JP5737494B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus driven by a battery.

  Conventionally, for example, a printing apparatus that operates using a battery has been proposed so that a user can easily use it. In this case, the battery is consumed by repeated use, and the internal resistance increases. Therefore, whether or not the battery is exhausted can be identified by a change (decrease) in the output voltage value with time. As a conventional technique focusing on this point, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In this prior art, both the state in which power is not supplied from the battery to the print head, the motor, etc. and no load is applied, and the state in which power is supplied from the battery to the print head, motor, etc., are both applied. The battery voltage in the state is detected. Based on the amount of voltage drop in these two states, the degree of consumption of the battery mounted at that time is determined.

JP 2002-335637 A

  In the above prior art, battery consumption detection is performed by shifting to a dedicated consumption determination mode provided in advance. Therefore, when it is desired to determine whether or not the battery is consumed, it is necessary to interrupt the creation of the printed material and shift to the consumption determination mode, which is inefficient.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can detect battery consumption with high accuracy without reducing printed matter production efficiency.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a label printing target that includes a transporting unit that transports a label printing tape and a plurality of heating elements that generate heat when energized and is transported by the transporting unit. Printing means for creating a print label by performing desired printing on a tape, and the printing means performs printing corresponding to print data on the label printing tape conveyed by the conveyance means, A printing apparatus for generating a print label, wherein an energization unit energizes at least one of the plurality of heating elements of the printing unit according to the print data, and a drive unit that controls driving of the transport unit A battery storage unit that stores a battery that supplies power to the energization unit and the drive unit, a voltage detection unit that can detect an output voltage value of the battery, a conveyance unit, and a printing unit. One of the during the operation of generating the print label, the equivalent conduction timing of the conveyance by said conveying means is associated to said plurality of heating elements in a state of uniform energization of fixing the number of dots is performed by energization means is performed by a timing detection means for detecting, in the uniform energizing timing at which the timing detection means detects, based on the output voltage value by the voltage detecting means has detected a exhaustion determination means for determining the degree of exhaustion of the battery, the has the exhaustion determination unit, the output voltage value at the uniform energizing timing, when it becomes less than predetermined for exhaustion determination threshold, determines that the battery is in a depletion state, the printing means, the print area of the print-tapes label set corresponding to the print data including at least one text character And, it performs printing corresponding to the print data, of the label receiving tape a predetermined, uniform printing of the extra section which remains without being used to separate the half-cut when pasted as print label for a region, the regardless of the type of the print-receiving tape label, have rows evenly printed fixed number of dots over a period length in the conveyance direction entire area of the uniformly printed area, the timing detection means, wherein the label by the transport means According to the conveyance of the printing tape for printing , after the printing of the printing unit with respect to the printing area is completed, the first equal energization timing at which the conveyance by the conveyance unit is performed is detected, Determining the degree of battery consumption based on the output voltage value at the first equal energization timing detected by the timing detection means. It is characterized by.

The printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes conveying means, printing means, energizing means for energizing at least one heat generating element of the printing means, driving means for controlling driving of the conveying means, and a battery housing. Desired printing corresponding to the printing data is performed on the label printing tape by the heating element of the printing means. A cylindrical battery is accommodated in the battery accommodating portion, and power is supplied to the energizing means and the driving means by the battery.

  The battery is consumed by repeated use, and the internal resistance increases. Therefore, whether or not the battery is exhausted can be identified by a change (decrease) in the output voltage value with time.

On the other hand, apart from the above-described change in the output voltage value over time, the output voltage value changes even during the operation of generating one print label . That is, when a plurality of heating elements of the printing unit are energized while being conveyed by the conveying unit and printing is performed on the label printing tape , the timing is relatively high at the timing when the number of heating elements energized corresponding to the print data is large. Since the load increases, the output voltage value of the battery decreases. Conversely, at a timing when the number of heating elements to be energized is small, the load becomes small, and the output voltage value of the battery becomes high. As described above, in order to determine the degree of battery consumption based on the change in output voltage value over time, the influence of fluctuations in the output voltage value during the print label generation operation as described above must be excluded.

  Therefore, in the first invention of the present application, there is provided timing detection means capable of detecting a timing at which the influence of such fluctuation can be excluded. Specifically, the timing detection unit can detect a non-energization timing at which the conveyance by the conveyance unit is performed in a state where the energization unit is not energized by the energization unit. At this non-energization timing, since the heating element of the printing means is not energized, it is possible to exclude the influence of the fluctuation in the output voltage value due to the size of the heating element as described above. Further, the timing detection unit can detect the equal energization timing at which the conveyance by the conveyance unit is performed in a state where the equal energization is performed by the energization unit. At this uniform energization timing, the plurality of heat generating elements of the printing means are evenly energized in a manner in accordance with a predetermined regularity, and there is no increase or decrease of the heat generating elements according to the print data as described above. As a result, the influence of fluctuations in the output voltage value due to the size of the heating element can be excluded.

Based on the output voltage value at the timing when fluctuation is excluded as described above, the degree of battery consumption is determined by the consumption determination means. As a result, the printing apparatus of the first invention of the present application can detect the degree of battery consumption with high accuracy. Further, as described above, it is possible to determine the degree of battery consumption during the operation of generating the print label . Therefore, unlike the conventional method where it is necessary to detect the consumption of the battery by moving to a dedicated consumption determination mode provided in advance, the battery can be efficiently and without interrupting the production of the label-use tape to be printed. It is possible to detect exhaustion.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect battery consumption with high accuracy without reducing printed matter production efficiency.

It is a perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus from diagonally upward. It is the perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus of the state which open | released the lower cover from diagonally downward direction. 3 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a printed label production apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the fluctuation | variation behavior of a battery voltage when producing one printing label. It is a figure which shows the behavior of the output voltage in the case of an alkaline battery. It is a figure which shows the behavior of the output voltage in the case of a nickel metal hydride battery. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU in the modification which detects a feed voltage by the margin between characters. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the fluctuation | variation behavior of a battery voltage when producing one printing label in the modification which performs exhaustion detection of a battery with high precision using a uniform printing area | region. It is explanatory drawing showing the flow of printing when the printing label containing a surplus part and a label main body is produced. It is a top view showing the example of the produced printing label. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is a figure of the label in the modification of die-cut type.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a print label producing apparatus 1 as a printing apparatus. The printed label producing apparatus 1 produces a printed label L as a printed matter by cutting a printed label tape on which a desired printing has been performed into a predetermined length.

  First, a schematic configuration of the print label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions of the print label producing apparatus 1 refer to the directions shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 of the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a lower cover 15 that forms the lower surface of the apparatus, a lateral cover 16 that forms the side surface of the apparatus, and an upper cover 17 that forms the upper surface of the apparatus. It is comprised by. The upper cover 17 has function keys for executing various functions of the print label producing apparatus 1 such as a keyboard 3 for performing various operations such as character input from the front direction to the rear direction, and a power switch and a print key. A group 4 and a liquid crystal display 5 for displaying input characters and symbols are provided. Further, a cutter lever 7 for cutting the printed label tape 109 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right rear side of the horizontal cover 16.

