JP3757463B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints characters, figures, and the like on a printing medium using a thermal head or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus for creating a tape-like label suitable for an application such as affixing to a back cover of a file. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-84994, the present applicant has proposed a tape-shaped label producing apparatus that prints characters and marks input by a keyboard or the like on a tape-shaped print medium using a thermal head and an ink ribbon. . This type of label producing apparatus includes a keyboard, a display, and a thermal printing type printing mechanism, and characters and marks are printed on a printing tape (for example, tape width 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 mm) as a printing medium. The printer can be printed in various sizes and fonts.
[0003]
  In addition, the types of tapes to be created include receptor type that prints directly on the surface of the printing tape, and laminate type that prints with the characters reversed on the transparent printing tape and a double-sided adhesive tape attached to the printing surface. Devised.
[0004]
  In the case of the laminate-type tape, a tape feed sub-roller for bonding the transparent tape and the double-sided adhesive tape is required in addition to the platen roller that is provided facing the print head and conveys the print tape. The tape is conveyed by two rollers, a platen roller and a tape feed sub-roller.
[0005]
  Further, in recent years, after printing on a printing tape using a so-called tape / ribbon separation type cassette in which the printing tape and ink ribbon are respectively stored in a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette, and the ribbon cassette can be attached to and detached from the tape cassette. A tape-shaped label producing apparatus of a type that performs color printing by rewinding, replacing the ribbon cassette, and repeatedly printing has been proposed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, when the tape is transported by two rollers, it is assumed that the gear for driving the tape feed sub-roller for bonding is geared to the gear for driving the platen roller when printing is started. If there is a lot of backlash in the meantime, the start of the tape feed sub-roller is delayed with respect to the platen roller. Since the tape feed sub-roller is arranged on the downstream side with respect to the tape transport direction, slack occurs between the tape feed sub-roller and the platen roller when the start of the tape feed sub-roller is delayed.
[0007]
  In the tape / ribbon separation type cassette as described above, colorful printing is performed by rewinding the tape that has been printed once and printing it on the same area. When the origin is set and rewinding, printing must be performed again from the printing start origin. In this case, the starting point of printing can be determined by detecting the leading edge of the tape. However, as described above, the backlash between the gears is not constant, and the tape slack occurs between the platen roller and the tape feed sub-roller. Is not constant. Therefore, since the amount of slack is not constant when the leading edge of the tape is detected and the printing start origin is determined, the distance between the actual tape edge and the printing starting origin is different each time, and the printing position is different when multicolor printing is performed. There is a problem that the print quality is deteriorated due to deviation.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In a printing apparatus having a plurality of conveyance rollers, a printing medium is provided between the conveyance rollers by changing the timing at which the rotation of the conveyance rollers is started. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can prevent the slack of the ink from occurring.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided with a conveying means for conveying a printing medium, and in the printing apparatus for printing characters, symbols, etc. on the printing medium, the conveying means comprises: , Consisting of a plurality of transport rollers and drive means for rotationally driving each transport roller,At least two of the transport rollers are disposed along the transport path of the print medium,The driving means isRotation driving of the conveyance roller disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance path of the print medium is started before the conveyance roller disposed on the upstream side.It is configured as follows.
[0010]
  According to this configuration, CarryingIt is possible to reliably prevent the printing medium from slackening between the feeding rollers..
[0011]
[0012]
  MaClaim2In the printing apparatus described above, in the case where the conveyance roller disposed on the downstream side is the tape in which the printing medium is a tape and the printing tape is formed by bonding the transparent tape and the adhesive tape, the transparent tape and the adhesive Since the tape bonding operation is performed, the transparent tape can be bonded to the adhesive tape while being conveyed.
[0013]
  Claims3In the printing apparatus described above, the driving unit has a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the transport roller, and the gear for transmitting the rotational force to the transport roller disposed on the upstream side is divided into two stages, upper and lower. A delay means is provided between the upper split gear and the lower split gear for rotating the upper split gear behind the lower split gear, and the upper split gear rotates on the upstream side. It is constituted so that it may transmit to the conveyance roller arranged in.
[0014]
  According to this configuration, the upper split gear rotates behind the lower split gear by the delay means, so that the rotational force of the upper split gear is transmitted to the conveying roller disposed on the upstream side. Thus, the transport roller disposed on the upstream side can be rotated with a certain delay with respect to the transport roller disposed on the downstream side.
[0015]
  Claims4In the printing apparatus described above, the delay means is a convex portion that is provided so as to mesh with the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower divided gears and that is arranged with a predetermined gap in the rotation direction of the gear. Yes, the lower split gear rotates, and the convex part provided on the lower split gear contacts the convex part provided on the upper split gear, so that the lower split gear rotates to the upper split gear. Since it is configured to be transmitted, the timing for starting the rotation of the split gear can be reliably shifted with a simple configuration.
[0016]
  Claims5In the printing apparatus described above, a state in which a predetermined gap is provided between the convex portion of the upper split gear and the convex portion of the lower split gear is an initial state when the print medium is conveyed in the forward direction. In order to match the initial state, the driving means is configured to drive the gear in the direction opposite to the printing direction in advance prior to the printing operation, so that the upstream side with respect to the conveying roller disposed on the downstream side. It is possible to delay the timing at which the rotation of the transport rollers arranged at the same time is always started by the same amount.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  First, the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the case where the ink ribbon of the present invention is used in a tape-shaped label producing apparatus will be described as an example.
[0018]
  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
[0019]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, an openable / closable cassette cover 3 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 2 to cover a cassette housing portion 5 for mounting a tape cassette described later. The main body case 2 is provided with a keyboard 4 for inputting characters and the like, various operation switch panels 7, and a liquid crystal display unit 9 for displaying the input characters and the like.
[0020]
  Here, the cassette used in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus contains a receptor-type cassette that accommodates the printing tape and the ink ribbon, and a transparent tape and a double-sided adhesive tape instead of the printing tape. There is a laminate-type cassette for tape.
[0021]
  Furthermore, the receptor-type cassette includes a so-called tape / ribbon integrated cassette in which the printing tape and the ink ribbon are accommodated in one cassette, and the printing tape and the ink ribbon separately accommodated in the tape cassette and the ribbon cassette. On the other hand, there is a so-called tape / ribbon separation type cassette in which the ribbon cassette is removable.
[0022]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus shown in the first embodiment can be applied to both a receptor type and a laminate-type cassette. However, in the first embodiment, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus includes a receptor-type label producing apparatus. A case where a tape / ribbon separation type cassette is mounted will be described.
[0023]
  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette. As shown in FIG. 2, in the cassette housing portion 5, a tape cassette 20 having a tape spool 23 around which the print tape 22 is wound, and a ribbon cassette 30 having a ribbon spool 33 around which the ink ribbon 23 is wound. And are attached.
[0024]
  The tape cassette 20 is provided with a rotatable tape spool 23 for winding the print tape 22 and a tape feed roller 24 contributing to the conveyance of the print tape 22 inside the tape case 21.
[0025]
  The ribbon cassette 30 includes a ribbon spool 33 around which an ink ribbon 32 is wound and a ribbon take-up spool 34 around which the ink ribbon 32 is wound so as to be rotatable. The ribbon cassette 30 is formed with a head accommodating portion 37 that accommodates a thermal head 12 (described later) inserted from below.
[0026]
  The ink ribbon 32 and the print tape 22 are guided to a thermal head 12 (described later) inserted into the head insertion portion 37 in a state where they overlap each other. The ink ribbon 32 is bent at a substantially acute angle by the separation member 35 provided in the ribbon case 31 in the vicinity of the head insertion portion 37 and separated from the print tape 22, and is wound by the ribbon take-up spool 34. Configured to be taken.
[0027]
  Next, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 will be described. In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, the tape take-up cam 41 that can be engaged with the tape cassette 20 and the tape spool 23, the ribbon take-up cam 42 that can be engaged with the ribbon take-up spool 34 of the ribbon cassette 30, and the tape feed A tape drive cam 43 that engages with the roller 24 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 11.
[0028]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 is provided with a thermal head 12 for printing on a tape. The thermal head 12 is inserted into the head accommodating portion 37 of the ribbon cassette 30 with the ribbon cassette 30 mounted on the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1.
[0029]
  A platen roller 65 that sandwiches the tape with the thermal head 12 faces the thermal head 12. The tape feed roller 24 of the tape cassette 20 is opposed to a tape feed sub-roller 66 that sandwiches the tape with the tape feed roller 24. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are held by a roller holder 67 that can swing with respect to the main body frame 11. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 held by the roller holder 67 press the print tape and the ink ribbon between the thermal head 12 and the tape feed roller 24 facing each other (FIG. 2), It is configured to swing between the thermal head 12 and a leasing position (FIG. 3) separated from the tape feed roller 24. The platen roller 65 and the tape feeding sub-roller 66 constitute a conveying roller of the present invention.
[0030]
  That is, the print tape 20 accommodated in the tape cassette 20 and the ink ribbon 32 accommodated in the ribbon cassette 30 are conveyed by the platen roller 65 and the like, and after printing is performed by the thermal head 12, the ink ribbon 32 is The print tape 22 is discharged from the tape cassette 20 by being wound around the ribbon spool 34. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 includes a cutter 84 for cutting the printing tape 22 discharged from the tape cassette 20, a cutting knob 85 for driving the cutter 84, and a tip detection for detecting the tip of the printing tape. A sensor 90 (position detection means) is provided.
[0031]
  Next, the swing mechanism of the roller holder 67 that supports the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 will be described.
[0032]
  The roller holder 67 is swung by a solenoid 80. An operation plate 74 is fixed to the operation lever 80a of the solenoid 80 with respect to the main body frame 11 of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure. A shaft 73 is erected at the end of the operating plate 74 opposite to the solenoid 80.
[0033]
  Here, the roller holder 67 supported so as to be swingable by the support shaft 68 is urged to swing to a release position (downward in the drawing) by a spring member (not shown). And the roller holder 67 has the cam surface 67a contact | abutted to the release rod 71 located in the downward direction in the figure. A roller 72 is pivotally attached to the release rod 71, and the roller 72 comes into contact with the standing wall 11 a of the main body frame 11, so that it can slide in the left-right direction in the figure. The swing lever 76 that is pivotally supported on the support shaft 76 a that is erected on the release rod 71 is formed with a groove that engages with the shaft 73 that is erected on the operation plate 74. The rocking lever 76 is rotated by the movement in the middle and up and down directions.
[0034]
  When the operating lever 80a of the solenoid 80 is in the protruding state shown in FIG. 2, the operating plate 74 moves upward in the drawing. Then, the release rod 71 moves to the left in the drawing, enters in a wedge shape between the roller holder 67 and the standing wall 11a, and moves the roller holder 67 to the press contact position. On the other hand, when the operating lever 80a of the solenoid 80 is in the retracted state shown in FIG. 3, the operating plate 74 moves upward in the drawing. Then, the release rod 71 moves rightward in the drawing to release the bias to the roller holder 67, so that the roller holder 67 is moved to the release position by the spring member.
[0035]
  In this way, the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 held by the roller holder 67 are swung between the press contact position (FIG. 2) and the release position (FIG. 3) by driving the solenoid 80.
[0036]
  Next, a structure for attaching the ribbon cassette 30 to the tape cassette 20 will be described.
