JPH0412871A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a printing apparatus enabling easy confirmation of a completely printed character by displaying an input character such as a letter or a symbol on a screen, printing the character onto a printing medium simultaneously when the printing medium is rotated, then sending the printing medium, and at the same time erasing the printed character from the screen. CONSTITUTION:In a printing mode, a dot pattern of preset N columns is displayed on a display device 7a based on the fixed dot pattern data of characters stored in a RAM 5c. Then, a signal of a tape feed detecting pattern 65g is read. When a count (m) exceeds a predetermined value M, an adhesive tape 3 is sent by the rotation of a selecting dial 23 so that it is made blank by a predetermined distance determined by the predetermined value M. In synchronization with the rotation of the selecting dial 23, the character is printed onto the adhesive tape 3 and the same time, the character displayed on the display device 7a is scrolled to a direction A. In other words, the columns which are finished to be printed are sequentially erased from on the display screen. Accordingly, the character which is completely printed is erased from the screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printing device, and more particularly to a printing device that displays characters such as input letters and symbols and prints them on a printing medium.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there is a printing device that selects a desired character by rotating a dial on which characters such as letters and symbols are displayed, and prints the selected character on a print medium such as a tape. for example,
There are printing devices that print names, headings, etc. on adhesive tape to create display labels. This printing device detects the rotational position of a dial rotated by the user to select a desired character, and extracts data corresponding to the rotational position from a ROM that stores printing patterns. Then, when the print key is pressed, characters are printed on the adhesive tape based on this data. In this case, the adhesive tape is fed out by a motor, and characters are printed by a print head in synchronization with the feed speed of the motor.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in such a printing device, a large installation space is required for a motor as a means for sending out a printing medium such as a tape, a drive control device for driving and controlling the motor, etc. However, the printing device itself was larger. In addition, in order to send out the printing medium with high precision, a drive control device and the like inevitably become complicated and the number of parts increases.

Therefore, in order to reduce the size and cost of the device and further simplify the configuration, a means for feeding the printing medium by a manual device is provided in place of the motor and drive control device.
A possible printing device is one in which the tape is fed out in response to the operation of this manual operation means, and characters are printed by the print head in synchronization with the feeding.

However, with this device, it is possible to check how much the manual operation means needs to be operated to complete printing, and there are cases where printing is stopped even though there are still characters to be printed, or printing is stopped even though there are still characters left to be printed. There may be problems such as sending out the tape even though it is completed, creating a large amount of unnecessary blank space.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device which has a simple configuration, is small in size, and is inexpensive, and in which characters that have been printed can be extremely easily confirmed. do.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the printing device of the present invention includes a display means for displaying input characters such as characters and symbols on a screen, an operation means that is rotated, a feeding means that rotates in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating means and feeds the printing medium; and a printing means that prints the input character on the printing medium in synchronization with the rotational operation of the operating means. and display control means for erasing the characters printed on the printing medium by the printing means from the screen of the display means.

[Function] The printing device of the present invention having the above configuration displays input characters such as letters and symbols on the screen of the display means, and displays the input characters on the printing material as the operating means rotates. While printing on the medium, the feeding means feeds the medium to be printed. At the same time, the characters printed on the printing medium are erased from the screen of the display means.

[Embodiments] In order to further clarify the structure and operation of the present invention described above, preferred embodiments of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a selection dial, tape feeding mechanism, etc. of a tape writer as a printing device, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tape writer. Also,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the tape writer.

The tape writer 1 prints headings, names, etc. on adhesive tape 3, which is a printing medium, to create a display label.
As shown in FIG. 3, an electronic control device 5, display means 7, printing means 9, operation switch section 11, character detection section 13
, a tape feed detection section 15, and a manually operated tape feed section 17.

The electronic control device 5 includes a well-known CPU 5a and a ROM 5b.
This is a general digital computer equipped with a RAM 5c, a CG-ROMC character generator (ROM) 5d, an input/output interface 5e, and a lotus 5f that interconnects these.

The CG-ROM 5d is a memory that stores dot patterns of characters such as letters and symbols.

