JPH11151834A - Medium to be recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medium to be recorded which can be recorded on entire width thereof, wherein a portion of a platen not carrying the medium is recorded, a platen portion supporting the medium is not burnt and an ink is prevented from attaching to it. SOLUTION: A width W1 in one direction of a tape TP to be recorded by a thermal head HD is greater than a recording width W3 of the thermal head HD in the same direction. A width W2 of an effective recording region which is set beforehand in the same direction of the tape TP is set to be smaller than the recording width W3 of the thermal head HD. As a result, the tape TP is disposed in a portion opposite to the thermal head HD, so that the thermal head HD does not record a portion of a platen 4 supporting the tape TP.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium used in a recording apparatus in which a recording head can record characters, marks, etc., and more particularly to a recording medium supported by a platen used in the recording apparatus. It relates to a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There have been conventionally known various recording apparatuses in which a recording head moves relative to a recording medium supported by a platen to perform recording. For example, a recording apparatus employing a line thermal head is known. In the apparatus, a line thermal head in which the thermal elements are arranged for one line width in the main scanning direction of the recording medium is fixed, and the recording is performed on the recording medium while being conveyed in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the arrangement direction of the thermal elements. I do.
In this case, since recording is performed over the entire width of the recording medium,
In some cases, the recording apparatus is designed so that the recording width of the line thermal head is larger than a predetermined recording medium width.

[0003]

However, in such a recording apparatus, a portion of the line thermal head that is larger than the width of the recording medium records a portion of the platen where no recording medium exists, and the platen portion If you burn or use an ink ribbon, apply ink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and performs printing over the entire width of a recording medium, and burns a platen portion supporting the recording medium or deposits ink thereon. It is an object of the present invention to provide an excellent recording medium that does not lose its durability.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium in which a recording head is used in a recording apparatus for recording the recording medium. Wherein the length of the recording medium in one direction is greater than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, and the effective recording range preset in the one direction of the recording medium is The recording width is set smaller than the recording width of the recording head. As described above, since the length of the recording medium in one direction is larger than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, the recording medium exists at the position where the recording head faces, and the platen supporting the recording medium is located on the platen. No portion is recorded by the recording head. Further, the effective recording range preset in the one direction of the recording medium,
Since the recording width is set to be smaller than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, the recording head can perform recording to the full recording effective range.

According to the recording medium of the present invention, a carriage having a recording head on which recording elements are arranged by one line width in the main scanning direction of the recording medium is provided. The recording element conveys the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the recording medium, and the recording element performs recording on the recording medium while the carriage reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction in a recording area on the recording medium in a stationary state. A recording medium used in a recording apparatus, wherein the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction is larger than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, and in the main scanning direction of the recording medium. The recording effective range set in advance is set to be smaller than the length of the recording width of the recording head in the same direction. Thereby, the carriage is arranged in the main scanning direction of the recording medium by one line width while the carriage reciprocates in the recording area on the recording medium in a stationary state in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the recording elements. The recording element performs recording on the recording medium in a stationary state, so that the recording element intersects with the arrangement direction of the recording elements in a state where the recording head in which the recording elements are arranged by one line width is fixed in the main scanning direction of the recording medium. As in the case of the line recording method for recording on a recording medium conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, recording can be performed on the recording medium at high speed. In particular, when a carriage on which a recording head is mounted on a recording medium in a fixed state is transported in the sub-scanning direction,
Compared to the case where the recording medium is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the fixed recording head, conveyance control with extremely high precision can be performed, so that the recording quality is extremely excellent. Since the length of the recording medium in one direction is larger than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, the recording medium exists at a position facing the recording head, and the recording medium exists in the same direction. The recording head does not record the portion of the platen that is not used. Further, since the effective recording range preset in the one direction of the recording medium is set smaller than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, the recording head can perform recording to the full effective recording range. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the first or second aspect, a recording effective range of the recording medium and a blank area other than the recording effective range. A half-cut portion for facilitating the separation between the effective recording area and the margin area. Thus, when the recording area and the margin area are gripped and torn apart, the tear area is torn at the half-cut portion, and unnecessary margin areas can be easily removed from the recording area.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the recording medium according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a release paper is provided on one side of the recording medium on the back side thereof. Characterized by being provided with an adhesive material in which is laminated. Thus, if the release paper is peeled off from the adhesive, the recording medium can be attached to the attachment such as the spine of the file via the adhesive.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a recording apparatus using a recording medium according to the present invention is a tape for printing a large number of characters or marks such as hiragana, kanji and symbols on a recording medium such as a tape. This is performed by a printing device, a thermal printer that prints on recording paper via an ink ribbon, or the like. FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, showing the internal configuration of a tape printing apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a roller holder 3f and the like used in the tape printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a state in which an ink ribbon housed in a ribbon cassette used in the tape printing apparatus is pulled out. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tape cassette used in the tape printer, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a section of the tape cassette and the like taken along line AA in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a housing 1 inside the tape printing apparatus includes left and right side plates 1L, 1R and front and rear side plates 1L.
M, 1N, and these left and right side plates 1L, 1R and front and rear side plates 1M, 1N are connected to a top plate (not shown) and a bottom plate of the printing apparatus. These side plates 1L, 1
In R, 1M and 1N, a carriage CA on which a thermal head HD as a recording head is mounted, and a carriage transport system 2 as transport means for transporting the carriage CA.
And a tape transport system 3 as a recording medium transport means for transporting a tape TP as a recording medium, and the tape TP
Platen 4 opposed to thermal head HD via
And a tape cutting device 5 as cutting means for cutting the tape TP, and an ink ribbon IR on the thermal head HD.
And a ribbon transport system 7 for transporting the same.

