JP5727882B2 - Tape detection structure and tape printer having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape detection structure for detecting the presence or absence of a processing tape on a feeding path by a reflective optical sensor, and a tape printer provided with the same.

Conventionally, a label printer that includes this type of tape detection structure and performs printing on a long label sheet is known (see Patent Document 1). The label paper is formed with label marks by holes or notches in accordance with the pitch of each label. The label paper is fed out from a state of being wound in a roll and fed along a feed path. Further, an ink ribbon is provided above the feeding path. The ink ribbon is fed from the feeding core, and runs along with the label paper, and is then wound around the winding core. On the other hand, a platen roller and a thermal head are arranged in the part where the label paper and the ink ribbon run side by side, and the thermal head is driven in synchronization with the feeding of the label paper and the ink ribbon by the platen roller. Is printed.
Specifically, a detector that optically detects a label mark is disposed in the vicinity of the upstream side of the platen roller, and the thermal head is driven based on the detection result by the detector, and the label on the label paper The portion is printed by thermal transfer.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-180506

  In such a conventional label printer, the detector for detecting the label mark is configured to face the ink ribbon via the label mark. That is, the light emitted from the light emitting element is absorbed by the ink ribbon and is not received by the light receiving element, whereby the label mark is detected. However, there is no problem if the ink ribbon is black, but in the case of a color other than black, such as red or blue, a part of the light is reflected from the ink ribbon, and this is detected by the light receiving element. There was a problem. However, if the detector is provided on the upstream side in the feed direction of the label paper so as to be separated from the ink ribbon, such a problem is solved. However, if this is done, a separate member that absorbs light is required, and the position of the detector is greatly separated from the head, so that there is a problem that printing is not performed at a desired position (cueing) with respect to the label.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape detection structure that can accurately detect the presence or absence of a processing tape by using a case, and a tape printer provided with the tape detection structure.

In the tape detection structure of the present invention, a processing tape feed path is formed in the gap between the reflective optical sensor and the ribbon case of the ribbon cartridge containing the ink ribbon. A ribbon detection structure for detecting the presence or absence of a ribbon case, wherein the ribbon case has a processing tape feeding path and covers the optical sensor, and has a sensor opposing part facing the optical sensor, and the sensor opposing part is at least an optical sensor The light receiving part is colored in dark color, and the optical sensor is disposed upstream of the feeding direction of the part where the processing tape feeding path and the ink ribbon running path fed out from the ribbon case intersect . It is characterized by.

According to this configuration, at least the part that receives the light of the light sensor is colored in dark color in the sensor facing part, so the light of the light sensor that has reached the sensor facing part is reliably absorbed without being reflected by this part. Can be made. That is, the presence or absence of the processing tape can be accurately detected by utilizing the ribbon case. Further, the ribbon case is a case for accommodating the ink ribbon, and an optical sensor can be disposed in the vicinity of the exposed ink ribbon, and in the vicinity of the print head. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect a tape end such as cueing for detecting the front end of the processing tape or detecting a tail end of the processing tape.

  In this case, it is preferable that the sensor facing portion is configured with a black label.

According to this configuration, when the case color of the ribbon case is not black (dark color), the sensor-facing portion can be easily configured without performing a coloring process such as painting on the ribbon case .

  The tape printing apparatus of the present invention includes the above-described tape detection structure, and a printing / feeding unit that is disposed downstream of the optical sensor in the feeding direction of the processing tape and performs printing by thermal transfer from the ink ribbon while feeding the processing tape. And a control means for controlling the printing / feeding means on the basis of the detection result of the optical sensor.

  In this case, it is preferable that the control means determines that the processing tape is “absent” and stops the printing / feeding means when the optical sensor continues to detect the sensor facing portion.

  According to these configurations, since the printing / feeding means is stopped when there is no processing tape on the feeding path, so-called blank printing can be prevented, and printing / feeding means based on blank printing can be prevented. Degradation can be effectively prevented. In addition, since the optical sensor can be placed close to the printing / feeding means, it is possible to perform cueing with the tip of the processing tape and cueing with the detected hole of the processing tape with high accuracy, and to improve the positional print quality. It can be maintained well.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the tape printer concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the tape printing apparatus with the lid case opened and the tape cartridge and ribbon cartridge mounted. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer with the lid case opened and the tape cartridge and ribbon cartridge removed. It is a sectional side view of the tape printer concerning this embodiment. It is a side view of the conveyance drive device of a tape conveyance mechanism. (A) is a top view of a printing tape and a thermal head, (b) is a side view of a printing tape, a thermal head, and a platen roller. (A) is a perspective view of a tape cartridge, (b) is a perspective view of a tape body and a shaft holder, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line AA of (b). It is a disassembled perspective view of a tape cartridge. (A) is a front view of a shaft holder, (b) is a side view of a shaft holder, and sectional drawing in the BB line of (a). (A) is a perspective view of an apparatus side braking mechanism and an apparatus side braking transmission mechanism, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus side braking mechanism and the apparatus side braking transmission mechanism. It is a perspective view of a ribbon cartridge. It is a disassembled perspective view of a ribbon cartridge. (A) is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge side braking mechanism, and (b) is a sectional view of the cartridge side braking mechanism.

  Hereinafter, a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This tape printer is equipped with a tape cartridge that contains a roll of printing tape and a ribbon cartridge that contains an ink ribbon. The printing tape and ink ribbon are fed out and printed while running to print the printing tape. The label is made by cutting the finished part.

  The tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the tape printer 1 with the lid case 15 opened and the tape cartridge 12 and the ribbon cartridge 17 attached. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer 1 with the lid case 15 opened and the tape cartridge 12 and the ribbon cartridge 17 removed. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the tape printer 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of the transport driving device 22 b of the tape transport mechanism 22. In the following description, up and down, front and rear, left and right are defined as shown by arrows in each figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tape printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body case 10 that forms a main outer shell thereof, a transport assembly 11 incorporated in the apparatus main body case 10, and an attachment / detachment in the transport assembly 11. The tape cartridge 12 that is freely mounted, the device-side braking mechanism 13 that applies a back tension to the ink ribbon 61 fed out from the ribbon cartridge 17 (see FIGS. 5 and 10), and the braking force of the device-side braking mechanism 13 is used as the ink. The device-side brake transmission mechanism 14 (see FIGS. 5 and 10) for transmitting to the ribbon 61, the lid case 15 provided so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the device main body case 10, and the lid case 15 are incorporated. A printing assembly 16 and a ribbon cartridge 17 detachably mounted in the printing assembly 16 are provided.

