JP4636375B2 - Label making apparatus and tape cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tag label producing apparatus for producing a RFID label having an RFID circuit element and a tape cartridge used therefor.

  An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device) is known. The wireless tag circuit element included in the wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits and receives information, and the wireless tag is dirty. Even if it is placed in an invisible position, it is possible to access (read / write information) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit section from the reader / writer side, product management, inspection process, etc. Practical use is expected in various fields.

  Such a radio tag is usually formed by providing a radio frequency circuit element on a label-like material, and this tag label is often affixed to a target article or the like for classification and organization of various documents and articles, for example. . In addition, for the management of this wireless tag, it is very convenient to print character information together with the tag itself. In response to this, a tag label producing apparatus that performs both reading / writing of information on a wireless tag and printing on a tag has been proposed.

  For example, in the tag label producing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a roll (supply spool) around which a base tape (band-shaped tape) in which RFID tag circuit elements (antenna part and IC chip) are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the tape longitudinal direction is wound. ), The tag tape is fed out from the roll of the cartridge, and the RFID tag information is transmitted to and received from the RFID tag circuit element provided in the tag tape. Predetermined printing is performed on the thermal head (printing head) from a roll (tape spool) different from the roll at a predetermined position on the printing tape (laminate), and the tag tape and the printing tape after printing are bonded together. A tag label with print is generated.

JP 2004-330492 A

  In recent years, the use of wireless tags has been diversified due to the expansion of the use of wireless tags, and tag labels having various modes according to the uses are desired. In the above prior art, for example, a plurality of cartridges having different tape widths of the base tape, arrangement intervals of the RFID tag circuit elements, etc. are prepared in advance, and each cartridge is attached / detached / replaced according to the use, thereby enabling the RFID circuit elements It is possible to create tag labels by changing the arrangement mode of.

  Here, in addition to creating tag labels by variously changing the arrangement of RFID tag circuit elements as described above, it is possible to attach a cartridge with a normal base tape and a print-receiving tape not equipped with RFID tag circuit elements It would be very convenient if a normal (printed) label could be created with the same device. However, in the above prior art, the RFID tag label with print is exchanged by replacing the cartridge having the RFID tag circuit element on the base tape and the normal cartridge not having the RFID circuit element on the base tape. No particular consideration is given to making it possible to produce both a normal print label and a normal print label with the same apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the above prior art, printing is not performed directly on the base tape provided with the RFID circuit element, but after printing on a print target tape different from the base tape, the print target tape after the printing is performed. And a base tape are bonded together to generate a tag label. However, for example, for the purpose of clarifying that the RFID tag circuit element is included, the RFID tag circuit element may be arranged not on the base tape side but on the print-receiving tape side. In this case, the portion of the tape to be printed on which the RFID tag circuit element is provided has a concavo-convex shape, which may cause blurring of printing and lower print quality. In addition, if the heat from the print head is applied to the portion where the RFID circuit element is provided as described above, the soundness of the RFID circuit element may be deteriorated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to produce both a RFID label with print and a normal print label with the same apparatus, and to improve the soundness and print quality of the produced RFID tag label and a cartridge used therefor Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a tag tape in which an RFID circuit element having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit section is arranged on a tape base material. A tape installation holder for selectively detachably installing a normal tape that has substantially the same tape width direction dimension as the tag tape and does not arrange the RFID circuit element on a tape base material, Detection means for detecting whether a tag tape is installed or whether the normal tape is installed, a device-side antenna that transmits and receives information by wireless communication between the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element, and the RFID circuit Generate access information of the element to the IC circuit unit, transmit the information to the RFID tag circuit element via the device-side antenna, and write information to the IC circuit unit or the IC circuit unit A plurality of information access means for reading the information, a transport means for transporting the tag tape or the normal tape, a tape width direction dimension substantially the same as the tag tape and the normal tape, and generating heat when energized. Whether the tag tape is installed or the normal tape is installed on the basis of the detection result of the detection means having a heating element and printing on the tag tape or the normal tape transported by the transport means; And a print drive control means for switching a current-carrying area of the printing means according to the present invention, and the tape installation holder includes the RFID circuit element in the tag tape when the tag tape is installed. While the tape width direction one side portion protrudes outward from the printing means, the remaining portion of the tag tape is moved forward. It is configured to face the printing means, and when the normal tape is installed, the normal tape is made to face the entire area along the tape width direction dimension of the printing means. And when the tag tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the printing drive control means energizes the area of the printing means facing the remaining portion of the tag tape and the tag tape. When the normal tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the tape of the print head facing the normal tape is not energized in a region that is not directly opposed to the tape. It is characterized in that energization is performed over substantially the entire area along the width direction dimension.

In the label producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the tag tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the tag tape is conveyed by the conveying means, and the access information generated by the information accessing means is connected to the apparatus side antenna. Is sent to the RFID tag circuit element provided in the tag tape, information is written to or read from the IC circuit unit, and printing is performed on the tag tape, and a label with a label (RFID tag label) is formed. Created. On the other hand, when a normal tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the normal tape is conveyed by the conveying means, and printing is performed on the normal tape by the printing means to create a print label. Here, in the first invention of this application, whether the tag tape is installed or the normal tape is installed using the tape installation holder as described above is detected by the detection means, and printing is performed by the print drive control means according to the detection result. The energization area of the means is switched. When the tag tape is installed, the RFID circuit element provided to the tag tape so energized areas do not overlap, the size and position of the energizing area that are controlled. As a result, there is no risk of damage to the RFID tag circuit element due to heat generation in the energized area, and there is no possibility of blurring of printing, so both RFID tags with prints and normal print labels can be created with the same device. In addition, the soundness and print quality of the created RFID label can be improved.

At this time, the tape installation holder itself, constructed as the tape position varies depending on the tape differences in the installation, according to the difference of the tape to be installed, the printing means if the normal tape is installed in substantially the entire region of the conducting region of the normal tape directly facing while printing on normal tape, when the tag tape is installed, the RFID circuit element provided to data Gutepu energizing area not overlapping the printing means the exothermic you like do not occur such as blurred RFID circuit element is or print damage. At this time, the area of the tag tape where the RFID tag circuit element does not exist is printed by contacting the printing means. The size of the area (printed area) is slightly larger than the printed area of the normal tape. Get smaller. So the present application In the first invention, at the time of printing when the tag tape installed you switch the energization region, by executing some reduction type energization to reduce the size of their than when printing during normal tape installation, ( Power consumption can be reduced by preventing unnecessary print driving (while preventing the energization region from overlapping the RFID circuit element).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the tape installation holder is configured such that the position of the tape conveyance path when the tag tape is installed and the position of the tape conveyance path when the normal tape is installed are The tag tape is configured to be shifted in the width direction by a dimension that is approximately equal to or greater than the distance from the one end portion in the width direction of the tag tape to the other end portion in the width direction of the IC circuit portion. It is characterized by being.

  As a result, when the tag tape is installed and when the normal tape is installed, the tape transport path is shifted by the size of the IC circuit portion in the tape width direction. As a result, in the tag tape, the IC circuit portion and the antenna portion can be prevented from overlapping the printing means, so that the RFID tag circuit element can be more reliably prevented from being damaged or blurred.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the tape installation holder is configured such that a position of one side end portion in the width direction of the normal tape when the normal tape is installed corresponds to the position when the tag tape is installed. The tag tape is configured to substantially coincide with the position of the other end portion in the width direction of the IC circuit portion of the tag tape.

  As a result, when the tag tape is installed and when the normal tape is installed, the tape transport path is shifted by the size of the IC circuit portion in the tape width direction. As a result, in the tag tape, the IC circuit portion and the antenna portion can be prevented from overlapping the printing means, so that the RFID tag circuit element can be more reliably prevented from being damaged or blurred.

In order to achieve the above object, a fourth invention is a tag in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements each including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit are arranged on a tape base material A tape or a normal tape that has substantially the same tape width dimension as the tag tape and does not have the RFID circuit elements arranged on the tape base material is stored, and a label is created by printing on the tape with printing means. A tape cartridge configured to be detachable from a cartridge holder of a label producing apparatus, and a tape type information holding unit for holding tape type information indicating whether the tag tape is stored or whether the normal tape is stored And the position of the discharge port of the tag tape when the tag tape is stored is the position of the discharge port of the normal tape when the normal tape is stored. Compared with the IC only to the width direction substantially equal to or greater than the size dimension of the distance from one side edge portion in the width direction of the tag tape to the other end portion in the width direction of the IC circuit part The circuit portion is shifted so as to protrude outward from the printing means .

In the tape cartridge of the fourth invention of the present application, the tape type information is held in the tape type information holding unit. Thus, for example, when the cartridge containing the tag tape is loaded by detecting the tape type information on the apparatus side when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder of the label producing apparatus, the RFID tag circuit element provided in the tag tape it becomes possible to control the size and position of the energizing area, as electrically conducting region does not overlap the part. As a result, there is no risk of damage to the RFID tag circuit element due to heat generation in the energized area, and there is no possibility of blurring of printing, so both RFID tags with prints and normal print labels can be created with the same device. In addition, the soundness and print quality of the created RFID label can be improved.

Also, if the housing the tag tape, even when mounted in the same cartridge holder in the same manner of the label producing apparatus tape cartridges, Ru is discharged to the apparatus from the cartridge outlet of a position different from the normal tape . Result of this, at the time of mounting of the cartridge accommodating the ordinary-tape while printing on normal tape substantially the entire region of the energizing area by confronting the printing means of the label producing apparatus, the printing means at the time of mounting of the cartridge accommodating the tag tape And the tag tape are slightly shifted from the above-mentioned facing state so that the RFID circuit element provided in the tag tape does not overlap the printing means.