The carriage transport system 2 includes a stepping motor SM mounted on an outer front portion of the side plate 1L,
A motor shaft SM1 penetrating the side plate 1L inward.
, A driving pulley 2b meshing with the motor gear 2a, a timing belt supporting gear portion 2c formed integrally with the driving pulley 2b,
A timing belt 2 that is attached to a shaft portion J1 protruding from the side plate 1L toward the side plate 1R and that is connected between the timing belt supporting gear portion 2c and the idle pulley 2d and coupled to the carriage CA.
e, and a carriage guide bar CA2 and the like penetrating a plurality of (in this case, two) holes CA1 formed in the carriage CA in the direction along the side plates 1L and 1R (the direction of the arrow Y1). Therefore, when the stepping motor SM drives the motor shaft SM1 and the motor gear 2a to rotate clockwise (or counterclockwise) in FIG. 1, the driving force causes the driving pulley gear 2b to rotate counterclockwise (or clockwise). By rotating, the timing belt supporting gear 2c also rotates counterclockwise (or clockwise),
The timing belt 2e moves in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow Y1 (or in the direction of the arrow Y1). Therefore, the carriage CA
Reciprocates along the carriage guide bar CA2 in accordance with the rotation direction of the motor shaft SM1 of the stepping motor SM, so that the transport system 2 moves the carriage CA on which the thermal head HD is mounted, A transport unit for transporting in the scanning direction is configured. In this case, the carriage CA is provided with a target CA4 for detecting a position along the direction of the arrow Y1, and the target CA4 is detected by a carriage origin sensor CA5 installed at a predetermined position inside the side plate 1L. , The apparatus can detect that the carriage CA has passed the origin.

The tape transport system 3 includes an upper tape feed roller 3a extending in a direction (arrow Z1 direction) intersecting with the arrow Y1 direction for transporting the tape TP in the sub-scanning direction (direction opposite to the arrow Y1 direction). And a lower tape drive roller 3b, a stepping motor SN attached to the outer front portion of the side plate 1R for rotating the tape drive roller 3b, and a motor shaft SN1 penetrating the side plate 1R inward. The motor gear 3c and the tape drive gear 3d (FIG. 2) attached to the side plate 1R of the roller shaft 3b1 that rotates integrally with the tape drive roller 3b.
), The tape drive gear 3d and the motor gear 3
c and a transmission gear 3e that meshes with both gears 3d and 3c. When the stepping motor SN drives the motor shaft SN1 and the motor gear 3c to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
As a result of rotation of the transmission gear 3e meshing with c in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, the tape drive gear 3d rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1, and the tape drive roller 3b also rotates counterclockwise in FIG. When the tape drive roller 3b is pressed against the tape feed roller 3a, the rotation of the tape drive roller 3b in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
And the tape TP interposed between the tape feed roller 3a and
The sheet is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (the direction opposite to the arrow Y1 direction). Therefore, the tape transport system 3 constitutes a recording medium transport unit that transports the tape TP as the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction.

In this embodiment, the tape drive roller 3b is mounted inside a roller holder 3f disposed inside the side plates 1R and 1L.
Are separated from the tape feed roller 3a, and both rollers 3a,
This is for the purpose of facilitating the insertion of the leading end of the tape TP between the portions 3b. As shown in FIG. 2, the roller holder 3f includes a bottom plate 3f1 extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape drive roller 3b, and a bent portion 3f2 bent upward from both ends of the bottom plate 3f1 in an L-shape. Bent part 3f
2, the roller shaft 3b1 is rotatably mounted. Then, the support shaft 3e1 of the transmission gear 3e moves the bent portion 3f2 on one side of the roller holder 3f so that the tape drive gear 3d rotates around the transmission gear 3e as a planetary gear while always meshing with the transmission gear 3e. Support through. Here, the bent portion 3f2 on the opposite side is supported by the support shaft 3e2 extending coaxially with the rotation center position of the support shaft 3e1 and extending from the side plate 1L side.
Is a tape feed roller 3a integrated with the roller holder 3f.
Can be uniformly pressed against or separated from the substrate.

Further, the side plate 1 is provided on one of the bent portions 3f2.
An operation plate 3f3 is provided so as to protrude toward the outside of R, and a cam 3h that rotates integrally with an operation lever 3g extending toward the side plate 1M is provided so as to abut against the operation plate 3f3. A plurality of compression coil springs 3k (two in this case) are provided below the roller holder 3f.
The tape drive roller 3a is arranged with respect to the tape feed roller 3a by the urging force of the compression coil spring 3k.
b can be pressed. Thus, when the operation lever 3g is rotated in the direction of the arrow Y3 in FIG.
3 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow Y4 in FIG. 1, the roller holder 3f moves in the direction opposite to the arrow Y4 in FIG. 1, and the tape drive roller 3b is pressed against the tape feed roller 3a. On the other hand, when the operating lever 3g is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow Y3 in FIG. 1, the cam 3h moves the operating plate 3f3 in the direction of the arrow Y4 in FIG.
Moves in the direction of arrow Y4 in FIG.
Is also separated from the tape feed roller 3a. As described above, while the tape drive gear 3d rotates around the transmission gear 3e as a planetary gear, the roller holder 3f rotates about the support shaft 3e1 of the transmission gear 3e, so that the tape drive roller 3b becomes the tape feed roller. Even in the case where the tape driving roller 3b receives the driving force of the stepping motor SN, the tape TP interposed between the tape driving roller 3b and the tape feeding roller 3a is changed even when the tape driving roller 3b is brought into the pressure contact state from the separated state. The sheet can be transported in the sub-scanning direction (the direction opposite to the arrow Y1 direction).

