JP4244767B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printing apparatus for continuously printing a plurality of label data on a tape while conveying a long tape.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of tape printing apparatuses that continuously print label data on a tape while transporting a long tape have been proposed.
For example, in a conventional tape printer, an input means for inputting characters, symbols and various commands, a data storage means for storing input data, and a dot pattern data for printing are received on a long tape. A pattern information storage means for storing a plurality of unit dot pattern data of a unit pattern consisting of a predetermined number of dot rows, and one of a plurality of types of patterns stored in the pattern information storage means. A pattern selection means for selecting the pattern, and unit dot pattern data of the pattern selected by the pattern selection means is read from the pattern information storage means, and continuous pattern pattern data is created by making this unit dot pattern data continuous in the printing direction. It is comprised from the continuous pattern data preparation means (for example, refer patent document 1).

In such a configuration, the pattern information storage means stores a plurality of unit dot pattern data of a unit pattern composed of a predetermined number of dot rows, so that the pattern selection means stores the pattern information storage means. When one of a plurality of types of stored patterns is selected, the continuous pattern data creation means reads unit dot pattern data of the pattern selected by the pattern selection means from the pattern information storage means, and this unit dot pattern data is read out. Creates continuous pattern data that is continuous in the printing direction. Then, the continuous pattern data is supplied to the printing means and printed on a long tape to create a label on which the continuous pattern is printed.
JP-A-8-108578 (paragraphs (0011) to (0028), FIGS. 1 to 9)

  However, in the conventional tape printer described above, one type of unit pattern is continuously printed in one label, and label data such as a plurality of unit patterns is arbitrarily arranged. There is a problem that continuous printing is not possible. In addition, when a plurality of unit patterns are printed successively in succession, the tape is predetermined during the creation time for creating continuous pattern pattern data in which the unit dot pattern data of the next unit pattern is continued in the printing direction. There is a problem that white streaks (unprinted gaps) are generated between the printing of each continuous pattern pattern data that is fed by line.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a plurality of label data can be easily printed in a predetermined arrangement order in one label, and the operability of label creation is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer that can be improved. Another object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer capable of high-quality printing without generating white stripes (unprinted gaps) between the printing of each label data in one label.

In order to achieve the object, a tape printer according to claim 1 includes a tape transport unit for transporting a long tape, an input unit, and characters or designs input or edited by the input unit. Label data for storing in advance a plurality of label data composed of dot rows in a tape printing apparatus for creating a label having label data printed on the tape. A storage means; a selection means for selecting a plurality of label data to be arranged in one label from the label data storage means; and a width of the tape in the label of each label data selected by the selection means. an arrangement designation means for designating a layout order of arranging the order of individual label data to orientation indicia one label data each time the print A print buffer for storing a single print data, when a plurality of label data is selected by the selecting means, the only label data located in the first in accordance with the arrangement order is read from the label data storage means stored as print data from the first line dot row to be printed in the print buffer, then every time the print data stored in the print buffer is printed, after initialization the indicia shaped buffer, printed label data The last N lines of the dot row are read again from the label data storage means and stored as print data for the first N lines of the print buffer, and only the label data to be placed next is the label data storage means to store the print data from the N + 1 th line of the indicia shaped buffer is read from the A print buffer controller for controlling, when a plurality of label data is selected by the selection means, each for printing print data stored in the print buffer in accordance with the arrangement order, through the tape transport means after transporting the tape only the tape feeding amount corresponding to N lines of dot rows in the reverse direction, the control following the order of the print data stored in the print buffer by the print buffer control means so as to print on the printing means Printing control means.

In such a tape printer according to claim 1 having the features, selecting a plurality of label data to be printed from the label data storage means for previously plurality stores label data composed of dot columns within one label means And the arrangement order for arranging the individual label data in the direction orthogonal to the width of the tape in the label of each selected label data is designated by the arrangement designating means. When a plurality of label data is selected by the selection means, the label data to be arranged first from the data storage means according to the arrangement order in the label designated by the arrangement designation means via the print buffer control means. reading only, and memorize in the print data from the first line dot row to be printed in the print buffer to the label data, then, each time the print data of the indicia shaped buffer is printed, initial the indicia shaped buffer After the conversion, the last N lines of the dot string of each printed label data are stored again as the print data for the first N lines of the print buffer, and the label data to be printed next is N + 1 lines of the print buffer. Store as print data from eyes. On the other hand, every time print data in the print buffer is printed through the print control means, the tape is fed in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to N lines of the dot row through the tape transport means. Then, the next print data stored in the print buffer by the print buffer control means is printed on the tape by the print means.

A tape printer according to claim 2 is the tape printer according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection order storage unit that stores a selection order of a plurality of label data selected by the selection unit, The specifying means sets the selection order stored in the selection order storage means as an arrangement order in the label of each label data.

In the tape printer according to claim 2 having such a feature, a plurality of label data to be printed in one label is selected via a selection means from a label data storage means in which a plurality of label data is stored in advance. Thus, the plurality of selected label data are printed in the one label in the order of selection.

A tape printer according to claim 3 is the tape printer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the print control means prints the tape every time print data stored in the print buffer is printed. After transporting the tape in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to the predetermined line of the dot row via the transport means, the tape is transported in the forward direction again by the tape feed amount corresponding to the predetermined line and then printing. Control is performed to print the print data stored in the buffer.

In the tape printer according to claim 3 having such characteristics, each time the print data stored in the print buffer is printed via the print control means, it corresponds to N lines of the dot row via the tape transport means. After the tape is transported in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount to be transferred, the tape is further transported in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to the predetermined line of the dot row, and then the tape is sequentially fed by the tape feed amount corresponding to the predetermined line. The print data stored in the print buffer after being conveyed in the direction is printed.

A tape printer according to claim 4 is the tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the label data includes character string data input by an input means. To do.

In the tape printer according to claim 4 having such characteristics, the label data includes character string data input by the input means.

The tape printer according to claim 5 is the tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the label data includes fixed data composed of dot rows in advance. To do.

In the tape printer according to the fifth aspect having such characteristics, the label data includes fixed data composed of dot rows in advance.

Furthermore, the tape printer according to claim 6 is the tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the label data includes file data input in advance by an input means. To do.

In the tape printer according to claim 6 having such characteristics, the label data includes file data input in advance by the input means.