[0037]
  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the tape cassette 20 and the ribbon cassette 30 separately. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape cassette 20 is formed with a ribbon cassette housing portion 21 f for housing the ribbon cassette 30. Further, two guide shafts 21a and 21b extending in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the tape cassette 20) protrude from the outer periphery of the tape cassette 20, and a positioning shaft 21d extending in the vertical direction is provided on the bottom surface 21c of the tape cassette 20. , 21e are projected. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide shafts 21 a and 21 b protrude from the top surface of the tape cassette 20. On the other hand, the positioning shafts 21d and 21e are shorter than the guide shafts 21a and 21b and do not reach the top surface of the tape cassette 1.
[0038]
  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the ribbon cassette 30.
[0039]
  4 and 5, the outer periphery of the ribbon cassette 30 is engaged with guide rails 31a and 31b and positioning shafts 21d and 21e respectively engaged with guide shafts 21a and 21b formed on the tape cassette 20. Positioning rails 31d and 31e are provided. Further, knob pieces 31f and 31g are formed on the upper surface of the lid member 31e of the ribbon case 31, respectively.
[0040]
  Therefore, when the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted on the tape cassette 20, the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b are first engaged. FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between the guide shafts 21a and 21b, the positioning shafts 21d and 21e, the guide rails 31a and 31b, and the positioning rails 31d and 31e in the ribbon cassette mounting direction. In FIG. 6, (A) shows the start of attachment of the ribbon cassette 30, (B) shows that the attachment is in progress, and (C) shows the end of the attachment. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide rails 31a and 31b and the positioning rails 31d and 31e are formed with grooves for fitting the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e, respectively. A taper is formed such that the width becomes narrower in the (mounting direction).
[0041]
  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b are engaged to guide and position the ribbon cassette 30. Since a predetermined amount of the lower portion of the guide shafts 21a and 21b is formed to have a smaller diameter, the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted as shown in FIG. 6B, and the minimum width of the guide rails 31a and 31b As the positioning shafts 21d, 21e and the positioning rails 31d, 31e engage with each other after the portion (that is, the lower ends of the rails 31a, 31b) reaches the small diameter portion of the guide shafts 21a, 21b, the guide shafts 21a, 21b is gradually released from the guide rails 31a and 31b.
[0042]
  As shown in FIG. 6C, at the end of the mounting of the ribbon cassette 30, the minimum width portions of the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the lower ends of the positioning shafts 21d and 21e are engaged to guide the mounting of the ribbon cassette 30. Position it. Since the clearance between the minimum width portion of the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e is small, the positioning of the ribbon cassette 30 with respect to the tape cassette 20 is achieved by the positioning rails 31d and 31e and the positioning shafts 21d and 21e. Made.
[0043]
  As described above, when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, the rib cassette 30 is guided and positioned with respect to the tape cassette 20 by the engagement of the guide shafts 21a and 21b and the guide rails 31a and 31b. 21e and the positioning rails 31d and 31e are engaged, and the ribbon cassette 30 is guided and positioned with respect to the tape cassette 20. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the ribbon cassette 30 and the tape cassette 20 are integrated.
[0044]
  When the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted while the tape cassette 20 is mounted on the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, the roller holder 67 is set in the released state as shown in FIG. This is performed after the space between the thermal heads 12 and between the tape feed roller 24 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are widened.
[0045]
  As described above, the tape cassette 20 is provided with the guide portions (guide shafts 21a and 21b) and the positioning portions (positioning shafts 21d and 21e), and the ribbon cassette 30 is provided with the guided portions (guide rails 31a and 31b) and the positioned portions ( Positioning rails 31d and 31e) are provided so that the guided portion is guided to the guide portion when the ribbon cassette 30 starts to be mounted, and the positioned portion is positioned by the positioning portion when the mounting is completed. , Rail) can be formed with a small length, and there is an advantage that molding becomes easy. In particular, in the case of a wide tape, it is easy to mount.
[0046]
  Next, the transport mechanism for the tape and ink ribbon will be described.
[0047]
  8 and 9 are plan views showing a transport mechanism for the tape and ink ribbon. As shown in FIG. 8, a tape drive motor 44 that is a stepping motor is attached to the right end portion of the main body frame 11, and a drive gear 45 is fixed to a drive shaft of the tape drive motor 44. A first gear 46 that is rotatably provided on the main body frame 11 is engaged with the drive gear 45. A gear 46a is integrally formed on the gear 46 on the same axis. A gear 47 provided on the main body frame 11 is engaged with the gear 46a.
[0048]
  A gear train around the ribbon take-up cam 42 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the gear 47 is engaged with a gear 49 that is rotatably provided with respect to the rotation shaft 42 a of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The gear 49 is engaged with a gear 50 that is rotatably held by the main body frame 11.
[0049]
  A gear 51 is integrally formed coaxially with the gear 50. An upper portion of the gear 51 is provided with a gear 50 and a swing lever 56 that is swingable with respect to the rotation shaft of the gear 51, and an appropriate amount is provided between the lower surface of the swing lever 56 and the upper surface of the gear 51. Friction resistance is given. A planetary gear 57 that always meshes with the gear 51 is pivotally supported by the swing lever 56 so as to be rotatable.
[0050]
  As shown in FIG. 10, the planetary gear 57 is engaged with the tape take-up gear 52 fixed to the lower end portion of the tape take-up cam 41 and away from the tape take-up gear 52 as shown in FIG. It can swing between different positions. As shown in FIG. 8, when the tape drive motor 44 rotates clockwise (forward rotation drive) and the gear 50 rotates clockwise, the swing lever 56 also rotates clockwise due to the frictional resistance with the gear 51. Accordingly, the planetary gear 57 is separated from the tape take-up gear 52 and the tape take-up cam 41 becomes free.
[0051]
  The gear 50 is engaged with the gear 53, and the gear 53 is engaged with the tape drive gear 54. That is, the rotation of the tape drive motor 44 is transmitted to the tape drive cam 43 fixed to the tape drive gear 54 through these gears 45 to 54. On the other hand, the gear 53 is also engaged with the gear 55, and is engaged with a platen gear 65a described later for driving the platen roller 65.
[0052]
  FIG. 11A is a side sectional view showing a driving portion of the platen roller 65. As shown in FIG. 11A, the platen roller 65 includes a roller main body 651 and a roller shaft 652 penetrating the inside of the roller main body 651. The roller shaft 652 is hollow, and a drive shaft 653 for rotationally driving the platen roller 65 is inserted into the hollow portion.
[0053]
  FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the roller shaft 652 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 11B, an engagement protrusion 654 that protrudes inward from the approximate center in the axial direction of the roller shaft 652 engages with an engagement groove 655 provided in the drive shaft 653. . This engagement is performed only at the axial center of the platen roller 65. That is, the drive shaft 653 is engaged with the roller shaft 652 at one position in the axial direction.
[0054]
  As shown in FIG. 11A, the drive shaft 653 is rotatably supported by a movable case 656, and the movable case 656 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure with respect to the roller holder 67. Further, the movable case 656 is urged upward in the drawing by both ends in the axial direction by springs 65 b provided on the roller holder 67. Therefore, the platen roller 65 is urged against the head 12 with a uniform urging force (in the axial direction of the platen roller 65). With this configuration, when the gear 53 rotates, the platen roller 65 rotates via the gear 55 and the gear 65a. Further, the platen roller 65 is pressed against the head 12 with a uniform pressing force (in the axial direction of the platen roller 65).
[0055]
  FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the drive section of the tape feed sub-roller 66. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12A, the tape feed sub-roller 66 includes a roller main body 661 and a roller shaft 662 penetrating the inside of the roller main body 661. The roller shaft 662 is hollow. A drive shaft 663 for rotationally driving the tape feed sub-roller 66 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 662.
[0056]
  FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the roller shaft 662 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 12B, an engagement protrusion 664 that protrudes inward from a substantially axial center of the roller shaft 662 engages with an engagement groove 665 provided in the drive shaft 663. . This engagement is performed only at the central portion of the tape feed sub-roller 66 in the axial direction. That is, the drive shaft 663 is engaged with the roller shaft 662 at one position in the axial direction.
[0057]
  The drive shaft 663 is rotatably supported by a movable case 666, and the movable case 666 is supported by the roller holder 67 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. The movable case 666 is biased upward in the figure by springs 66 b provided on the roller holder 67. Therefore, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is urged against the tape drive roller 42 with a uniform urging force in the axial direction.
[0058]
  With this configuration, when the gear 53 rotates, the tape feed sub-roller 66 rotates through the gear 54 and the gear 66a. Similarly to the platen roller 65, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is pressed against the tape feed roller 24 with a uniform pressing force (in the axial direction of the tape feed sub-roller 66).
[0059]
  Here, the friction coefficient of the surface of the platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the pressure between the platen roller and the thermal head 12 are set so that the feed force of the printing tape 22 by the platen roller 65 is larger than that of the tape feed sub-roller 66. The pressure (that is, the spring 65b) and the pressing force (that is, the spring 65b) between the tape feeding roller 24 and the tape feeding tape feeding sub-roller 66 are set.
[0060]
  The peripheral speed of the tape feed sub-roller 66 is set slightly higher than that of the platen roller 65, so that slip occurs between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the print tape 22. As described above, the printing tape is conveyed by the platen roller 65 that actually performs printing, and an appropriate tension is generated on the printing tape by the tape feeding sub-roller 66, whereby stable conveyance can be performed.
[0061]
  Next, the rewinding of the printing tape will be described.
[0062]
  As shown in FIG. 10, a gear 48 is provided at the lower end of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The ribbon take-up cam 42 and the gear 48 are connected via a clutch spring 60 described later. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a gear 301 provided rotatably on the main body frame 11 is engaged with a gear 47 provided rotatably with respect to the rotation shaft of the ribbon take-up cam 42. The gear 301 is provided with a lever 302 that swings about the rotation axis of the gear 301. A planetary gear 306 that engages with the gear 301 is pivotally supported on the lever 302.
[0063]
  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the gear 301 rotates counterclockwise (the tape feed motor 44 rotates clockwise), the swing lever 302 becomes the same due to friction between the upper surface of the gear 301 and the swing lever 302. The planetary gear 306 meshes with the gear 48 by moving in the direction. The gear 48 engaged with the planetary gear 306 rotates counterclockwise, and at the same time, the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates in the same direction. That is, the ink ribbon 32 is taken up by the ribbon take-up spool.
[0064]
  When the printing tape 22 is rewound, the solenoid 80 is operated to swing the roller holder 67 to the release position. Further, the tape drive motor 44 rotates counterclockwise, and the gear 47 rotates counterclockwise. Accordingly, the gear 301 rotates clockwise, the swing lever 302 moves in the same direction, and the gear 306 and the gear 48 are separated from each other. That is, the ribbon take-up cam 42 is stopped. Note that a stopper 304 is formed on the swing lever 302, and the movement stops when the stopper 304 abuts against a contact piece provided on the main body frame 11.
[0065]
  When the gear 47 rotates counterclockwise, the gear 50 rotates counterclockwise via the gear 49, the swing lever 56 moves in the same direction, and the gear 57 and the tape take-up gear 52 mesh. Then, the tape winding cam 41 formed integrally with the gear 52 rotates counterclockwise and rotates in the direction of winding the printing tape 22. At this time, the tape drive gear 54 and the gear 55 rotate in the opposite directions to the time of printing, but the roller holder 67 is in a separated state, so that there is no effect on the print tape 22 or the ink ribbon 32.
[0066]
  The clutch spring 60 that connects the ribbon winding cam 42 and the gear 48 is a coil spring wound around the ribbon winding cam 42. When the gear 48 rotates counterclockwise, the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates together with the gear 48 due to friction between the clutch spring 60 and the rotating shaft 42a. However, when the ribbon take-up cam 42 rotates at a slower speed than the gear 48 due to an external force, the winding of the clutch spring 60 is loosened, and a slip occurs between the ribbon take-up cam 42 and the clutch spring 60. In this case, the ribbon take-up cam 42 is rotated not by the gear 48 but by an external force.