Specifically, when the tag tape is stored, the position of the discharge port of the tag tape of the cartridge is approximately the dimension in the tape width direction of the IC circuit portion as compared with the position of the discharge port of the normal tape of the cartridge storing the normal tape. The IC circuit portion is shifted so as to protrude outward from the printing means . As a result, even if it is mounted in the same cartridge holder of the label producing apparatus in the same manner, the tape transport path is shifted by the tape width direction dimension of the IC circuit portion, and the IC circuit portion and antenna portion of the tag tape are moved. It can be prevented from overlapping the printing means. As a result, damage to the RFID tag circuit element and faint printing can be prevented more reliably.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, both the RFID label with a printing and a normal printing label can be produced with the same apparatus, and the soundness and printing quality of the produced RFID tag label can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall schematic structure of a label producing apparatus (a state in which a cartridge 100 described later is attached and an opening / closing lid OC is opened) according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a label producing apparatus M includes an apparatus main body 1, a cartridge holder portion 2 (tape installation holder) for housing a cartridge 100 detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1, and an outline of the apparatus main body 1. Rotating to the apparatus main body 1 so as to cover the cartridge holder portion 2 in a closed state, and a casing 3 constituting the antenna 4 (an antenna on the apparatus side) that transmits and receives signals by radio communication using a high frequency such as a UHF band It has an openable / closable lid OC connected to it.

  FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus main body 1 around the cartridge 100 as seen from the II direction in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a cartridge 100 is detachably fitted to the cartridge holder portion 2, which is a recess in the housing 3, and a tape roll 101 around which a tape 103 is wound and a ribbon for feeding out an ink ribbon 104 for printing. A supply side roll 106, a ribbon take-up roller 105 for taking up the ink ribbon 104 after printing, and a tape feed roller 102 (conveying means) for feeding the tape roll 101 to the outside of the cartridge 100 are provided. .

  The tape roll 101 is wound around a reel member 101A with a strip-like transparent tape (hereinafter, referred to as a tag tape as appropriate) 103 in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To are sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction.

  The tape 103 has a three-layer structure (refer to a partially enlarged view in FIG. 2), and the release paper 103a and adhesive from the side wound outward (left side in FIG. 2) to the opposite side (right side in FIG. 2) A layer 103b and a cover film (printed layer, tape base material) 103c made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like are laminated in this order.

  The release paper 103a is adhered to the cover film 103c on the back side (left side in FIG. 2) of the cover film 103c by the adhesive layer 103b. The release paper 103a is configured such that when the finally completed RFID label T is affixed to a predetermined product or the like, it can be adhered to the product or the like by the adhesive layer 103b by peeling it off. In the tape 103, an IC circuit unit 150 for storing information is integrally provided on the back side (left side in FIG. 2) of the cover film 103c in this example, and the surface on the back side of the cover film 103c An antenna 151 that transmits and receives information is connected to the IC circuit unit 150, and the RFID circuit element To is configured by the IC circuit unit 150 and the antenna 151.

  Further, the case 120 of the cartridge 100 is formed with a detected portion IS (tape type information holding portion) at a corner opposite to the tape feeding roller 102. A plurality of switch holes h are formed in the detected part IS in a predetermined pattern, and each pattern has tape type information indicating whether a tag tape is installed or a normal tape described later, etc. Parameter information, for example, communication parameters optimum for the RFID circuit element To when the tag tape is installed (frequency, communication protocol, etc. of radio waves used for wireless communication) and tag attribute parameters (RF tag circuit element To) The cartridge is identified by the sensitivity of the antenna 151, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 150, the width of the tape 103, the arrangement interval of the RFID circuit elements To on the tape 103, the position of the RFID circuit elements To in the tape width direction, etc. Represents the type. This pattern, which differs depending on each cartridge type, is detected by a cartridge sensor (or cartridge detection switch) 132 (detection means; see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 described later) disposed on the apparatus main body 1 side.

  On the other hand, in the cartridge holder portion 2 of the label producing apparatus M, the print head (thermal head) 8 for performing predetermined printing (printing) on the tape 103 fed out from the tape roll 101 and the printing on the tape 103 are completed. The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 that drives the ribbon take-up roller 105 that winds the ink ribbon 104 that is wound, the tape feed roller drive shaft (feed-out drive shaft) 109 that drives the tape feed roller 102, and the print head 8. A platen roller 110 and a roller holder 112 that holds the sub-roller 111 are disposed so as to be able to contact and separate at positions.

  When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge holder portion 2 of the label producing apparatus M, the roller holder 112 is moved from the separation position to the contact position, and the tape 103 and the ink ribbon 104 are moved between the print head 8 and the platen roller 110. The tape 103 is held between the tape feed roller 102 and the sub roller 111. The tape feed roller drive shaft 109, the sub-roller 111, and the platen roller 110 are connected by a gear so that the tape feed roller 102, the sub-roller 111, and the platen roller 110 rotate as the tape feed roller drive shaft 109 is driven. It has become. The tape 103 unwound from the second roll 102 is pressed against the print head 8 by the ink ribbon 104 driven by the ribbon supply side roll 106 and the ribbon take-up roller 105 arranged on the surface side. As a result, the tape 103 is brought into contact with the surface.

  In the above configuration, the tape feeding roller 102 and the ribbon take-up roller 105 are rotated in synchronization with the directions indicated by arrows A and B by the driving force of a cartridge motor 203 (described later). The tape 103 is fed out. At the same time, a plurality of heating elements of the print head 8 are energized by a print drive circuit 205 (described later) (At this time, the size and position of the print drive area of the print head 8 are controlled according to the cartridge type. Details of this will be described later with reference to FIGS. As a result, a print R such as predetermined characters, symbols, barcodes, etc. is printed on the back surface of the tape 103 (= the surface on the adhesive layer 103a side, see FIG. 7C described later) to form a printed label tape 108. Then, it is carried out of the cartridge 100. The ink ribbon 104 that has finished printing on the tape 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 105 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.

  In addition to the cartridge 100 having the tape 103 (tag tape) on which the RFID circuit element To is formed, the cartridge holder portion 2 has a tape 103 '(hereinafter referred to as a normal tape) in which no RFID circuit element is arranged. The cartridge 100 ′ wound around the tape roll 101 ′ is attached to and detached from the tape roll 101 ′, and the normal tape 103 ′ is transported in the same manner as the cartridge 100 so that the print head 8 can perform printing.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing details of the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the cartridge 100 including the tape 103 (tag tape) on which the RFID circuit element To is formed is attached.

  In FIG. 3, the tag tape 103 wound around the tape roll 101 has the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To arranged at one end in the width direction (in this example, the lower side in FIG. 3), The other side in the width direction of each RFID circuit element To (in this example, the upper side in FIG. 3) is a print area S in which printing corresponding to each RFID circuit element To is performed by the print head 8.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the apparatus main body 1 wirelessly communicates with the RFID circuit element To provided in the printed label tape 108 by the above-described printing operation using a high frequency such as a microwave or a UHF band. The antenna 4 for transmitting and receiving signals, the cutter 5 for cutting the printed label tape 108 to a predetermined length at a predetermined timing to generate a label-like RFID label T (described later), and the wireless communication At the time of signal exchange, the RFID circuit element To is set and held in a predetermined access area facing the antenna 4 and a pair of transport guides 6 for guiding each RFID label T after cutting, and the RFID label T guided Through a delivery roller 7 that conveys and delivers the product to a carry-out exit E, a sensor 9 that detects the presence or absence of the RFID label T at the carry-out exit E, and the antenna 4 The RF circuit 201 for accessing (reading or writing) information (RFID tag information) in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To and the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To are read. A signal processing circuit 202 that processes signals and reads information and accesses the IC circuit section 150 of the RFID circuit element To, a cartridge drive circuit 204 that controls the drive of the cartridge motor 203, and the print head 8 A printing drive circuit 205 that controls energization, a solenoid 206 that drives the cutter 5 to perform a cutting operation, a solenoid drive circuit 207 that controls the solenoid 206, and a feed roller motor 208 that drives the feed roller. The feeding roller drive circuit 209 to be controlled, the high frequency circuit 201, and the signal processing circuit 20 Has a cartridge drive circuit 204, the printing drive circuit 205, a solenoid driving circuit 207, via the delivery roller driving circuit 209, a control circuit 210 for controlling the label creating apparatus M overall operation.

  The cutter 5 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet portion of the cartridge 100, and the printed label tape 108 that has been read out from the cartridge 100 and has finished reading / writing the RFID tag information with respect to the IC circuit portion 150 of the RFID circuit element To, It is cut into a predetermined length at a predetermined timing, and is divided and generated into a wireless tag T having a wireless tag circuit element To.

