JP6233660B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that forms a desired print on a print medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus that forms a desired print on a print medium is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional printing apparatus (label producing apparatus), a power supply terminal (output terminal) of an external power supply device (AC adapter) is connected to a power receiving terminal (connector portion), and the power is turned on by operating an operation means (power key). When turned on, it is determined whether or not the supply voltage (adapter output voltage) supplied from the external power supply device is greater than the voltage threshold (input upper limit voltage). Corresponding notification is performed, and the power is turned off after a predetermined time.

JP-A-8-33188

  Here, when connecting the power supply terminal of the external power supply device to the power receiving terminal as described above, the operator may accidentally connect the power supply terminal of the external power supply device having a higher voltage than the appropriate external power supply device. There is. In such a connection abnormality state, a voltage higher than necessary is supplied from the power supply terminal of the high-voltage external power supply apparatus, which may cause a failure of the printing apparatus. In the above prior art, the connection abnormal state is detected by determining whether or not the supply voltage is larger than the voltage threshold, and the power is turned off when the connection abnormal state is detected. This prevents the printer from malfunctioning.

  Then, after the power is turned off as described above, the connection of the power supply terminal of the high-voltage external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and the power supply terminal of another external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal. When the power is turned on by the operation of the means, it is determined again whether or not the supply voltage is larger than the voltage threshold value, so that the abnormal connection state is detected.

  Here, the connection of the power supply terminal of the high voltage external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and then the power supply terminal of the appropriate external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal, and the power supply terminal of the high voltage external power supply device is connected. There is a possibility that the power is turned on by operating the operating means when not much time has passed since the connection was released. In this case, the electric charge corresponding to the high voltage supplied from the power supply terminal of the high-voltage external power supply device, which was previously mistakenly connected to the power receiving terminal, is accumulated in the power storage means generally provided in the circuit of the printing apparatus. , Not much released and the supply voltage may be higher than the normal range. Therefore, in this case, in the above prior art, it is determined that the supply voltage is higher than the normal range in the above determination, even though the power supply terminal of the appropriate external power supply device is connected to the power receiving terminal. There is a possibility that an abnormal connection state is detected and a problem that error processing (corresponding notification and power off) is performed is caused.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of avoiding the problem that error processing is performed even when a power supply terminal of an appropriate external power supply apparatus is connected to a power receiving terminal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of operation mechanisms including a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium, and a printing unit that forms desired printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit. A power receiving terminal to which a power supply terminal of an external power supply device capable of supplying a voltage is connected, a load circuit provided in at least one of the plurality of operation mechanisms, and an input unit to which a power supply voltage is supplied, A control circuit that controls supply of voltage to a load circuit; a first power storage unit that is connected between a positive electrode of the power receiving terminal and a ground part that serves as a reference potential of the circuit; and stores charge corresponding to the power supply voltage; A second power storage means connected in parallel with the first power storage means for absorbing the charge accumulated in the first power storage means, wherein the control circuit includes the power supply The terminal is the receiving terminal When connected, the external power supply device and the first power storage means are turned on, and the first power storage means and the second power storage means are turned off. When the connection to the power receiving terminal is released, a switching mechanism that switches to a second state in which the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit are conducted is provided.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present invention, a power storage means (first power storage means) for storing a charge corresponding to the power supply voltage is connected between the positive electrode of the power receiving terminal and the ground portion serving as the reference potential of the circuit.

  Here, when the power supply terminal of the external power supply device is connected to the power receiving terminal, the operator mistakenly selects an external power supply device (hereinafter referred to as “first external power supply device” as appropriate) having a higher voltage than the appropriate external power supply device There is a possibility of connecting the power supply terminal of the “second external power supply device” as appropriate. In such a connection abnormality state, a voltage more than necessary is supplied from the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device, which may cause a failure of the printing apparatus.

  Therefore, normally, in order to prevent a malfunction of the printing apparatus, the connection abnormal state is detected after the control operation of the control circuit is started in response to a predetermined operation by the operator. When the abnormal connection state is detected, the control operation of the control circuit is stopped.

  Thereafter, when the operator disconnects the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device from the power receiving terminal, connects the power supply terminal of another external power supply device to the power receiving terminal, and performs a predetermined operation, the control of the control circuit Operation starts. Then, the connection abnormal state is detected again by determining whether or not the supply voltage supplied to the input part of the control circuit or the divided voltage is within the normal range. At this time, for example, the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is not released (or the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and then another connection is made to the power reception terminal. When the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device is connected) and the control operation of the control circuit is started, in the above determination, it is determined that the supply voltage or its partial pressure is outside the normal range, and the connection abnormal state is Detected. In this case, error processing is performed. On the other hand, when the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and then the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal and the control operation of the control circuit is started, In the determination, it is determined that the supply voltage or its partial pressure is within the normal range, and the abnormal connection state is not detected. In this case, error processing is not performed.

  Here, the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and then the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal, and the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device is released. There is a possibility that the control operation of the control circuit is started when not much time has elapsed since then. In this case, the charge corresponding to the high voltage supplied from the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device accidentally connected to the power receiving terminal previously stored in the power storage means is not released so much, and the supply voltage Or the partial pressure may be higher than the normal range. Therefore, in this case, although the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power receiving terminal, in the above determination, it is determined that the supply voltage or its partial pressure is higher than the normal range, resulting in a connection abnormality. There is a possibility that a problem may occur in that the state is detected and error processing is performed.

  In the present invention, after the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, even if the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal, the supply voltage or its partial pressure is immediately Corresponding to the fact that the electric power may not fall within the normal range, a second power storage means connected in parallel to the first power storage means to absorb the charge accumulated in the first power storage means, a switching mechanism, Is provided. That is, when the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device is connected to the power receiving terminal, the switching mechanism is switched to the first state, and the second external power supply device and the first power storage device are electrically connected, and the first power storage device and the first power storage device are connected to each other. 2 The power storage means is turned off. As a result, the charge corresponding to the power supply voltage higher than the normal range supplied from the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device via the power receiving terminal is stored in the first power storage unit while not being stored in the second power storage unit. can do. Then, when the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power receiving terminal is released, the switching mechanism is switched to the second state, and the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit are conducted (the first power storage unit and the first power storage unit). The second power storage means is connected in parallel). As a result, the charge accumulated in the first power storage means can be instantaneously moved to the second power storage means, and the supply voltage or its partial pressure can be quickly lowered to the normal range.

  As a result, the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device to the power reception terminal is released, and then the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power reception terminal, and the connection of the power supply terminal of the second external power supply device is released. Even if the control circuit control operation is started when not much time has elapsed since then, the supply voltage or its divided voltage is reduced to the normal range before the control circuit control operation is started. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem that error processing is performed even though the power supply terminal of the first external power supply device is connected to the power receiving terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the problem that error processing is performed even though a power supply terminal of an appropriate external power supply apparatus is connected to a power receiving terminal of a printing apparatus.

It is a perspective view showing the front side of the tape printer of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the back side of a tape printer. It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing | casing of a tape printer with the back cover removed. It is a circuit diagram showing the electric constitution of an AC adapter and a tape printer in the state where the AC adapter is not attached to the tape printer. It is a circuit diagram showing the electric constitution of an AC adapter and a tape printer in the state where an AC adapter is attached to a tape printer. It is a circuit diagram showing the case where a proper adapter is attached to the tape printer and the control board is in an active state. It is a circuit diagram showing the case where a high voltage adapter is attached to the tape printer and the control board unit is activated. In the comparative example, when the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, the appropriate adapter is attached to the tape printer, and the control board is in an active state when not much time has passed since the high voltage adapter was removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in the case where it is performed, and the example of the processing content at that time. In the first embodiment, when the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, the appropriate adapter is attached to the tape printer, and the control board is active when not much time has passed since the high voltage adapter was removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in the case of being in a state, and the example of the processing content at that time. It is a flowchart showing the processing content performed by a constant voltage circuit and CPU. In the modification in which it is determined whether or not the voltage V98 is gradually decreased, it takes a long time after the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, the proper adapter is attached to the tape printer, and the high voltage adapter is removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in case a control board part is made into an active state when it has not passed, and the example of the processing content at that time. It is a flowchart showing the processing content performed by a constant voltage circuit and CPU. In the modified example in which it is determined whether or not the voltage V98 is lowered, the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, and after that, the proper adapter is attached to the tape printer and the high voltage adapter is removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in case a control board part is made into an active state when it has not passed, and the example of the processing content at that time. It is a flowchart showing the processing content performed by a constant voltage circuit and CPU. The control board in the second embodiment of the present invention when the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, the appropriate adapter is then attached to the tape printer, and the time has not passed since the high voltage adapter was removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in case a part is made into an active state, and the example of the processing content at that time. It is a flowchart showing the processing content performed by a constant voltage circuit and CPU. It is a circuit diagram showing the electrical constitution of an AC adapter and a tape printer in the state where the AC adapter is not attached to the tape printer of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram showing the electric constitution of an AC adapter and a tape printer in the state where an AC adapter is attached to a tape printer. It is a flowchart showing the processing content performed by a constant voltage circuit and CPU. It is a circuit diagram showing the case where a high voltage adapter is attached to the tape printer. It is a circuit diagram showing the case where the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer. In the third embodiment, when the high voltage adapter is removed from the tape printer, the appropriate adapter is attached to the tape printer, and the control board is active when not much time has passed since the high voltage adapter was removed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the voltage change behavior in the case of being in a state, and the example of the processing content at that time. It is a perspective view showing the power supply cord unit of the modification using another external power supply device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, when there are notes of “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower” in the drawings, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper” in the description in the specification “Down” refers to the noted direction.

