be mounted in the recording apparatus is provided, there is a possibility that information cannot be managed for a larger number of cartridges than the number of storage means.

  The objective of this invention is providing the printing apparatus which can manage the information regarding more tape cassettes, suppressing the unit price of a tape cassette.

The printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a cassette mounting unit to which a tape cassette including a cassette case storing a tape is attached and detached, and a transport unit that pulls and transports the tape from the tape cassette mounted to the cassette mounting unit. Of the individual information that is information for specifying the individual tape cassette stored in the storage device, the printing unit that performs printing on the tape conveyed by the conveying unit, and the individual information that is one piece of information to the user. A selection means for selecting, a selection determining means for determining whether or not the individual information is selected by the user by the selecting means, and a determination that the individual information is selected by the user by the selection determining means. In the case, the individual information acquisition means for acquiring the selected individual information, and the use is information relating to the printing of the tape Usage history acquisition means for acquiring history, and storage control means for storing the usage history acquired by the usage history acquisition means in the storage device in association with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition means When the selection determining means determines that the one piece of individual information has not been selected by the user, the individual information acquisition means newly acquires new individual information, and the printing means includes the new individual information. Is printed .

  In this case, the use history is stored in the storage device for each piece of tape cassette information mounted in the cassette mounting unit. Since it is not necessary to provide a storage element in the tape cassette, the unit price of the tape cassette can be suppressed. Further, since the printing apparatus does not need to have a different storage device for each tape cassette, the number of tape cassettes that can manage the use history is not limited to the storage device. For this reason, it is possible to manage the usage history for each of a large number of tape cassettes.

In the printing apparatus, the individual information acquisition unit may acquire the new individual information input by the user when the selection determination unit determines that one individual information is not selected by the user. . The case where the individual information is not selected by the user is a case where a new tape cassette in which the individual information is not stored in the storage device is used. In this case, individual information of a new tape cassette input by the user can be acquired.

In the printing apparatus, the individual information acquisition unit is different from the individual information already stored in the storage device when the selection determination unit determines that one individual information is not selected by the user. The new individual information may be generated and acquired. In this case, when a new tape cassette is used, new individual information can be automatically acquired.

  The printing apparatus includes a tape length acquisition unit that acquires a tape length that is the length of the tape, which is input by a user, and a conveyance amount acquisition unit that acquires a conveyance amount of the tape by the conveyance unit, The usage history acquisition means is a tape remaining amount that is a remaining amount of the tape as the usage history based on the conveyance amount detected by the conveyance amount acquisition means and the tape length acquired by the tape length acquisition means. An amount may be obtained. In this case, the tape length input by the user and the transport amount of the tape at the time of printing can be acquired, and the remaining tape amount can be acquired.

  In the printing apparatus, the cassette case of the tape cassette is provided with an indicator portion that indicates type information that is identification information for each type of the tape cassette, and at the downstream end in the transport direction of the tape in an unused state. A start mark indicating an unused state, a start detection means for detecting the start mark for the tape cassette mounted in the cassette mounting portion, and the start mark detected by the start detection means Start determination means for determining whether or not it has been performed, and type information detection means for detecting the type information indicated by the index portion of the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting section, the tape length acquisition means, When the start determination means determines that the start mark is detected, the type On the basis of the type information detected by the multi-address detection means may obtain the tape length of the unused state.

  When the start mark is detected by the start detection means, the tape in the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion is unused. That is, the tape has a preset tape length in a state where the cassette tape is shipped. Therefore, when the type information of the tape cassette is detected by the type information detection unit, the tape length acquisition unit can acquire the unused tape length based on the type information. Therefore, an accurate tape length is automatically acquired.

  In the printing apparatus, the usage history acquisition unit acquires the tape length when the remaining tape amount associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition unit is not stored in the storage device. When the tape length acquired by the means is acquired as the tape remaining amount, and the tape remaining amount associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquiring unit is stored in the storage device In addition, the tape remaining amount subtracted from the remaining amount of tape stored in the storage device may be acquired as the remaining tape amount. In this case, the tape remaining amount subtracted from the tape remaining amount stored in the storage device is acquired as a new tape remaining amount. That is, each time printing is performed, the latest tape remaining amount can be stored in the storage device.

  The printing device corresponds to the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition unit when the remaining tape amount stored in the storage device is smaller than the conveyance amount acquired by the conveyance amount acquisition unit. You may provide the 1st deletion means which can delete the attached said use history from the said memory | storage device. The case where the remaining tape amount is smaller than the transport amount is a state where the remaining tape amount necessary for printing is insufficient. When the remaining tape amount is insufficient, the tape cassette is often not used in the future. In this case, the usage history can be deleted. For this reason, the free capacity of the storage device can be secured.

In the printing apparatus, when the remaining tape amount stored in the storage device is smaller than the transport amount acquired by the transport amount acquisition unit, the user instructs whether to delete the use history. It includes a deletion instruction judgment means for judging whether or not the input, the first deletion means, when the instruction to delete the usage history is judged to have been inputted by the deletion instruction determination means, the individual information acquisition means The usage history associated with the individual information acquired by (1) may be deleted from the storage device. Even when the remaining tape amount is insufficient, the user may not want to delete the usage history. For this reason, when the user's intention is confirmed and an instruction to delete is input by the user, the use history can be deleted.

In the printing apparatus, an end mark indicating that the tape is used is provided at an upstream end in the transport direction of the tape, and the end mark is used for the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion. End detection means for detecting, end determination means for determining whether the end mark is detected by the end detection means, and the individual information when the end determination means determines that the end mark has been detected You may provide the 2nd deletion means which deletes the said usage log matched with the said individual | organism | solid information acquired by the acquisition means from the said memory | storage device. When the end mark is detected, there is no remaining amount of tape (that is, a used state), so printing cannot be performed. In this case, since the tape cassette is not used thereafter, the use history can be deleted. For this reason, the free capacity of the storage device can be secured.
In the printing apparatus, the use history includes a print history, a print history display unit that displays the print history acquired by the use history acquisition unit, and a print that selects the print history displayed by the print history display unit. A history selection unit, and when the printing history is selected by the printing history selection unit, the printing unit may print the printing history selected by the printing history selection unit.