  A cartridge holder 9 to which the cartridge 8 can be attached and detached is provided at the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. The cartridge holder 9 is covered when the lower cover 15 configured to be openable and closable with the front end portion of the print label producing apparatus 1 as a rotation shaft is closed, and is exposed when the lower cover 15 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 8 includes a casing 8A and a first roll 102 (in fact, a spiral shape, which is disposed in the casing 8A and wound with a band-shaped base tape 101). And a second roll wound with a transparent cover film 103 (printed tape for label) that is substantially the same width as the base tape 101 and that constitutes the printed material of the present embodiment. 104 (actually spiral, but shown simply in a concentric shape in the figure), a ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out an ink ribbon 105 (thermal transfer ribbon, but not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape), and printing A ribbon take-up roller 106 for taking up the subsequent ribbon 105 and a tape feed roller 27 rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 7 are provided.

  The tape feed roller 27 presses and adheres the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form the printed label tape 109, and feeds the tape in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. Function).

  The first roll 102 has the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example, and detailed illustration is omitted, but the adhesive layer for bonding made of an appropriate adhesive from the side wound inside to the opposite side, PET A colored base film made of (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a sticking adhesive layer made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and release paper are laminated in this order.

  The second roll 104 has the cover film 103 wound around a reel member 104a. The ink ribbon 105 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 by the thermal head 23 (printing means).

  At this time, corresponding to the configuration of the cartridge 8, the cartridge holder 9 has a ribbon take-up shaft 107 for taking up the used ink ribbon 105 and a label tape 109 for printing. A tape feed roller drive shaft 108 (conveying means) for driving the tape feed roller 27 (see FIG. 3 described later) is provided. The cartridge holder 9 is provided with a thermal head 23 for performing desired printing on the cover film 103 so as to be positioned in the opening 14 when the cartridge 8 is mounted.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are each driven by the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft via a gear mechanism (not shown) driven by a drive motor (see FIG. 4 to be described later), for example, a pulse motor provided outside the cartridge 7. By being transmitted to 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge holder 6 and the roll holder is moved from the release position to the print position, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are attached to the thermal head 23 and the thermal head 23. It is sandwiched between the platen roller 26 provided oppositely. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feed roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided to face the tape feed roller 27. Then, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown), and the tape feed roller 27, The pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 rotate, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102, and is supplied to the tape feed roller 27 as described above. On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 23 are energized by a thermal head control circuit (see FIG. 4 described later) to generate heat. At this time, the ink ribbon 105 driven by the ribbon take-up roller 106 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back surface side of the cover film 103 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape). . As a result, the print corresponding to the print data of the desired print content is printed on the back surface of the cover film 103. Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the adhesive layer for bonding by pressing of the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28, and the label tape 109 with print is formed. And discharged to the outside of the cartridge 8. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107. A cutting mechanism 42 having a fixed blade 40 and a movable blade 41 is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the printed label tape 109 discharged out of the cartridge 8. When the cutter lever 7 is operated, the movable blade 41 operates, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and the printed label L is generated.

  3, in addition to the cutting mechanism 42, a half cutter 43 for partially cutting the printed label tape in the thickness direction may be provided (see (2) described later. )). The half-cutter 43 is, for example, the cover film 103, the adhesive layer for bonding, the base film, the adhesive layer for bonding, and the label tape 109 with print, which is a five-layer structure of release paper, other than the release paper. All layers, that is, the cover film 103, the adhesive layer for bonding, the base film, and the adhesive layer for bonding are cut.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1, adjacent to the cartridge holder 9, various cylinders having the same outer shape and different nominal voltages, such as an alkaline battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. A battery storage unit 70 is provided that can store a plurality of cylindrical batteries BT (see FIG. 4 described later). In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 denotes a DC jack to which an output plug of an AC adapter 220 (see FIG. 4 described later) as an external power source is connected.

  Next, the control system of the print label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 212 that constitutes a calculation unit that performs a predetermined calculation.

  The CPU 212 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM 214 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 213, thereby controlling the entire print label producing apparatus 1.

  The CPU 212 is connected to the AC adapter 220 and performs a power on / off process of the print label producing apparatus 1 and a motor drive circuit 216 (drive) that controls the drive motor 211 that drives the platen roller 26. Means) and a thermal head control circuit 217 (energization means) for controlling energization of the heat generating elements of the thermal head 23.

  At this time, the CPU 212 is provided with an A / D input circuit 219 (voltage detection means) for measuring (detecting) the output voltage value of the battery BT. A battery BT is connected to the A / D input circuit 219.

  Further, the liquid crystal display 5, ROM 214, and RAM 213 are connected to the CPU 212. In addition, the ROM 214 stores a control program for executing a procedure for determining the type of the battery BT and the consumption status (each procedure shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13, and 14 described later). The RAM 213 is used for determining at least one type determination threshold value (details will be described later) determined in advance for determining the type of the battery BT, and for determining whether the battery BT is consumed. A threshold value (details will be described later) and the like are stored.

  In the above basic configuration, the feature of the present embodiment is that the type of the battery BT is detected based on the behavior of the output voltage value of the battery BT. Hereinafter, the detection method of the present embodiment will be described in order.

<Details of type determination method>
That is, there are cases where a plurality of types of batteries BT are appropriately exchanged and used in the battery storage unit 70 described above. In that case, since the nominal voltage varies depending on the type of the battery BT, it is necessary to perform an operation setting according to the battery BT to be used for the smooth operation of the print label producing apparatus 1. When the operator manually inputs the type of the battery BT each time, the operation burden is troublesome and there is a possibility of erroneous input. Therefore, it is preferable that the type of the battery BT is automatically identified on the printed label producing apparatus 1 side.

  Here, in the print label producing apparatus 1 of this embodiment that operates using the battery BT as a drive source, the output voltage value of the battery BT changes during the operation of generating one print label L. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in a state where no tape is conveyed by the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and printing is not performed by the thermal head 23 (standby state), the output voltage of the battery BT is a relatively high standby voltage Vs. When the production of the print label L is started, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is first driven to carry the tape such as the cover film 103 (feed state). Due to the transport load, the output voltage of the battery BT is slightly lowered to the feed voltage Vf. In this state, among the print region S set as a region for forming a desired print R (in this example, “ABC”) when the print label L is created, a plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 are actually energized to perform printing. This is continued during the timing (first non-energization timing; non-energization timing) at which the thermal head 23 faces the area before the start (front margin).

