JPH0952342A - Printing/plate making device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent ink from being forced out at the time of stamping in a printing/ plate making device by a method wherein a tape printing and tape plate making can be used and sufficient margins can be set for plate making data. SOLUTION: When labels are printed by means of a printing cassette for a tape having a width of 18mm, a printing tape TA having a width of 18mm is sensed by a tape width sensing switch 52b and stored in a tape width register of RAM 50, whereby printing data are developed according to a printing format, in which a maximum character size and number of characters corresponding to the 18mm wide tape, so that labels are printed, leaving small margin 12. And in the case of plate making and printing using a plate making cassette of 18mm wide tape, even if a stencil printing base paper tape TB having a width of 18mm is sensed, a stencil printing base paper tape TB having a width of 12mm being narrower by one size is stored in the tape width register so that the plate making data are mirror developed according to a plate making format, in which maximum character size and number of characters corresponding to 12mm wide tape being smaller than actual plate making tape width are set, and hence sufficient margins L1, L2 can be provided for plate making and printing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing / platemaking apparatus for printing or platemaking on a band-shaped printing medium or platemaking medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus called a label printer has been put into practical use as an apparatus for printing print data including characters on a band-shaped print medium. This label printer prints any character data etc. keyed in as a print data and prints it on a strip-shaped label tape housed in a cassette case by a thermal transfer type printer. Adhesive tape is laminated and is used as a device for creating index labels and name labels by attaching it to video tapes, audio tapes, document management files and the like.

On the other hand, a plate-making apparatus has been put into practical use for easily making a plate on a stencil sheet coated with a thermoplastic substance by using a thermal printer. This plate-making device heats and outputs plate-making data such as character data with a thermal head to a stencil sheet that is used exclusively according to the shape of a stamp board prepared in advance, and corresponds to the plate-making data. The thermoplastic material on the surface of the base paper is melted, and the porous film base portion of the portion is exposed to perform plate making.By attaching the plate making plate to the stamp table, character data etc. as plate making data can be obtained. It can be printed as a stamp at any desired position on any object.

Since most of the printers used for the label printer are thermal transfer printers having a thermal head, the label printer is used to form a stencil sheet having the same shape as the label tape. It is possible to use a stamp for making a plate, but in this case, the plate making data is originally formatted as a print data with the full width of the tape. Plate-making will be done to the full.

[0005]

However, when the conventional label printer is used and the printing data is directly used as plate making data to make a plate on the tape-shaped stencil sheet, the plate making data is formatted to fill the width of the stencil sheet. If the stencil sheet after the plate making is attached to the stamp base and stamp printing is performed, the ink of the stamp base will ooze out from the edge of the stencil base paper near the plate making part and it cannot be used as an actual stamp. There's a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can be used not only for tape printing and tape plate making but also for printing plate making data with a sufficient margin so that the ink oozes out at the time of stamping. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing / plate-making device capable of preventing the above.

[0007]

That is, a printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a first cassette containing a printing tape and a plate-making tape containing a heat-sensitive stencil sheet. 2 cassettes, an apparatus body in which the first cassette and the second cassette are interchangeably mounted, input means for inputting print data and plate-making data including characters, and various command data, and the input means Each format of the print data and the plate-making data that is input and printed and plate-formed includes the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the surrounding margin size data, and the margin size is larger for printing than for printing. A format storage unit that stores a printing format and a platemaking format that are set and set to a larger size, and the printing format and the platemaking format. A format designating means for selectively designating any of the above, and a heating element, and the print data is thermally applied to the printing tape according to the print format designated by the format designating means according to an instruction from the input means. Printing / plate-making means for printing and performing plate making by melting and punching the plate-making tape in accordance with the plate-making format designated by the format designating means based on the plate-making data; and the printing tape after printing and plate-making processing. And cutter means for cutting the plate-making tape.

That is, in the printing / plate-making apparatus according to the first aspect, the first cassette containing the printing tape and the second cassette containing the plate-making tape made of heat-sensitive stencil sheet are provided in the apparatus main body. As well as being replaceable,
Print data including characters, plate making data, and various command data are input by the input means. The formats of the print data and the plate-making data which are input from the input means and are subjected to printing and plate-making processing include data of the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the margin size of the surroundings. When the printing format and the printing format are specified by setting the printing plate size larger than that for printing, and the printing format is designated, the printing data input by the input means is designated. When the plate for printing is thermally printed according to the format and the plate making format is specified, the plate making tape is melted according to the specified plate making format based on the plate making data input by the input means. Perforated and plate-made.

Therefore, by exchanging the tape cassette between the printing tape and the plate-making tape, printing and plate-making can be carried out by one device, and furthermore, by setting the peripheral margin by the plate-making format, the ink oozes out. Will be prevented.

Further, the printing and plate making apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided in a plurality of kinds of cassettes respectively accommodating one of the printing tape or the plate making tape having a plurality of width sizes. In the case of the cassette containing the printing tape, the width of the contained tape is displayed, and in the case of the cassette containing the plate making tape, the size smaller than the width of the contained tape is displayed. A width information section, an apparatus main body in which one of the plurality of types of cassettes is mounted, a tape width detection unit that detects the tape width of the cassette mounted in the apparatus main body by the width information section, and printing including characters The input means for inputting the data and the plate-making data, and the character size of the print data and the plate-making data which are inputted from this input means and are subjected to the printing and plate-making processing, The size determining means for determining the largest size that can be accommodated in the tape width detected by the above, and the print data and the plate-making data input from the input means based on the character size determined by the size determining means are thermally A printing means for printing on the printing tape or for making a plate on the plate making tape; and a cutter means for cutting the printing tape and the plate making tape which have finished the printing and plate making processes. .