The tape printer according to 請 Motomeko 1, by a plurality of selected label data through the selection means, the arrangement specifying means arrangement order of the selected label data to be printed on one label from the label data storage means By designating, a plurality of label data is printed in one label in this arrangement order. Therefore, it is necessary to newly input a plurality of label data to be printed in each label every time one label is created. In addition, there is no need to separately specify the order of arrangement of the plurality of input label data within the label, and the operability of label creation can be improved. Moreover, each time printing the print data stored in the print buffer, after initialization the indicia shaped buffer, printed on the La Belle data dot row last N lines again, first N lines of the print buffer of stores as the print data is stored as print data from the N + 1 th line of the indicia shaped buffer reads only the label data to be next placed from the label data storage means, whereas, each time printing the print data of the indicia shaped buffer Next, after the tape is transported in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to N lines of the dot row via the tape transport means, the print data in the next order stored in the print buffer is printed by the print buffer control means. By doing so, the data for the last N lines of each label data can be printed twice at the same position in one label. A plurality of selected label data can be continuously printed in one label based on the arrangement order designated by the arrangement designating means, and white lines (not printed) are printed between the label data in the one label. No gap) occurs, and high-quality printing is possible, and it is possible to eliminate the restriction on the maximum label length that allows continuous printing due to the restriction of the storage capacity of the print buffer.

In the tape printer according to claim 2 , by selecting a plurality of label data to be printed in one label from a plurality of label data stored in advance in the label data storage means in the order of arrangement in the one label. Since the selected label data is printed on the tape in the order of selection, it is not necessary to separately specify the arrangement order of a plurality of label data to be printed in the label every time one label is created. The operability can be improved.

The tape printer according to claim 3 is capable of printing on the tape while always transporting the tape in the forward direction, eliminating the rising time of the tape feed speed that occurs when the tape transport direction is reversed, and tape at the time of printing. Since the feed speed can be made constant, the dot row for the last N lines can be reliably printed twice at the same position in the label, and higher quality printing can be performed.

In the tape printer according to claim 4 , since the label data includes the character string data input by the input means, a plurality of character string data input by the input means are printed in one label. Can do.

In the tape printer according to claim 5 , since the label data includes fixed data composed of dot rows in advance, a plurality of fixed data such as marks and symbols inputted in advance in one label are printed. can do.

Further, in the tape printer according to claim 6 , since the label data includes file data input in advance by the input means, a plurality of file data such as fixed phrases and catch phrases input in advance in one label are stored. Can be printed.

  The tape printer according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings based on the first and second embodiments.

First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a character input key 2 for creating text composed of document data, a print key 3 for instructing text printing, a line feed command, Return key 4 for instructing execution and selection of various processes, cursor key 5 for moving the cursor up and down, left and right on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 for displaying characters such as characters over a plurality of lines, as label data to be described later A fixed data registration key 13A for instructing registration of the fixed data, an area setting key 13B for instructing selection of label data to be described later, a file key 13C for instructing registration of file data as label data to be described later, and the like are provided. A cassette housing portion 8 that houses a keyboard 6 and a tape cassette 35 (see FIG. 4) described later is covered with a storage cover 8A. It is disposed Te. A control board 12 that constitutes a control circuit section is disposed below the keyboard 6. In addition, a label discharge port 16 through which a printed tape is discharged is formed on the left side surface portion of the cassette housing portion 8. Further, an adapter insertion port 17 to which a power adapter is attached and a connector 18 to which a USB cable for connection to a personal computer (not shown) is attached are provided on the right side surface of the cassette housing portion 8.

The cassette housing 8 includes a thermal head 9, a platen roller 10 facing the thermal head 9, a tape feeding roller 11 on the downstream side of the platen roller 10, and the tape feeding roller 11. In addition to the tape drive roller shaft 14 to be disposed, a ribbon take-up shaft 15 for feeding an ink ribbon accommodated in the tape cassette 35 and the like are further disposed.
The thermal head 9 has a substantially vertically long flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and a predetermined number of heating elements R1 to Rn (n is 128 in the first embodiment) at the left end edge of the front surface. , And arranged in a line along the side of the left edge. Further, the thermal head 9 is arranged on the left end edge of the front surface of a substantially square heat sink 9A formed of a plated steel plate, a stainless steel plate, or the like so that the arrangement direction of the heat generating elements R1 to Rn is the heat sink 9A. It is fixed with an adhesive or the like so as to be parallel to the side of the left edge. The heat radiating plate 9A is arranged so that the arrangement direction of the heat generating elements R1 to Rn is substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the print-receiving tape 36 (see FIG. 4) in the opening 52 (see FIG. 4) of the tape cassette 35. It is attached to the lower side of the cassette housing portion 8 by screws or the like.

  Further, the ribbon take-up shaft 15 is rotationally driven via an appropriate drive mechanism from a tape feed motor 30 (see FIG. 2) configured by a stepping motor or the like described later. The tape drive roller shaft 14 is rotationally driven from the tape feed motor 30 via an appropriate transmission mechanism, and rotationally drives a tape drive roller 53 (see FIG. 4) described later.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 is configured with a control circuit unit 20 formed on the control board 12 as a core. The control circuit unit 20 includes a CPU 21 that controls each device, and an input / output interface 23, a CGROM 24, a ROM 25, and a RAM 27 connected to the CPU 21 via a data bus 22. Note that a timer 21A is provided inside the CPU 21.

Here, the CGROM 24 stores dot pattern data for display corresponding to the code data for each of a large number of characters.
In addition, in the ROM 25, dot pattern data for printing is classified for each typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.) for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabet letters and symbols. For each typeface, six types (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, and 96 dot sizes) of print character sizes are stored corresponding to the code data. In addition, graphic pattern data for printing a graphic image including gradation expression is also stored. Further, the ROM 25 reads out a display drive control program for controlling the liquid crystal display controller (LCDC) 28 in correspondence with character code data such as letters and numbers inputted from the keyboard 6 and data in the print buffer area 27A. A print drive control program for driving the thermal head 9 and the tape feed motor 30, a print data selection process described later (see FIG. 5), and other various programs necessary for controlling the tape printer 1 are stored. The CPU 21 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 25.

Further, the RAM 27 is provided with a print buffer area 27A, an edit input area 27B, a fixed data area 27C, an area area 27D, a work area 27E, and the like. In the print buffer area 27A, a plurality of characters and symbols are printed. The dot pattern data and the number of applied pulses that are the amount of energy for forming each dot are stored as dot pattern data, and the thermal head 9 performs dot printing in accordance with the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A. In the edit input area 27B, edit text as label data such as document data input from the keyboard 6 is stored.
Also, in the fixed data area 27C, various symbol data and label data such as symbol data inputted from a personal computer (not shown) are given registration numbers as will be described later, and the fixed data 1, 2, 3,. Stored as .. Also, in the file data area 27D, label data of document data such as fixed phrases or the like (for example, “Please order this phone number”) input from the keyboard 6 or a personal computer (not shown) are registered. Numbered and stored as file data 1, 2, 3,. In the area area 27E, each label data name printed in one label selected as described later is stored as each area 1, 2, 3,... In the arrangement order in the label.

