JP6003140B2 - Tape processing apparatus and tape cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape processing apparatus and a tape cartridge for separating a processed portion of a tape.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a tape processing apparatus that includes a tape processing unit that processes a wound tape while feeding and sending the tape, and a tape cutting unit that separates a processed portion of the tape, the processing position and the tape by the tape processing unit Since the cutting position by the cutting portion is separated, a margin is generated between the cut end and the processing start position, that is, before the processing portion, in the obtained tape piece by the distance. In order to shorten the front margin, a tape processing apparatus is known in which a tape core on which a tape is wound is rotated in a direction opposite to that during feeding, and the fed tape is wound up by the amount of the front margin ( For example, see Patent Document 1). Also known is a tape processing apparatus in which the tape feeding means (platen) of the tape processing section is rotated in the direction opposite to that when feeding out the tape so as to shorten the front margin so that the tape is fed backward by the amount of the front margin. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-173014 A JP 2009-255334 A

  However, in the conventional tape processing apparatus, in order to enable the tape core and the tape feeding means to be rotated in the direction opposite to the feeding time, a drive system for rotating the tape core in the reverse direction is required, or the tape feeding means is driven. The system was complicated. Also, instead of these configurations, in the middle of processing feeding, when the tape processing start position reaches the cutting position by the tape cutting unit, the processing feeding is stopped, and after the margin is cut, the processing feeding is resumed. However, in this case, there is a concern that the processing quality of the portion where the process feeding is stopped may be deteriorated, and the cut portion becomes dust and the tape is wasted.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape processing apparatus and a tape cartridge that can obtain a tape piece with a short front margin with a simple configuration without wasting the tape.

  The tape processing apparatus of the present invention has a tape mounting portion on which a wound tape is mounted so that it can be fed out, a tape feeding means and a tape processing means configured to be able to clamp and release the tape between each other, A tape processing unit that processes the tape while feeding it out along the feed path, a tape cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the tape processing unit in the feeding direction, and cuts off the processed portion of the tape, and tape processing The tape so that the steady position in contact with the tape in the feed path upstream in the feed direction of the part and the cut-off end of the tape located at the cut position by the tape cutting part are pulled back between the tape feed means and the tape processing means. A return member configured to be movable between a return position where the tape is bent with respect to the feed path, and the tape is sandwiched between the tape feed means and the tape processing means. When the tape is fed, the return member is moved from the return position to the steady position, and the return member is moved from the steady position to the return position when the tape is released by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. And a tape return portion having a moving portion.

  In this case, it is preferable that the return member bends the tape with respect to the feed path by moving the return member from the steady position to the return position while pressing one surface of the tape.

According to this configuration, when the tape is nipped and fed by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means, the return member moves to the steady position, and the tape is fed along the feeding path. On the other hand, after the processed part of the tape is cut off by the tape cutting part, when the holding of the tape by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means is released, the return member is moved to the return position by the member moving part. The to-be-separated end of the tape located at the cutting position by the cutting part is pulled back between the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. For this reason, the tape processing means can start the next processing from the vicinity of the pulled-off separation end. Thus, a tape piece with a short front margin between the cut-off end and the processing start position can be obtained with a simple configuration without wasting the tape.
Examples of the tape processing apparatus include a tape printing apparatus that performs a printing process on a tape, a cutting apparatus that performs a cutting process on a tape, and a Braille stamping apparatus that performs a Braille stamping process.
Further, the return member is configured to sandwich the tape and reciprocate between the steady position and the return position along the feed path, and in the state of sandwiching the tape, from the steady position to the feed direction from the steady position. You may comprise by a pair of return member made to bend with respect to a tape feed path | route by moving to the return position located in an upstream. Also in this case, the pair of return members move from the normal position to the return position, so that the tape sandwiched between the pair of return members is curved with respect to the feed path, and the separated end of the tape is connected to the tape feed means and the tape processing. It can be pulled back towards the means.

  In this case, the member moving unit urges the return member toward the return position, and the return member resists the urging force by the tension of the tape that is nipped and fed by the tape feeding unit and the tape processing unit. It is preferable to provide an urging portion that allows movement to a steady position.

  According to this configuration, when the holding of the tape by the tape feeding unit and the tape processing unit is released, there is tension due to the wound tape on the upstream side in the feeding direction with respect to the returning member, but the downstream side in the feeding direction with respect to the returning member. On the side, since the tension of the tape is lost, the return member is moved to the return position by the urging portion. When the tape is fed, the return member moves to the steady position against the biasing force due to the tension of the tape being fed. Thus, with a simple configuration, the return member can be reliably moved between the steady position and the return position.

  In this case, the member moving portion further includes a member support shaft, and a rotation lever that supports the return member so as to be rotatable between the steady position and the return position around the member support shaft. Is preferably constituted by a torsion coil spring provided around the member support shaft.

  According to this structure, the member moving part which moves a return member between a regular position and a return position can be comprised simply.

  In this case, in conjunction with the return operation following the cutting operation in the tape cutting unit, an interlocking mechanism that moves the tape processing unit relative to the tape feeding unit from the clamping position for clamping the tape to the release position for releasing the clamping, Furthermore, it is preferable to provide.

  According to this configuration, the interlocking mechanism releases the tape sandwiched by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means in conjunction with the return operation in the tape cutting section, so that the processed portion of the tape is separated by the tape cutting section. After that, the holding of the tape by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means can be automatically released. Therefore, after the processed portion of the tape is cut off, the user automatically obtains a tape piece with a shortened front margin without performing an operation for releasing the holding of the tape by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. be able to.