That is, in the printing and plate making apparatus according to the second aspect, the printing tape is contained in a plurality of types of cassettes respectively containing one of the printing tapes having a plurality of width sizes or one of the plate making tapes. In the case of a cassette, there is provided a width information section for displaying the width of the contained tape itself, and in the case of the cassette accommodating the plate-making tape, a width information portion for displaying a size smaller than the width of the accommodated tape. The width information section detects the tape width of one cassette loaded in the apparatus body. Then, the character size of the print data and the plate-making data which are input from the input means and are subjected to printing and plate-making processing is determined to be the largest size that fits in the detected tape width, and the character size is input based on the determined character size. Each of the print data and the plate making data is thermally printed on the printing tape or made on the plate making tape.

Therefore, by exchanging the tape cassettes for the printing tape and the plate-making tape, printing and plate-making can be carried out by one device, and moreover, the plate-making can be performed according to the character size of the print data on the printing tape. The character size of the plate-making data on the tape is reduced to secure a margin around the tape, which prevents ink from leaking out.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing / platemaking apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the width information section is formed by a specific outer shape of the cassette case. It is characterized in that the detecting means is composed of an electric switch that engages with the outer shape.

The printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is the printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the width information part is a bar code provided outside the cassette case. However, the detecting means is constituted by a bar code reader for reading the bar code information.

The printing / platemaking apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is the printing / platemaking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the platemaking tape is a heat-sensitive stencil tape, and the printing tape is thermally transferred. An ink ribbon is housed together with the thermal transfer tape in a cassette containing the printing tape.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing / plate-making apparatus, wherein a plurality of cassettes respectively containing a printing tape or a plate-making tape, an apparatus main body in which the plurality of cassettes are replaceably mounted, and a character. Input means for inputting data and various command data, format storage means for defining a plate-making format of character data inputted from the input means and subjected to plate-making processing, and the plate-making format when plate making is instructed by the input means According to the above, the plate making pattern data creating means for creating the plate making pattern data in which the character data is a mirror image, and the print pattern data for creating the print pattern data of the character data according to the plate making format when the sample printing is instructed by the input means Creating means and the plate making pattern created by the plate making pattern data creating means Printing / plate-making means for making a plate on the plate-making tape based on the print data, and printing on the printing tape with the print pattern data created by the print pattern data creating means, and the printing tape after the printing and plate-making processing. And cutter means for cutting the plate-making tape.

That is, in the printing / plate-making apparatus according to the sixth aspect, a plurality of cassettes respectively containing the printing tape or the plate-making tape are replaceably attached to the apparatus body. Then, the plate-making format of the character data which is inputted from the input means and subjected to the plate-making process is determined, and when the plate-making is instructed by the input means, the plate-making pattern data in which the character data is made into a mirror image is created according to the plate-making format. Then, the plate is made on the plate-making tape, and when the sample printing is instructed by the input means, the print pattern data of the character data is created in accordance with the plate-making format and is printed on the printing tape.

Therefore, by exchanging the tape cassette between the printing tape and the plate-making tape, printing and plate-making can be performed by one device, and moreover, before the plate-making pattern data created in the plate-making format is made, It can be confirmed by printing the sample.

The printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is the printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate-making format is the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the surrounding margins. It is characterized in that each size data is included.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment of a printing / platemaking apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the outer appearance of the main part on the back side of the label printer. On the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 of this label printer, as shown in FIG. 1, a key input unit 2 for inputting data and instructing start of printing / platemaking, and input data are displayed. A liquid crystal dot matrix display unit 3 is provided.

The key input section 2 includes an "ON / OFF" key 2a operated when the power is turned on / off, a character key 2b operated when inputting character data, and a liquid crystal display section 3 The cursor key 2c operated when moving the cursor or selecting data, the "print / plate-making" key 2d operated when setting the print mode or the plate-making mode, the print data or the plate-making data in which the character is input is registered. A "registration" key 2e operated at the time, an "execute" key 2f operated at the time of starting the operation of various set functions such as printing and plate making, and the like are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the apparatus main body 1 is provided with a tape cassette storage section 5 for detachably storing the printing cassette 4a or the plate-making cassette 4b. A thermal print head 7 and a platen roller 8 protected by a protective cover 6 are arranged in the tape cassette storage portion 5, and when the printing cassette 4a is stored, the thermal print head 7 and the platen roller 8 engage with the cassette and rotate. An ink ribbon winding shaft 12 is arranged.

Further, a tape cassette lid 9 for closing the tape cassette housing portion 5 is detachably attached to the tape cassette housing portion 5. When the tape cassette lid 9 is mounted in the tape cassette housing portion 5, the lever 10 provided on the apparatus body 1 is pushed down to press the thermal print head 7 against the platen roller 8.

The tape cassette lid 9 is detachably locked by a lock button 11 provided in the apparatus main body 1 when it is mounted in the tape cassette housing section 5. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the structure of a tape cassette detachably housed in the tape cassette housing portion 5 of the label printer, and FIG. 3A is a plan view showing the structure of the printing cassette 4a. B) is a plan view showing the structure of the plate making cassette 4b.

Printing cassette 4a and plate making cassette 4
2b is a tape cassette storage unit 5 in FIG.
It has a detachable cassette case 21 of the same shape, and a notch 22 for mounting the print head is formed in a U-shape on one side of the cassette case 21.

The printing cassette 4a shown in FIG. 3A has a printing tape supply spool 23 around which a printing tape (label tape) TA is wound and an ink ribbon supply spool 24 around which an ink ribbon R is wound. Is housed.

The printing tape TA supplied from the printing tape supply spool 23 is the ink ribbon supply spool 2
4 together with the ink ribbon R supplied from the tape 4
5a is fed to the print head mounting notch 22 and is discharged from the tape discharge port 25b through the printing process by the thermal print head 7 and the platen roller 8.

The used ink ribbon R is wound on the ink ribbon take-up spool 26, and the printed printing tape TA is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 1 via a cutter mechanism 47 described later.