The input / output interface 23 includes a keyboard 6, a liquid crystal display controller (LCDC) 28 having a video RAM 28 A for outputting display data to the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, and a drive circuit for driving the thermal head 9. 29 and a drive circuit 31 for driving the tape feed motor 30 are connected to each other.
Therefore, when characters or the like are input through the character keys of the keyboard 6, the text (document data) is sequentially stored in the edit input area 27B, and based on the dot pattern generation control program and the display drive control program. A dot pattern corresponding to a character or the like input via the keyboard 6 is displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 7. The thermal head 9 is driven via a drive circuit 29 to print the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A. In synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 30 feeds the tape via the drive circuit 31. Control is performed. Here, the thermal head 9 prints characters and the like on the tape by selectively driving the heating elements R1 to Rn corresponding to the printing dots for one line through the drive circuit 29. It is.

Next, a schematic configuration of the tape cassette 35 attached to the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the cassette main body 38 of the tape cassette 35, a long print-receiving tape in which a thermosensitive coloring layer is formed on the surface of the base tape and a release paper is pasted on the back surface through an adhesive layer. A tape spool 45 wound so that the back surface of 36 is on the outside is housed in a cassette boss 48 erected on the bottom surface of the cassette body 38 so as to be rotatable. Further, a substantially cylindrical guide spool 49 is rotatably fitted on the cassette boss 50 erected on the bottom surface of the cassette body 38 on the right side of the cassette boss 48. In addition, a substantially cylindrical reel 55 is rotatably inserted into a reel boss 56 standing on the bottom surface of the cassette body 38 below the cassette boss 50. Further, when the tape cassette 35 is mounted in the cassette storage portion 8, a through hole 57 larger than the diameter of the ink ribbon take-up shaft 15 is formed on the bottom surface portion of the cassette body 38 facing the ink ribbon take-up shaft 15. Is formed.

  The print-receiving tape 36 drawn out from the tape spool 45 is inserted with the thermal head 9 through the guide spool 49, the reel 55, and the guide members 58 and 59 standing on the bottom surface of the cassette body 38. The opening 52 is guided. Further, the print-receiving tape 36 passes between the thermal head 9 and the platen roller 10. The print-receiving tape 36 is rotatably provided at one side lower part (lower left part in FIG. 4) of the cassette body 38, and receives a drive of the tape drive roller shaft 14 and rotates. It passes between the tape feeding roller 11 disposed opposite to the tape driving roller 53, is sent out of the tape cassette 35, and reaches the label discharge port 16 of the tape printer 1. The print-receiving tape 36 conveyed to the cutting position is cut by a fixed blade and a moving blade (not shown) and discharged from the label discharge port 16.

Next, control processing such as character input, print data selection processing, and print processing of the tape printer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 21 of the tape printer 1 performs an initialization process. That is, the print buffer area 27A, edit input area 27B, fixed data area 27C, area area 27D, work area 27E, etc. are initialized.
In S2, the CPU 21 stands by until any one of the keys 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the keyboard 6 arranged on the surface of the apparatus main body is pressed (S2: NO).
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S2: YES), in S3, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the character input key 2 is pressed.
When the character input key 2 is pressed (S3: YES), in S4, the CPU 21 responds to each pressed character input key 2 from the CGROM 24 each time the character input key 2 is pressed. The characters registered at the time of “Normal” or “CAPS Lock” are sequentially read out, blinked on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 (or black-and-white inverted display, etc.), the text data is displayed, and the processing after S2 is performed again. Execute. Then, when the return key 4 is pressed, the CPU 21 sets the characters blinking (or black-and-white inverted display) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 as normal display and confirming the display. These characters are stored as print character data (edited text) in the edit input area 27B. Thereafter, the processes after S2 are executed again.

In S3, when the character input key 2 is not pressed (S3: NO), in S5, the CPU 21 executes determination processing for determining whether or not the print key 3 is pressed.
When the print key 3 is pressed (S5: YES), in S6, the CPU 21 executes a sub-process of the print process described later (see FIG. 9), and then executes the processes after S2 again.
On the other hand, when the print key 3 is not pressed in S5 (S5: NO), in S7, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the fixed data registration key 13A is pressed.
If the fixed data registration key 13A is pressed (S7: YES), in S8, the CPU 21 executes a sub-process of the fixed data registration process described later (see FIG. 6), and then performs the processes after S2 again. Execute.

On the other hand, when the fixed data registration key 13A is not pressed in S7 (S7: NO), in S9, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the area setting key 13B is pressed.
If the area setting key 13B is pressed (S9: YES), in S10, the CPU 21 executes a sub-process of a print data selection process described later (see FIG. 7), and then executes the processes after S2 again. To do.

If the area setting key 13B is not pressed in S9 (S9: NO), in S11, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the file key 13C is pressed.
When the file key 13C is pressed (S11: YES), in S12, the CPU 21 creates a file in the print data stored in the edit input area 27B or the file data input from a personal computer (not shown). After assigning a number and storing it in the file data area 27D, the processes after S2 are executed again.
On the other hand, when the file key 13C is not pressed in S11 (S11: NO), in S13, the CPU 21 executes the processes corresponding to the pressed key and then executes the processes after S2 again. .

Next, the sub-process of the fixed data registration process executed in S8 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, in S21, when the symbol data or the symbol data or the image data inputted from the personal computer is displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, the CPU 21 inputs the character on the keyboard 6. It waits for the registration number to be entered via the number key of the keys 2. When the registration number is input, in S22, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the registration number is already registered.
For example, when “1” is input as the registration number, a determination process for determining whether “fixed data 1” is already registered in the fixed data area 27C is executed. When “2” is input as the registration number, a determination process for determining whether “fixed data 2” has already been registered in the fixed data area 27C is executed. When “3” is input as the registration number, a determination process for determining whether “fixed data 3” is already registered in the fixed data area 27C is executed.

If the “fixed data N” corresponding to the input registration number “N” has already been registered in the fixed data area 27C (S22: YES), the CPU 21 executes the processes after S21 again. .
If the “fixed data N” corresponding to the input registration number “N” is not yet registered in the fixed data area 27C (S22: NO), the CPU 21 displays the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in S23. The various symbol data displayed in FIG. 5 and symbol data inputted from a personal computer (not shown) are stored as “fixed data N” in the fixed data area 27C, and the process returns to the main flowchart.