  The control circuit 210 is a so-called microcomputer, and although not shown in detail, it is composed of a central processing unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is stored in advance in the ROM using the temporary storage function of the RAM. Signal processing is performed according to the program. The control circuit 210 is powered by the power supply circuit 211A and is connected to, for example, a communication line via the communication circuit 211B. A route server (not shown) connected to the communication line, another terminal, a general-purpose computer, and an information server It is possible to exchange information with other parties. Further, tape discrimination information (information on whether the above-described tag tape is installed or a normal tape, other parameter information, etc.) from the cartridge sensor 132 is input to the control circuit 210. The control circuit 210 controls the energization method of the print head 8 (refer to FIGS. 11 and 12 described later for details) based on information from the cartridge sensor 132.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing details of the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the cartridge 100 ′ including the normal tape 103 ′ is attached. However, in FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their operations and functions are the same as those in FIG. In the cartridge 100 ′, a normal tape 103 ′ without a RFID circuit element is wound around the tape roll 101, and printing is performed on the print area S ′ to generate a printed label tape 108 ′. 3 is different from the cartridge 100 in FIG. 3 in that a label T ′ (see FIG. 8 described later) is generated by cutting with the cutter 5. In the case of the cartridge 100 ′ having the normal tape 103 ′ shown in FIG. 4, the mounting positions of the tape roll 101 ′, the ribbon supply side roll 106 ′, the ribbon take-up roller 105 ′, and the tape feed roller 102 ′ are determined as follows. In comparison with the roll rollers 101, 106, 105, 102, the axial direction of each roller or roll is shifted. As a result, the positions of the tapes 103 ', 108' are compared with the positions of the tapes 103, 108 of the cartridge 100. In the figure, it is slightly shifted upward. Specifically, the position of the tape transport path of the tape 108 provided in the cartridge 100 and the position of the tape transport path of the tape 108 ′ provided in the cartridge 100 ′ are one end in the width direction of the tape 108 ( The width of the tape 108 in the width direction of the tape 108 is substantially the same as the distance x from the lower end in FIG. 3 to the other end of the IC circuit section 150 in the width direction of the tape 108 (upper end in FIG. 3). 3 (downward in FIG. 3) (see also the difference in the tape outlet position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 described later). In other words, the position of one end (the lower end in FIG. 4) in the width direction of the tape 108 ′ when the cartridge 100 ′ is installed is the width of the tape 108 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the tape 108 when the cartridge 100 is installed. It substantially coincides with the position of the other side end (upper end in FIG. 3) in the direction.

  When the normal tape 103 ′ is used, access to the wireless tag via the antenna 4 is not performed.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the high-frequency circuit 201. In FIG. 5, the high-frequency circuit 201 inputs a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 4 and a transmission unit 212 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 4. Part 213 and transmission / reception separator 214.

The transmission unit 212 includes a crystal resonator 215a that functions as a carrier wave generation unit that generates a carrier wave for accessing (reading / writing) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To, and a PLL (Phase
Locked Loop) 215b, VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 215c, and modulating the generated carrier wave based on the signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 212 (in this example, the “TX_ASK” signal from the signal processing circuit 212) A first multiplication circuit 216 (amplitude modulation based on the above) (however, in the case of amplitude modulation, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulated wave modulated by the first multiplication circuit 216 is amplified (in this example, controlled) And a first amplifier 217 that performs amplification determined by a “TX_PWR” signal from the circuit 210. The output of the first amplifier 217 is transmitted to the antenna 4 via the transmission / reception separator 214 and supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To.

  The reception unit 213 is necessary from the reception first multiplication circuit 218 that multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 4 and the generated carrier wave, and the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 218. A first bandpass filter 219 for extracting only a signal in a wide band, a reception first amplifier 221 that amplifies the output of the first bandpass filter 219, and an output of the reception first amplifier 221 is further amplified and digitalized. A first limiter 220 that converts the signal into a signal, a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 4 and a carrier wave that has been generated and delayed by 90 ° in phase by the phase shifter 227. A second band-pass filter 22 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the second multiplication circuit 222 and the reception second multiplication circuit 222 3, a reception second amplifier 225 that amplifies the output of the second band pass filter 223, and a second limiter 224 that amplifies the output of the reception second amplifier 225 and converts it into a digital signal. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 220 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 224 are input to the signal processing circuit 202 and processed.

  The outputs of the second amplifier 221 and the third amplifier 225 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 226 so that a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of these signals is input to the signal processing circuit 202. It has become. In this way, in the label producing apparatus M of this embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To provided in the printed label tape 108 using the tag tape 103.

  In FIG. 6, the RFID circuit element To includes the antenna 151 that transmits and receives signals in a non-contact manner with the antenna 4 on the label producing apparatus M side using a high frequency wave such as a UHF band or microwaves, and the antenna 151. And an IC circuit unit 150 connected thereto.

  The IC circuit unit 150 includes a rectification unit 152 that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 151, and a power source unit 153 that accumulates energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 and serves as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 150. A clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal from the carrier wave received by the antenna 151 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 157; a memory unit 155 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal; and the antenna 151 And a control unit 157 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To via the rectification unit 152, the clock extraction unit 154, the modulation / demodulation unit 156, and the like.

  The modem 156 demodulates the communication signal received by the antenna 151 from the antenna 4 of the label producing apparatus M or another wireless tag reader / writer, and based on the response signal from the control unit 157, from the antenna 4. The received carrier wave is modulated and reflected.

  The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 156. Execute proper control.

  7A to 7C, the cartridge 100 is mounted in the cartridge holder portion 2 as described above, and information reading (or writing) of the RFID circuit element To and cutting of the printed label tape 108 are completed. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of the appearance of the formed RFID label T, in which FIG. 7A is a top view and FIG. 7B is a bottom view. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII ′ section in FIG.

  In FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C, the RFID label T has a three-layer structure as described above, from the surface side (upper side in FIG. 7C). The cover film 103c, the adhesive layer 103b, and the release paper 103a are laminated in this order toward the opposite side (the lower side in FIG. 7C). As described above, the RFID tag circuit element To including the IC circuit unit 150 and the antenna 151 is provided on the back side of the cover film 103c, and the print R (in this example, “AA-AA” is printed on the surface of the cover film 103c. Character) is printed.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 8A to 8C show the label tape 108 ′ after the cartridge 100 ′ is mounted on the cartridge holder portion 2 and printed on the normal tape 103 ′ as described above. It is a figure showing an example of the external appearance of label T 'formed after cutting | disconnection, FIG. 8 (A) is a top view, FIG.8 (B) is a bottom view. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the section VIII-VIII ′ in FIG.

  In FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the label T ′ has a three-layer structure similar to the tag label T, and is on the front side (the upper side in FIG. 8C). ) Toward the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 8C), the cover film 103c, the adhesive layer 103b, and the release paper 103a are laminated in this order. A print R ′ (in this example, “BB-BB” characters) is printed on the surface of the cover film 103c.

  In the basic configuration described above, one of the major features of the present embodiment is that the tape discharge port is different between the cartridge 100 containing the tag tape 103 and the cartridge 100 'containing the normal tape 103'. When these are attached to the cartridge holder portion 2 of the apparatus M, the transport path of the tag tape 103 when the cartridge 100 is attached and the normal tape 103 'when the cartridge 100' is attached become different. The details will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the cartridge 100 on which the tag tape 103 is installed together with its peripheral portion.

  In FIG. 9, the cartridge 100 includes a case 120 as a casing that constitutes the outline thereof. The case 120 includes a support hole 121 that rotatably supports the tape roll 101, and the ribbon winding. A support hole 122 that rotatably supports the take-up roller 105 and a support hole 123 that rotatably supports the tape feed roller 102 are provided.

  Further, the tape 103 fed out of the tape roll 101 and the ink ribbon 104 fed out from the ribbon supply side roll 106 are guided to one side of the case 120 (right front side in FIG. 9), An arm portion (guide portion) 124 that feeds from an opening (not shown) is provided. Further, a head mounting portion 125 into which the print head 8 is inserted and mounted is formed on the left front side of the arm portion 124 in FIG. A first fitting portion 126A is formed in the wall portion of the head mounting portion 125 that faces the arm portion 124 so as to enter the tape discharging direction, and also enters the direction orthogonal to the first fitting portion 126A. A second fitting portion 126B is formed on the top.

  The cartridge holder 2 is provided with the roller holder 112 that is rotatably supported around a support shaft 112 </ b> A erected on the apparatus main body 1 so as to face the cartridge 100. Further, the sub roller 111 and the platen roller 110 are rotatably supported. As described above, the tape 103 is pulled out from the tape roll 101 by the cooperation of the tape feed roller 102 and the sub roller 111 and led out from the opening of the arm portion 124 to the head mounting portion 125, and then the print head 8. It is sandwiched between the platen roller 110 and further sandwiched between the tape feed roller 102 and the sub roller 111. The ink ribbon 104 is drawn from the ribbon supply side roll 106 by the ribbon take-up roller 105, led out from the opening of the arm portion 124 to the head mounting portion 125, and then taken up around the ribbon take-up roller 105.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the cartridge 100 ′ in which the normal tape is installed together with the peripheral portion thereof. 10, parts that are the same as in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals, and their operations and functions are the same as those in FIG. As described above, the tape discharge port e ′ of the printed label tape 108 ′ of the cartridge 100 ′ of FIG. 10 is located on the paper surface as compared with the printed label tape 108 of the cartridge 100 of FIG. It is slightly shifted upward. In order to achieve such a configuration, for example, the tape position may be shifted by a method such as interposing a spacer or the like on a member that supports the tape 103, 108 or 103 ', 108' in the cartridge 100, 100 '. Is possible. In addition, other methods such as raising the space in the cartridge to form a bottom structure may be used.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing the relative relationship between the tape position and the print head 8 in the cartridge 100 provided with the tag tape 103, and FIG. 11B shows the cartridge 100 ′ provided with the normal tape 103 ′. 6 is a schematic view showing a relative relationship between the tape position and the print head 8 in FIG.

  In the label producing apparatus M of the present embodiment, when the cartridge 100 including the tag tape 103 is attached to the cartridge holder portion 2, the position of the tape 103 is located on the right side of the paper as shown in FIG. The print head 8 is configured so as not to overlap the RFID circuit element To located on one side of the tag tape 103 in the width direction (not to contact the RFID circuit element To). As a result, it is not necessary to energize a portion of the print head 8 on the left side of the print head 8 indicated by L1 in the drawing, and only the portion of the print head 8 indicated by L2 in the drawing needs to be energized by controlling the print drive circuit 205. (That is, the print drive area has a length L2).