  When the conveyance further proceeds, the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 are energized, and printing of a desired image or character based on the print data is started. In this example, first, the alphabet letter “A” of the text is printed. As described above, the output voltage of the battery BT when the graphic image or character is printed, that is, the printing voltage Vbw varies in accordance with the form of the character to be printed. That is, a load becomes relatively large at a timing when the number of energized heating elements among a plurality of heating elements arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) is large, so the printing voltage Vbw Becomes relatively low (for example, see (a) in FIG. 5). On the contrary, since the load is reduced at the timing when the number of heating elements to be energized is small, the printing voltage Vbw becomes relatively high (for example, see (a) in FIG. 5).

  Note that even after starting printing in the printing area S as described above, if you look closely, the area (printing space between characters) after the printing of one text character is completed and the printing of the next adjacent text character is started. ) Is in a non-printing state in which the heat generating elements of the thermal head 23 are not energized. In the example of FIG. 5, the thermal head 23 is opposed to the inter-character space between the alphabet characters “A” and “B” and the inter-character space between the alphabet characters “B” and “C”. 2 de-energization timing; de-energization timing) corresponds to this state. At this timing, the output voltage of the battery BT rises again and becomes the feed voltage Vf similar to the timing of the front margin. When the inter-character space is finished and the next character is started to be printed by the thermal head 23, the output voltage of the battery BT again becomes the printing voltage Vbw lower than the feed voltage Vf.

  Then, after all the images and characters have been printed (after the printing of the alphabet letter “C” in the above example), the energization of the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 is performed even within the printing region S. The output voltage of the battery BT is the same as described above during the timing (first non-energization timing; non-energization timing) in which the thermal head 23 faces the area (rear margin) where printing is stopped and printing is not performed. Becomes the feed voltage Vf again. This state is continued until the production of the print label L is completed and the tape transport of the cover film 103 and the like by the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is completed.

  The change width of the output voltage value as described above varies depending on the type of the battery BT. FIG. 6 shows an alkaline battery as an example. In FIG. 6, in this example, the standby voltage Vs of the alkaline battery is a value exceeding 12 [V] and the feed voltage Vf is a value exceeding 11 [V]. Yes, the printing voltage Vbw has a value of about 8 to 9 [V]. As will be described later, the standby voltage Vs, the feed voltage Vf, and the printing voltage Vbw gradually decrease as the battery is consumed. At that time, the difference between the standby voltage Vs and the feed voltage Vf is about 0.6 to 0.8 [V], and the difference between the feed voltage Vf and the printing voltage Vbw is 2.5 to 3.0 [V]. ].

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows a case of a nickel metal hydride battery as another example. In this example, in this example, the standby voltage Vs of the nickel metal hydride battery is about 11.5 [V] (in the initial state where it is not consumed as will be described later), and the feed voltage Vf is 11.2 [V]. The printing voltage Vbw is a value of about 9.8 [V]. As the battery depletes, the standby voltage Vs, the feed voltage Vf, and the printing voltage Vbw gradually decrease as described above. The difference between the standby voltage Vs and the feed voltage Vf is about 0.2 [V], and the difference between the feed voltage Vf and the printing voltage Vbw is about 0.7 [V].

  It is possible to automatically distinguish the type of battery BT on the printed label producing apparatus 1 side using the value of the change width of the output voltage value that differs for each type of battery BT as described above. However, in order to accurately identify the type of the battery BT, it is necessary to accurately grasp in which state the output voltage value is in the fluctuation of the output voltage value during the generation operation of the print label L as described above. Don't be. Therefore, in the present embodiment, attention is paid to the difference between the standby voltage Vs and the feed voltage Vf for the purpose of distinguishing between the alkaline battery and the nickel metal hydride battery. That is, in the alkaline battery, Vs−Vf = 0.6 to 0.8, which is relatively large, whereas in the nickel metal hydride battery, Vs−Vf = about 0.2. Therefore, an appropriate intermediate value (for example, 0.4 [V]) is set in advance as a battery type determination threshold value Th for determining whether the battery is an alkaline battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. Then, when the print label L is actually created, the standby voltage Vs and the feed voltage Vf are detected, and the difference between the detected values is compared with the threshold value Th, whereby the battery BT storage unit 70 is detected. The type of the battery BT stored in the battery is determined.

  FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the battery type determination process executed by the CPU 212 in order to realize the method described above.

  In FIG. 8, for example, the operator appropriately operates the function key group 4 to input characters, symbols, etc. to be printed on the print label L, and further operates the print key provided in the function key group 4 to operate the print label. This flow is started by instructing the creation of L. First, in step S <b> 1, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and starts driving the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, the transport of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cover film 103 or the like as appropriate) is started.

  Thereafter, in step S2, whether or not the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the start position of the print area S (the cover film 103 or the like is moved until the print head 23 is in a transport direction position facing the front end of the print area S). Whether it has been transported). This determination may be made by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor 211 formed of a stepping motor. When the cover film 103 or the like is conveyed to the start position of the printing area S, the determination in step S2 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, it is determined whether the timing at this point is the energization timing of the heat generating element of the thermal head 23 based on the print data generated by the CPU 212 by inputting the operator's characters and symbols. That is, the transport direction position of the cover film 103 being transported corresponds to the energization timing if the thermal head 23 is positioned at the position where the text characters or images are to be printed in the print region S, The other timing does not correspond to the energization timing. When it corresponds to the energization timing, the determination in step S3 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S4.

  In step S4, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the thermal head control circuit 217, and energizes at least one heating element of the thermal head 23 that should generate heat at this timing according to the print data. As a result, the ink of the ink ribbon 105 is transferred to the cover film 103 by the energized heating element, and a corresponding print is formed.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5, where the A / D input circuit 219 detects the printing voltage Vbw at this time (energization timing) and stores it in the RAM 213, for example. The printing voltage Vbw is detected every time Step S5 is repeated when a single print label L is created as described later.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the type of the battery BT is determined, and it is also determined that the consumption of the battery BT has progressed. In this embodiment, for the consumption determination, the printing voltage Vbw (specifically, as described above, for example, the lowest value of the printing voltage Vbw when one print label L is produced) is used. As a threshold value used for the consumption determination, for the alkaline battery, a consumption determination threshold value (first threshold value) for determining that the battery consumption has advanced, in this example, Vbw1 = 6. Set to 7 [V]. Also for the nickel-metal hydride battery, the depletion determination threshold (second threshold) for determining that the depletion of the battery has progressed is set to Vbw2 = 8.0 [V] in this example.

  In step S6, the CPU 212 compares the printing voltage Vbw detected in step S5 with the first threshold value Vbw1 of the alkaline battery, and determines whether Vbw ≦ Vbw1. If Vbw ≦ Vbw1, the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S6A, the corresponding flag F1 is set to 1, and the process proceeds to later-described step S7. Note that the value of the flag F1 is initialized in advance at the start of the flow, and F1 = 0. If Vbw> Vbw1, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S7.