Next, a sub-process of the print data selection process executed in S10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, in S31, the CPU 21 edits the edit text stored in the edit input area 27B, the plurality of fixed data stored in the fixed data area 27C, and the plurality of files stored in the file data area 27. A selection screen for selecting label data to be printed at the beginning of the label from the data is displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 7.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 21 displays “Area 1:” representing the label data to be printed at the beginning of the label on the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7. Further, the CPU 21 displays “1. Edit text” instructing the selection of the edit text stored in the edit input area 27B on the second line of the liquid crystal display (LCD 7). Further, the CPU 21 instructs the selection of the file data stored in the file data area 27D on the third line, “2. File”, and instructs the selection of the fixed data stored on the fixed data area 27C on the fourth line. “3. Fixed data”, “4. Confirm and end” for instructing the confirmation of the label data to be printed on the fifth line and the end of the sub-process are displayed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, in S <b> 32, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the numeric key “1” is pressed via the keyboard 6. That is, a determination process for determining whether or not an edit text is selected as print data to be printed on the label is executed.
When the numeric key “1” is pressed, that is, when the edit text is selected (S32: YES), in S33, the CPU 21 edits “area 1” in the area 27E with the edit text. Stores the fact. After that, in S34, the CPU 21 increments the area number by “1”, moves to the next area of the area region 27E, and executes the processes after S31 again.

  For example, in the case of display on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in FIG. 8A, when “1” is input via the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 edits the text in “area 1” of the area area 27E. Is stored. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8B, “Area 2:” is displayed on the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 indicating label data to be printed following the second label. Further, the CPU 21 displays “1. Edit text” instructing selection of the edit text stored in the edit input area 27 </ b> B on the second line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7. Further, the CPU 21 instructs the selection of the file data stored in the file data area 27D on the third line, “2. File”, and instructs the selection of the fixed data stored on the fixed data area 27C on the fourth line. “3. Fixed data”, “4. Confirm and end” for instructing the confirmation of the label data to be printed on the fifth line and the end of the sub-process are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 7, if the numeric key “1” is not pressed via the keyboard 6 in S32, that is, if the edit text is not selected (S32: NO), S35. The CPU 21 executes determination processing for determining whether or not the numeric key “2” has been pressed via the keyboard 6. That is, a determination process for determining whether or not file data is selected as print data to be continuously printed on the label is executed.
When the numeric key “2” is pressed, that is, when file data is selected (S35: YES), the CPU 21 selects a file number on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in S36. Displays the selected image. Subsequently, in S37, the CPU 21 stores the file number input via the keyboard 6 in the area of the current area number in the area area 27E. For example, it is stored in “area 2”. Thereafter, the CPU 21 executes the processes after S34 again.

  For example, in the case of the display on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in FIG. 8B, when “2” is input through the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 first displays as shown in FIG. 8C. In the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, “file number” for instructing input of the file number is displayed. When “5” is input as the file number via the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 stores “file number: 5” in “area 2” of the area area 27E. After that, as shown in FIG. 8D, “Area 3:” is displayed on the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 indicating label data to be printed following the third label. Further, the CPU 21 displays “1. Edit text” instructing selection of the edit text stored in the edit input area 27 </ b> B on the second line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7. Further, the CPU 21 instructs the selection of the file data stored in the file data area 27D on the third line, “2. File”, and instructs the selection of the fixed data stored on the fixed data area 27C on the fourth line. “3. Fixed data”, “4. Confirm and end” for instructing the confirmation of the label data to be printed on the fifth line and the end of the sub-process are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the numeric key “2” is not pressed via the keyboard 6 in S35, that is, when the file data is not selected as the label data (S35: NO). In step S38, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the numeric key “3” has been pressed via the keyboard 6. That is, a determination process for determining whether or not fixed data is selected as print data to be continuously printed on the label is executed.
When the numeric key “3” is pressed, that is, when fixed data is selected (S38: YES), the CPU 21 selects a fixed data number on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in S39. The selected image to be displayed is displayed. Subsequently, in S40, the CPU 21 stores the fixed data number input via the keyboard 6 in the area of the current area number in the area area 27E. For example, it is stored in “area 3”. Thereafter, the processing after S34 is executed again.

  For example, in the case of display on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 of FIG. 8D, when “3” is input via the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 firstly displays the display as shown in FIG. In the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, a “fixed data number” for instructing the input of a fixed data number is displayed. When “3” is input as the fixed data number via the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 stores “fixed data number: 3” in “area 3” of the area area 27E. After that, as shown in FIG. 8F, “Area 4:” is displayed on the first line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 indicating label data to be printed following the fourth label. Further, the CPU 21 displays “1. Edit text” instructing selection of the edit text stored in the edit input area 27 </ b> B on the second line of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7. Further, the CPU 21 instructs the selection of the file data stored in the file data area 27D on the third line, “2. File”, and instructs the selection of the fixed data stored on the fixed data area 27C on the fourth line. “3. Fixed data”, “4. Confirm and end” for instructing the confirmation of the label data to be printed on the fifth line and the end of the sub-process are displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, if the numeric key “3” is not pressed via the keyboard 6 in S38, that is, if no fixed data is selected as the label data (S38: NO). In step S41, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the numeric key “4” is pressed through the keyboard 6. That is, a determination process for determining whether or not to finish selecting label data to be continuously printed on the label is executed.
When the number key “4” is not pressed, that is, when a number key other than “1” to “4” is pressed (S41: NO), the CPU 21 again performs the steps after S31. Execute the process.
On the other hand, when the numeric key “4” is pressed, that is, when a command to end the selection of the label data is issued (S41: YES), in S42, the CPU 21 selects “ A determination process for determining whether any of the edited text, the file number, or the fixed data number is stored in “Area 1” is executed. If none of the edited text, file number, or fixed data number is stored in this “area 1” (S42: YES), the CPU 21 executes the processing from S31 onward again.
On the other hand, when any one of the edited text, the file number, or the fixed data number is stored in this “area 1” (S42: NO), the CPU 21 ends the sub-process, and the main flowchart. Return to.

  For example, in the case of display on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 in FIG. 8F, if “4” is input via the keyboard 6, the CPU 21 ends the processing and returns to the main flowchart. . Thus, in the case of the display example of FIG. 8, “edit text” is stored in “area 1” of area area 27E, “file number: 5” is stored in “area 2”, and “area 3” is stored. “Fixed data number: 3” is stored.

Next, the sub-process of the printing process executed in S6 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, in S51, the CPU 21 reads the area information data stored in the “area 1” of the area area 27E, and sets the data corresponding to the area information data in the first part of the print buffer area 27A. Store as pattern data.
For example, when “edit text” is stored in “area 1”, the edit text data stored in the edit input area 27B is used as a print dot pattern, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, or the like. Is stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A. When “file number: 5” is stored in “area 1”, “file data 5” corresponding to the “file number: 5” in the file data area 27D is printed as a dot pattern for printing or each dot. Is stored in the first portion of the print buffer area 27A as dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy formed. When “fixed data number: 3” is stored in “area 1”, “fixed data 3” corresponding to “fixed data number: 3” in the fixed data area 27C is set as a dot pattern for printing or It is stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A as dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy for forming each dot.
The print buffer area 27A of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment has a storage capacity capable of storing a large number (for example, 20 to 100) of “edit text”, “file data”, and “fixed data”. have.