[0067]
  With this configuration, the winding speed of the ink ribbon is determined by the transport speed by the platen roller 65.
[0068]
  Next, a configuration for removing the slack of the printing tape will be described.
[0069]
  When the platen gear 65a starts rotating earlier than the tape feed sub-roller gear 66a due to backlash of each gear, the print tape 22 is slackened between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65. Therefore, if slack occurs when the leading edge detection sensor 90 described later detects the leading edge of the tape, the linear distance between the leading edge position of the tape and the printing start origin position becomes different. That is, the print position is deviated when the leading end of the print tape 22 is detected again after the tape is rewound.
[0070]
  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the gear 55 for transmitting the rotational force to the platen roller 65 is composed of upper and lower two-stage gears 55a and 55b, and rotates around a shaft 55c. A pair of convex portions 55e and 55f are provided on the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower two-stage gears 55a and 55b, respectively. In addition, each convex portion is arranged between the convex portions 55e and 55f so that a gap 55d is formed in the rotation direction. Then, the gear 55b starts rotating, and the convex portion 55e provided on the gear 55b comes into contact with the convex portion 55f on the gear 55a side, whereby the gear 55a starts rotating. Accordingly, the gear 55a starts to rotate with a delay of the gap 55d relative to the gear 55b, so that the platen gear 65a rotates with a delay from the tape feed sub-roller gear 66a. Therefore, even if there is a gear backlash or the like, the tape feed sub-roller 66 surely starts rotating before the platen roller 65.
[0071]
  Here, since it is unclear what kind of gap is generated between the gear 55a and the gear 55b at this time, the tape drive motor 44 is reversely rotated in advance before the print tape is conveyed in the forward direction. When the printing tape is driven in the forward direction, a gap is surely provided between the gear 55a and the gear 55b. Then, the next time the printing tape is started to be conveyed in the forward direction, the gear 55a starts to rotate with a certain delay with respect to the gear 55b, so that the rotation of the platen roller 65 with respect to the tape feed sub-roller 66 is ensured. It will start late.
[0072]
  In this way, the occurrence of slack in the printing tape can be prevented.
[0073]
  The gears 55a and 55b constitute upper and lower divided gears of the present invention, and the convex portions 55e and 55f constitute delay means of the present invention. The tape drive motor 44 and various gears constitute the drive means of the present invention, and the tape feed roller 24, tape feed sub-roller 66, platen roller 65, tape drive motor 44, and various gears are the transport means of the present invention. Is configured.
[0074]
  Next, the tape feed roller 24 will be described.
[0075]
  In the present embodiment, the printing tape 22 is conveyed by the platen roller 65, and the tape feed roller 24 is used to apply tension to the conveyed printing tape 22. Therefore, the tape feed roller 24 needs to act on the print tape 22 with an appropriate grip force (friction force).
[0076]
  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the tape feed roller 24. As shown in FIG. 14, the tape feeding roller 24 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and a groove portion 241 extending in the circumferential direction is formed at the center in the vertical direction. The tape cassette 20 is formed with a slide 12 that is a plate-like member that holds the groove 241 in order to hold the tape feed roller 24 rotatably (FIG. 4). The tape feeding roller 24 is rotatably held by the tape cassette 20 by fitting the groove portion 241 to the slide base portion 12.
[0077]
  As shown in FIG. 14, knurls 242 and 243 are formed on both sides in the axial direction across the groove 241 of the tape feed roller 24, with concave and convex portions extending in the axial direction formed at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction. . Furthermore, when the pit between adjacent convex portions of the knurls 242 and 243 is d, the knurls 242 and 243 are formed to be shifted in the circumferential direction by ½d.
[0078]
  The tape feed roller 24 on which the knurls are formed is intermittently in contact with the print tape. By shifting the phase of each knurl 242 and 243 by ½ pitch, the tape feed roller 24 is applied to the print tape 22 at an actual half pitch. Can be touched.
[0079]
  That is, by forming a plurality of knurls on the tape feed roller 24 and shifting the phase of each knurl, the grip force to the print tape is increased and the tape feed roller 24 is in contact with the print tape 22 at a small pitch. Can be. That is, since the tape feed roller 24 can be brought into contact with the printing tape 22 with a more appropriate gripping force (frictional force), it can contribute to stable conveyance of the printing tape.
[0080]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of this embodiment, the printing tape 22 is transported by the platen roller 65 and the tape feeding roller 24 is used to apply tension to the printing tape 22. The tape feed roller of this embodiment can also be used in a tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the type that conveys the tape 22. Even in such a case, the grip force can be increased and the print tape 22 can be contacted at a small pitch, so that the print tape can be stably conveyed.
[0081]
  As shown in FIG. 15, three knurl portions 244, 245 and 246 are formed in the axial direction of the tape feed roller 24, and the phase of the upper and lower knurls 244 and 246 is set to 1 with respect to the phase of the intermediate knurl 245. It is also possible to configure by shifting by a / 2 pitch. With this configuration, the knurls of the tape feed roller 24 are symmetric with respect to the width direction of the print tape 22, so that the print tape 22 is axial with respect to the tape feed roller 24 (that is, the width direction of the print tape 22). ) Is prevented from skewing.
[0082]
  Next, identification of the ribbon cassette will be described.
[0083]
  As will be described later, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of performing multi-color printing (a system in which a ribbon cassette is replaced for each color and performing printing) and full-color printing (colors without replacement of the ribbon cassette). A method of reproducing colors by superimposing them). In multi-color printing, a single-color ink ribbon (single-color ribbon) is used, and in full-color printing, a so-called “dander ribbon” in which a plurality of colors (three primary colors of yellow / magenta / cyan) are applied alternately is used.
[0084]
  A plurality of types are prepared in the ribbon cassette 30 according to the ribbon color and ribbon width (12, 18, 24, 32 mm) of the ink ribbon 32, and the plurality of types are provided at the lower end portion of the vertical wall portion 31 d of the ribbon case 31. In order to detect any type of ribbon cassette 30, a detection hole group 36 is formed by combining eight detection holes 36a.
[0085]
  The ribbon cassette 20 is formed with a detection hole group 36 including eight detection holes 36a for discriminating the type of ink ribbon. In order to detect the presence or absence of the eight detection holes 36a behind the main body frame 11. A ribbon detection switch 103 including first to eighth detection switches is provided, and a ribbon detection signal RS based on a combination of switch signals from these eight detection switches is output. FIG. 16 shows a ribbon cassette discrimination table. The switches 36a to 36h shown in FIG. It corresponds to 1-8, and the loaded ribbon cassette is 32 mm wide, and it is judged that the three primary color dander ribbon cassette and the receptor tape are loaded.
[0086]
  Next, a configuration for detecting the leading end of the printing tape will be described.
[0087]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, a tip detection sensor 90 for detecting the tip of the print tape 22 is provided on the downstream side of the cutting device 84 in the transport direction of the print tape 22.
[0088]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the tip detection sensor 90 is a transmissive photosensor having a light emitting / light receiving element 92 and a light receiving element 93. The light emitting / receiving element 92 and the light receiving element 93 are accommodated in the sensor accommodating chambers 94, 95, respectively, so that sensor light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 92 is projected onto the light receiving element 93 in the sensor accommodating chambers 94, 95. The light passage holes 94a and 95a are formed. Further, a slit 98 for allowing the print tape 22 to pass between the sensor accommodating chambers 94 and 95 is provided. Therefore, the leading end portion of the printing tape 22 is guided by the guide portion 99 and reliably passes through the slit 98.
[0089]
  That is, when the printing tape 22 enters the slit 98 and blocks between the light emitting / light receiving element 92 and the light receiving element 93, the sensor light from the light emitting / light receiving element 92 is blocked. ”Level tape detection signal TS is output.
[0090]
  Next, a ribbon cassette for detecting the type of ink ribbon and the like will be described.
[0091]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the ribbon sensor 70 (optical detection unit) includes a light emitting unit 70 a and a light receiving unit 70 b that are arranged to face each other across a path through which the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are conveyed. Transmission type photosensor.
[0092]
  Compared to the tip detection sensor 90 described above, the ribbon sensor 70 has a large amount of sensor light and high light receiving sensitivity. The printing tape 22 is formed of a material that is not transmissive to the sensor light of the leading end detection sensor 90 but has transparency to the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70.
[0093]
  Next, sensor marks detected by the ribbon sensor will be described.
[0094]
  The ink ribbon 32 is formed by applying ink to the base film, and transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 in this state. As shown in FIG. 17A, the end portion 32a of the ink ribbon 32 is formed with a plurality of sensor marks having the same width (portions where the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 is not transmitted) at equal intervals. The width ratio between the sensor mark and the blank portion (portion through which the sensor light is transmitted) is 1: 2.
[0095]
  On the other hand, as described above, the printing tape 22 is also formed of a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70. As shown in FIG. 18, the end portion 22a of the printing tape 22 is formed with a plurality of sensor marks having the same width (portions that do not transmit the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70) at equal intervals. The ratio of the width of the part (the part through which the sensor light is transmitted) is 2: 1.
[0096]
  Therefore, when the ribbon sensor 70 detects the above sensor mark, it can detect which end portion of the tape is based on the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank portion.
[0097]
  Here, the ink ribbon includes a so-called “dander ribbon” in which a plurality of colors are alternately arranged in addition to a single color ribbon. The dander ribbon shown in FIG. 19 is formed by alternately forming three primary colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan on the same ribbon. All of the three primary colors are transparent to the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 described above. Immediately before each color region, ink color identification sensor marks (portions that do not transmit the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70) 501, 504, and 507 are provided. Each sensor mark is composed of two marks. Of the sensor marks 501, 504, and 507, the first marks 502, 505, and 508 have the same width, and the second marks 503, 506, and 509 have different widths depending on the ink color. Therefore, when the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70, the ink color can be identified from the ratio of the widths of the two marks.
[0098]
  The first width of the color identification sensor mark of the ink ribbon 32, the width of the sensor mark indicating the end portion of the ink ribbon 32, and the width of the space between the sensor marks indicating the end portion of the print tape 22 are as follows: It is comprised so that it may become the same.
[0099]
  Next, a method for identifying each sensor mark by the ribbon sensor 70 will be described.
[0100]
  Since the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 overlap each other between the light emitting unit 70a and the light receiving unit 70b of the ribbon sensor 70, the ribbon sensor 70 is obtained by combining the sensor marks of the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32. To detect.
[0101]
  When a ribbon ribbon is used as the ink ribbon 32, if only two sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70, it can be understood that the detected sensor mark is for color identification. The color of the ink is discriminated from the ratio of the widths. That is, when the second sensor is almost the same width as the first sensor mark, it is determined that the ink color is yellow. If the second sensor is approximately 1.5 times the first sensor magenta, the second sensor is the first sensor mark. If it is about twice as large, it is determined as cyan. At this time, it is determined that the print tape 22 is in the print area (area through which the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 is transmitted). (Note that a single-color ribbon does not have a sensor mark for identifying the ink color, so two sensor marks cannot be detected.) On the other hand, three or more sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70. Is detected, the ratio of the width of the sensor mark (the portion that does not transmit the sensor light) and the blank portion (the portion that transmits the sensor light) is stored for five or more sensor marks. The reason why the number is 5 or more will be described later. Hereinafter, each case (1) to (5) when three or more sensor marks are detected will be described.
[0102]
  In the following description, the state where the printing tape has reached the end (the state where the printing tape has been removed) is referred to as the tape end, and the state where the ink ribbon has reached the end (the state where the ink ribbon has been removed) is the ribbon. Called the end.