  In step S7, the CPU 212 compares the printing voltage Vbw detected in step S5 with the second threshold value Vbw2 of the nickel metal hydride battery, and determines whether Vbw ≦ Vbw2. If Vbw ≦ Vbw2, the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S7A, the corresponding flag F2 is set to 1, and the process proceeds to later-described step S9. Note that the value of the flag F2 is also initialized in advance at the start of the flow, and F2 = 0 as in the above case. If Vbw> Vbw2, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S9.

  Thereafter, in step S9, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the end position of the print area S (until the cover film is in a transport direction position where the print head 23 faces the rear end of the print area S). Whether or not 103 or the like has been conveyed). This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. This procedure functions as the timing detection means described in each claim. The determination in step S9 is satisfied until the cover film 103 and the like are conveyed to the end position of the printing area S, and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S3.

  In addition, when it does not correspond to an energization timing in the said step S3, determination of step S3 is not satisfy | filled and it moves to step S8. In step S8, a control signal is output to the thermal head control circuit 217, and all the heating elements of the thermal head 23 are turned off. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9.

  As described above, while the thermal head 23 is opposed to the print area S, the current timing is the step S3 → the step S4 → the step S5 → the step S6 (→ the step S6A) → the step S7 (→ the step S7A). ) → Step S9 → Step S3... Is executed. If it is not the energization timing, the procedure of Step S3 → Step S8 → Step S9 → Step S3.

  When the thermal head 23 does not face the print area S, the determination at step S9 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S10.

  In step S <b> 10, the CPU 212 detects the output voltage value of the battery BT at this time using the A / D input circuit 219. As described above, since the thermal head 23 has moved out of the printing area S at this time and the heating element is not energized and only the tape is transported, the output voltage value (first output voltage) detected at this time is detected. Value) is the feed voltage Vf.

  Note that the detection of the output voltage value of the battery BT by the A / D input circuit 219 in step S10 may be executed between step S1 and step S2. As described above, before step S2, the cover film 103 or the like is not transported to the transport position where the thermal head 23 faces the print area S, and the heating element is not energized and only the tape transport is performed. . Therefore, the output voltage value (first output voltage value) detected at this time is also the feed voltage Vf as described above. In this case, executing the feed voltage Vf detection procedure before step S2 includes a function as a timing detection means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S11, whether the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to a cutting position set on the label rear end side from the printing area S based on the printing data (the movable blade 41 is at the cutting position). It is determined whether the printed label tape 109 has been transported until it reaches the directly facing transport direction position). This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If cover film 103 grade | etc., Is conveyed to a cutting position, determination of step S11 will be satisfy | filled and it will move to step S12.

  In step S12, a control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 216, and the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211 is stopped. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped.

  Thereafter, a display signal is output to the liquid crystal display 5 in step S13. As a result, an appropriate display that prompts the operator to operate the cutter lever 7 to operate the cutting mechanism 15 to cut the printed label tape 109 is performed.

  Thereafter, when the printed label tape 109 corresponding to the display in step S13 is cut (= printed label L is generated), the process proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 212 controls the motor drive circuit 216. A signal is output, and the drive motor 211 starts to drive the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 again. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is resumed.

  In step S15, after restarting the conveyance in step S14, the CPU 212 removes the cover film 103 and the like by a predetermined predetermined conveyance amount (a distance sufficient to discharge the generated print label L to the outside of the apparatus). It is determined whether or not conveyance has been performed. This determination may be performed by a known method as described above. If it is transported by a predetermined transport amount, the determination at step S15 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, as in step S <b> 12, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216 and stops driving the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the output voltage value of the battery BT at this time is detected by the A / D input circuit 219. As described above, at this time, neither the heating element of the thermal head 23 is energized nor the tape transport by the drive motor 211 is performed. Therefore, the output voltage value (second output voltage value) detected at this time is the standby voltage Vs.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S18, and the CPU 212 determines that the difference Vs−Vf between the standby voltage Vs detected in step S17 and the feed voltage Vf detected in step S10 is equal to or greater than the threshold Th for determining the battery type. Determine if it exists. This procedure functions as a type determination unit described in each claim.

  If Vs−Vf ≧ Th, the determination in step S18 is satisfied, and the battery BT mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is regarded as an alkaline battery, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, it is determined whether F1 = 1 in step S6 and step S6A (whether the printing voltage Vbw is equal to or lower than the first threshold value Vbw1).

  If F1 = 0 remains (that is, if Vbw> Vbw1), the determination in step S19 is not satisfied, and the battery BT, which is an alkaline battery attached to the battery storage unit 70, is considered not yet very consumed. As a result, this flow is terminated without further processing.

  On the other hand, if F1 = 1 (that is, if Vbw ≦ Vbw1), the determination in step S19 is satisfied, and the operator should pay attention to the battery BT that is an alkaline battery mounted in the battery storage unit 70. It is considered that the battery is exhausted to the extent that it moves to step S20. In step S <b> 20, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, a warning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the operator that the battery BT currently mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is exhausted to some extent. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  On the other hand, if Vs−Vf <Th in step S18, the determination in step S18 is not satisfied, and the battery BT mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is regarded as a nickel metal hydride battery, and the process proceeds to step S21. . In step S21, it is determined whether F2 = 1 in step S7 and step S7A (whether the printing voltage Vbw is equal to or lower than the second threshold value Vbw2). In addition, this step S21 functions as the wear determination means described in each claim together with the step S19.

  If F2 = 0 remains (that is, if Vbw> Vbw2), the determination in step S21 is not satisfied, and the battery BT, which is a nickel metal hydride battery attached to the battery storage unit 70, has not yet been consumed so much. This flow is terminated without any further processing.

  On the other hand, if F2 = 1 (that is, if Vbw ≦ Vbw2), the determination in step S21 is satisfied, and the battery BT, which is a nickel metal hydride battery mounted in the battery storage unit 70, is noted by the operator. It is considered that the power is consumed to an appropriate degree, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, as in step S20, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, a warning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the operator that the battery BT currently mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is exhausted to some extent. In addition, this step S22 functions as a display control means described in each claim together with step S20. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the feed voltage Vf and the standby voltage Vs are used, and the battery type is determined based on the voltage difference Vf−Vs. The feed voltage Vf is a state in which the heating element of the thermal head 23 is not energized, and there is no fluctuation in the heating element according to the print data. In the standby voltage Vs, the heating element of the thermal head 23 is not energized and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is not operating. Therefore, the feed voltage Vf and the standby voltage Vs are stable values that do not fluctuate at the timing, and the difference between the two voltages Vs−Vf can be calculated stably. Then, by determining the type of the battery BT based on the stably acquired voltage difference, it is possible to accurately detect the type of the battery BT without an operator inputting manually. Further, unlike the case where the battery type is detected by a dedicated type determination procedure provided in advance immediately after the power is turned on, the type of the battery BT can be determined during the operation of creating the print label L which is the original application. . As a result, in the present embodiment, the type of the battery BT can be detected with high accuracy without reducing the production efficiency of the print label L.