  On the other hand, when the cartridge 100 ′ having the normal tape 103 ′ is attached to the cartridge holder portion 2, as shown in FIG. 11B, the position of the tape 103 ′ is located on the left side of the sheet, and the print head 8 Is configured to face the entire tape 103. In this case, a portion indicated by L1 + L2 in the drawing of the print head 8 is energized under the control of the print drive circuit 205 (that is, the print drive area has a length L1 + L2).

  12 shows a print head that is executed by the control circuit 210 via the print drive circuit 205 when the cartridge 100 having the tag tape 103 is mounted and when the cartridge 100 ′ having the normal tape 103 ′ is mounted. 8 is a flowchart showing an energization control operation of the heat generating element of FIG.

  In FIG. 12, first, in step S10, the cartridge sensor 132 detects the type of the cartridge 100, 100 ', in other words, the tag tape 103 or the normal tape 103' as described above, and the sensor signal is input (identified). Is done.

  Next, in step S20, based on the sensor signal input in step S10, it is determined whether or not there is a tag, that is, whether the cartridge 100 includes the tag tape 103 or the cartridge 100 ′ including the normal tape 103 ′.

  If it is determined that the tag tape 103 is used, the process proceeds to step S30, where the energization mode of the print head 8 is set to the non-energized section L1 as shown in FIG. A control signal is output to the print drive circuit 205 so that the drive region is only the length L2) and partially reduced energization is completed, and this flow is finished. If it is determined in step S20 that the tape is the normal tape 103 ', the process proceeds to step S40, where the energization mode of the print head 8 is set to the entire area of L1 + L2 as shown in FIG. Is output (= print drive area is length L1 + L2) so that the entire area is energized, a control signal is output to the print drive circuit 205, and this flow is terminated.

  In the above, the signal processing circuit 202 and the transmission unit 212 of the high-frequency circuit 201 generate access information to the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element according to each claim, and transmit the access information to the RFID circuit element via the device-side antenna The information access means for transmitting and writing information to the IC circuit unit or reading information from the IC circuit unit is configured, and the control circuit 30 (particularly, step S20, step S30 and step S40 in the flow shown in FIG. 12) Based on the detection result of the detection means, a print drive control means for switching the print drive area of the print means according to whether a tag tape is installed or a normal tape is installed.

  According to the present embodiment configured as described above, when the cartridge 100 having the tag tape 3 is installed in the cartridge holder portion 2, the cartridge 100 'having the normal tape 3' is installed. In comparison (based on the difference in the arrangement positions of the tapes 108 and 108 'shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), the position of the tape conveyance path in the label producing apparatus M changes as shown in FIGS. In particular, the length of the print drive area of the print head 8 changes from L1 + L2 to L2, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or FIGS. 11A and 11B, depending on the difference in position. As a result, the RFID tag circuit element To provided in the tag tape 103 can be prevented from overlapping the print drive area of the print head 8 (which is the length L2 portion). There is no risk of damage to To, and there is no possibility of blurring of printing. As a result, both the tag label T with print and the normal label T ′ can be produced by the same label producing apparatus M, and the soundness and print quality of the produced tag label T can be improved. In particular, at this time, when the cartridge 100 including the tag tape 103 is installed, the length of the print drive area of the print head 8 is switched from L1 + L2 to L2, and the length L1 portion is not energized. As described above, the print drive area does not overlap the RFID circuit element To as described above, while unnecessary print drive is not performed on the length L1 portion protruding from the tape 103, thereby reducing power consumption. Can be reduced.

  The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the label producing apparatus of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, a label producing apparatus 501 includes a main body case 502, a transparent resin upper cover 505, and a transparent resin tray 506 erected so as to face the front center of the upper cover 505. A power button 507 disposed on the front side of the tray 506, a cutter lever 509, an LED lamp 534, and the like are provided.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover 505 is removed from the label producing apparatus shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, a tape shaft member 503 (cartridge in the present embodiment) is detachably stored and arranged in a tape shaft member storage portion (tape installation holder) 504. The tape shaft member 503 includes a positioning and holding member 512 and a guide member 520, and a tape 503A (tag tape) having a predetermined width is wound rotatably. That is, the guide member 520 as one side wall portion and the positioning and holding member 512 as the other side wall portion are provided on both sides in the axial direction of the tape 503A so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis. The upper cover 505 is attached to the rear upper edge so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the upper side of the tape shaft member storage 504.

In addition, a support member 515 is provided at one side edge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the tape shaft member storage portion 504, and the support member 515 has a generally vertically long U shape as viewed from the front. The first positioning groove 516 is formed. A mounting member 513 that protrudes in the outer direction of the positioning holding member 512 and is vertically narrow in the vertical direction formed so as to be narrow in the downward direction when viewed from the front is narrow in the downward direction. The support member 515 is fitted into the first positioning groove 516 by being in close contact therewith. The protruding height dimension of the mounting member 513 is formed to be substantially equal to the width dimension of the first positioning groove 516. On the holding member 512, a spacer portion 580 for arranging the tag tape 503A slightly shifted to the guide member 520 side (the rear left side in FIG. 14) is interposed between the tape 503A. .

  A lever 527 is provided at the front end in the transport direction of the other side edge of the tape shaft member storage 504. In the tape 503A, RFID circuit elements T1 including an IC circuit portion 650 and an antenna 651 are provided in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape in the vicinity of one end in the width direction (left side in FIG. 14). In the drawing, the size is exaggerated to clarify the existence). In this embodiment, it is possible to use a normal tape 503A ′ (see FIG. 23 described later) in which a RFID circuit element is not disposed in place of the tag tape 503 as a tape. This will be described later.

  FIG. 15 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the tag tape 503A has a three-layer structure in this example (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 15), and is on the opposite side (the upper left side in FIG. 15) of the tag tape 503A. The sheet is laminated in the order of release paper 503a, adhesive layer 503b and self-coloring long thermal paper (tape base material) 503c.

  In this example, an IC circuit unit 650 for storing information is integrally provided on the back side of the thermal paper 503c (upper left side in FIG. 15), and the IC circuit unit 650 is provided on the surface of the back side of the thermal paper 503c. An antenna 651 for transmitting and receiving information is formed, and the IC circuit portion 650 and the antenna 651 constitute the RFID circuit element T1. The release paper 503a is bonded to the thermal paper 503c by the adhesive layer 503b on the back side of the thermal paper 503c (upper left side in FIG. 15). The release paper 503a is configured such that when the finally completed RFID label T is affixed to a predetermined product or the like, it can be adhered to the product or the like by the adhesive layer 503b. Note that a power cord 510 is connected to one side end of the back surface of the main body housing 502.

  16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX 'in FIG. In FIG. 16, the tag tape 503A is wound around a core 503B in a roll shape. A tape roll body 600 is constituted by the tag tape 503A and the winding core 503B, and the tape shaft member 503 provided with the positioning holding member 512, the guide member 520, the spacer portion 580, and the like.

  Between the positioning and holding member 512 and the guide member 520, a substantially cylindrical shaft member 540 is provided so as to be arranged in the axial direction on the inner peripheral side of the core 503B. The member 512, the guide member 520, and the shaft member 540 constitute a tape shaft member 503. Further, as described above, the spacer portion 580 is provided on the holding member 512, but the axial dimension (left and right direction in FIG. 16) of the winding core 503B (and hence the tag tape 503A) is the same as that of the holding member 512 and the guide member. As a result, the axial center of the tag tape 503A is shorter than the axial center of the shaft member 540 on the guide member 520 side ( It is slightly shifted to the left in FIG. In this example, the width w (the horizontal dimension in FIG. 16) of the spacer portion 580 is slightly larger than the width (direction perpendicular to the tape longitudinal direction) of the RFID circuit element T1.

  An engagement recess 515A is formed at the inner base end portion of the support member 515, and an elastic locking piece 512A protruding from the lower end portion of the positioning holding member 512 is engaged with the engagement recess 515A. Yes.

  On the bottom surface portion of the tape shaft member storage portion 504, a positioning recess 504A having a horizontally long rectangular shape in a plan view is formed at a predetermined depth (for example, about 1.5 to 3 mm) from the inner base end portion of the support member 515 substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. ). A control board 532 on which a control circuit unit for driving and controlling each mechanism unit according to a command from an external personal computer or the like is provided below the tape shaft member storage unit 504.

  The width dimension of the positioning recess 504A in the conveyance direction is formed so as to be substantially equal to the width dimension of the lower end edge portions of the positioning holding member 512 and the guide member 520 constituting the tape shaft member 503. Further, a tape discriminating section 560 described later extends from the lower end edge of the positioning holding member 512 in a substantially perpendicular inner direction at the inner base end portion of the support member 515 of the positioning recess 504A (see also FIGS. 24 to 27 described later). A discrimination recess 504B is formed at a position opposite to.

  The determination concave portion 504B has a vertically long rectangular shape in plan view, and is formed to be deeper by a predetermined depth (for example, about 1.5 to 3 mm) than the positioning concave portion 504A. The determination recess 504B is composed of a push-type microswitch or the like, and includes four tape determination sensors (detection means) S1, S2, S3, which determine the type of the tag tape 503A (or a normal tape 503A ′ described later). In this example, S4 is provided in a substantially L shape. Each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S4 is a known mechanical switch composed of a plunger, a micro switch, and the like, and the upper end of each plunger extends from the bottom of the discrimination recess 504B to the bottom of the positioning recess 504A. It is provided so that it may protrude to the part vicinity. The tape discriminating sensors S1 to S4 detect whether or not each sensor hole (described later) of the tape discriminating unit 560 (tape type information holding unit) is present, and is attached to the tape shaft member 503 by the on / off signal. The type of the tag tape 503A (including whether the tag tape 503A is provided with the RFID circuit element To or the normal tape 503A ′ not provided with the RFID circuit element To is described in detail later). ing.

