WO2006100827A1

WO2006100827A1 - Printer

Info

Publication number: WO2006100827A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/301286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Koshiro Yamaguchi; Akira Ito; Takahiro Miwa; Yoshio Kunieda
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2006-01-27
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Also published as: JPWO2006100827A1

Abstract

Provided is a printer which is enabled to protect print means by performing a printing operation other than a predetermined one, in case a printing tape of a kind other than a plurality of predetermined ones is detected at the time of detecting the kinds of the individual printing tapes. A CPU (51) of a control unit (50) controls a drive circuit (58) for driving and controlling a thermal head (11), so that the electric energy to be applied to the thermal head (11) may be lower than that to be applied to the thermal head (11) in the predetermined printing operation.

Description

Printing device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs a printing operation different from a predetermined printing operation when printing tapes other than a plurality of predetermined types of printing tape are detected.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, a label tape is produced by printing characters or the like on a long printing tape. In a small and portable printing apparatus, ink for printing on the printing tape and the printing tape. A tape cassette containing a ribbon in a cassette case with a predetermined shape is attached to the printing mechanism, and characters, etc. are printed via the thermal head in a state where the printing tape supplied from the tape cassette and the ink ribbon overlap. Configured to produce a label tape.

[0003] As a printing tape stored in a powerful tape cassette, there are a plurality of transparent film tapes formed in a predetermined width, and ink ribbons of different colors for printing on the transparent film tape. The force that exists! These! / And misaligned tapes are also wound around the tape spool and stored in the cassette case body of the tape cassette.

[0004] Then, it is necessary to obtain information on the tape cassette from the tape cassette in order to perform high-quality printing on the printing tapes of the various types of tape cassettes and to appropriately transport the printing tapes.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a tape type discriminating sensor composed of a push-type microswitch or the like is provided at one side corner of a cassette housing portion of a tape printer, and each of these tape type discriminating sensors. Is a known mechanical switch force that also consists of plunger and micro switch equal force, and detects whether each tape hole has a sensor hole in the cassette case body of the tape cassette, A tape printer that detects the type of tape stored in each tape cassette by the on / off signal is disclosed.

[0005] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a tape loaded by a tape width information taking-in means. Printing device, and the head drive range control means drives only the dot elements in the range corresponding to the captured tape width information among a plurality of dot elements arranged in parallel in the print head during printing. Is disclosed.

[0006] According to the tape printers of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, when a plurality of predetermined tape cassettes are installed in the tape printer, the quality of the tape cassette is high quality. Can be printed and the tape for printing can be conveyed appropriately.

[0007] Patent Document 1: JP 2001-88359 A

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-143766

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, when a tape cassette other than a plurality of types determined in advance is mounted on the tape printer, the above-described tape printers of Patent Documents 1 and 2 have printing conditions in such a case. This is not taken into consideration, and printing is performed as it is under the printing conditions for a plurality of types of tape cassettes that are predetermined in the printing apparatus.

[0010] However, since the ink ribbon is different from a predetermined tape cassette ink ribbon, the ink ribbon is melted under predetermined printing conditions, and the ink ribbon adheres to the print head and the platen. The problem of disappearing occurs. In addition, the platen surface may be damaged when the printing head prints directly on the platen.

[0011] Further, since the tape cassette is other than a plurality of predetermined types, printing is performed with a printing tape wider than the width of the printing tape on which the print head is set. The ink ribbon has been transferred to the surface of the platen to form irregularities on the surface of the platen, resulting in problems with subsequent printing.

[0012] Since the printing tapes and ink ribbons other than a plurality of types determined in advance are stretched or cut by the conveying force of the conveying device during their conveyance, the printing means and the printing quality There is also a risk that this may cause problems. [0013] In view of the situation as described above, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and other than a plurality of types predetermined when detecting the type of each printing tape. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of protecting printing means by performing a printing operation different from a predetermined printing operation when a printing tape is detected.

Means for solving the problem

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention prints characters and the like on a printing tape by a print head while conveying a plurality of predetermined printing tapes and ink ribbons by a conveying device. A printing unit that performs a predetermined printing operation, a detection unit that detects a type of each of the printing tapes, and the predetermined printing operation when a printing tape other than the plurality of types is detected via the detection unit. And a protective means for protecting the printing means by performing a printing operation different from the above.