On the platen 4 side of the carriage CA, the thermal head HD is provided so as to project from the carriage CA toward the side plate 1R, and the recording surface of the thermal head HD generates heat as a recording element in units of one dot. Possible heating elements are arranged for one line width in the direction of arrow Z1. On the side of the side plate 1R of the carriage CA, a ribbon detection sensor SE is arranged in parallel with the thermal head HD, and as described later, the ink ribbon IR conveys within the detection range of the ribbon detection sensor SE. I have. Further, a head pressure motor CA3 is provided in the carriage CA, and the head pressure motor CA3 is connected to the thermal head HD via a head pressure transmission mechanism (not shown) that receives the driving force of the head pressure motor CA3. Is pressed against the platen 4 via the tape TP, or is separated from the platen 4.

In this case, a color ribbon cassette RC having a length of one line width of the heating element may be mounted on the side plate 1R of the carriage CA so as not to come into contact with the thermal head HD and the ribbon detection sensor SE. Specifically, a plurality of (in this case, two) positioning pins CA4 provided on the side plate 1R side of the carriage CA are loaded into positioning recesses (not shown) of the color ribbon cassette RC, Carriage CA with color ribbon cassette RC
Can be mounted on the side plate 1R side.

The ribbon transport system 7 transports the ink ribbon IR in the color ribbon cassette RC in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow Y1. The ribbon transport system 7 includes a spool 7a disposed on the carriage CA on the downstream side of the thermal head HD, and a spool 7b disposed on the upstream side of the thermal head HD. As a result, the spool 7a is mounted on the used ribbon take-up reel RC1 in the color ribbon cassette RC, and the spool 7b is mounted on the unused ribbon supply reel RC in the color ribbon cassette RC.
2 is mounted inside. Then, the ribbon take-up mechanism (not shown) rotates the spool 7a in response to the rotational driving force of the head pressure motor CA3, so that the used ribbon take-up reel RC1 is rotated during the recording operation.
The ink ribbon IR pulled out from the printer is passed between the ribbon detection sensors SE, and further wound while being conveyed to the spool 7a side through the recording surface side of the thermal head HD. A mechanism in which a thermal head on a carriage is pressed against or separated from a recording medium and the ink ribbon on the carriage is wound by a single motor is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-94374 and other patent publications. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted here.

A tape cassette 8 containing the tape TP on the rear side and having a tape feed roller 3a on the front side is attached and detached so as to pass through the opening 1R1 between the front right and left right plates 1R and toward the left side plate 1L. Arranged as possible. The tape cassette 8 can hold one side of the tape TP in a rolled state around the shaft portion 8a and can pull out the leading end of the tape TP toward the opposite side. And a large amount of tape TP whose one side is held in a rolled state can be stored. The tape cassette 8 includes left and right guides 8b and 8c that support both ends of the tape TP in the direction of the arrow Z1, and connects the guides 8b and 8c at the front side and accommodates the tape feed roller 3a. And a front connecting portion 8d. And the guide part 8
b and 8c move the tape cassette 8 from the side plate 1R to the side plate 1L.
Tape TP pulled out when mounted in the direction toward
Can be prevented from being caught by a member in the housing 1. Further, since the tape cassette 8 is formed with an opening 8e that allows the thermal head HD to contact the tape TP, the platen 4 extending in the sub-scanning direction in the opening 8e is accommodated in the opening 8e. In the state, the opening 8e
The thermal head HD is transported inside.

More specifically, the tape guides 8b and 8c are provided with concave portions 8b1 and 8c1, and both ends of the tape TP in the direction of arrow Z1 fit into the concave portions 8b1 and 8c1. A positioning recess (not shown) for positioning the tape cassette 8 is provided on the side plate 1L side of the tape cassette 8.
Are provided at two places, and when the shaft J2 protruding from the shaft J1 and the timing belt supporting gear 2c to the side plate 1R side is fitted, the tape cassette 8 becomes the housing 1
It is set to a predetermined position in. FIG. 5 also shows the positional relationship between the tape guides 8b and 8c of the tape cassette 8 and the platen 4 and the like, and the tape guides 8b and 8c are located outside the travel range of the platen 4 and the thermal head HD. positioned. The tape guide 8b on the left side of FIG. 5 is located between the lower surface of the thermal head HD and the upper surface 4a of the platen 4 when the thermal head HD is separated from the platen 4, and the lower end surface 8b2 of the tape guide 8b is And the upper surface 4a of the platen 4 with a slight space (for example, 1 to 2 mm).

The tape guide 8c on the opposite side (right side in FIG. 5) has a platen 4 when the tape guide 8 is mounted.
Therefore, the thickness of the tape guide 8c is designed to be thicker than that of the tape guide 8b, and the rigidity of the tape guide 8c made of, for example, plastic is maintained. Specifically, the thickness of the tape guide 8b is about 5 mm, while the thickness of the tape guide 8c is 7 to 10 mm.
mm. As a result, the tape guide 8c
Is located below the upper surface 4a of the platen 4. Due to such a positional relationship, the distance for releasing the thermal head HD from the platen 4 is such that the left tape guide portion 8c passes between the thermal head HD and the platen 4, as shown in FIG. Need to be separated as much as possible. Therefore, the head pressure motor CA3 is driven to sufficiently separate the thermal head HD from the platen 4.