  In addition, for each of a plurality of types of batteries BT (alkaline batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries in the above example) having the same external shape and different voltage difference values, a predetermined type determination for determining the type of the battery. A threshold value Th is prepared, and the type of the battery BT is determined according to the comparison result with the threshold value Th. Thereby, the type of the battery can be reliably determined from the magnitude relationship with the threshold Th.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the degree of consumption of the battery BT is determined using the printing voltage Vbw. That is, using the printing voltage Vbw that is the output voltage value detected during the production of the print label L, the degree of consumption of the battery BT in step S19 or step S21 corresponding to the type of battery BT determined in step S18. Determine. Then, by determining the degree of consumption of the battery BT in correspondence with the type of battery, the degree of consumption of the battery BT can be detected with high accuracy. Further, when the print label L is actually created, the printing voltage Vbw is detected, and the detected printing voltage Vbw is compared with the threshold value Vbw1 (or Vbw2), thereby depleting the battery BT. Determine the degree of. Thereby, compared with the case where it is necessary to detect the consumption of the battery BT by shifting to a dedicated consumption determination mode provided in advance, the battery BT can be efficiently manufactured without interrupting the creation of the print label L which is the original use. Consumption detection can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when it is determined in step S19 or step S21 that the battery has reached the BT predetermined consumption level, the determination result is obtained in step S20 or step S22 after the print label L has been created. The warning display corresponding to is performed. Accordingly, the operator can be surely notified of the consumption status of the battery BT before the next and subsequent printing labels L are created, and can be alerted. In addition, in accordance with the type of the battery BT determined in step S18, the exhaustion determination is performed in step S19 or step S21, and the determination result is displayed in step S20 or step S22. Thus, as in the case where the exhaustion determination is performed uniformly regardless of the battery BT type, the warning display is erroneously issued even though the battery of the type is not yet very low. Inconvenience can be avoided. Therefore, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  In the above description, the printing voltage Vbw is detected in step S5, and the consumption of the battery BT is determined based on the magnitude of the corresponding threshold values Vbw1 and Vbw2 for each battery type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. That is, the feed voltage Vf is detected corresponding to the aforementioned front margin or rear margin, and the magnitude of the corresponding feed voltage threshold value for each battery type is compared, thereby determining the consumption of the battery BT. You may do it. In this case, in addition to obtaining the effect of being able to detect the type of the battery BT with high accuracy without reducing the production efficiency of the printed label L as in the above embodiment, the same as in the modification (2) described later. The effect of detecting the degree of consumption of the battery BT with high accuracy can be obtained by excluding the influence of load fluctuation (details of this effect will be described later).

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When the feed voltage Vf is detected by the margin between characters In the above-described embodiment, as described above, the timing corresponding to the front margin shown in FIG. 5 (the timing at which the thermal head 23 is located at the position facing the front margin). Alternatively, the feed voltage Vf detected by the A / D input circuit 219 at the timing corresponding to the rear margin (the timing at which the thermal head 23 is located at the position facing the rear margin) is used. On the other hand, in this modified example, the timing (timing at which the thermal head 23 is opposed to the inter-character space. Second de-energization timing; non-energization timing) shown in FIG. Sometimes, the type of the battery BT is determined using the feed voltage Vf (first output voltage value) detected by the A / D input circuit 219.

  The procedure of the battery type determination process executed by the CPU in this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  9, in this modification, the same content as the measurement of the feed voltage Vf in step S10 in FIG. 8 is performed in step S10A immediately after the energization stop in step S8. That is, not the energization timing but the determination in step S3 is not satisfied, and energization is stopped in step S8, and then the process proceeds to step S10A. In step S10A, the output of the battery BT at this time is output by the A / D input circuit 219 in a state corresponding to the inter-character margin, in which the thermal head 23 is opposed to the print area S and energization is stopped. A voltage value is detected. At this timing, the thermal head 23 is in the printing area S, but the heating element is not energized and only the tape is transported. Therefore, the output voltage value (first output voltage value) detected at this time is the feed voltage Vf. It becomes. In this modification, step S3 functions as a timing detection unit described in each claim.

  When step S10A is completed, the process proceeds to step S9 described above. Thereafter, when the transport position of the cover film 103 or the like reaches the print region end position and the determination in step S9 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S11 described above to determine whether or not the transport position has been transported to the cutting position. Hereinafter, Step S11, Step S12, Step S13, Step S14, Step S15, Step S16, and Step S17 are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S18, the CPU 212 determines that the difference Vs−Vf between the standby voltage Vs detected in step S17 and the feed voltage Vf detected in step S10A is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th for determining the battery type. Determine whether or not. The subsequent steps are the same as in the above embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this modification, in step S3, the timing (second non-energization timing) of the thermal head 23 corresponding to the margin between characters during the formation operation of the print R of the thermal head 23 on the printing area S is detected. The Then, based on the feed voltage Vf detected in step S10A at the second non-energization timing, the type of battery is determined in step S18. As a result, as in the above embodiment, the type of the battery BT can be reliably detected with high accuracy by using the output voltage value stably acquired during the formation of the print R in the print region S.

  Also in this modification, the feed voltage Vf is detected corresponding to the above-mentioned space between characters, and compared with the threshold value of the corresponding feed voltage for each battery type, thereby depleting the battery BT. May be determined. In this case, in addition to obtaining the effect of being able to detect the type of the battery BT with the same high accuracy as described above, the influence of the fluctuation of the load is excluded and the degree of consumption of the battery BT is excluded as in the modification (2) described later. Is obtained with high accuracy (details of this effect will be described later).

(2) When the battery consumption is detected with high accuracy using the uniform print area That is, the detection of the degree of battery BT consumption is focused (however, the type of the battery BT is also detected by the same method as in the above embodiment). ).

<Details of wear determination method>
First, a method for determining the consumption of the battery BT in this modification will be described. As already described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery BT is consumed by repeated use, and the internal resistance increases. Therefore, whether or not the battery BT is exhausted can be distinguished by the change (decrease) in the output voltage value over time, that is, whether the output voltage value has decreased to a predetermined low value. However, since the output voltage value fluctuates during the generation operation of the print label L as described above, the influence of the fluctuation is excluded in order to distinguish the degree of consumption of the battery BT with high accuracy by the change of the output voltage value over time. It is preferable to do. Further, even if the consumption state is equivalent, the output voltage value itself varies depending on the type of the battery BT.