  Further, the tape printer 1 incorporates a control device (not shown) for driving and controlling each component device. Further, a control terminal 18 (personal computer or the like) is connected to the tape printer 1 via a connection port, and a user operates the tape printer 1 via the control terminal 18 to execute a printing operation. . The apparatus main body case 10 and the lid case 15 constitute an apparatus case that forms the overall appearance of the tape printer 1.

  A sheet discharge port 20 for discharging the printed printing tape 32 to the outside is provided at the front center of the apparatus main body case 10. The printing tape 32 is fed out from the tape cartridge 12 disposed at the rear portion and used for printing while being sent toward the sheet discharge port 20.

<Transfer assembly>
The transport assembly 11 cuts the tape mounting portion 21 for mounting the tape cartridge 12, the tape transport mechanism 22 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that feeds the print tape 32 from the tape cartridge 12, and the printed print tape 32. And a tape detection mechanism 24 for detecting the presence or absence of the printing tape 32 fed out on the conveyance path.

  The tape mounting portion 21 is recessed inwardly at the rear of the apparatus body case 10 so that the tape cartridge 12 can be set at a so-called centering (center in the left-right direction) position.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the tape transport mechanism 22 is disposed in front of the tape mounting portion 21, and includes a so-called platen roller 22 a and a transport driving device 22 b that rotationally drives the platen roller 22 a. Yes. The platen roller 22a abuts on the lower surface of the printing tape 32 fed out from the tape cartridge 12, and conveys the printing tape 32 to the sheet discharge port 20 communicating with the front in cooperation with a thermal head 521 described later. (Refer to the broken line in FIG. 4A).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance drive device 22b includes a DC motor 221 serving as a power source, a worm gear 222 connected to the output shaft of the DC motor 221, a worm wheel gear 223 that meshes with the worm gear 222, and a platen roller 22a. It has a platen side gear train 224 that transmits the rotational force, and a winding side gear train 225 that transmits the rotational force to the winding core 63 of the ribbon cartridge 17 described later. The conveyance driving device 22b rotates the platen roller 22a and the winding core 63 in synchronization.

  The platen side gear train 224 includes a platen input gear 226 that meshes with the worm wheel gear 223, and a platen output gear 227 that meshes with the platen input gear 226 and is axially attached (rotatably mounted) to one end of the platen roller 22a. Have.

  The take-up side gear train 225 is engaged with the take-up input gear train 228 that meshes with the worm wheel gear 223 and the output side gear of the take-up input gear train 228, and the take-up side drive transmission connected to the take-up core 63. And a winding output gear 229 that meshes with a winding side gear 77 (described later) of the mechanism 75.

  Needless to say, there is a backlash between each gear. Therefore, the play based on the backlash causes a slight backlash in the rotational direction of the platen roller 22a. The tape printer 1 (control device) according to the present embodiment performs drive control of the DC motor 221 for removing play based on backlash before printing is started and before and after tape cutting by the cutter mechanism 23. Note that backlash between the worm gear 222 and the worm wheel gear 223, which are screw gears, can be ignored, and the worm gear 222 cannot be rotated even if a rotational force is applied to the platen roller 22a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cutter mechanism 23 is a so-called scissor type in which a fixed blade and a movable blade face each other with the printing tape 32 interposed therebetween, and is provided in front of the platen roller 22a. . The printing tape 32 for which the printing process has been completed is cut by the cutter mechanism 23 and discharged from the sheet discharge port 20 to the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the tape detection mechanism 24 is a so-called reflection type photosensor, and is incorporated in a first sliding contact member 25 provided between the tape cartridge 12 and the tape transport mechanism 22. The first photoelectric element 26 and the second photoelectric element 28 provided in the sheet discharge port 20 in front of the cutter mechanism 23 and incorporated in the second sliding contact member 27 are included. The first photoelectric element 26 and the second photoelectric element 28 are disposed so as to face the lower surface of the printing tape 32.

  Although illustration is omitted, each of the first photoelectric element 26 and the second photoelectric element 28 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light emitted from the light emitting element will be described later depending on whether the light receiving element receives light. The presence or absence of each detected hole 323 and the printing tape 32 is detected. In the tape printing apparatus 1 (control apparatus) according to the present embodiment, when the printing tape 32 is lost and the first photoelectric element 26 cannot receive reflected light (continues to detect a sensor facing portion 841 (label seal 842) described later). Then, the tape transport mechanism 22 and the printing mechanism 52 are stopped.

  More specifically, the first photoelectric element 26 detects each detected hole 323 to cue the printing tape 32 (label 322), and detects the presence or absence of the printing tape 32, so-called tape end detection. It is carried out. By detecting the tape end, so-called empty printing can be prevented, and deterioration and damage of the platen roller 22a and the thermal head 521 based on empty printing can be effectively prevented. Further, the second photoelectric element 28 detects the discharge of the printing tape 32.

  The first slidable contact member 25 and the second slidable contact member 27 serve as a path (conveyance path) through which the fed printing tape 32 is slidably contacted and is substantially the same width as the maximum width of the printing tape 32. It is formed in a table shape. In addition, a first opening 25 a serving as an optical path of the first photoelectric element 26 is formed at the substantially center in the left-right direction of the first sliding contact member 25, and similarly, the second photoelectric element 28 is formed in the second sliding contact member 27. A second opening 27a is formed as an optical path. The light emitting element and the light receiving element (not shown) of the first photoelectric element 26 are disposed in the first opening 25 a so as not to protrude from the upper end surface of the first sliding contact member 25, and similarly, the second photoelectric element 28. The light emitting element and the light receiving element (not shown) are arranged in the second opening 27 a so as not to protrude from the upper end surface of the second sliding contact member 27.

  As described above, the tape detection mechanism 24 can detect the printing tape 32 on the sliding members 25 and 27, and the distance between the photoelectric elements 26 and 28 and the printing tape 32 can be kept constant. It has become. As a result, even when the printing tape 32 being transported slightly fluctuates on the transport path, the distance between the printing tape 32 and each of the photoelectric elements 26 and 28 can be kept constant, which is reliable and stable. The detected print tape 32 can be detected. The first sliding contact member 25 and the second sliding contact member 27 may be omitted in order to minimize light diffusion and reflection.