Subsequently, in S52, the CPU 21 determines whether or not any area information data of the edited text, the file number, or the fixed data number is stored in the area of the area number next to the area region 27E. Execute the process.
If any area information data of the edited text, file number, or fixed data number is stored in the area of the area number next to the area area 27E (S52: YES), the CPU 21 in S53. Reads the area information data of the next area number, stores the dot pattern data corresponding to the area information data so as to be continuous with the dot pattern data already stored in the print buffer area 27A, and then repeats S52. The subsequent processing is executed.
For example, when “edit text” is stored in “area 2”, the edit text data stored in the edit input area 27B is used as a print dot pattern, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, or the like. Is stored in succession to the dot pattern data stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A. When “file number: 1” is stored in “area 2”, “file data 1” corresponding to the “file number: 1” in the file data area 27D is used as a print dot pattern or each dot. As the dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of formation energy, the dot pattern data stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A is stored in succession. When “fixed data number: 1” is stored in “area 2”, “fixed data 1” corresponding to “fixed data number: 1” in the fixed data area 27C is printed as a dot pattern for printing. As dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy for forming each dot, the dot pattern data stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A is stored in succession.

On the other hand, if any area information data of the edit text, file number, or fixed data number is not stored in the area of the area number next to the area area 27E (S52: NO), in S54, the CPU 21 The thermal head 9 is driven to generate heat based on the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A to print on the tape, and in synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 30 is driven via the drive circuit 31 to tape. Feed control.
In S55, the CPU 21 prints all the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A, creates one label, stops the driving of the thermal head 9, and drives the tape feed motor 30 to rotate a predetermined amount. Then, the tape is transported to the cutting position, the sub-process is terminated, and the process returns to the main flowchart.

Here, an example of a print example executed in the sub-process of the print process (S6) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the “capsule mark” image data 61 is stored in the fixed data 1 of the fixed data area 27C. Further, image data 62 of “◯ × pharmacy” which is a pharmacy name is stored in the fixed data 2 of the fixed data area 27C. An edit text 63 of “ABC” is stored in the edit input area 27B. Also, image data 64 of “TEL + phone symbol + 03-1234-5678” is stored in the file data 3 of the file data area 27D.
Although not shown, “Fixed data number: 1” is stored in “Area 1” of the area area 27E. In addition, “Fixed data number: 2” is stored in “Area 2” of the area area 27E. In addition, “edit text” is stored in “area 3” of the area area 27E. Furthermore, “file number: 3” is stored in “area 4” of the area area 27E.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, when “fixed data number: 1” is stored in “area 1” of the area area 27E by the execution of S51, the CPU 21 executes the fixed data area 27C. The dot of the image data 61 of “capsule mark” of “fixed data 1” corresponding to the “fixed data number: 1” is represented by a dot pattern for printing, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, etc. The pattern data 61A is stored in the first part of the print buffer area 27A.
Subsequently, when “Fixed Data Number: 2” is stored in “Area 2” of the area region 27E by executing the above S52 to S53, the CPU 21 executes “Fixed Data Number: “Fixed data 2” corresponding to “2” and “○ × Pharmacy” image data 62 as print dot pattern data 62A and dot pattern data 62A represented by the number of applied pulses as the amount of energy for forming each dot. 27A is stored continuously.

Further, the CPU 21 edits “ABC” stored in the edit input area 27B when “edit text” is stored in “area 3” of the area area 27E by executing the above-described S52 to S53. The text 63 is continuously stored in the print buffer area 27A as dot pattern data 63A represented by a print dot pattern or the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot.
Further, when “file number: 3” is stored in “area 4” of the area area 27E by executing the above S52 to S53, the CPU 21 sets “file number: 3” in the file data area 27D. Corresponding image data 64 of “TEL + phone symbol + 03-1234-5678” of “file data 3” is used as dot pattern data 64A represented by a dot pattern for printing, the number of applied pulses as the amount of energy for forming each dot The data is continuously stored in the print buffer area 27A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, the CPU 21 drives the thermal head 9 and the tape feed motor 30 in synchronism with the execution of the above-mentioned S54 to S55, and puts the print buffer area 27A on the print-receiving tape 36. After printing the stored dot pattern data, the process returns to the main flowchart.

Here, the print-receiving tape 36 constitutes a long tape according to claim 1. The tape feed motor 30, the drive circuit 31, and the tape feed roller 11 constitute a tape transport unit according to claim 1. The character input key 2, the return key 4, and the cursor key 5 constitute input means according to claim 1. Further, the edit text stored in the edit input area 27B, the fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Stored in the fixed data area 27C, and the file data 1, 2, 3 stored in the file data area 27D. Constitutes label data according to claim 1. The thermal head 9, the drive circuit 29, and the platen roller 10 constitute a printing unit according to the first aspect. The edit input area 27B, the fixed data area 27C, the file data area 27D, and the area area 27E function as data storage means according to claim 1. Further, the CPU 21, the ROM 25, the area setting key 13B, the character input key 2, the return key 4 and the area area 27E constitute an arrangement designating unit according to claim 1. The CPU 21, the CGROM 24, the ROM 25, and the RAM 27 constitute a print control unit according to the first aspect. The edit input area 27B, the fixed data area 27C, and the file data area 27D constitute a label data storage unit according to claim 2. The CPU 21, the ROM 25, the area setting key 13B, the character input key 2 and the return key 4 constitute selection means according to claim 2. The area region 27E functions as a selection order storage unit according to claim 2. The print buffer area 27A functions as a print buffer according to claim 3. The edit text stored in the edit input area 27B functions as character data according to claim 7. Each fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Constitutes fixed data according to claim 8. Each file data 1, 2, 3,... Constitutes file data according to claim 9.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment, “edit text” stored in advance in the edit input area 27B, the fixed data area 27C, and the file data area 27D, each fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Select a plurality of label data to be printed in one label from a plurality of label data composed of each file data 1, 2, 3,... By pressing the area setting key 13B in the arrangement order in the one label. As a result, the selection order of the selected label data is stored in the area area 27E, and each label data is printed on the print-receiving tape 36 in the selection order. Therefore, each label is printed in each label. There is no need to newly input a plurality of label data, and there is no need to separately specify the arrangement order of the plurality of input label data within the label. Ri, it is possible to improve the operability of the label production.
Further, dot pattern data of a plurality of label data is continuously stored in the print buffer area 27A in accordance with the selection order stored in the area area 27E, and the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A is stored in the thermal head 9. Since printing is continuously performed on the print-receiving tape 36 via the, white stripes (unprinted gaps) do not occur between the printing of each label data in one label, and high-quality printing is possible. Become.
Further, the label data includes “edit text” input by the character input key 2, fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Input from a personal computer (not shown), and character input key 2 or not shown. Since each file data 1, 2, 3,... Input from a personal computer is included, an arbitrary character string, fixed data such as a mark or symbol input in advance, and a fixed phrase input in advance Or a plurality of catchphrases can be printed in succession in an arbitrarily selected order.