  In this case, the tape cutting unit has a tape cutter, a cutting operation cam formed with a cam curve formed of a cutting operation unit for cutting the tape cutter and a returning operation unit for returning the tape cutter, and an interlocking mechanism. In the input side, as the return operation portion is cam-engaged with the input side of the tape cutter, the cutting operation portion is cam-engaged, and on the output side, the tape processing means is relatively moved from the clamping position to the release position. It is preferable to move to.

  According to this configuration, when the tape cutter is returned by the return operation portion of the cutting operation cam, the tape processing means can be relatively moved from the clamping position to the release position by the cutting operation portion of the cutting operation cam. Thus, with a simple configuration, the tape can be released from being held in conjunction with the return operation of the tape cutting unit.

  In this case, the tape is wound around the tape core so that the tape end is detached from the tape core when the tape end is unwound, and the detection unit detects that the return member has moved to the return position, and the return member returns to the return position. It is preferable to further include a determination unit that determines that the tape is at the tape end if it is detected that the tape has been moved.

  According to this configuration, even when the tape is nipped and fed by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means, when the tape end is unwound and removed from the tape core, the tension of the tape is more upstream in the feeding direction than the return member. Therefore, the return member is moved to the return position by the urging portion. Therefore, the tape end can be detected without preparing a special tape, such as providing a light transmitting portion for detection on the tape end itself.

  In this case, the tape mounting part is configured to be detachable from the tape cartridge that accommodates the wound tape so that it can be fed out, and the tape return part is stored in the tape cartridge, and the tape cartridge is mounted to the tape mounting part. In this state, the return member is preferably configured to be movable between the steady position and the return position.

  According to this configuration, since the tape and the tape return portion are accommodated in the card ridge, a new tape can be supplied by exchanging the card ridge, and the conventional tape return portion is not accommodated. In a tape printing apparatus to which a tape cartridge can be mounted, a tape piece with a short front margin can be obtained while maintaining compatibility with conventional products.

  The tape cartridge of the present invention has a tape mounting portion on which a wound tape is mounted so that it can be fed out, and a tape feeding means and a tape processing means configured to be able to clamp and release the tape between each other. A tape processing unit that processes the tape while feeding the tape out along the feeding path, and a tape cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the tape processing unit and separates the processed portion of the tape. A tape cartridge that is detachably attached to a tape attachment portion of a tape processing apparatus, and that accommodates a wound tape in a releasable manner, and is accommodated in the cartridge case and attached to the tape attachment portion. In the state, the normal position in contact with the tape in the feed path upstream in the feed direction of the tape processing unit, and the cutting position by the tape cutting unit A return member configured to be movable between a return position at which the tape is bent with respect to the feed path so that the cut-off end of the tape being positioned is pulled back between the tape feed means and the tape processing means; When the tape is nipped and fed by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means, the return member is moved from the return position to the steady position, and the tape is returned by releasing the nipping of the tape by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. And a tape return section having a member moving section for moving the member from the steady position to the return position.

  According to this configuration, the above tape processing apparatus can be configured by mounting the tape cartridge of the present invention on an existing tape processing apparatus that does not include a tape return unit. That is, a tape piece with a short front margin can be obtained using an existing tape processing apparatus.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of a tape printer. It is an external appearance perspective view around a tape feeding mechanism and a tape cutting mechanism in a tape printer. It is a top view around a tape feed mechanism and a tape cutting mechanism in a tape printer during a print feed operation. It is a top view around a tape feed mechanism and a tape cutting mechanism in a tape printer during a cutting operation. It is a top view of the tape cartridge in a tape printer. It is an external appearance perspective view of the lower case of the tape cartridge in a tape printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the tape return mechanism in the tape printer in printing feeding operation | movement. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the tape return mechanism in the tape printer immediately after cutting operation. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the tape return mechanism in the tape printer after the return operation | movement following a cutting operation. It is a flowchart which shows the detection process of the tape end of the printing tape in a tape printer.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a tape printer is exemplified as the tape processing apparatus according to the present invention. This tape processing device creates a piece of tape (label) on which a desired printing has been performed by feeding a printing tape from a tape cartridge while printing it, printing it, and cutting off the printed portion of the printing tape. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a tape printer 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 that performs a printing process on a printing tape T with a release paper on the back surface, and a tape cartridge C that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2. I have. The tape cartridge C is configured such that a printing tape T and an ink ribbon R are accommodated in a cartridge case 111 composed of an upper case 112 and a lower case 113 and divided into upper and lower parts.

  In the apparatus main body 2, an outer shell is formed by an apparatus case 3, and a keyboard 4 having various keys is widely disposed on the upper surface of the front half of the apparatus case 3. A rectangular display 5 for displaying an input result from the keyboard 4 and the like is formed on the upper right side of the rear half of the device case 3. A cartridge mounting portion 6 into which the tape cartridge C is detachably mounted is formed in a recess in the upper left surface of the rear half of the device case 3. When the user mounts the tape cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 6, the wound printing tape T is mounted so that it can be fed out.

  The cartridge mounting portion 6 is provided with an opening / closing lid 7 for opening and closing it. A viewing window 11 for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is attached / not attached is formed at the center of the opening / closing lid 7, and a rib constituting a head release mechanism 31 described later is provided at the inner right end of the opening / closing lid 7. A protrusion 13 is formed. A lid opening button 12 for opening the opening / closing lid 7 is provided on the front side of the cartridge mounting portion 6.