Here, the ink ribbon take-up spool 12 is engaged with the ink ribbon take-up shaft 12 provided in the tape cassette housing portion 5 in FIG.

On the other hand, the plate-making cassette 4 shown in FIG.
A stencil sheet tape supply spool 27 around which a stencil sheet tape (plate-making tape) TB is wound is accommodated in b. The stencil sheet tape TB supplied from the stencil sheet tape supply spool 27 is delivered from the tape outlet 25a to the print head mounting notch 22, and undergoes plate making processing by the thermal print head 7 and the platen roller 8 and then the tape discharge port 2
It is discharged from 5b.

The stencil sheet tape TB which has been plate-made is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 1 via a cutter mechanism 47 described later. In the present embodiment, the printing cassette 4 is used.
a or a cassette case 21 of the plate-making cassette 4b
Also, the upper surface thereof is covered with a transparent plate, and the remaining amount of the printing tape TA, the ink ribbon R, or the stencil sheet TB can be confirmed.

The width of the printing tape TA accommodated in the printing cassette 4a is 6 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm.
4 types of mm and 24 mm are prepared. As for the plate making cassette 4b, three types of stencil sheet tapes TB accommodated therein are prepared with widths of 12 mm, 18 mm and 24 mm.

At a predetermined position of each of the cassettes 4a and 4b, a type display portion (not shown) for detecting whether the cassette is the printing cassette 4a or the plate making cassette 4b, and a 6 mm wide cassette, A width display portion is provided for detecting whether the cassette is a 12 mm width cassette, an 18 mm width cassette, or a 24 mm width cassette.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a width display portion provided in the printing cassette 4a and the plate making cassette 4b of the label printer. FIG. 4A shows the width display of the printing cassette 4a containing a 6 mm width tape. FIG. 7B is a view showing a width display portion of the printing and plate making cassettes 4a / 4b containing a 12 mm width tape, and FIG.
Printing and plate making cassette 4a / 4 containing a width tape
FIG. 3D is a view showing the width display portion of FIG. 4B, and FIG. 3D is a view showing the width display portion of the printing and plate making cassettes 4a / 4b which accommodate the tapes of 24 mm width.

The width display portion of each cassette 4a, 4b is a combination of two detection holes h1 / h2 which can be detected by a tape width detection switch 52b (SW1 / SW2) provided at a predetermined position of the tape cassette storage portion 5. Both of the first detection hole h1 and the second detection hole h2 are formed in the cassette 4a having a tape with a width of 6 mm.
Only the first detection hole h1 is formed in the cassette 4a / 4b having the 12-width tape, and only the second detection hole h2 is formed in the cassette 4a / 4b having the 18-mm width tape.
Neither of the detection holes h1 and h2 is formed in the cassette 4a / 4b having the 4 mm width tape.

That is, the printing cassette 4a or the plate-making cassette 4b is the tape cassette housing portion 5 of the apparatus main body 1.
Tape width detection switch 52b (SW
6 if both 1 / SW2) are in the “OFF” state
Detected as cassette 4a with mm wide tape, S
When W1 is "OFF" and SW2 is "ON", it is detected as a cassette 4a / 4b having a 12-width tape. When SW1 is "ON" and SW2 is "OFF", 18 mm. Cassette 4a with width tape
Detected as / 4b and both SW1 / SW2 are "ON"
When it is in the state, it is detected as a cassette 4a / 4b having a 24 mm width tape.

Here, when the printing cassette 4a is mounted, the tape width detection switch 52b (SW1 /
The tape width detection value by SW2) is processed as the print data with the actual detection value.
When "b" is loaded, the tape width detection switch 5
The tape width detection value by 2b (SW1 / SW2) is processed as plate detection data as a detection value having a width narrower than the actual one by one size.

That is, in the case of the plate-making cassette 4b, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), even if the cassette 4b of 12 mm width tape is detected, the data processing is performed for the 6 mm width tape, and FIG. ), 18m
12m even if detected as a cassette 4b of m-width tape
Data is processed for the m-width tape, and even if it is detected as the cassette 4b of the 24-mm width tape as shown in FIG. 4D, the data is processed for the 18-mm width tape.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external structure of a stamp base for stamp printing using the stencil sheet tape TB produced by the label printer. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of a stamp base for stamp printing using the stencil sheet tape TB made by the label printer.

The stamp base has a rectangular box-shaped outer case 30 having an opening end on one side surface, and a rectangular frame inserted into the opening end of the outer case 30 and having an opening surface in the same direction. Body 3
1. A rectangular plate-shaped accommodating portion 33 on which an ink occlusion body 32, which is arranged inside the opening surface of the frame body 31 and on which the heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB is adsorbed and set, is mounted. Is integrated in the center of the back surface of
1. A support portion 34 that penetrates through the central portion of 1 to support the bottom surface of the outer case 30, and is provided so as to surround the support portion 34 between the center of the bottom surface of the outer case 30 and the center of the back surface of the frame 31. When the stamp base is not stamped, the leg portions 35 provided at the four corners of the frame body 31 are made to be sufficiently higher than the surface of the ink occlusion body 32 mounted on the accommodating portion 33, and at the time of stamping, the frame surface is applied to the stamp surface. It is composed of a coil spring 36 that causes the ink occlusion body 32 to project instead of pressing the leg portion 35 of 31.

Two types of stamp bases, large size and small size, are prepared. The heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB is set by being adsorbed on the surface of the ink occlusion body 32 of the stamp base, and the width of the stencil sheet tape TB is wider than the width of the ink occlusion body 32 and is set at the time of stamping. Ink leakage is prevented. In this case, the blanks at both ends in the length direction of the stencil sheet tape TB are set by being dropped into the gap between the housing portion 33 and the frame body 31.