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Schematic configuration of tape printer>
First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape printing apparatus 1 (corresponding to a printing apparatus) of the present embodiment is attached and detached so as to cover the resin casing 2 and the entire back surface (rear surface) of the casing 2. A resin-made back cover 3 that can be attached is provided. The housing 2 includes a front housing 4 and a rear housing 5.

  Various keys 6 (on the operating means) such as a character key for inputting characters, a print key for executing printing, a power key for turning on / off the power, etc. The key arrangement portion 7 is provided. In addition, a horizontally long window portion 8 is formed in the center of the upper surface of the front housing 4 in the left-right direction, and a liquid crystal that displays characters and the like input via the keys 6 is provided in the window portion 8. A display 9 is provided. A cutter lever 10 is provided on the left side surface of the liquid crystal display 9 of the housing 2. The operator presses the cutter lever 10 inward with a thumb or the like, and is discharged from a tape discharge port 11 formed at the upper end of the housing 2. (Corresponding to a printing medium; see FIG. 3 described later) is cut by a cutting blade (not shown), and a desired print is a printed label (not shown) as a printed matter formed on the printing tape 12. be able to. Note that the print-receiving tape 12 is configured by laminating an image receiving layer on which characters or the like are printed, an adhesive layer to be attached to an object to be attached, and a release paper that protects the adhesive surface of the adhesive layer.

  Further, the left and right width dimensions on the lower side of the housing 2 are formed slightly narrower than the left and right width dimensions on the upper side of the housing 2, and grip members 13 </ b> A and 13 </ b> B are attached to the left and right side portions of the rear housing 5. ing. Three protrusions 14 are formed on the surfaces of the grip members 13A and 13B along the vertical direction.

  Further, the tape printer 1 is provided with a first protective member that covers the upper end portion and a second protective member that is formed separately from the first protective member and covers the lower end portion. The first and second protective members are divided into two parts between the housing 2 and the back cover 3. That is, the first protective member 15A and the second protective member 16A are attached to the housing 2, and the first protective member 15B and the second protective member 16B are attached to the back cover 3. Thereby, the operator can attach and detach the back cover 3 to and from the rear housing 5 in a state where the first and second protection members 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are attached to the tape printer 1.

<Internal structure of housing>
Next, the internal structure of the housing 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the upper side in the rear housing 5, there is a cassette storage portion 21 having a substantially rectangular shape, which is substantially the same as the outer shape of the tape cassette 20, in which the tape cassette 20 for supplying the print-receiving tape 12 is stored. Is provided. Also, in the vicinity of the right edge of the cassette housing portion 21, a thin plate-like thermal head mounting portion 23 to which a thermal head 22 (corresponding to printing means) is mounted is erected at a substantially right angle along the vertical direction. Yes. The thermal head 22 forms a desired print on the print-receiving tape 12 conveyed by a tape conveyance mechanism described later. A platen provided with a tape transport mechanism (corresponding to transport means, not shown) for transporting the print-receiving tape 12 is provided in the drive section 24 provided on the right side of the cassette housing section 21 facing the thermal head 22. A holder (not shown) is rotatably provided. The tape transport mechanism is driven by a drive motor (not shown).

  When the back cover 3 is attached to the rear housing 5, a protrusion (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the back cover 3 enters the engagement hole 25 of the drive unit 24. At that time, the platen holder rotates toward the thermal head 22 and a part of the print-receiving tape 12 in the tape cassette 20 is pressed against the thermal head 22. In this state, the print-receiving tape 12 printed by the thermal head 22 is transported by the tape transport mechanism and discharged from the tape discharge port 11.

  In addition, a battery storage unit 27 that can store six batteries 38 (see FIG. 4 and the like described later) side by side is formed on the lower side of the rear housing 5. Note that the six batteries 38 stored in the battery storage unit 27 are connected in series. In addition, a control board portion 37 (see FIG. 4 and the like described later) is disposed inside the front housing 4.

  Further, a DC jack 33 (corresponding to a power receiving terminal, see also FIG. 1 described above) is provided at the lower end of the housing 2. The DC jack 33 is a connection port (plug-in port) of a DC plug 34E (corresponding to a power supply terminal) of an AC adapter 34 (see FIG. 4 described later) as an external power supply device. The tape printer 1 can use the AC adapter 34 as a drive power source by connecting the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 to the DC jack 33. Further, when the battery 38 is stored in the battery storage unit 27, the tape printer 1 uses the battery 38 as a driving power source when the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 is not connected to the DC jack 33. It is possible to use. That is, the tape printer 1 is a multi-power supply system that can selectively use either one of the AC adapter 34 and the battery 38 as a drive power supply.

  When the back cover 3 is attached to the rear housing 5, the first insertion portion 28 formed at the lower end of the back cover 3 is inserted into the lower end of the rear housing 5. After being inserted into the groove 29, the second insertion portion 30 (see FIG. 2 described above) formed at the upper end portion of the back cover 3 is fitted into the fixing portion provided at the upper end portion of the rear housing 5. Is done. As a result, the back cover 3 is attached to the rear casing 5. The operator can replace the tape cassette 20 and the battery 38 with the back cover 3 removed from the rear housing 5.

  Further, a confirmation window 32 (see also FIG. 2 described above) is provided at a portion facing the tape cassette 20 housed in the rear housing 5 of the back cover 3. The protective member 15B is attached to the back cover 3 without covering the confirmation window 32. The operator can check the type of the tape cassette 20 stored in the cassette storage unit 21 through the confirmation window 32 without removing the back cover 3 from the rear housing 5.

<Electric configuration of AC adapter and tape printer>
Next, the electrical configuration of the AC adapter 34 and the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 4, the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 is not connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “the AC adapter 34 is not attached to the tape printer 1” or the like as appropriate). ) Corresponds to the state. 5 shows that the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 is connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “the AC adapter 34 is attached to the tape printer 1”). ) Corresponds to the state.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the AC adapter 34 of the present embodiment includes an AC plug 34C connected to an AC outlet (not shown), a voltage conversion unit 34D connected to the AC plug 34C, and a voltage. The DC plug 34E connected to the converter 34D is included. The DC plug 34E can be connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 as described above, and has a first terminal 34A on the positive electrode side and a second terminal 34B on the negative electrode side.

  Further, the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes the DC jack 33, the battery storage unit 27, the bypass power supply circuit 46, the constant voltage circuit 47, the electrolytic capacitor C101 (corresponding to the power storage means), and the backflow prevention. A diode D1, a pull-up resistor R1 and resistors R2 and R3, a Zener diode Dz, resistors R101 and R102, the control board 37, a switch 99, a supply switch 40, and a load 39 are provided.

  As described above, the DC jack 34E of the AC adapter 34 can be connected to the DC jack 33. The DC jack 33 is connected to the first terminal 33A on the positive side to which the first terminal 34A of the DC plug 34E is connected and to the positive side bus BP, and to the negative side on the second terminal 34B of the DC plug 34E. And a second terminal 33B on the negative electrode side to which the bus bar BN is connected. 33 A of 1st terminals are connected to the below-mentioned load circuit of the load 39 via the positive electrode side bus BP, and are connected to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 via the positive electrode side bus BP. The first terminal 33A is provided with a break contact 33C that is opened to the first terminal 33A when the AC adapter 34 is attached to the tape printer 1. The break contact 33C is connected to the positive electrode side of the battery storage unit 27 (the side corresponding to the positive electrode side of the battery 38 stored in the battery storage unit 27). The first terminal 33A and the break contact 33C constitute a switching mechanism 33D.

  That is, when the AC adapter 34 is not attached to the tape printer 1 (in the state shown in FIG. 4), the switching mechanism 33D causes the break contact 33C to be closed with respect to the first terminal 33A (hereinafter referred to as “closed as appropriate”). In other words, the positive electrode side of the battery storage unit 27 is connected to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101. As a result, when the battery 38 is stored in the battery storage unit 27, the voltage Vb on the positive side of the battery 38 (hereinafter referred to as “battery voltage Vb” as appropriate) is applied to the break contact 33C, the first terminal 33A, and the positive electrode. The voltage is supplied to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 via the side bus BP.

  When the AC adapter 34 is attached to the tape printer 1 (in the state shown in FIG. 5), the switching mechanism 33D causes the break contact 33C to be open to the first terminal 33A (hereinafter referred to as “open” as appropriate). The AC adapter 34 is connected to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101, and the positive side of the battery housing 27 is disconnected from the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101. As a result, regardless of whether or not the battery 38 is stored in the battery storage unit 27, the output voltage Vad of the voltage conversion unit 34D of the AC adapter 34 (corresponding to a power supply voltage; hereinafter referred to as “adapter voltage Vad” as appropriate) The voltage is supplied to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 via the first terminal 34A of the DC plug 34E, the first terminal 33A of the DC jack 33, and the positive bus BP.

  The bypass power supply circuit 46 is connected between the positive electrode side of the battery storage unit 27 and the constant voltage circuit 47, and a Zener diode 43 and a diode 45 are connected in series.