The display means 7 consists of a display device 7a using a liquid crystal dot matrix and a display driver 7b that drives the display device 7a.The display means 7 includes a display device 7a using a liquid crystal dot matrix and a display driver 7b that drives the display device 7a. Display the character that was created.

The printing means 9 includes a thermal head 9a that prints a pattern consisting of 24×24 dots on the adhesive tape 3, and a thermal head driver 9b that drives the thermal head 9a.
The character selected and confirmed is printed on the adhesive tape 3 in response to a signal from the electronic control device 5.

The operation switch unit 11 includes a conversion key for converting to kanji etc., a print key, an erase key, a non-conversion key, etc., and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the electronic control device 5.

The mechanisms of the character detection section 13, tape feed detection section 15, and tape feed section 17 will also be described.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body cover of the tape writer 1
A selection dial 23 is rotatably fitted into the upper surface of 21. This selection dial 23 has a round hole 25 bored in the center, and characters such as hiragana, numbers, Roman letters, symbols, etc. are printed concentrically around the round hole 25 in two rows.

The user selects a desired one of the characters printed on the selection dial 23 from the main body cover of the tape writer 1.
21 Select a character by matching it with the "ma" mark 27 printed on the top surface. A character selection switch 29 is fixed to the back surface of the selection dial 23. 20 character selection switch 2
9 is a thin conductive metal plate, and has a ground contact 29a and five character detection contacts 29b that are electrically connected to each other.
.

It consists of 29c, 29d, 29e, 29f and a tape feed detection contact 29g.

The board 3 is placed in the position where it contacts the tips of the two selection switches.
1 is provided parallel to the selection dial 23. Furthermore,
A first support plate 33 is provided parallel to this substrate 31. The substrate 31 and the first support plate 33 are fixed to the machine frame (the path shown in the figure) of the tape writer 1, and the selection dial 2
Round holes 35 and 37 are bored corresponding to the centers of the three round holes 25, respectively. A bearing 39 is provided in the round hole 35 of the substrate 31, and a main shaft 41 is inserted into the bearing 39 and the round hole 37 of the first support plate 33 so as to be rotatable and slidable. A substantially cylindrical confirmation key 43 is fitted to the tip of the main shaft 41 on the selection dial 23 side, and a gear 45 is attached to the other end. The confirmation key 43 is inserted into the round hole 25 of the selection dial 23 so as to be movable in the axial direction. An axially long protrusion 43a is provided on the side surface of the confirmation key 43, and is engaged with a recess 23a cut out in the selection dial 23.

Therefore, when the selection dial 23 is rotated, the confirmation key 43 rotates together with the selection dial 23.

A coil spring 44 is provided on the main shaft 41 between the confirmation key 43 and the bearing 39, and urges the confirmation key 43 upward. Therefore, normally the main shaft 41 itself is lifted upward. The first support plate 33 has two contacts 4.
Confirmation switch 47 that detects the presence or absence of continuity between 7a and 47b
or may be provided.

This confirmation switch 47 is connected to a convex member 49 provided on the main shaft.
The contact points 47a and 47b become electrically conductive due to the contact, and the fact that the confirmation key 43 has been pressed is transmitted to the electronic control unit 5. Note that this confirmation key 43 is the user's selection dial 23.
This is an operation key for confirming the character selected by the rotation operation and the input of the operation switch section 11, and for setting a print mode to be described later. Further, when the character is determined, the electronic control unit 5 transfers the dot pattern data corresponding to the character to the CG-RO.
It is extracted from M5d and stored in RAM5c.

A second support plate 51 is provided parallel to the first support plate 33 and on the gear 45 side. Between both support plates 3351, there is a 10th-
A roller shaft 53 is rotatably provided, and a first tape feed roller 55 and a gear 57 are fixed to this roller shaft 53. Further, a gear 59 is rotatably provided on the second support plate 51 at a position opposite to the gear 45. This gear 5
9 is always in mesh with the gear 57 provided on the 10th-R shaft 53, and when the enter key 43 is pressed,
It also meshes with a gear 45 provided at the tip of the main shaft 41.
1 rotation is transmitted to gear 57. That is, when the main shaft 41 rotates, the first tape feed roller 55 also rotates.