The plate-making process performed by the label printer on the heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB is based on the detection operation of the plate-making cassette 4b described above, and targets the tape width one size smaller than the actual tape width. The stencil base paper tape T after plate making
The peripheral margins L1 and L2 in B are sufficiently secured.

The heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB is formed by applying a thermoplastic material in layers on a porous thin paper such as a mesh-shaped resin film or Japanese paper, and the heat generated in the thermal printing head 7 of the label printer. The thermoplastic (thermofusible) substance is melted and peeled off in response to the heating of the body, and the perforations corresponding to the plate making data are formed.

That is, the stencil sheet tape TB after plate making is adsorbed and set on the ink occlusion body 32, the leg portions 35 of the frame body 31 are placed in contact with the stamp surface, and the outer case 30 is pressed downward to support. The stencil paper tape TB and the ink occlusion body 32 are pressed against the stamp surface via the portion 34, and the ink impregnated in the ink occlusion body 32 is extruded from the perforations corresponding to the plate making portion of the stencil paper tape TB and stamped. .

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuit of the label printer. In the electronic circuit of this label printer, the control unit (CPU) 40 controls the operation of the entire circuit.

The key input unit 2 is connected to the control unit 40, the liquid crystal dot matrix display unit 3 is connected via the display memory 41 and the display driver 42, and the print control unit 43 to the motor driver 44a. The tape transport motor 45 is connected via the thermal print head 7 from the print control unit 43 via the head driver 44b.
Is connected.

The platen roller 8 and the ink ribbon take-up shaft 12 shown in FIG. 2 are rotationally driven by the tape feeding motor 45. Further, a cutter motor 46b is connected to the control unit 40 via a motor driver 46a, and a cutter mechanism 47 is driven.

In addition, the control unit 40 includes a ROM 4
8, the character generator 49 and the RAM 50 are connected, the tape type detection switch 51b is connected via the detection circuit 51a, and the tape width detection switch 52b (SW1 / SW2) is connected via the detection circuit 52a. .

In the ROM 48, a control program in various data input modes, a control program for normal printing for the printing tape TA when the printing cassette 4a is mounted, a plate making for the thermoplastic stencil tape TB when the plate making cassette 4b is mounted. Control unit 4 such as printing control program
The system control program according to 0 is stored in advance, and the print data input in the normal print mode or the plate-making data input in the plate-making print mode is detected and determined by the tape type detection switch 51b and the tape width detection switch 52b. The format data for normal printing and the format data for plate-making printing for formatting according to the width of the tape TA or the stencil sheet tape TB are stored.

Here, the type of format pattern in each of the normal printing format data and the plate-making printing format data stored in the ROM 48 is determined according to the format selection screen displayed along with the input process of the print data or the plate-making data. The number of blocks in the length direction and the number of lines in each block are optional elements of the format pattern that are arbitrarily selected. Printing tape T detected and determined by the tape type detection switch 51b and the tape width detection switch 52b
The print pattern is automatically selected in accordance with the width of A or the stencil sheet tape TB so as to maximize the print pattern.

Further, the character generator 49 stores in advance character pattern data corresponding to all the character codes that can be input by the key input unit 2. FIG. 8 shows the RAM 50 of the electronic circuit of the label printer.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the data register with which it is equipped.

The RAM 50 has an input buffer 50a in which key input data is stored, a print buffer 50b in which print data for normal printing or plate-making printing is stored as a bitmap pattern, and image data of formatted print data in a liquid crystal. A print image data register 50c stored as display data corresponding to the display area of the display unit 3, a tape type register 50d storing tape type data detected by the tape type detection switch 51b, and a tape width detection switch 52b. The tape width register 50e for storing the tape width data to be stored, the print data for normal printing or plate-making printing registered by key input, the format data selected from the ROM 48 according to the format selection screen described later, and the tape type data. And printing and platemaking data memory 50f such that the tape width data is stored is provided.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the display state of the format selection screen displayed along with the data input processing of the label printer. In this case, the selection screens of (1) 1 block 1 line printing format and (2) 1 block 2 line printing format are shown.

In the print control section 43, the print data sequentially read from the print buffer 50b in the RAM 50 at the start of printing the print data is transferred to the thermal print head 7.
The tape transport motor 45 is driven to rotate the platen roller 8 and the ribbon take-up shaft 12 in synchronism with the one-line data being printed out on the printing tape TA or the stencil sheet tape TB. As a result, the printing tape TA or the stencil sheet tape TB is delivered and conveyed one line by one line from the printing cassette 4a or the plate making cassette 4b in accordance with the printing line by line.

The cutter mechanism 47 includes, for example, a fixed blade and a movable blade, and the movable blade is connected to a cutter motor 46b via a cam. The movable blade is operated by driving the cutter motor 46b. The tape is cut between these blades. Then, the cutter motor 46
b is driven by being controlled by the control unit (CPU) 40 and being supplied with a motor drive voltage from the motor driver 46a.

Next, the operation of the label printer having the above structure will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a data input process of the label printer. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the printing / plate-making process of the label printer.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a printing / plate making state associated with the printing / plate making process of the label printer. FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B) show plate making with different format patterns for the stencil sheet tape TB. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plate making state of print data (actually a mirror image plate making), and FIGS. 7C and 7D are diagrams showing print states of print data having different format patterns on the printing tape TA.

In the data input process in FIG.
For example, when it is desired to perform plate-making printing in a format of "Mayumi Aikawa" on the 18 mm width plate making tape TB in one block per line, first, the plate making cassette 4b having the 18 mm width tape is placed in the tape cassette storage section of the apparatus main body 1. 5 is detected by the tape type detection switch 51b as the plate making cassette 4b and stored in the tape type register 50d in the RAM 50 (step S).
1).