<Tape cartridge>
Next, the tape cartridge 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 to 9. 6A is a plan view of the printing tape 32 and the thermal head 521, and FIG. 6B is a plan view of the printing tape 32, the thermal head 521, and the platen roller 22a. 7A is a perspective view of the tape cartridge 12, FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the tape body 30 and the shaft holder 34, and FIG. 7C is a line AA in FIG. 7B. It is sectional drawing. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cartridge 12. FIG. 9A is a front view of the shaft holder 34, FIG. 9B is a side view of the shaft holder 34, and a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9A.

  The tape cartridge 12 includes a tape body 30 formed by winding a printing tape 32 around a tape core 33, and a cartridge case 31 that rotatably supports the tape core 33. The tape cartridge 12 is detachably mounted on the tape mounting portion 21. The tape cartridge 12 contains printing tapes 32 of different types having different widths and colors. In consideration of user friendliness, so-called roll paper and die-cut tape are prepared.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the printing tape 32 is a so-called die-cut tape in which a plurality of labels 322 are attached to a long release paper 321 at equal intervals. The release paper 321 is formed thin and weaker than the label 322.

  A plurality of detection holes 323 are formed at equal intervals in the portion of the release paper 321 between the labels 322. The plurality of detected holes 323 are detected by the tape detection mechanism 24 described above. When the tape detection mechanism 24 detects each detected hole 323, the printing timing for each label 322 is calculated, and accurate printing without positional deviation is performed.

  Each detected hole 323 is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction of the release paper 321 at an intermediate position in the width direction of the release paper 321 (printing tape 32). Each detected hole 323 has a hole end on the rear side in the forward feed direction of the printing tape 32 formed in parallel with the width direction, and a hole end on the front side in the forward feed direction has an arc shape ( (Non-parallel). That is, each detected hole 323 is formed in a “D” shape when seen from the plane. Note that “forward feed” refers to transport of the printing tape 32 during a normal printing operation, and “reverse feed” refers to transport in a direction opposite to forward feed.

  Here, when the printing tape 32 in which the plurality of detection holes 323 are formed is transported, a minute component force is applied to the printing tape 32 so as to approach the center (the center in the width direction) (FIG. 6 ( a) (refer to broken line arrows), the hole end on the rear side in the feed direction may be caught by a thermal head 521 or a ribbon path changing shaft 522 described later, and the print tape 32 may be damaged (see FIG. 6B). . Therefore, the printing tape 32 according to the present embodiment prevents the printing tape 32 from being caught and damaged by making the planar shape of each detected hole 323 into a “D” shape.

  Specifically, when the printing tape 32 is reversely fed, the hole end on the front side in the reverse feed direction is pressed by the platen roller 22a so that the rise of the hole end is suppressed, and the hole end on the rear side in the reverse feed direction The press by the platen roller 22a is gradually applied, and finally the rise of the hole end is pressed. On the other hand, the hole end on the front side in the forward feed direction is pressed by the platen roller 22a and the rise of the hole end is held down. The hole end on the rear side in the forward feed direction is a part of the platen roller 22a to be detected. When facing the H.323, a part of the outer peripheral surface is deformed to enter the detected hole 323, and the detected hole 323 is expanded to suppress the swell. That is, by making the hole end on the front side in the forward feed direction (rear side in the reverse feed direction) arc-shaped (non-parallel) with respect to the width direction, the press of the platen roller 22a is effectively applied to the detected hole 323 and the periphery thereof. It is possible to effectively prevent the detected hole 323 from being caught by the thermal head 521 or the like.

  In addition, the arc portion of the detected hole 323 has a shape that resists a minute component force that tries to bring the printing tape 32 generated when the platen roller 22a is fed into the center (width direction center). The swell generated at both hole ends can be reduced as much as possible. Further, since the hole end on the rear side in the forward feed direction (front side in the reverse feed direction) is formed in parallel to the width direction, the hole to be detected is detected by the tape detection mechanism 24 (the first photoelectric element 26 and the second photoelectric element 28). The position of H.323 can be detected accurately.

  Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the printing tape 32 may be reversely fed. In this case, since the printing tape 32 on the upstream side in the reverse feed direction faces the sheet discharge port 20, no back tension is applied to the printing tape 32. When the printing tape 32 is fed by the platen roller 22a without applying a back tension, a minute component force to draw the printing tape 32 to the center acts on the printing tape 32 as it is. Even in such a case, by using the printing tape 32 according to the present embodiment, the press of the platen roller 22a can be effectively applied to the detected hole 323 and the periphery thereof.

  The detected hole 323 is not limited to an arc shape because the hole end on the front side in the forward feed direction (the rear side in the reverse feed direction) may be non-parallel to the width direction. For example, the detected hole 323 may have a shape having many corners. The opening shape of the detected hole 323 may be a triangle. In this embodiment, the die-cut tape is used. However, in addition to this, there is an adhesive layer and a release layer on the back side of the printing surface, and printing is performed by cutting the printed portion with the cutter mechanism 23 to form a label. Tape 32 may be used. Note that a thermal roll paper may be used as the printing tape 32. In this case, the ribbon cartridge 17 can be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tape body 30 has a so-called inner winding form in which a printing tape 32 with a printing surface facing inward is wound around the outer periphery of a paper-made hollow cylindrical tape core 33. doing. The tape body 30 is rotatably supported by shaft holders 34 positioned at both axial ends of the tape core 33. As described above, since the printing tape 32 is wound with the label 322 serving as the recording surface inside, it is possible to prevent the label 322 from being stained or damaged before printing. Note that an adhesive sheet (not shown) is attached to both end faces of the tape body 30 to prevent the wound printing tape 32 from being broken.

  The cartridge case 31 includes a pair of braking mechanisms 36 that pivotally support both ends of the tape body 30 (tape core 33), a pair of shaft holders 34 projecting the braking mechanisms 36 inwardly, and a tape together with the pair of shaft holders 34. And a main body case 35 that accommodates the body 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, each shaft holder 34 is formed in a plate shape, and a braking mechanism 36 projects from the substantial center thereof. The pair of shaft holders 34 are positioned so as to sandwich the tape body 30 from both ends, and pivotally support the tape core 33 via a pair of braking mechanisms 36 (roll shafts 37).