2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 in a state in which a cover 6 is closed. 2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 and the tape cassette 30 in a state where a cover 6 is opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tape cassette 30. FIG. It is a top view of tape cassette 30 in the state where upper case 31A was removed. 4 is an enlarged front view of an arm front surface 35 of the tape cassette 30. FIG. It is a figure which shows the start mark 591 and the end mark 592 of the film tape 59. FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the movable mechanism 100 from diagonally forward. 4 is a rear view of the roller holder 18 and the sensor holder 19. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a movable transport mechanism in a state where a cover is opened, and a tape cassette, a tape drive shaft, and a thermal head. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the movable transport mechanism in a state where a cover is closed, and a tape cassette, a tape drive shaft, and a thermal head. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sensor holder 19. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the sensor holder 19 is pressed against the tape cassette 30. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. It is a schematic diagram showing a type information data table 81. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an individual information data table 82. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an individual information data table 82. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a printing process. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an individual information data table 82. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an individual information data table 82. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an individual information data table 82. FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the described apparatus is not intended to be limited thereto, but is merely an illustrative example. is there.

  A schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the description of the present embodiment, the upper right side, lower left side, lower right side, upper left side, upper side, and lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively the rear side, front side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the printing apparatus 1. Let it be the side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a keyboard 3 for inputting characters (characters, symbols, numbers, etc.) is provided on the upper surface of the printing apparatus 1. On the rear side of the keyboard 3 (upper right side of the drawing), a function key group 4 such as a power switch and a print key is provided. In the following description, the keyboard 3 and the function key group 4 are collectively referred to as an input unit 91. On the rear side of the function key group 4, a display 5 for displaying input characters, symbols, and the like is provided. A cover 6 that can be opened and closed is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the printing apparatus 1. A tape tray 7 for receiving the cut printed tape 50 (see FIG. 3) is provided at the left rear corner of the printing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cassette mounting portion 8 is formed on the rear side of the display 5. A tape cassette 30 is attached to and detached from the cassette mounting portion 8 in the vertical direction. A ribbon take-up shaft 9 is erected on the cassette mounting portion 8. The ribbon take-up shaft 9 takes up the ink ribbon 60 (see FIG. 4) after being pulled out from the ribbon spool 42 (see FIG. 4) and used for printing characters and the like. A substantially rectangular head holder 74 (see FIG. 9) is erected on the left front side of the ribbon winding shaft 9 in a front view. A thermal head 10 (see FIG. 9) for printing characters and the like on the film tape 59 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the front surface of the head holder 74. On the left side of the head holder 74, a tape drive shaft 11 (see FIG. 9) for feeding and driving the printed tape 50 is erected.

  A roller holder 18, a sensor holder 19, a release rod 17 and the like, which will be described later, are disposed on the front side of the cassette mounting portion 8 (see FIG. 7). The roller holder 18, the sensor holder 19, the release rod 17, etc. are covered with the plate portion 13. A lever 16 connected to the release rod 17 is provided on the right side of the plate portion 13.

  The cover 6 can be opened and closed with the left-right direction of the rear end portion of the cover 6 as a fulcrum. The cassette mounting portion 8 is closed so that the tape cassette 30 cannot be detached when the cover 6 is in the closed position (see FIG. 1), and the tape cassette 30 is opened detachably when the cover 6 is in the open position (see FIG. 1). (See FIG. 2).

  Next, the structure of the tape cassette 30 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The tape cassette 30 of the present embodiment is mounted on a laminate type general-purpose cassette that can be mounted on various tape types such as a heat sensitive type, a receptor type, and a laminate type. In the description of the present embodiment, the upper left side, lower right side, upper right side, lower left side, upper side, and lower side in FIG. 3 are respectively the rear side, front side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the tape cassette 30. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tape cassette 30 includes a cassette case 31 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) housing having rounded corners in plan view as a whole. The cassette case 31 includes a lower case 31B including a bottom surface 30B of the cassette case 31 and an upper case 31A including an upper surface 30A of the cassette case 31. The upper case 31A is fixed to the upper part of the lower case 31B.

  The cassette case 31 has a corner 32A formed with the same width (the same length in the vertical direction) regardless of the type of tape cassette 30 (for example, tape width, printing mode, etc.). The corner 32A protrudes outward so as to form a right angle in plan view. However, in the lower left corner 32A in plan view, the tape discharge port 49 is provided at the corner, so that the right angle is not formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper case 31A and the lower case 31B are provided with support holes 65, 66, 67 for rotatably supporting spools described later. In FIG. 3, only the support holes 65, 66, and 67 formed in the upper case 31A are shown, but the support holes 65, 66, and 67 are similarly formed in the lower case 31B.

  Between the support hole 66 and the support hole 67 on the upper surface 30 </ b> A of the cassette case 31, an opening 69 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view that is long in the left-right direction is provided. The user can check the film tape 59 and the double-sided adhesive tape 58 provided inside the cassette case 31 through the opening 69. As a result, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount of the film tape 59.

  An individual tape 501 is attached to the left part of the upper surface 30 </ b> A of the cassette case 31. The individual tape 501 is a printed tape 50 on which individual information is printed. The individual tape 501 is printed in step S42 of FIG. 19 and is attached to the tape cassette 30 by the user. For example, individual information “24A” is printed on the individual tape 501 in FIG. 3. The individual information is information for specifying an individual of the tape cassette 30. Details will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the cassette case 31, a double-sided adhesive tape 58 wound around the first tape spool 40, a transparent film tape 59 wound around the second tape spool 41, and a ribbon spool 42. Three types of tape rolls of the ink ribbon 60 wound around are accommodated. The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 58 is a double-sided tape having a release paper attached on one side, and is attached to the printing surface side of the printed film tape 59.

  The first tape spool 40 in which the release paper of the double-sided adhesive tape 58 is wound outward is disposed rotatably on the left rear part in the cassette case 31 through the support hole 65 described above. The second tape spool 41 around which the film tape 59 is wound is rotatably arranged through the support hole 66 described above at the right rear portion in the cassette case 31. The ink ribbon 60 wound around the ribbon spool 42 is rotatably arranged at the front right side in the cassette case 31.

  Between the first tape spool 40 and the ribbon spool 42 in the cassette case 31, the ribbon take-up spool 44 is rotatably arranged via the support hole 67 described above. The ribbon take-up spool 44 pulls out the ink ribbon 60 from the ribbon spool 42 and takes up the ink ribbon 60 used for printing characters and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface of the cassette case 31 has a semicircular groove 34K, which is a groove portion having a semicircular cross section in plan view, across the height direction (from the upper surface 30A to the bottom surface 30B) of the cassette case 31. Is provided. A portion of the front surface of the cassette case 31 that extends to the left from the semicircular groove 34 </ b> K is referred to as an arm front surface 35. A portion extending leftward from the right side of the tape cassette 30 is defined by an arm front surface 35 and an arm back surface 37 (see FIG. 4) provided in a height direction at a position spaced rearward from the arm front surface 35. It is called part 34.