SW of the tape width detection switch 52b
1 / SW2 is “ON” and “OF” as shown in FIG.
When the tape is in the F "state, it is detected that the tape is 18 mm wide. In this case, the tape type register 50
Since it is stored as the plate-making tape TB, the tape width data "18 mm" is stored in the tape width register 50e in the RAM 50 as "12 mm" which is one size narrower (step S2).

Then, for the liquid crystal display unit 3, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the format pattern selection screen is displayed (step S3). On the format pattern selection screen, when the cursor is operated to select and instruct the format pattern (1) of one block of one row pattern, the format pattern of one block and one row is stored as "12 mm" in the tape width register 50e. The maximum character size and number of characters that can fit in the tape width are determined.

Then, a data input request screen for inputting plate-making print data according to the determined format pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 3 (steps S4 → S5).

When the character key 2b is operated to sequentially input and display "Mayu Aikawa ..." In the display state of the data input request screen, the range of the maximum number of characters determined in accordance with the selection of the format pattern is displayed. It is sequentially judged whether or not it is within the maximum number, and if the maximum number of characters is exceeded, an error message is displayed (steps S6 → S7).

On the other hand, if the "registration" key 2e is operated in a state where the input of the desired plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" is completed and it is judged that the number of characters is within the maximum number of characters, the inputted plate-making print data " A message requesting you to enter the text name "Mayumi Aikawa" is displayed (steps S8 → S9 → S
10).

When the character key 2b is operated to input a text name, for example, "MAYU", and the "execute" key 2f is operated, the input text name is used as a file name according to the data input request screen. The input plate-making print data “Mayumi Aikawa” is stored in the print / plate-making data memory 50b in the RAM 50 together with the format data selected and set according to the format selection screen (steps S11 → S12).

In the printing and plate making process in FIG.
The “print / plate-making” key 2 is used to plate-print the plate-making print data “Mayumi Aikawa” registered in the print / plate-making data memory 50f in the RAM 50 according to the data input process.
When d is operated, first, the tape type detection switch 51b
To 1 for the tape cassette storage section 5 of the apparatus main body 1.
It is detected that the plate-making cassette 4b having the 8 mm width tape is mounted (step A1).

Further, a file name list screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 3 and a file selection request message is displayed (steps A2 and A3). Here, the file name “MAY displayed on the file name list screen is displayed.
When "U" is selected by cursor selection and designated, a processing selection request screen is displayed for performing normal printing processing, plate-making printing processing, or sample printing processing for the designated file (steps A4 → A5).

When the cursor is selected from "plate-making printing" on the process selection request screen and the "execute" key 2f is operated, the tape cassette is read based on the tape type data stored in the tape type register 50d in the RAM 50. The cassette that is installed in the storage unit 5 in advance is 18 mm
It is confirmed that the plate-making cassette 4b has a width tape, and the plate-making process is executed on the 18 mm heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB contained therein (step A6).
→ A7b → A8b).

That is, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" corresponding to the file name "MAYU" selected in accordance with the file selection request screen is read from the print / plate-making data memory 50f in the RAM 50 and stored together with it. 12 smaller than the actual tape width by one size
In accordance with the format data for the mm-width tape, it is expanded in the print buffer 50b as bitmap print data. In this case, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" is converted into a mirror image pattern and developed in the print buffer 50b.

Then, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" developed in the print buffer 50b is applied to the heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape TB fed from the plate-making cassette 4b as the platen roller 8 rotates. , One dot line at a time through the thermal print head 7,
Plate making (actually a mirror image pattern) as shown in FIG.
Is done. Then, the stencil paper tape TB that has been made as described above
Are cut by the cutter mechanism 47 and separated and discharged.

In this case, the stencil sheet tape TB which is the target of plate-making printing is a tape having a width of 18 mm, but when it is detected as the plate-making cassette 4b by the tape type detection switch 51b, the tape width register 50e is detected. Is detected and stored as a 12 mm wide tape that is narrower by one size, so the plate-making printing data "Mayumi Aikawa" is 12 mm wide.
The plate is made according to the format of the maximum character size and the number of characters corresponding to the width tape, and the margin L1 in the front-rear direction and the margin L2 in the up-down direction are both secured with a sufficient margin. become.

Therefore, the stencil sheet tape T that has been prepressed
When B is adsorbed to the occlusion body 32 of the stamp base as shown in FIG. 5 to perform the stamp printing, the ink does not run off and high quality stamp printing can be performed. Become.

On the other hand, in the process selection request screen in the step S5, the cursor is set to "sample printing" and the printing cassette 4a having the 18 mm width tape having the same width as the stencil sheet tape TB to be plate-making is sample printed. When the replacement is mounted for operation and the "Execute" key 2f is operated,
Based on the tape type data detected by the tape type detection switch 51b, it is confirmed that the cassette mounted in the tape cassette storage unit 5 is the printing cassette 4a having the 18 mm width tape, and the 18 mm stored therein. The printing process is executed on the printing tape TA (step A6 → A7a → A8a).

That is, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" corresponding to the file name "MAYU" selected in accordance with the file selection request screen is read from the print / plate-making data memory 50f in the RAM 50 and stored together with it. 12 smaller than the actual tape width by one size
In accordance with the format data for the mm-width tape, it is expanded in the print buffer 50b as bitmap print data. In the case of this sample printing process, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" is developed without being converted into a mirror image pattern for the print buffer 50b.

Then, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" developed in the print buffer 50b is thermally transferred to the printing tape TA fed from the printing cassette 4a as the platen roller 8 rotates. Print head 7
After that, one dot line is normally printed one by one, and FIG.
A sample is printed as shown in FIG. Then, the printing tape TA on which the sample has been printed is cut by the cutter mechanism 47 and separated and discharged.

In this case, the printing tape TA which is the sample printing target is a tape having a width of 18 mm, but the plate-making printing data "Mayumi Aikawa" has the maximum character size and the maximum character size corresponding to the tape having a width of 12 mm. Since the sample is printed according to the number of characters format, the front and rear margins L1
It is confirmed that the margin L2 in the vertical direction has a sufficient margin as the plate-making pattern.