  On the left side of the cartridge mounting portion 6, there is formed a tape feed groove 15 whose left and right ends communicate with the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the outside of the apparatus and whose upper end is open. The tape feed groove 15 constitutes a part of the feed path 16 of the printing tape T, and a slit-like opening at the left end of the tape feed groove 15, that is, the left side of the device case 3 is used as a tape discharge port 17. The fed printing tape T is fed out of the apparatus. Further, when the tape cartridge C is mounted and taken out, the printing tape T drawn out from the tape feed outlet 119 (described later) of the tape cartridge C enters and exits from the upper end of the tape feed groove 15. In the vicinity of the upstream side of the tape discharge port 17 in the tape feeding direction, a tape cutting mechanism 33 for cutting the printing tape T fed to the outside from the tape discharge port 17 is incorporated. The printed portion of the printing tape T is cut off by the tape cutting mechanism 33 and discharged from the tape discharge port 17 to the outside of the apparatus.

  The cartridge mounting portion 6 includes a thermal type print head 22 (tape processing means) covered with a head cover 21 and a platen shaft 42 (to be described later) that faces the print head 22 and engages a platen 41 in the tape cartridge C. ), A take-up shaft 43 (to be described later) for winding the ink ribbon R, and a guide protrusion 23 for guiding the mounting of the tape cartridge C. The print head 22 is held by a head holder 24 and is rotatably supported by a head support shaft 25 via the head holder 24 (see FIG. 3 and the like).

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge mounting unit 6 is provided with an optical sensor 26 (see FIG. 2) for detecting a return pin 121 described later. In addition, an insertion opening 27 into which the rib-like protrusion 13 is inserted when the opening / closing lid 7 is closed is formed in the apparatus case 3, located on the right side of the cartridge mounting portion 6. Although not shown, an engagement block (described later) that constitutes the head release mechanism 31 is disposed together with the rib-like protrusion 13.

  The main part of the head release mechanism 31 is built in the back side of the cartridge mounting part 6, and the print head 22 is brought into and out of contact with the platen 41 in conjunction with opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 7. The head release mechanism 31 is pivotally supported by the lower end of the head support shaft 25 and is pivotable to the device case 3 and a pivot arm (not shown) that engages the head holder 24 and pivots it. It is composed of a supported engagement block and a rib-shaped protrusion 13 provided on the opening / closing lid 7. The rotating arm rotates with the rotation of the engagement block. When the rotating arm rotates, the print head 22 is centered on the head support shaft 25 via the head holder 24. It rotates between a position (a clamping position described later) that contacts the platen 41 and a separated position that is separated from the platen 41. When the opening / closing lid 7 is closed, the rib-like protrusion 13 is engaged with the engagement block, the rotation arm is moved to one rotation end position, and the print head 22 is moved to the clamping position. When the open / close lid 7 is closed, the rib-like protrusion 13 is removed from the engagement block, the rotation arm moves to the other rotation end position, and the print head 22 moves to the separation position. Although not shown, the head release mechanism 31 includes a head pressing spring that urges the rotation arm in a direction in which the print head 22 moves to the clamping position, and a direction in which the print head 22 moves to the separation position. A head release spring for turning and energizing the turning arm is incorporated.

  In addition to the head release mechanism 31, a tape feed mechanism 32, a tape cutting mechanism 33, and an interlocking mechanism 34 are built in between the back surface of the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the base frame 55. (See Figure 3 etc.) In addition, a circuit board constituting a drive unit 52 and a control unit 205 described later is mounted inside the device case 3. Further, in the cartridge case 111, a tape return mechanism 35 for returning the fed print tape T is provided.

  The control system of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Functionally, the tape printer 1 includes an operation unit 201, a print sending unit 302, a detection unit 203, a driver unit 204, and a control unit 205. The operation unit 201 includes a keyboard 4 and a display 5. The print feed unit 302 includes a drive motor 51 (described later) and the print head 22. The detection unit 203 includes an optical sensor 26. The driver unit 204 includes a display driver 211 that drives the display 5, a head driver 212 that drives the print head 22, and a motor driver 213 that drives the drive motor 51. The control unit 205 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program and control data used by the CPU to perform arithmetic processes, and a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. It is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like used as a work area when performing, and controls the tape printer 1 in an integrated manner.

  In the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above, when the user inserts the tape cartridge C into the cartridge mounting portion 6 and closes the opening / closing lid 7, the head release mechanism 31 operates to hold the print head 22 from the separated position. The print tape T and the ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the platen 41 and the print head 22, and the print standby state is entered. Subsequently, when the user inputs a desired character or the like with the keyboard 4 while referring to the display 5 and instructs printing, the tape feeding mechanism 32 is driven to feed out the printing tape T from the tape cartridge C and the print head. 22 generates heat and prints desired characters on the printing tape T. At this time, the printed part of the printing tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port 17 to the outside at any time until the rear end of the printed tape T reaches the position where the tape cutting mechanism 33 cuts. Then, when printing is completed and the tape feeding mechanism 32 stops feeding the printing tape T, the tape cutting mechanism 33 is driven to cut the rear end of the printed portion of the printing tape T, so that the printed portion Is cut off. Thereby, the tape piece which printed the desired character etc. is created.

  With reference to FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. 5, the structure of each part in the tape printer 1 is demonstrated in detail. The tape printer 1 includes a tape feeding mechanism 32 that sends the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R, a tape cutting mechanism 33 that is disposed downstream of the tape feeding mechanism 32 in the feeding direction, and cuts the printing tape T, and a tape cutting mechanism. An interlocking mechanism 34 for separating the print head 22 from the platen 41 is provided in conjunction with the return operation following the cutting operation at 33.