  As shown in FIG. 4, both the film tape 59 drawn from the second tape spool 41 and the ink ribbon 60 drawn from the ribbon spool 42 are guided in the arm portion 34. The front end portion of the arm front surface 35 is bent rearward. An opening 34 </ b> A is formed by the tips of the arm front surface 35 and the arm back surface 37. The film tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 are overlapped at the opening 34 </ b> A and discharged toward the exposed portion 77 described later.

  A substantially rectangular space in plan view that passes through the cassette case 31 in the vertical direction and is surrounded by the arm back surface 37 and a peripheral wall surface provided continuously from the arm back surface 37 is a head insertion portion 39. The head insertion portion 39 is connected to the outside on the front side of the tape cassette 30 via an exposed portion 77 provided on the front side of the tape cassette 30. A head holder 74 that supports the thermal head 10 (see FIG. 9) of the printing apparatus 1 is inserted into the head insertion portion 39. In the exposed portion 77, one surface of the film tape 59 discharged from the opening 34A is exposed to the front, and the other surface is opposed to the rear thermal head 10. In the present embodiment, the other surface of the film tape 59 faces the thermal head 10 with the ink ribbon 60 interposed therebetween. In the exposed portion 77, printing on the film tape 59 by the thermal head 10 is performed using the ink ribbon 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape drive roller 46 is rotatably supported on the downstream side of the head insertion portion 39 in the transport direction of the film tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 from the opening 34A to the tape discharge port 49. Has been. The tape drive roller 46 is rotationally driven by a tape drive shaft 11 (see FIG. 9) inserted into the tape drive roller 46. The tape drive roller 46 pulls out the film tape 59 from the second tape spool 41 and pulls out the double-sided adhesive tape 58 from the first tape spool 40 in cooperation with the opposing movable conveyance roller 14 (see FIG. 10). The double-sided adhesive tape 58 is guided and adhered to the print surface 59. The adhered film tape 59 and double-sided adhesive tape 58 are discharged from the tape discharge port 49 to become a printed tape 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the arm front surface 35 is provided with an arm identification unit 800 that indicates the type information of the tape cassette 30. The arm identification unit 800 includes a non-pressing part 801 and a pressing part 802 in a prescribed pattern according to the type information. The non-pressing portion 801 is a hole having a rectangular shape in a front view through which the switch terminal 231 (see FIG. 8) can be inserted and removed. The pressing portion 802 is a surface portion that contacts the switch terminal 231. The arm identification unit 800 of the present embodiment has one of the non-pressing part 801 and the pressing part 802 at five positions corresponding to the five switch terminals 231. Hereinafter, when the non-pressing part 801 and the pressing part 802 are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, it is simply referred to as an identification part.

  In the arm identification unit 800 of this embodiment, the positions of the identification units in the left-right direction are different. The five identification parts are arranged in a zigzag so as not to overlap in the vertical direction. A detection mode of type information using the mechanical sensor 23 (see FIG. 8) and the arm identification unit 800 will be described later.

  The arm front surface 35 is provided with a locking hole 820 on the upper right side of the arm identification portion 800. The locking hole 820 is a hole into which a locking piece 192 (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 11) described later is inserted when the sensor holder 19 (described later) moves to the identification position (position shown in FIG. 10) (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 11). (See FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the arm front surface 35, on the left side of the arm identification part 800 of the lower case 31B, a vertically long rectangular through hole 850 is provided in front view. As shown in FIG. 4, a conveyance path for the film tape 59 is located behind the through hole 850.

  The start mark 591 and end mark 592 provided on the film tape 59 will be described with reference to FIG. The start mark 591 is a mark indicating that the film tape 59 is unused. The end mark 592 is a mark indicating that the film tape 59 is in a used state. In FIG. 6, the left side of the paper surface is the downstream end in the transport direction of the unused film tape 59, and the right side of the paper surface is the upstream end of the film tape 59 in the transport direction. As shown in FIG. 6, a start mark 591 is provided at the downstream end in the transport direction of the film tape 59. The start mark 591 is a portion formed in black on the transparent film tape 59. An end mark 592 is provided at the upstream end in the transport direction of the film tape 59. The end mark 592 is a portion of the film tape 59 formed in black with a predetermined width. A plurality of end marks 592 are arranged at a predetermined interval.

  A schematic configuration of the movable mechanism 100 provided in the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The movable mechanism 100 of the present embodiment includes a lever 16, a release rod 17, a roller holder 18, and a sensor holder 19, and refers to a series of mechanisms that can move according to external pressure.

  In the present embodiment, the lower right side, upper left side, upper right side, lower left side, upper side, and lower side in FIG. 7 correspond to the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the movable mechanism 100, respectively. FIG. 7 is illustrated with the wall portion that guides the release rod 17 in the left-right direction removed in order to facilitate understanding of the operation mode of the movable mechanism 100. The movable mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 7 is in a state where the cover 6 is being opened and closed.

  The lower end of the lever 16 is engaged with a plate-like release rod 17 whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction when viewed from the front. A roller holder 18 is provided on the rear side (the upper left side in FIG. 7) of the release rod 17. The roller holder 18 includes a platen roller 15 (see FIG. 8) and a movable conveyance roller 14. The roller holder 18 is rotatably supported around a holder shaft 181. A movable conveying roller 14 is rotatably supported at the left end edge of the roller holder 18 so that the roller surface is exposed rearward. On the right side of the movable conveying roller 14, a platen roller 15 is rotatably supported with its roller surface exposed rearward. The movable conveyance roller 14 and the platen roller 15 are disposed at positions facing the tape driving roller 46 and the thermal head 10 respectively (see FIG. 9). A winding spring 185 (see FIG. 8) is provided around the lower portion of the holder shaft 181. The roller holder 18 is always elastically biased forward by a winding spring 185 (see FIG. 8).