Next, a tape printer according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
The overall configuration of the tape printer according to the second embodiment and the configuration of the control system are substantially the same as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The control process of the tape printer according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the control process of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the print buffer area 27A of the tape printer according to the second embodiment has a smaller storage capacity (for example, the print buffer area) than the storage capacity of the print buffer area 27A of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The storage capacity of 27A is larger than the storage capacity capable of storing the dot pattern data of the maximum file data amount of the file data 1, 2, 3,... That can be stored in the file data area 27D. This is a storage capacity that cannot store two dot pattern data of a certain amount.) As described later, the sub-process of the printing process (S6) is different from that of the first embodiment.

First, the sub-process of the printing process (S6) of the tape printer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, in S61, the CPU 21 executes a determination process for determining whether or not label data corresponding to the area information data stored in “area 1” of the area region 27E is printed. If the label data corresponding to the area information data stored in “Area 1” of area area 27E is not printed (S61: YES), it is stored in “Area 1” of area area 27E in S62. Area information data is read, and label data corresponding to the area information data is stored as dot pattern data from the portion corresponding to the first line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A.
For example, when “edit text” is stored in “area 1”, the edit text data stored in the edit input area 27B is used as a print dot pattern, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, or the like. Is stored from the portion corresponding to the first line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A. When “file number: 5” is stored in “area 1”, “file data 5” corresponding to the “file number: 5” in the file data area 27D is printed as a dot pattern for printing or each dot. Is stored as dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy formed, from the portion corresponding to the first line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A. When “fixed data number: 3” is stored in “area 1”, “fixed data 3” corresponding to “fixed data number: 3” in the fixed data area 27C is set as a dot pattern for printing or The dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy for forming each dot, is stored from the portion corresponding to the first line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A.

Subsequently, in S63, the CPU 21 generates heat on the thermal head 9 based on the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A and prints it on the tape. The tape feed control is performed by driving through the tape 31, and label data corresponding to the area 1 is printed on the print-receiving tape 36.
In S64, the CPU 21 executes determination processing for determining whether or not the area setting key 13B is pressed (S9: YES) and the print data selection processing (S10) is executed, that is, whether or not it is continuous printing. To do.
If the area setting key 13B is not pressed (S9: NO) and the print data selection process (S10) is not executed (S64: NO), the CPU 21 stores the print data in the print buffer area 27 in S65. After printing all the dot pattern data and creating one label, the drive of the thermal head 9 is stopped, the tape feed motor 30 is driven to rotate by a predetermined amount, and the tape is transported to the cutting position. End and return to the main flowchart.

  On the other hand, when the area setting key 13B is pressed in S64 (S9: YES) and the print data selection process (S10) is executed (S64: YES), in S66, the CPU 21 sets the print buffer area 27A. Among the printed dot pattern data, dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot string of the printed label data is stored in the work area 27F, and then the print buffer area 27A is initialized. Thereafter, the dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot sequence of the printed label data stored in the work area 27F is read again, and this is read from the first line of the dot string to be printed in the print buffer area 27A. Store in the part corresponding to the line.

Subsequently, in S67, the CPU 21 determines whether or not area information data is stored in the “area” next to the area area 27E, that is, whether or not print data to be continuously printed remains. Execute the process.
If the area information data is stored in the “area” next to the area area 27E, that is, if there is still print data to be continuously printed (S67: YES), the CPU 21 again in S61. Performs a determination process for determining whether or not label data corresponding to the area information data stored in “area 1” of area area 27E is printed, and area information already stored in “area 1” Since the label data corresponding to the data is printed (S61: NO), the area information data stored in the “area” (for example, “area 2”) next to the area area 27E is read in S68, The label data corresponding to the area information data is used as dot pattern data for the (N + 1) th line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A. Stores from the corresponding part.
For example, when “edit text” is stored in “area 2”, the edit text data stored in the edit input area 27B is used as a print dot pattern, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, or the like. Are stored from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot string to be printed in the print buffer area 27A. When “file number: 3” is stored in “area 2”, “file data 3” corresponding to the “file number: 3” in the file data area 27D is printed as a dot pattern for printing or each dot. Is stored from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A as dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of formation energy. When “fixed data number: 1” is stored in “area 2”, “fixed data 1” corresponding to “fixed data number: 1” in the fixed data area 27C is printed as a dot pattern for printing. The dot pattern data represented by the number of applied pulses, which is the amount of energy for forming each dot, is stored from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot row to be printed in the print buffer area 27A.

At the same time, in S69, the CPU 21 reverses the tape feed motor 30 by a predetermined rotation angle θ1 via the drive circuit 31 to print the N + α line of the dot row for printing the print-receiving tape 36 (N + α in the second embodiment). The lines are N + 3 to N + 10 lines.) The tape is conveyed in the reverse direction by the amount corresponding to the tape conveyance amount.
In S70, the CPU 21 causes the tape feed motor 30 to rotate forward by a predetermined rotation angle θ2 (θ2 <θ1) via the drive circuit 31, and the α line portion of the dot row that prints the print-receiving tape 36. The tape is transported in the forward direction by a tape transport amount corresponding to. Thereafter, the CPU 21 drives the thermal head 9 to generate heat on the basis of the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A and prints on the tape. In synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 30 is driven via the drive circuit 31. The tape is controlled to be driven to print on the print-receiving tape 36, and thereafter, the processing after S64 is executed again.
As a result, after the same dot pattern is printed on the last N lines of the dot line already printed on the print-receiving tape 36, the label data is subsequently printed from the N + 1 line of the dot line to the next label data. Is printed on the print-receiving tape 36.

  On the other hand, if the area information data is not stored in the “area” next to the area 27E in S67, that is, if there is no print data to be continuously printed (S67: NO), the process of S65 is performed. After executing the process, the process returns to the main flowchart.