[0103]
  (1) If three or more sensor marks are detected by 70 and the ratio of the width of the sensor mark to the blank portion is 1: 2, the ribbon sensor is determined to be a ribbon end. At this time, it is determined that the print tape 22 is in the print area.
[0104]
  (2) If three or more sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the width ratio of the sensor mark to the blank is 2: 1, it is determined that the tape end has been reached. At this time, it is determined that the ink ribbon 32 is in the print area.
[0105]
  (3) If a blank is not detected even when the tape is fed three times the pitch of the sensor mark on the print tape 22, the sensor mark on the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 overlap and no blank portion is generated. Since it is considered, it is determined that both the tape end and the ribbon end.
[0106]
  (4) If three or more sensor marks are detected and the ratio of the width of the sensor mark to the blank is constant and the ratio is not 2: 1 or 1: 2, a sensor indicating the end portion of the ink ribbon 32 Since the mark and the sensor mark indicating the end portion of the print tape 22 are considered to have passed through the ribbon sensor 70 in an overlapping state, it is determined that both the tape end and the ribbon end are present.
[0107]
  If the ink ribbon 32 is a single color ribbon, it is identified by any of the above (1) to (4). However, when the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon, there are the following cases.
[0108]
  (5) When three or more sensor marks are detected and the ratio of the width of the sensor mark to the blank is not constant, the color identification sensor mark of the ink ribbon 32 and the sensor mark indicating the end of the print tape 22 overlap. In this case, the determination is suspended until the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank becomes constant.
[0109]
  Thus, since the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 is configured to discriminate the color based on the ratio of the widths of the two sensor marks, the space occupied by the sensor mark portion does not increase even if the number of colors increases. .
[0110]
  Conventionally, since the ink color was determined based on the number of sensor marks, the sensor mark increased as the number of colors increased, and the printable length was reduced accordingly. The ink ribbon 32 used in the apparatus 1 has an advantage that the sensor mark portion does not increase even if the number of colors increases, and the effective space increases accordingly.
[0111]
  When the ink ribbon is a single color ribbon, a predetermined amount of the end portion of either the ink ribbon 32 or the print tape 22 is made of a non-permeable material, and a plurality of sensor marks having a constant pitch are provided on the other side. Can be applied. For example, when the end portion of the ink ribbon is the non-transmissive portion 32b (FIG. 17B), if a non-transmissive region having a width longer than the width of the sensor mark of the printing tape 22 is detected, the ribbon end is determined and printing is performed. If the mark 22a at the terminal end of the tape 22 is detected, it can be determined that the tape end has been reached. Further, regarding the color detection of the dancer ribbon, in addition to the detection by the sensor mark, the color itself may be detected by reading the transmission or reflection wavelength of the sensor light.
[0112]
  Next, the control system will be described.
[0113]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus of this embodiment is a system that reproduces colors by superimposing the three primary colors without changing the ribbon cassette for multi-color printing (method for exchanging the ribbon cassette for each color) or full-color printing (replacement of the ribbon cassette). ) Can be selected.
[0114]
  In multi-color printing, a single-color ink ribbon (single-color ribbon) is used, and in full-color printing, a dander ribbon is used.
[0115]
  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a control system. As shown in FIG. 20, the input / output interface 113 of the control device 100 includes a keyboard 4, a tip detection sensor 90, a cutting detection switch 101, a ribbon / tape detection switch group 103, and a liquid crystal display unit (LCD) 5. A display controller (LCDC) 104 for outputting display data, a drive circuit 106 for a warning buzzer 105, a drive circuit 107 for driving the thermal head 12, and a drive circuit 108 for the tape drive motor 44 The drive circuit 109 for the solenoid 80 is connected to each other.
[0116]
  The control device 100 includes a CPU 110 (print cycle control means, detection cycle control means), an input / output interface 113 connected to the CPU 110 via a bus 114 such as a data bus, a font ROM 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 120. Yes.
[0117]
  The font ROM 111 stores display dot pattern data for each of a large number of characters such as characters and symbols, and also stores print dot pattern data for a plurality of print sizes. In the ROM 112, a display control program for controlling the display controller 104 and characters and symbols stored in the text memory 121 are printed in correspondence with character code data such as characters, symbols, and numbers input from the keyboard 4. A print control program for creating dot pattern data and a print control program for printing the dot pattern data for each dot row by sequentially outputting them to the thermal head 12 or the tape drive motor 44 are stored. Yes. Further, based on the above-described ribbon / tape detection signal RS, the ribbon color and ribbon width of the ink ribbon 32 and the type of the printing tape 22 or the tape width in an integral laminate type or receptor type cassette are detected. The discrimination table (FIG. 16) is stored.
[0118]
  Text data composed of characters and symbols input from the keyboard 4 (print color setting means) is added with print color data and stored in the text memory 121 of the RAM 120. The print color data includes multi-color print data (red, pink, blue, light blue, etc.) that are the input print colors themselves, and full-color print data in which the print colors are separated into three primary colors (yellow, magenta, cyan) The text memory 121 of the RAM 120 stores text data to which multi-color print data is added and text data to which full-color print data is added, respectively.
[0119]
  Here, the correspondence relationship between the input print colors (red, pink, and blue) and the three primary color data obtained by color separation is stored in the ROM as a print color correspondence table shown in FIG. For example, if “blue” is input as the print color, the CPU 110 selects “magenta” and “cyan” based on the print color correspondence table stored in the ROM, and stores them in the text memory 121. That is, the user only has to input “blue” as the print color, and there is no need to specify the three primary colors. In addition, since color separation is automatically performed with reference to a predetermined correspondence table, it is possible to quickly generate data separated into three primary colors without requiring a complicated algorithm.
[0120]
  For example, when creating a tape as shown in FIG. 22 (where “red” is printed in red, “green” is green, “black” is black, “ki” is printed in yellow), There are two types of print color data: multi-color print data (FIG. 23), which is color data for each color, and full-color print data (FIG. 24) separated into three primary color data, yellow, magenta, and cyan. Are added separately and stored so that each data can be selected and retrieved.
[0121]
  The number of input print colors is stored in the color number memory 122 separately for full-color print data and multi-color print data. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 22 to 24, N = 4 is stored for multi-color print data, and N = 3 is stored for full-color print data. The margin amount memory 124 stores margin amount data relating to the set total margin amount (B1 in FIG. 22) and the rear margin amount (B2). In the print data buffer 125, dot pattern data corresponding to the character code stored in the text memory 121 is expanded and stored. Further, the RAM 120 is provided with a memory for temporarily storing the calculation result calculated by the CPU 110.
[0122]
  When full-color printing is performed using a dander ribbon, multiple colors cannot be obtained by superimposing unless printing is completed for each color such as yellow, magenta, and cyan. Therefore, the length T (FIG. 19) of the color region such as yellow, magenta, and cyan must be longer than the print length. In general, the print length can be assumed to be less than 15 cm from the viewpoint of use as a tape-like label. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length T of each color region of the dander line ribbon is set in consideration of a predetermined margin or the like. 20 cm.
[0123]
  The margin includes the distance U from the tip detection sensor 90 to the heating element portion of the thermal head 12 and the distance P from the heating element portion to the cutter 84.
[0124]
  Hereinafter, the printing control will be described based on each flowchart.
[0125]
  First, the print start control will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, after the initialization process (S10), a print text input process is performed (S11). In the print text input process, text to be printed is input from the keyboard 4 and the result is displayed on the display 5. Here, it is selected whether to perform normal printing, to create a preformat print tape, which will be described later, or to print on a preformat print tape.
[0126]
  When the print text input process is completed, a print symmetry range for each color is set for the text input in the print text input process (S12). Here, since the text data is displayed on the display 5, the operator operates the four cursor keys 7 a (FIG. 1) arranged at the right end of the keyboard 4 while looking at the display 5, for each print color. Each of characters and symbols to be printed is instructed, and the color is designated by operating the color confirmation key 7b (FIG. 1) each time. When the setting of the print target is completed, the confirmation key 7c (FIG. 1) is operated.
[0127]
  This is the color data (red, blue, pink, light blue, etc.) that is input along with the character data of the character designated by the operation of the cursor key 7a and the color confirmation key 7d by the operation of the confirmation key 7c. Multi-color print data and full-color print data obtained by separating the input color data into three primary colors (yellow, magenta, and cyan) are stored in the text memory 121. Further, how many color data the text is composed of is stored as the color number N in the color number memory 122. For example, the number of colors N is set to N = 4 for multi-color print data and N = 3 for full-color print data in the printing examples shown in FIGS.
[0128]
  The text memory 121 functions as a first storage unit that stores the print color itself as data, and also serves as a second storage unit that stores the print color set by the print color setting unit as combination data of the three primary colors. Also works.
[0129]
  Next, it is determined whether or not a print key is input (S13). When the print key is input (YES in S13), the ribbon detection signal RS from the cassette sensor group 103 described above is used to detect the ribbon cassette mounted. The type of the ink ribbon 32 is detected, and it is determined whether the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (S14). Here, when the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (YES in S14), the process proceeds to full color printing control (S16), and when it is not a danderer ribbon (NO in S14), the process proceeds to multi-color printing control (S15).
[0130]
  Next, multi-color printing control will be described with reference to FIG.
[0131]
  As shown in FIG. 26, when multi-color printing control is started, first, a subroutine called preformat setting control is executed (S30). Details of the subroutine called preformat setting control will be described later. After completion of the preformat setting control subroutine, a tape tip detection control subroutine is executed (S31).
[0132]
  In the subroutine of tape tip detection control shown in FIG. 27, the tape drive motor is reversely rotated by a predetermined number of pulses R (S100). As described above, this ensures that there is no gap between the gear 55b and the gear 55a when the print tape 22 starts to be conveyed in the forward direction so that the print tape 22 does not become slack between the tape feed sub roller 66 and the platen roller 65. It is for keeping it present. Next, the tape drive motor is forwardly fed by one pulse (S101), and it is determined whether or not the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 22 (S102). Steps S101 and S102 are extended until the leading edge of the printing tape 22 is detected. If the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge (YES in S102), the printing start origin position is determined (S103). Here, the printing start origin position is a portion (point S in FIG. 22) located at the heating element position of the thermal head 12 when the leading end of the printing tape 22 is detected, and actual printing is set from here. The process is started after the blank space (B1 in FIG. 22) is fed to the tape. This completes the subroutine called tape leading edge detection control.
[0133]
  Here, one pulse when the motor is driven corresponds to the amount of ½ dot in printing. That is, the gear train reduction ratio is set so that one dot is printed for two pulses of the tape drive motor 44. Therefore, compared with the conventional method in which one dot of printing corresponds to one motor pulse of the tape drive motor 44, the accuracy of detecting the leading end of the printing tape 22 is improved and the printing position accuracy is improved.
[0134]
  After the end of the subroutine called tape leading edge detection control, it is determined whether or not printing on a preformat tape is performed (S32). Steps S32 to S34 will be described later. Subsequently, the Nth color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S35). Then, the printing tape 22 is printed for one dot, and the printing tape 22 is transported (S36), and it is determined whether or not the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the non-transmission state is three pitches of the sensor mark. It is determined whether or not to continue (S37). Here, if the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70, or if it is detected that the non-transmissive state has continued for three pitches of sensor mark (YES in S37), a subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control is executed. .
[0135]
  In the subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control shown in FIG. 28, when the ratio between the sensor mark detected by the ribbon sensor 70 and the blank portion is 1: 2 (YES in S50), it is determined as a ribbon end (S51). If the ratio between the sensor mark and the blank portion is 2: 1 (YES in S52), it is determined as a tape end (S53). If none of the above applies (NO in S52), the tape end is determined. And the ribbon end (S54), display on the liquid crystal display 5 respectively, stop the tape transport, and end the printing control (S55).