  The constant voltage circuit 47 stabilizes the voltage Vbp (corresponding to the supply voltage) of the supplied positive-side bus BP to a predetermined voltage value and supplies it to the control board unit 37 as the logic voltage Vcc. In this example, the logic voltage Vcc is stabilized so as to be 3 [V].

  The electrolytic capacitor C101 is a polar electrolytic capacitor in this example, and is connected between the positive side bus BP and the negative side bus BN connected to the ground part (GND) serving as the reference potential of the circuit, and the voltage Vbp The pulsating component of the voltage Vbp is smoothed by accumulating the charge corresponding to, and releasing the accumulated charge.

  The backflow prevention diode D1 is provided on the negative side bus BN, the anode side is connected to the negative side of the battery storage unit 27 (the side corresponding to the negative side of the battery 38 stored in the battery storage unit 27), and the cathode side is a DC jack. 33 is connected to the second terminal 33B.

  The pull-up resistor R1 and the resistors R2 and R3 are connected in series. A connection point 52 between the pull-up resistor R1 and the resistor R2 is connected to the second terminal 33B of the DC jack 33. A Zener diode Dz is connected in parallel to the resistor R3. In this example, the resistance values of the pull-up resistor R1 and the resistors R2 and R3 are all set to 10 [kΩ]. As a result, the voltage V52 at the connection point 52 is a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage on the second terminal 33B side of the DC jack 33 by a predetermined ratio (1/2 in this example). The voltage V53 at the connection point 53 between the resistors R2 and R3 is a voltage obtained by further dividing the voltage V52 into a predetermined ratio (1/2 in this example).

  The resistors R101 and R102 are connected in series. The resistor R101 is connected to the positive side bus BP via the switch 99, and the resistor R102 is connected to the negative side bus BN. In this example, the resistance value of the resistor R101 is set to 40 [kΩ], and the resistance value of the resistor R102 is set to 10 [kΩ]. As a result, the voltage V98 at the connection point 98 between the resistors R101 and R102 with the switch 99 closed is a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage Vbp by a predetermined ratio (in this example, 1/5).

  The control board unit 37 includes the liquid crystal display 9, an A / D input unit 48, a ROM 54, a RAM 55, and a CPU 51. The A / D input unit 48 is connected to the connection points 53 and 98, measures the voltages V53 and V98, and outputs the measurement results to the CPU 51. The ROM 54 stores various programs and data for operating the tape printer 1. The RAM 55 temporarily stores the calculation result of the CPU 51 and the like. The CPU 51 executes a program stored in advance in the ROM 54 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 55 to control the entire tape printer 1.

  The switching mechanism 33D (first terminal 33A and break contact 33C), constant voltage circuit 47, and each element of the control board 37 (the liquid crystal display 9, the A / D input unit 48, the ROM 54, the RAM 55, and the CPU 51) The control circuit described in each claim is configured, and the constant voltage circuit 47 among them corresponds to the input unit.

  The switch 99 is connected between the positive bus BP and the resistor R101, and is connected to the CPU 51. The switch 99 is turned on by the CPU 51 so as to be closed when the voltage V98 is measured by the A / D input unit 48, and is turned off so as to be opened at other times.

  Supply switch 40 is provided on positive-side bus BP and connected to CPU 51. The supply switch 40 is turned on by the CPU 51 so as to be closed during a printing process described later, and is turned off so as to be opened at other times.

  The load 39 is a general term for an operation mechanism including a load circuit that operates by a drive voltage among a plurality of operation mechanisms including the thermal head 22, the tape transport mechanism, the drive motor, and the like. Examples of the load 39 include a thermal head 22 having a plurality of heating elements (not shown) as a load circuit, a drive motor having a coil (not shown) as a load circuit, and the like. The load circuit of the load 39 is supplied with a drive voltage when the supply switch 40 is turned on during a printing process, which will be described later, while the supply switch 40 is turned off at other times. Thus, the drive voltage is not supplied.

<Features of this embodiment>
In the above basic configuration, the feature of the present embodiment is a technique for avoiding the problem that error processing is performed even though the DC plug 34E of the appropriate AC adapter 34 is connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1. It is in. The details will be described below. In the following, a case where the battery 38 is not stored in the battery storage unit 27 and the AC adapter 34 is used as the drive power source of the tape printer 1 will be described as an example.

  That is, when the operator connects the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 and turns on the power key (corresponding to a predetermined operation), each element of the control board 37 is controlled. A wake-up process (corresponding to the start process) for starting the control operation is executed, and the control board unit 37 in the sleep state (sleep mode) is set in the active state (active mode). In this example, the sleep state is set to a state where the logic voltage Vcc is not supplied from the constant voltage circuit 47 and the control operation of all elements is stopped, and the active state is set to the logic voltage Vcc from the constant voltage circuit 47. It is assumed that the control operation of each element is executed. Note that the sleep state and the active state are not limited to the above states. For example, in the sleep state, the logic voltage Vcc is supplied from the constant voltage circuit 47, but the control operation of at least some elements is stopped. Also good.

  Here, when the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34 is connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 as described above, the operator mistakenly sets the rated voltage (corresponding to the first voltage) of the tape printer 1. A voltage (corresponding to the second voltage) higher than the rated voltage of the tape printer 1 can be supplied instead of the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34a that can be supplied (see FIG. 6 to be described later, hereinafter referred to as “appropriate adapter 34a” as appropriate). There is a possibility that the DC plug 34E of the AC adapter 34b (see FIG. 7 to be described later, hereinafter referred to as “high voltage adapter 34b”) is connected. The appropriate adapter 34a corresponds to the first external power supply device and the first AC adapter described in each claim. The high voltage adapter 34b corresponds to the second external power supply device and the second AC adapter described in the claims.

  In the abnormal connection state as described above, a voltage higher than the rated voltage of the tape printer 1 is supplied from the DC plug 34E of the high voltage adapter 34b, which may cause a failure of the tape printer 1.

<Detection of abnormal connection>
Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the control board unit 37 is activated as described above, the connection abnormal state is detected using the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48. Is called. Hereinafter, the detection method will be described.

  Hereinafter, a case where the rated voltage of the tape printer 1 is 9 [V] will be described as an example. Further, as described above, in this example, the resistance value of the resistor R101 is set to 40 [kΩ], and the resistance value of the resistor R102 is set to 10 [kΩ].

(A) Appropriate Adapter Installation First, it is assumed that an appropriate adapter 34a with a rated voltage of 9 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1 with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when a proper adapter 34a having a rated voltage (adapter voltage Vad) of 9 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated, the voltage Vbp The value is 9 [V]. As a result, the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48 is 1.8 [V] in which 9 [V] is 1/5.

(B) High Voltage Adapter Installation Next, it is assumed that a high voltage adapter 34b with a rated voltage of 15 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1 with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the high voltage adapter 34b having a rated voltage (adapter voltage Vad) of 15 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated, the voltage Vbp The value of is 15 [V]. As a result, the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48 is 3 [V] with 15 [V] being 1/5.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage threshold value relating to the value of the voltage V98 (for example, failure of the tape printer 1) corresponding to the rated voltage of the tape printer 1 (in this example, 9 [V]). An upper limit value with a certain margin allowed in terms of a voltage that does not cause a problem is set. In this example, the voltage threshold is set to 2.2 [V] corresponding to the case where the value of the voltage Vbp is 11 [V]. Then, by determining whether or not the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48 is 2.2 [V] or more, the abnormal connection state is detected.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board unit 37 is activated, the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [ V], and an abnormal connection state is not detected. In this case, the active control board 37 is maintained.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the high voltage adapter 34b is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated, the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [ V] or higher, and an abnormal connection state is detected. In this case, error processing is performed. That is, after a corresponding error message (for example, “Inappropriate adapter is connected. Please remove it immediately”) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time (for example, 3 seconds), A sleep process (corresponding to a stop process) for stopping the element control operation is executed, and the control board 37 in the active state is set to the sleep state. By displaying an error message on the liquid crystal display 9, it is possible to inform the operator that the connection is in an abnormal state and to recognize what is causing the malfunction. Moreover, the failure | damage of the tape printer 1 can be prevented by making the control board part 37 into a sleep state.

  If an abnormal connection state is detected in the determination, the control board unit 37 is put into the sleep state as described above, and then the operator responds to the error message by the operator using the DC jack of the tape printer 1. When the connection of the DC plug 34E of the high-voltage adapter 34b to 33 is released, and the DC plug 34E of another AC adapter 34 is connected to the DC jack 33 and the power key is turned on, the control board unit 37 in the sleep state Is made active. Note that releasing the connection of the DC plug 34E of the high voltage adapter 34b to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 is hereinafter simply referred to as “detaching the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1” or the like.

<Process after the control board is activated after AC adapter replacement>
(A) Processing in Comparative Example First, processing contents and the like after the control board unit 37 is activated after replacement of the AC adapter 34 in the comparative example of the present embodiment will be described. The basic configurations of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the comparative example are the same as the basic configurations of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the present embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5 described above).

  In the comparative example, after the control board 37 is activated after the replacement of the AC adapter 34 as described above, it is determined again whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more. As a result, an abnormal connection state is detected.