  The tape feeding mechanism 32 sandwiches the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R between the print head 22 and rotationally feeds them, a platen shaft 42 that rotatably supports the platen 41, and the ink ribbon R. A take-up shaft 43 that winds up and a feed mechanism-side power unit 44 that constitutes a power system for these are provided. When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, a platen 41 and a winding core 116 (described later) incorporated in the tape cartridge C are engaged with the platen shaft 42 and the winding shaft 43, respectively. When a platen gear 78 and a take-up gear 75 (described later) that are output ends of the feed mechanism side power unit 44 are rotated, the platen 41 is rotated to send the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R, and the take-up core 116 is The ink ribbon R is wound up by rotating.

  The feed mechanism side power unit 44 is selectively coupled by the drive motor 51, a drive unit 52 including a gear train coupled to the main shaft of the drive motor 51, a clutch mechanism 53 coupled to the drive unit 52, and the clutch mechanism 53. And a feed mechanism side gear train 54. The drive motor 51, the drive unit 52, and the clutch mechanism 53 are shared with a cutting mechanism side power unit 82 described later. These drive motor 51, drive unit 52, clutch mechanism 53, and feed mechanism side gear train 54 are incorporated in a base frame 55 disposed in the lower space of the cartridge mounting portion 6 together with a cutting mechanism side gear train 91 described later. ing.

  The drive motor 51 is composed of a DC motor that can rotate forward and backward. When the drive motor 51 rotates forward, rotational power is transmitted from the drive unit 52 to the clutch mechanism 53, and the clutch mechanism 53 is fed to the feed mechanism side gear train 54. Further, the rotational power is further transmitted to the tape feed mechanism 32 via the feed mechanism side gear train 54. As a result, the platen shaft 42 and the take-up shaft 43 rotate to simultaneously feed the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R. On the other hand, when the drive motor 51 reverses, the rotational power is transmitted from the drive unit 52 to the clutch mechanism 53, the clutch mechanism 53 is automatically switched to the cutting mechanism side gear train 91, and the rotational power is further switched to the cutting mechanism side gear train 91. Is transmitted to the tape cutting mechanism 33. Thereby, a cutting operation is performed in the tape cutting mechanism 33, and the printing tape T is cut.

  The drive unit 52 includes a worm 61 fixed to the main shaft of the drive motor 51, a worm wheel 62 that meshes with the worm 61, a wide gear 63 that is coaxially fixed to the lower side of the worm wheel 62, a worm wheel 62, and a wide gear. And a gear support shaft 64 that rotatably supports 63.

  The clutch mechanism 53 transports a planetary gear 66 that meshes with the wide gear 63 and a carrier 67 that pivotally supports the planetary gear 66 at its end and is rotatably supported by the gear support shaft 64. ing. The planetary gear 66 is formed of a lower lower planetary gear 68 formed to have a small diameter and an upper upper planetary gear 69 fixed to the same coaxially and formed to have a large diameter.

  The feed mechanism side gear train 54 includes a feed side input gear 71 that meshes with the lower planetary gear 68, a feed side first intermediate gear 72 that is coaxially fixed above the feed side input gear 71, and a feed side first intermediate gear. A feed-side second intermediate gear 73 that meshes with the gear 72; a branch gear 74 that is coaxially fixed below the feed-side second intermediate gear 73; and a take-up gear 75 on the take-up shaft 43 side that meshes with the branch gear 74; Similarly, a reduction gear 76 on the side of the platen shaft 42 that meshes with the branch gear 74, a feed-side third intermediate gear 77 that is coaxially fixed to the upper side of the reduction gear 76, and a platen gear 78 that meshes with the feed-side third intermediate gear 77. It consists of In FIG. 4, the reduction gear 76, the feed-side third intermediate gear 77, and the platen gear 78 are not shown.

The tape cutting mechanism 33 includes a tape cutter 81 that cuts the printing tape T by cutting, and a cutting mechanism-side power unit 82 that slides the tape cutter 81. The tape cutter 81 includes a cutter blade 85, a cutter holder 86 that holds the cutter blade 85, a tape pressing member (not shown) that presses the printing tape T during cutting, and a cutter return spring 87 that returns the tape cutter 81 to the cutting standby position. And. The cutter holder 86 is formed in an “L” shape, is slidably attached to the apparatus case 3, holds the cutter blade 85 at one end, and latches the cutter return spring 87. A stop 88 is projected. In addition, a cutter-side protruding piece 89 is formed at the other end of the cutter holder 86 to be engaged with a cutting operation cam 97 (described later) that is an output end of the cutting mechanism-side power unit 82. As will be described in detail later, when power is input from the cutting operation cam 97 to the cutter-side protruding piece 89, the cutter holder 86 slides back and forth, and the tape cutter 81 performs a cutting operation (forward movement) and a returning operation (return movement). ).
The tape cutter 81 of the present embodiment is of a draw type (slide type), but is not limited to this, for example, a scissor type consisting of a fixed blade and a movable blade sharing a spindle. It may be a thing.