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body case 35 includes a tape cover portion 351 that covers the lower peripheral surface of the tape body 30, and a pair of side wall portions 352 that are erected at both left and right ends of the tape cover portion 351. ,have. The tape cover portion 351 is formed such that the rear thereof is curved along the peripheral surface of the tape body 30. Each side wall part 352 is formed in a disk shape larger than the diameter of the tape body 30. Note that a plurality of protrusions that are detected portions for detecting the type of the printing tape 32 are provided on the lower surface of the tape cover portion 351 (not shown).

  A position restricting groove 353 that is slightly recessed in the vertical direction is formed in a substantially complementary shape with the shaft holder 34 on the inner side of each side wall portion 352 in the front-rear direction substantially central portion. When the pair of shaft holders 34 that pivotally support the tape body 30 are fitted in the position restricting grooves 353 of the side wall portions 352, the tape body 30 and the side wall portions 352 are positioned substantially coaxially. .

  In addition, an engagement protrusion 354 that engages with an engagement head 341 at the top of each shaft holder 34 is formed on the outer upper end portion of each side wall portion 352, and is formed on the tape cover portion 351 at the standing portion of each side wall portion 352. Each of the shaft holders 34 is formed with a pair of engagement holes 355 through which the engagement projections 342 at the lower ends of the shaft holders 34 are engaged.

  As shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, each braking mechanism 36 protrudes substantially at the center of the shaft holder 34, and includes a roll shaft 37 that supports the tape core 33, and a tape core 33 that is incorporated in the roll shaft 37 and rotates. Braking means 38 that slides on the inner peripheral surface and applies a rotational braking force to the tape body 30.

  Each roll shaft 37 is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape as a whole and has an outer diameter capable of sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33.

  Each braking means 38 has a pair of spring pieces 381 having a spring property formed in a part of the roll shaft 37 in the axial direction, and the pair of spring pieces 381 toward the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33. And a braking spring 382 for urging them.

  The pair of spring pieces 381 is formed by a part of the roll shaft 37 separated by a pair of slits cut in the axial direction at the front and rear positions (180 ° symmetrical positions) of each roll shaft 37. . A latching portion 383 for latching the ends of the pair of wire rods of the brake spring 382 is formed inside the tip end portions of the pair of spring piece portions 381.

  Since each spring piece 381 is a part of the roll shaft 37, it is formed in an arc shape in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, since the sliding contact is made along the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33, the inner peripheral surface of the paper tape core 33 is not damaged. Thereby, a desired rotational load (braking force) can be stably obtained. Further, since a part of the roll shaft 37 also serves as the spring piece portion 381, the tape body 30 can be rotatably supported while applying a rotational load to the tape body 30 (tape core 33). Thereby, the braking means 38 can be easily configured with a small number of parts.

  Each brake spring 382 is a so-called torsion coil spring. Each brake spring 382 is fixed by positioning a wire winding portion by a spring position restricting portion 384 provided on the shaft center base portion of the roll shaft 37, and engaging a pair of wire ends with the above-described hook portions 383. Has been. Each brake spring 382 presses the pair of spring pieces 381 against the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33 with a predetermined force, thereby applying a load to the rotation of the tape core 33 (tape body 30). The portions of the roll shaft 37 other than the pair of spring piece portions 381 are in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotating tape core 33 to stabilize the rotation of the tape core 33 (tape body 30).

  As described above, the urging force of each brake spring 382 acts on the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33 via the pair of spring piece portions 381. Each spring piece portion 381 can be freely set in consideration of the material of the tape core 33 and the contact area with the inner peripheral surface. Thereby, the spring piece portion 381 can be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the tape core 33 with a stable urging force, and a stable sliding contact state can be maintained. Further, by providing the pair of spring piece portions 381 at the symmetrical position of the roll shaft 37, it is possible to give a balanced rotational load without bias to the tape body 30 (tape core 33).

  In this embodiment, since the torsion coil spring is used as the braking spring 382, the pair of spring pieces 381 are provided at 180 ° symmetrical positions. However, the position and number of the spring pieces 381 are formed (one or more). Is preferably set arbitrarily depending on the type of the brake spring 382 and the position and number of the wire ends. For example, a case where three spring pieces 381 are provided at intervals of 120 °, a case where four spring pieces 381 are provided at intervals of 90 °, or a case where five spring pieces 381 are provided at intervals of 72 ° are considered. It is done. Alternatively, the braking spring 382 may be omitted, and the tape body 30 (tape core 33) may be braked with only one or more spring piece portions 381 having spring properties.

<Device-side braking mechanism and device-side braking transmission mechanism>
Next, the device-side braking mechanism 13 and the device-side braking transmission mechanism 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the device-side braking mechanism 13 and the device-side brake transmission mechanism 14, and FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view of the device-side braking mechanism 13 and the device-side brake transmission mechanism 14.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the device-side braking mechanism 13 includes an annular device-side leaf spring 131 and an annular seal 132 that stabilizes the sliding resistance with the device-side leaf spring 131.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the device-side brake transmission mechanism 14 meshes with a feeding-side gear 73 of a feeding-side braking transmission mechanism 71 of the ribbon cartridge 17 which will be described later (can be engaged and disengaged). An apparatus side gear 41 and an apparatus side support shaft 43 supported by the frame 42 of the tape printer 1 and supported by the apparatus side gear 41 so as to be rotatable are provided.

  The device-side gear 41 includes a gear body 44 having a plurality of teeth formed on the peripheral surface, and a flange portion 45 formed on the frame 42 side of the gear body 44 so as to have a larger diameter than the gear body 44. . A shaft hole 46 into which the apparatus side support shaft 43 is inserted is formed through the center of the apparatus side gear 41, and the apparatus side gear 41 is rotatably supported by the apparatus side support shaft 43.