  At this time, for example, the high voltage adapter 34b is not removed from the tape printer 1 (or the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1 and then another high voltage adapter 34b is attached to the tape printer 1). When the control board unit 37 is in the active state, it is determined in the above determination that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and a connection abnormality state is detected. In this case, the error process is performed.

  On the other hand, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1 and then the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated, the value of the voltage V98 is determined in the above determination. Is determined to be less than 2.2 [V], and an abnormal connection state is not detected. In this case, the error processing is not performed, and the control board 37 in the active state is maintained.

  Here, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1, and when the time has not passed since the high voltage adapter 34b is removed, the control board unit 37 may be activated. In this case, from the rated voltage (9 [V] in this example) of the tape printer 1 supplied from the high-voltage adapter 34b that was previously mistakenly attached to the tape printer 1 and accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101. There is a possibility that the electric charge corresponding to the higher adapter voltage Vad is not released so much that the value of the voltage V98 becomes 2.2 [V] or more. Therefore, in this case, although the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1, it is determined in the above determination that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and the connection abnormal state May be detected and the above error processing is performed.

  Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 8, a long time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34 a was attached to the tape printer 1 and the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of processing contents in the comparative example at that time will be described. In the chart of FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents voltage Vbp.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34 b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t <b> 10, the value of the voltage Vbp becomes 15 [V] and the electrolytic capacitor C <b> 101 Charges corresponding to the voltage Vbp are accumulated.

  Thereafter, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board unit 37 in the sleep state is activated, and power is consumed by each element of the control board unit 37, but the value of the voltage Vbp is 15 It remains [V].

  Then, at time t30, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, thereby detecting a connection abnormal state. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  Thereby, after the error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time, the active control board 37 is put into the sleep state at time t40. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  After that, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50, a slight leak current flows through the circuit of the tape printer 1, so that charge is released from the electrolytic capacitor C101 and the voltage Vbp is reduced. The value gradually decreases from 15 [V]. However, the amount of charge released from the electrolytic capacitor C101 in this state is minimal, and the rate of decrease in the voltage Vbp is minimal.

  At time t60, the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a with the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1. Since the cathode side of the backflow prevention diode D1 is connected to the second terminal 33B of the DC jack 33, the charge discharged from the electrolytic capacitor C101 does not move to the appropriate adapter 34a. Therefore, even in this state, the amount of charge released from the electrolytic capacitor C101 is minimal, and the rate of decrease of the voltage Vbp is minimal.

  Thereafter, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has elapsed from time t50, the control board unit 37 in the sleep state is activated, and power is supplied by each element of the control board part 37. As a result, the amount of charge discharged from the electrolytic capacitor C101 increases, the rate of decrease in the voltage Vbp increases, and at a time t100 after a lapse of a fixed time (for example, 0.8 seconds) from the time t70, the voltage Vbp decreases. The value decreases to less than 11 [V] (within the normal range).

  Then, at the time t80 before the time t100, it is determined again whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is equal to or higher than 2.2 [V], thereby detecting the connection abnormal state. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time has decreased only to 14 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 2.8 [V] obtained by reducing 14 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and the abnormal connection state is erroneously detected even though the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1. .

  Thereby, after an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time, the active control board 37 is put into the sleep state at time t90.

(B) Processing in the present embodiment Next, processing contents and the like after the control board 37 is set in the active state after replacement of the AC adapter 34 in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, even if the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the value of the voltage Vbp is immediately 11 [V In response to the fact that the voltage does not decrease to less than the normal range (within the normal range), after the control board 37 is activated after the replacement of the AC adapter 34 as described above, the predetermined lowering behavior of the voltage V98 is detected. Is called.

  In the present embodiment, an error history (corresponding to the fact that an abnormal connection state in an appropriate memory has been detected after the control board 37 is activated, regardless of whether the AC adapter 34 has been replaced or not) It is determined whether or not an error flag indicating the presence / absence of storage) is set.

  In this determination, when it is determined that the error flag has been cleared (in other words, there is no error history stored in an appropriate memory), it is considered that the execution is not performed after a connection abnormal state is detected, and the voltage By determining whether or not the value of V98 is equal to or greater than 2.2 [V], detection of an abnormal connection state is performed. In this determination, when it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more and a connection abnormality state is detected, an error flag is set before the control board unit 37 is set to the sleep state. (In other words, the error history is stored in an appropriate memory).

  On the other hand, in the above determination, when it is determined that an error flag is set (in other words, an error history is stored in an appropriate memory), it is regarded as execution after a connection abnormal state is detected. Then, a predetermined descending behavior of the voltage V98 is detected. Specifically, after the control board 37 is activated after the replacement of the AC adapter 34 as described above, the voltage V98 after the predetermined time is less than 2.2 [V] after the predetermined time has elapsed. A determination is made whether or not there is. During the predetermined time, the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the appropriate adapter 34a is then attached to the tape printer 1, and the control board 37 is activated immediately after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed. In this case, the voltage Vbp is set to a time (for example, 1 second) longer than the time for the voltage Vbp to fall below 11 [V] (within the normal range).

  At this time, for example, when the high voltage adapter 34b is not removed from the tape printer 1 and the control board unit 37 is in the active state, the value of the voltage V98 after the elapse of a predetermined time is 2.2 [ V] or higher (the falling behavior of the voltage V98 is not detected). In this case, it is considered that the connection is in an abnormal state (the connection abnormal state has not been resolved), and the error processing is performed.

  On the other hand, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1 and then the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated, the high voltage adapter 34b is removed. Even when the control board unit 37 is in an active state when not much time has passed from the time point, the value of the voltage V98 after the lapse of the predetermined time is less than 2.2 [V] in the above determination. Determination is made (decreasing behavior of voltage V98 is detected). In this case, it is considered that the connection abnormal state is not established (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated), the error processing is not performed, the error flag is cleared, and the active control board unit 37 is maintained.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a long time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34 a was attached to the tape printer 1 and the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of the processing content in the present embodiment at that time will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t10, the value of the voltage Vbp is 15 [V] as in FIG. ].

  Thereafter, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Then, it is determined whether or not an error flag is set, and since it is determined that the error flag is set, the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more at time t30 as in FIG. By determining whether or not the connection is abnormal, the connection abnormal state is detected. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  As a result, an error flag is set at time t35, and the error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time as in FIG. 8, and then the active control board 37 is set to sleep at time t40. The Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  After that, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50 as in FIG. 8 described above, the value of the voltage Vbp gradually decreases from 15 [V].

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, at time t60, the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a with the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1.

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has elapsed from time t50, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated.

  Then, as in FIG. 8 described above, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is greater than or equal to 2.2 [V] at time t80 before the time t100. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time has decreased only to 14 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 2.8 [V] obtained by reducing 14 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, but at this point in time, it is not considered a connection abnormal state.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V] at a time t110 after the time t100 after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) from the time t70. Is called. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is lower than 11 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is lower than 2.2 [V]. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V] (the falling behavior of the voltage V98 is detected), and it is considered that the connection is not abnormal (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated). Then, the error flag is cleared, and the control board unit 37 in the active state is maintained.

<Control flow>
Next, processing contents executed by the constant voltage circuit 47 and the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 in the present embodiment in order to realize the above method will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the process shown in this flowchart is started when the power key is turned on by an operator, for example.

  First, in step S10, the constant voltage circuit 47 executes the wake-up process and sets the control board unit 37 in the sleep state to the active state. The constant voltage circuit 47 that executes step S10 functions as start processing means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the error flag is set, thereby determining whether or not the execution is after the abnormal connection state is detected in step S40 described later. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S20 functions as a log | history detection means as described in each claim. When the error flag is off, the determination in step S20 is not satisfied, and it is considered that the execution is not performed after the abnormal connection state is detected, and the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S <b> 30, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V <b> 98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S40, the CPU 51 detects the abnormal connection state by determining whether or not the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S30 is 2.2 [V] or more. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S40 functions as a state detection means as described in each claim. If the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the determination in step S40 is not satisfied (the connection abnormal state is not detected), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the CPU 51 starts accepting an operation of inputting desired print data via the character key by the operator, acquires print data corresponding to the operation, and acquires the print data. Move on.

  In step S55, the CPU 51 starts accepting an ON operation of the print key by the operator. When the print key is turned ON, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S <b> 60, the CPU 51 cooperates with at least a part of the plurality of loads 39 by controlling on / off of the supply switch 40 so that the drive voltage is supplied to at least a part of the load circuits of the plurality of loads 39. And print processing is performed in which the print data acquired in step S50 creates a print label formed on the print-receiving tape 12.

  Thereafter, in step S70, the CPU 51 starts accepting an operation for turning off the power key by the operator. When the power key is turned off, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, the constant voltage circuit 47 executes the sleep process, and puts the control board 37 in the active state into the sleep state. The constant voltage circuit 47 that executes step S80 functions as a stop processing unit described in each claim. Thereby, the process shown in this flowchart is complete | finished. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is started again when the operator turns on the power key.

  On the other hand, when the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more in step S40, the determination in step S40 is satisfied (a connection abnormal state is detected), and the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S <b> 90, the CPU 51 displays the error message on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time, thereby notifying that an abnormal connection state has been detected. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S90 functions as an alerting | reporting means as described in each claim.