In FIG. 12B, when the same plate-making printing process or sample printing process is performed, the format pattern (2) of one block and two lines is selected on the format selection screen (see FIG. 9). The plate-making state for the stencil paper tape TB or the printing tape TA (actually a mirror image pattern) when "AB Women's University Faculty of Letters English Literature" is entered in the first line as plate-making printing data and "Aikawa Mayumi" is entered in the second line. Alternatively, it shows the sample print state.

In this case as well, if the stencil sheet tape TB to be the target of plate-making printing has a width of, for example, 24 mm, the maximum character size and the number of characters corresponding to an 18 mm width tape which is narrower by one size are obtained. Since the platemaking or sample printing is performed according to the above format, both the margin L1 in the front-rear direction and the margin L2 in the up-and-down direction are secured with a sufficiently wide width so that ink bleeding at the time of stamping can be prevented. become.

On the other hand, the operation when the normal label printing is performed on the printing tape TA will be described. FIG.
In the data input process in, for example, when it is desired to print a label in the format of “Mayumi Aikawa” on one block per line on the 18 mm wide printing tape TA, first,
When the printing cassette 4a having the 18 mm width tape is mounted in the tape cassette housing portion 5 of the apparatus main body 1, the tape type detection switch 51b detects that it is the printing cassette 4a and stores it in the tape type register 50d in the RAM 50. (Step S1).

SW of the tape width detection switch 52b
1 / SW2 is “ON” and “OF” as shown in FIG.
When it is in the F ”state, it is detected that the tape is an 18 mm width tape. In this case, since the tape TA for printing is stored in the tape type register 50, the tape width data“ 18 mm ”is stored in the RAM 50 as it is. It is stored in the tape width register 50e (step S2).

For the liquid crystal display unit 3, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the format pattern selection screen is displayed (step S3). On the format pattern selection screen, when the cursor is used to select and instruct the format pattern (1) of one block of one row pattern, the format pattern of one block and one row is stored as "18 mm" in the tape width register 50e. The maximum character size and number of characters that can fit in the tape width are determined.

Then, a data input request screen for inputting print data according to the determined format pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 3 (steps S4 → S5).

When the character key 2b is operated to sequentially input and display "Mayu Aikawa ..." In the display state of the data input request screen, the range of the maximum number of characters determined by the selection of the format pattern is displayed. It is sequentially judged whether or not it is within the maximum number, and if the maximum number of characters is exceeded, an error message is displayed (steps S6 → S7).

On the other hand, desired print data "Mayumi Aikawa"
When the "registration" key 2e is operated in a state where the input has been completed and it is determined that it is within the maximum number of characters, an input request message for the text name of the input print data "Aikawa Mayumi" is displayed ( Steps S8 → S9 → S10).

Here, the character key 2b is operated to input a text name, for example, "L-MAYU", and the "execute" key 2
When f is operated, the print data “Mayumi Aikawa” input according to the data input request screen with the input text name as a file name is stored in the RAM 50 together with the format data selected and set according to the format selection screen. It is stored in the printing / plate-making data memory 50b (steps S11 → S12).

In the printing / plate-making process in FIG. 11,
In order to print the label of the print data “Mayumi Aikawa” registered in the print / plate-making data memory 50f in the RAM 50 according to the data input process, the “print / plate-making” key 2d is used.
When is operated, first, the tape type detection switch 51b is used to move the tape cassette storage portion 5 of the apparatus main body 1 to 18
It is detected that the printing cassette 4a having the mm width tape is mounted (step A1).

Further, a file name list screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 3 and a file selection request message is displayed (steps A2 and A3). Here, the file name “LM” displayed on the file name list screen is displayed.
When "AYU" is selected by the cursor and designated, a processing selection request screen is displayed for performing normal printing processing, plate-making printing processing, or sample printing processing on the designated file (steps A4 → A5).

When the cursor is selected from "normal print" on the processing selection request screen and the "execute" key 2f is operated, the tape cassette is read based on the tape type data stored in the tape type register 50d in the RAM 50. The cassette that is installed in the storage unit 5 in advance is 18 mm
It is confirmed that the printing cassette 4b has a width tape, and the 18 mm printing tape T accommodated therein is provided.
Normal print processing is executed for A (step A6 → A)
7c → A8c).

That is, the plate-making print data "Mayumi Aikawa" corresponding to the file name "L-MAYU" selected according to the file selection request screen is read from the print / plate-making data memory 50f in the RAM 50 and stored together with it. According to the format data for the 18 mm width tape, the print data is expanded in the print buffer 50b as bitmap print data.

Then, the label printing data "Mayumi Aikawa" developed in the printing buffer 50b is thermally transferred to the printing tape TA fed from the printing cassette 4a as the platen roller 8 rotates. Print head 7
Then, one dot line is printed one by one as shown in FIG.
The label is printed as shown in. Then, the label-printed printing tape TA is cut by the cutter mechanism 47 and separated and discharged.

In this case, the printing tape TA which is the object of label printing is a tape having a width of 18 mm, and the print data "Mayumi Aikawa" is the maximum character size and the number of characters corresponding to the tape having a width of 18 mm. Since the printing is performed according to the above format, both the front and rear margins l1 and the top and bottom margins l2 are set to be very small, and a good-looking label can be created.

FIG. 12D shows the format selection screen (see FIG. 9) when performing the same normal printing process as described above.
Format pattern of 2 lines per block in (2)
Shows the normal printing state on the printing tape TA when "AB Women's University Faculty of Letters English Department" is entered as the print data and "Aikawa Mayumi" is entered as the print data.