In addition, a cutting device 5 as cutting means for cutting the leading end side of the tape TP is provided at the outer front portion of the side plate 1M. The cutting device 5 includes a fixed cutter blade 5b and a movable cutter blade 5a, and a cutter lever 5c connected to the movable cutter blade 5a is used to drive a drive source (for example, an electromagnetic solenoid or the like) 5d. On the basis of,
By moving the movable cutter blade 5a up and down with respect to the lower fixing cutter blade 5b, it is possible to cut the tape TP coming out of the discharge port 1M1 formed in the side plate 1M. The reason for this configuration is that the length x of the front margin area before the recording start position of the part where the recording was performed on the tape TP or the length q of the rear margin area after the recording end position is determined by the keyboard IN or the like. This is for cutting the tape TP to a length corresponding to the set amount, and the control device CP (see FIG. 10) described later operates the cutter lever 5c using the drive source 5d. The movable cutter blade 5a can be moved up and down with respect to the lower fixed cutter blade 5b. However, the user may be able to operate the cutter lever 5c as necessary.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the cutters 5a and 5b and the rollers 3a and 3b, the relationship between the cutters 5a and 5b and the recording start position Pa, and the relationship between the length P of the recording area. . That is, the distance L is equal to the cutter 5
a, K1 and recording start position P
a, P is the distance between the recording start position Pa and the recording end position Pb, and the thermal head HD moves the recording start position Pa
And the recording end position Pb.

FIG. 7 shows the tape width W of the tape TP.
FIG. 1 is a diagram clearly illustrating the relationship between the effective recording range width W2 of the tape TP, the recording width W3 of the thermal head HD, and the length of the platen width W4. This indicates that recording can be performed over the entire width of the effective recording range W2.
That is, the length of the tape TP in the main scanning direction (tape width W
1) is a recording width W of the thermal head HD in the same direction.
3, and the recording effective range width W2 preset in the main scanning direction of the tape TP is set smaller than the recording width W3 of the thermal head HD in the same direction. Can be recorded up to the full width of the effective recording range W2. Further, since the platen width W4 of the platen 4 is smaller than the tape width W1, the thermal head HD does not record the platen 4 having no tape TP or burn the platen 4 and adhere ink.

FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the tape TP.
On the front side of the tape TP, a recording effective portion TP1 having a recording effective range width W2 and left and right margin regions TP2 and TP3.
Consists of An adhesive is applied to the back surface side of the recording effective portion TP1 and the left and right margin areas TP2 and TP3 of the tape TP, and a release paper TP4 is attached to the adhesive. Also, a recording effective portion TP1 in the main scanning direction of the tape TP and a margin area TP other than the recording effective portion TP1.
Since the half-cut portion TP5 is provided at the boundary between the recording effective portion TP1 and the margin region TP,
2. Separation from TP3 can be facilitated. In this case, the recording effective portion TP1 is held down and the margin regions TP2, T
If you grab P3 and pull it, it will break at the half-cut TP5,
Unnecessary blank areas TP2 and TP3 from the recording effective part TP1
Can be easily removed. Such a margin area T
Since the sizes of P2 and TP3 can be set arbitrarily, it is possible to set the size to be convenient and to set the recording effective portion TP1 to be large. Then, when the release paper TP4 is peeled off from the adhesive material, the recording effective portion TP1 of the tape TP can be attached to an attachment such as a spine of a file via the adhesive material. However, the adhesive may be a double-sided tape or the like in addition to a general adhesive.

Next, a description will be given of the ribbon cassette RC.
An ink ribbon IR sequentially provided with a plurality of ink areas of a magenta color and a yellow color ink area (hereinafter, abbreviated as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)) is a cassette frame. Housed inside. Then, as described above, the ink ribbon IR pulled out from the reel RC2 is rotated by the driving force of the driving motor CA3 (see FIG. 3) to rotate the reel RC1 so that the sensor S
E, the reel RC after passing through the thermal head HD
Wound around one.

The sensor SE includes a light emitting element SE1 for irradiating the ink ribbon IR and a light receiving element SE2 for receiving the transmitted light of the ink ribbon IR out of the irradiation light.
In this case, the ribbon cassette RC is disposed on the carriage CA so as to protrude toward the near side in FIG.
Is mounted on the carriage CA, the ribbon cassette RC
The light-emitting element SE1 and the light-receiving element SE2 fit into the inside. The light emitted from the light emitting element SE1 is
The light passes through the ink ribbon IR interposed between the light emitting element SE1 and the light receiving element SE2 to irradiate the light receiving element SE2.

Specifically, the light emitting element SE1 is, for example,
Using a red LED that emits red light, the light receiving element SE2
Outputs an output signal of a voltage value corresponding to the amount of transmitted light of the ink ribbon IR to the control device CP (see FIG. 10), so that the control device CP outputs the cyan (C) color of the ink ribbon IR in the ribbon cassette RC. And other magenta (M) or yellow (Y) colors. For example, when the magenta (M) or yellow (Y) ink ribbon IR is transported to the detection position of the sensor SE (between the light emitting element SE1 and the light receiving element SE2),
The irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is not so shielded by the magenta (M) or yellow (Y) color.
The output signal of the light receiving element SE2 is large. On the other hand, when the cyan (C) ink ribbon IR is transported to the detection position of the sensor SE, the irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is sufficiently shielded by the cyan (C), so that the light receiving element S1
The output signal of E2 is small, and it is possible to distinguish between cyan (C) and other colors of ink.