[0136]
  On the other hand, if three or more sensor marks are not detected by the ribbon sensor 70 (NO in S37), it is determined whether printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed, and if not completed (NO in S39) ) Steps S36 to S39 are repeated. If printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (YES in S39), it is determined whether or not the current print color is the final print color, and if it is the final print color (YES in S40), The fixed amount tape is conveyed (S41), the tape cut is displayed (S42), and the printing control is terminated. Here, the predetermined amount is the sum of the trailing margin amount B2 and the distance P between the print head 12 and the cutter 84 in FIG.
[0137]
  If it is not the final print color (NO in S40), a subroutine called print tape rewind control is executed (S43). In the subroutine of print tape rewinding control shown in FIG. 29, the solenoid 80 is driven to release the roller holder 67 (S121), the tape drive motor 44 is rotated by one pulse in the reverse conveyance direction (S122), and the leading edge detection sensor Whether or not 90 detects the leading end of the printing tape 22 is determined (S123). If the leading end of the printing tape 22 is not detected, steps S122 and S123 are repeated. If the leading end of the printing tape 22 is detected (YES in S123), the tape drive motor 44 is stopped (S124), and the printing tape rewinding control is performed. End the subroutine.
[0138]
  Then, one print color is counted (S44), and displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to replace the ribbon cassette 30 (S45), and it is determined whether or not the cassette has been replaced (S46). Here, whether or not the ribbon cassette 30 has been replaced can be determined by turning off all the switch groups 103 relating to the ribbon cassette once the ribbon cassette 30 is removed and turning on one of the switches again. When the ribbon cassette 30 is replaced (YES in S46), the process returns to step S31 and the same operation is repeated until the printing of the final print color is completed.
[0139]
  This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0140]
  Here, in this embodiment, the process of detecting the ink color of the ribbon cassette and performing printing according to the color data is not performed, and the user performs the printing corresponding to the color of the ribbon from the first color to the Nth color. It is carried out.
[0141]
  Next, preformat printing will be described. In preformat printing, a general-purpose format such as a fixed label or a name tag is printed on the printing tape 22 in advance (FIG. 30A), and the printed printing tape 22 is rewound to match the format. This is a printing method (FIG. 30B). In this manner, if a preformatted printing tape (preformat tape) is prepared, it is not necessary to input the format every time.
[0142]
  When a format such as a standard label is formed on the printing tape 22, a positioning mark is formed as a positioning reference when characters or the like are printed on the format.
[0143]
  Here, the ink ribbon 32 is provided with a sensor mark detected by the ribbon sensor 70, such as the aforementioned sensor mark for color identification. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion with these sensor marks, it is assumed that the positioning marks are detected when the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 functions as a reflective photosensor. That is, the positioning mark does not reflect the sensor light from the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the leading end detection sensor 90 (the printing tape itself reflects), and the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70 (the amount of light is larger than the sensor of the leading end detection sensor 90). ).
[0144]
  The positioning mark is printed between patterns such as fixed labels that are repeatedly printed on the printing tape 22 in preformat printing (preliminary printing). Then, in printing on the preformat tape (main printing) in which a name or the like is printed on the fixed label, each positioning mark is detected by the tip detection sensor 90, and printing is performed according to the pattern of the fixed label or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 30A, since the positioning marks can be formed between the repeated patterns, positioning is performed for each pattern in printing on the preformat tape.
[0145]
  In the subroutine of preformat setting control shown in FIG. 31, it is determined whether or not preformat printing is performed (S110). If preformat printing is selected at the time of printing data input (S11 in FIG. 25) in the printing start process (YES in S110), the position for printing the positioning mark and the print head position for printing the pattern are calculated and stored. (S111). Then, it is determined whether or not the ink ribbon 32 is a dancer ribbon (S112).
[0146]
  When the ink ribbon 32 is a dander ribbon (YES in S112), the positioning mark needs to be printed in black so that the contrast with the printing tape 22 is obtained. Therefore, the positioning mark print data is expanded into print data for all three primary colors. On the other hand, in the case of a single color ribbon (NO in S112), the color of the single color ribbon is darker than that of the damper ribbon, so that the positioning mark need not be printed in black. Therefore, in order to increase the processing speed, the print data is developed into first color print data (for example, red). This completes the subroutine called preformat setting control.
[0147]
  When the above-described multi-color printing control (steps S31 to S46) is performed after the completion of the pre-format setting routine, the pattern such as the fixed label and the positioning mark set in the pre-format setting routine are the same as those in the normal multi-color printing. Is printed. In this way, a preformat tape on which a predetermined format has been printed is created.
[0148]
  When printing on the preformat tape is selected at the time of printing text input in the print start process (step S11 in FIG. 25) (YES in S32 in FIG. 26), printing is performed on the preformat tape in the above multicolor print control. Is done. That is, in the multi-color printing control, the printing tape 22 is conveyed until the positioning mark is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 90 (S33, S34). At this time, the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 functions as a reflective sensor. Then, after the positioning mark is detected, the name and the like can be printed on a preprinted format such as a standard label by performing printing simultaneously with the case of normal multi-color printing.
[0149]
  As described above, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 prints the positioning mark on the printing tape 22 in the preliminary printing (preformat printing) and detects the positioning mark in the main printing (printing on the preformat tape). Above, control is performed to perform printing based on the detected positioning mark. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform printing at an accurate position with respect to a preprinted format.
[0150]
  Next, a case where full color printing is performed will be described.
[0151]
  As shown in FIG. 32, when full-color printing control is started, first, the subroutine called pocket format setting control is executed (S60). After completion of the preformat setting control subroutine, a ribbon color detection control subroutine is executed (S61). In the subroutine of ribbon color detection control shown in FIG. 33, first, the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are conveyed (S80), and it is determined whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 has detected two or more sensor marks. When the ribbon sensor 70 detects two or more sensor marks (YES in S81), it is further determined whether or not there are three sensor marks (S82). If three or more sensor marks are detected (YES in S82), the above-described tape and ribbon end detection routine is executed (S83). If three or more sensor marks are not detected (NO in S82), color identification is performed. In step S84 and subsequent ink colors are identified.
[0152]
  Subsequently, the widths of the first and second sensor marks are compared (S84). If the ratio of the widths is approximately 1: 1 (YES in S84), it is determined that the leading position of yellow is 1 If the ratio between the first and second is approximately 1: 2 (YES in S86), it is determined as the head position of magenta, and if not (NO in S86), it is determined as the head position of cyan. Then, in order to move the head position of the identified color (at this time, the position of the ribbon sensor 70) from the position of the ribbon sensor 70 to the position of the heating element of the thermal head 12, the print tape 22 and the ink ribbon 32 are used. Is conveyed by a predetermined amount L (S89). Then, the solenoid 80 is operated to release the roller holder (S90), and the subroutine of ribbon color detection control ends.
[0153]
  After completion of the ribbon color detection control subroutine, the aforementioned print tape rewind control subroutine (S62) and the aforementioned tape leading edge detection control subroutine (S63) are executed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not printing is performed on a preformat tape (S64). When printing on the preformat printing tape is selected in the printing start process (YES in S64), the printing tape 22 is conveyed until the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the positioning mark (S65, S66). At this time, the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90 functions as a reflective photosensor.
[0154]
  Next, the full color print data (three primary color data) of the detected color is developed in the print buffer (S67). In the case of printing as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, if the detected color is yellow, “A”, “KA”, “MI”, “DO”, “RI”, “KU”, “RO”, “KI” are printed. If the data is expanded, the print data of “A”, “KA”, “KU”, “RO” if magenta color, and “MI”, “DO”, “RI”, “KU”, “RO” will be expanded if cyan. The
[0155]
  Subsequently, the printing tape 22 is printed for one dot, and the printing tape 22 is conveyed (S68). The determination as to whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 detects three sensor marks and the non-transparent state are the sensor marks 3. It is determined whether or not to continue for the pitch (S69). Steps S68 and S69 are repeated until three sensor marks or the continuation for three pitches of the non-transmissive sensor mark is detected, that is, printing is performed. Is called.
[0156]
  Here, when three sensor marks are detected by the ribbon sensor 70 or the continuation for three pitches in the non-transmissive state is detected (YES in S69), the process proceeds to the above-described subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control. However, before that, in the three detected sensor marks, it is determined whether or not the ratio of the width between the sensor mark and the blank portion (FIGS. 16 and 17) is constant (S70). If it is not constant, it is considered that the sensor mark for color identification and the sensor mark indicating the end point overlap each other, so the end determination is suspended and the process returns to step 69. If the ratio between the width of the sensor mark and the blank portion (FIGS. 16 and 17) is constant, the process proceeds to a subroutine of tape and ribbon end detection control (S71).
[0157]
  On the other hand, if three or more sensor marks have not been detected (NO in S69), it is determined whether printing of detected color print data has been completed. If not (NO in S72), steps S68 to S72 are performed. Repeat until. If printing has ended (YES in S72), it is determined whether the current printing color is the final printing color (S73). If the printing color is the final printing color (YES in S73), the tape is conveyed by a predetermined amount (S73). In step S74, a tape cut is displayed (S75), and the print control is terminated. Here, the predetermined amount is the sum of the rear margin amount B2 and the distance P between the print head 12 and the cutter 84 in FIG. If it is not the final printing color (NO in S73), one printing color is counted (S76), the process returns to S61, and the same operation is repeated until the printing of the final printing color is completed.
[0158]
  This completes the full color printing control.
[0159]
  Thus, the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU) for setting the print color of the text, the first print color storage means (text memory 121) for storing the set print color itself as data, the print Since there is provided a second print color storage means (text memory 121) that separates the print color set by the color storage means into a plurality of predetermined colors and stores them as combination data of the plurality of colors. There is an advantage that multi-color printing that prints separately and full-color printing that prints by superimposing colors can be supported. Further, since a combination data storage unit (ROM) for storing the print color set by the print color setting means and the three primary color data in association with each other is provided, a predetermined color can be set only by setting the print color. Since color separation is automatically performed with reference to the correspondence table, it is possible to quickly generate data separated into three primary colors without requiring a complicated algorithm.
[0160]
  As described above, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the first embodiment, multi-color printing or full-color printing can be selected. The advantage of multi-color printing is that the required amount of ribbon is consumed, so the ribbon can be used very economically, and each color is reproduced with the unique color of the ink ribbon. This is an excellent color reproducibility. The advantage of full-color printing is that the number of colors can be freely selected with one ribbon cassette, and color printing can be realized without replacement of the ribbon cassette, so that the operation is simple.
[0161]
  Therefore, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the present embodiment, there is a great effect that the user can select a printing method suitable for the application in consideration of the merits of multi-color printing or full-color printing.
[0162]
  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0163]
  In this second embodiment, when a laminate type cassette is used, the printing tape is conveyed by both the tape feed sub-roller and the platen roller. When a receptor type cassette is used, the printing tape is conveyed only by the platen roller. To do. Further, in the second embodiment, the end portion of the printing tape is also detected by a leading edge detection sensor that detects the leading edge of the printing tape.
[0164]
  First, a laminate type cassette will be described.
[0165]
  As shown in FIG. 34, a cassette case 410 contains a double-sided adhesive tape 402, a transparent tape 404, and an ink ribbon 406. The double-sided adhesive tape 402 is wound around the tape spool 401 with the adhesive surface facing 402a, the transparent tape 404 is wound around the spool 405, and the ink ribbon 406 is wound around the ribbon spool 408. The ink ribbon 406 is wound around the ribbon take-up spool 407. It is wound up. The ribbon take-up spool 407 is driven as in the first embodiment. The tape feed roller 409 has a function of bonding the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape 402 to and from the tape feed sub-roller 66 of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201.