In this case also, in the same manner as described above, if the printing tape TA to be label-printed has a width of, for example, 24 mm, it is printed according to the maximum character size and number of characters corresponding to the 24 mm width tape. Therefore, the front and rear margin portion l1 and the vertical margin portion l2
Both are set to very low, resulting in a nice looking label.

Therefore, according to the label printer having the above structure, when the label is printed by mounting the printing cassette 4a having the 18 mm width tape, for example, the tape type detection switch 51b and the tape width detection switch 52b are used to detect the 18 mm width. RAM detected as printing tape TA
By being stored in the tape type register 50d and the tape width register 50e in the 50, the print data is developed in accordance with the print format that sets the maximum character size and the number of characters corresponding to the 18 mm width tape, and the margin portion l1
, L2 is printed very little, and
In the case where the plate making cassette 4b having the same 18 mm width tape is mounted for plate making printing, even if it is detected as an 18 mm wide stencil sheet tape TB, the tape width register is set as a 12 mm wide stencil sheet tape TB which is one size narrower. By being stored in 50e, the plate-making data is mirror-developed in accordance with the plate-making format that sets the maximum character size and the number of characters corresponding to the 12 mm width tape, which is one size smaller than the actual plate-making target tape width, and the margin portions L1 and L2 are expanded. Since the prepress printing is performed with sufficient security, in the case of label printing, it is possible to print a full width of the tape to create a good-looking label. It is possible to prevent the ink from bleeding out at the time of stamping by performing the plate making with a sufficient margin.

Therefore, one label printer can produce both a good-looking label tape and a high-quality plate-making tape. In the above-described embodiment, the width display portion of the cassette case 21 is used to detect the tape width of the printing tape TA or the stencil sheet tape TB included in the cassette mounted in the tape cassette housing portion 5 of the apparatus body 1. The width of the cassette case 21 is displayed by detecting the combined state of the first and second detection holes h1 / h2 formed in the above by detecting "ON" and "OFF" of the width detection switch 52b (SW1 / SW2). It is also possible to attach a sticker or the like that is displayed as a bar code as a section and read the bar code data with a bar code reader provided in the tape cassette housing section 5 to detect the tape width.

[0096]

As described above, according to the printing / plate-making device of the first aspect of the present invention, the first cassette containing the printing tape and the plate-making tape containing the heat-sensitive stencil sheet are contained. The two cassettes are attached to the main body of the apparatus in an exchangeable manner, and the print data including the characters, the plate-making data, and various command data are input by the input means. The formats of the print data and the plate-making data which are input from the input means and are subjected to printing and plate-making processing include data of the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the margin size of the surroundings. When the printing format and the printing format are specified by setting the printing plate size larger than that for printing, and the printing format is designated, the printing data input by the input means is designated. When the plate for printing is thermally printed according to the format and the plate making format is specified, the plate making tape is melted according to the specified plate making format based on the plate making data input by the input means. Since it is perforated to make a plate, you can replace the tape cassette between the printing tape and the plate making tape. Ri becomes one print plate making is performed so the apparatus, moreover, the setting of the margins by prepress format, so protruding ink is prevented.

Further, according to the printing / platemaking apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the printing tape having a plurality of width sizes or a plurality of types of cassettes respectively accommodating one of the platemaking tapes are used for the printing. In the case of a cassette containing a tape, the width itself of the contained tape is displayed, and in the case of the cassette containing the plate-making tape, a width information section for displaying a size smaller than the width of the contained tape is provided. The width information section is provided to detect the tape width of one cassette loaded in the apparatus body. Then, the character size of the print data and the plate-making data which are input from the input means and are subjected to printing and plate-making processing is determined to be the largest size that fits in the detected tape width, and the character size is input based on the determined character size. Since the respective print data and plate-making data are thermally printed on the printing tape or plate-making on the plate-making tape, the printing tape and the plate-making tape are replaced by the tape cassette to print by one device. Platemaking can be performed, and the character size of the platemaking data for the platemaking tape is smaller than the character size of the print data for the printing tape, and the margins around the area are secured, preventing ink bleeding. Will be done.