  The cutting mechanism side power unit 82 includes a drive motor 51, a driving unit 52 and a clutch mechanism 53 that are shared with the feed mechanism side power unit 44, and a cutting mechanism side gear train 91. The cutting mechanism side gear train 91 includes a cutting side input gear 92 that meshes with the upper planetary gear 69, a cutting side first intermediate gear 93 that is coaxially fixed to the lower side of the cutting side input gear 92, and a cutting side first gear 91. A cutting-side second intermediate gear 94 that meshes with the intermediate gear 93, a cutting-side third intermediate gear 95 that is fixed above the cutting-side second intermediate gear 94, an operating gear 96 that meshes with the cutting-side third intermediate gear 95, and an operation The cutting operation cam 97 is fixed to the upper side of the gear 96.

  The cutting operation cam 97 is a so-called plate cam, and its cam curve is formed by connecting a substantially spiral return operation portion 98 and a linear cutting operation portion 99 connecting the ends of the return operation portion 98 to each other. ing. That is, the return operation part 98 is formed in a spiral shape over substantially one circumference, and the cutting operation part 99 extends in a substantially radial direction.

  The interlocking mechanism 34 is pressed against the platen 41 by the head release mechanism 31 described above, and the print head 22 in the clamping position for clamping the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R is linked to the return operation of the tape cutting mechanism 33 to interlock the platen. The print tape T and the ink ribbon R are moved to a release position for releasing the nipping by being slightly separated from 41. In the present embodiment, the release position by the interlock mechanism 34 is closer to the clamping position than the separation position by the head release mechanism 31 (the rotation width of the print head 22 by the interlock mechanism 34 is determined by the head release mechanism 31). However, it is not limited to this. For example, the release position may be the same as the separation position.

  The interlocking mechanism 34 has an interlocking plate 101 formed in a rectangular plate shape in plan view. The interlocking plate 101 is connected to the lower end of the tip end portion of the head holder 24 at one end, and extends to the platen shaft 42 side at a substantially right angle with the head holder 24. The support shaft 25 is rotatably supported. A head-side protruding piece 102 with which the cutting operation cam 97 is cam-engaged is formed at the other end of the head holder 24. The head-side projecting piece 102 is in a state where the print head 22 is in the clamping position by the head release mechanism 31, that is, in a state where the interlocking plate 101 connected to the head holder 24 is moved to the cutting operation cam 97 side. The cutting operation cam 97 is cam-engaged. As will be described in detail later, when power is input to the head-side protruding piece 102 from the cutting operation cam 97, the interlocking plate 101 and the head holder 24 connected thereto rotate, so that the print head 22 is moved from the clamping position. It moves to the release position.

  In the cutting standby state (during printing), the end of the return operation portion 98 of the cutting operation cam 97 is in contact with the cutter-side protruding piece 89 of the tape cutting mechanism 33 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the cutting operation cam 97 starts rotating from this state, the cutting operation portion 99 of the cutting operation cam 97 is cam-engaged with the cutter-side protruding piece 89, so that the cutter holder 86 slides against the cutter return spring 87. The tape cutter 81 cuts the printing tape T by drawing (see FIG. 5).

  When the cutting operation cam 97 further rotates, the cam engaging portion of the cutter-side protruding piece 89 shifts from the cutting operation portion 99 to the return operation portion 98, and the cutter holder 86 waits for cutting by the spring force of the cutter return spring 87. Return slowly toward the position. Then, the cutting operation unit 99 is cam-engaged with the head-side projecting piece 102 of the interlocking mechanism 34 at the final stage where the return operation unit 98 is cam-engaged with the cutter-side projecting piece 89. As a result, the head-side protruding piece 102 is pressed outward (kicked out), and the print head 22 moves (rotates) to the release position against the head pressing spring of the head release mechanism 31 described above. The rotational position of the cutting operation cam 97 at this time is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. When the cutting operation cam 97 further rotates, the cam engagement between the cutting operation portion 99 and the head side protruding piece 102 is released, and the print head 22 is moved to the clamping position by the spring force of the head pressing spring of the head release mechanism 31. Return. As described above, the interlock mechanism 34 moves the print head 22 to the release position in conjunction with the return operation of the tape cutter 81, and the clamping of the print tape T by the platen 41 and the print head 22 is released. After the processed portion of the print tape T is cut by 81, the holding of the print tape T by the platen 41 and the print head 22 can be automatically released.

  In other words, in other words, when the rotation angle at the start of the rotation of the cutting operation cam 97 is 0 °, the cutting operation cam 97 has a return operation portion 98 between 0 ° and 45 °. Is in contact with the cutter-side protruding piece 89, but the tape cutter 81 is not operated during this period. Between 45 ° and 105 °, the cutting operation part 99 is cam-engaged with the cutter-side protruding piece 89 to cause the tape cutter 81 to perform a cutting operation. Between 105 ° and 360 °, the return operation unit 98 is cam-engaged with the cutter-side protruding piece 89 to cause the tape cutter 81 to perform the return operation, and among these, the cutting operation unit 99 is between 315 ° and 345 °. Engages with the head-side protruding piece 102 and moves the print head 22 to the release position. As a matter of course, these rotation angles are arbitrary and are not limited thereto.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the switching / holding switching of the print tape T interlocked with the return operation of the tape cutter 81 by the interlock mechanism 34 is performed by bringing the print head 22 into and out of contact with the platen 41. However, as a matter of course, it may be performed by moving the platen 41 away from the print head 22 or by moving both the print head 22 and the platen 41. Furthermore, the interlocking mechanism 34 of the present embodiment shares a drive source (drive motor 51) with the tape cutting mechanism 33, but is different from the drive source of the tape cutting mechanism 33 and is a drive source dedicated to the interlocking mechanism 34 ( (E.g., a motor), and the print head 22 is moved away from the platen 41 in conjunction with the return operation of the tape cutter 81 by the control of the control unit 205 to release the print tape T. Good. In this case, the control unit 205 detects, for example, the mechanical or optical home position of the tape cutter 81 by the cutter home position detection sensor provided in the tape cutting mechanism 33 (movement to the return operation end position of the tape cutter 81). The dedicated drive source is driven based on the detection of Further, in the tape cutting mechanism 33, a cutting operation is performed by forward rotation of the drive motor 51 (forward movement if the pulling type is used, and closing operation if the scissor type is used), and a backward movement operation (pulling) is performed by the reverse rotation of the driving motor 51. In the case of a configuration in which a reversing operation is performed in the case of a cutting type and an opening operation is performed in the case of a scissor type, the control unit 205 acquires the reverse rotation of the driving motor 51 so as to drive the dedicated driving source. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tape cartridge C is configured such that a printing tape T, an ink ribbon R, a platen 41, and a tape return mechanism 35 are accommodated in a cartridge case 111.