[0015] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means applies an electrical energy applied to the print head in the print means to the electric power applied to the print head in the predetermined printing operation. Let's make it lower than Engineering Energy.

Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection unit performs printing with a printing width corresponding to the printing tape having the smallest tape width among the plurality of types of printing tapes. Let's drive the print head.

Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection unit may reduce the conveyance force of the conveyance device more than the conveyance force of the conveyance device in the predetermined printing operation.

[0018] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means may include confirmation means for confirming when a plurality of types of printing tapes are detected via the detection means.

[0019] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing apparatus is provided with display means for displaying characters, symbols, and the like, and the confirmation by the confirmation means is displayed by the display means.

[0020] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing operation of the protection unit may be performed after the confirmation unit is executed a plurality of times.

[0021] In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means is a printing operation of the protection means. When starting the operation, it may be displayed on the display means that the printing operation is different from the predetermined printing operation.

The invention's effect

[0022] In the printing apparatus of the present invention, a predetermined printing operation is performed in which characters and the like are printed on the printing tape by the print head while the plurality of predetermined printing tapes and ink ribbons are conveyed by the conveying device. Printing means to perform and detection means for detecting the type of each printing tape, and when a printing tape other than a plurality of types is detected via the detection means, a printing operation different from the predetermined printing operation is performed. Protects the printing means by printing, so that even if multiple types of printing tapes other than predetermined types are used, the printing device performs a printing operation different from the predetermined printing operation, and the ink ribbon is melted. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of roughening of the platen surface.

[0023] Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means lowers the electric energy applied to the print head in the printing means compared to the electric energy applied to the print head over a predetermined printing operation. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the ink ribbon adheres to the print head and the platen due to the fusing of the ink ribbon that occurs because the ink ribbon is not a predetermined ink ribbon, and thereafter printing cannot be performed. Further, it is possible to prevent the platen surface from being damaged when the print head prints directly on the platen.

[0024] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means drives the print head to perform printing with a printing width corresponding to the printing tape having the smallest tape width among the plurality of types of printing tapes. Since the printing means is set, the printing tape is wider than the printing tape, and printing is performed by the printing operation of the printing tape. The ink ribbon ink is transferred to the platen and the ink is applied to the platen surface. Since the irregularities are formed, it is possible to prevent the problem that the subsequent printing is hindered.

[0025] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means reduces the conveying force of the conveying device more than the conveying force of the conveying device in a predetermined printing operation. If the printing tape and ink ribbon are stretched or cut by the conveying force of the conveying device during conveyance! If the printing means or printing quality is disturbed! [0026] Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the protection means includes a confirmation means for confirming when a plurality of types of printing tapes are detected via the detection means. Before starting, it can be confirmed whether or not it is a plurality of types of printing tapes and ink ribbons determined in advance, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary operations from being brought into the subsequent process.

[0027] Next, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing apparatus is provided with display means for displaying characters, symbols, etc., and confirmation by the confirmation means is displayed by the display means. The contents of confirmation can be clearly communicated.

[0028] Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing operation of the protection means is performed after the confirmation means is executed a plurality of times, so that a plurality of types of printing tapes predetermined by the operator are used. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the negative mistake by notifying the ink ribbon several times, and also to make the printing means perform a printing operation different from the predetermined printing operation even if the printing operation is advanced. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of fusing of the ink ribbon and roughening of the platen surface.

[0029] In the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the protection unit starts the printing operation of the protection unit, the display unit displays that the printing operation is different from the predetermined printing operation. It is possible to prevent problems that the operator mistakes for a malfunction or malfunction of the printing device.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view when a storage cover of a tape cassette storage unit of a tape printer according to a first embodiment is opened.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the main part excluding the upper case when the tape cartridge is installed in a laminate type tape cassette.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the tape printer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tape discrimination data table stored in a tape discrimination data storage area of the tape printer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print control processing of the tape printer.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer according to the second embodiment. is there.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer according to the third embodiment.

[FIG. 9A] FIG. 9A is a sample diagram by standard processing printing.

[FIG. 9B] FIG. 9B is a sample diagram by special processing printing with the printing energy set low.