The ink ribbon IR has an ink region of substantially the same length T for each color, that is, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and the like. A detection mark M1 is provided at the boundary between C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). In the case of this embodiment, the detection mark M1 has a transparent portion Ma, a black portion Mb, and a transparent portion Ma arranged in this order. When the transparent portion Ma is transported to the detection position of the sensor SE, the irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is transmitted. On the other hand, when the black portion Mb is transported to the detection position of the sensor SE, the irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is emitted. Since the light is blocked, the control device CP can determine that the light receiving element SE2 is the boundary by receiving the output signal of the voltage value corresponding to the transparent portion Ma, the black portion Mb, and the transparent portion Ma. Further, the end portion (ribbon end) of the ink ribbon IR shown in FIG. 3 has an end mark (end mark) M2 different from the detection mark M1.
In this case, the end mark M2 exists after the length T of the last cyan (C) area.

The end mark M2 includes, for example, a transparent portion Ma, a black portion Mb, a transparent portion Ma, a black portion M
.. are arranged alternately in large numbers. The transparent part Ma
Is transported to the detection position of the sensor SE, the light emitting element SE
When the black portion Mb is conveyed to the detection position of the sensor SE while the irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is transmitted, the irradiation light of the light emitting element SE1 is shielded.
E2 is a transparent portion Ma, a black portion Mb, a transparent portion Ma,.
By receiving an output signal having a voltage value corresponding to the symbol (1), it is possible to determine that the end portion (ribbon end) of the ink ribbon IR.

Next, the electrical configuration of this device is shown in FIG.
Explanation will be made using 0. Control device CP for tape printer
Is based on a central control unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU)
A keyboard IN as an input device, and a memory C for a character generator used for displaying and printing characters and the like
G-ROM and display LCD as display device
And a drive motor C used for transporting the ink ribbon IR, etc.
A motor drive circuit MK for driving A3, SN, SM, etc.,
The thermal head HD, sensors including the sensors SE and CA5, and the like, and a drive source 5d for operating the cutter lever 5c are connected. The control device CP incorporates the CPU, a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) and a readable / writable memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM).
P controls the heating element to record on the tape TP while the carriage CA reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction in the recording area on the tape TP in a stationary state, as described later.

When driving the drive motors CA3, SM, SN, etc., the motor drive circuit MK controls the control device CP.
For example, when the control device CP drives the drive motor CA3 by a predetermined amount via the motor drive circuit MK, the reel RC2 rotates by a predetermined amount, and the ink ribbon I
R is transported by a predetermined amount. At this time, the control amount of the ink ribbon IR can be detected and controlled by the control device CP detecting and controlling the drive amount of the drive motor CA3. Further, the control device CP controls the drive motor S via the motor drive circuit MK.
When M is driven by a predetermined amount, the timing belt 2e can be moved by a predetermined amount, so that the thermal head HD can be moved to a predetermined position, and when the drive motor SN is driven by a predetermined amount, the tape TP can be conveyed by a predetermined amount. Can be. The keyboard IN has a key IN1 for inputting a length x of a front margin area in FIG. 9 or a key IN2 for inputting a length q of a rear margin area after a recording end position.
It has. Accordingly, the key IN1 constitutes a front margin setting means for setting the length x of the front margin area before the recording start position, and the key IN2 is used for setting the length q of the margin area after the recording end position. A margin setting means is configured. The sensors including the sensors SE and CA5 are the ink ribbon I.
A predetermined color and end of R, the origin position of the carriage CA is detected, and the detection signal is transmitted to the control device C.
Send to P.

The CG-ROM is a character generator for generating image data when characters or the like are displayed or printed. The CG-ROM converts data representing the characters or the like into image data and sends it to the control device CP. . The ROM includes a drive control program for the drive motor SM and the like, a display program for displaying characters and the like input through each key of the input device IN such as a keyboard on a display LCD, and other operations of the device. Various programs and the like necessary for the execution are stored. When operating according to the program for operating the cutting device 5, the control device CP constitutes cutting control means. As a result, the control device CP as the cutting control means operates the key IN
After the tape TP is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by a length corresponding to the set amount of 1 or the key IN2, the cutting device 5 is operated. Further, the RAM is provided with various data storage areas such as a display buffer and a print buffer. In this storage area, for example, the image data is temporarily stored. The recording data to be supplied is divided and supplied for each data amount corresponding to the transport distance P of the carriage CA in the recording area. It is desirable that the control device CP can receive data such as characters from another host computer.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, a motor shaft SM1 of a stepping motor SM is shown.
Is rotated counterclockwise, the drive pulley 2b rotates clockwise, and when the timing belt 2e is rotated accordingly, the carriage CA moves in the arrow Y1 direction of FIG.
The thermal head HD records on the tape TP while moving from the leading end side of P toward the winding state of the roll. Note that the recording origin position is detected before the start of the recording.
Specifically, the target C provided on the carriage CA
The right end of A4 is based on a position detected by the carriage origin sensor CA5, and a position shifted rightward by a predetermined pulse (for example, 10 pulses) therefrom is defined as a recording start origin P
a (see FIG. 6).