  On the flange portion 45 side of the device-side gear 41, an annular recessed portion 47 to which the device-side braking mechanism 13 is attached is recessed. The seal 132 and the device side leaf spring 131 are fitted into the annular recess 47 in this order. When the device-side gear 41 having the device-side braking mechanism 13 mounted on the annular recess 47 is pivotally supported on the device-side support shaft 43, the device-side leaf spring 131 is formed between the bottom surface of the annular recess 47 and the frame 42. Come in time. That is, the device side leaf spring 131 is in sliding contact with the bottom surface of the annular recess 47 and the frame 42, so that a load (braking force) is applied to the rotation of the device side gear 41.

  In addition, since the apparatus side leaf | plate spring 131 is slidably contacted with the bottom face of the annular recessed part 47 via the seal | sticker 132, it can prevent abrasion of this bottom face. The braking force by the device-side braking mechanism 13 is set to be smaller than the braking force of a cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 (exactly, the feeding-side braking mechanism 65a) described later.

<Lid case>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lid case 15 is rotatably provided so as to be flipped forward about a hinge 15 a provided at the rear end, and the transport assembly 11 (tape mounting portion 21). It is used as an open / close lid that opens. Further, when the lid case 15 is opened, the printing assembly 16 (ribbon mounting portion 51) is opened. As a result, the tape cartridge 12 and the ribbon cartridge 17 can be replaced, and maintenance of each mechanism can be performed.

<Printing assembly>
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the printing assembly 16 includes a ribbon mounting portion 51 for mounting the ribbon cartridge 17 and a printing mechanism 52 for performing printing processing on the printing tape 32.

  The ribbon mounting portion 51 includes a feeding mounting portion 511 that is recessed in the rear side of the printing mechanism 52 and a winding mounting portion 512 that is recessed in the front side of the printing mechanism 52 inside the lid case 15. Have. That is, the ribbon cartridge 17 is mounted on the ribbon mounting portion 51 so as to straddle the printing mechanism 52. 2 and 3, the feeding mounting portion 511 is located on the near side of the winding mounting portion 512 (downward with the lid case 15 closed).

  The printing mechanism 52 is arranged in front of and behind the thermal head 521 so that the so-called thermal head 521, a head drive device (not shown) that drives and controls the thermal head 521, and the ink ribbon 61 face the heat generating portion of the thermal head 521. And a pair of ribbon path changing shafts 522 that change the travel path 66 of the ink ribbon 61. The thermal head 521 is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the printing tape 32 via the ink ribbon 61 from above at the position where the platen roller 22a is disposed (see FIG. 4).

<Ribbon cartridge>
Next, the ribbon cartridge 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the ribbon cartridge 17. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ribbon cartridge 17. FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge side braking mechanism 65, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge side braking mechanism 65.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the ribbon cartridge 17 includes a ribbon body 60 formed by winding an ink ribbon 61 around a feeding core 62, a winding core 63 that winds up the used ink ribbon 61, and a feeding core 62. And a ribbon case 64 that rotatably supports the winding core 63, a ribbon body 60 (feeding core 62), and a cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 that applies a braking force to the winding core 63 (see FIG. 11B). I have.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the feeding core 62 and the winding core 63 are each formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. A feeding side brake transmission mechanism 71 is attached to the right end of the feeding core 62, and a winding side drive transmission mechanism 75 is attached to the right end of the winding core 63.

  The feeding-side brake transmission mechanism 71 is fitted and fixed to the shaft center of the feeding core 62, and is pivotally attached to the feeding-side support shaft 72 that is rotatably supported by the side wall portion 352 of the ribbon case 64 and the feeding-side support shaft 72. And a feeding side gear 73 (cartridge side gear).

  The feeding side support shaft 72 has a feeding flange portion 74 that abuts on the right end surface of the feeding core 62 (ribbon body 60) and slidably contacts a right inner surface of a feeding case portion 80 described later. The feeding-side gear 73 meshes with the device-side gear 41 of the device-side braking transmission mechanism 14 described above with the lid case 15 closed (see FIG. 5). Thereby, a load (torque) from the device-side braking mechanism 13 acts on the rotation of the feeding core 62, and this load gives a back tension to the ink ribbon 61.

  Similarly, the take-up side drive transmission mechanism 75 is fitted and fixed to the shaft center of the take-up core 63 and is rotatably supported by the side wall portion 352 of the ribbon case 64, and the take-up side support shaft 76. And a take-up side gear 77 attached to the support shaft 76.

  The winding side support shaft 76 has a winding flange portion 78 that abuts the right end surface of the winding core 63 and slidably contacts a right inner surface of a winding case portion 81 described later. The winding-side gear 77 meshes with the winding output gear 229 of the above-described transport driving device 22b with the lid case 15 closed (see FIG. 5). As a result, the winding core 63 is rotated in the direction in which the ink ribbon 61 is wound up by the driving force transmitted from the transport driving device 22b (DC motor 221).

  The feeding side gear 73 and the winding side gear 77 also serve as an operation knob for manually rotating the feeding core 62 and the winding core 63. Thereby, even when the feeding core 62 or the winding core 63 rotates unintentionally and the ink ribbon 61 is loosened, the feeding side gear 73 or the winding side gear 77 is used as an operation knob, and the slackened ink ribbon is used. 61 can be wound around the cores 62 and 63 again.

  The ribbon case 64 includes a feeding case portion 80 that rotatably accommodates the feeding core 62, a winding case portion 81 that rotatably accommodates the winding core 63, and left and right ends of the feeding case portion 80 and the winding case portion 81. And a pair of connecting portions 82 connected in the front-rear direction across the travel path 66 of the ink ribbon 61. The ink ribbon 61 fed out from the ribbon body 60 is exposed from the ribbon delivery port 83 formed in the feeding case portion 80, passes through the traveling path 66, and is drawn into the ribbon drawing port 87 formed in the winding case portion 81. Then, it is wound around the winding core 63 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

  The feeding case portion 80 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower feeding case 84 so that the upper feeding case 85 jumps up the front side around the rear end portion. Similarly, the winding case portion 81 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower winding case 88 so that the upper winding case 89 springs up the rear side around the front end portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a sensor facing portion 841 that faces the first photoelectric element 26 is formed on the lower surface of the lower feeding case 84. The sensor facing portion 841 is formed in a shape that follows the transport path of the printing tape 32 (see the broken line in FIG. 4).