[Fig. 9C] Fig. 9C is a sample diagram by special processing printing that is forcibly matched with the printing conditions of the minimum tape width set in any case.

Explanation of symbols

1 Tape printer

10 Tape drive roller shaft

11 Thermal head

14 Platen roller

15 Feed roller

21 Tape cassette

22 Tape for printing

23 Ink ribbon

34 Tape feed motor

37 Tape, drive roller

50 Control unit

51 CPU

54A Tape discrimination data storage area

70 Tape discrimination data table

Sl to S7 tape discrimination sensor

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings on the basis of a first embodiment. First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view when the storage cover of the tape cassette storage portion of the tape printer according to the first embodiment is opened. [0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 has a character input key 2 for inputting a character such as a character over a plurality of lines and creating text that also has document data (code data) power. Print key 3 for instructing printing, cursor key C for moving the cursor up / down and left / right on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 and a return key for instructing execution and selection of line feed commands and various processes A keyboard 6 provided with R, an LCD 7 for displaying characters and the like input from the keyboard 6, and a cassette storage portion 8 for storing a tape cassette 21 (see FIG. 2) to be described later are provided.

[0034] In addition, a ribbon take-up shaft 9 is erected in the cassette housing portion 8 so as to be rotationally driven from a tape feed motor 34 (see FIG. 3) via an appropriate drive mechanism. The ribbon scooping shaft 9 is inserted into an ink ribbon scooping reel 32 (see FIG. 2) that winds up the ink ribbon after printing, and rotates the ink ribbon scooping reel 32 in synchronization with the printing speed.

[0035] Then, the ribbon winding shaft 9 is rotationally driven via a suitable transmission mechanism from a tape feed motor 34 constituted by a stepping motor or the like, diagonally forward (on the keyboard 6 side in Fig. 1). A tape drive roller shaft 10 for rotating the tape drive roller 37 (see FIG. 2) is erected. Further, a thermal head 11 for printing characters and the like is fixed on each print-receiving tape 22 (see FIG. 2) in front of the cassette housing 8 (on the keyboard 6 side in FIG. 1). Further, a roller support 13 (see FIG. 2) is rotatably disposed opposite the thermal head 11, and a platen roller 14 and a feed roller 15 (see FIG. 2) are disposed on the roller support 13. Is pivotally supported. The platen roller 14 and the feed roller 15 are formed to have the same force as the maximum width of 36 mm of the print-receiving tape 22 or a width larger than that. Further, an end detection sensor 4 constituted by a transmission type photosensor or the like is provided at a position facing a pair of insertion portions 41 (see FIG. 2) of each tape cassette 21 described later in the cassette housing portion 8. . The transmission type photosensor constituting the end detection sensor 4 has a known photopower blur force having a light emitting element and a light receiving element as a pair. The transparent print-receiving tape 22 is transparent to the end detection sensor 4. Whether the opaque end detection mark formed at the end portion is detected is detected, and the end portion of the print-receiving tape 22 is detected by the ON / OFF signal.

[0036] In addition, a push-type micro is provided at one corner (upper right corner in FIG. 1) of the cassette housing 8. Tape half IJ sensor composed of switch equal force IJ sensors SI, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 force ^ are provided. Each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 also has a known mechanical switch force composed of a plunger, a microswitch, etc., and each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 has sensor holes H1 to H7 (described later). 2), and the type of tape stored in each tape cassette 21 is detected by the ON / OFF signal. In the present embodiment, the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 have their plungers normally protruding from the bottom surface of the cassette housing portion 8, and the microswitch is in the OFF state. Then, when each of the sensor holes H1 to H7 described later is in a position facing each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7, the plunger is not pressed and the microswitch is in the OFF state, so an OFF signal is output. On the other hand, if each sensor hole H1 to H7, which will be described later, is not in a position facing each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7, the plunger is pressed and the micro switch is turned on, so an on signal is output. Is done. The cassette storage unit 8 is opened and closed by a storage cover 12 pivotally supported to the rear of the tape printer 1, and the tape cassette 21 is exchanged in the open state.