  Between the holder shaft 181 and the platen roller 15 in the roller holder 18, a holder opening 182 that forms a substantially rectangular opening in a front view is provided. A sensor holder 19 is provided behind the release rod 17 and inside the holder opening 182. Since the sensor holder 19 is not fixed to the roller holder 18, the sensor holder 19 can move independently of the roller holder 18. The sensor holder 19 is provided with an optical sensor 28 and a plurality of mechanical sensors 23. The optical sensor 28 includes a light emitting unit 281 and a light receiving unit 282. The optical sensor 28 is provided at a position facing the through hole 850. The mechanical sensor 23 includes a switch terminal 231 protruding rearward (upper left direction in FIG. 7) (see FIG. 8). The plurality of mechanical sensors 23 are disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of identification units provided in the arm identification unit 800, respectively.

  When the user attaches / detaches the tape cassette 30 to / from the cassette mounting portion 8, the user opens the cover 6 upward. When the user performs printing with the printing apparatus 1, the user closes the cover 6 downward. When the cover 6 is closed downward, the lever 16 rotates downward. As the lever 16 rotates downward, the release rod 17 moves to the left. The release rod 17 that has moved leftward presses the roller holder 18 backward. The pressed roller holder 18 rotates backward against the urging force of the winding spring 185. The roller holder 18 rotated rearward moves to the printing position shown in FIG. At the printing position, the platen roller 15 is pressed against the thermal head 10, and the movable transport roller 14 is pressed against the tape drive roller 46.

  As the release rod 17 moves in the left direction, the sensor holder 19 moves backward. The sensor holder 19 that has moved rearward moves to the identification position shown in FIG. At the identification position, the switch terminal 231 of the mechanical sensor 23 is pressed against the arm identification unit 800. When the roller holder 18 is in the printing position and the sensor holder 19 is in the identification position, the printing apparatus 1 can perform a printing operation using the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 8, and The type can be specified.

  When the cover 6 is opened upward, the lever 16 rotates upward. As the lever 16 moves upward, the release rod 17 moves to the right. As the release rod 17 moves in the right direction, the roller holder 18 rotates forward by the urging force of the winding spring 185. The roller holder 18 rotated forward moves to the standby position shown in FIG. At the standby position, the platen roller 15 is separated from the thermal head 10, and the movable conveyance roller 14 is separated from the tape drive roller 46.

  As the release rod 17 moves in the right direction, the sensor holder 19 moves forward. The sensor holder 19 moved forward moves to the separation position shown in FIG. In the separated position, the switch terminal 231 of the mechanical sensor 23 is separated from the arm identifying unit 800. When the roller holder 18 is in the standby position and the sensor holder 19 is in the separated position, the tape cassette 30 can be attached to and detached from the cassette mounting portion 8 in the printing apparatus 1.

  The physical structure of the sensor holder 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8 and 11. FIG. 11 schematically shows the movable state of the mechanical sensor located at the upper left (upper right in FIG. 8) among the five mechanical sensors 23. The sensor holder 19 includes at least a box-shaped unit main body 191, a mechanical sensor 23, an optical sensor 28, a locking piece 192, and an electric board 193. The unit main body 191 and the locking piece 192 are integrally formed.

  In the unit main body 191, the surface facing the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 8 is referred to as a cassette facing surface 191A. The switch terminals 231 included in each of the five mechanical sensors 23 protrude from the cassette facing surface 191A so as to face the arm front surface 35 (see FIG. 3) of the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 8. Each switch terminal 231 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification unit (non-pressing unit 801 or pressing unit 802) (see FIG. 5) of the arm identification unit 800 described above. The switch terminal 231 is always moved to the advanced position rotated backward (leftward in FIG. 11) by a spring (not shown). At this time, the mechanical sensor 23 is turned off. When an external pressure is applied to the distal end side of the switch terminal 231, the switch terminal 231 moves to the retracted position rotated forward. At this time, the mechanical sensor 23 is turned on.

  A locking piece 192 that is a plate-like protrusion having a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction is provided on the upper right portion (upper left portion in FIG. 8) of the cassette facing surface 191A. An opening 199 is provided on the left side of the switch terminal 231 on the leftmost side (right side in FIG. 8) on the cassette facing surface 191A. The opening 199 is provided to expose the light emitting unit 281 and the light receiving unit 282 of the optical sensor 28 to the rear. The optical sensor 28 is provided at a position facing the through hole 850 (see FIG. 4). Each mechanical sensor 23 and the optical sensor 28 are mounted on an electric board 193 disposed in the unit main body 191 and are electrically connected to the electric board 193.

  The electric board 193 is provided on the front side of the unit main body 191. Although not shown, electrical wiring is connected to the front surface of the electrical substrate 193. The electric board 193 is electrically connected to the control circuit unit 400 (see FIG. 13) provided inside the printing apparatus 1 through this electric wiring. The on / off signal of the mechanical sensor 23 is transmitted to the CPU 401 (see FIG. 13) via the electric wiring connected to the electric board 193.

  The CPU 401 detects the start mark 591 and the end mark 592 using the optical sensor 28. More specifically, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 281 of the optical sensor 28 passes through the through hole 850 and is irradiated to the film tape 59 (see FIG. 4) in which the conveyance path is positioned behind the through hole 850. The The light receiving unit 282 receives the light reflected by the film tape 59. Since the start mark 591 and the end mark 592 are black, the amount of reflected light is smaller than that of the transparent portion of the film tape 59. The CPU 401 detects a start mark 591 and an end mark 592 by detecting the reflection amount via the light receiving unit 282.

  With reference to FIG.5 and FIG.12, the detection aspect of the kind of tape cassette 30 with which the cassette mounting part 8 is mounted | worn is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 12, when the tape cassette 30 is mounted at an appropriate position of the cassette mounting portion 8, when the cover 6 (see FIG. 2) is closed and the sensor holder 19 is moved to the identification position, the cassette is opposed. A locking piece 192 provided on the surface 191 </ b> A is inserted into the locking hole 820 of the tape cassette 30. A mechanical sensor 23 provided on the cassette facing surface 191 </ b> A faces the arm identification unit 800 of the tape cassette 30. The five switch terminals 231 are selectively pressed by the identifying portions (non-pressing portion 801 or pressing portion 802) of the arm identifying portion 800 facing each other.

  Specifically, the switch terminal 231 facing the pressing portion 802 is pressed by the surface portion of the arm front surface 35, and the mechanical sensor 23 is turned on. The switch terminal 231 facing the non-pressing portion 801 is inserted into the non-pressing portion 801, and the mechanical sensor 23 is turned off.

  The CPU 401 refers to the type information data table 81 (described later), and specifies the type of the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 based on the combination of the on / off states of the five mechanical sensors 23 (see FIG. 16 S19).