[0166]
  In the case of a laminate type cassette, since the sensor mark of the ink ribbon 406 cannot be detected by exchanging the ribbon cassette or by a ribbon sensor or the like, it is not used for full color printing or multicolor printing.
[0167]
  Next, a receptor type cassette will be described. As described above, the receptor-type cassette includes a tape / ribbon integrated cassette and a tape / ribbon separated cassette. FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 loaded with the tape / ribbon separation type cassette, and FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a state where the roller holder 67 is opened and the ribbon cassette 230 is removed. As shown in FIG. 36, the tape cassette 220 includes a tape spool 223 for winding the print tape 222 inside the tape case 221. The ribbon cassette 230 includes a ribbon spool 233 around which the ink ribbon 232 is wound and a ribbon take-up spool 234 that winds up the ink ribbon 232 inside the ribbon case 231.
[0168]
  Unlike the tape cassette 20 of the first embodiment, in the tape cassette 220 of the second embodiment, the conveyance path of the printing tape 222 is conveyed by bypassing the ribbon sensor 70. That is, the ribbon sensor 70 is configured to detect only sensor marks formed on the ink ribbon 232.
[0169]
  Next, the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment will be described.
[0170]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201, the tape winding cam 41 that can be engaged with the tape spool 223 of the tape cassette 220 and the ribbon winding cam 42 that can be engaged with the ribbon winding spool 234 of the ribbon cassette 230 are the main body. The frame 11 is rotatably supported.
[0171]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 is provided with a thermal head 12 for printing on the printing tape 222. A platen roller 65 that sandwiches the tape with the thermal head 12 faces the thermal head 12. The tape feed roller 24 faces the tape cassette 220 and a tape feed sub-roller 66 that sandwiches the tape with the tape feed roller 24 is opposed to the tape feed roller 24. The platen roller 65 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 are held by a roller holder 67 that can swing with respect to the main body frame 11. The main body frame 11 is provided with a tape feed motor 44.
[0172]
  The drive part of the platen roller 65 is shown in FIG. The platen roller 65 and its driving unit shown in FIG. 37 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except for a gear 255 that engages with a platen gear 65a that drives the platen roller 65. That is, the platen roller 65 includes a roller main body 651 and a roller shaft 652 that passes through the inside of the roller main body 651. The roller shaft 652 is hollow, and a drive shaft 653 for rotationally driving the platen roller 65 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 652. The platen gear 65a is formed on the drive shaft 653. Unlike the gear 55 of the first embodiment, the gear 255 that engages with the platen gear 65a is not configured in two stages in the axial direction, but is configured as an integral unit. The drive system from the tape feed motor 44 to the gear 53 is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0173]
  FIG. 38 shows a drive unit for the tape feed sub-roller 66.
[0174]
  As shown in FIG. 38 (a), the tape feed sub-roller 66 and its drive unit are configured in the same way as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the tape feed sub-roller 66 includes a roller main body 661 and a tape feed sub-roller shaft 662 that passes through the inside of the roller main body 661. The roller shaft 662 is hollow. A drive shaft 663 for rotationally driving the tape feed sub-roller 66 is inserted into the hollow portion of the roller shaft 662. The drive gear 66 a provided on the drive shaft 663 is driven by the gear 54 via the tape drive gear 43 a provided below the tape feed roller cam 43. The drive system from the tape feed motor 44 to the gear 54 is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0175]
  The drive shaft 663 is rotatably supported by a movable case 666, and the movable case 666 is supported by the roller holder 67 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. The movable case 666 is biased upward in the figure by springs 66b provided on the roller holder 67.
[0176]
  Here, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), when the receptor type tape cassette 220 is mounted on the main body, the rib 221a formed on the tape cassette 220 opposes the spring 66b and the shaft of the tape feed sub-roller 66. The part is urged downward in the figure. For this reason, the tape feed sub-roller 66 is retracted to the retracted position where it does not contact the print tape 222, the engagement between the tape drive gear 43a and the tape feed sub-roller gear 66a is released, and the driving force is not transmitted to the tape feed sub-roller 66.
[0177]
  When the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 are driven simultaneously, there is a possibility that the platen roller starts to rotate first due to backlash of a gear or the like up to the respective rollers. In this case, tape slack occurs in the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65, and if this slack occurs when detecting the front end of the print tape 222, an error occurs in the distance between the tape front end position and the print start origin position. When a receptor type cassette is used, full-color printing and multi-color printing are often performed. Therefore, if the detection accuracy of the leading end of the printing tape 222 is poor, the printing position is likely to shift for each color. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 38B, the printing tape 222 is conveyed by the platen roller 65 and the rotation of the tape feeding sub-roller is stopped, so that the printing tape 222 between the tape feeding sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 is stopped. Can be prevented.
[0178]
  On the other hand, when the laminate type cassette 410 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 38A, the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the tape feed roller 409 are in contact with each other, and the tape drive gear 43a and the tape feed sub-roller gear 66a are engaged with each other. , The rotation is transmitted. Then, the double-sided adhesive tape 402 and the transparent tape 404 are bonded together by the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the tape feed roller 409 in the tape cassette. Since the laminate-type cassette is not used for full-color printing and multi-color printing, the leading edge detection accuracy is not required so much, and the slack of the printing tape 222 between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 is allowed.
[0179]
  In this way, the tape feed sub-roller 66 contributes to the conveyance of the print tape 404 only when using a laminate type cassette in which the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape are bonded together using the tape feed sub-roller 66.
[0180]
  In addition, when using a receptor-type cassette that performs full-color printing and multi-color printing (needs to accurately detect the tip position of the printing tape 222), it is not necessary to attach a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. Is transported only by the platen roller 65, and can suppress variations in the print start position due to the slack of the tape between the tape feed sub-roller 66 and the platen roller 65 as described above, and color misregistration during full-color printing and multi-color printing. Occurrence can be prevented.
[0181]
  Next, end detection (end detection) of the printing tape 222 by the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the second embodiment will be described.
[0182]
  First, tape tip detection when a receptor type cassette is used will be described. Since the print tape 222 is formed of a material that does not transmit the sensor light of the leading end detection sensor 90, the sensor light as shown in FIG. If the sensor mark 222a is formed of a material that transmits the sensor mark 222a, the sensor mark 222a is read by the leading edge detection sensor 90 as the trailing edge of the printing tape 222 passes through the leading edge detection sensor 90, and the trailing edge is detected.
[0183]
  As described above, the transmission photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) for detecting the leading end of the printing tape 222 is provided, and the sensor light is transmitted to the terminal portion of the printing tape 222 that does not transmit the sensor light of the transmission photosensor. By forming the portion to be formed, the transmission type photosensor (front end detection sensor 90) can detect the end of the print tape 222. Therefore, there is no need to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor, and there is an advantage that the material selection range of the printing tape 222 is widened accordingly.
[0184]
  Next, tip detection in the case of a laminate type cassette will be described.
[0185]
  The double-sided adhesive tape 402 (opaque tape) and the transparent tape 404 are bonded by the tape feed roller 409 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 and pass through the tip detection sensor 90. Usually, the double-sided adhesive tape 403 is printed with various colors and does not transmit light from the light emitting / receiving element 92. The double-sided adhesive tape 402 is set shorter than the transparent tape 404. Further, a sensor mark 404a indicating a terminal end as shown in FIG. 39B is applied to the end of the transparent tape 404.
[0186]
  As shown in FIG. 40, the outer peripheral surface of the tape spool 401 is formed with knurls in which irregularities extending in the axial direction are arranged in the circumferential direction so that the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is easily peeled off. Since the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is shorter than the transparent tape 404, the double-sided adhesive tape 402 disappears before the transparent tape 404. Because of the knurls on the surface of the tape spool 401, the end of the double-sided adhesive tape 402 can be easily peeled off from the tape spool 401.
[0187]
  Even if the end of the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is peeled off from the tape spool 401, the tape feed roller 409 and the tape feed sub-roller 66 rotate as they are. Therefore, only the transparent tape 404 passes through the front end detection sensor 90. Therefore, if a sensor mark indicating the end portion is formed in a portion of the transparent tape 404 corresponding to the rear of the end portion of the double-sided adhesive tape 402, the front end detection sensor 90 By this, it becomes possible to detect the end portion.
[0188]
  In this way, the transparent tape (transparent tape 404) and the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) are bonded together to form a printing tape, and the transparent tape is longer than the opaque tape, and the transparent tape is longer than the end of the opaque tape. The transmission photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) is formed at a predetermined position corresponding to the rear by forming a mark including a portion that transmits the sensor light of the transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) and a portion that does not transmit the sensor light. Can detect the end of the printing tape. Further, by forming irregularities on the surface of the tape spool 401 for winding the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape), the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape) is easily peeled off from the tape spool.
[0189]
  Next, the printing control when each of the laminate type and receptor type cassettes is used will be described with reference to a flowchart.
[0190]
  First, the printing control when the laminate type is used will be described. As in the first embodiment, preformat printing is possible in the second embodiment, but the description thereof is omitted here. In addition, as described above, when a laminate type cassette is used, single color printing is performed using a single color ink ribbon 406. Note that here, a laminate of the transparent tape 404 and the double-sided adhesive tape 402 is simply referred to as a printing tape 400.
[0191]
  When the monochrome printing control is started, as shown in FIG. 41, first, a subroutine called tape leading edge detection control is executed (S231). In the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control shown in FIG. 42, the tape drive motor is forwardly conveyed by one pulse (S251), and it is determined whether or not the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape (S252). Steps S251 and S252 are repeated until the leading edge of the printing tape 400 is detected. If the leading edge is detected (YES in S252), the printing start origin position is determined. Note that the printing start origin position is a portion (point S shown in FIG. 22) located at the heating element position of the thermal head 12 when the leading end of the printing tape is detected, and actual printing is set from here. The process starts after the tape is fed by the margin B1.
[0192]
  After completion of the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control, single color print data is developed in the print buffer (S235). Then, the printing tape 400 is printed for one dot and the tape is fed (S236), and it is determined whether the sensor mark is detected by the tip detection sensor 90 (S237), and if the sensor mark is detected (S237). In step S237, YES, the tape end is determined, and the tape drive motor is stopped while displaying on the liquid crystal display 5 (S238), and the printing control is terminated.
[0193]
  If no sensor mark is detected (NO in S237), it is determined whether printing of all print data has been completed (NO in S240). If not completed (NO in S240), steps S236 to S240 are repeated. If printing has been completed (YES in S240), the predetermined amount of printing tape 400 is conveyed (S241), a tape cut instruction is displayed (S242), and printing control is terminated.
[0194]
  This completes the monochrome printing control.
[0195]
  Next, the printing control of the receptor type cassette will be described.
[0196]
  When a receptor type cassette is used, multi-color printing and full-color printing can be performed as in the first embodiment. Here, multi-color printing control will be described. Further, description of preformat printing is omitted.
[0197]
  As shown in FIG. 43, when the multi-color printing control is started, the above-described subroutine (FIG. 42) called tape leading edge detection control is executed (S331). After completion of the subroutine of tape leading edge detection control, the Nth color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S335). Next, the Nth color is printed. That is, the printing tape 222 is printed for one dot, and the tape is transported (S336), and it is determined whether or not the tip detection sensor 90 detects the sensor mark (S337). When the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects a sensor mark (YES in S337), it is determined that the tape is at the end, and a display is made on the liquid crystal display 5 (S338).