  In step S100, the CPU 51 sets the error flag to store the error history in an appropriate memory. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S100 functions as a memory | storage means as described in each claim. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S80, and the CPU 51 performs the same processing as described above.

  On the other hand, if the error flag is set in step S20, the determination in step S20 is satisfied and the execution is considered to be performed after the abnormal connection state is detected, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  Thereafter, in step S120, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S110 is 2.2 [V] or more. When the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the determination in step S120 is not satisfied and it is considered that the connection is not abnormal (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated), and the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 51 clears the error history from an appropriate memory by clearing the error flag. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50, and the CPU 51 performs the same processing as described above.

  On the other hand, if the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or higher in step S120, the determination in step S120 is satisfied, but at this point in time, the connection is not considered abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S155.

  In step S155, the CPU 51 waits until the predetermined time elapses after the control board 37 is activated by executing step S10. When the predetermined time elapses, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S165.

  In step S165, the CPU 51 obtains the value of the voltage V98 at this time (after the predetermined time has elapsed) from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S175, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the value of the voltage V98 obtained in step S165 after the predetermined time has elapsed is less than 2.2 [V]. Detect behavior. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S175 functions as a behavior detection means as described in each claim. When the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, the determination in step S175 is not satisfied (the falling behavior of the voltage V98 is not detected) and the connection is abnormal (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated). The process proceeds to step S180.

  In step S180, the CPU 51 displays the error message on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time to notify that the connection is abnormal (the connection abnormal state has not been resolved). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S80, and the CPU 51 executes the same processing as described above. The CPU 51 that executes step S180 and the constant voltage circuit 47 that executes step S80 when the process proceeds from step S180 function as error processing means described in each claim.

  On the other hand, if the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V] in step S175, the determination in step S175 is satisfied (the falling behavior of the voltage V98 is detected) and the connection is not abnormal (connection is not established). The abnormal state has been resolved), the process proceeds to step S130, and the CPU 51 executes the same process as described above.

<Effects of First Embodiment>
As described above, in this embodiment, after the control board unit 37 is activated after the AC adapter 34 is replaced, the predetermined decrease behavior of the voltage V98 is detected. When the predetermined descending behavior of the voltage V98 is not detected, it is considered that the connection is abnormal (the connection abnormal state has not been eliminated), and error processing is performed. On the other hand, if the voltage V98 does not immediately fall to the normal range but a predetermined drop behavior of the voltage V98 is detected, it is considered that the connection is not in an abnormal state (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated). Prevent error handling.

  As a result, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the proper adapter 34a is subsequently attached to the tape printer 1, and the control board section is not so long after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed. Even when 37 is in the active state, it is possible to avoid the problem that the error processing is performed even though the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 when an abnormal connection state is detected. As a result, the operator can be informed that the connection is in an abnormal state, and the cause of the operation inconvenience can be surely recognized.

  In the present embodiment, an error flag is set particularly when a connection abnormal state is detected. Then, after the control board unit 37 is activated, it is determined whether or not an error flag is set. If the error flag is set, an abnormal connection state is detected and the error flag is set. In this case, a predetermined descending behavior of the voltage V98 is detected. Thereby, when the high voltage adapter 34b was accidentally attached to the tape printer 1 last time, it is possible to execute the detection of the predetermined lowering behavior of the voltage V98 instead of the detection of the abnormal connection state. As a result, the above problems can be avoided reliably.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the connection abnormal state is detected by determining whether or not the voltage V98 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold (2.2 [V] in the above example). Thus, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the connection is abnormal by a simple process of comparing the voltage V98 with the voltage threshold.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, whether or not the voltage V98 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control board unit 37 is activated is less than a voltage threshold value (2.2 [V] in the above example). Make a decision. If the voltage V98 after the predetermined time has elapsed is equal to or higher than the voltage threshold value, error processing is performed, and the voltage V98 is not immediately reduced to the normal range. If it is less than the threshold value, error processing is not performed. As a result, the above problem can be reliably avoided by a simple process of comparing the magnitude of the voltage V98 after a predetermined time has passed with the voltage threshold value.

  The first embodiment is not limited to the above contents, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) When determining whether or not the voltage V98 is gradually decreasing In the first embodiment, the voltage V98 after the elapse of a predetermined time after the control board 37 is activated is less than 2.2 [V]. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the decrease behavior of the voltage V98 may be detected by determining whether or not the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is activated is gradually decreased.

  In the following, referring to FIG. 11, a high time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34b was removed from the tape printer 1, the proper adapter 34a was attached to the tape printer 1, and the high voltage adapter 34b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of the processing content in this modification at that time will be described. The chart in FIG. 11 corresponds to the above-described FIGS. 8 and 9.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t10, the value of the voltage Vbp is 15 [V] as in FIG. ].

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 9 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board unit 37 in the sleep state is activated. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Then, as in FIG. 9 described above, it is determined whether or not the error flag is set, and since it is determined that the error flag is cleared, the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more at time t30. By determining whether or not the connection is abnormal, the connection abnormal state is detected. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  As a result, as in FIG. 9 described above, an error flag is set at time t35, and an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time. Then, at time t40, the active control board 37 is put into a sleep state. The Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  After that, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50 as in FIG. 9 described above, the value of the voltage Vbp gradually decreases from 15 [V].

  Then, similarly to FIG. 9 described above, at time t60, the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a with the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1.

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 9 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has passed since time t50, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated.

  Then, as in FIG. 9 described above, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or higher at time t80 before the time t100 described above. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time has decreased only to 14 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 2.8 [V] obtained by reducing 14 [V] to 1/5. Accordingly, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more. However, at this time, the connection is not regarded as being abnormal, and the value of the voltage V98 at this time (2.8 in this example) [V]) is stored in a suitable memory.

  Thereafter, at time t85 before time t100 described above, it is determined whether or not the value of voltage V98 at this time is less than the value of voltage V98 at this time t80 (in this example, 2.8 [V]). As a result, it is determined whether or not the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is activated at the time t70 is gradually decreasing. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is lower than 14 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is lower than 2.8 [V]. Therefore, in the above determination, when it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 at this time is less than 2.8 [V], the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is activated at the time t70 is gradually decreased. It is determined that the connection is not abnormal (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated), the error flag is cleared, and the control board 37 in the active state is detected. Maintained.

  Next, the contents of processing executed by the constant voltage circuit 47 and the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 10 described above.

  In FIG. 12, steps S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, S55, S60, S70, S80, S90, S100, S110, S120, S130, and S180 are the same as those in FIG. When the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S110 described above is 2.2 [V] or more, the determination in step S120 is satisfied, but at this point in time, the connection is not considered abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S140. Move.

  In step S140, the CPU 51 stores the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S110 described above (hereinafter, referred to as “value of voltage V98 (1)” as appropriate) in an appropriate memory.

  Thereafter, in step S150, the CPU 51 waits until a predetermined time elapses after the determination in step S120 described above, and proceeds to step S160 when the predetermined time elapses.

  In step S160, the CPU 51 obtains the value of the voltage V98 at this time (after the predetermined time has elapsed) (hereinafter referred to as “value (2) of voltage V98” as appropriate) from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S170, the CPU 51 determines whether the value (2) of the voltage V98 acquired in step S160 is less than the value (1) of the voltage V98 stored in step S140. It is determined whether or not the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is activated by the execution of step S10 is gradually decreasing. Thereby, the CPU 51 detects a predetermined lowering behavior of the voltage V98. In this modification, the CPU 51 that executes step S170 functions as a behavior detection unit described in each claim. If the value (2) of the voltage V98 is equal to or greater than the value (1) of the voltage V98, that is, if the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is activated is not gradually decreasing, the determination in step S170 is satisfied. (The falling behavior of the voltage V98 is not detected), it is considered that the connection is abnormal (the connection abnormal state has not been eliminated), and the process proceeds to step S180 described above. On the other hand, if the value (2) of the voltage V98 is less than the value (1) of the voltage V98, that is, if the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is activated is gradually decreasing, the determination in step S170 Is satisfied (the falling behavior of the voltage V98 is detected), it is assumed that the connection is not in an abnormal state (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated), and the process proceeds to step S130 described above.

  Also in this modified example described above, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in this modification, it is determined whether or not the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is activated is gradually decreasing. Then, when the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is brought into the active state is not gradually reduced, error processing is performed, and the voltage V98 does not immediately fall within the normal range, but the control board 37 When the voltage V98 after being activated is gradually decreasing, error processing is not performed. As a result, the above problem can be reliably avoided by a simple process of detecting that the voltage V98 is gradually decreasing.

(2) When determining whether or not the voltage V98 is lowered For example, the value of the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is brought into the active state is the voltage before the control board 37 is put into the sleep state. By determining whether or not the value is lower than the value of V98, the descending behavior of the voltage V98 may be detected.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, a long time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34 a was attached to the tape printer 1 and the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of the processing content in this modification at that time will be described. Note that the chart of FIG. 13 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t10, the value of the voltage Vbp is 15 [V] as in FIG. ].

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 9 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board unit 37 in the sleep state is activated. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Then, as in FIG. 9 described above, it is determined whether or not the error flag is set, and since it is determined that the error flag is cleared, the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more at time t30. By determining whether or not the connection is abnormal, the connection abnormal state is detected. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  As a result, an error flag is set at time t35, the value of voltage V98 (3 [V] in this example) at time t30 is stored in an appropriate memory, and an error message is displayed on liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time. After that, as in FIG. 9 described above, at time t40, the control board 37 in the active state is set to the sleep state. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  After that, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50 as in FIG. 9 described above, the value of the voltage Vbp gradually decreases from 15 [V].