Next, a schematic configuration of the laminate-type tape cassette 21 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the main part excluding the upper case when mounted on the tape printer of the laminate type tape force set according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the tape cassette 21 is a tape to be printed 22 having a transparent tape and the like, an ink ribbon 23 for printing on the tape 22 to be printed, and a substrate for printing to which printing has been performed. The double-sided adhesive tape 24 backed on the tape 22 is wound around the tape spool 25, reel 26, tape spool 27, respectively, and force is set up on the bottom of the cassette body 28.Set boss 29, reel boss 30, cassette boss The ink ribbon is reel-inserted and stored in 31 and further includes an ink ribbon take-up reel 32 that winds up the used ink ribbon 23. Such tape cassettes 21 are available with different tape widths of the tape 22 for printing, that is, tape widths of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm. The width of the ink ribbon 23 and the double-sided tape 24 is different, the tape spools 25 and 27 and the reel 26 are different, and the thickness width of the tape cassette 21 itself is also different. In addition, the side corner of the cassette boss 29 (upper right corner in Fig. 2) is installed in the cassette storage section 8. Sensor holes H1, H2, H4 to H7 are drilled at positions facing the tape discrimination sensors SI, S2, S4 to S7, and sensor holes are drilled at positions facing the tape discrimination sensor S3. Not. As a result, as described later, the print-receiving tape 22 mounted on the tape cassette 21 is determined to be a “laminate type with a tape width of 6 mm” from the on / off signals of the tape determination sensors S1 to S7. (See Fig. 4). In addition, a pair of insertion portions 41 and 41 into which the end detection sensor 4 is inserted from the bottom surface are provided below the cassette boss 29. Further, a tape drive roller 37 that rotates in response to the drive of the tape feed motor 34 is rotatably provided at a lower part on one side of the tape cassette 21 (lower left part in FIG. 2). The tape driving roller 37 is formed to have the same width as or slightly larger than the tape 22 to be printed.

[0038] Then, the print-receiving tape 22 drawn out from the tape spool 25 passes through a pair of insertion portions 41, 41 into which the end detection sensor 4 is inserted, via a guide pin 42, etc. The ink ribbon is superposed on the unused ink ribbon 23 drawn from the reel 26, enters the opening 33 together with the ink ribbon 23, and passes between the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 14. Here, the platen roller 14 has a function of pressing the thermal print head 11 with the print-receiving tape 22 and the ink ribbon 23 being overlapped during printing. Thereafter, the ink ribbon 23 is pulled away from the tape 22 to be printed, reaches the ink ribbon reel reel 32 that is driven to rotate by the ribbon reel shaft 9, and is wound around the ink ribbon reel reel 32.

[0039] The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 24 is wound around and stored in a tape spool 27 with the release paper facing outside with the release paper superimposed on one side. The double-sided adhesive tape 24 drawn out from the tape spool 27 passes between the tape drive roller 37 and the feed roller 15. Here, the feed roller 15 presses the tape 22 to be printed and the adhesive surface on the side where the release paper of the double-sided adhesive tape 24 is not superimposed on the tape driving roller 37 after printing, and the double-sided adhesive tape 24 is pressed to the tape to be printed. It has the function of feeding the tape in the direction of arrow T while sticking to 22 and creating the tape 35 with letters. In addition, spacers made of a non-illustrated resin film are inserted into the upper and lower ends of the double-sided adhesive tape 24.

Next, a control system of the tape printer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Light up. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the tape printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the tape printer 1 is configured with the control unit 50 as a core. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, ROM 52, CGROM 53, RAM 54, and an input / output interface 55, which are connected to each other via a bus line 56.

Here, the ROM 52 stores various programs, and various programs necessary for controlling the tape printer 1 such as a print control program described later are stored. The CPU 51 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 52. In addition, the ROM 52 contains outline data (outline data) that defines the outline of each character for each type of character (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.). And is stored in correspondence with the code data. Based on this outline data, dot pattern data is developed on the image buffer.

In addition, dot pattern data corresponding to each character input from the keyboard 6 is stored in the CGROM 53, and the dot pattern data is read from the CGROM 53, and the dot pattern data is displayed on the LCD 7 based on the dot pattern data. Is displayed. The RAM 54 is used to temporarily store various calculation results calculated by the CPU 51. The powerful RAM 54 identifies the type of each tape cassette 21 installed in the cassette storage unit 8. A tape discrimination data storage area 54A for storing a tape discrimination data table 70 (see FIG. 4), which will be selected later, is provided. Storage that stores the print cycle data table selected when printing on each print-receiving tape 22 via the thermal head 11, the margin data table selected when setting the margin amount after printing, etc. There is also an area. Further, the RAM 54 is provided with various memories such as a text memory, an image buffer, and a print buffer.