  For this reason, the first photoelectric element 26 can be disposed in the vicinity of the exposed ink ribbon 61, and in the vicinity of the thermal head 521. Further, the sensor facing portion 841 and the printing tape 32 on the transport path can be arranged as close as possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent external light that has entered from a gap portion of the device case from reaching the first photoelectric element 26 as much as possible. Then, by detecting the presence / absence of each detected hole 323 and the printing tape 32 with high accuracy, the cueing of the label 322 and the tape end detection (all the printing tape 32 wound around the tape core 33 has been fed out) can be accurately performed. It can be carried out. In other words, by partially changing the shape of the ribbon case 64, erroneous detection of the printing tape 32 (each detected hole 323) can be effectively prevented.

  The sensor facing portion 841 has a black label sticker 842 attached in the left-right direction and substantially in the center. The label seal 842 is stuck in an “L” shape so as to follow the lower feeding case 84 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the light emission from the 1st photoelectric element 26 which reached | attained the sensor opposing part 841 (label seal 842) can be reliably absorbed by this part. In addition, the sensor facing portion 841 can be simply configured without coloring the ribbon case 64 such as painting. The label seal 842 may be omitted, and the sensor facing portion 841 may be colored with a dark color such as black.

  As described above, the sensor facing portion 841 is formed at a position away from the ink ribbon 61 exposed from the ribbon cartridge 17 and the pair of ribbon path changing shafts 522, and the first photoelectric element 26 faces the sensor facing portion 841. It faces the lower surface of the printing tape 32 at a position and detects the printing tape 32 and the like on the transport path. For this reason, the first photoelectric element 26 does not erroneously detect the ink ribbon 61 as the printing tape 32 even when the ink ribbon 61 has the same color as the printing tape 32. As a result, the tape end detection can be reliably detected, and it can be used as an opportunity for performing appropriate measures such as stopping the printing process and notifying the replacement of the tape cartridge 12. Note that the second photoelectric element 28 may have the same configuration as the first photoelectric element 26. In this case, a sensor facing portion 841 that faces the second photoelectric element 28 is formed on the lower surface of the lower winding case 88.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the feeding case portion 80 and the winding case portion 81 are respectively formed with bearing openings 86 on both left and right end surfaces. Each bearing opening 86 on the right side is formed in a circular shape so that the feeding core 62 and the winding core 63 can be pivotally supported via the feeding side supporting shaft 72 and the winding side supporting shaft 76. On the other hand, each bearing opening 86 on the left side is formed in a substantially circular shape (D-shape) having a linear portion on one side so that a receiving member 91 of a cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 described later cannot be rotated.

  Here, in the ribbon cartridge 17, in order to prevent the drawn out ink ribbon 61 from being loosened, it is important to brake the feeding core 62 and feed out the ink ribbon 61 while applying a back tension. Further, when replacing the ribbon cartridge 17, in order to prevent looseness when the ink ribbon 61 stuck to the platen roller 22a is pulled away, and to prevent looseness of the ink ribbon 61 when handling the ribbon cartridge 17 (such as carrying it), winding is performed. It is necessary to brake the core 63.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 includes a feeding-side braking mechanism 65a that uses the feeding core 62 and the ink ribbon 61 wound around the feeding core 62 as a braking object, a winding core 63, and the winding core 63. A winding-side braking mechanism 65b that uses the rotated ink ribbon 61 as an object to be braked. Although details will be described later, the braking force of the feeding-side braking mechanism 65a is set sufficiently larger than the braking force of the device-side braking mechanism 13.

  The feeding-side braking mechanism 65a and the winding-side braking mechanism 65b are respectively fixed to the shaft center from the left side of the feeding core 62 and the winding core 63, and a pair of rotating members 90 that rotate integrally with the cores 62 and 63, respectively. A pair of receiving members 91 that are arranged coaxially with the respective rotating members 90 and are fixed to the respective left bearing openings 86 so as not to rotate, and are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the receiving members 91 and the rotating members 90, respectively. A single spring accommodating portion 92 and two types of annular cartridge side leaf springs 93 that are accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 92 and apply a rotational braking force to the rotating member 90 are provided.

  There are two types of cartridge side leaf springs 93: a large-diameter leaf spring 93a having a large diameter and urging force, and a small-diameter leaf spring 93b having a smaller diameter and urging force than the large-diameter leaf spring 93a. A large-diameter leaf spring 93a is incorporated in 65a, and a small-diameter leaf spring 93b is incorporated in the winding-side braking mechanism 65b. The feeding side braking mechanism 65a and the winding side braking mechanism 65b have substantially the same configuration except that the types of springs to be incorporated are different.

  Each rotating member 90 is provided at a movable cylindrical portion 94 fitted to the hollow axis of each of the cores 62 and 63, and at one end portion of the movable cylindrical portion 94, and constitutes a facing surface of the spring accommodating portion 92. And a movable flange portion 95.

  The movable cylindrical portion 94 protrudes from the back surface of the surface that becomes the opposing surface of the spring accommodating portion 92 in the movable flange portion 95. A movable annular projection 96 for positioning the large-diameter leaf spring 93a at the outer peripheral portion is provided on the surface of the movable flange portion 95 which is the facing surface. The movable cylindrical portion 94, the movable flange portion 95, and the movable-side annular projection 96 are arranged on the same axis (concentric circle). Further, the movable cylindrical portion 94 and the movable flange portion 95 are formed with a through hole 97 through which the fixed shaft portion 98 of the receiving member 91 is inserted.

  Each receiving member 91 is provided at one end portion of the fixed shaft portion 98 and the fixed shaft portion 98 that rotatably supports the movable cylindrical portion 94 in a retaining state, and constitutes a facing surface of the spring accommodating portion 92. And a fixing flange portion 99.

  The fixed shaft portion 98 protrudes from a surface that is a facing surface of the spring accommodating portion 92 in the fixed flange portion 99. The fixed shaft portion 98 has a tip portion divided into four pieces, and a hook portion 981 is formed outside each piece. Accordingly, when the fixed shaft portion 98 is inserted into the through hole 97 of the rotating member 90, each hook portion 981 engages with the distal end surface of the movable cylindrical portion 94, and the rotating member 90 and the receiving member 91 are prevented from being detached. It becomes a state.