  Then, similarly to FIG. 9 described above, at time t60, the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a with the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1.

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 9 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has passed since time t50, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated.

  Then, at time t80 before time t100 described above, it is determined whether or not the value of voltage V98 at this time is less than the value of voltage V98 (3 [V] in this example) at time t30. Done. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is lower than 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is lower than 3 [V]. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 at this time is less than 3 [V] (a falling behavior of the voltage V98 is detected), and the connection is not in an abnormal state (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated). Therefore, the error flag is cleared, and the control board 37 in the active state is maintained.

  Next, processing contents executed by the constant voltage circuit 47 and the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 of the present modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS. 10 and 12 described above.

  In FIG. 14, steps S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, S55, S60, S70, S80, S90, S100, S130, and S180 are the same as those in FIG. 10 described above. When the error flag is set, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the CPU 51 obtains the value of the voltage V98 (before the control board unit 37 is set in the sleep state by the execution of the above-described step S80 executed thereafter) (hereinafter referred to as “voltage” as appropriate). V98 value (referred to as “A”) is stored in an appropriate memory. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S80 described above.

  If the error flag is set in step S20 described above, the determination in step S20 is satisfied and the execution is considered to be after the abnormal connection state is detected, and the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the CPU 51 at this time from the A / D input unit 48 (the control board unit 37 is set to the sleep state by executing the above-described step S80, and then the control board unit 37 is set to the active state by executing the above-described step S10). After that, the value of voltage V98 (hereinafter referred to as “value of voltage V98 (B)” as appropriate) is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S125, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the value (B) of the voltage V98 acquired in step S115 is less than the value (A) of the voltage V98 stored in step S105. A predetermined descending behavior of the voltage V98 is detected. In this modification, the CPU 51 that executes step S125 functions as a behavior detection unit described in each claim. When the value (B) of the voltage V98 is equal to or greater than the value (A) of the voltage V98 (not lower than the value (A) of the voltage V98), the determination in step S125 is not satisfied (the decreasing behavior of the voltage V98). Is not detected), it is considered that the connection is abnormal (the connection abnormal state has not been resolved), and the process proceeds to step S180 described above. On the other hand, when the value (B) of the voltage V98 is less than the value (A) of the voltage V98 (lower than the value (A) of the voltage V98), the determination in step S125 is satisfied (the decreasing behavior of the voltage V98 is Detected), it is considered that the connection is not in an abnormal state (the connection abnormal state has been eliminated), and the process proceeds to step S130 described above.

  Also in this modified example described above, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in this modification, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is in the active state is lower than the value of the voltage V98 before the control board unit 37 is in the sleep state. Do. If the value of the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is set to the active state is not lower than the value of the voltage V98 before the control board 37 is set to the sleep state, error processing is performed to Although V98 does not immediately fall within the normal range, the value of the voltage V98 after the control board 37 is brought into the active state is greater than the value of the voltage V98 before the control board 37 is put into the sleep state. If the value is too low, error processing is not performed. As a result, a simple process of comparing the value of the voltage V98 after the control board unit 37 is set to the active state and the value of the voltage V98 before the control board unit 37 is set to the sleep state is performed as described above. Problems can be avoided reliably.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  Since the basic configuration of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the present embodiment is the same as the basic configuration of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5), Description is omitted.

<Processing in this embodiment>
In the present embodiment, as described above, after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, even if the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1, the value of the voltage Vbp is 11 [V] immediately. In response to the fact that the connection abnormal state is detected as described above, the above error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 and the tape printer 1 is set high. It is detected that the voltage adapter 34b has been removed. The error message on the liquid crystal display 9 is displayed until, for example, the high voltage adapter 34b is removed.

  As described above, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the voltage Vbp is gradually reduced due to power consumption by each element of the control board 37 in the active state. Therefore, in this example, the value of the voltage Vbp is reduced. It is detected whether or not the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed by determining whether or not the voltage V98, which has been reduced to 1/5, is gradually decreasing. That is, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 in response to the error message, it is determined in the above determination that the voltage V98 is gradually decreasing, and the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed. Is detected.

  Then, after it is detected that the high voltage adapter 34b is removed as described above, the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 is discharged, and the value of the voltage Vbp is less than 11 [V] (within a normal range). Therefore, the discharge process is performed until the value of the voltage V98 becomes less than 2.2 [V] which is the above-described voltage threshold value. In the discharging process, a driving voltage (first voltage) supplied in the printing process for creating the print label is applied to at least a part of at least one load circuit of the plurality of load circuits provided in the plurality of loads 39. This is a process for controlling to supply a drive voltage (corresponding to the second drive voltage, hereinafter referred to as “second drive voltage” as appropriate). In this example, as the discharge process, a discharge process for controlling the second drive voltage to such an extent that printing is not formed, for example, to at least some of the plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 22 is performed. Executed. By executing the discharge process and releasing the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101, the value of the voltage Vbp can be quickly reduced to less than 11 [V] (within the normal range). In addition, while the discharge process is being performed, a predetermined message (for example, “During discharging...” Is appropriately referred to as “During discharging message”) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9.

  And after the value of voltage V98 becomes less than 2.2 [V] by the above-mentioned discharge processing, the above-mentioned sleep processing is performed and control board part 37 of an active state is made into a sleep state.

  Accordingly, when the appropriate adapter 34a is subsequently attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board unit 37 is activated, the voltage V98 is already less than 2.2 [V] at that time. Whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more again after the control board 37 is activated when not much time has passed since the removal of the high voltage adapter 34b. By making the determination, even if the connection abnormal state is detected, the connection abnormal state is not detected. Therefore, the error processing described above is not performed, and the control board unit 37 in the active state is maintained.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, a long time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34 a was attached to the tape printer 1 and the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of the processing content in the present embodiment at that time will be described. The chart in FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 8 and the like described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t10, the value of the voltage Vbp is 15 [V]. ].

  Thereafter, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, at time t30, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, thereby detecting an abnormal connection state. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  As a result, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 and the determination of whether or not the voltage V98 is gradually decreasing is started, thereby detecting that the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed from the tape printer 1. Is done. Thereafter, as in FIG. 8 described above, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50, electric charges are discharged from the electrolytic capacitor C101 due to power consumption by each element of the control board portion 37 in the active state. Is released, and the value of the voltage Vbp gradually decreases from 15 [V]. However, the amount of charge released from the electrolytic capacitor C101 in this state is not so large, and the rate of decrease in the voltage Vbp is not so large.

  Thereby, at time t52, it is determined that the voltage V98 is gradually decreasing, and it is detected that the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed from the tape printer 1, and the discharge process is started. Therefore, the amount of charge discharged from the electrolytic capacitor C101 increases, the rate of decrease in the voltage Vbp increases, and at time t54, the value of the voltage Vbp decreases to less than 11 [V] (within the normal range).

  Thereby, after the discharge process is completed at time t56, the control board 37 in the active state is set in the sleep state.

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, at time t60, the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a with the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is already less than 11 [V] (within the normal range).

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has elapsed from time t50, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated.

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, at time t80, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is equal to or higher than 2.2 [V], thereby detecting an abnormal connection state. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is already less than 11 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is less than 2.2 [V]. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the abnormal connection state is not detected, and the control board portion 37 in the active state is maintained.

<Control flow>
Next, processing contents executed by the constant voltage circuit 47 and the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 in the present embodiment in order to realize the above method will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 16, the process shown in this flowchart is started when the power key is turned on by an operator, for example.

  First, in step S210, the constant voltage circuit 47 performs the above-described wake-up process to bring the control board unit 37 in the sleep state into an active state. The constant voltage circuit 47 that executes step S210 functions as a start processing unit described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S220, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S230, the CPU 51 detects the connection abnormal state by determining whether or not the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S220 is 2.2 [V] or more. In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S230 functions as a state detection means as described in each claim. If the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the determination in step S230 is not satisfied (the connection abnormal state is not detected), and the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S240, the CPU 51 starts accepting an operation for inputting desired print data via the above-described character key by the operator, acquires print data corresponding to the operation, and acquires the print data. The process moves to S250.

  In step S250, the CPU 51 starts accepting the above-described operation of turning on the print key by the operator. When the print key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S260.

  In step S260, the CPU 51 performs on / off control of the supply switch 40 so that the first drive voltage is supplied to at least some of the load circuits of the plurality of loads 39, thereby at least some of the plurality of loads 39. Are controlled in cooperation with each other to execute a printing process in which the print data acquired in step S240 creates a print label formed on the print-receiving tape 12. The CPU 51 that executes step S260 functions as a print control unit described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S270, the CPU 51 starts accepting the power key off operation by the operator, and when the power key is turned off, the process proceeds to step S280.

  In step S280, the constant voltage circuit 47 executes the above-described sleep process, and sets the active control board unit 37 to the sleep state. The constant voltage circuit 47 that executes step S280 functions as a stop processing unit described in each claim. Thereby, the process shown in this flowchart is complete | finished. The process shown in this flowchart is started again when the operator turns on the power key.