[0043] Further, the input / output interface 55 is configured to detect the tape detection sensors S1 to S7 provided in the cassette storage unit 8, the keyboard 6, and the end detection unit (not shown) of each print target tape 22. End detection sensor 4 is connected. Also, a display controller (LCDC) 57 that controls the drive of the LCD 7 is connected. When characters are input via the character input key 2 of the keyboard 6, the document data is sequentially stored in the text memory. While being stored, the dot pattern force corresponding to characters and the like input via the keyboard 6 based on the dot pattern generation control program and the display control program is displayed on the LCD 7. In addition, a drive circuit 58 for driving and controlling the thermal head 11 is connected, and the dot pattern data force transferred from the image buffer to the print buffer in cooperation with the platen roller 14 is applied to each print-receiving tape 22 via the S ink ribbon 23. Printed. In addition, a drive circuit 59 for driving and controlling the tape feed motor 34 is connected, and the tape to be printed 22 and the double-sided adhesive tape 24 which are printed in cooperation with the feed roller 15 are fed and sent out.

Next, the tape discrimination data table 70 stored in the tape discrimination data storage area 54A of the RAM 54 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a tape discrimination data table stored in the tape discrimination data storage area of the tape printer according to the first embodiment. Here, the tape discrimination data table 70 indicates the type and width of the tape stored in each tape cassette 21 and the ON / OFF signal of each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7, that is, each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7. The correspondence between the presence and absence of each sensor hole H1 to H7 formed at a position opposite to is stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tape discrimination data table 70 selected when discriminating the type of each tape cassette 21 mounted in the cassette storage unit 8 is a tape type, that is, a printing tape 22. "Tape type" indicating the presence or absence of the surface protection film, "Tape width" indicating the printing tape width of this printing tape 22, and each tape discrimination sensor Sl, S2 corresponding to the type of printing tape 22 , S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 are composed of “tape discriminating sensors” that indicate ON / OFF signals. The “tape type” includes a “receptor type” (not shown) in which an adhesive and release paper are previously provided on the surface of the tape to be printed, and a surface to be printed of the transparent tape 22 for printing. A “laminate type” for attaching the adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape 24 is registered in advance. In “tape width”, “6 mm”, “9 mm”, “12 mm”, “18 mm”, “24 mm”, and “36 mm” are registered in advance for “laminate type”. The “tape discrimination sensor” includes “S1”, “S2”, “S3”, “S4”, “S5”, “S6”, “S7” representing the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 in advance. It is registered. In addition, “◯” mark indicates that each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7 is turned off, that is, that there is a sensor hole at a position facing each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7 on the bottom of the corner of each tape cassette 21, 45. , “X” mark indicates each tape size An ON signal of the other sensors S1 to S7, that is, no sensor hole is indicated at a position facing each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7 on the bottom of the corner of each tape cassette 21.

Therefore, as shown in the tape discrimination data table 70, the types of tape stored in each tape cassette 21 are, for example, “tape type” is “laminate type” and “tape width” is “tape width”. In the case of “6 mm”, the signals of the tape discrimination sensors “S1” to “S7” of the “tape discrimination sensor”, that is, the presence or absence of sensor holes, “S1” is “off signal, ie, there is a sensor hole”, “ “S2” is “OFF signal, ie with sensor hole”, “S3” is “ON signal, ie without sensor hole”, “S4” is “OFF signal, ie with sensor hole”, “S5” is “OFF” “Signal, ie, sensor hole is present”, “S6” is “Off signal, ie, sensor hole is present”, and “S7” is “Off signal, ie, sensor hole is present”. Even with other tape types, the relationship between the ON / OFF signal of each tape discriminating sensor “S1” to “S7” and the presence or absence of a sensor hole is “no sensor hole for ON signal” The description is omitted because it is the same as “With sensor hole in case of OFF signal”.