  17 (A) and 17 (B) are perspective views showing a state in which the upper cover 5 and the tape roll body 600 are removed from the label producing apparatus shown in FIG. 13, and an enlarged view of the W portion in FIG. 15 (A). It is a perspective view.

  In FIGS. 17A and 17B, a mounting portion 521 on which the distal end portion of the guide member 520 constituting the tape shaft member 503 is mounted is provided. The placement portion 521 extends substantially horizontally from the rear end edge portion of the insertion port 518 into which the tag tape 503A is inserted to the front upper end edge portion of the tape shaft member storage portion 504. The distal end portion of the guide member 520 is extended to the insertion port 518.

  A plurality of width dimensions of a tape shaft member 503 provided with a tag tape 503A (or a normal tape 503A ′, details will be described later) (a tag tape and a normal one described later) are provided at the edge corner on the rear side in the transport direction of the mounting portion 521. A plurality of (in this example, two) second positioning groove portions 522A and 522B having a substantially L-shaped cross section are formed corresponding to the difference from the tape. Each of the second positioning groove portions 522A and 522B is formed so that a part of the portion of the guide member 520 that constitutes the tape shaft member 503 that comes into contact with the placement portion 521 can be fitted from above. The groove 522A corresponds to the case of the tag tape 503A, and the groove 522B corresponds to the case of the normal tape 503A ′ (in other words, the tape shaft members 503 and 503 ′ are mounted according to the tag tape 503A or the normal tape 503A ′. The position is different). The details of this will be described later with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. The width of the tape shaft member 503 provided with the tag tape 503A is larger than the width of the tape shaft member 503 ′ provided with the normal tape 503A ′. This is because the spacer portion 508 becomes larger by the width w. The positioning recess 504A described above is provided from the inner base end of the support member 515 to a position facing the second positioning groove 522A.

  A tape roll body 600 including a winding core 503B, a tag tape 503A (or a normal tape 503A ′ which will be described later, details will be described later), and a tape shaft member 503 (or 503 ′), the mounting member 513 of the positioning member 512 is supported by the support member 515. The elastic locking piece 512A, which is fitted in the first positioning groove 516 and protrudes from the lower end of the positioning member 512, is engaged with the engagement recess 515A formed at the inner base end of the support member 515, and the guide The bottom surface of the tip of the member 520 is fitted into each second positioning groove 522A (or 522B), and the lower end of the guide member 520 is fitted into the positioning recess 504A and brought into contact with the tape shaft member housing 504. Removably attached.

  FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover 505 and the tape roll body 600 shown in FIG. 13 are removed.

  In FIG. 18, a guide rib portion 523 is erected on the side end edge portion of the insertion port 518 on the support member 515 side. Further, the side edge (the left edge in FIG. 18) of the insertion port 518 on the side of the support member 515 is formed to be at a position corresponding to the inner end surface of the positioning member 512 fitted into the support member 515. Yes.

  Note that a connector portion 511 including a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connected to a personal computer (not shown) or the like is provided at the other side end of the back surface of the main body housing 502.

  FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the tape shaft member 503 is mounted on the label producing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 13 with the upper cover 505 removed.

  In FIG. 19, a cutter unit 508 that is moved left and right by the cutter lever 509 via a connecting member 570 is provided on the cutter lever 509 that is provided on the front side surface portion so as to be movable left and right. The cutter unit 508 includes a cutter (cutting blade) 572 disposed so as to be movable by a guide shaft 571 in a cutting direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 19) substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tape 503A, and the cutter 572. And an intermediate member 573 provided on the cutter side of the connecting member 570. Further, a thermal head (print head) 531 as a printing unit for performing printing is provided on the lower side of the cutter unit 508 in the conveyance direction of the tape 503A (right side in FIG. 19), and a platen roller 526 is disposed at a position facing this. (Conveying means) is provided.

  The print head 531 is moved away from the platen roller 526 by rotating the lever 527 for moving up and down to move the print head 531 downward, and rotates the lever 527 downward. Thus, the tag tape 503A is pressed against the platen roller 526 so that printing can be performed.

  That is, when printing is performed, first, the lever 527 is rotated upward so that one side edge of the tag tape 503A is brought into contact with the inner surface of the guide member 520 while the other side of the tag tape 503A is contacted. The end edge portion is inserted into the insertion port 518 while abutting against the guide rib portion 523 provided upright on the side edge portion of the insertion port 518, and in this state, the lever 527 is rotated downward to insert the insertion port. The tag tape 503A inserted from 518 is urged to be pressed toward the platen roller 526 by the line type print head 531. Then, the print head 531 is driven and controlled while the platen roller 526 is rotationally driven by a platen roller motor 708 (see FIG. 21 described later) formed of a pulse motor or a stepping motor, and the tag tape 503A is conveyed. In addition, predetermined print data can be sequentially printed on the print surface, and access to the IC circuit unit 650 (information reading) via the antenna 704 located further downstream in the transport direction and further via the antenna 651 of the RFID circuit element T1. Or writing). The printed tag tape 503A discharged onto the tray 506 is cut by the cutter unit 508 by manually operating the cutter lever 509 in the right direction, and the wireless label T including the RFID circuit element T1 is divided and generated. Is done.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element T1 provided in the tag tape 503A.

  In FIG. 20, the RFID circuit element T1 includes an antenna 704 on the label producing apparatus 501 side and the antenna 651 that transmits and receives signals in a non-contact manner using a high frequency such as a UHF band, and the antenna 651 connected to the antenna 651. IC circuit portion 650.

  The IC circuit unit 650 includes a rectification unit 652 that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 651, and a power supply unit 653 that accumulates energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 652 and serves as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 650. A clock extraction unit 654 that extracts a clock signal from the carrier wave received by the antenna 651 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 657, a memory unit 655 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal, and the antenna 651 And a control unit 657 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element T1 through the rectification unit 652, the clock extraction unit 654, the modulation / demodulation unit 656, and the like.

  The modem 656 demodulates the communication signal received from the antenna 651 from the antenna 704 of the label producing apparatus 501 or another wireless tag reader / writer, and based on the response signal from the control unit 657 from the antenna 704. The received carrier wave is modulated and reflected.

  The control unit 657 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 656, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 655, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 656. Execute proper control.

  FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a control system of the label producing apparatus 501. In FIG. 21, the tag tape 503A has a plurality of RFID circuit elements T1 arranged at one end in the width direction (upper side in FIG. 21) as described above. A region corresponding to T1 is a print region S where the print R corresponding to each RFID circuit element T1 is performed by the print head 531. After the printing described above, the antenna 704 transmits and receives signals to and from the RFID circuit element T1 provided on the tape 503A by radio communication using high frequency such as UHF band, microwaves, etc. The used tape 503A is cut by the cutter unit 508 by operating the cutter lever 509 as described above, and the RFID label T is generated.

  In addition, the label producing apparatus 501 includes an IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element T1 via the platen roller 526 that conveys and sends the tag tape 503A and the cut RFID label T to the carry-out port E, and the antenna 704. A high frequency circuit 701 for accessing (reading or writing) information (wireless tag information) 650 and a signal read from the IC circuit unit 650 of the wireless tag circuit element T1 are input via the high frequency circuit 701. A signal processing circuit 702 that reads information by performing predetermined processing and accesses the IC circuit unit 650 of the RFID circuit element T1 through the high frequency circuit 701, and a print drive circuit 705 that controls energization of the print head 531. And a platen roller for controlling a platen roller motor 708 for driving the platen roller 526 A control circuit 710 for controlling the overall operation of the label producing apparatus 501 via a dynamic circuit 709, the high-frequency circuit 701, the signal processing circuit 702, the print drive circuit 705, the platen roller drive circuit 709, and the like, and the control circuit 710 The above-mentioned LED 534 which is turned on by a control signal from the above is provided. In addition, a conveyance guide for guiding and setting each RFID label T after cutting may be further provided while setting and holding the RFID circuit element T1 in a predetermined access area facing the antenna 704 at the time of signal transmission and reception by the wireless communication.

  The control circuit 710 is a so-called microcomputer, and although not shown in detail, is composed of a central processing unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is stored in advance in the ROM using the temporary storage function of the RAM. Signal processing is performed according to the program. The control circuit 710 is powered by the power supply circuit 711A and is connected to, for example, a communication line via the communication circuit 711B. A route server (not shown) connected to the communication line, another terminal, a general-purpose computer, and information Information can be exchanged with a server or the like. Further, tape discrimination information (information on whether a tag tape or a normal tape is installed, other parameter information, etc.) from the tape discrimination sensors S 1 to S 4 described above is input to the control circuit 710. The control circuit 710 controls the energization method (see FIGS. 31 and 32) of the print head 531 based on information from the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S4 (details will be described later).

  FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the high-frequency circuit 701. In FIG. 22, the high-frequency circuit 701 receives a transmission unit 712 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element T <b> 1 via the antenna 704 and a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element T <b> 1 that is received by the antenna 704. 713 and a transmission / reception separator 714.

The transmitter 712 is a crystal resonator 715a that functions as a carrier wave generating means for generating a carrier wave for accessing (reading / writing) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 650 of the RFID circuit element T1, and a PLL (Phase
Locked Loop) 715b, VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 715c, and modulation of the generated carrier wave based on the signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 712 (in this example, “TX_ASK from the signal processing circuit 712) "Amplification modulation based on signal" transmission multiplication circuit 716 (in the case of amplitude modulation, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulated wave modulated by the transmission multiplication circuit 716 is amplified (in this example, controlled) And a transmission amplifier 717 that amplifies the amplification factor determined by the “TX_PWR” signal from the circuit 710. The output of the transmission amplifier 717 is transmitted to the antenna 704 via the transmission / reception separator 714 and supplied to the IC circuit unit 650 of the RFID circuit element T1.