With the thermal head HD in contact with the tape TP, the carriage CA moves by the length P of the recording area in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of the arrow Y1) of the tape TP (see FIG. 6).
While transporting the thermal head HD, the thermal head H
When the heating element of D generates heat in units of one dot, the ink of the ink ribbon IR melts in units of one dot and adheres along the main scanning direction of the tape TP, so that it intersects in the arrangement direction of heating elements (direction of arrow Z1). Are recorded in order in the direction (arrow Y1 direction). At this time, as the ink ribbon IR passes between the thermal head HD and the tape TP as the carriage CA is conveyed, the heating element performs a recording operation, so that the ink is recorded on the tape TP. As described above, one side of the tape TP is held in a rolled state and the other side is held by the tape drive roller 3b and the tape feed roller 3a as holding members, so that sufficient tension is applied to the tape TP. You. Further, since the recording is performed when the thermal head HD is conveyed from the side sandwiched by the tape driving roller 3b and the tape feeding roller 3a on the opposite side to the wound side on one side, the tape TP is reliably formed. The tape TP is not loosened. Therefore, there is no displacement of characters or the like recorded on the tape TP by the heating element.

After the recording of the recording area end point Pb in the direction of arrow Y1 is completed, the control device CP transmits the thermal head HD to the tape T.
After moving away from P, the carriage CA is moved to the recording start position Pa in the sub-scanning direction of the tape TP (the direction opposite to the arrow Y1 direction).
The tape P1 is transported by a predetermined amount (the length P of the recording area) in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of the arrow Y1), and the thermal head HD is brought into contact with the tape TP again. Then, by transporting the carriage CA in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow Y1), as described above, the thermal head HD performs a recording operation on the tape P1 in the same manner as described above. Is formed. By repeating such an aspect, the tape P1 includes:
An image such as a character or a symbol is formed. At this time, it is desirable to perform banding processing for maintaining continuity of the image at the boundary portion. Thereby, the transport amount of the tape TP in the sub-scanning direction is set based on the transport amount of the carriage CA in the recording area.

In the case of color recording, the length P of the recording area
One block is used for three colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) of the ink ribbon IR. After recording these three colors, the tape drive roller 3b
The tape TP is transported leftward in FIG. 1 in a state where the tape TP and the tape feed roller 3a are in pressure contact with each other. In this case, since the transport distance P of the carriage CA in the recording area and the length T of the ink area of each color of the color ink ribbon IR are set to substantially match, the carriage CA
Is transported by the transport distance P in the recording area, it is located at the end of the ink area of that color.

The above is a recording cycle of one block. When the total length of the recording data is longer than the length P of the recording area, this operation is repeated. Therefore, when the thermal head HD records on the tape TP by the heating element, the recording data supplied to the heating element is divided and supplied for each data amount corresponding to the transport distance of the carriage CA in the recording area. Will be. The cueing of the ink ribbon IR is required prior to the color recording, because the recording is always performed in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). That is, the head of the ink ribbon IR is controlled by detecting the end of the cyan color (C) to derive the head of the yellow color (Y), and thereafter detecting the color boundary with the detection mark M1. Is performed. This is because, as described above, the ink ribbon IR is applied with three colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) in the same length T in order, and the boundary of each color is Since the detection mark M1 for detecting a change is provided, the ribbon detection sensor SE includes a light emitting element SE1 composed of a red LED and a light receiving element SE2 composed of a transmission type photosensor.
This is because the detection mark M1 and the end mark M2 can be detected with the cyan color (C), which is a complementary color relationship of red. It is desirable that the length T of the ink region of each color is set to be slightly longer than the length P of the recording region, but this is so set that the length T of the ink region and the length P of the recording region completely match. , The length T of the ink area depends on various factors.
However, this is to prevent occurrence of a recording error due to a shortage of the ink area, which may be shorter than the length P of the recording area.

Next, the recording procedure and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 9A shows the recording end state of the first block, and FIG. 9B shows the state of the tape TP after the recording end state of the first block in consideration of the length x of the front margin area. FIG. 9C shows a state of recording start of the second block, and FIG. 9D shows a state of recording the second block.
FIG. 9E shows a state in which the tape TP has been conveyed in consideration of the length q of the rear margin area after the recording end state of the second block. The operation of the control device CP in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
It is simply abbreviated as S. First, the user inputs recording data and color data to the control device CP by appropriately using the keys of the keyboard IN (S1). Next, the user enters the key I
By using N1 and IN2, the length x of the front margin area or the length q of the rear margin area with respect to the recording area of the tape TP is input (S2). When this input ends, control device CP performs the following processing. That is, a process of dividing recording data for each recordable length in the RAM is performed (S3). This is obtained by dividing the number n of divisions with respect to the total length Q of recording data by the equation Q = (n-1)
-It is obtained by using P + R (R ≦ P) and obtaining the residual R. That is, the maximum length of the recording data is P
The recording data of each color (for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C)) is divided into n blocks and recorded as (this corresponds to the length P of the recording area). At the time of recording, the recording data is recorded while being expanded in the print buffer for each block.