Next, the print control process of the tape printer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print control processing of the tape printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer according to the first embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 5, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 01, the CPU 51 executes “detects the type of the mounted tape cassette” to detect the type of tape. In this “detecting the type of installed tape cassette”, the CPU 51 first determines the tape discrimination data storage area based on the on / off signals of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 via the input / output interface 55. Read “tape type” and “tape width” data matching the on / off thread alignment of each tape discrimination sensor S1 to S7 from the tape discrimination data table 70 stored in 54A, and store it in RAM54. .

[0048] For example, each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7 is on / off, “S1” is “off”, “S2” is “off”, “S3” is “on”, “S4” force S “off” ”,“ S5 ”is“ Off ”,“ S6 ”is“ Off ”, and“ S7 ”is“ Off ”,“ Tape Type ”is“ Laminate Type ”and“ Tape Width ”is“ 6mm ” Is stored in the RAM 54. Also, “S1” force ^ on ”,“ S2 ”is“ on ”,“ S3 ”is“ on ”,“ S4 ”force S“ off ”,“ S5 ”force ^ off”, “S6” is “off” , “S7” force ^ off ”, “IP” is “laminate type” and “tape width” is stored as “9 mm” in the RAM 54. Also, “S 1” is “Off”, “S2” is “On”, “S3” is “Off”, “S4” force S “Off”, “S5” is “Off”, “S6” force ^ Off "," S7 "force ^ off", the "tape type" is stored in the RAM 54 as "laminate type" and the "tape width" is "12 mm". Also, “S 1” is “On”, “S2” is “Off”, “S3” is “On”, “S4” Force S “On”, “S5” is “Off”, “S6” is “Off” When “S7” is “OFF”, the “tape type” is stored in the RAM 54 as “laminate type” and the “tape width” is “18 mm”. Also, “S 1” force S “On”, “S2” force S “Off”, “S3” “On”, “S 4” “On”, “S5” force S “On”, “S6” When “OFF” and “S7” force S “OFF”, “tape type” is stored in RAM 54 as “laminate type” and “tape width” as “24 mm”. Furthermore, “S 1” force S “Off”, “S2” is “Off”, “S3” is “Off”, “S4” force S “On”, “S5” is “Off”, “S6” When “OFF” and “S7” are “OFF”, the “tape type” is stored in the RAM 54 as “laminate type” and the “tape width” is “36 mm”.

In S 02, the CPU 51 executes “whether a compatible tape cassette type has been detected?” For determining whether a compatible cassette type has been detected from the RAM 54. At this time, if “Yes (tape cassette present in the tape discrimination data table 70)”, the process proceeds to S09. If “No (tape cassette not present in the tape discrimination data table 70)”, the process proceeds to S03.

[0050] In S09, the CPU 51 executes "printing with the corresponding print control" for printing with the corresponding print control. When the print key 3 on the keyboard 6 is pressed, the CPU 51 sequentially reads out characters and the like that are input by the character input key 2 and stored in the print buffer of the RAM 54, and each print-receiving tape through the thermal head 11. In synchronization with this, the tape 22 to be printed 22 is sent out while being stuck to the double-sided adhesive tape 24 by the tape feed motor 34 and the feed roller 15. An example of the printing result is shown in FIG. 9A. Fig. 9A is a sample diagram by standard processing printing.

[0051] Also, in S03, the CPU 51 force LCDC57 is controlled, and the display control to display "Available tape force set is not detected. Check if the tape cassette is installed." Execute.

Subsequently, in S04, the CPU 51 again determines the types of cassettes that can be handled from the RAM 54. Execute the “Is a compatible tape cassette type detected?” To determine the force detected. At this time, if “Yes (tape cassette present in the tape discrimination data table 70)”, the process proceeds to S09, and if “No (tape cassette not present in the tape discrimination data table 70)”, the process proceeds to S05.

[0053] Then, in S05, the CPU 51 force LCDC57 is controlled, and the display control is displayed on the LCD 7 "Your tape force set is not compatible with this device. Do you want to continue printing?" Execute.

Subsequently, in S 06, the CPU 51 executes “whether the print key has been pressed?” For determining whether the print key 3 of the keyboard 6 has been pressed. At this time, if “Yes (print key pressed)”, the process proceeds to S07, and if “No (print key not pressed)”, the process returns to S03.