  The reception unit 713 is necessary from the reception first multiplication circuit 718 that multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element T1 received by the antenna 704 and the generated carrier wave, and the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 718. A first bandpass filter 719 for extracting only a signal in a wide band, a reception first amplifier 721 for amplifying the output of the first bandpass filter 719, and an output of the reception first amplifier 721 is further amplified to be digital. A first limiter 720 that converts the signal into a signal, a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element T1 received by the antenna 704, and a carrier wave delayed by 90 ° in the phase shifter 727 after being generated and generated by the phase shifter 727. A second multiplying circuit 722 and a second bandpass filter for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the receiving second multiplying circuit 722. A filter 723, a reception second amplifier 725 for amplifying the output of the second bandpass filter 723, and a second limiter 724 for further amplifying the output of the reception second amplifier 725 and converting it to a digital signal. . The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 720 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 724 are input to the signal processing circuit 702 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 721 and the reception second amplifier 725 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 726, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of these signals is input to the signal processing circuit 702. It has become so. In this way, in the label producing apparatus 501 of this embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element T1 is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  On the other hand, as described above, in addition to the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A on which the RFID circuit element To is formed, the tape 503A in which the RFID circuit element is not disposed is disposed in the tape shaft member housing portion 504. ′ (Ordinary tape) is also detachable, and by attaching it to the tape shaft member storage 504, the normal tape 503A ′ is conveyed and the print head 531 is mounted as in the case of the tag tape 503A. Can be printed using.

  FIG. 23 is a view corresponding to FIG. 21 (conceptual diagram showing the control system of the label producing apparatus 501) when the tape shaft member 503 ′ having the normal tape 503A ′ is attached to the tape shaft member storage portion 504. . In FIG. 23, the normal tape 503A ′ is transported at a transport position slightly shifted in the axial direction (downward on the paper surface in FIG. 23) as compared with the tag tape 503A as described above. After printing on S ′, the printed tape 503A ′ is cut by the cutter unit 508 by operating the cutter lever 509 as described above to generate a label (label without tag) T ′. . Specifically, the shift of the transport position is as follows. That is, the position of the tape transport path of the tag tape 503A and the position of the tape transport path of the normal tape 503A ′ are from the one end in the width direction of the tag tape 503A (the upper end in FIG. 21) to the tag tape of the IC circuit section 650. 503A is shifted in the tape width direction (upward in FIG. 21) by a dimension approximately equal to the distance y to the other end (lower end in FIG. 21) in the width direction (or a dimension larger than that). In other words, the position of one end (upper end in FIG. 23) in the width direction of the normal tape 503A ′ is the position of the other end (lower end in FIG. 21) in the tape width direction of the IC circuit portion 650 of the tag tape 503. Is almost the same.

  When the normal tape 503 ′ is used, access to the wireless tag via the antenna 704 is not performed.

  24 (A) and 24 (B) are a perspective view from the upper front side and a perspective view from the lower rear side, showing the detailed structure of the tape roll body 600 provided in the label producing apparatus 501 shown in FIG. FIG.

  24A and 24B, the guide member 520 of the tape shaft member 503 (or 503 ′) provided in the tape roll body 600 is formed on the bottom surface of the tape shaft member storage portion 504. A first extending portion 542 that is inserted into the positioning recess 504A and abutted against the bottom surface of the positioning recess 504A, and an outer end surface portion on the circumference of approximately ¼ circle in the front direction of the tape 503A (or 503A ′). The second extending portion 543 extending outward and the upper edge from the outer peripheral portion of the second extending portion 543 to the vicinity of the insertion port 518 (see FIG. 18) of the tape 503A (or 503A ′). Is formed with a third extending portion 544 that extends in a front-down manner.

  The lower end surface of the distal end portion of the third extending portion 544 is formed substantially horizontally and comes into contact with the mounting portion 521 of the label producing apparatus 501 so as to contact the third extending portion 544 and the second extending portion. One side end edge of the tape 503A (or 503A ′) attached by the inner surface of 543 is guided to the insertion port 518. In addition, a fourth extending portion 545 extending a predetermined length from a position facing the rear end edge in the conveying direction of the placement portion 521 on the lower end surface of the third extending portion 544 to the first extending portion 542 is provided. Is formed. The leading end portion of the fourth extending portion 545 in the transport direction is opposed to the tape width of the mounted tape 503A when the lower end surface of the third extending portion 544 comes into contact with the mounting portion 521. It is configured to be fitted into the second positioning groove 522A (or 522B) (see FIG. 19 described above).

  In addition, the lower end portion of the mounting member 513 of the positioning member 512 of the tape shaft member 503 (or 503 ′) has a predetermined length (in this example, approximately outward) in the lateral direction from the lower end portion of the mounting member 513. A guide portion 557 having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape (in this example, a length of about 1.5 mm to 3 mm) protruding from the front is formed. Thus, when the tape shaft member 503 (or 503 ′) is mounted, the mounting member 513 is moved to the first while the guide portion 557 formed at the lower end portion of the mounting member 513 is brought into contact with the outer end surface of the support member 515. The tape shaft member 503 (or 503 ′) can be mounted while being easily positioned by being inserted into the positioning groove 516.

  The lower end edge of the extending portion 556 of the positioning member 512 is extended so as to protrude downward by a predetermined length (in this example, about 1 mm to 2.5 mm) from the lower end edge of the guide member 520. At the lower end edge portion, a substantially long rectangular tape discriminating portion 560 extending a predetermined length in a substantially right-angle inner direction is formed.

  The tape discriminating unit 560 is provided with sensor holes 560A to 560D arranged in a substantially L shape at predetermined positions facing the tape discriminating sensors S1 to S4, and cooperates with the sensors S1 to S4. Thus, it functions as a tape specifying unit that specifies the type of the tape 503A. Further, the sensors S1 to S4 also provide information on whether the tag tape 503A or the normal tape 503A 'is installed as the type of tape, information similar to the first embodiment as other parameter information, and the like. It can be specified.

  FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a tape shaft member 503 provided with a tag tape 503A as seen from an obliquely rear side, and FIG. 25B is a perspective view of the tape shaft member 503 as seen from an obliquely forward side.

  25 (A) and 25 (B), the guide member 520 is provided with a first tube portion 535, and the first tube portion 535 is an edge portion on one end side of the tube hole of the core 503B. The guide member 520 is brought into contact with one end surface of the tape 503A. On the other hand, the positioning and holding member 512 is provided with a second cylinder portion 537. The second cylinder portion 537 is fitted into the other end of the core 503B, so that the positioning and holding member 512 becomes the other side of the tape 503A. It is in contact with the end face of At this time, since the spacer portion 580 is provided on the second tube portion 537, the tape 503A is on the guide member 520 side (the left front side in FIG. 25A, the left front side in FIG. 25B), as described in FIG. It will be slightly shifted to the back right side of the page). Although not shown, in the tape 503A, the RFID circuit element T1 is the end on the guide member 520 side (the left front side in FIG. 25 (A) and the right rear side in FIG. 25 (B)). It is formed near the part. The core 503B around which the tape 503A is wound is rotatably held by the first cylinder 535 and the second cylinder 537.

  One end of the shaft member 540 is fitted into the first tube portion 535 of the guide member 520, and a flange portion 536 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the end surface on the one end side. The tube portion 535 is fixed to the outer end surface. The other end of the shaft member 540 is fitted into the second cylinder 537 of the positioning and holding member 512 and is fixed to the second cylinder 537.

  At this time, the first extending portion 542 of the guide member 520 extends downward from the lower outer peripheral portion of the outer end surface of the first tubular portion 535, and the upper end portion thereof, that is, the first tubular portion. In the left and right central portions of the outer peripheral portion of the outer end surface of 535, respective cutout portions 547 having a substantially square shape in front view are provided.

  Further, on the inner side surfaces of the extending portions 543, 544, and 545 of the guide member 520, the scales 543A, 543, and 543C representing the winding length of the tape 3A that is mounted, that is, the remaining tape amounts 10m, 20m, and 30m, respectively. Is formed. Note that the maximum winding length of the tape 503A wound around the tape shaft member 503 is about 30 m.

  On the other hand, a flange portion 555 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second cylindrical portion 537 of the positioning member 512, and an extending portion 556 that extends downward from the lower outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 555 is formed. Has been. The inner side surfaces of the flange portion 555 and the extension portion 556 are in contact with the outer end surfaces of the tag tape 503A and the core 503B. Then, the mounting member 513 has a substantially central portion in the width direction (upper left to lower right in FIG. 25A) of the outer end surface portions of the flange portion 555 and the extension portion 556, that is, the shaft center of the shaft member 540. It protrudes from the end edge so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis.

  FIG. 26A is a perspective view of the tape shaft member 503 ′ provided with the normal tape 503A ′ as seen from the obliquely rear side, and FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the tape shaft member 503 ′ as seen from the obliquely forward side. However, in FIG. 26, the same components as those in FIG. 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their operations and functions are the same as those in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, in the case of the normal tape 503A ′, the spacer portion 580 is not provided, and the width (the dimension in the axial direction) of the shaft member 540 is equal to the width w of the spacer portion 580. ) Becomes shorter. In this manner, the relative position of the tag tape 503A and the normal tape 503A ′ with respect to the print head 531 is shifted by about the width of the RFID circuit element T1 (≈the width w of the spacer portion 580). The effect of this will be described later with reference to FIG.