  The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control circuit unit 400 formed on a control board. The control circuit unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that controls each device, a ROM 402, a CGROM 403, a RAM 404, an input / output interface 411, and the like connected to the CPU 401 via a data bus 410.

  The ROM 402 includes at least a program storage area 4021 and a type information data table storage area 4022. The program storage area 4021 stores various programs that the CPU 401 executes to control the printing apparatus 1. The type information data table storage area 4022 stores a type information data table 81 to be described later. The RAM 404 includes at least an individual information data table storage area 4041. The RAM 404 is provided with a plurality of storage areas such as a text memory and a print buffer (not shown). The individual information data table 82, which will be described later, is stored in the individual information data table storage area 4041. The CGROM 403 stores printing dot pattern data for printing characters.

  The input / output interface 411 is connected to a mechanical sensor 23, an input unit 91, a liquid crystal driving circuit (LCDC) 405, driving circuits 406, 407, 408, 409, and the like. The drive circuit 406 is an electronic circuit for driving the thermal head 10. The drive circuit 407 is an electronic circuit for driving the tape feed motor 24 that rotates the ribbon take-up shaft 9 and the tape drive shaft 11. The drive circuit 408 is an electronic circuit for driving the cutter motor 25 that operates a moving blade (not shown) that cuts the printed tape 50. The drive circuit 409 is an electronic circuit for controlling the optical sensor 28. The liquid crystal drive circuit (LCDC) 405 has a video RAM (not shown) for outputting display data to the display 5.

  The type information data table 81 will be described with reference to FIG. The type information data table 81 is associated with type information, tape width, and tape length. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, “first pattern”, “32 mm”, and “800 cm” are associated in the order of type information, tape width, and tape length. Similarly, “second pattern”, “24 mm”, and “800 cm” are associated with each other, and “third pattern”, “12 mm”, and “800 cm” are associated with each other. “Fourth pattern”, “12 mm”, and “300 cm” are associated with each other. FIG. 14 shows only a part of the data registered in the type information data table 81.

  The first to fourth patterns indicate type information for each tape cassette 30. The first to fourth patterns are combinations of the non-pressing portion 801 and the pressing portion 802 of the arm identification unit 800 that are different for each type of tape cassette 30. The tape width and the tape length are a tape width and a tape length corresponding to the type of the tape cassette 30. For example, when the combination of the non-pressing portion 801 and the pressing portion 802 of the arm identification unit 800 is the first pattern, the tape width of the film tape 59 stored in the tape cassette 30 is 32 mm and the tape length is 800 cm. It is.

  The individual information data table 82 will be described with reference to FIG. In the individual information data table 82, individual information and usage history are associated with each other. The usage history is the remaining tape amount and the printing history. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the individual information “24A”, the remaining tape amount “790 cm”, the print history “File No. 1”, and “conference material” are associated with each other. Similarly, individual information “24B”, tape remaining amount “794 cm”, and print history “confidential material” are associated, and individual information “12A”, remaining tape amount “795 cm”, and “customer list” are associated. ing.

  The individual information is input in step S16 (see FIG. 16) described later. The individual information is given for each tape cassette 30 used by the user. For example, of “24A”, “24” indicates that the thickness (vertical height) of the film tape 59 stored in the tape cassette 30 is “24 mm”, and “A” indicates other It is an alphabet given so as not to be the same as the 24 mm tape cassette 30. The individual information is printed in step S42 (see FIG. 19), which will be described later, and is pasted on the tape cassette 30 by the user like the individual tape 501 shown in FIG.

  The remaining tape amount is the remaining amount of the film tape 59 of the tape cassette 30 indicated by the individual information. The print history is a history of print data that has been printed in the past using the printer 1 using the tape cassette 30 indicated by the individual information.

  Next, main processing by the CPU 401 of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 and 17. The main process is started when the user inputs an instruction to perform printing via the input unit 91. The following description exemplifies a case where the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 15 is stored in the individual information data table storage area 4041 as a result of the user performing printing using various tape cassettes 30. While explaining. Hereinafter, this example is referred to as a “specific example”.

  First, a list of individual information stored in the individual information data table 82 (see FIG. 15) is displayed on the display 5 (S11). In the specific example, the individual information “24A”, “24B”, and “12A” are displayed on the display 5.

  The user operates the input unit 91 to select individual information corresponding to the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 from the list of individual information displayed on the display 5. For example, when the individual tape 501 described as “24A” is affixed to the tape cassette 30 mounted in the cassette mounting unit 8 as shown in FIG. 3, the user stores the individual information “24A” individually. Select from a list of information. In this manner, the CPU 401 displays a list of individual information on the display 5 to allow the user to select one piece of individual information stored in the individual information data table 82 (S11). Note that since the individual information is not given to the tape cassette 30 that is first mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 by the user, the user inputs an instruction to select no individual information via the input unit 91.

  Next, it is determined whether individual information has been selected from the list of individual information displayed on the display 5 (S12). When individual information is selected (S12: YES), the selected individual information is acquired from the individual information data table 82 (see FIG. 15) (S13). In other words, the individual tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 is specified. Next, in the individual information data table 82 (see FIG. 15), the print data registered in the print history corresponding to the individual information acquired in step S13 is displayed on the display 5 (S14). In the specific example, print data “File No. 1” and “meeting material” of the print history are displayed in response to the user selecting the individual information “24A”.

  Further, the individual information data table 82 is referred to, and the remaining tape amount corresponding to the individual information acquired in step S13 is displayed on the display 5 (S25). In the specific example, the remaining tape amount “790 cm” is displayed in response to the user selecting the individual information “24A”.

  Next, it is determined whether print data has been selected from the print data indicated by the print history displayed in step S14 (S26). If no print data has been selected (S26: NO), it is determined whether new print data has been input (S27). For example, when the user directly inputs print data by operating the input unit 91 without selecting the print data displayed on the display 5, it is determined that new print data has been input (S27: YES). If print data has not been input (S27: NO), the process returns to step S26. In a specific example, it is assumed that the user inputs print data “SAMPLE” via the input unit 91 (S27: YES).