  The printing tape T is wound around the tape core 114, and the ink ribbon R is rotatably accommodated in the cartridge case 111 in a state where the ink ribbon R is wound around the feeding core 115 and the winding core 116, respectively. In addition, although the winding start end used as the tape end of the printing tape T is affixed on the tape core 114 with the double-sided tape (illustration omitted), when the tape end is extended | stretched by the tape feed mechanism 32, from the adhesive force of a double-sided tape Also, since the feeding force by the tape feeding mechanism 32 is stronger, the tape end is detached from the tape core 114. On the bottom surface of the lower case 113, a hollow cylindrical tape shaft support portion 117 is provided so as to support the tape core 114 rotatably. The platen 41 is rotatably accommodated in the cartridge case 111 so as to be adjacent to the head insertion opening 118. As described above, when the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the platen shaft 42 is inserted into the center hole of the platen 41, and the winding shaft 43 is inserted into the center hole of the winding core 116. The platen 41 and the winding core 116 are configured to rotate.

  The printing tape T is fed out from the tape core 114, and the ink ribbon R is fed out from the feeding core 115 and overlaps with the printing tape T at the head insertion opening 118, and then the printing tape T is placed in the cartridge case 111. The ink ribbon R is sent out to the outside of the cartridge case 111 from the tape outlet 119 formed on the side surface, and the ink ribbon R is taken up by the take-up core 116. Further, at the portion where the print tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap, the platen 41 and the print head 22 perform printing while sandwiching and feeding them.

  The tape return mechanism 35 includes a return pin 121 configured to be movable between the steady position and the return position in the vicinity of the feeding start position of the printing tape T, and the return pin 121 between the steady position and the return position. And a pin moving part 122 to be moved. The return pin 121 is provided with the axial direction up and down, and the steady position of the return pin 121 is the position where the return pin 121 moves on the print tape T in the feed path 16 upstream of the platen 41 and the print head 22 in the feed direction. This is the position in contact with the back surface (release paper) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The return position of the return pin 121 is that the return pin 121 moves from the steady position while pressing the back surface of the print tape T, so that the cut-off end 131 of the print tape T is moved between the platen 41 and the print head 22. This is a position where the printing tape T is bent (bent) with respect to the feed path 16 so as to be pulled back in between (see FIG. 10). In other words, the return position is a position that crosses the feed path 16 from the steady position to the surface side of the printing tape T.

  The pin moving part 122 includes a pin support shaft 123 erected on the bottom surface of the lower case 113 on the upstream side in the feed direction of the return pin 121, a cylindrical shaft part 125 rotatably supported by the pin support shaft 123, and a cylindrical shaft part A rotating lever 124 integrally formed with a lever portion 126 extending in a radial direction from 125 and having a tip connected to the pin support shaft 123, and the pin support shaft 123 is wound around the cylindrical shaft portion 125. And a pin return spring 127 that urges the return pin 121 toward the return position. That is, the rotation lever 124 supports the return pin 121 so as to be rotatable between the steady position and the return position around the pin support shaft 123. Further, the return pin 121 is in a position corresponding to the return position in the tape cartridge C by the spring force of the pin return spring 127 when the tape cartridge C is not attached to the cartridge attachment portion 6 (see FIG. 6). .

  Further, like the return pin 121, the pin support shaft 123 is provided on the back surface side of the printing tape T, and when the printing tape T is fed, it slides on the back surface of the printing tape T to guide the feeding. Further, on the downstream side in the feed direction of the return pin 121, a guide pin 129 that similarly slides on the back surface of the printing tape T and guides the feed is provided upright on the bottom surface of the lower case 113. That is, the feed path 16 is provided with the pin support shaft 123, the return pin 121, and the guide pin 129 in order from the feed start position toward the downstream side in the feed direction at substantially equal intervals. The sheet is fed toward the platen 41 and the print head 22 via the shaft 123, the return pin 121, and the guide pin 129 in this order.

  Although not shown, a stopper is provided on the bottom surface of the lower case 113 to restrict the return pin 121 biased by the pin return spring 127 to the return position. Further, the lower case 113 is formed with a detection hole 128 (see FIG. 6) for detecting the return pin 121 by the optical sensor 26 at a position corresponding to the return position of the return pin 121.

  The tape return mechanism 35 configured as described above moves the return pin 121 from the return position to the steady position when the printing tape T is nipped and fed by the platen 41 and the print head 22, and the platen 41 and The return pin 121 is moved from the steady position to the return position as the print head 22 is nipped and released.