  On the other hand, if the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or higher in step S230, the determination in step S230 is satisfied (a connection abnormal state is detected), and the process proceeds to step S290.

  In step S290, the CPU 51 displays the error message on the liquid crystal display 9, thereby notifying that an abnormal connection state has been detected (corresponding to the first notification). In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S290 functions as the 1st alerting | reporting means of each claim.

  In step S300, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  Thereafter, in step S310, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the voltage V98 is gradually decreased based on the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S300, so that the high voltage adapter 32b is removed from the tape printer 1. It is detected that Note that the CPU 51 that executes step S310 functions as a release detection unit described in each claim. While the voltage V98 does not gradually decrease, the determination in step S310 is not observed (it is not detected that the high voltage adapter 32B has been removed), and the process returns to step S300 and the same procedure is repeated. When voltage V98 gradually decreases, the determination in step S310 is satisfied (it is detected that high voltage adapter 32B has been removed), and the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, the CPU 51 starts the discharge process for controlling the second drive voltage so that at least a part of the plurality of heating elements is not printed, for example, and is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C101. Releases charge quickly.

  Then, in step S330, the CPU 51 displays the message during discharging on the liquid crystal display 9 while the discharging process started in step S320 is executed, thereby notifying that the discharging process is being executed (first notification). 2 equivalent). In addition, CPU51 which performs this step S330 functions as the 2nd alerting | reporting means of each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S340, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S350, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S340 is less than 2.2 [V]. While the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, the determination in step S350 is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S340 and the same procedure is repeated. When the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the determination in step S350 is made, and the process proceeds to step S360.

  In step S360, the CPU 51 ends the discharge process started in step S320. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S280, and the CPU 51 executes the same processing as described above. The step S320 and the CPU 51 that executes the step S360 function as the discharge control means described in each claim.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, when an abnormal connection state is detected, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 while detecting that the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed from the tape printer 1. Do. In response to the error message, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1, it is detected that the high voltage adapter 34b has been removed. Then, a discharge process is performed to supply a relatively low second drive voltage to at least a part of at least one load circuit, thereby releasing the charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 and keeping the voltage Vbp within a normal range. To lower. By executing the discharge process and releasing the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101, the voltage Vbp can be quickly lowered to the normal range. Then, after the voltage Vbp falls to the normal range, the sleep process is executed, and the control board unit 37 is set in the sleep state.

  As a result, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the proper adapter 34a is subsequently attached to the tape printer 1, and the control board section is not so long after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed. Even when the switch 37 is in the active state, the voltage Vbp can be lowered to the normal range before the control board unit 37 is set in the active state. It is possible to avoid the problem that error processing is performed despite being attached.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a discharging message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 during the discharge process. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the operator that the discharge process is being performed, and to reliably recognize that the discharge process is being performed.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a discharge process is performed to control the second drive voltage to be supplied to at least some of the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 22. As a result, the thermal head 22 is driven based on a driving voltage that does not form a print, for example, and consumes power, so that the voltage V98 can be reliably lowered to the normal range.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the connection abnormal state is detected by determining whether or not the voltage V98 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold (2.2 [V] in the above example). Thus, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the connection is abnormal by a simple process of comparing the voltage V98 with the voltage threshold.

  The second embodiment is not limited to the above contents, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the second embodiment.

  In other words, in the second embodiment, the CPU 51 controls the discharge process so that the second drive voltage is applied to at least a part of the plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 22 so as not to print, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 51 may execute, as the discharge process, a discharge process for controlling the second coil so that the drive motor does not rotate, for example, to the coil provided in the drive motor. . In this case, the voltage V98 can be reliably reduced to within the normal range by driving the drive motor based on a drive voltage that does not rotate, for example, and consuming power.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The basic configuration of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the tape printer 1 and the AC adapter 34 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5 described above). However, the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment is slightly different from the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4 and 5 described above).

<Electric configuration of AC adapter and tape printer>
Hereinafter, the electrical configuration of the AC adapter 34 and the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. 17 corresponds to FIG. 4 described above, and FIG. 18 corresponds to FIG. 5 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the electrical configuration of the AC adapter 34 of the present embodiment is the same as the electrical configuration of the AC adapter 34 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment has an electrolytic capacitor C102 in addition to the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1 of the first embodiment.

  The electrolytic capacitor C102 is a polar electrolytic capacitor in this example, and is connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor C101 to absorb the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101, and in parallel with the battery storage unit 27. (Between the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of the battery housing portion 27). In this embodiment, the electrolytic capacitor C101 corresponds to the first power storage device and the first capacitor described in each claim, and the electrolytic capacitor C102 corresponds to the second power storage device and the second capacitor described in each claim. . In this example, the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C102 is larger than the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C101. For example, the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C101 is 1000 [μF], and the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C102 is 3300 [μF].

  In the present embodiment, the above-described break contact 33C is connected to the positive electrode side of the battery storage unit 27 and the electrolytic capacitor C102.

  That is, when the AC adapter 34 is not attached to the tape printer 1 (in the state shown in FIG. 17), the switching mechanism 33D is in the closed state (corresponding to the second state), and the battery storage unit 27 is in the closed state. The positive electrode side and the electrolytic capacitor C102 are electrically connected to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 described above. As a result, when the battery 38 is housed in the battery housing portion 27, the battery voltage Vb of the battery 38 is constant through the break contact 33C, the first terminal 33A, and the positive bus BP. The voltage is supplied to the voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101.

  When the AC adapter 34 is attached to the tape printer 1 (in the state of FIG. 18), the switching mechanism 33D is in the open state (corresponding to the first state), and the AC adapter 34 and the constant voltage are set. The circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are electrically connected, and the positive electrode side of the battery storage unit 27, the electrolytic capacitor C102, the constant voltage circuit 47, and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are nonconductive. As a result, regardless of whether or not the battery 38 is stored in the battery storage unit 27, the above-described adapter voltage Vad of the AC adapter 34 becomes equal to the first terminal 34A of the DC plug 34E and the first terminal of the DC jack 33. The voltage is supplied to the constant voltage circuit 47 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 via 33A and the positive electrode bus BP.

<Control flow>
Hereinafter, the contents of processing executed by the constant voltage circuit 47 and the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 19, the process shown in this flowchart is started when the power key is turned on by an operator, for example.

  First, in step S410, the constant voltage circuit 47 executes the above-described wake-up process to bring the control board unit 37 in the sleep state into an active state.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 420, the CPU 51 acquires the value of the voltage V <b> 98 at this time from the A / D input unit 48.

  In step S430, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the value of the voltage V98 acquired in step S420 is equal to or higher than the voltage threshold of 2.2 [V]. Performs state detection. When the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the determination in step S430 is not satisfied (the connection abnormal state is not detected), and the process proceeds to step S440.

  In step S440, the CPU 51 starts accepting an operation for inputting desired print data via the above-described character key by the operator, acquires print data corresponding to the operation, and acquires the print data. The process moves to S450.

  In step S450, the CPU 51 starts accepting the above-described print key ON operation by the operator. When the print key is ON-operated, the process proceeds to step S460.

  In step S460, the CPU 51 performs on / off control of the supply switch 40 so that the drive voltage is supplied to at least some of the load circuits of the plurality of loads 39, thereby at least one of the plurality of loads 39. The print data acquired in step S440 is executed to create a print label formed on the print-receiving tape 12 described above.

  Thereafter, in step S470, the CPU 51 starts accepting the power key off operation by the operator, and when the power key is turned off, the process proceeds to step S480.

  In step S480, the constant voltage circuit 47 executes the above-described sleep process, and puts the control board 37 in the active state into the sleep state. Thereby, the process shown in this flowchart is complete | finished. The process shown in this flowchart is started again when the operator turns on the power key.

  On the other hand, when the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more in step S430, the determination in step S430 is satisfied (connection abnormal state is detected), and the process proceeds to step S490.

  In step S490, the CPU 51 displays the above error message on the liquid crystal display 9, thereby notifying that the abnormal connection state has been detected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S480, and the CPU 51 executes the same processing as described above.

<Attaching / detaching high voltage adapter>
Here, in this embodiment, even if the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 after the high-voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1 which has occurred in the comparative example described above, the value of the voltage Vbp. However, a phenomenon that does not immediately decrease to less than 11 [V] (within the normal range) does not occur. The details will be described below.

(A) High Voltage Adapter Installation First, it is assumed that a high voltage adapter 34b with a rated voltage of 15 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1 with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, when the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage (adapter voltage Vad) of 15 [V] is attached to the tape printer 1, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the open state, and the high voltage adapter 34b And the electrolytic capacitor C101 are made conductive, and the electrolytic capacitor C102 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are made non-conductive. As a result, the rated voltage of the tape printer 1 supplied to the positive bus BP from the high voltage adapter 34b through the first terminal 34A of the DC plug 34E and the first terminal 33A of the DC jack 33 (in this example, 9 [ V]) higher than the adapter voltage Vad (15 [V] in this example) is accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 but not in the electrolytic capacitor C102. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is 15 [V]. As a result, the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48 is 3 [V] with 15 [V] being 1/5.