[0055] Then, in S07, the CPU 51 force LCDC57 is controlled, and the display control is displayed to display on LCD 7 "Non-standard tape force set has been detected. Printing in special mode to protect the main unit." .

Subsequently, in S08, the CPU 51 executes “printing by special processing control” for printing by special processing control.

As shown in FIG. 6, in S10, the CPU 51 executes “set the printing energy lower than the reference value” to set the printing energy lower than the reference value. The CPU 51 controls the drive circuit 58 that drives and controls the thermal head 11 to set the electric energy applied to the thermal head 11 to be lower than the reference value.

Then, in step S11, the CPU 51 executes “execute printing”. When the print key 3 on the keyboard 6 is pressed, the CPU 51 reads the characters, etc. that are input from the character input key 2 and stored in the print buffer in the RAM 54, and sets the print energy lower than the reference value. Printed on the tape 22 to be printed on the tape cassette 21 that does not exist in the tape discrimination data table 70 through the thermal head 11, and the tape 22 to be printed 22 is fed by the tape feed motor 34 and the feed roller 15 in synchronism with this. Send out while sticking to double-sided adhesive tape 24. An example of the printing result is shown in Fig. 9B. Fig. 9B is a sample diagram by special processing printing with low printing energy.

As described in detail above, in the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 5 0 CPU51 force Controls the drive circuit 58 that controls the thermal head 11 so that the electrical energy applied to the thermal head 11 is applied to the thermal head 11 for a predetermined printing operation. The ink ribbon 23 adheres to the thermal head 11 or the platen roller 14 due to the fusing of the ink ribbon 23 that occurs because the ink ribbon 23 is not the predetermined ink ribbon 23, and printing cannot be performed thereafter. Can be solved. Further, it is possible to prevent damage to the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 14 that are generated when the thermal head 11 directly prints on the platen roller 14.

Further, before the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 controls the drive circuit 58 to start printing by the thermal head 11, a plurality of types of printing tapes 22 and ink ribbons that are determined in advance via the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary operations from being brought into the subsequent process.

In addition, the tape printer 1 is equipped with an LCD 7 that displays characters, symbols, etc., and the confirmation contents that the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 needs to confirm to the operator are displayed on the LCD 7, so that The contents of the confirmation can be clearly communicated to the person.

Also, before the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 controls the drive circuit 58 and starts printing by the thermal head 11, the confirmation content that the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 needs to confirm to the operator is displayed on the LC D7. "Check if the tape cassette is installed." And "Your tape cassette is not compatible with this device. Do you want to continue printing?" ? "Is displayed in multiple steps, so that it is possible to eliminate dullness errors by informing the operator that multiple types of printing tape 22 and ink ribbon 23 that are not predetermined are used multiple times. Furthermore, even if the operator presses the print key 3 and the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 controls the drive circuit 58 to advance printing by the thermal head 11, Fusing the ink ribbon 23 by causing the different printing operation with a predetermined printing operation performed in Le head 11, the occurrence of rough loss of the surface of the platen roller 14 can be prevented reliably. Then, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 controls when the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 controls the drive circuit 58 to start printing with a printing operation different from the predetermined printing operation by the thermal head 11. For example, the LCD 7 indicates that a non-standard tape cassette has been detected. Printing in a special mode to protect the printer. It is possible to prevent a problem that a person mistakes for a malfunction or malfunction of the tape printer 1.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9C. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 9C is a special processing printing that is forcibly matched with the printing conditions of the minimum tape width set in any case. It is a sample figure. The tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the special processing printing, the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment performs printing. The tape is printed on the print-receiving tape 22 through the thermal head 11 whose energy is set lower than the reference value. On the other hand, in the tape printer 1 of the second embodiment, the print-receiving tape 22 is printed. In either case, printing is forcibly matched to the printing conditions of the minimum tape width that has been set. In the second embodiment, only the points for special processing printing will be described, and the same reference numerals are used for those having the same function.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, in S12, the CPU 51 changes the character size to the size corresponding to the minimum width tape in any of the tape cassettes 21 and changes the character size to the size corresponding to the minimum width tape. Change to "". The CPU 51 changes the character or the like input from the character input key 2 and stored in the RAM 54 print buffer to the size corresponding to the minimum width tape, and stores it again in the RAM 54 print buffer.