  Therefore, in the present modification, for the purpose of excluding the above-described variation, the print label L is printed in a predetermined range, for example, with a uniform black color (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as black solid) or the like. When printing such a uniform print area BB (solid black area; see FIG. 10 described later), a certain number (for example, all) of heat generating elements fixedly fixed are energized in the thermal head 23. . As a result, for example, as conceptually shown in FIG. 10, the printing voltage Vbw when printing the uniform print area BB (hereinafter referred to as “uniform print voltage Vb” as appropriate) is at least the uniform print area BB. It should be stable while printing.

  In this modification, attention is paid to the uniform printing voltage Vb when the uniform printing region BB is printed in order to determine the degree of consumption of the battery BT. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the alkaline battery, the printing voltage Vbw is a value of about 8 to 9 [V] in the initial state where the battery is not consumed, but the number of uses increases and the degree of consumption is increased. Is advanced, the printing voltage Vbw becomes much lower than 7 [V]. Accordingly, for example, as in the case described above, the consumption threshold (first threshold) is set to Vbw1 = 6.7 [V], and the battery is consumed when the uniform print voltage Vb is reduced to this value. Can be considered advanced.

  Similarly, in the nickel metal hydride battery, as shown in FIG. 7, the printing voltage Vbw is a value of about 9.8 [V] in the initial state where it is not consumed, but the number of uses increases. As the degree of wear progresses, the printing voltage Vbw becomes much lower than 7 [V]. Therefore, for example, as in the case described above, the consumption threshold (second threshold) is set to Vbw2 = 8.0 [V], and the battery is consumed when the uniform print voltage Vb is reduced to this value. Can be considered advanced.

<Half cut and uniform printing area>
By the way, in this modified example, when the printed label tape 109 is cut to an appropriate length to produce the printed label L, the printed label producing apparatus 1 is provided instead of cutting by manual operation as in the above embodiment. The automatic cutting is performed under the control of the CPU 212. Further, in this example, the produced print label L is composed of the cover film 103 and a base tape 101 having a four-layer structure (bonding adhesive layer, base film, sticking adhesive layer, release paper). It has a five-layer structure. In this modified example, in this five-layer laminated structure, when the operator sticks and uses it, in order to make it easy to peel off the aforementioned release paper, a layer other than the release paper of the five layers, that is, a cover film 103, tape transport of the cutting mechanism 15 to form a half cut that forms a half cut line HC (see FIG. 10) obtained by cutting (separating) only four layers of the adhesive layer for bonding, the base film, and the adhesive layer for bonding. This is performed by the half cutter 43 provided on the downstream side in the direction. This half cut is also automatically executed under the control of the CPU 212 provided in the print label producing apparatus 1 as described above.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the print label L, the half-cut line HC is formed at one place on the front side in the transport direction. Then, an area on the front side in the transport direction from the half-cut line HC of the print label L provided at both ends with the cut line CL formed by the cutting mechanism 15 (remains unused when the print label L is applied). , The uniform print area BB is printed in the remainder portion Lf). On the other hand, the print area S is provided in an area (label body Lr) on the rear side in the transport direction from the half-cut line HC of the print label L, and the alphabet character “ABC” is printed in the print area S.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the behavior of the output voltage of the battery BT in the label main body Lr having the print area S is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. Further, as described above, the output voltage of the battery BT in the remainder Lf is the minimum value of the above-described printing voltage Vbw (see FIG. 5) at the timing when the thermal head 23 prints the uniform printing region BB (equal energization timing). 5 (see (a) in FIG. 5) is fixed and constant, and at other timings (non-energization timing), the feed voltage Vf is obtained.

<Flow of printing when creating print label L>
Next, as described above, when the print label L including the surplus portion Lf in which the uniform print area BB is formed and the label main body Lr in which the print R is formed in the print area S is created, The flow will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, FIG. 11A shows a state before the feeding of the printed label tape 109 from the cartridge 8 is started. A cutting line CL when the cutting mechanism 15 cuts the previous printed label L is located at the tip of the printed label tape 109. At this point, the uniform print area BB is formed as shown in the drawing, which will be described later.

  Thereafter, the feeding of the printed label tape 109 is started as described above, and the transport of the printed label tape 109 (in other words, the transport of the base tape 101 and the cover film 103, and so on) is started (see FIG. 11 (b)).

  If the printed label tape 109 is further transported from this state, the position in the vicinity of the front end of the print region S in the tape transport direction is opposed to the thermal head 23 through the state shown in FIG. The same is true (FIG. 11 (d)). Then, the printing of the printing R is started on the printing area S of the cover film 103 by the thermal head 23 (FIG. 11E). Here, the case where alphabetic characters “ABCDEFGHIJKLMN” are printed is taken as an example.

  When the printed label tape 109 is further conveyed from the state shown in FIG. 11E, the position of the half-cut line HC set in advance by the print data reaches a position facing the half cutter 43. In this state, the conveyance of the printed label tape 109 is stopped, and the half-cut line HC is formed by the half cutter 43 (FIG. 11 (f)). Thereby, as described above, the surplus portion Lf on the front end side from the half-cut line HC and the label main body Lr on the rear end side are separated.

  Thereafter, the transport of the printed label tape 109 is resumed, and the transport of the printed label tape 109 further proceeds from the state of FIG. 11 (f), and FIG. 11 (g), FIG. 11 (h), FIG. After passing through the state shown in i), printing of all the characters (in this example, “ABCDEFGHIJKLMN”) in the print area S is completed. In this state, the vicinity of the rear end of the print area S in the tape transport direction is opposed to the thermal head 23 (FIG. 11 (j)).

  When the transport of the printed label tape 109 further proceeds from the state of FIG. 11 (j), the transport direction leading end of the area corresponding to the remaining portion Lf of the next print label L faces the thermal head 23. To reach. Correspondingly, printing of the above-described uniform printing area BB with respect to the surplus portion Lf is started (FIG. 11 (k)).

  When the transport of the printed label tape 109 further proceeds from the state of FIG. 11 (k), a cutting line CL set in advance to create the print label L having the characters “ABCDEFGHHIJKLMN” on the label main body Lf. Reaches the position facing the cutting mechanism 15. As a result, the transport of the printed label tape 109 is stopped, the cutting mechanism 15 forms the cutting line CL (that is, the tape is cut), and the front end side of the printed label tape 109 is separated to form the printed label L. (FIG. 11 (j)).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the print label L created by the flow shown in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (l). As can be understood from the above description using FIGS. 12 and 11A to 11L, the excess portion Lf included in the leading end side (left side in FIG. 12) of one print label L in the transport direction. The uniform print area BB is formed in the final stage of the print label L created before the print label L (that is, the previous print) (FIG. 11 (k) and FIG. 11 (l). )reference).

  The procedure of the battery type determination process executed by the CPU 212 in the print label producing apparatus 1 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS.