(B) Removal of High Voltage Adapter Next, it is assumed that the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1 with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the closed state, and the electrolytic capacitor C102 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are electrically connected, and the electrolytic capacitor C102. And the electrolytic capacitor C101 are connected in parallel. As a result, the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 is instantaneously moved to the electrolytic capacitor C102, and the value of the voltage Vbp is rapidly reduced to less than 11V (within the normal range). In this example, the value of the voltage Vbp is lowered to 3.5 [V]. As a result, the value of the voltage V98 measured by the A / D input unit 48 is 0.7 [V] in which 3.5 [V] is 1/5.

  Therefore, after that, when the appropriate adapter 34a is attached to the tape printer 1 and the control board 37 is activated in step S410, the value of the voltage V98 is already less than 2.2 [V] at that time. Therefore, after the control board unit 37 is activated when not much time has passed since the removal of the high voltage adapter 34b, the value of the voltage V98 is set to 2.2 [V in step S420 again. If the connection abnormality state is detected by determining whether or not the above is detected, the connection abnormality state is not detected. Therefore, error processing (error message display processing in step S490, and The sleep process in step S480, which has shifted from step S490, is not performed, and the active control board 37 is maintained. That.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, a long time has passed since the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed from the tape printer 1, and then the appropriate adapter 34 a was attached to the tape printer 1 and the high voltage adapter 34 b was removed. An example of the change behavior of the voltage Vbp when the control board unit 37 is in the active state when there is not, and an example of the processing content in the present embodiment at that time will be described. FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 8 and the like described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 22, when the operator attaches the high voltage adapter 34b with the rated voltage of 15 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t10, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the open state, as in FIG. The high voltage adapter 34b and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are electrically connected, and the electrolytic capacitor C102 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are electrically disconnected. As a result, the value of the voltage Vbp becomes 15 [V], and the electric charge corresponding to the voltage Vbp is accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101.

  Thereafter, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t20, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, at time t30, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, thereby detecting an abnormal connection state. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is 3 [V] obtained by reducing 15 [V] to 1/5. Therefore, in the above determination, it is determined that the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more, and an abnormal connection state is detected.

  As a result, as in FIG. 8 described above, after the error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 for a certain period of time, the control board 37 in the active state is set to the sleep state at time t40. Note that the value of the voltage Vbp at this time remains 15 [V].

  Thereafter, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, when the operator removes the high voltage adapter 34b from the tape printer 1 at time t50, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the closed state, and the electrolytic capacitor C102 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 become conductive. Thus, the electrolytic capacitor C102 and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are connected in parallel. As a result, the electric charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 is instantaneously moved to the electrolytic capacitor C102, and the value of the voltage Vbp is rapidly reduced to less than 11 [V] (within the normal range).

  Similarly to FIG. 8 described above, when the operator attaches the appropriate adapter 34a having the rated voltage of 9 [V] to the tape printer 1 at time t60, the value of the voltage Vbp increases to 9 [V].

  Thereafter, as in FIG. 8 described above, when the operator turns on the power key at time t70 when not much time has elapsed from time t50, the control board 37 in the sleep state is activated.

  Then, similarly to FIG. 8 described above, the connection abnormality state is detected by determining again whether or not the value of the voltage V98 is 2.2 [V] or more at the time t80. Since the value of the voltage Vbp at this time is lower than 11 [V], the value of the voltage V98 at this time is lower than 2.2 [V]. Therefore, it is determined in the above determination that the value of the voltage V98 is less than 2.2 [V], the abnormal connection state is not detected, and the control board portion 37 in the active state is maintained.

<Effects of Third Embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the high voltage adapter 34b is attached to the tape printer 1, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the open state, and the high voltage adapter 34b and the electrolytic capacitor C101 are electrically connected. Electrolytic capacitor C101 and electrolytic capacitor C102 are made non-conductive. As a result, the electric charge corresponding to the adapter voltage Vad higher than the normal range supplied from the DC plug 34E of the high voltage adapter 34b via the DC jack 33 is accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 and not accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C102. can do. When the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the switching mechanism 33D is switched to the closed state, and the electrolytic capacitor C101 and the electrolytic capacitor C102 are electrically connected (the electrolytic capacitor C101 and the electrolytic capacitor C102 are connected in parallel). ). As a result, the charge accumulated in the electrolytic capacitor C101 can be instantaneously moved to the electrolytic capacitor C102, and the voltage Vbp can be quickly lowered to the normal range.

  As a result, when the high voltage adapter 34b is removed from the tape printer 1, the proper adapter 34a is subsequently attached to the tape printer 1, and the control board section is not so long after the high voltage adapter 34b is removed. Even when the switch 37 is in the active state, the voltage Vbp can be lowered to the normal range before the control board unit 37 is set in the active state. It is possible to avoid the problem that error processing is performed despite being attached.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the electrolytic capacitor C102 has a larger capacitance than the electrolytic capacitor C101. Thereby, since the electrolytic capacitor C102 can reliably absorb the electric charge released from the electrolytic capacitor C101, the voltage Vbp can be reliably lowered to the normal range.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the electrolytic capacitor C102 is connected in parallel with the battery storage unit 27. Thereby, when the battery 38 is stored in the battery storage unit 27, the life of the battery 38 can be extended by smoothing the pulsating component of the battery voltage Vb of the battery 38.

  Note that the third embodiment is not limited to the above contents, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the third embodiment.

  That is, in the third embodiment, the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C102 is larger than the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C101, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C102 may be substantially equal to the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor C101. For example, the capacitances of the electrolytic capacitors C101 and C102 may be 2200 [μF], respectively. Even in this case, since the electrolytic capacitor C102 can absorb the electric charge released from the electrolytic capacitor C101, the voltage Vbp can be lowered to a normal range.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) When using other external power supply apparatus In each said embodiment etc., although the case where AC adapter 34 was used as an external power supply apparatus was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, a power cord unit 134 with a cigar plug as shown in FIG. 23 may be used as the external power supply device.

  The power cord unit 134 has an output voltage characteristic equivalent to that of the AC adapter 34, and a cigar plug 134C connected to a cigar socket (not shown) side, and a voltage converter (see FIG. 5) connected to the cigar plug 134C. And a DC plug 134E (corresponding to a power supply terminal) connected to the voltage converter. The DC plug 134E can be connected to the DC jack 33 of the tape printer 1 and has a first terminal 134A on the positive electrode side and a second terminal (not shown) on the negative electrode side.

  Also in this modification, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained.

(2) Others In each of the above embodiments and the like, various determinations are made by comparing the value of the voltage V98, which is a divided voltage of the voltage Vbp, with a voltage threshold value. For example, various determinations may be made by comparing the value of the voltage Vbp itself with a voltage threshold value. Also in this case, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane”, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “vertical”, “parallel”, “plane”, etc., allow tolerances and errors in design and mean “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, “substantially plane”, etc. It is.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc., in terms of external dimensions and sizes, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. mean that “tolerance and error in design and manufacturing are allowed”, “substantially identical”, “substantially equal”, “substantially different”, etc. It is. However, if there is a description of a value that becomes a predetermined judgment criterion or a value that becomes a delimiter, such as a threshold value or a reference value, for example, “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. It is different and has a strict meaning.

  The arrows shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, 17, 18, 20, and 21 indicate an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 14, 16, and 19 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the drawings, but are within the scope not departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. You may add / delete or change the order.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  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 Tape printer (printer)
6 key (operation means)
9 Liquid crystal display 12 Printed tape (printed medium)
22 Thermal head (printing means)
27 Battery compartment 33 DC jack (power receiving terminal)
33A First terminal 33C Break contact 33D Switching mechanism 34 AC adapter (external power supply)
34a Appropriate adapter (first external power supply, first AC adapter)
34b High voltage adapter (second external power supply, second AC adapter)
34E DC plug (power supply terminal)
38 Battery 39 Load 47 Constant voltage circuit (input section)
48 A / D input section 51 CPU
54 ROM
55 RAM
134 Power cord unit 134E DC plug (power supply terminal)
C101 Electrolytic capacitor (power storage means, first power storage means, first capacitor)
C102 Electrolytic capacitor (second power storage means, second capacitor)

Claims (4)

A plurality of operation mechanisms including a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium, and a printing unit that forms a desired print on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit;
A power receiving terminal to which a power supply terminal of an external power supply device capable of supplying voltage is connected;
A load circuit provided in at least one of the plurality of operating mechanisms;
A control circuit that includes an input unit to which a power supply voltage is supplied, and controls voltage supply to the load circuit;
A first power storage means connected between a positive electrode of the power receiving terminal and a grounding portion serving as a reference potential of the circuit, and storing a charge corresponding to the power supply voltage;
A printing device comprising:
A second power storage means connected in parallel with the first power storage means to absorb the charge accumulated in the first power storage means;
The control circuit includes:
A first state in which when the power supply terminal is connected to the power receiving terminal, the external power supply device and the first power storage unit are electrically connected, and the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit are disconnected. And a switching mechanism for switching to a second state in which the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit are electrically connected when the connection of the power supply terminal to the power reception terminal is released. apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.
The power receiving terminal is
A printing apparatus, comprising: a DC jack to which a DC plug as the power supply terminal of an AC adapter as the external power supply device is connected. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The second power storage means
The printing apparatus is a second capacitor having a larger capacitance than the first capacitor as the first power storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
A battery storage unit that stores a battery connected to the input unit so as to supply voltage;
The second capacitor is
A printing apparatus connected in parallel with the battery storage unit.

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