  When the print data is selected (S26: YES), the transport amount of the film tape 59 necessary for printing the selected print data is calculated (S28). Similarly, when new print data is input (S27: YES), the transport amount of the film tape 59 necessary for printing the input print data is calculated (S28). This carry amount is calculated using the character size stored in the ROM 402 or CGROM 403 and the length of the margin between characters. In a specific example, it is assumed that “6 cm” is calculated as the conveyance amount necessary for printing the print data “SAMPLE”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the remaining tape amount corresponding to the individual information acquired in step S13 or S16 is smaller than the transport amount calculated in step S28 (S29). In other words, it is determined whether or not the remaining tape amount is insufficient. In the specific example, if the remaining tape amount associated with the individual information “24A” in the individual information data table 82 is “3 cm”, it is determined that the amount is less than “6 cm” calculated in step S25 ( S29: YES). When the remaining tape amount is smaller than the transport amount (S29: YES), a screen for inquiring the user whether or not to delete the usage history and the individual information from the individual information data table 82 is displayed on the display 5 ( S30). The screen displayed in step S30 is, for example, a text “Tape is insufficient. Are you sure you want to delete individual information and usage history?”

  Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to delete the individual information and the usage history is input (S31). When an instruction to delete is input by the user via the input unit 91 (S31: YES), the individual information and the usage history are deleted from the individual information data table 82 (S32). In the specific example, the individual information “24A” and the usage history associated therewith are deleted, and the individual information data table 82 is updated as shown in FIG. After execution of step S32 or when an instruction not to delete is input (S31: NO), the main process is terminated.

  In the specific example, the remaining tape amount associated with the individual information “24A” is “790 cm” (see FIG. 15). Therefore, it is determined that the remaining tape amount is equal to or greater than the carry amount “6 cm” (S29: NO), and the printing process is performed (S33).

  The printing process will be described with reference to FIG. The printing process is a process for printing print data. In the printing process, first, it is determined whether or not the individual information is newly input individual information (S41). More specifically, when individual information is newly input in step S16 (see FIG. 16, described later), it is determined that the individual information is newly input (S41: YES). Further, when one piece of individual information is selected from the list of pieces of individual information in steps S11 to S13 (see FIG. 16), it is determined that the piece of information is not newly inputted (S41: NO).

  When it is determined that the information is not newly input individual information (S41: NO), the print data selected in step S26 or the print data input in step S27 is printed on the film tape 59 (S43). . Next, it is determined whether or not the printing in step S43 has been completed (S44). If printing has not been completed (S44: NO), the optical sensor 28 is used to detect the end mark 592 (S45). Next, it is determined whether or not the end mark 592 is detected in step S45 (S46). If the end mark 592 is not detected (S46: NO), the process returns to step S43. That is, printing of print data is continued.

  If the end mark 592 is detected (S46: YES), the printing is terminated halfway (S47). This is because there is no remaining tape and printing cannot be performed until the end of the print data. Next, as in step S32 (see FIG. 17), the individual information and the use history are deleted (S48). Next, the process returns to the main process shown in FIG. 17, and the main process is terminated. When it is determined that the remaining tape amount is equal to or greater than the transport amount (S29: NO) and the end mark 592 is detected (S46: YES), the user inputs in step S23 (see FIG. 16) described later. This is a case where the actual tape remaining amount is smaller than the tape remaining amount.

  When it is determined that printing has been completed (S44: YES), the remaining tape amount is calculated (S49). In the case of a specific example, printing of the print data “SAMPLE” is terminated (S44: YES). Then, in the individual information data table 82 (see FIG. 15), the transport amount “6 cm” calculated in step S28 is subtracted from the remaining tape amount “790 cm” associated with the individual information “24A” to obtain a new tape. The remaining amount “784 cm” is calculated (S49).

  Next, the use history is registered in the individual information data table 82 and stored in the individual information data table storage area 4041 (S50). In the case of a specific example, the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 15 is updated as shown in FIG. Specifically, the remaining tape amount “790 cm” in FIG. 15 is updated and registered with the remaining tape amount “784 cm” calculated in step S49. Further, the print data “SAMPLE” printed in step S43 is registered in the individual information data table 82 (S50). Next, the remaining tape amount registered in step S50 is displayed on the display 5 (S51). In the specific example, “784 cm” is displayed on the display 5. Next, the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 17), and the main process is terminated.

  A case where one piece of individual information is not selected in step S12 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. In the following description, as a specific example, it is assumed that the user newly uses the tape cassette 30 of type information “third pattern”, tape width “12 cm”, and tape length “800 cm” shown in FIG. When the user inputs an instruction not to select individual information, it is determined that individual information has not been selected (S12: NO), and a screen for the user to input individual information via the input unit 91 is displayed. 5 (S15). Next, it is determined whether individual information is input by the user (S16). If individual information has not been input (S16: NO), the process returns to step S16.

  The screen displayed in step S15 has, for example, a field for inputting the tape width of the tape cassette 30 and a field for inputting alphabets. In accordance with the displayed screen, the user inputs individual information different from the individual information displayed in step S11 (that is, individual information different from the individual information registered in the individual information data table 82). In the case of a specific example, it is assumed that the user inputs “12 cm” in the column for inputting the tape width and inputs “B” in the alphabet column. In this case, the individual information “12B” is input by the user.

  When the individual information is input (S16: YES), the start mark 591 is detected (S17). Next, in step S17, it is determined whether or not the start mark 591 has been detected (S18). In other words, it is determined whether or not the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting portion 8 is in an unused state (S18). When the start mark is detected (S18: YES), the type information indicated by the arm identification unit 800 is detected, and the type of the tape cassette 30 is specified (S19). In the specific example, the type of the tape cassette 30 is specified by detecting the “third pattern”. Next, the type information data table 81 (see FIG. 14) is referred to, and the tape length corresponding to the type of the tape cassette 30 detected in step S19 is acquired (S20). In the specific example, the tape length “800 cm” corresponding to the type information “third pattern” is acquired (S20).

  Next, the tape length acquired in step S20 is associated with the individual information acquired in step S16 and stored in the individual information data table 82 as the remaining tape amount (S21). In other words, the initial value of the remaining tape amount is set. In the case of a specific example, the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 20 is updated as shown in FIG. In the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 21, the remaining tape amount “800 cm” is registered in association with the individual information “12B”. Next, step S25 described above is executed.

  When it is determined that the start mark 591 is not detected (S18: NO), a screen for the user to input the remaining tape amount of the tape cassette 30 via the input unit 91 is displayed on the display 5 ( S22). This is because the start mark 591 is not detected and the remaining tape amount of the tape cassette 30 cannot be automatically determined. Next, it is determined whether the remaining amount of tape has been input by the user (S23). When the tape remaining amount is not input (S23: NO), the process returns to step S23. The user inputs the remaining tape amount of the tape cassette 30 loaded in the cassette loading unit 8. At this time, for example, the user confirms the film tape 59 through the opening 69 and inputs the remaining tape amount of the tape cassette 30.