When a print command is issued to the control device CP (S4), a cueing process of the ink ribbon IR is performed as a pre-process of printing (S5). First, the thermal head HD is placed on the platen 4 with the ink ribbon IR interposed.
The carriage CA moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 in FIG. 1 while being pressed against the ink ribbon IR, and the ink ribbon IR is sequentially fed out onto the recording surface of the thermal head HD, and the ink color of the ink ribbon IR (cyan (C)) is detected by the sensor SE. To detect the start of the ink ribbon IR. Thereafter, the ribbon feeding is controlled only by detecting the detection mark M1 indicating the boundary of the ink ribbon IR. And the ink ribbon IR
Is completed, the carriage CA returns to the recording origin position Pa (S6).

Thereafter, the recording data developed in the print buffer is sequentially recorded. First, a variable m of the number of blocks is defined as 1 (S7), and the yellow color (Y) of the m-th block is recorded (S8). Here, if the variable m = 1, the first
Record the recording data of the block. When the yellow (Y) recording is completed, the thermal head HD is released to return the carriage CA to the recording origin position Pa (S9).
Similarly, recording of the m-th block of magenta (M) and cyan (C) is performed (S10 to S13). That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the thermal head HD
Records the characters "ABCDE" on the tape TP in a predetermined color. When the recording of the m-th block is completed, the variable m = 1
It is determined whether or not (S14). The variable m = 1, ie, the first
If the recording is a block recording (S14: Yes), the control device CP transports the tape TP by the length (Lx) (S1).
5) The tape TP is cut (S16). This is for cutting the tape TP while leaving the length x of the front margin area of the tape TP. After the conveyance, the cutting device 5 cuts the tape TP at the cut position K1 (FIG. 9).
(B)). Thereafter, the control device CP proceeds to the process of S17. In S17, it is determined whether or not the variable m = n, that is, whether or not the recording of the last block has been completed (S17).
Here, when the variable m is not n = n (S17: No), that is, when the recording of the last block is not performed, the tape T
P is transported by the length (P- (Lx)) (see FIG. 9C), and the tape TP is transported to the recording start position Pa of the next block (S20). Then, the number of blocks is counted up by setting the variable m to m + 1, and the process proceeds to step S8 to record the next block (S21). Thereby, S8
When the modes of S13 to S13 are performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 9D, the thermal head HD
The character "FGHI" is recorded in a predetermined color immediately after the character "BCDE". On the other hand, in step S17, when the variable m = n, that is, when the block to be recorded is only the first block, the total length Q of the recording data becomes the remaining R based on the above equation. (x + R + q) (S18). Thereafter, the cutting device 5 cuts the tape TP at the cut position K1, so that a blank area is provided on the tape TP after the length q, and a series of recording operations is completed. If the variable m is not 1 in S14, that is, if the variable m is 2 or more (S14: No), the process moves to S22 because the front blank area cutting process is unnecessary. In other words, only when the variable m = 1, the front margin area is necessary because it is the recording of the head part. However, if the variable m is 2 or more, it is long recording data exceeding one block, and the recording of the head part is performed. Therefore, the front blank area provided on the front side of the recording data becomes unnecessary. In S22, similarly to S17, it is determined whether the variable m = n (S22). If the variable m is not n = n (S22: No), that is, if the recording of the last block is not performed, the tape TP is transported by the length P, and the tape TP is transported to the recording start position Pa of the next block. (S20). Then, the number of blocks is counted up by setting the variable m to m + 1, and the process proceeds to step S8 to record the next block, and recording of the next block is started. If the variable m = n (S22: Yes),
Since the recording of the last block (in this case, the second block) is completed (see FIG. 9D), the tape TP is set to the length (L +
R + q) (S25). Then, the cutting device 5
Cuts the tape TP at the cut position K1 (FIG. 9).
(See (e)), a blank area is provided on the tape TP after the length q, and a series of recording operations is completed.

As described in detail above, the tape printing apparatus of this embodiment has one heating element in the main scanning direction of the tape TP.
The carriage CA on which the thermal heads HD arranged by the line width are mounted can be transported in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the heating elements. Since the heating element of the thermal head HD performs recording on the tape TP via the ink ribbon IR while reciprocating in the scanning direction, the ink lipon can be used with high efficiency and the length of the tape TP can be increased at high speed as in the case of the line recording operation. Can be recorded regardless of the length. When the recording control and the transport control of the tape TP are performed as in the above embodiment, the transport direction of the tape TP is only one direction, and there is no need to perform the reverse return control and the position detection control. Become. Further, the positioning control for recording depends on the transport accuracy of the carriage CA, but the transport of the carriage CA using the timing belt 2e can be performed with higher precision than when the tape TP is transported in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, high-quality printing can be realized even when the colors are superimposed during color printing or when the print data is connected at the boundary of each block. The length W1 of the tape TP in one direction is larger than the recording width W3 of the thermal head HD in the same direction,
In addition, the effective recording range width W2 preset in the one direction of the tape TP is equal to the thermal head H in the same direction.
Since the recording width W3 of D is set smaller than that of D, the portion of the platen 4 where the tape TP does not exist in the same direction is
The thermal head HD does not perform recording, and the thermal head HD can perform recording up to the full recording effective range W2.

The present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, naturally, the present invention can be variously modified and modified without departing from the gist thereof. The recording device using the recording medium according to the present invention does not need to be, for example, a tape printing device, and may be, for example, a recording device such as a general line thermal printer. Recording paper or thermal recording paper. In particular, the recording medium is preferably extended in the sub-scanning direction, and one side of which is held in a roll-like wound state can be used in large quantities, but is not necessarily limited to that aspect. For example, a cut sheet shape may be used. Further, a laminate as a protective film may be provided on the recording surface side of the recording medium as needed.