In S13, the CPU 51 executes “execute printing”. When the print key 3 on the keyboard 6 is pressed, the CPU 51 sequentially changes the characters etc. that have been input to the character input key 2 and that have been changed to the size corresponding to the minimum width tape stored in the RAM 54 print buffer. While reading, printing is performed on the print-receiving tape 22 of the tape cassette 21 which does not exist in the tape discrimination data table 70 via the thermal head 11, and in synchronization with this, the print-receiving tape 22 is printed by the tape feed motor 34 and the feed roller 15. Is sent out while sticking to the double-sided adhesive tape 24. An example of the printing result is shown in Fig. 9C.

As described above, in the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment, the CP of the control unit 50 Since U51 drives the thermal head 11 to perform printing with the print width corresponding to the print tape 22 having the smallest tape width among the multiple types of print tape 22, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 The drive circuit 58 that controls the drive of the head 11 is controlled, and printing is performed by the printing operation of the printing tape 22 wider than the width of the printing tape 22 that has been set. Since ink irregularities are formed on the surface of the platen roller 14 by transferring the ink, it is possible to prevent a problem that the subsequent printing is hindered.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of special processing printing of the tape printer according to the third embodiment. The tape printer 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment and the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment. The tape printer 1 in the form prints on the print-receiving tape 22 through the thermal head 11 in which the printing energy is set lower than the reference value. In the tape printer 1 of the second embodiment, In any case, the printing tape 22 is forcibly matched with the printing conditions of the minimum tape width that has been set. In the third embodiment, the feeding force of the tape feed motor 34 is increased. Thus, the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 in a predetermined printing operation is reduced. In the third embodiment, only the points for special processing printing will be described, and the same reference numerals are used for the same functions.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, in S14, the CPU 51 sets "the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 to be lower than the reference value" in order to set the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 lower than the reference value. ”Is executed. The CPU 51 sets the drive circuit 59 so that the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 is controlled to be lower than the reference value.

In S15, the CPU 51 executes “execute printing”. When the print key 3 on the keyboard 6 is pressed, the CPU 51 sequentially reads out characters and the like input by the character input key 2 and stored in the print buffer of the RAM 54, and then passes the tape through the thermal head 11. The tape feed motor controlled by the drive circuit 59 so that printing is performed on the tape 22 to be printed on the tape cassette 21 that does not exist in the discrimination data table 70, and the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 is controlled to be lower than the reference value. 34 and marked by feed roller 15 The character tape 22 is sent out while sticking to the double-sided adhesive tape 24.

As described above, in the tape printer 1 according to the third embodiment, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 uses the transport force of the tape feed motor 34 to transport the tape feed motor 34 in a predetermined printing operation. The printing tape 22 and the ink ribbon 23 other than a plurality of predetermined types are stretched or cut by the feeding force of the tape feed motor 34 during the transportation, and the thermal head 11 or the like. If the platen roller 14 and the print quality are disturbed!

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

[0069] Applicable to all electronic devices that perform printing with a thermal head using an ink ribbon.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A printing means for performing a predetermined printing operation of printing characters and the like on the printing tape by a print head while carrying a plurality of predetermined printing tapes and ink ribbons by a carrying device;

Detecting means for detecting the type of each printing tape;

A protective means for protecting the printing means by performing a printing operation different from the predetermined printing operation when a plurality of types of printing tapes are detected via the detection means. Characteristic printing device.

[2] The protection means includes an electric energy applied to a print head in the printing means.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is lower than the electric energy applied to the print head during the predetermined printing operation.

[3] The protection means drives the print head to perform printing with a print width corresponding to a print tape having a minimum tape width among the plurality of types of print tapes. Item 1. The printing device according to item 1.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection unit reduces a conveyance force of the conveyance device more than a conveyance force of the conveyance device in the predetermined printing operation.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection means includes confirmation means for confirming when a plurality of types of printing tapes are detected via the detection means.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing apparatus includes display means for displaying characters, symbols, etc., and confirmation by the confirmation means is displayed by the display means.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing operation of the protection unit is performed after the confirmation unit is executed a plurality of times.

8. The protective means is characterized in that when the printing operation of the protective means is started, the display means displays that the printing operation is different from the predetermined printing operation. 6. The printing device according to 6.