Further, this first tape feed roller 55 is connected to a second tape feed roller 55 fixed to a rotatable 20th-ra shaft 61, as shown in FIG.
The tape feeding roller 63 is arranged with its side surfaces pressed against each other. Then, both tape feed rollers 55
, 63, and the adhesive tape 3 is fed by rotation of the first tape feeding roller 55. (At this time, the second tape feed roller 63 also rotates due to friction).

When feeding this adhesive tape 3, the user rotates the selection dial 23 without pressing down the confirmation key 43. At this time, the rotation of the selection dial 23 is confirmed by the confirmation key 43.
The main shaft 41 rotates to rotate the first tape feed roller 55.

Therefore, the adhesive tape 3 is fed.

The selection dial 23 constitutes an operating means, and the first
The second tape feeding rollers 55 and 63 constitute a feeding means.

A cutter blade 71 and a cutter stand 73 are disposed downstream of the first and second tape feed rollers 55, 63 in the adhesive tape 3 feeding direction with the adhesive tape 3 in between. When the user activates an actuating means (not shown), the cutter blade 71 moves toward the cutter stand 73 and cuts the adhesive tape 3 in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction.

Next, the board 31 that comes into contact with the character selection switch 29 will be explained. On the upper surface of the substrate 31, as shown in FIG. 5, a conductive ground pattern 65a and selection patterns 65b, 65c, and 65d are arranged concentrically.

65e, 65f, and a tape feed detection pattern 65g are printed (hatching is applied to the drawing). The innermost ground pattern 65a is printed in the shape of a donut plate. Character selection patterns 65b, 65c, 65d, and 65e are provided concentrically outside this ground pattern 65g.
, 65f and tape feed detection pattern 65g are divided into 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 parts of the donut plate-shaped area, respectively, and every other divided area is printed on the top surface of the substrate 31. Furthermore, a connection pattern 67b is formed inside each region.

Electrical pattern connections are made using 67c, 67d, 67e, 67f, and 67g. These ground patterns 65a1 and selection patterns 65b.

65c, 65d, 65e, 65f, tape feed detection pattern 65g is ground contact 29a of selection switch 29
1 character detection contacts 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e
, 29 f, and tape feed detection contacts 29 g, respectively, and a ground contact 29 a 1 and a character detection contact 29 b, 29 . c, 29d
, 29e, 29f, and the tape feed detection contact 29g are in contact with each other.

Therefore, the ground contact 29a, the character detection contact 29
b, 29c, 29d, 29e, 29f, and the tape feed detection contact 29g slide within this area as the selection dial 23 rotates. In addition, the character detection contacts 29b, 29
c, 29d, 29e, 29f, tape feed detection contact 29
g is the connection pattern 67b, 67c, 67d, 67e
, 67f and 67g are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other.

This ground pattern 6581 selection pattern 65b, 6
FIG. 7 shows the electrical connections between the tape feed detection patterns 5c, 65d, 65e, 65f and the tape feed detection pattern 65g and the selection switch 29. The ground pattern 65a is installed, and the character selection patterns 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, 65f, and tape feed detection pattern 65g are connected to the electronic control device 5, and a predetermined voltage (2) is applied thereto. Therefore,
Character detection contact 29b, 2 of selection switch 29
9c, 29d, 29e, 29f and tape feed detection contact 29g are character selection patterns 65b, 65c.

65d, 65e, 65f and the tape feed detection pattern 65g, the signal output to the electronic control unit 5 is low level, and conversely, when not in contact, the signal is high level.

From this, the electronic control device 5 controls the character detection contacts 2 of the two character selection switches that rotate together with the selection dial 23.
9b, 29c, 29d The rotational position of the selection dial 23 is set to 3 depending on the combination of the presence or absence of conduction between 29e, 29f and the character selection patterns 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, 65f.
Detection is done in two ways.