[0198]
  On the other hand, when the sensor mark is not detected by the ribbon sensor 70 (NO in S337), it is determined whether or not the ribbon sensor 70 detects the sensor mark (S340). When the sensor mark is detected by the ribbon sensor 70 (YES in S340), it is determined that the ribbon is end, and a display is made on the liquid crystal display 5 (S342). After the tape conveyance is stopped, the print control is terminated.
[0199]
  In the second embodiment, since only the ink ribbon 232 passes through the ribbon sensor 70, it is not necessary to identify the tape end or the ribbon end as in the first embodiment. In the case of multi-color printing, since the sensor mark for ink color identification is not detected, there is no need to identify the type of sensor mark based on the number of sensor marks.
[0200]
  If the ribbon sensor 70 and the leading edge detection sensor 90 do not detect the sensor mark, it is determined whether printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (S344). If not completed (NO in S344), step S336 is performed. To S344 are repeated. If printing of the print data of the current print color has been completed (YES in S344), it is determined whether the current print color is the final print color (S346), and if it is the final print color (YES in S346). The tape is conveyed by a predetermined amount (rear margin amount B2 + distance P between the print head and the cutter) (S348), the tape cut is displayed (S350), and the print control is terminated.
[0201]
  If it is not the final print color (NO in S346), the aforementioned subroutine called print tape rewind control is executed (S352). After the subroutine of print tape rewinding control is completed, the number of prints is counted by one (S354) and displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to replace the ribbon cassette (S356). If it is determined that the ribbon cassette has been replaced (YES in S358), the process returns to step S331. Thereafter, the same control is repeated until the printing of the final printing color is completed.
[0202]
  This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0203]
  Thus, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 of the second embodiment, the end of the tape can be detected by the tip detection sensor 90 regardless of whether the cassette is a receptor type or a laminate type. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70, and the material selection range is increased accordingly. Further, in the case of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus that performs only monochrome printing, it is not necessary to attach a ribbon sensor only for detecting the end of the tape, and the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.
[0204]
  Next, a third embodiment will be described.
[0205]
  In the third embodiment, the printing tape conveyance amount for the printing process for each color is set to an integral multiple of the conveyance amount by one rotation of the platen roller, so that the displacement of the printing position due to the eccentricity of the platen roller is reduced. It is a solution. The configurations of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201, the tape cassette 220, and the ribbon cassette 230 are the same as those in the second embodiment.
[0206]
  Multi-color printing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0207]
  As in the first embodiment, preformat printing and printing on a preformat tape are possible in the third embodiment, but description thereof is omitted here.
[0208]
  As shown in FIG. 44, when multi-color printing control is started, in order to detect the leading edge of the tape, the printing tape 222 is transported by one pulse in the forward direction (S902), and the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge of the printing tape 222. Is detected (S903). Subsequently, a display prompting the cutting of the printing tape 222 is made (S904). Then, it is determined whether or not the tape has been cut (S903). If the tape has been cut (YES in S903), the print tape 222 corresponding to the distance between the cutter blade 84 and the predetermined origin position K is determined. Forward conveyance is performed (S906).
[0209]
  The N-th color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S907). Subsequently, an idle feed amount is calculated and set for the input text according to the length of the print length F1 (S908). The idle feed amount is set so that the platen roller 65 is just rotated by an integer by printing (including margins) and idle feed. For example, when the print length F1 is smaller than the transport amount G of the platen roller 65, that is, when G> F1, the idle feed amount after printing is (G−F1). Further, the idle feed amount when G <F1 <2G is (2G-F1). Also, the idle feed amount when 2G <F1 <3G is (3G-F1). Hereinafter, similarly, the idle feed amount is set according to the print length.
[0210]
  Then, tape conveyance, printing, and idle feeding for the front margin (B1 in FIG. 22) are performed (S909). Next, a display prompting replacement of the ribbon cassette is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S910). When it is detected that the ribbon cassette has been replaced, the roller holder 67 is moved to the release position (S912), and the printing tape 222 is moved. Rewinding is performed (S913). When the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected by rewinding the printing tape 222 (YES in S914), the printing tape 222 is rewound continuously for V pulses and stopped (S915). This V pulse is for detecting the leading end of the tape in a stable state, and is positioned at the origin position K by rewinding only the V pulse.
[0211]
  Subsequently, the roller holder is pressed (S916), and it is determined whether or not the current print color is the final print color (S917). If it is not the final print color (NO in S917), one print color is counted ( S918), the process returns to step S907. Printing for the second and subsequent colors is performed in the same manner as described above (steps S907 to S918), and when printing of the final print color is completed (YES in S907), a predetermined amount (rear margin amount B2 + the distance between the print head and the cutter) The printing tape 222 is conveyed by P) (S919), and a tape cut is displayed (S920). When the tape is cut (YES in S921), the roller holder is released (S922), and the tape cassette and ribbon cassette are ready to be taken out, and the process ends.
[0212]
  This completes the multi-color printing control.
[0213]
  In this manner, the platen roller 65 is opposed to the same position each time with respect to the print tape 222 for each print color. That is, when viewed at one place on the printing tape 222, the same position of the platen roller 65 is opposed to that place on the printing tape 222 when printing any printing color. That is, the print tape 222 is transported at the same transport speed when printing the portion on the print tape 222 in any color. Therefore, the shift of the printing position due to the different conveyance speed for each color is prevented.
[0214]
  As described above, according to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment, the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by the platen roller 65 in one printing process is equal to the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65. By setting the integral multiple of the amount, the platen roller 65 comes into contact with the print tape 222 at almost the same position every time for each print color. Therefore, even if the platen roller 65 is decentered, the print position can be changed. Misalignment is prevented.
[0215]
  As another example of the print control shown in FIG. 44, the following processing can be considered. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the operation performed before printing the first color is different from the operation performed before printing the second and subsequent colors. That is, before the first color printing is performed, the printing tape is conveyed in the forward direction (step 906), and before the second color printing is performed, the printing tape is rewound (step 915). Therefore, there is a possibility that the contact positions of the platen roller 65 for the first color and the second and subsequent colors are substantially different.
[0216]
  The print control shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 is an example in which the print tape is rewound in the same manner as the second and subsequent colors before the first color is printed in order to improve the above points. It is.
[0217]
  First, the roller holder 67 is pressed into contact (S1000), and in this state, it is determined whether or not the printing tape 222 is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 90 (S1001). If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is not detected (NO in S1001), the printing tape 222 is conveyed in the forward direction (S1004), the leading end of the printing tape is detected again (S1005), and steps 1004 and S1005 are detected until detected. Repeat the process. If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected in step S1005 (YES in S1005), the process proceeds to S1006.
[0218]
  On the other hand, if the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected in step S1001 (YES in S1001), a display prompting tape cutting is performed (S1002), and then it is determined whether cutting of the printing tape is detected (step S1001). S1003). The processes in steps S1002 and S1003 are repeated until the printing tape 222 is cut, and if cutting is detected (YES in S1003), the process proceeds to step S1006.
[0219]
  In step S1006, the print tape 222 is fed in the positive direction by W pulses and then stopped, and the roller holder 67 is released (S1007). The W pulse is the number of pulses necessary for the through-up and down-down of the step motor when stopping or starting the printing tape. After the conveyance of the print tape 222 is stopped, the print tape 222 is rewound (S1008), and it is determined whether or not the front end of the print tape 222 has been detected by the front end detection sensor 90 (S1009). , S1009 is repeated. If the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected (YES in S1009), the printing tape 222 is rewound by V pulses (S1010), and the roller holder 67 is pressed into contact (S1011).
[0220]
  Subsequent steps are performed in the same manner as step S907 and subsequent steps in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 46, the N-th color multi-color print data is developed in the print buffer (S1012), and the idle feed amount is calculated and set (S1013). Then, tape conveyance, printing, and idle feeding for the front margin (B1 in FIG. 22) are performed (S1014). Next, a display prompting replacement of the ribbon cassette is performed (S1015). When replacement of the ribbon cassette is detected (YES in S1016), the roller holder 67 is released (S1017).
[0221]
  Then, the printing tape 222 is rewound (S1018), and it is determined whether the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 222 (S1019). When the leading end of the printing tape 222 is detected (YES in S1019, the printing tape 222 is rewound by the aforementioned V pulses and stopped (S1020). Subsequently, the roller holder 67 is pressed and contacted (S1021). It is determined whether or not the print color is the final print color (S1022), and if it is not the final print color (NO in S1022), one print color is counted (S1023), and the process returns to step S1012 and steps S1012 to S1023. Is repeated to print the second and subsequent colors (YES in S1022), and the printing tape 222 is conveyed by a predetermined amount (the amount of rear margin B2 + the distance P between the print head and the cutter) (S1024). The tape cut is displayed (S1025) When the tape cut is performed (YES in S1026), the roller holder 67 is displayed. Release to (S1027), to terminate the printing control.
[0222]
  As described above, according to the print control shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the operation performed before the first color printing (step S1010) and the operation performed before the second color printing (step S1020) are performed. Therefore, the contact position between the printing tape and the platen roller at the time of printing always coincides. Therefore, it is more effective for preventing the positional deviation of printing.
[0223]
  As described above, in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU, ROM) for setting the print color of the text, and the set print color itself The first print color storage means (text memory 121) for storing the data as data, and the print color set by the print color storage means is separated into a plurality of predetermined colors and stored as a combination data of the plurality of colors Second print color storage means (text memory 121) is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to print by exchanging the ribbon corresponding to the set color, and it is also possible to print a plurality of colors in an overlapping manner based on the color separation data.
[0224]
  Since the print color setting means (keyboard 4, CPU, ROM) associates an arbitrary range of text with the print color, a desired print color can be set for the arbitrary range of text. It becomes possible. Further, since the plurality of colors are the three primary colors of yellow, cyan, and magenta, a color image can be easily synthesized. Further, since the combination data storage unit (CPU, ROM) for storing the print color set by the print color setting means and the combination data of the three primary colors is provided, the print color setting means When separating the print colors set by 3 into the three primary colors, simply setting the print colors and automatically performing color separation with reference to a predetermined correspondence table does not require a complicated algorithm. Data separated into the three primary colors can be generated quickly.
[0225]
  Further, since the ink ribbons 32 of a plurality of colors corresponding to the print colors set by the print color setting means are exchanged and used, the ink ribbons 32 can be used efficiently. The ink ribbons 32 of a plurality of colors are stored in the cassette 30 and the printing means has a cassette mounting portion (ribbon cassette housing portion 21f) on which the ribbon cassette 30 is detachably mounted. The replacement can be performed only by replacing the cassette 30 and the operability of the label producing apparatus is improved.
[0226]
  Further, since the plurality of color ribbons are arranged in different regions of the same ink ribbon 32 in a predetermined order, it is not necessary to replace the ink ribbon 32 for color printing.
[0227]
  In addition, the transport means (platen roller 65, tape take-up cam 41, tape feed motor 44) for transporting the tape and the print means (thermal head 12) to the print tape 22 while transporting the print tape 22 in the first direction. And a control means (CPU) for performing printing. The control means further causes the printing tape 22 to be conveyed by the conveying means in a second direction opposite to the first direction without printing, and again the printing tape 22. Is printed on the printing tape 22 by the printing means while being conveyed in the first direction, so that printing is performed a plurality of times in the same area of the printing tape 22. Therefore, printing is performed a plurality of times in the same area of the printing tape. Can be done. Further, the printing unit includes a display control unit that displays information on the color of the ink ribbon 32 to be replaced on the display unit when the ink ribbon 32 is replaced. Therefore, the user can replace the ink ribbon according to the display.