  When the remaining tape amount is input (S23: YES), the input remaining tape amount is stored in the individual information data table 82 in association with the individual information input in step S16 (S24). For example, in the case of a specific example, when the remaining tape amount “250 cm” is input, the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 20 is updated as shown in FIG. In the individual information data table 82 shown in FIG. 22, the tape remaining amount “250 cm” is registered in association with the individual information “12B”. Next, step S25 and subsequent steps are executed. In this case, in the process of step S41 of FIG. 19, it is determined that the individual information is newly input (S41: YES), and the individual information “12B” input in step S16 is printed on the film tape 59, and the new information is displayed. An individual tape 501 is created (S42). The user attaches the printed individual tape 501 to the tape cassette 30. Accordingly, the user can confirm the individual information of the tape cassette 30 by confirming the individual tape 501. After S42 is executed, the print data is printed on the film tape 59 (S43).

  As described above, the processing in this embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, in the individual information data table 82, the use history is associated with each piece of individual information of the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8. The individual information data table 82 is stored in the individual information data table storage area 4041. That is, it is not necessary to provide the storage element that stores the individual information of the tape cassette 30 in the tape cassette 30. Since it is not necessary to provide a storage element in the tape cassette 30, the unit price of the tape cassette 30 can be suppressed. Further, since the printing apparatus 1 does not need to have a different storage device for each tape cassette 30, the number of tape cassettes 30 that can manage the use history is not limited to the number of storage devices. For this reason, it is possible to manage the usage history for each of a large number of tape cassettes.

  If it is determined in step S12 (see FIG. 16) that no individual information has been selected (S12: NO), individual information input by the user is obtained (S16). The case where the individual information is not selected by the user is a case where a new tape cassette 30 whose individual information is not registered in the individual information data table 82 is used. In this case, the individual information of the new tape cassette 30 input by the user in step S16 can be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, the tape length input by the user is acquired (S23, see FIG. 16), and is acquired by calculating the carry amount (S25). Then, the remaining tape amount can be acquired based on the acquired tape length and transport amount (S49, see FIG. 19).

  If the start mark 591 is detected (S18: YES), the unused tape length is acquired based on the tape cassette type information detected in step S19 (S20, see FIG. 16). When the start mark 591 is detected, the film tape 59 of the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 is unused. That is, the film tape 59 has a preset tape length (see the type information data table 81 in FIG. 14). For this reason, the unused tape length corresponding to the type information can be acquired by referring to the type information data table 81. That is, an accurate tape length is automatically acquired.

  Further, the transport amount is subtracted from the remaining tape amount registered in the individual information data table 82 (S49, see FIG. 19), and a new remaining tape amount is registered in the individual information data table 82 (S50, FIG. 19). 19). That is, each time printing is performed, the latest tape remaining amount can be stored in the individual information data table storage area 4041.

  The case where the remaining tape amount is smaller than the transport amount is a state where the remaining tape amount necessary for printing is insufficient. If it is determined in step S29 (see FIG. 17) that the remaining tape amount is smaller than the transport amount (S29: YES), the individual information and the use history are deleted (S32). That is, when the remaining tape amount is insufficient, the tape cassette 30 is often not used after that, so that individual information and usage history can be deleted. For this reason, the free space of the RAM 404 can be secured. Even when the remaining tape amount is insufficient, the user may not want to delete the usage history. For this reason, in this embodiment, in step S30 and S31, when a deletion instruction is input by the user (S31: YES), the individual information and the usage history are deleted (S32).

  Further, when the end mark 592 is detected in step S45 of FIG. 19, it is not possible to perform printing because there is no remaining tape amount (that is, a used state). In this case, since the tape cassette 30 is not used thereafter, the individual information and the use history can be deleted (S48, see FIG. 19). For this reason, the free space of the RAM 404 can be secured.

  In the above embodiment, the tape feed motor 24 (see FIG. 13) corresponds to the “conveying means” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the processing of step S43 in FIG. The individual information data table storage area 4041 of the RAM 404 corresponds to the “storage device” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S11 in FIG. 16 corresponds to the “selecting unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S12 in FIG. 16 corresponds to the “selection determination unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the processes of step S13 and step S16 of FIG. 16 corresponds to the “individual information acquisition unit” of the present invention. To do. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S49 of FIG. 19 corresponds to the “use history acquisition unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the processes of step S21, step S24 of FIG. 16, and step S50 of FIG. It corresponds to “memory control means”.

The CPU 401 that performs the processes of steps S23 and S20 in FIG. 16 corresponds to the “tape length acquisition unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S28 of FIG. Equivalent to. The arm identification unit 800 corresponds to the “index unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S17 in FIG. 16 corresponds to the “start detection unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S18 in FIG. 16 corresponds to the “start determination unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S19 of FIG. 16 corresponds to the “type information detection unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of deleting the usage history in step S32 of FIG. 17 corresponds to the “first deletion unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S31 of FIG. Is equivalent to. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S45 in FIG. 19 corresponds to the “end detection unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S46 of FIG. 19 corresponds to the “end determination unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S48 in FIG. 19 corresponds to the “second deletion unit” of the present invention, and the CPU 401 that performs the process of step S14 corresponds to the “print history display unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of step S26 corresponds to the “print history selecting means” of the present invention.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, in step S16, the individual information input by the user is acquired. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, individual information different from the individual information already registered in the individual information data table 82 stored in the individual information data table 82 may be generated and acquired. In this case, when a new tape cassette 30 is used, individual information can be acquired automatically.

  Further, for example, in the case of the individual information “24A”, it is expressed by a combination of the tape width “24 cm” and the alphabet “A”, but is not limited thereto. For example, any combination of characters may be used.

  Further, the position of the arm identification unit 800 is not limited. For example, the arm identification unit 800 may be on the right side of the front surface of the cassette case 31. Further, it may be on the bottom surface 30B of the tape cassette 30. In this case, the type information of the tape cassette 30 can be detected by changing the position of the mechanical sensor 23 according to the position of the arm identification unit 800.

  When the start mark 591 is detected, the type information data table 81 is used and the tape length is acquired in step S20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start mark 591 may not be detected. In this case, if it is determined in step S12 that the individual information has not been selected, step S23 may always be performed to acquire the remaining tape amount input by the user.