  27A is a left side view showing the detailed structure of the tape shaft member 503 in FIG. 25, FIG. 27B is a front view, and FIG. 27C is a right side view. 27A to 27C, the shaft member 540 is provided between the positioning holding member 512 and the guide member 520 as described above. At this time, the shaft member 540 is prepared in advance with a plurality of types of length dimensions, for example, and a plurality of tag tapes 503A with different width dimensions can be mounted by changing the length dimension of the shaft member 540. Various types of tape shaft members 503 can be easily manufactured.

  FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY ′ in FIG. In FIG. 28, a substantially vertically long cutout 551 is formed at the tip of the shaft member 540 that is fitted into the second tube portion 537 of the positioning and holding member 512. The notch 551 is fitted with a positioning rib 550 that protrudes in the inner radial direction at the inner lower end of the second cylindrical portion 537, whereby the positioning holding member 512, the guide member 520, and the like via the shaft member 540. Can be positioned according to the tape width. In addition, a vertically long rectangular through hole 562 is formed in the extending portion 556 at the lower end portion of the mounting member 513 of the positioning member 512, and the upper end edge of the through hole 562 is directed outward in the downward direction toward the distal end portion. An elastic locking piece 512 </ b> A in which a protruding portion is formed is provided.

  FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ ′ in FIG. In FIG. 29, the positioning protrusions 548 projecting from the inner surface of the flange portion 536 of the shaft member 540 are fitted into the notch portion 547 of the first extending portion 542 described above, whereby the guide member of the shaft member 540 is inserted. Positioning with respect to is performed.

  27 to 29 described the detailed configuration of the tape shaft member 503 provided with the tag tape 503A, the tape shaft member 503 ′ provided with the normal tape 503A ′ has substantially the same configuration. That is, as described above, it differs from the tape shaft member 503 in that the dimension of the shaft member 540 is shortened corresponding to the absence of the spacer portion 580 having the axial dimension w. Further, the axial length of the shaft member 540 of the tape shaft member 503 ′ is smaller than that of the shaft member 540 of the tape shaft member 503 (even when the tape has the same width), but the tape shaft member 503 is not provided. Among the shaft members 540, a plurality of types of length members may be prepared for the shaft member 540 so that the normal tape 503A 'having different width dimensions can be mounted as described above.

  FIGS. 30A to 30E are diagrams showing examples of perforation of sensor holes representing tape types in the tape discriminating portion 560 of the positioning and holding member 512 of the tape shaft member 503 or 503 ′.

  FIG. 30A shows an example in which the four sensor holes 560A to 560D are provided in the tape discrimination unit 560 as described above. The discrimination recesses 504B of the tape shaft member storage portion 504 are provided with the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S4 described above corresponding to the tape discrimination holes 560A to 560D. In each of the sensors S1 to S4, the plunger protrudes from the bottom surface of the determination concave portion 504B to the vicinity of the bottom surface portion of the positioning concave portion 504A, and the microswitch is in the OFF state. When each of the sensor holes 560A to 560D exists at a position facing each of the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S4, an off signal is output because the plunger is not pressed and the microswitch is in the off state, and the tape discrimination unit When the sensor holes 560A to 560D of 560 are not located at positions facing the tape discrimination sensors S1 to S4, the plunger is pressed to turn on the microswitch, and an on signal is output. Yes.

  Thus, the tape shaft member 503 is obtained by associating the detection results of the presence / absence of the four sensor holes 560A to 560D with the four sensors S1 to S4 and corresponding the presence / absence of each sensor hole to “1” and “0”. Alternatively, the type of the tag tape 503A or the normal tape 503A ′ mounted on 503 ′ can be displayed by a 4-bit code (in other words, 16 types are distinguished). 30A to 30E respectively show examples of these 16 patterns, and FIG. 30A shows that all the sensor holes 560A, 560B, 560C, and 560D exist and “1, 1, 1 , 1 ”is output, FIG. 30B shows sensor holes 560A, 560B, and 560C, and when“ 1, 1, 1, 0 ”is output, FIG. ) Indicates that sensor holes 560A, 560B, and 560D exist and a detection signal of “1, 1, 0, 1” is output. FIG. 30D illustrates that sensor holes 560B exist and “0, 1, 0, 0”. 30E, the sensor holes 560C and 560D exist and the detection signal “0, 0, 1, 1” is output.

  As described above, the tape discriminating portion 560 provided at the inner lower edge of the positioning member 512 is inserted into the discriminating recess 504B, and the presence or absence of the sensor holes 560A to 560D is detected by the sensors S1 to S4. The type of the tag tape 503A or the normal tape 503A ′ mounted on the tape shaft member 503 or 503 ′ can be detected. In the present embodiment, it is sufficient that at least two types of the tag tape 503A and the normal tape 503A ′ can be discriminated. However, if 16 types of tapes can be discriminated by the four sensors S1 to S4 as shown in FIG. It is possible to cope with an increase in the number of types of tapes, and by further increasing the number of sensors, it is possible to determine more than 16 types.

  31A and 31B show a case where the tape shaft member 503 provided with the tag tape 503A is attached to the tape shaft member storage portion 504, and a case where the tape shaft member 503 ′ provided with the normal tape 503A ′ is installed. It is the schematic which shows the relative relationship of a tape position and a print head 531 position with the case where it mounts | wears.

  In the label producing apparatus 501 of the present embodiment, when the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A is attached to the tape shaft member storage portion 504, the tag is moved by the spacer portion 580 as shown in FIG. The position of the tape 503A is located on the left side of the paper, so that the print head 531 does not overlap the RFID circuit element T1 located on the one side in the width direction of the tag tape 503A (so as not to contact the RFID circuit element T1). ). As a result, it is not necessary to energize a portion of the print head 531 indicated by L4 in the drawing on the right side of the paper, and only the portion of the print head 531 indicated by L3 in the drawing needs to be controlled by energizing the print drive circuit 705. (That is, the print drive area has a length L3).

  On the other hand, when the tape shaft member 503 ′ having the normal tape 503A ′ is attached to the tape shaft member storage portion 504, as shown in FIG. 31B, the position of the normal tape 503A ′ is located on the right side of the drawing. The print head 531 is configured to face the entire tape 503A ′. In this case, the portion indicated by L3 + L4 in the drawing of the print head 531 is energized by the control of the print drive circuit 705 (that is, the print drive area has the length L3 + L4).

  FIG. 32 shows the control circuit 710 through the print drive circuit 705 when the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A is mounted and when the tape shaft member 503 ′ including the normal tape 503A ′ is mounted. 10 is a flowchart showing an energization control operation of a heating element of the print head 531 to be executed.

  In FIG. 32, first, in step S510, the type of the tape shaft members 503 and 503 ′, in other words, the tag tape 503A or the normal tape 503A ′ is detected by the cartridge sensors S1 to S4 as described above. Input (identified).

  Next, in step S520, based on the sensor signal input in step S510, it is determined whether there is a tag, that is, whether the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A or the tape shaft member 503 ′ including the normal tape 503A ′. Is done.

  If it is determined that the tag tape 503A is used, the process advances to step S530 to set the energization mode of the print head 531 to the L4 portion as shown in FIG. 31A (= printing). A control signal is output to the print drive circuit 705 so that the drive region is only the length L3) partially reduced energization, and this flow is finished. If it is determined in step S520 that the tape is the normal tape 503A ', the process advances to step S540 to set the energization mode of the print head 531 to the entire area of L3 + L4 as shown in FIG. The control signal is output to the print drive circuit 705 so that the entire area is energized (= print drive area is length L3 + L4), and this flow ends.

  In the above, the signal processing circuit 702 and the transmission unit 712 of the high-frequency circuit 701 generate access information to the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element according to each claim, and transmit the access information to the RFID circuit element via the device-side antenna. The information access means for transmitting and writing information to the IC circuit unit or reading information from the IC circuit unit is configured, and the control circuit 710 (particularly, step S520, step S530, and step S540 in the flow shown in FIG. 32) Based on the detection result of the detection means, a print drive control means for switching the print drive area of the print means according to whether a tag tape is installed or a normal tape is installed.

  According to the present embodiment configured as described above, when the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A is installed in the tape shaft member storage portion 504, the tape shaft member 503 ′ including the normal tape 503A ′ is provided. Compared with the case where is installed (based on the difference in the positions of the tapes 503A and 503A ′ depending on the presence or absence of the spacer portion 580 as shown in FIG. 31), the position of the tape conveyance path in the label producing apparatus 501 changes. In particular, the length of the print drive area of the print head 531 changes from L3 + L4 to L3 according to the difference in position. As a result, the print drive area of the print head 531 (which is the length L3 portion) does not overlap the RFID circuit element T1 provided in the tag tape 503A, and the RFID circuit element is generated by the heat generated by the print head 531. There is no possibility of damaging T1, and there is no possibility of blurring of printing. As a result, both the tag label T with print and the normal label T ′ can be produced by the same label producing apparatus 501 and the soundness and print quality of the produced tag label T can be improved. In particular, at this time, when the tape shaft member 503 provided with the tag tape 503A is installed, the length of the print drive region of the print head 531 is switched from L3 + L4 to L3, and the length L4 portion is energized. By avoiding this, the print drive area does not overlap with the RFID circuit element T1 as described above, and unnecessary print drive is not performed on the length L4 portion protruding from the tape 503A '. Power consumption can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) Attaching Mode of Cartridge to Tag Label Making Device M In the second embodiment, the tape shaft member 503 provided with the tag tape 503A and the tape shaft member 503 ′ provided with the normal tape 503A ′ are both attached to the attachment member 513. Is disposed in the tape shaft member storage portion 504 so as to fit in the first positioning groove portion 516 while being fitted into the support member 515 (in other words, the positioning holding member 512 is positioned on the support member 515 side). Not limited. For example, the tape shaft member 503 including the tag tape 503A is positioned toward the guide member 520 on the opposite side, and the tape shaft member 503 ′ including the normal tape 503A ′ is disposed on the support member 515 side as described above. You may make it position in close proximity. In this case, the discriminating recess 504B is moved from the center in the width direction (the left rear side to the right front side in FIG. 14) of the label producing apparatus M, and the tape shaft members 503 and 503 ' What is necessary is just to make 560 oppose the said discrimination | determination recessed part 504B. In this case, the same effect as that of the second embodiment is obtained.