Here, an example of a print example executed in the sub-process of the print process (S6) of the tape printer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the “capsule mark” image data 71 is stored in the fixed data 1 of the fixed data area 27C. Further, image data 72 of “◯ × pharmacy” which is a pharmacy name is stored in the fixed data 2 of the fixed data area 27C. An edit text 73 of “ABC” is stored in the edit input area 27B. In addition, image data 74 of “TEL + phone symbol + 03-1234-5678” is stored in the file data 3 of the file data area 27D.
Although not shown, “Fixed data number: 1” is stored in “Area 1” of the area area 27E. In addition, “Fixed data number: 2” is stored in “Area 2” of the area area 27E. In addition, “edit text” is stored in “area 3” of the area area 27E. Furthermore, “file number: 3” is stored in “area 4” of the area area 27E.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the CPU 21 fixes the “fixed data number: 1” stored in the “area 1” of the image buffer area 27A by executing the above-described steps S61 to S62. The image data 71 of “capsule mark” of “fixed data 1” corresponding to the “fixed data number: 1” in the data area 27C is represented by a printing dot pattern, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, and the like. The dot pattern data 71A is stored in the print buffer area 27A.
Subsequently, the CPU 21 drives the thermal head 9 and the tape feed motor 30 in synchronization with each other by executing the above-mentioned S63, and transports the print-receiving tape 36 in the forward direction (in the direction of arrow 76) onto the print-receiving tape 36. The dot pattern data 71A of “capsule mark” stored in the print buffer area 27A is printed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12C, the CPU 21 determines that the printing is a continuous printing by executing the above S64, and the “capsule mark” printed in the print buffer area 27A by executing the above S66. After the dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot row of the dot pattern data 71A is stored in the work area 27F, the print buffer area 27A is initialized. Thereafter, the dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot row of the printed “capsule mark” dot pattern data 71A stored in the work area 27F is read again, and this is printed in the print buffer area 27A. The dot row is stored in a portion corresponding to the first line to the Nth line. Subsequently, when “fixed data number: 2” is stored in “area 2” of area area 27E by executing S67 to S68, the “fixed data number: 2” of fixed data area 27C is stored. Corresponding “fixed data 2” image data 72 of “◯ × pharmacy” is set as a dot pattern data 72A represented by a dot pattern for printing or the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot. The data is stored from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot row to be printed at 27A.

  At the same time, the CPU 21 reversely drives the tape feed motor 30 by a predetermined angle θ1 by executing the above S69, and reverses the tape feed amount corresponding to the N + α line of the dot row for printing the print-receiving tape 36 (in the reverse direction ( (In the direction of arrow 77). Then, by executing S70 again, the CPU 21 causes the tape feed motor 30 to rotate forward by a predetermined rotation angle θ2 (θ2 <θ1), to the α line of the dot row for printing the print-receiving tape 36. The tape is transported in the forward direction (arrow 78 direction) by the corresponding tape transport amount. Thereafter, the CPU 21 drives the thermal head 9 and the tape feed motor 30 in synchronism, and stores the print-receiving tape 36 in the print buffer area 27A on the print-receiving tape 36 while transporting the print-receiving tape 36 in the forward direction (arrow 79 direction). After the last N lines of the dot row of the dot pattern data 71A of the “capsule mark” are printed and printed, the dot pattern data 72A of “◯ × pharmacy” is continuously added from the N + 1th line of the dot row. Print.

  Similarly, by executing the above S64 to S70, the CPU 21 causes the last N lines of the dot row of the dot pattern data 72A of “◯ × pharmacy” stored in the print buffer area 27A on the print-receiving tape 36. After printing with overlapping portions, the dot pattern data 73A of the edit text 73 of “ABC” is continuously printed from the N + 1th line of the dot row.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13D, it is determined that the printing is continuous printing by executing S64, and the edited text 73 of “ABC” printed in the print buffer area 27A is determined by executing S66. After storing the dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot row of the dot pattern data 73A in the work area 27F, the print buffer area 27A is initialized. Thereafter, the dot pattern data corresponding to the last N lines of the dot line of the dot pattern data 73A of the printed edit text 73 of “ABC” stored in the work area 27F is read again, and this is read out in the print buffer area 27A. The data is stored in the portion corresponding to the 1st to Nth lines of the dot row to be printed. Subsequently, when “file number: 3” is stored in “area 4” of area area 27E by executing S67 to S68, it corresponds to “file number: 3” of file data area 27D. The image data 74 of “TEL + phone symbol + 03-1234-5678” of “file data 3” is used as dot pattern data 74A represented by a dot pattern for printing or the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot. Are stored from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot string to be printed in the print buffer area 27A.

  At the same time, the CPU 21 reversely drives the tape feed motor 30 by a predetermined angle θ1 by executing the above S69, and reverses the tape feed amount corresponding to the N + α line of the dot row for printing the print-receiving tape 36 (in the reverse direction ( (In the direction of arrow 80). Then, by executing S70 again, the CPU 21 causes the tape feed motor 30 to rotate forward by a predetermined rotation angle θ2 (θ2 <θ1), to the α line of the dot row for printing the print-receiving tape 36. The tape is transported in the forward direction (arrow 81 direction) by the corresponding tape transport amount. Thereafter, the CPU 21 drives the thermal head 9 and the tape feed motor 30 in synchronism, and stores the print-receiving tape 36 in the print buffer area 27A on the print-receiving tape 36 while transporting the print-receiving tape 36 in the forward direction (arrow 82 direction). After the last N lines of the dot row of the dot pattern data 73A of the edited text 73 of “ABC” to be printed are superimposed, the “TEL + telephone symbol + 03-1234−from the N + 1th line of the dot row is continuously printed. After the dot pattern data 74A of “5678” is printed, the process returns to the main flowchart.

  Here, the print-receiving tape 36 constitutes a long tape according to claim 4. The tape feed motor 30, the drive circuit 31, and the tape feed roller 11 constitute a tape transport unit according to claim 4. The character input key 2, the return key 4, and the cursor key 5 constitute input means according to claim 4. Further, the edit text stored in the edit input area 27B, the fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Stored in the fixed data area 27C, and the file data 1, 2, 3 stored in the file data area 27D. Constitutes label data according to claim 4. Further, the thermal head 9, the drive circuit 29 and the platen roller 10 constitute a printing unit according to claim 4. The edit input area 27B, the fixed data area 27C, and the file data area 27D constitute a label data storage unit according to claim 4. The CPU 21, the ROM 25, the area setting key 13B, the character input key 2, the return key 4 and the area area 27E constitute a selecting unit and an arrangement specifying unit according to claim 4. The print buffer area 27A functions as a print buffer according to claim 4. The CPU 21, the ROM 25, and the RAM 27 constitute a print buffer control means and a print control means according to claim 4. The area 27E functions as a selection order storage unit according to the fifth aspect. The edit text stored in the edit input area 27B functions as character data according to claim 7. Each fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Constitutes fixed data according to claim 8. Each file data 1, 2, 3,... Constitutes file data according to claim 9.