  That is, since the printing tape T to be fed is sandwiched between the platen 41 and the print head 22, tension is applied. Therefore, when the printing tape T is fed, the return pin 121 moves to the steady position against the pin return spring 127 by the tension of the printing tape T (see FIGS. 8 and 9). That is, the pin return spring 127 allows the return pin 121 to move to the steady position against the spring force due to the tension of the printing tape T being fed. On the other hand, when the holding of the printing tape T by the platen 41 and the printing head 22 is released, the tension of the printing tape T is lost on the downstream side in the feed direction from the return pin 121, so that the return pin is urged by the pin return spring 127. 121 moves to the return position (see FIG. 10).

  However, at the tape end of the printing tape T, even when the printing tape T is nipped and fed by the platen 41 and the print head 22, if the tape end is unwound from the tape core 114, it will be more than the return pin 121. Since the tension of the printing tape T disappears on the upstream side in the feed direction, the return pin 121 moves to the return position by the spring force of the pin return spring 127. As will be described in detail later, when the optical sensor 26 detects that the return pin 121 has moved to the return position, the controller 205 is in the process of feeding the printing tape T by the tape feeding mechanism 32. If so, it is determined that the print tape T is at the tape end.

  In the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the tape return mechanism 35 is accommodated in the tape cartridge C. However, the tape return mechanism 35 is provided on the apparatus main body side (for example, the cartridge mounting portion 6). There may be. However, since the tape return mechanism 35 is accommodated in the tape cartridge C, the tape printer 1 having the tape return mechanism 35 can be obtained by simply mounting the tape cartridge C on an existing apparatus that does not have the tape return mechanism 35. Can be configured. Further, the tape printer 1 can also be mounted with a conventional cartridge that does not contain the tape return mechanism 35, and is compatible with a conventional product.

  Hereinafter, a series of movements related to printing feeding, cutting, and tape returning of the printing tape T in the tape printer 1 will be described. At the time of printing feeding of the printing tape T, the return pin 121 moves to a steady position by the tension of the printing tape T (see FIG. 8). Then, when the tape feeding mechanism 32 feeds the printing tape T until the rear end of the printed portion of the printing tape T reaches the cutting position by the tape cutting mechanism 33, the tape cutting mechanism 33 performs a cutting operation, and the printing tape T Is cut off (see FIG. 9). At this time, as a matter of course, the separated end 131 by the tape cutting mechanism 33 is at a cutting position by the tape cutting mechanism 33.

  On the other hand, the interlock mechanism 34 interlocks with the return operation of the tape cutter 81, that is, after the print tape T is cut, the print head 22 is automatically moved to the release position, and the platen 41 and the print head 22 The holding of the printing tape T is released. Accordingly, the return pin 121 is biased by the pin return spring 127 and moved to the return position. At this time, the to-be-removed end 131 in the cutting position by the tape cutting mechanism 33 is pulled back between the platen 41 and the print head 22 by the return pin 121 moved from the steady position to the return position (see FIG. 10). . For this reason, the print head 22 can start the next printing process from the vicinity of the pulled-off separation end 131, and removes a tape piece with a short front margin between the separation end 131 and the print start position 132. Can be obtained. In FIG. 10, the state before the next printing process is shown, but a tape piece in which the print character “ABC” is shown in advance is indicated by a solid line. Further, in FIG. 10, for comparison with the present embodiment, a tape piece obtained by a conventional apparatus that does not include the tape return mechanism 35 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The front margin is generated by the distance between the cutting position by the mechanism 33 and the printing position by the print head 22.

  In the tape printer 1, even if the interlocking mechanism 34 is not provided, the user opens the opening / closing lid 7 by pressing the lid opening button 12 after the printed portion of the printing tape T is cut off. Since the holding of the print tape T by the platen 41 and the print head 22 is released by the head release mechanism 31, the cut-off end 131 can be pulled back between the platen 41 and the print head 22 in this case as well. However, by providing the interlocking mechanism 34, after the processed portion of the printing tape T is cut off by the tape cutter 81, the holding of the printing tape T by the platen 41 and the printing head 22 can be automatically released. . Therefore, after the processed portion of the printing tape T is cut off, the user can automatically perform the operation without opening the opening / closing lid 7 in order to release the holding of the printing tape T by the platen 41 and the print head 22. In particular, a tape piece with a short front margin can be obtained.

  With reference to FIG. 11, the tape end detection processing of the printing tape T in the tape printer 1 will be described. When the optical sensor 26 detects that the return pin 121 has moved to the return position (S1), the control unit 205 determines whether or not the tape feeding mechanism 32 is performing a feeding operation (S2). For example, the control unit 205 acquires the operating state of the drive motor 51 and determines that the feed operation is being performed during normal rotation of the drive motor 51. During the reverse rotation of 51 or the stop of driving, it is determined by determining that the feeding operation is not being performed. When the control unit 205 determines that the feeding operation is being performed (S2; Yes), the control unit 205 determines that the print tape T is at the tape end (S3), and the display 5 is set at the tape end. A message to that effect is displayed (S4), and the user is urged to replace the tape cartridge C. On the other hand, when the control unit 205 determines that the feeding operation is not being performed (S2; No), the control unit 205 determines that the print tape T is not a tape end (S5), and ends the process. Thus, the tape end can be detected without preparing a special printing tape T, such as providing a light transmitting portion for detection at the tape end itself.