The recording head may be other than the thermal head HD, for example, a recording head of an ink jet printer. However, the recording medium (tape T
In a recording device (tape printing device) that uses P), the length (tape width W1) of the recording medium (tape TP) recorded by the recording head (thermal head HD) in one direction (tape width W1).
But the recording head (thermal head HD) in the same direction
Is larger than the recording width (recording width W3) of the recording medium (tape TP) and the recording effective range (width W2 of the recording effective range) preset in the one direction of the recording medium (tape TP) is in the same direction. Recording width (recording width W) of thermal head HD
3) If it is set smaller, the recording apparatus of the following mode is not necessarily required. That is, "a recording head (a heating element) in which the recording elements (heating elements) are arranged by one line width in the main scanning direction of the recording medium (tape TP)" The carriage CA on which the thermal head HD is mounted is transported in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the recording elements (heating elements), and the carriage CA moves through the recording area on the stationary recording medium (tape TP). However, the recording device is not limited to the “recording device in which the recording element (heating element) performs recording on the recording medium (tape TP) while reciprocating in the sub-scanning direction.

[0044]

As described in detail above, according to the recording medium of the first aspect of the present invention, the recording head is a recording medium used in a recording apparatus that records the recording medium,
The length of the recording medium in one direction is greater than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, and the recording effective range preset in the one direction of the recording medium is the recording head in the same direction. Is smaller than the recording width of the recording head, the recording head does not record the portion of the platen where the recording medium does not exist in the same direction, and the recording head can record the entire recording effective range. Therefore, there is a recording medium at a position facing the recording head, and the recording head of this recording apparatus does not record the portion of the platen where the recording medium does not exist. It does not adhere.

According to the recording medium of the present invention, a carriage having a recording head on which recording elements are arranged by one line width in the main scanning direction of the recording medium is mounted. The recording element conveys the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the direction, and the recording element performs recording on the recording medium while the carriage reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction in a recording area on the recording medium in a stationary state. A recording medium used in a recording apparatus, wherein the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction is larger than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, and in the main scanning direction of the recording medium. Since the preset effective recording range is set smaller than the length of the recording width of the recording head in the same direction, it is possible to perform recording at a high speed and regardless of the length of the recording medium as in the line recording method. so That. Further, since the recording medium is present at the position where the recording head is opposed, the recording head does not record the portion of the platen where the recording medium does not exist in the same direction, and the recording head fills the effective recording area. You can record up to.

According to the recording medium of the third aspect of the present invention, a half-cut portion is provided between the recording area and the margin area to facilitate separation of the recording area and the margin area. Therefore, when the recording area and the margin area are gripped and torn apart, the tear area is torn at the half-cut portion, and an unnecessary margin area can be easily removed from the recording area.

According to the recording medium of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the backing side of the recording medium is provided with an adhesive in which release paper is superposed on one side, the release paper is provided with an adhesive. When the recording medium is peeled off, for example, the recording medium can be easily attached to the attachment such as the spine of the file via the adhesive.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an internal configuration of an embodiment in which a recording apparatus using a recording medium according to the present invention is embodied in a tape printer.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a roller holder and the like used in the tape printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a state in which an ink ribbon stored in a ribbon cassette used in the tape printing apparatus is pulled out.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tape cassette used in the tape printer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tape cassette and the like cut along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a transport amount of a recording medium used in the tape printing apparatus and a transport amount of a recording head in a sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a positional relationship between a recording medium, a recording head, and the like used in the tape printing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a recording medium used in the tape printing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a transport amount of a recording medium used in the tape printing apparatus and a recording amount, and FIG. 9A shows a recording end state in a first recording area; 9 (b) shows a state where the front margin area is cut,
FIG. 9C shows a recording start state in the second recording area, FIG. 9D shows a recording end state in the second recording area, and FIG. 9E shows a state in which the rear margin area is cut. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus according to this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Carriage transport system 3 Tape transport system 4 Platen 8 Tape cassette HD Thermal head CA Carriage IR Ink ribbon SE Sensor TE Tape T Ink area length CP Controller W1 Tape width W2 Effective recording width W3 Recording width W4 Platen width TP1 Recording Effective range TP2, TP3 Margin area TP5 Half cut part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium in which a recording head is used in a recording apparatus that records a recording medium, wherein a length of the recording medium in one direction is greater than a recording width of the recording head in the same direction. A recording medium, wherein a recording effective range which is large and is preset in the one direction of the recording medium is set smaller than a recording width of the recording head in the same direction. 2. A printing device according to claim 1, wherein said recording element is one
A carriage on which a recording head arrayed by a line width is mounted conveys the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the arrangement direction of the recording elements, and the carriage moves in a recording area on the stationary recording medium. A recording medium used in a recording apparatus in which the recording element performs recording on a recording medium while reciprocating in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction is the same in the same direction. The recording effective range that is larger than the recording width of the recording head and that is preset in the main scanning direction of the recording medium is set smaller than the recording width of the recording head in the same direction. Medium to be recorded. 3. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the effective recording area and the margin area are located at a boundary between the effective recording area of the recording medium and a margin area other than the effective recording area. A recording medium characterized by being provided with a half-cut portion for facilitating separation of the recording medium. 4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive material is provided on the back side of the recording medium, the release sheet being laminated on one side. To be recorded.