Furthermore, the rotational speed of the selection dial 23 or the timing corresponding to the rotational speed can be obtained by changing the signal of the tape feed detection pattern 65g obtained from the rotational operation of the selection dial 23.

In the above configuration, the character detection contacts 29b, 29c, 29d, and 29e of the character selection switch 29.

29f, and character selection patterns 65b, 65c, and 65d.

65e and 65f correspond to the character detection section 13, and the tape feed detection contact 29g of the character selection switch 1' switch 29 and the tape feed detection pattern 65g correspond to the tape feed detection section]5. In addition, the selection dial 23 and the selection dial 2
Confirmation key 43, main shaft 41, gear 45 that transmits the rotation of 3.
, 59, 57, the first feed roller 55 and the second feed roller 63 that feed the adhesive tape 3 correspond to the tape feed section 17.

In addition, in this example, 32
Although a regular rotational position can be detected, it is also possible to detect even more detailed rotational positions by increasing the number of similar contacts and patterns concentrically. That is, selection dial 2
3, many characters can be displayed to increase the number of selection types.

Next, the printing control process executed by the electronic control device 5 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When this process is started, it is first determined whether or not the print mode is set (S100). That is, it is determined whether the print key of the operation switch unit 11 is turned on, the confirmation key 43 is pressed, and the confirmation switch 47 is turned on. If you are not in print mode, end this process once, and if you are in print mode,
The counter value mn is set to the value 1 (S110). Next, based on the determined character dot pattern data stored in the RAM 5c, dot patterns for a preset N columns starting from the nth column are displayed on the display 7a (S120). . Note that a column means one vertical row of dot patterns.

Therefore, for example, if it is set to N-72, the RAM
The characters stored in 5c are the first 3 characters (72
/24-3) Displayed.

Next, the signal of the tape feed detection pattern 65g is read (3130), and it is determined whether or not there has been a change in the signal (S140). That is, the tape feed detection pattern 65
It is determined whether the rising and falling edges of the g signal are detected. If a change in the signal is not detected, the process returns to step 130, and if a change is detected, the counter value m is incremented by 1 (5150). Then, it is determined whether the incremented counter value m is greater than a predetermined value M (5160), and if it is less than the predetermined value M, step 1
Return to step 30 and repeat the same process.

These processes are repeated, and when the counter value m exceeds the predetermined value M, the process moves to step 170.

At this time, by rotating the selection dial 23, the adhesive tape 3 is fed by a predetermined distance determined by a predetermined value M as a margin. In step 170, the dot pattern data of the n-th column is read. In this case, since it is n-1, only the dot pattern data in the first column is read. Next, the thermal head 9a is energized based on the read dot pattern data (8180). Subsequently, after energizing the thermal head 9a, a timer (not shown) determines whether a predetermined time T has elapsed (S190). If the predetermined time T has not elapsed, the process returns to step 180, and if the predetermined time T has elapsed, the energization of the thermal head 9a is ended (S200).
. That is, the dot pattern in the first column is printed on the adhesive tape 3 for a predetermined time T.

Next, the counter value n is incremented by 1 (S
210). Next, it is determined whether the print mode is canceled (S220). That is, it is determined whether the print key and confirmation switch 47 of the operation switch unit 11 are turned off. If the print mode is canceled, this routine is temporarily terminated, and if the print mode is still in the print mode, the process returns to step 120. Therefore, in step 120, dot patterns for N columns from the second column are displayed. That is, the display 7a
The character displayed is scrolled by one force ram in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The electronic control device 5 and the process of step 120 constitute a display control means. Next, the process moves to step 130 and subsequent steps, and step 1
The determination at step 60 is rYESJ because the counter value m exceeds the predetermined value M due to the previous increment process. Therefore, each time a change (rising, falling) in the signal of the tape feed detection pattern 65g is detected, a dot pattern is printed for one force ram by the processing in steps 170 to 200.

As a result, a character is printed on the adhesive tape 3 in synchronization with the rotation of the selection dial 23, and the character displayed on the display 7a is changed to (a) and (b) in FIG.
, (c) in the direction of the arrow in FIG. That is, the columns that have been printed disappear one after another from the display screen, and as a result, the characters that have been printed are also erased from the screen. Further, at the start of printing, a predetermined amount of blank space is provided at the beginning of the adhesive tape 3.