  A fixed-side annular protrusion 100 for positioning the small-diameter leaf spring 93b at the inner peripheral portion protrudes from a joint portion between the surface of the fixed flange portion 99 serving as the opposing surface and the fixed shaft portion 98. A D-shaped annular protrusion 101 having a “D” shape is formed on the back surface of the opposite surface of the fixed flange portion 99 so as to be fitted to each left-side “D” -shaped bearing opening 86. Yes. Each receiving member 91 is fixed in a non-rotatable manner by fitting the D-shaped annular protrusion 101 into each bearing opening 86 on the left side.

  The fixed flange portion 99 is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the movable annular projection 96. The fixed flange portion 99 abuts against the movable-side annular protrusion 96 in a state where the fixed shaft portion 98 is inserted into the through hole 97 and the rotating member 90 and the receiving member 91 are connected. That is, the range enclosed by the inner surface of the movable annular projection 96 and the opposed surfaces of the movable flange portion 95 and the fixed flange portion 99 is the spring accommodating portion 92.

  The large-diameter leaf spring 93a (small-diameter leaf spring 93b) housed in the spring housing portion 92 receives the receiving member 91 and biases the rotating member 90 in the axial direction (right direction). That is, by this urging force, the feeding core 62 (winding core 63) is sandwiched between the rotating member 90 and the right inner surface of the feeding case portion 80 (winding case portion 81), and braking force (rotational load). Is given. As a result, a rotational braking force is applied to the feeding core 62 and the take-up core 63 in the ribbon cartridge 17 that is not attached to the ribbon attachment portion 51, and the slack of the ink ribbon 61 is prevented.

  In addition, the movable annular protrusion 96 has a dimension (height) within which the collapse of the cartridge side leaf spring 93 (large diameter leaf spring 93a or small diameter leaf spring 93b) is within the elastic limit in a state where the fixed flange portion 99 is in contact. Is formed. That is, even when a force exceeding the elastic limit is applied to the leaf spring during assembly, the movable-side annular projection 96 functions as a stopper, and the cartridge-side leaf spring 93 is prevented from being crushed. Thereby, the cartridge side leaf | plate spring 93 can exhibit normal urging | biasing force in the spring accommodating part 92 after an assembly. Thereby, the rotation of the rotating member 90 can be braked appropriately.

  The large diameter leaf spring 93a is positioned on the movable flange portion 95 side (movable side annular projection 96), and the small diameter leaf spring 93b is positioned on the fixed flange portion 99 side (fixed side annular projection 100). Thus, the cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 can be easily assembled in a state where one of the large-diameter leaf spring 93a and the small-diameter leaf spring 93b is definitely positioned. Specifically, when the large-diameter leaf spring 93a is used, the large-diameter leaf spring 93a is placed inside the movable-side annular protrusion 96 with the movable-side annular protrusion 96 facing upward, and then received from above. The member 91 is fitted. On the other hand, when the small-diameter leaf spring 93b is used, the small-diameter leaf spring 93b is inserted into the fixed shaft portion 98 with the fixed-side annular protrusion 100 (fixed shaft portion 98) facing upward, Thereafter, the rotating member 90 is fitted from above. As described above, the cartridge side braking mechanism 65 can be assembled easily and accurately.

  As described above, the feeding-side braking mechanism 65a incorporates the large-diameter leaf spring 93a having a large urging force, while the winding-side braking mechanism 65b incorporates the small-diameter leaf spring 93b. 63 can be applied with different rotational braking forces. Thereby, it is possible to always give tension (back tension) to the ink ribbon 61. Further, since the large-diameter leaf spring 93a or the small-diameter leaf spring 93b having different urging forces can be selectively accommodated in the single spring accommodating portion 92, without changing the design of the receiving member 91 and the rotating member 90, The braking force of the rotating member 90 (the feeding core 62 and the winding core 63) can be easily changed. Further, the large-diameter leaf spring 93a and the small-diameter leaf spring 93b are slidably contacted with the opposing surfaces (spring accommodating portions 92) of the receiving member 91 and the rotating member 90, respectively, so that a stable braking force is applied to the rotating member 90 and the like. Can be given.

<Ribbon cartridge installation>
As shown in FIG. 2, when the ribbon cartridge 17 is mounted on the ribbon mounting portion 51, the feeding case portion 80 is first mounted on the feeding mounting portion 511, and the winding case portion 80 is then centered on the feeding case portion 80. 81 is rotated and attached to the take-up attachment portion 512. As a result, the ink ribbon 61 fed to the traveling path 66 comes into contact with the thermal head 521 and the pair of ribbon path changing shafts 522.

  At this time, it is conceivable that the winding case portion 81 rotated for mounting on the winding mounting portion 512 contacts the thermal head 521 or the downstream ribbon path changing shaft 522. In this case, the contact can be prevented by widening the distance (running path 66) between the feeding case portion 80 and the winding case portion 81. However, when the traveling path 66 is lengthened, there are problems such as an increase in the size of the ribbon cartridge 17 (tape printing apparatus 1) and the tendency of the ink ribbon 61 to be loosened.

  Therefore, as described above, the ribbon mounting portion 51 according to the present embodiment places the feeding case portion 80 by positioning the feeding mounting portion 511 in front of the winding mounting portion 512 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Can be easily performed. That is, when the ribbon cartridge 17 is attached to the ribbon attachment portion 51 and the lid case 15 is closed, the feeding attachment portion 511 is positioned below the winding attachment portion 512 (see FIG. 4). Further, this makes it possible to prevent the rotated winding case portion 81 from contacting the thermal head 521 and the downstream ribbon path changing shaft 522 without enlarging the traveling path 66.

<Relationship between feeding-side braking mechanism and device-side braking mechanism>
Here, with the lid case 15 closed, the feeding side gear 73 of the feeding side brake transmission mechanism 71 provided in the ribbon cartridge 17 meshes with the front side of the device side gear 41 of the device side braking transmission mechanism 14. (See FIG. 3). If the rotational load of the device side gear 41 is large and the rotational load of the feeding side gear 73 is small, when the ribbon cartridge 17 is mounted on the ribbon mounting portion 51 and the lid case 15 is closed, the device side gear 41 does not rotate. The gears mesh with each other while the feeding side gear 73 rotates in the feeding direction of the ink ribbon 61. In this case, slack occurs in the ink ribbon 61 on the traveling path 66, and the normal ink ribbon 61 cannot be transported. Therefore, the braking force of the supply-side braking mechanism 65a according to the present embodiment is set sufficiently larger than the braking force by the device-side braking mechanism 13.