  13 and 14 are different from the flow shown in FIG. 8 in the above embodiment in that steps S31 to S34 are provided between steps S2 and S3, and steps S5 to S5. Step S7 is omitted, Steps S41 to S46 are provided between Step S9 and Step S10, and Step S51 is provided instead of Step S17.

  That is, as in FIG. 8, when the transport of the cover film 103 or the like is started in step S1 and step S2 and reaches the start position of the print area S, the process proceeds to a newly provided step S31. In step S31, whether the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the half cut position HC (see FIG. 10) set on the label leading end side from the print area S based on the print data, that is, the half cut position. It is determined whether or not the printed label tape 109 has been conveyed until the half cutter 43 is in the conveying direction position facing the HC. Similar to step S11 described above, this determination may be performed by an appropriate known method. If the cover film 103 etc. are conveyed to the half cut position HC, determination of step S31 will be satisfy | filled and it will move to step S32.

  In step S32, as in step S12, a control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 216, and the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211 is stopped. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped.

  Here, as described above, in this modification, the movable blade 41 and the half cutter 43 of the cutting mechanism 15 operate under the control of the CPU 212. That is, a cutting solenoid that drives the movable blade 41 and a half-cut solenoid that drives the half cutter 43 are provided, and these solenoids are controlled by a control signal from the CPU 212. As a result, the aforementioned cutting line CL and half-cut line HC are formed on the printed label tape 109. In step S33, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal from the CPU 212 to the half-cut solenoid. As a result, the half cutter 43 performs a half cut to form a half cut line HC on the printed label tape 109 (see FIG. 11F).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34, and similarly to step S14, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and starts to drive the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 again by the drive motor 211. . Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is resumed.

  Subsequent steps S3, S4, S8, and S9 are the same as those in FIG. 8 (however, as shown in FIG. 13, unlike FIG. 8, steps S5, S6, S7, S6A, and S7A are different. Omitted). That is, while the thermal head 23 is opposed to the print area S, the procedure of step S3 → step S4 → step S9 → step S3... Is executed at the energization timing. On the other hand, if it is not the energization timing, the procedure of step S3 → step S8 → step S9 → step S3... Is executed, and the energization of the heating element is stopped. In step S9, when the cover film 103 or the like is conveyed to the end position of the printing area S (see FIG. 11J), the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to newly provided step S41.

  In step S <b> 41, it is determined based on the print data whether the timing at this point is the equal energization timing of the heating elements of the thermal head 23. That is, if the transport direction position of the cover film 103 being transported is the timing at which the thermal head 23 is positioned at the position where the uniform print region BB should start (the front end in the transport direction of the uniform print region BB), Corresponds to the energization timing. In this modification, this step S41 functions as a timing detection means described in each claim. When it corresponds to the equal energization timing, the determination in step S41 is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the thermal head control circuit 217, and a certain number (for example, all) of heating elements are energized in accordance with the print data. As a result, the ink of the ink ribbon 105 is transferred to the cover film 103 by the energized heating element, and a corresponding uniform printing region BB is formed (see FIG. 11 (k)).

  Note that the number of heating elements to be energized at this time is not limited to the total number. For example, the uniform print region BB may be formed by energizing a certain ratio (for example, half) of all the heating elements in the tape width direction. In that case, even if the ratio is fixed to a certain ratio, the number of heat generating elements increases when the tape width is wide, and the number of heat generating elements decreases when the tape width is narrow, corresponding to the width of the tape 103 to be printed. . However, a predetermined number of heating elements may be energized regardless of the tape width. In short, it is sufficient if the number of dots is fixed over the entire length of the uniform printing area BB in the transport direction.

  As described above, when a predetermined number of heating elements are energized regardless of the tape width, even if the print label L can be created using a plurality of types of cover films 103, etc., the heating element The load on the battery due to energization can be made constant. As a result, even when a plurality of types of label printing tapes are selectively used, it is possible to reliably detect the degree of consumption of the battery BT and the type of the battery BT with high accuracy.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S43, where the A / D input circuit 219 detects the printing voltage Vbw at this time (equal energization timing), that is, the uniform printing voltage Vb.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S44, and the value of the uniform printing voltage Vb detected in step S32 is stored in the RAM 213, for example, for use in the next printing label L creation (see step S51 described later). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, based on the print data, it is determined whether or not the timing at this point is the timing to turn off the energization of the heat generating elements of the thermal head 23. That is, it is determined whether or not the transport direction position of the cover film 103 being transported is the timing at which the thermal head 23 is positioned at the end position of the uniform print region BB (the rear end in the transport direction of the uniform print region BB). To do. If it is the timing to turn off the power, the determination in step S45 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S46.

  In step S46, a control signal is output to the thermal head control circuit 217, and all the heat generating elements of the thermal head 23 are turned off. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10.

  Subsequent steps S10, S11, and S12 are the same as those in FIG. 8, and the feed voltage Vf is detected in response to de-energization of the heat generating element. When the cover film 103 and the like are conveyed to the cutting position, the conveyance is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13A provided corresponding to step S13 of FIG.

  In step S13A, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal from the CPU 212 to the cutting solenoid described above. As a result, the movable blade 41 of the cutting mechanism 15 forms a cutting line CL on the printed label tape 109 and performs cutting (see FIG. 11L).

  Subsequent steps S14, S15, S16, and S17 are the same as those in FIG. 8, and the transport of the cover film 103 and the like is resumed. Then, it moves to newly provided step S51.

  In step S51, the uniform printing voltage Vb detected in step S43 and stored in step S44 when the print label L was created last time is read from the RAM 213, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18A corresponding to step S18 in FIG.

  In step S18A, the CPU 212 determines that the difference Vf−Vb between the feed voltage Vf detected in step S10 and the uniform printing voltage Vb read in step S51 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th ′ for battery type determination. Determine if it exists. Although detailed description of the threshold value Th ′ is omitted, the threshold value Th ′ is appropriately set in advance so that it can be determined whether the type of the battery BT is an alkaline battery or nickel metal hydride as in the above-described threshold value Th. Is set to the value of This procedure functions as a type determination unit described in each claim.

  If Vf−Vb ≧ Th ′, the determination in step S18A is satisfied, and the battery BT mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is regarded as an alkaline battery, and the step provided corresponding to step S19 described above. The process moves to S19A. In step S19A, it is determined whether or not the equal print voltage Vb at the time of the previous print label L creation read in step S51 is greater than the first threshold value Vbw1 similar to that in the above embodiment.

  If Vb> Vbw1, the determination in step S19A is satisfied, and the battery BT, which is an alkaline battery mounted in the battery storage unit 70, is considered not yet consumed so much and no further processing is performed. This flow is finished. In this modified example, it is assumed that the battery BT is not exchanged between the previous print label L creation and the current print label L creation, and the same battery BT is used.