  If the optical sensor 26 does not detect that the return pin 121 has moved to the return position within a predetermined time after the end of the feed operation even though the feed operation has not been resumed, the tape cutting mechanism 33 or the tape return Since an abnormality of the mechanism 35 is considered, an error display may be performed. In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 26 detects that the return pin 121 has moved to the return position, but the detection means is not limited to such a non-contact type sensor, and the return pin A contact-type sensor (such as a microswitch) that has a detector that contacts the return pin 121 that has moved to the return position and contacts the return pin 121 may be provided in the cartridge mounting portion 6. Of course, these sensors may be provided at the steady position.

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, a tape piece with a short front margin can be obtained with a simple configuration without wasting the tape. The tape printer 1 is also useful when printing on a tape (die-cut label paper) in which a plurality of labels are pasted on a long mount at regular intervals instead of the printing tape T of the present embodiment. It is. That is, in the conventional apparatus, it is necessary to set the label pitch on the die-cut label paper to be equal to or greater than the distance between the cutting position by the tape cutting mechanism 33 and the printing position by the print head 22. On the other hand, in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the label pitch is made less than the distance between the cutting position by the tape cutting mechanism 33 and the printing position by the print head 22 by pulling back the cut-off end 131 as described above. The label can be made small, and many labels can be arranged even if the length of the mount is the same.

  1: Tape printer, 16: Tape feed path, 22: Print head, 26: Optical sensor, 32: Tape feed mechanism, 33: Tape cutting mechanism, 34: Interlocking mechanism, 35: Tape return mechanism, 41: Platen, 97 : Cutting operation cam, 98: return operation unit, 99: cutting operation unit, 121: return pin, 122: pin moving unit, 123: pin support shaft, 124: rotating lever, 127: pin return spring, 131: separated End, 205: Control unit

Claims (9)

A tape mounting section on which the wound tape is mounted so that it can be fed out;
A tape processing unit that includes a tape feeding unit and a tape processing unit configured to be able to clamp and release the tape between each other, and processes the tape while feeding the fed tape and feeding it along a feeding path. When,
A tape cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the tape processing unit, and cuts off the processed portion of the tape;
A regular position that contacts the tape in the feed path on the upstream side in the feed direction of the tape processing unit, and a cut-off end of the tape that is located at a cutting position by the tape cutting unit between the tape feeding unit and the tape processing unit. A return member configured to be movable between a return position where the tape is bent with respect to the feed path so as to be pulled back, and the tape is sandwiched between the tape feed means and the tape processing means. The return member is moved from the return position to the steady position, and the return member is moved to the steady position as the tape is released by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. A member moving part that moves from the return position to the return position, and a tape return part,
A tape processing apparatus comprising:   2. The return member according to claim 1, wherein the return member bends the tape with respect to the feed path by moving to the return position while pressing one of the front and back surfaces of the tape from the steady position. Tape processing unit.   The member moving unit urges the return member toward the return position, and the return member is attached by the tension of the tape that is nipped and fed by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means. The tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an urging unit that allows movement to the steady position against a force. The member moving part further includes a member support shaft, and a rotation lever that supports the return member so as to be rotatable between the steady position and the return position around the member support shaft.
The tape processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the urging portion includes a torsion coil spring provided around the member support shaft.   An interlocking mechanism for moving the tape processing means relative to the tape feeding means from a clamping position for clamping the tape to a release position for releasing the clamping in conjunction with a return operation following a cutting operation in the tape cutting unit; The tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The tape cutting unit has a tape cutter, a cutting operation cam formed with a cam curve formed of a cutting operation unit for cutting the tape cutter and a return operation unit for returning the tape cutter,
The interlocking mechanism is cam-engaged with the incision operation portion as the return operation portion is cam-engaged with the input side of the tape cutter on the input side, and the tape processing means is disposed on the output side with the tape processing means. The tape processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tape processing apparatus is moved relatively from the clamping position to the release position. The tape is wound around the tape core so that the tape end is detached from the tape core when the tape end is extended.
A detection unit for detecting that the return member has moved to the return position;
When it is detected that the return member has moved to the return position, if the tape is being fed by the tape processing unit, a determination unit that determines that the tape is a tape end;
The tape processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: The tape mounting portion is configured to be detachable from a tape cartridge that accommodates the wound tape so that it can be fed out.
The tape return portion is accommodated in the tape cartridge, and the return member is movable between the normal position and the return position in a state where the tape cartridge is attached to the tape attachment portion. The tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tape processing apparatus is provided. A tape mounting section on which the wound tape is mounted so that it can be fed out;
A tape processing unit that includes a tape feeding unit and a tape processing unit configured to be able to clamp and release the tape between each other, and processes the tape while feeding the fed tape and feeding it along a feeding path. When,
A tape cutting unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the tape processing unit, and cuts off the processed portion of the tape;
A tape cartridge that is detachably mounted on the tape mounting portion of a tape processing apparatus comprising:
A cartridge case for accommodating the wound tape so that it can be fed out;
In a state of being accommodated in the cartridge case and mounted in the tape mounting portion, in a steady position in contact with the tape in the feeding path on the upstream side in the feeding direction of the tape processing portion, and a cutting position by the tape cutting portion. It is configured to be movable between a return position where the tape is bent with respect to the feed path so that the cut-off end of the tape located is pulled back between the tape feed means and the tape processing means. When the tape and the tape are sandwiched and fed by the tape feeding means and the tape processing means, the return member is moved from the return position to the steady position, and the tape feeding means and the tape A member transfer that moves the return member from the steady position to the return position as the tape is released by the tape processing means. A tape return portion having a section, a
A tape cartridge comprising:

Images