  A rotational braking force is applied to the unmounted ribbon cartridge 17 from the cartridge-side braking mechanism 65, whereby the slack of the ink ribbon 61 can be prevented. Further, back tension is applied to the ribbon ribbon 17 that has been loaded by the apparatus-side braking mechanism 13 in addition to the cartridge-side braking mechanism 65. Since the braking force of the device side braking mechanism 13 is set to be smaller than the braking force of the feeding side braking mechanism 65a, the device side gear 41 is moved to the feeding side when the ribbon cartridge 17 is set and the lid case 15 is closed. Even if the gear 73 (the feeding core 62) is contacted so as to rotate, the feeding core 62 does not rotate due to the braking force of the cartridge side braking mechanism 65. As a result, the ink ribbon 61 attached to the ribbon attachment portion 51 and fed toward the take-up core 63 can be prevented from slacking and can be normally conveyed.

  Further, since the cartridge-side braking mechanism 65 is assumed to be disposable together with the ribbon cartridge 17, durability is not required. On the other hand, the device-side braking mechanism 13 is sufficient to exhibit a small braking force. For this reason, each brake mechanism 13 and 65 can be comprised at low cost.

  Further, the feeding core 62 is pivotally supported by the feeding-side braking mechanism 65a and the device-side braking mechanism 13 in a state where a rotational braking force is applied at both axial ends. Thereby, since a uniform and stable braking force can be applied to the feeding core 62, a uniform back tension can be applied to the fed ink ribbon 61.

  Similarly, the take-up side gear 77 of the take-up side drive transmission mechanism 75 is also positioned in front of the take-up output gear 229 of the transport drive device 22b and meshes with each other and rotates in the transport direction. Is the rotation of the ink ribbon 61 in the winding direction, so that the ink ribbon 61 does not sag.

<Conveying route of printing tape>
As shown in FIG. 4, the printing tape 32 is sandwiched between the thermal head 521 and the platen roller 22a via the ink ribbon 61, and is fed from the tape body 30 by the rotation of the platen roller 22a. Thus, the printing process is performed. The printing process is performed by the DC motor 221 rotating the winding core 63 and the platen roller 22a in synchronization. The printing tape 32 after the printing process is sent to the sheet discharge port 20, while the ink ribbon 61 is wound on the winding core 63. The thermal head 521 and the platen roller 22a are formed to have substantially the same width as the maximum width of the printing tape 32.

  The tape cartridge 12 is mounted on the tape mounting portion 21 located behind the apparatus main body case 10, and the printing tape 32 is pivotally supported in the tape cartridge 12 in the form of an inner winding. The printing tape 32 is unwound from the lower side and is fed to the sheet discharge port 20 with the label 322 facing the thermal head 521 side. That is, since the printing tape 32 is fed obliquely upward and forward, the conveyed printing tape 32 interferes with the feeding mounting portion 511 positioned below the winding mounting portion 512 with the lid case 15 closed. There is no (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the print tape 32 can appropriately face the thermal head 521 without changing the transport path of the print tape 32.

  Further, since there is no need to change the transport path, there is no need to forcibly bend the printing tape 32. Therefore, the label 322 is not peeled off from the release paper 321 before printing. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to move the tape mounting unit 21 away from the thermal head 521 (printing mechanism 52) and the ribbon cartridge 17 (ribbon mounting unit 51) more than necessary, the tape printing apparatus 1 can be reduced in size.

<Tape cartridge loading and cueing control>
The user opens the lid case 15 and mounts the tape cartridge 12 containing the tape body 30 in which the printing tape 32 is wound inwardly on the tape mounting portion 21. Then, the user pulls out the printing tape 32 from the cartridge case 31, inserts the leading end of the printing tape 32 into the sheet discharge port 20, and then closes the lid case 15.

  Before starting printing, the tape printer 1 transports the printing tape 32 in the reverse feed direction in order to prevent the label 322 facing the sheet discharge port 20 from being cut without being printed (cue control). Specifically, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the platen roller 22 a is reversed, and the second photoelectric element 28 provided in the sheet discharge port 20 has an arc shape of the detected hole 323 opened in the printing tape 32 (release paper 321). The printing tape 32 is reversely fed until the hole end in the rearward direction (rear side) is first detected. Thereafter, similarly to the normal printing process, the platen roller 22a is rotated forward, and printing is performed on the label 322 facing the thermal head 521 based on the detection of the detection hole 323 by the first photoelectric element 26 on the upstream side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the unprocessed label 322 from being wasted.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above at all, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can implement with a various form.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Tape printer, 10: Apparatus main body case, 12: Tape cartridge, 15: Cover case, 17: Ribbon cartridge, 18: Control terminal, 21: Tape mounting part, 22: Tape conveyance mechanism, 22a: Platen roller, 24 : Tape detection mechanism, 25: first sliding contact member, 26: first photoelectric element, 27: second sliding contact member, 28: second photoelectric element, 31: cartridge case, 32: printing tape, 35: main body case, 64: Ribbon case, 521: Thermal head, 841: Sensor facing part, 842: Label seal

Claims (4)

A processing tape feed path is configured in the gap between the reflective optical sensor and the ribbon case of the ribbon cartridge containing the ink ribbon,
A tape detection structure for detecting presence or absence of the processing tape on the feeding path by the optical sensor,
The ribbon case has a sensor facing portion that faces the optical sensor while covering the optical sensor in the presence of the processing tape feeding path ,
The sensor facing part is colored dark at least at the part receiving the light of the photosensor ,
The tape detection structure according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is disposed upstream of a feeding direction of a portion where a feeding path of the processing tape and a traveling path of an ink ribbon fed out from the ribbon case intersect .   The tape detection structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor facing portion is configured by a black label. The tape detection structure according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A printing / feeding unit that is disposed downstream of the optical sensor in the feeding direction of the processing tape, and performs printing by thermal transfer from the ink ribbon while feeding the processing tape;
A tape printing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the printing / feeding unit based on a detection result of the optical sensor. Wherein, when the light sensor continues to detect the sensor facing part determines that the processing tape "no", according to claim 3, characterized in that stops the printing and feeding means Tape printer.

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