  On the other hand, if Vb ≦ Vbw1, the determination in step S19A is not satisfied, and the battery BT, which is an alkaline battery attached to the battery storage unit 70, is considered to have been consumed to the extent that the operator should be careful. And in step S20 similar to the said embodiment, a warning display is performed on the liquid crystal display 5, and this flow is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if Vf−Vb <Th ′ in step S18A, the determination in step S18A is not satisfied, and the battery BT mounted in the battery storage unit 70 is regarded as a nickel metal hydride battery, and the above step S21. The process proceeds to step S21A provided corresponding to In step S21A, it is determined whether or not the equal printing voltage Vb at the time of the previous printing label L creation read in step S51 is larger than the second threshold value Vbw2 similar to that in the above embodiment. In addition, this step S21A functions as a consumption determination means described in each claim together with step S19A.

  If Vb> Vbw2, the determination in step S21A is satisfied, and the battery BT, which is a nickel metal hydride battery attached to the battery storage unit 70, is considered not yet consumed so much and no further processing is performed. This flow is finished.

  On the other hand, if Vbw ≦ Vbw2, the determination in step S21A is not satisfied, and the battery BT, which is a nickel metal hydride battery attached to the battery storage unit 70, is considered to have been consumed to the extent that the operator should be careful. In step S22 similar to the above embodiment, a warning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, and this flow ends. As in the above-described embodiment, this step S22 functions as the display control means described in each claim together with step S20. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  As described above, according to this modification, the level of battery consumption is determined using the uniform printing voltage Vb when printing the uniform printing region BB. The uniform printing voltage Vb is a state in which the heating elements of the thermal head 23 are energized along a predetermined regularity (= the number of heating elements to be energized is constant throughout the transport direction of the uniform printing region BB). There is no fluctuation in the number of heating elements according to the print data. Accordingly, the uniform printing voltage Vb is a stable value that does not fluctuate at the uniform energization timing for printing the uniform printing region BB. Then, by determining the degree of consumption of the battery BT based on the stably acquired uniform printing voltage Vb, the degree of consumption of the battery BT can be determined with high accuracy. Further, unlike the case where it is necessary to detect the consumption of the battery by shifting to the dedicated consumption determination mode provided in advance, the consumption of the battery BT is efficiently performed without interrupting the creation of the print label L which is the original use. Detection can be performed.

  At this time, according to the present modification, the type of battery is determined based on the voltage difference Vf−Vb using the feed voltage Vf and the uniform printing voltage Vb. The feed voltage Vf is a state in which the heat generating element of the thermal head 23 is not energized, and there is no increase / decrease variation of the heat generating element in accordance with the print data, similarly to the uniform printing voltage Vb. Therefore, the feed voltage Vf and the uniform printing voltage Vb are stable values that do not fluctuate at the timing, and the difference between the two voltages Vf−Vb can be calculated stably. Then, by determining the type of the battery BT based on the stably acquired voltage difference, it is possible to accurately detect the type of the battery BT without an operator inputting manually. Further, unlike the case where the battery type is detected by a dedicated type determination procedure provided in advance immediately after the power is turned on, the type of the battery BT can be determined during the operation of creating the print label L which is the original application. . As a result of the above, also in the present modification, the type of the battery BT can be detected with high accuracy without reducing the production efficiency of the print label L, as in the above embodiment.

(3) Others The above is a method of printing on a cover film 103 different from the base tape 101 and bonding them together. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing tape layer provided on the printing tape is used. You may apply this invention to the system (type which does not perform bonding) which performs printing. In this case, the base tape itself constitutes the label printing tape and also the printing material.

Also, in the above, the case where by cutting with print seen the label tape 109 with finished printed with the cutting mechanism 15 to create a printed label has been described as an example, not limited thereto. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, a label mount L ′ (so-called die-cut label, which constitutes the label printing tape of this modification) that has been separated into a predetermined size corresponding to the label is fed out from the roll. This is the case where they are continuously arranged on the tape 101 '. In this case, even if the cutting mechanism 15 is not cut, after the tape 101 'is discharged out of the apparatus, only the label mount L' on which the corresponding printing R has already been made is peeled off from the tape 101 '. Print labels can be generated. You may apply the said embodiment and each modification of this invention with respect to the printed label produced in this way. In particular, when the modification of (2) is applied, as shown in FIG. 15, the above-described uniform printing area is formed in the area remaining between two adjacent label mounts L ′ and L ′ of the tape 101 ′. BB may be printed.

  Furthermore, although the case where the present invention is applied to the print label producing apparatus 1 as an example of the printing apparatus has been described above, other normal printing paper (printed material) such as A4, A3, B4, and B5 sizes is also available. The present invention may be applied to a printing apparatus that forms an image or prints characters. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Print label production device (printing device)
23 Thermal head (printing means)
70 Battery compartment 108 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveying means)
216 Motor drive circuit (drive means)
217 Thermal head control circuit (energization means)
219 A / D input circuit (voltage detection means)
BT battery L Print label (printed matter)
Vf Feed voltage (first output voltage value)
Vs Standby voltage (second output voltage value)

Claims (1)

A transport means for transporting the label printing tape;
A plurality of heating elements that generate heat when energized, and a printing unit that creates a print label by performing desired printing on the label printing tape conveyed by the conveyance unit, and the conveyance unit conveys A printing device for performing printing corresponding to print data on the tape to be printed and generating the print label,
Energization means for energizing at least one of the plurality of heating elements of the printing means according to the print data;
Driving means for controlling the driving of the conveying means;
A battery storage section for storing a battery for supplying power to the energization means and the drive means;
Voltage detection means capable of detecting an output voltage value of the battery;
The conveyance in a state in which during the operation of generating one of the print label, equally energized with a fixed number of dots and regarding said plurality of heat generating elements is performed by the energizing means by cooperation of said transport means and said printing means Timing detection means for detecting equal energization timing at which the conveyance by means is performed;
In the uniform energizing timing at which the timing detection means detects, based on the voltage the output voltage value detected by the detecting means, the exhaustion determining means for determining the degree of exhaustion of the battery,
Have
The consumption determining means includes
When the output voltage value at the equal energization timing is equal to or less than a predetermined consumption determination threshold, it is determined that the battery is in an exhausted state,
The printing means includes
While performing printing corresponding to the print data on the print area of the label printing tape set corresponding to the print data including at least one text character,
Of advance the label receiving tape defined, uniform printing areas of the remainder portion remains without being used to separate the half-cut when pasted as the print label to, the type of the print-tapes label regardless, we have rows equally printed with a fixed number of dots over a length in the conveyance direction entire area of the uniformly printed area,
The timing detection means includes
Detecting the first equal energization timing at which the conveyance by the conveyance means is performed after the printing of the printing means to the print area is completed according to the conveyance of the label printing tape by the conveyance means;
The consumption determining means includes
The printing apparatus , wherein the battery consumption level is determined based on the output voltage value at the first equal energization timing detected by the timing detection means .

Images