Further, according to the printing / plate-making apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of cassettes respectively containing the printing tape or the plate-making tape are replaceably mounted on the apparatus main body. Then, the plate-making format of the character data which is inputted from the input means and subjected to the plate-making process is determined, and when the plate-making is instructed by the input means, the plate-making pattern data in which the character data is made into a mirror image is created according to the plate-making format. When the sample is printed on the plate-making tape and the sample printing is instructed by the input means, the print pattern data of the character data is created according to the plate-making format and printed on the printing tape. By changing the tape cassette between the tape and the plate-making tape, printing and plate-making can be performed with one device, and moreover, the plate-making pattern data created in the plate-making format can be confirmed by sample printing before making the plate. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment of a printing / plate-making device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an external configuration of a main part on the back surface side of the label printer.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a tape cassette detachably stored in a tape cassette storage portion of the label printer, FIG. 3 (A) is a plan view showing the configuration of a printing cassette, and FIG. ) Is a plan view showing the configuration of the plate-making cassette.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a width display portion provided in a printing cassette and a plate making cassette of the label printer, and FIG. 4A is a view showing a width display portion of a printing cassette accommodating a 6 mm width tape; FIG. 2B is a view showing a width display portion of a printing and plate making cassette containing a 12 mm width tape, and FIG. 1C is a width display portion of a printing and plate making cassette containing an 18 mm width tape. Figure, (D) is 24mm
The figure which shows the width display part of the cassette for printing and plate making which accommodated the width tape.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a stamp base for performing stamp printing using the stencil sheet tape TB made by the label printer.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a stamp base that performs stamp printing using the stencil sheet tape TB made by the label printer.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the label printer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data register provided in a RAM of an electronic circuit of the label printer.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a display state of a format selection screen displayed along with the data input processing of the label printer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a data input process of the label printer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a printing / platemaking process of the label printer.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a printing / plate-making state associated with the printing / plate-making process of the label printer, and FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B) are plate-making print data having different format patterns for the stencil sheet tape TB. Showing the plate making state (actually a mirror image plate making), and FIGS. 7C and 7D are diagrams showing the printing state of print data having different format patterns on the printing tape TA.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Device main body, 2 ... Key input part, 2a ... "ON / OFF" key, 2b ... Character key, 2c ... Cursor key, 2d ... "Print / engraving" key, 2e ... "Register" key, 2f ... "Execute Keys, 3 ... Liquid crystal dot matrix display section, 4a ... Printing cassette, 4b ... Plate making cassette, 5 ... Tape cassette housing section, 6 ... Protective cover, 7 ... Thermal print head, 8 ... Platen roller, 9 ... Tape cassette Lid, 10 ... Lever, 11 ... Lock button, 12 ... Ink ribbon winding shaft, 21 ... Cassette case, 22 ... Notch for mounting print head, 23 ... Printing tape supply spool, 24 ... Ink ribbon supply spool, 25a ... Tape outlet, 25b ... Tape outlet, 26 ... Ink ribbon take-up spool, 27 ... Stencil sheet tape supply spool, 28a 28b ... Hole, TA ... Printing tape, TB ... Heat-sensitive stencil sheet tape, R ... Ink ribbon, h1, h2 ... First and second detection holes, 30 ... Outer case, 31 ... Frame body, 32 ... Ink occlusion body , 33 ... Housing part, 34 ... Support part, 35 ... Leg part, 36 ... Coil spring, 40 ... Control part (CPU), 41 ... Display memory, 42 ... Display driver, 43 ... Print control part, 44a ... Tape transport motor Driver, 44b ... Head driver, 45 ... Tape transport motor, 46a ... Cutter motor driver, 46b ... Cutter motor, 47 ... Cutter mechanism, 48 ... ROM, 49 ... Character generator, 50 ... RAM, 50a ... Input buffer, 50b ... Printing Buffer, 50c ... Print image data register, 50d ... Tape type register, 50e ... Tape Width register, 50f ... Printing / prepress data memory, 51a ... Tape type detection circuit, 51b ... Tape type detection switch, 52a ... Tape width detection circuit, 52b (SW1 / SW2) ... Tape width detection switch, L1, L2 ... Plate making Margins during printing, l1, l2 ... Margins during normal printing.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06F 17/00 7925-5L G06F 15/20

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first cassette containing a printing tape, a second cassette containing a plate-making tape made of a heat-sensitive stencil sheet, and the first cassette and the second cassette are exchangeable. An apparatus main body to be mounted, an input unit for inputting print data and plate-making data including characters, and various command data, and a format of each of print data and plate-making data which are input from the input unit to be subjected to printing and plate-making processing,
A format storage unit that stores each of the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the surrounding margin size data, the margin size being set by setting the plate making size larger than that for printing, and the printing format and the plate making format. A format designating means for selectively designating one of the printing format and the plate making format; and a heating element, wherein the print data is designated by the format designating means according to an instruction from the input means. Printing and plate making means for thermally printing on the printing tape according to the format, and performing plate making by melting and punching the plate making tape according to the plate making format specified by the format specifying means based on the plate making data. And a cap for cutting the printing tape and the plate making tape after the plate making process. Printing and plate making apparatus, characterized by comprising a means. 2. A plurality of types of cassettes respectively containing one of a printing tape or a plate-making tape having a plurality of width sizes, and a cassette provided in the cassette and containing the printing tape. The width information section that displays the width of the tape itself, and, in the case of the cassette containing the plate-making tape, a size smaller than the width of the contained tape, and one of the plurality of types of cassettes mounted. Device main body, tape width detecting means for detecting the tape width of the cassette mounted on the main body of the apparatus by the width information part, input means for inputting print data and plate-making data including characters, and this input means The largest character size of the character size of the print data and the plate-making data which is input from the printer and the plate-making process is within the tape width detected by the tape width detecting means. And the printing data and the plate-making data input from the input unit based on the character size decided by the size-determining means are thermally printed on the printing tape, or A printing / plate making apparatus comprising: a printing / plate making means for making a plate on a tape; and a cutter means for cutting the printing tape and the plate making tape that have undergone the printing and plate making processes. 3. The printing according to claim 2, wherein the width information section is formed by a specific outer shape of a cassette case, and the detection means is formed by an electric switch that engages with the outer shape.・ Plate making equipment. 4. The width information section is composed of a bar code provided outside the cassette case, and the detection means is composed of a bar code reader for reading the bar code information. The described printing and plate making equipment. 5. The plate-making tape is a heat-sensitive stencil tape, the printing tape is a thermal transfer tape, and an ink ribbon is housed together with the thermal transfer tape in a cassette housing the printing tape. The printing / platemaking apparatus according to claim 2. 6. A plurality of cassettes respectively accommodating printing tapes or plate-making tapes, an apparatus main body in which the plurality of cassettes are replaceably mounted, input means for inputting character data and various command data, and the input. Format storage means for defining a plate-making format of character data which is inputted from the means and subjected to plate-making processing, and when the plate-making is instructed by the input means, plate-making pattern data in which the character data is made into a mirror image is created according to the plate-making format Plate making pattern data creating means, print pattern data creating means for creating print pattern data of the character data according to the plate making format when sample printing is instructed by the input means, and made by the plate making pattern data creating means Plate-making on the plate-making tape based on the plate-making pattern data A printing / plate-making unit that prints on the printing tape with the print pattern data created by the print-pattern-data creating unit; and a cutter unit that cuts the printing tape and the plate-making tape that have completed the printing and plate-making processes. A printing / plate-making device characterized by being provided. 7. The printing / plate-making apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate-making format includes each data of the number of lines, the character size of each line, and the margin size of the periphery.