In addition, in this process, the rotation speed of the selection dial 23 is calculated based on the change in the signal, and whether printing and scrolling for one force ram is performed when the signal of the tape feed detection pattern 65g changes, and the rotation speed of the selection dial 23 is calculated based on the calculation result. You can also set the timing of printing and scrolling. Further, after a character is printed on the adhesive tape 3, when the printed character passes through the cutter blade 71, or when the printed character is sent out from the main body of the tape writer 1, it becomes visible to the user. When the character appears, the display screen may be scrolled to erase the character.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the display screen is scrolled by one column each time printing of one column is completed, or the display screen is scrolled by one character each time printing of one character is completed. The character may also be erased from the display screen.

Furthermore, the timing of printing and scrolling may be set by detecting tape feeding based on changes in signals such as the character selection pattern 65f, without using the tape feeding detection pattern 65g. For example, a substrate 31a shown in FIG. 9 is used instead of the substrate 31, and the selection pattern 65f is used for both the rotational position of the selection dial 23 and the tape feed detection.

According to the tape writer 1 of the present embodiment described above, the selection dial 23 for selecting a character is also used for tape feeding operation, and in print mode, the adhesive tape 3 is moved by rotating the selection dial 23. While feeding, printing and display are performed in synchronization with this rotation. Therefore, in order to feed the adhesive tape 3, there is no need for a conventional motor or a device for driving and controlling the motor, and the main body of the tape writer 1 can be made smaller and lighter.

Additionally, battery consumption can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the print mode cannot be entered unless the confirmation key 43 is pressed, even if the user accidentally turns the selection dial 23 to select a character with the print key turned on, printing will not be possible. Misprinting is prevented. Moreover, if the configuration is such that printing and scrolling are synchronized based on changes in signals such as the character selection pattern 65f without using the tape feed detection pattern 65g, a simpler configuration can be achieved.

Furthermore, the tape writer 1 of this embodiment has a selection dial 23.
The character detection contacts 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e of the selection switch 29 rotate together with the character selection switch 29.
.

29f and character selection patterns 65b, 65c, and 65d.

The rotational position of the selection dial 23 can be detected in 32 ways depending on the combination of the presence or absence of conduction with the selection dial 23 and the selection dial 23. The rotational speed or timing corresponding to the rotational speed is obtained. Therefore, an encoder device using a photosensor is not required, and the device is smaller and lighter than conventional devices. Also,
Characters are printed on the adhesive tape 3 in synchronization with the rotation of the selection dial 23, and the characters displayed on the display 7a scroll in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, making it extremely easy to recognize the amount of printing. I can do it. There is no need to stop printing in the middle or create a large amount of unnecessary blank space.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not equally limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, a conventional motor and a device for driving and controlling the motor are not required in order to feed the printing medium, and the printing apparatus can be improved. The configuration can be simplified, and the main body can be made small, lightweight, and inexpensive. Furthermore, characters that have been printed can be confirmed very easily.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 9 show an embodiment embodying the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of a tape writer to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tape writer, and FIG. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the tape writer, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tape feed roller, Figure 5 is a plan view showing the patterns printed on the board surface, and Figure 6 is the selection switch and each pattern. 7 is a flowchart showing the print control routine, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a pattern printed on the substrate surface as a modified example, and FIGS. 9(a), (b),
(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the screen of the display device. In the figure, 3 is an adhesive tape, 5 is an electronic control unit, 7 is a display means, 9 is a printing means, 23 is a selection dial, and 55 and 63 are tape feed rollers.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Display means for displaying characters such as input letters and symbols on a screen, an operation means that is rotated, and a printing medium that rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of this operation means. Feeding means for feeding a medium; Printing means for printing the inputted character on a printing medium in synchronization with the rotational operation of the operating means; and the character printed on the printing medium by the printing means. and display control means for erasing from the screen of the display means.