[0228]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention prints a positioning mark on the printing tape 22 in preliminary printing (preformat printing), and performs positioning in main printing (printing on the preformat tape). After detecting the mark, it is controlled to perform printing based on the detected positioning mark. Therefore, it is possible to easily print at an accurate position with respect to a preprinted format.
[0229]
  The positioning mark is printed on the printing tape 22 in a color that does not reflect the sensor light of the reflection type photosensor (the reflection type sensor by the light emitting / receiving element 92 of the tip detection sensor 90) (the printing tape itself reflects), Since it is detected by the reflective photosensor, confusion with the sensor mark or the like (detected by the transmissive photosensor) of the ink ribbon 32 is prevented.
[0230]
  In preliminary printing (preformat printing), a predetermined pattern is repeatedly printed on the printing tape 22, and in main printing (printing on the preformat tape), printing is performed in accordance with the predetermined pattern. The name and the like can be printed at an accurate position with respect to the format of the printed standard label or the like. Further, since the positioning mark is printed between the predetermined patterns, it is possible to always perform printing at an appropriate position for each pattern.
[0231]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the tape cassette 20 is provided with guide portions (guide shafts 21a and 21b) and positioning portions (positioning shafts 21d and 21e), and the ribbon cassette 30 is guided. (Guide rails 31a and 31b) and positioned portions (positioning rails 31d and 31e) are provided, and the guided portion is guided and positioned by the guide portion when the ribbon cassette 30 is mounted, and the positioned portion is positioned by the positioning portion at the end of mounting. It is configured to be guided and positioned. Therefore, the length of each member (shaft, rail) can be reduced, and the effect of facilitating molding can be obtained. Further, particularly in the case of a wide tape, there is an advantage that the mounting becomes easy.
[0232]
  The guide portions (guide shafts 21a and 21b) and the positioning portions (positioning shafts 21d and 21e) are shaft members extending in the mounting direction of the ink ribbon cassette 30, and the guided portions and the positioned portions (guide rails 31a and 31b, Since each of the positioning rails 31d and 31e) is a groove portion into which the shaft member is inserted, the effect that each member can be formed in a small space is obtained.
[0233]
  Further, since the groove portions of the guided portions (guide rails 31a and 31b) and the positioned portions (guide rails 31d and 31e) are formed to have a narrow width in the ribbon cassette mounting direction, the positioning accuracy of the ribbon cassette 30 is improved. While maintaining, the resistance due to sliding between the groove and the shaft accompanying the mounting of the ribbon cassette 30 can be reduced, and mounting becomes easy. Moreover, since the guide part is supported by the support member thinner than the said guide part, when the to-be-positioned part is positioned by the positioning part, a to-be-guided part is open | released from a guide part. That is, the resistance at the time of mounting is further reduced, and mounting is further facilitated.
[0234]
  The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90) for detecting the leading end of the printing tape 222, and does not transmit the sensor light of the transmission type photosensor. A portion (222a, 404a) that transmits the sensor light is formed at the end of the tape 222. Therefore, the transmissive photosensor can detect the end of the print tape 222. That is, it is not necessary to form the printing tape 222 with a material that transmits the sensor light of the ribbon sensor 70, and the effect that the width of material selection of the printing tape 222 is increased accordingly.
[0235]
  The above-mentioned printing tape is formed by laminating a transparent tape 404 and an opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402). The transparent tape 404 is formed longer than the opaque tape, and the transparent tape 404 is longer than the end of the opaque tape. Since the mark (404a) is formed of a portion corresponding to the rear and a portion that does not transmit light, the transmission type photosensor can detect the end of the print tape 222.
[0236]
  Further, since the surface of the tape spool 401 for winding the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) is uneven, the opaque tape (double-sided adhesive tape 402) is peeled off from the tape spool 401. Therefore, the mark on the transparent tape 404 can surely pass through the transmission type photosensor (tip detection sensor 90).
[0237]
  In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by the platen roller 65 in one printing process is an integral multiple of the conveyance amount of the printing tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65. It is comprised so that. Accordingly, since the platen roller 65 comes into contact with the printing tape 222 at almost the same position every time printing is performed, even if the platen roller 65 is decentered, the occurrence of printing position deviation is prevented. An effect is obtained.
[0238]
  The platen roller 65 is controlled to rotate on the basis of the position of the platen roller 65 when the front end of the printing tape passes a predetermined position. Therefore, the reference position can be accurately set based on the tip detection sensor 90 or the like that detects the tip of the printing tape 222. Further, since the platen roller 65 is controlled to perform the idle feed corresponding to the difference between the print length and the conveyance amount of the print tape 222 by one rotation of the platen roller 65, the print tape 222 by the platen roller 65 is controlled. The above transport amount can be obtained with certainty. Further, the reference position of the rotation of the platen roller 65 is set to a position where the printing tape 222 has moved a predetermined amount from the position where the leading edge detection sensor 90 has detected the leading edge of the printing tape 65, so that the printing tape 222 is moved at a stable speed. Passes through the detection sensor 90. Therefore, when the leading edge detection sensor 90 detects the leading edge of the printing tape next time, the printing tape passes through the leading edge detection sensor 90 after reaching a stable speed, so that the detection accuracy becomes constant.
[0239]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium, and in the printing device that prints characters, symbols, and the like on the printing medium, the conveying unit. Consists of a plurality of transport rollers and drive means for rotationally driving each transport roller,At least two of the transport rollers are disposed along the transport path of the print medium,The driving means isSince the conveyance roller disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance path of the print medium is configured to start rotating before the conveyance roller disposed on the upstream side, the print medium is slackened between the conveyance rollers. Can be surely prevented.
[0240]
[0241]
  Claims2In the printing apparatus described above, in the case where the conveyance roller disposed on the downstream side is the tape in which the printing medium is a tape and the printing tape is formed by bonding the transparent tape and the adhesive tape, the transparent tape and the adhesive Since the tape bonding operation is performed, the transparent tape can be bonded to the adhesive tape while being conveyed.
[0242]
  Claims3In the printing apparatus described above, the driving unit has a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the transport roller, and the gear for transmitting the rotational force to the transport roller disposed on the upstream side is divided into two stages, upper and lower. A delay means is provided between the upper split gear and the lower split gear for rotating the upper split gear behind the lower split gear, and the upper split gear rotates on the upstream side. Since the upper divided gear rotates behind the lower divided gear by the delay means, the rotational force of the upper divided gear is arranged upstream. If it is configured to transmit to the conveyed rollers, the conveying rollers arranged on the upstream side can be rotated with a delay more reliably than the conveying rollers arranged on the downstream side.
[0243]
  Claims4In the printing apparatus described above, the delay means is a convex portion that is provided so as to mesh with the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower divided gears and that is arranged with a predetermined gap in the rotation direction of the gear. Yes, the lower split gear rotates, and the convex part provided on the lower split gear contacts the convex part provided on the upper split gear, so that the lower split gear rotates to the upper split gear. Since it is configured to be transmitted, the timing for starting the rotation of the split gear can be reliably shifted with a simple configuration.
[0244]
  Claims5In the printing apparatus described above, a state in which a predetermined gap is provided between the convex portion of the upper split gear and the convex portion of the lower split gear is an initial state when the print medium is conveyed in the forward direction. In order to match the initial state, the driving means is configured to drive the gear in the direction opposite to the printing direction in advance prior to the printing operation, so that the upstream side with respect to the conveying roller disposed on the downstream side. It is possible to delay the timing at which the rotation of the transport rollers arranged at the same time is always started by the same amount.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a tape label producing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus with a tape cassette mounted thereon.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure for a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the positional relationship between the guide axis and positioning axis of the tape cassette and the guide rail and positioning rail of the ribbon cassette.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a tape / ribbon separation type cassette.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a drive system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a drive system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a gear train around the ribbon take-up cam.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing the platen roller and its driving unit.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing a tape feed sub-roller.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a gear.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a tape feed roller.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a tape feed roller.
FIG. 16 is a discrimination table for a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an end portion of an ink ribbon.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a terminal portion of a printing tape.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a sensor mark of a danderer ribbon.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a print color correspondence table.
FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing an example of printing on a tape-shaped label.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating multi-color data.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing full color data.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing print start control.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a tape leading edge detection control subroutine.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a tape and ribbon end detection control subroutine.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a print tape rewind control subroutine.
FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing an example of a preformat tape.
FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a preformat setting control subroutine.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing full-color print control.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a ribbon color detection control subroutine.
FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a cassette housing portion of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus in which a laminate type tape cassette is mounted.
FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus equipped with a tape cassette and a ribbon cassette.
FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus with only the tape cassette attached.
FIG. 37 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the platen roller and its drive unit.
FIG. 38 is a side view showing a second embodiment of a tape feeding sub-roller and its driving unit when a receptor type and a laminate type tape cassette are mounted.
FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a terminal portion of a printing tape and an ink ribbon.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a tape spool of a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing monochrome printing control according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a tape leading edge detection control subroutine.
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing multi-color printing control according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the flowchart shown in FIG. 44.
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the flowchart shown in FIG. 44.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Tape label making device
4 Keyboard part
5 cassette housing
9 Display
11 Body base
12 Thermal head
20 Tape cassette
21a, 21b Guide shaft
21c, 21d Positioning axis
21f Ribbon cassette housing
22 Printing tape
22a Termination (printing tape)
24 Tape feed roller
30 Ribbon cassette
31a, 31b Guide rail
31c, 31d Positioning rail
32 Ink ribbon
32a Terminal part (ink ribbon)
42 Ribbon take-up cam
43 Tape feed cam
44 Tape feed motor
65 Platen roller
66 Tape feed sub-roller
67 Roller holder
70 Ribbon sensor
84 Cutter
90 Tip detection sensor
92 Light Emitting / Receiving Element
103 Ribbon detection switch group
221a rib
222 Printing tape
222a Sensor mark
401 Tape spool
402 Double-sided adhesive tape
404 transparent tape
404a Sensor mark
410 (laminate type) cassette
501, 504, 507 Sensor mark

Claims (5)

In a printing apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a print medium and printing characters, symbols, etc. on the print medium,
The conveying means comprises a plurality of conveying rollers and a driving means for rotationally driving each conveying roller,
The transport rollers are arranged at least two along the transport path of the print medium,
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the driving means starts rotating the conveyance roller arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance path of the printing medium before the conveyance roller arranged on the upstream side . The transport roller arranged on the downstream side performs a bonding operation of the transparent tape and the adhesive tape when the printing medium is a tape and the printing tape is formed by bonding the transparent tape and the adhesive tape. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the printing apparatus is performed. The driving means has a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the transport roller, and the gear for transmitting the rotational force to the transport roller disposed on the upstream side is divided into two upper and lower stages, Provided between the divided gear and the lower divided gear is a delay means for rotating the upper divided gear with a delay from the lower divided gear, and the rotation of the upper divided gear is arranged on the upstream side. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is configured to transmit to the printer. The delay means is a convex portion that is provided so as to mesh with the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower two-stage split gears, and that is disposed with a predetermined gap in the rotational direction of the gear. Is configured so that the rotation of the lower split gear is transmitted to the upper split gear when the convex portion provided on the lower split gear contacts the convex portion provided on the upper split gear. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus. A state in which a predetermined gap is provided between the convex portion of the upper split gear and the convex portion of the lower split gear is used as an initial state when the print medium is conveyed in the forward direction, in order to match the initial state. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the driving means rotates the gear in a direction opposite to the printing direction in advance prior to the printing operation.

Images