Therefore, in the tape printer according to the second embodiment, the edit text stored in the edit input area 27B, the fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Stored in the fixed data area 27C, and the file data area 27D. By pressing the area setting key 13B and selecting a plurality of label data to be printed in one label from the stored file data 1, 2, 3,... Since printing is performed on the print-receiving tape 36, it is not necessary to newly input a plurality of label data to be printed in each label every time one label is created. It is not necessary to separately specify the arrangement order in the label, and the operability of label creation can be improved.
Further, when a plurality of label data are continuously printed on the print-receiving tape 36, each time dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A is printed, a dot string of each printed dot pattern data is printed. Are stored again as dot pattern data for the first N lines in the print buffer area 27A, and dot pattern data for label data to be printed next is stored from the (N + 1) th line in the print buffer area 27A. On the other hand, every time the dot pattern data in the print buffer area 27A is printed, the print-receiving tape 36 is conveyed in the reverse direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to the N + α lines of the dot row via the tape feed motor 30. Once again, the tape to be printed 36 is conveyed in the forward direction by the tape feed amount corresponding to the α line, and then the thermal By driving the head 9 and the tape feed motor 30 in synchronization and printing the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer area 27A, the data for the last N lines of each label data is stored in one label. Since printing can be performed twice at the same position, a plurality of selected label data can be printed continuously in one label in the order of selection, and white lines ( No gaps that are not printed) occur, high-quality printing is possible, and the restriction on the maximum label length that allows continuous printing of a plurality of label data depending on the storage capacity of the print buffer area 27A is eliminated. It becomes possible.

Further, it is possible to print on the print-receiving tape 36 while always transporting the print-receiving tape 36 in the forward direction, eliminating the rise time of the tape feed speed that occurs when the tape feed direction is reversed, and reducing the tape feed speed during printing. Since it can be made constant, the dot line for the last N lines of the label data can be reliably printed twice at the same position on the print-receiving tape 36, and higher-quality printing can be performed.
Further, the label data includes “edit text” input by the character input key 2, fixed data 1, 2, 3,... Input from a personal computer (not shown), and character input key 2 or not shown. Since each file data 1, 2, 3,... Input from a personal computer is included, an arbitrary character string, fixed data such as a mark or symbol input in advance, and a fixed phrase input in advance Or a plurality of catchphrases can be printed in succession in an arbitrarily selected order.

The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the second embodiment, the dot pattern data of the next one label data from the portion corresponding to the (N + 1) th line of the dot string to be printed in the print buffer area 27A is stored by executing the above S68. The dot pattern data of the next two or three label data from the portion corresponding to the N + 1th line of the dot row to be printed in the buffer area 27A may be stored. Thereby, the number of times the print-receiving tape 36 is conveyed in the reverse direction can be reduced, the number of times of printing can be reduced, and the label production time can be shortened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic external view of the tape printer concerning 1st Embodiment, (A) is a schematic upper external view, (B) is a schematic right side external view. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure memorize | stored in RAM of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view at the time of removing the cover of the tape cassette with which the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment is mounted | worn. It is a main flowchart which shows control processing, such as registration of a fixed data of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and printing processing. It is a sub-flowchart which shows the fixed data registration process performed at the time of fixed data registration of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sub-flowchart which shows the printing data selection process performed at the time of the printing data selection of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display displayed on LCD at the time of the printing data selection of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sub-flowchart which shows the printing process performed at the time of the printing of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a printing example of the tape printer according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of input label data, FIG. 2B is a diagram schematically illustrating a state stored in a print buffer; ) Is a diagram showing an example of a printed label. It is a sub-flowchart which shows the printing process performed at the time of the printing of the tape printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a printing example of the tape printer according to the second embodiment, where (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of input label data, and (B) is a diagram schematically illustrating a printing process of first label data; C) is a diagram schematically showing a printing process of the second label data. FIG. 13D is a diagram illustrating a printing example continued from FIG. 12, and (D) is a diagram schematically illustrating a printing process of the last label data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer, 6 Keyboard, 7 Liquid crystal display, 9 Thermal head 13A Fixed data registration key, 13B Area setting key, 13C File key 20 Control circuit part, 21 CPU, 25 ROM, 27 RAM
27A Print buffer area, 27B Edit input area, 27C Fixed data area 27D File data area, 27E area area, 27F Work area 29, 31 Drive circuit, 30 Tape feed motor, 35 Tape cassette 36 Tape to be printed 61, 62, 63, 64, 71, 72, 73, 74 Image data 61A, 62A, 63A, 71A, 72A, 73A, 74A Dot pattern data

Claims (6)

A tape transporting means for transporting a long tape, an input means, and a printing means for printing on the tape label data consisting of characters or designs input or edited by the input means; In a tape printer that creates a label with label data printed on it,
Label data storage means for storing a plurality of label data composed of dot rows in advance;
Selecting means for selecting a plurality of label data to be arranged in one label from the label data storage means;
An arrangement designating unit for designating an arrangement order for arranging individual label data in order in a direction orthogonal to the width of the tape in the label of each label data selected by the selecting unit;
A print buffer for storing one piece of label data as one piece of print data for each print,
When a plurality of label data are selected by the selection means, only the label data arranged first according to the arrangement order is read from the label data storage means and the first line of the dot string printed by the print buffer is read. stored as print data, then, each time the print data stored in the print buffer is printed, after initialization the indicia shaped buffer, the last N lines of dot row of the printing label data again, Read out from the label data storage means and store it as print data for the first N lines of the print buffer, and read out only the label data to be placed next from the label data storage means from the (N + 1) th line of the print buffer. Print buffer control means for controlling to store as print data;
When a plurality of label data are selected by the selection means, each time the print data stored in the print buffer is printed according to the arrangement order, it corresponds to N lines of a dot row via the tape transport means. and print control means for controlling so as to print the next sequential print data stored in the print buffer to the printing means after the transport only tape in the reverse direction the tape feeding amount by the print buffer control means for,
A tape printing apparatus comprising: A selection order storage means for storing a selection order of a plurality of label data selected by the selection means;
2. The tape printer according to claim 1 , wherein the arrangement designating unit sets the selection order stored in the selection order storage unit as an arrangement order in each label data label. Each time the print control means prints the print data stored in the print buffer, the tape is further conveyed in the reverse direction by a tape feed amount corresponding to a predetermined line of the dot row via the tape conveyance means, again, to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controller controls so as to print the print data stored in print buffer tape feeding amount by the tape corresponding to the predetermined lines from the conveyance in the forward direction The tape printer as described. The label data, the tape printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a character string data inputted by the input means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the label data includes fixed data composed of dot rows in advance. The label data, the tape printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a file data entered in advance by the input means.

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