(2) Case of only energization control (control of print drive area) in the print head Although illustration is omitted, as a modification of the above two embodiments, when using a tag tape, a spacer or the like is not used. In addition, the relative position with respect to the print head is set to be the same relative position as that of the normal tape, and is kept facing the print head, and only the energization of the print head is controlled to control the print drive area up to that point. Of these, switching control may be performed so that energization of the portion corresponding to the RFID circuit element is stopped and only that portion is not driven to print (in other words, the print drive area is reduced).

Also in this modified example, the print driving area of the print head can be prevented from overlapping the RFID circuit element provided in the tag tape, as in the above two embodiments. There is no risk of damage, and there is no risk of blurring of printing. As a result, both the tag label T with print and the normal label T ′ can be produced by the same label producing apparatus, and the soundness and print quality of the produced tag label T can be improved. Further, when a tag tape is used, power consumption can be reduced by reducing the length of the print drive area of the print head and not energizing the portion corresponding to the wireless tag circuit element.
(3) Other forms of tag tape As described above, the tag tapes 3A and 503A constitute the rolls 101 and 503B, the rolls 101 and 503B are arranged on the cartridge 100 or the tape shaft member 503, and the tag tapes 3A and 503A are fed out. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet in which a plurality of effective (unbroken) RFID circuit elements are arranged is set to an appropriate length after feeding out the tape wound around the roll. (Including those formed by cutting) are stacked in a predetermined storage portion to form a cartridge, and this cartridge is attached to the cartridge holder portion 2 and the tape shaft member storage portion 504 on the tag label producing apparatus M, 501 side, The label label T may be created (and the label T ′ is created) by printing and reading / writing information from the storage unit.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the cartridge system, and the above-mentioned roll is directly mounted on the tag label producing apparatus side, and a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is transferred from outside the tag label producing apparatus by a predetermined feeder mechanism to produce a tag label. A configuration for supplying the inside of the apparatus is also conceivable. In these cases, the same effect as described above is obtained.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is a perspective view showing the whole schematic structure of the label production apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a partially transparent top view seen from the II direction in FIG. It is a conceptual block diagram showing the detail of the apparatus main body of the state which attached the cartridge provided with a tag tape. It is a conceptual block diagram showing the detail of the apparatus main body of the state which attached the cartridge provided with a normal tape. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of a high frequency circuit. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the radio | wireless tag circuit element with which the tape for tag labels already printed was equipped. FIG. 8 is a top view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view taken along section VII-VII ′ in FIG. It is the top view showing an example of the external appearance of a label, a bottom view, and the cross-sectional view by a VIII-VIII 'cross section in FIG. 8 (A). It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of a cartridge in case the tag tape is installed with the peripheral part. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of the cartridge in the case where the normal tape is installed with the peripheral part. It is the schematic which shows the relative relationship of a tape position and a print head, Comprising: (A) When a tag tape is provided, (B) is a figure when a normal tape is provided. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an energization control operation of a heat generating element of a print head by a print driving circuit. It is a perspective view showing schematic structure of the label production apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the state which removed the upper cover of the label production apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing by XX 'cross section in FIG. (A) is a perspective view showing the state which removed the upper cover and the tape roll from the label production apparatus shown in FIG. 13, (B) is an expanded perspective view of the W section in FIG. 17 (A). It is a back perspective view showing the state which removed the upper cover and tape roll of the label production apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the tape shaft member is mounted on the label producing apparatus shown in FIG. 13 with the upper cover removed. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the radio | wireless tag circuit element with which a tag tape is equipped. It is a conceptual diagram showing the control system of a label production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of a high frequency circuit. It is a conceptual diagram showing the control system of the label production apparatus when a normal tape is loaded. The detailed structure of the tape roll body with which the label production apparatus shown in FIG. 13 was equipped is represented, (A) is the perspective view from the front upper side, (B) is the perspective view from the lower back. (A), (B) is the perspective view which looked at the tape shaft member for tag tapes from the slanting back side, respectively, and the perspective view which looked at the slanting front side. (A), (B) is the perspective view which looked at the tape shaft member for normal tapes from the diagonally back side, respectively, and the perspective view which looked at the diagonally front side. It is a figure showing the detailed structure of a tape shaft member, Comprising: (A) is a left view, (B) is a front view, (C) is a right view. It is arrow sectional drawing in the YY 'cross section in FIG. 27 (A). It is arrow sectional drawing in the ZZ 'cross section in FIG. 27 (A). It is a figure which shows the example of drilling of the sensor hole showing the kind of tape in the tape discrimination | determination part of a positioning holding member. It is the schematic which shows the relative relationship of a tape position and a print head, Comprising: (A) When a tag tape is provided, (B) is a figure when a normal tape is provided. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an energization control operation of a heat generating element of a print head by a print driving circuit.

Explanation of symbols

1 Device body (housing)
2 Cartridge holder (tape holder)
4 Antenna (device side antenna)
8 Print head (printing means)
30 Control circuit (print drive control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Cartridge 100 'Cartridge 101 Tape roll 101' Tape roll 102 Tape feed roller (conveyance means)
102 'Tape feed roller (conveying means)
103 Tag tape 103 'Normal tape 103c Cover film (tape base material)
120 case
132 Cartridge sensor (detection means)
150 IC circuit part 151 Antenna (antenna part)
202 Signal processing circuit (information access means)
212 Transmitter (information access means)
501 Tag label production device 503A Tape (tape for label)
531 Print head 580 Spacer portion 600 Tape roll body 702 Signal processing circuit (information access means)
710 Control circuit (print drive control means)
712 Transmitter (information access means)
IS detected part (tape type information holding part)
L1, L2 Length dimension of print drive area L3, L4 Length direction dimension of print drive area M Tag label making device S Print area S1 Tape discrimination sensor (detection means)
S2 Tape discrimination sensor (detection means)
S3 Tape discrimination sensor (detection means)
S4 Tape discrimination sensor (detection means)
T wireless tag label T 'label To wireless tag circuit element T1 wireless tag circuit element

Claims (4)

A tag tape in which a wireless tag circuit element having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit section is disposed on a tape base, and a tape width direction dimension substantially the same as the tag tape. A tape mounting holder for selectively detachably installing a normal tape that does not place the RFID circuit element on the tape substrate;
Detection means for detecting whether the tag tape is installed or the normal tape is installed;
A device-side antenna that transmits and receives information by wireless communication with the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element;
Access information to the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element is generated, transmitted to the RFID circuit element via the device-side antenna, information written to the IC circuit unit, or information from the IC circuit unit Information access means for reading;
Conveying means for conveying the tag tape or the normal tape;
Printing that has the tape width direction dimension substantially the same as the tag tape and the normal tape, and includes a plurality of heating elements that generate heat when energized, and performs printing on the tag tape or the normal tape conveyed by the conveying means. Means,
Print drive control means for switching the energization area of the printing means based on whether the tag tape is installed or the normal tape is installed based on the detection result of the detecting means;
The tape installation holder is:
When the tag tape is installed, the tape tape in the tape width direction one side portion where the RFID circuit element is present protrudes outward from the printing means while the remaining portion of the tag tape is It is configured to face the printing means, and when the normal tape is installed, the normal tape is made to face the entire area along the tape width direction dimension of the printing means. And
The print drive control means includes
When the tag tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the region of the printing unit facing the remaining portion of the tag tape is energized and the region not facing the tag tape is not energized. When the normal tape is partly reduced and energized and the normal tape is installed using the tape installation holder, the print head is opposed to the normal tape in a substantially entire area along the tape width direction. A label producing apparatus that performs energization. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1,
The tape installation holder is:
The position of the tape transport path when the tag tape is installed and the position of the tape transport path when the normal tape is installed are from the one end in the width direction of the tag tape to the width of the IC circuit section. A label producing apparatus configured to be displaced in the width direction by a dimension approximately equal to or larger than a distance to the other side end in the direction. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1,
The tape installation holder is:
The position of one end in the width direction of the normal tape when the normal tape is installed is the position of the other end in the width direction of the IC circuit portion of the tag tape when the tag tape is installed The label producing apparatus is configured so as to substantially coincide with. A tag tape in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit section are arranged on a tape substrate, or a tape width substantially the same as the tag tape It is configured so that it can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder of a label producing apparatus that stores a normal tape that has a directional dimension and does not place the RFID circuit element on a tape base material, and prints the tape by printing means to create a label. A tape cartridge,
A tape type information holding unit for holding tape type information indicating whether the tag tape is stored or the normal tape is stored;
The position of the discharge port of the tag tape when the tag tape is accommodated is compared with the setting of the discharge port of the normal tape when the normal tape is accommodated from one end in the width direction of the tag tape. The IC circuit portion is displaced in the width direction so as to protrude outward from the printing unit by a dimension that is approximately equal to or larger than the distance to the other side end portion of the IC circuit portion in the width direction. A tape cartridge characterized by that.

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