  Further, in step S32 (see FIG. 17) and step S48 (see FIG. 19), both the individual information and the use history are deleted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any one of the individual information and the usage history may be deleted.

  In the type information data table 81 (see FIG. 14), the tape width and the tape length are associated with the type information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type information may be associated with a tape color, various tape types such as a thermal type, a receptor type, and a laminate type. In this case, by detecting the type information indicated by the arm identification unit 800, the tape width, tape length, tape color, tape type, and the like can be specified.

  In the individual information data table 82, the remaining tape amount and the print history are registered as usage histories, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the use history, purchase date, tape color, tape type, and the like may be associated with each other. In this case, the CPU 401 of the printing apparatus 1 can specify the remaining tape amount, print history, purchase date, tape color, tape type, and the like from the individual information.

  In addition, the individual tape 501 has been created so that the user can confirm the individual information (S42, see FIG. 19), but is not limited thereto. For example, the individual tape 501 may not be created. In this case, the user may manage the tape cassette 30 and its individual information by any method.

  Further, for example, in step S49 in FIG. 19, a new tape remaining amount is calculated by subtracting the transport amount from the tape remaining amount. However, the method for calculating the remaining tape amount is not limited. For example, the total transport amount of the film tape 59 used for printing is stored, and when the remaining tape amount is used, the total transport amount is subtracted from the initial value of the tape length to obtain the remaining tape amount. It may be calculated.

  Further, instead of the mechanical sensor 23, an optical sensor may be used. In this case, for example, the pressing unit 802 in the arm identification unit 800 may be changed to a reflecting surface that reflects light, and the non-pressing unit 801 may be changed to a non-reflecting surface that does not reflect light. In this case, when the light emitted from the optical sensor is reflected by the reflecting surface, the light is detected by the light receiving unit of the optical sensor, and when the light is not reflected by the non-reflecting surface, Light is not detected by the light receiving unit. The printing apparatus 1 can specify type information based on the presence or absence of this light. Further, even if the pressing portion 802 is a surface portion and the non-pressing portion 801 is a hole portion, the presence / absence of the hole portion can be detected and the type information can be specified by the difference in reflectance.

  The individual information data table storage area 4041 is provided in the RAM 404, but is not limited to this. For example, the individual information data table storage area 4041 may be provided in a flash memory.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 5 Display 8 Cassette mounting part 10 Thermal head 11 Tape drive shaft 19 Sensor holder 23 Mechanical sensor 24 Tape feed motor 28 Optical sensor 30 Tape cassette 31 Cassette case 81 Type information data table 82 Individual information data table 91 Input part 231 Switch terminal 401 CPU
591 Start mark 592 End mark 800 Arm identification part 801 Non-pressing part 802 Pressing part 4022 Type information data table storage area 4041 Individual information data table storage area

Claims (10)

A cassette mounting portion to which a tape cassette including a cassette case storing tape is attached and detached;
Transport means for pulling out and transporting the tape from the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting section;
Printing means for printing on the tape conveyed by the conveying means;
Selection means for allowing the user to select one piece of the individual information among the pieces of individual information that is stored in the storage device and is information for specifying the individual piece of the tape cassette;
Selection determining means for determining whether the individual information is selected by a user by the selecting means;
Individual information acquisition means for acquiring the selected individual information when the selection determination means determines that one individual information is selected by a user;
Usage history acquisition means for acquiring a usage history that is information relating to printing of the tape;
Storage control means for storing the use history acquired by the use history acquisition means in association with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition means in the storage device ;
When it is determined by the selection determining means that the one piece of individual information has not been selected by the user, the individual information acquisition means newly acquires new individual information, and the printing means prints the new individual information. A printing device characterized by. The said individual information acquisition means acquires the said new individual information input by the user, when it is judged by the selection judgment means that one said individual information was not selected by the user. The printing device described in 1. The individual information acquisition means, when the selection determination means determines that one individual information is not selected by the user, the new individual information different from the individual information already stored in the storage device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is generated and acquired. A tape length acquisition means for acquiring a tape length, which is the length of the tape, input by a user;
A transport amount acquisition means for acquiring the transport amount of the tape by the transport means;
The usage history acquisition means includes
Based on the transport amount detected by the transport amount acquisition unit and the tape length acquired by the tape length acquisition unit, acquiring the remaining tape amount that is the remaining amount of the tape as the usage history. printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The cassette case of the tape cassette is provided with an indicator portion indicating type information which is identification information for each type of the tape cassette,
At the downstream end in the transport direction of the tape in the unused state, a start mark indicating that it is in an unused state is provided,
Start detection means for detecting the start mark for the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion;
Start determination means for determining whether or not the start mark is detected by the start detection means;
A type information detecting means for detecting the type information indicated by the index part of the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting unit;
The tape length acquisition unit acquires the unused tape length based on the type information detected by the type information detection unit when the start determination unit determines that the start mark has been detected. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The usage history acquisition means includes
When the tape remaining amount associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition unit is not stored in the storage device, the tape length acquired by the tape length acquisition unit is changed to the tape As the remaining amount,
When the remaining tape amount associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition unit is stored in the storage device, the transport amount is calculated from the remaining tape amount stored in the storage device. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a value obtained by subtracting the conveyance amount acquired by an acquisition unit is acquired as the remaining tape amount.   The use associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition unit when the remaining tape amount stored in the storage device is less than the conveyance amount acquired by the conveyance amount acquisition unit The printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a first deletion unit that can delete the history from the storage device. Whether or not an instruction to delete the use history is input by the user when the remaining tape amount stored in the storage device is smaller than the transport amount acquired by the transport amount acquisition unit Delete instruction judging means for judging
The first deletion means, when it is determined by the deletion instruction determination means that an instruction to delete the use history has been input, the use history associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition means The printer according to claim 7, wherein the printer is deleted from the storage device. An end mark indicating that the tape is in a used state is provided at the upstream end in the transport direction of the tape,
End detecting means for detecting the end mark for the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion;
End determination means for determining whether or not the end mark is detected by the end detection means;
Second deletion means for deleting, from the storage device, the use history associated with the individual information acquired by the individual information acquisition means when the end determination means determines that the end mark has been detected. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The usage history includes a printing history,
  Print history display means for displaying the print history acquired by the use history acquisition means;
  Printing history selection means for selecting the printing history displayed by the printing history display means;
With
  10. The print history selected by the print history selection unit is printed by the print unit when the print history is selected by the print history selection unit. 11. Printing device.

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